China-root Liquorice all rasped of each half a pound Raisons of the Sun blew Currans of each a pound Anniseeds Carraways Parsley-seed all bruised of each two ounces make a Decoction in sixteen or twenty quarts of Water boyl a third away then strain sweeten with sugar and with Ale-Yest being warm work it up when cold and settled bottle it up 10. This was his constant Drink during the Cure and by the means of which things he was perfectly restored to his Health outwardly his Head and Leggs were anointed often with the Apoplectick Balsam mentioned in the former Cure VIII The Falling-sickness in a Melancholy Woman 1. This Woman was about thirty five years of Age neither fat nor lean of a Melancholy habit and constitution of Body which Melancholy though it was continual yet seemed to have certain Paroxysms wherein the Melancholy disposition became stirred up to a height if not to a Frenzy yet to a Foolishness when the fit was over she would be as rational and sensible as ever but yet very Melancholy 2. After she had been in this Condition four or five year she was taken with a Vertigo which usually came once or twice a Month and commonly a little before the Melancholy fit this Vertiginous Distemper grew stronger and stronger upon her so that at last she would fall down but retaining her Senses and as yet without any symptom of the Epilepsy 3. But as the Disease grew stronger and the fits more numerous so at length she seemed to fall with a kind of Convulsion this continued upon her about a quarter of a year 4. Some judged it to be the Falling-sickness others not however the principal Symptoms of an Epilepsy were absent yet notwithstanding in length of time by the continual increase of the Disease the fit siezed her with a forcible falling down and foaming at the Mouth by which the Disease first specified was confirmed 5. After that she had several Fits irregular as to their Intervals but they at length became more certain and siezed her only upon the change full and quarters of the Moon whereby she was a little forewarn'd of the time of their coming 6. Moreover she would say That she knew of the coming of the fit two or three hours before-hand by reason of a certain alteration which she found in her Head which is no usual thing 7. She would complain of a dullness and heaviness of her Head and although not much pained of a Vertigo or Giddiness by which things did not seem so much to turn round but rather topsy turvey heels over Head so that she would often complain though she sat never so securely that she was falling back-ward 8. By which it appeared that the conjunct Cause of the Disease lay in the Occiput or hinder part of the Head and assaulted the Noble Ventricle or Original of the Nerves which was confirmed the more for that when she fell she fell not sideling turning as it were a little round and as is usual in this Disease but all together backward so that upon the approach of the Paroxysm she would often cry out some body was pulling her backward 9. As to the Cure hereof many things were attempted but altogether in vain several Physicians delivered their Judgment that she was Incurable grounding their Opinions upon the Authorities of Hippocrates and Galen that if an Epilepsy happened to any one above the Age of twenty five it was always Incurable 10. However notwithstanding these great Oracles the contrary was proved upon this Patient though indeed the Cure was difficult many Methods and Processes were used in vain being long and tedious and several-years under Cure yet at last it was happily accomplished as in the sequel of this History you may perceive 11. This Woman had been for a long time without her Courses to wit three or four year and it was the opinion of her former Physicians that if they were produced or an equivalent quantity of Blood taken away instead of them that it was possible she might be Recovered 12. According to this advice she was several times let Blood and several-times even to Fainting so that it was supposed several quarts of Blood was taken from her 13. By this means she seemed to be much better for a considerable space of time as to the Epilepsy but she was made more pale wan thin and lean than before and her Melancholy Distemper seemed rather to increase for the diminition of the Blood was no doubt the diminition of the Spirits forasmuch as the Blood is the Vehicle of the Spirits 14. However though the fits seemed to be absent for a very considerable time yet they were not totally removed for after four months time they return'd again with much greater violence 15. Whereupon the Doctors advised her to the same course of Bleeding again which she and her Friends were unwilling to for that she had been so much weakned by the former bleeding and that not yet recovered they also saw that the fit returned with so much the more violence by how much she was weaker which could be no encouragement to such a kind of Cure 16. She had also taken several things inwardly whereby she had such a loathing and aversness to any thing of Physick that it was difficult to perswade her to the taking of any more so that what we were to do we were forced to do chiefly by outward application which was no small discouragement to the hopes of a perfect Cure 17. Her Husband however earnestly required my help and did at length engage me in this so difficult an undertaking by reason she was so averse to inward means my Consultation was what outward Courses were to be used as most probable to do her good at length I concluded upon applying Vesicatories to the Soles of her Feet which I did repeating them several times to wit five or six times and it was done to a very considerable advantage of the Sick 18. For although the Epileptick fits were not taken away thereby yet they were much diminished as to their vigour and time of continuance also that which was most remarkable of all that they saw often reiterating of the Blysters totally removed the Melancholy humor and from a dull heavy unpleasant melancholy Creature she became very lightsom lively pleasant and merry 19. And whereas she had formerly complained of a pain in her left side and Hypochonder which was not very extream but a dull slow kind of pain and what she said she could well endure provided she was free from her fits yet upon so often repeating of these Blysters this pain went also quite away 20. She was apt to be bound in her Body which I constantly kept open with a Laxative Clyster wherein some ounces of Crocus Metallorum was put or a spoonful or two of the Tincture of Colocynthis 21. These brought a great quantity of cold watery slimy and pituitous matter these were reiterated every day or every three or
Sennerus advises be rubbed with Salt and Vinegar 2. Keep his Mouth open by putting somthing beween the Teeth and instil into the Mouth the Spirit or Tincture of Castoreum Or this following Mixture Take Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition two ounces Powers of Lavender and Rosemary of each an ounce Tincture of Castoreum half an ounce Syrup of Peony enough to sweeten them mix them together and give the sick half a spoonful at a time 3. However Physicians think their duty not well done unless the sick be let blood let the Disease proceed from what cause soever yet with Riverius he ought to consider whether blood-letting be a thing fit or not for as Celsus saith it either kills or cures and therefore ought to be well considered of aforehand for if Blood offend no way or if the Strength be quite gone or the Patient be very old blood-letting ought to be wholly pretermitted 4. You ought to offer violence to all his Senses his Eyes ought to be placed against the Sun or an extream Light a great Noise ought to be made in his Ears sharp things ought to be put into his Nostils as Rue Castoreum Vinegar c. and vehement biting and hot things into his Mouth his feeling ought to be stirred up besides frictions with pinching pulling of the Hair Ligature or binding bending of the Fingers c. 5. The Temples may be anointed with distilled Oyls as also the Nape of the Neck the spinal Marrow with this following or the like Take Oyls of Amber of Spicknard of Castâ—reum of each two scruples Oyl of the flowers of Hypericon Juyce of Rue strained of each three drams mix them and anoint therewith it is a thing of good use not only in the Apoplexy but also in the Epilepsy Lethargy Carus c. This following is better Take Powers of Rosemary and Lavender of each two ounces Powers of Castoreum and Juniper of each one ounce Powers of Cammomil and Marjoram of each half an ounce mix them 6. In the mean Season Sternutatories or Errhines either liquid or solid ought to be applyed to the Nostrils among the common and simple Errhines you have these the Juyces of Betony of Marjoram of red Beets of Brooklime of Water-Cresses of blew flower de luce of wild Cucumbers c. distilled Waters of sweet Marjoram of Betony Rue Sage Lavender Brooklime Water-Cresses Garden-Cresses Origanum Celindine c. The Spirit of Rosemary of Lavender of Juniper of Caraways of Sassafras of leaves of white Hellebor of Tobacco of Elaterium of the flowers of Lilly-Convally drawn with the Spirit of Wine c. to which add as things that excel Spirits of Urine of Soot of Sal Armoniack c. Infusions of Sage Penny-royal Time Lavender-flowers roots of Celandine of Sow-bread of blew flower de luce c. in Wine or some of the aforenamed distilled Water Pouders made of Rue Sage Marjoram Castoreum Orrice-root Ginger Galangal Staphisagria Nigella c. 7. Of simple Sternutatories these following hold the chiefest place roots of white Hellebor of Pyrethrum of Crowfoot of Horse-radish of Sea-radish of Aron of blew flower de luce of Sow-bread Leaves of Tobacco Seeds of Nigella of Rocket of Mustard of Water-Cresses Juyces of Euphorbium of Sow-bread of blew flower de luce to these add also Ginger black Pepper Cloves Castorium Agarick c. 8. Errhines and Sternutatories more compounded may be thus made Take sweet Marjoram Betony Brooklime bruise them and express their Juyce take of this Juyce half an ounce Castoreum in subtil Pouder a scruple mix them dip Cotten therein and put it up the Nostrils Or thus Take leaves of red Beets an handful and half Mustard-seed a dram and half cut and bruise them and affuse thereon sweet Marjoram Water White Wine of each an ounce and half digest an hour in warm Sand then press forth the Liquor for use Another Errhine Take Time Rosemary Sage of each half an handful Spanish-Tobacco a dram roots of blew flower de luce a dram and half cut bruise and infuse in Lavender-Water three ounces digest in warm Sand for a Night the next Morning express the Liquor for use 9. This following is particularly commended against the Apoplexy Epilepsy hysterick Fits and other chronick Diseases of the Head Take good Spanish-Tobacco tops of Lavender Time Hypericon of each half an handful flowers of the Tile-Tree of Lilly-Convally of each three pugils roots of Angelica and of white Hellebor of each three drams Castoreum a dram and half volatile Salt of Amber four scruples cut bruise and affuse thereon Spirit of Wine ten ounces digest in a Vessel close stopt for three days or more then with a very gentle Fire draw off the Spirit to dryness with which mix Spirit of Soot one dram digest a little and keep it for use Now here is to be noted that liquid Errhines need not be exhibited in quantity above three drams or half an ounce at most at one time a dram or two may serve at a time in ordinary Cases 10. Sternutatories in form of Pouder excellent for this Purpose Take the best Spanish Tobacco sweet Marjoram Rosemary Sage of each half a dram roots of white Hellebor Ginger of each a scruple Musk two grains make a subtil Pouder to sneeze with Or thus Take roots of white Hellebor and of Pyrethrum of each half a scruple flowers of Lavender of Rosemary of Lilly-Convally seeds of Nigella of each two scruples Castoreum ten grains Ambergrise three grains mix and make a subtil Pouder for a Sternutatory But the most admirable of all is this Errhine of Turbith mineral Take Turbith Mineral a dram Rosemary-leaves a dram and half Liquorice three drams mix and make a subtil Pouder soft like Flower 't is a famous thing and of excellent use but must be used with much caution it draws away indeed the morbifick Matter to a Miracle 11. In the mean Season while these things are doing it will be reasonable that a Clyster be prepared as follows to be exhibited with all convenient speed Riverius commends this Take Decoctum commune a pint and half Hiera Picra and Diaphoenicon of each an ounce Oyls of Rue and Lillies of each an ounce and half Honey of Roses two ounces Salt a dram mix and make a Clyster to be given immediately Or this of Deckers Take Rue Time Origanum Rosemary of each on handful Lavender-flowers three pugils roots of Masterwort of blew flower de luce of each two drams roots of Pyrethrum and of Sow-bread of each three drams Carthamus seeds tyed up in a Rag one dram Pulp of Colocynthis half an ounce boyl in a sufficient quantity of Spring-Water strain and to six ounces thereof add Electuary Diaphoenicon an ounce and half the best Castoreum in Pouder a dram Sal Armoniack half a dram mix and make a Clyster Or this of the same Authors Take Rue Asarum Tobacco of each an handful and half tops of the lesser Centory an handful roots
Lady 18 years of Age inclining to a grossness of body had for two years time been afflicted by Fits with a violent Megrim on the left side of her Head she seemed when the Pain was off from her to be in perfect Health except only a kind of heaviness at Stomach she would also sometimes Vomit Flegm Moreover when the Fit was upon her if she could but Vomit the pain certainly and immediately went away and the matter she always Vomited was a cold thick viscous or tough Flegm 2. The Cause seemed to be from the weakning of the inner coat of the Stomach which is a production of the Dura meninx by the weight and coldness of the Flegm as also from the hurt of the Stomatick Nerves by the same cause which spring from the Par vagum or sixth pair as they are commonly accounted within the Skull and hence is the Truth of that common saying among People That if the Stomach be ill the Head cannot be well which is indeed from the consent of Parts joyned by the common mediums 3. She making her Complaint to me and I apprehending it to proceed from an oppression of the Stomach by Flegm advised her to take a gentle Vomit which might evacuate that viscous matter I gave her six drams of Salt of Vitriol ordering one dram to be given in a morning fasting and so every other day so long as she vomited Flegmatick matter The dram of Salt of Vitriol was divided into three parts a scruple in a part she took one scruple dissolved in Broth which gave her a Vomit after that Vomit she took another scruple in Broth and drank also a little Broth after it which gave her another Vomit then she took the last Scruple as aforesaid by all of which she had 5 or 6 Vomits the whole matter coming forth being little else but a viscous tough Flegm 4. She took but 5 drams of the said Salt in 10 days and her Stomach was perfectly cleansed and the last time she Vomited was a yellowish greenish substance thin and free from Viscosity upon which I forbad her taking the last dram the whole quantity of the Viscous Flegm thus ejected forth in these five days of Vomiting was proved by weight to be somewhat more than 12 pounds 5. By the use of this alone Medicament was this vehement head-ach perfectly taken away and the Stomach of the Sick throughly cleansed whereby she enjoyed her Health very well for several years after However to strengthen the Stomach Brain and other parts weakned I advised her to take every morning and evening for 14 or 20 days a dram at a time of our Electüarium ad Tabidos and now and then a Glass of Wormwood Wine See the said Electuary in our Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 22. sect 1. VII A Megrim arising from a great blow on the Head 1. This hapned to a young fellow of 22 years of Age There was a great Tumor with vehement pain a Feaver was excited with restlessness and a great Thirst 2. Inwardly I immediately gave this Take Sal Prunellae a dram white Sugar two ounces Aqua Celestis one ounce and half Parsly water a quart mix them and give three or four Spoonfuls at a time This cooled his Feaver and took off his vehement Thirst moreover I ordered him drops of Oyl of Sulphur to be dropt into all his other drink he drank by this means his Belly was kept soluble and the Blood over-heated was cooled for all Mineral waters viz. such as come from Vitriol Sulpher Niter or Salt wonderfully cool and penetrate above all other things and immediately mix themselves with the Sanguinous mass whereby that is performed in an Hour or two which by other things could not be performed in so many days 3. Outwardly he was annointed with this Oyl Take Oyls of Dill and Water-Lilly of each half an Ounce Opium and Camphir of each a Scruple dissolve the Camphir in a little spirit of Wine then dissolve the Opium in like manner which two dissolutions mix with the Oyls and therewith anoint the part afflicted by the use of this two or three times the pain went away the Tumor abated and the sick in about three days time was perfectly well VIII A Megrim with a violent Cough and shortness of Breath 1. An ancient Man 76 years of Age had for ten Months or more laboured under a vehement pain of his Head on his left side which pain commonly returned upon him once in two or three days he was mightily afflicted with Flegm and complained much of a trickling Rheum which he felt running down his Throat This Rheum as he thought excited his Cough and when the Cough became violent and lasted long it stirred up that almost intollerable pain in the one side of his Head 2. He was advised to and used many things but without any good at last an old Woman advised him to this Electuary following of which he was to take as much as a large Nutmeg 4 5 or 6 times a day Take of the best Virgin Honey ten ounces Ginger in fine pouder eight ounces Red Râ—ses in fine pouder one ounce and a half Spirit of Sulphur enough to make it as sowr as he could well endure it mix all together into a mass Of this the old man did take for at least 6 Weeks and found much good in it it took away his Catarrh comforted his Stomach and stopt his Cough whereby the pain of his Head was lessned or at least it came more seldom tho at the fit with the same vehemency as before 3. After all this he applyed himself to me related to me how he had been and gave me an Account of the aforegoing Electuary from which he had received so much good I liked well the Electuary and ordered him the continuation thereof but caused him to vomit four several times with Salt of Vitriol given a Dram at a time in a little Broth in the morning fasting which wrought well with him and brought away a great deal of cold slimy and viscous matter 4. Lastly to warm and comfort the Somach and parts weakned I ordered him to take inwardly The blood red Tincture of black Pepper made by digesting black Pepper in Spirit of Wine to redness of this he took about 12 drops three or four times a day in a Glass of Canary Outwardly I caused his Head to be Anointed with Oyl of Amber five or six several times and then to be bound up and often to smell to Spirit of Harts-Horn taking also the Salt of Harts-Horn inwardly ad gr sixteen in Wine twice a Week by this means he was made very well in little more than a months time IX A Megrim with a Catarrh and Scirrhus Tumor of the Spleen 1. A certain man 40 years of Age had for about two years and an half been extreamly troubled with a great pain on the left side of his Head and a Catarrh or Rheum falling down upon his Lungs 2.
Our business to conserve and restore the strength of the body by a good Diet and exhibition of Corroboratives with proper Epithems by which at length the pain ceased and a little time after he recovered his Health 7. This flux of blood may be thought to proceed from the Spleen because that for many years before he laboured under a hardness and Scirrhus of the Spleen the blood also was black which sufficiently denoted it and the Spleen also has its first influx into the Ventricle which doth appear because always before the excretion of this a dust and coagulated blood for a whole day or longer he complained of loathing and a great weight at the bottom of his stomach with the feeling of much pain Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 9. XVII Another Inveterate Megrim 1. A Noble Matron was trouble◠with a long and sharp pain in the left side of her Head which in a cold and moist time was most vexatious to her Many and various Medicines were exhibited both internal and external by the Praescription of Physicians but all in vain 2. At length I was called and having diligently enquired into the Cause of the Disease found that about 4 years and an half before she had been afflicted with a most vehement pain of the Teeth on the left side of the Jaw which ceasing this pain on the same side of the head was left remaining from hence I concluded this pain to arise from the roots of corrupt and rotten Teeth inspecting the Mouth I found the roots of four rotten Teeth in the upper Jaw 3. I perswaded her to have those rotten roots of Teeth drawn forth which being willing to she promised but I prescribed to her a fit Diet and purged her with this following Medicament Take roots of Parsly Fennel and Pollipody of the Oak of each half an ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Agrimony Veronica Dodder of each half a handful Bugloss and Rosemary Flowers Tops of Marjoram of each a pugil or little handful Seeds of Annise and Fennel of each two Drams Sena cleansed half an ounce boyl all in Water to the Consumption of a third part strain and in four ounces of straining macerate and infuse choice Rubarb two drams Agarick newly Trochiscated Cinnamon Ginger of each one dram strain by pressing hard out and dissolve therein Benedictae Laxativae two drams make a Potion 4. The next day Cupping-Glasses being applyed to her Shoulders and nape of her Neck she was eased Afterwards I prescribed this following Apozem Take roots of Succory Fennel Parsly Grass Pollopody of the Oak of each one ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Veronica Dodder Scabious of each one handful◠Flowers of Bugloss Rosemary Tops of Marjoram Time of each two Pugils Seeds of Annis Fennel of each half a dram Liquorice scraped or rasped raisons stoned of each an ounce boyl them in pure water and strain out in a pound and half of the straining infuse and digest Sena cleansed two ounces choice Rhubarb half an ounce Agarick newly Trochiscated two drams Cinnamon and Ginger of each one dram Infuse for a Night and strain out by pressing strongly To the Colature or straining add Syrup of Roses solutive compounded with Rhubarb Agarick and Sena three ounces Syrup of Betony two ounces mix them and make an Apozem for four Doses to be taken in the morning fasting 5. The Apozem being all taken in the morning while her stomach was empty I drew forth her rotten teeth The day following I gave her these Pills Take Pilulae aureae Cochiae Agregativae of each a Scruple Diagredium Troches Alhandal of each four Grains with Syrup of Betony make five Pills which roul in pouder of Cinnamon 6. At last for some few days twice a day I adhibited this following Fomentation Take flowers and leaves of Betony Flowers of Rosemary of Camomil of red Roses of Staechas tops of Marjoram and Wormwood of each half a handful Aniseed Wood of Guajacum finely rasped of each an ounce cut and bruise them and put them into a bag big enough to cover the whole part pained boyl it in red Wine and apply it hot By the use of these things through the Divine help she was perfectly made well Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 10. XVIII Another Megrim cured by opening an Artery 1. A Megrim caused from Blood too hot thin and vapourous and not to be overcome by any remedies is cured by opening of the Temporal Arteries whether it be within or without the Scull for thereby there is a certain evacuation of the conjoyned matter of blood and Spirits 2. This I have often experienced but specially in the Prince à Rupe Surionensi to whom many great Physicians as Chaplain the Kings Physician and Castellain the Queens chief Physician and Lewis Duret who notwithstanding could help him nothing by Blood-letting Cupping Baths Frictions Diet or any other kind of Remedy whether inwardly taken or outwardly applyed 3. I being called said that there was only hope one way to recover his Health which was to open the Artery of the Temple on the same side that the pain was for I thought it probable that the Cause of his pain was not contained in the Veins but in the Arteries in which case by the Testimony of the Ancients there was nothing better than the opening or bleeding of an Artery whereof I have made tryal upon my self to my great good 4. When as the Physicians had approved of this my Advice I presently betake my self to the Work and chuse out the Artery in the pained Temple which was both the more swoln and beat more vehemently than the rest I opened this as we used to do in the bleeding of a Vein with one incision and took more than two Porringers of Blood flying out with great violence and leaping the pain presently ceased neither did it ever molest him again 5. Yet this opening of an Artery is suspected by many for that it is troublesome to stay the gushing forth of the Blood and cicatrize the place by reason of the density hardness and continual pulsation of the Artery and lastly for that when it is cicatrized there may be danger of an Aneurisma 6. Wherefore they think it better to divide the Skin than to separate the Artery from all the adjacent Particles and then to bind it in two places and then to divide it as we have formerly told you must be done in varices 7. But this is the Opinion of men who fear all things where there is no cause for I have learned by frequent Experience that the apertion of an Artery which is performed with a Lancet as we do in opening a Vein is not at all dangerous and though the consolidation or healing thereof is somewhat slower than in a vein yet will it be done at length and so that no flux of Blood will happen if so be that the Ligation be fitly performed and remain so for four days with fitting Pledgets Paraeus Lib.
We answer first That in an External Pain of the Head or the Pericranium there is for the most part if not always a sensation of soreness upon the least touching of it whereas if the Pain be internal there is no appearance of any such thing Now several great Anatomists as the most excellent Bartholin does affirm There belongs to the Skull both a Pericranium and Periostium whereas Fernelius says An external Pain of the Head does reach to the Roots of the Eyes it is supposed when the Pericranium is only afflicted but if the Periostium be only afflicted that sign will alwayes be wanting 13. Hitherto of the general Causes of Pain in the Part which are indeed the Effects of the more prime Causes there remains now that we shew the true Cause of Pain it self wheresoever it happens The original of all sense and motion is from the Brain from whence the Animal Spirits runing in their proper Chanels to wit the Nerves convey the same through and into all parts of the Body from Head to Foot the free Current of these Spirits according to their own natural Motion are only in Bodyes free from Pain but if the Motion be torrid by any kind of force or violence or if any part in which these Spirits abound be any wayes hurt whereby Motion is obstructed they flow thither in great hast and by an Irregular Motion to remove that obstruction but not being able by that mighty afflux of Spirits there is a Collision or beating one against another in the several Chanels of the Nerves by which Pricking them Pain is immediatly Excited and the magnitude of that Pain is according to the greatness of the Flux of these Spirits and the vehemency of their Collision XXXI The Prognosticks of a Cephalalgia 1. Where the Causes are simple from a simpe Intemperature of the parts whether it be with in or without the Skull it is always without danger and of no difficult Cure and an external Headach is always easier to be Cured than an internal 2. If it proceeds from matter abounding whether in the Periostium or Pericranium without the Skull or in the Menings of the Brain within the Skull the Cure is much more difficult than when it Rises from a simple Intemperature yet it is without danger unless the matter flowing Causes an Apostemation of the Brain which is for the most part mortal 3. That Headach which arises from consent in the Stomach will be as durable as the Cause from whence it proceeds and when the disaffection of the Stomach is removed the Pain of the Head will then Cease 4. If it proceed from Drunkenness it is without danger and commonly terminates in the space of twenty four hours If it proceeds from a Feaver or the French Pox its Prognosticks as to the danger in time of Cure are to be fetcht from the Prognosticks of those Diseases If it be in a sharp Feaver with thin and white Urine it is dangerous For that a strong sulpherous and violent hot Matter is sent to the Brain from whence there is danger of a Phrensy If it be without a Feaver it signifies according to Hippocrates in Coacis an Apoplexy or Epilepsy to be at hand For that much of a Saline sulphurious Matter cold and moist with a certain kind of Viscosity afflicts the Brain the same understand if the Headach be accompanied with a Vertigo or Deafness or Numbness of the Hands 5. If it be caused from a contusion Wound or Fracture of the Skull the danger is according to the greatness of the Cause in a simple Contusion or Wound it is without danger in a Fracture of the Skull there is hope of Life and Recovery while the Menings of the Brain remain unhurt but if they were hurt though the fracture be Cured and the Wound Healed there will be continually a return of Pain either at certain Periodical times or upon the least disturbance of the Brain the which can be no otherwise remedied then by perpetual keeping the Skull open with a Plugg 6. In a Headach proceeding from Repletion or matter abounding if Pus Snot or Water flow forth by the Nostrils Ears or Eyes there will be hops of a speedy and sudden Cure But if a strong Pain in the Head seises suddenly without Evacuation following or Mitigation of its Vehemency it is Mortal For it shews the destruction of the Animal Faculty which is now without sense of the matter Causing the grief moreover in a great Headach it is of evil Consequence to have the outward and extream parts cold For by the vehemency of the pain and heat by vertue of strong attraction to the part affected there may be danger of an Inflamation 7. If so be a vehement Headach feizes after the Cure of a Disease in the Visera or Bowels in the Thorax or Abdomen proceeding from Putrefaction it shewes a translation of the matter to the Brain from whence arises for the most part an Apostemation which is mortal XXXII The Therapia or Method of Cure and first of a Head-ach proceeding from a simple Intemperature of heat and dryness 1. The Method of Cure depends upon the Cause according to the Proverb sublata Causa tollitur Effectus if it be only external or outward and proceeds from a simple Intemperature of heat and dryness it must be Cured by the application of things cold and moist 2. In this Case you may anoint the Temples Forehead and parts pained with this Oyntment Take Oyl of Roses Oyl of Water-Lillies of each one ounce Oyl of Poppy-seed by expression half an ounce mix them and apply it leaving the Sick to his Repose but if the Pain be very vehement it will be good to mix with the aforesaid Oyls about an ounce of Vinegar of Roses then in this mixture dip Cloaths or Rose-Cakes applying them to the place afflicted binding them on 3. Or you may take fair Water making it moderately warm and with a Spunge dipt in the same you may Bath or foment the parts afflicted For thereby the Head will be humected the Pores will be opened and the hot fiery Particles which was the Cause of the Disease will exhale But in this last Case it will be never the worse if you mix with the warmed Water afore-said a half or third part of Vinegar of Roses 4. Inwardly the Sick may Take Conserves of Roses and Flowers of Water Lillies of each two ounces Lozenges of Sugar pearled an ounce and a half made into an Electuary with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Violets At Night going to Bed and the Morning following he may take this following Refrigerating Potion Take Waters of Endive and Succory of each three ounces Violet Water two ounces to which add syrup of the juyce of Citrons one ounce and a half mix them for two Doses 5. Let the Food be cooling and of good juyce such as Chickens Fishes of gravelly places and Rear Eggs and such Meats as are Souced and
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
being extravasated it falls upon the Tunica Cornea Others think that these Vapours enter through the Optick Nerve the chief Organ of Sight and through that are carried as through a Pipe from the Brain and original of the said Nerve to the Orbicle of the Eye but this cannot be for no kind of Vapours can be carried through Nerves of any kind for that they are not only the Channels of the Animal Spirits but also always full thereof and it is against the nature of Vapors to fall downwards unless forced by violence which here is wanting 6. Truly in the midst of all these misapprehensions We judge directly opposite viz. That these Vapors assaulting chiefly the fore part of the Brain are confounded with the Animal Spirits wherewith the brightness of the Images offered to the Brain by the Optick Nerve is rendred unequal and darkned in many places so that to the Brain there is offered a shew of false Apparitions and visions confounded with the true Image of things And that this is done in the Brain and not in the Eyes the Vertigo which for the most part doth accost these various Visions and false Images does apparently shew for that the Spirits then in the Brain are also confusedly agitated whence follows a turning and wheeling about or giddiness after which the Scotoma or darkness by which the patient becoms as it were almost blind forasmuch as by degrees those multitudes of Vapours do wholly obscure and enwrap the Spirits the which happens in that part of the brain which is the highest and which gives the original to the Optick Nerves 7. This Disease took the youth by fits without any other Symtoms than what we have already declared by which it appeared to be truly a Scotoma most Physicians would have begun this Cure with Blood-letting but I fearing to diminish the forces and strength of the body advised to another course First I exhibited a Vomit Take infusion of Crocus Metalorum six drams Oxymel of Squills half an ounce Bawm water four ounces mix them for a Dose This I repeated once a week for a month 8. The next day I purged him with Tinctura ex tribus which gave him ten or 12 stools the way of making of it you may see in my Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 7. sect 16. this Purge I repeated every third or fourth day for about three weeks time for purgers ought to be used in all the species of a Vertigo if the matter sending forth those vapours consist in the first passages Or if such an evaporation arise in the Head from impure blood mixed with choler as here it was apparent from whence these impure vapors have their Original 9. In the intervals of purging I ordered 8 or 10 drops of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack to be given twice a day in this following Juleb Take syrup of the juyce of Endive syrup of Succory of each one ounce syrup of the two opening roots half an ounce waters of Wormwood and Succory as much as is sufficient mix and make a Juleb At night I ordered the Pulvis ad Vertiginem Cratonis to be given in this following Electuary Take Conserve of Roses and of Marjoram of each an ounce and half flowers of Peony Citron peels Rob of Currans of each half an ounce Canded Quinces one ounce Pouder of Amber of Coral and of Coriander-seed of each one Dram Fennel and Peony Roots of each half a dram Mastich a scruple with Syrup of the Conserve of Citron Peels make an Electuary of which you may give the quantity of a Chesnut at a time 10. As to his Diet I ordered things which bred but few Vapors as Fish of gravelly places Coneys and such like to be eaten with sower sawce and in all his Drink that some few drops of Oyl of Sulphur should be put because all acid things chiefly Oyl of Sulphur not only hinder the rising of Vapors but greatly strengthen the Stomach and the other Viscera and so cool the blood whereby the generation of the matter causing the Scotoma is certainly prevented by this means the Youth was in five weeks time Cured II. A Vertigo arising in a Flegmatick Habit of Body with weakness of Sight 1. This hapned in a Man 48 years of Age of a cold moist and flegmatick disposition who had for 3 or 4 years been at times much afflicted therewith 2. The Cause from all the Symptoms that did appear was a repletion of the Brain by a cold and watery humor pituitous and serous every where filling the windings and spaces of the brain thereby generating plenty of Wind so that when the Head was moved the humor being stirred and following the motion of the Head as we said before of the Spirits the Vertigo would be excited and he complained of a fluctuation within his Skull as he thought for without doubt there was great plenty of the Humor moreover he had signs of Phlegm abounding in all parts of the body 3. Seeing all the preceeding Symptoms I much feared least it should terminate in an Epilepsy Apoplexy or Carus because the Paroxism would now return often and be of long continuance forasmuch as a Vertigo of this kind is wont to terminate in those dangerous Diseases now this it does not by simply cooling and moistning the brain but by the immense plenty of the humor the which in such as have dyed of an Apoplexy we have found the Skull being opened and Authors Report that in some it hath come forth by Floods moreover I also much feared blindness because it does often arise from Wind and a Fluctuation of the said humor to the Optick Nerves 4. In order to his Cure I considered fiâ—st that the cause ought to be removed which was the Flegmatick habit of the body and watery quality of the blood secondly that the brain and its windings might be freed from the ventosity and humor abounding thirdly that the parts already afflicted and weakned might be strengthned 5. As to the first intention of Cure I prescribed this Clyster Take fat Broth a pint Tincture of Colocynthis an ounce and half Oyl Olive two ounces Oyl of Anniseeds a dram mix for a Clyster This Clyster I caused to be repeated every fifth or sixth day Every morning fasting I gave him two or three spoonfulls of syrup of Juyce of Pellitory of the Wall made with Honey which I ordered to be continued for six weeks Every fourth day I purged him with the Tinctura Phlegmagoga Grulingij which evacuated him notably and spent the watery humor largely See it in our Pharmacop Lond. lib. 4. cap. 7. 6. But that we might as well strengthen Nature and help her in her Acts as altogether weaken by purging I prescribed the Electuarium ad Tabidos to be taken to the quantity of a Nutmeg in the intermediate days of purging and now and than to take a glass of choice Wormwood Wine whereby the sick might be refected and comforted and every other night
it might be supposed the Patient might live 6. This Chyrurgian who is now to be nameless strongly opposed me slighted my Opinions and warranted to the By-standers the Patient's life although under all those dangerous Symptoms besides his old Age. 7. Upon these Resolves the sick was let Blood and the bounteous Chyrurgian liberally took away from the dying man no less than 18 ounces thereof presently the sick fainted and with very much adoe he was kept from a swooning fit I told them They might safely give him now and then a little of Angelica water the greater Composition the which they did and he seemed to be cheared thereby 8. The Chyrurgyan now leaves him promising That he would do more and greater things for him which would certainly restore him about two hours after th Patient cry'd out I am a dead man the Chyrurgian has kill'd me I being by desired him to be patient saying the Chyrurgian has not kill'd you 't is your Disease that is dangerous and vehement But however that it would be good for him to prepare himself and set his house in order He now and then slumbred and past away the night in short and troublesom sleeps but approaching 5 a clock in the morning he surrenered his vital Spirits 9. The next morning came our Chyrurgian nor was I much behind him where contrary to his Expectation and in some measure mine We found our late deplorable Patient dead I desired That the Chyrurgian might open him which was presently granted It was done occordingly and in the fore Ventricle of the Brain a bag of water was found as big as a small hens Egg all the rest of the Viscera of the three Venters being sound and it is observable That 2 or 3 dayes before he dyed he complained of a vehement pain in his forehead VII A Vertigo with a Malign Feaver 1 A young maiden of 14 or 15 years of Age being sick of a malign Feaver was in the Tenth day of her sickness seised with a Vertigo so that she could not stand but all things seem'd to turn round with Violence She had a Bubo under her left Arm-hole which broke and ran well so that there was great hopes of her life 2. Four dayes after a Parotis appeared behind the right Ear to which 6 or 7 Leches were applyed the Vertigo in the mean Season at fits and sometimes almost continually afflicting the sick by the application of the Leeches the Tumor had Liberty to ripen and break which by help of strong Maturatives was perfected in 3 days 3. All things were done in respect both to the Feaver and the malignity so that the Disease seemed to be conquered only the Vertigo remainned for the helping of which I order'd the solid Errâ—i es to be apply'd the next day but alas before the appointed time the Patient was dead 4. Her Parents had a Desire to have her opened and in the former ventricle of the Brain was a Cystis found about the bigness of a Pigeons egg full of Water of a kind of yellowish green Colour the water was put upon bread and given to a dog who eat the same and in 3 or 4 hours after having first Vomited he dyed VIII A Vertigo in a Maiden with obstructions of her terms 1. She was 18 years of Age and was in the beginning of May seized with a Vertigo her habit of body was cold moist and flegmatick and she had been troubled with the obstruction of her Courses for more than 20 Months so that she sometimes Vomited blood often bleed at nose her Countenance was pale wan like death it self 2. Application was made to me and after viewing the sick I found That the Green-sickness had seised her she confest That she had eaten Oat-meal Raw Wheat and such like things for many months and that largely and That she had strong longing after nor could she be satisfi'd without them upon which followed the Suppression of her Courses with vomiting and loathing of Food and this Vertigo 3. The first thing I gave her was this Take the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum of Rulandus Vinegar of Squils of each an ounce Carduus water four ounces mix them for a draught to be exhibited in the morning fasting It wrought well gave her 5 Vomits and 7 Stools by which both Stomach and Bowels seemed to be well cleansed the maid was also much more lightsom and her head was exceedingly eased 4. But I knowing her Disease to be stubborn and to proceed from a stubborn viscouse tenacious humour thought it necessary to repeat the former dose which was done upon the 4th day following after this she seemed to be perfectly well and her preternatural Appetite to be quite gone so that she was uâ—willing to take any more 5. Now because Colocynthis mightily cleanses and opens the Womb above all other things I gave her the 4th day following the former dose about half a spoonful or somewhat more of the Infusion of the said Colocynthis in rectified Spirit of wine which I repeated for three times every 4th day 6. But that in all the time of Purging she might not faint I ordered her to take now and then in the intermediate dayes a little of our Electuarium ad Tabidos from whence she found great refection 7. In the mean season I was not unmindful of the distemper of her head but caused it to be often bathed with Powers of Sassafras and caused her often to smell to Spirit of Sal Armoniack and continually to take it in all the drink she drank which was indeed no small benefit to her 8. Lastly After that all her purging was over and it was now about the New of the Moon I prescrib'd her to take the Tincture of Gum Guajaci drawn with rectified Spirit of Wine the dose was a Spoonful or better morning and night after which she drank a Glass of Rhenish wine and Sugar I ordered her the continuance thereof til her Courses appeared which was after the first taking it about 4 days from which time she had them in good order and remain'd in perfect Health IX A Vertigo in a Girl about ten years of Age. 1. Her Parents told me It had afflicted her for about two years and as well as they could guess was caused from her long and much turning round with some other Neighbours Children at what time she not having so strong a head or brain as they fell down 2. The Disease came by fits at first more seldom afterwards more often so that it came almost every day and sometime twice a day it would also come in the night so that she would often cry out in the midst of her sleep That the house was a turning the upside downward that it would fall upon her and she should be kill'd 3. I saw plainly that it was caused chiefly from a windy Vapor first stirr'd up by the aforementioned Action which upon the least motion disturbing the Brain presently caused
he quickly became well 8. I believe the original of this Vertigo to be from corrupt vapors arising from an Aposthem in the intestinum rectum and ascending into the cavities of the Brain See Forest. Lib. 10. Obs 43. XXVIII An old Vertigo from a flegmatick habit of Body 1. John Sasbot of Delf one of the Aldermen of that Town an old man of seventy years of Age being troubled with the Vertigo as he was walking in his Chamber was very apt to fall to the Ground except he stood by a Wall or a Table or any other thing he could meet with to lean against thereby to keep on his Feet for he fancied all things to be turned about 2. Now although he had but a favourable Visitation with this Infirmity and was not so strongly oppressed therewith as to make him fall to the ground yet whereas in old Men most especially Vertigo's are Diseases the next of kin to the Falling sickness and those which we call Apoplexies it was necessary with all speed to take care for the cure of this Infirmity 3. Being now Winter-time and in such old men much Flegm commonly abounds and he was slow in motion heavy-headed had a certain noise and singing in his Ears and was subject to sleep long together these things argued him to be Phlegmatick and his Brain to be sufficiently stuffed with gross pituitous Vapours which were easily fixed there from whence a Vertigo might easily follow as being essentially fixed in the Brain such a Vertigo ariseth from a cold cause is for the most part a furious raging one although this seemed more gentle he not having as yet fallen to the ground 4. Now that it might not arrive to that height in him I advised a strong Glyster to be given him but he not being willing to admit of that we prepared the pituitous humor after this manner Take of Oxymel simple syrup of Staechas syrup of Betony of each one ounce Waters of Betony Bawm Hysop because it was in the Winter-time and no Herbs were growing of each two ounces mix them for two Doses Then he took these Pills Take Pilulae cochiae of Hiera simple of Agarick trochiscated of each one scruple with Betony Water make seven Pills 5. Another time he took two spoonfuls of Syrup of Staechas and Oxymel of Squills and for two Weeks together he took one great Assairet Pill the which he took a little before night that he might take the more rest before it should begin to work with him for he used to sleep after it least by stirring and for want of sleep its operation might be hindred 6. I also advised him to use Errhines made of the juyce of Beets Rue and Marjoram which he snuffed up in his Nostrills early in the morning 7. He likewise used Condited Nutmegs and Conserve of Rosemary by which Remedies he became cured keeping to a moderate Diet and eating such things as were warming and drying he likewise accustomed himself to take the Air such as was warm and clear keeping out of Southern Winds and forbearing sleep in the day time Forest Lib. 10. Obs 44. XXIX Of a Vertigo from a weakness in the Brain 1. Alexander Balbian of Lombardy in the year 1572. when in the winter time I was walking with him in the Market he complained to me of a Vertigo to which he was most especially subject in Rainy Weather for being likewise ever now and then seized on by a Catarrh he was also weak headed 2. I thereupon judged that probably he might have some hurt in his Brain although this Distemper might likewise be augmented from the Stomach and the ill habit of the Body for by reason of a certain distillation falling down from the Head both upon the Stomach and also upon the Nerves and Vertebrae conveyed to all parts of the Body he had a certain universal faintness of which he likewise complained together with an indisposition of his Stomach so that his Distemper moved as it were in a Circle for that if once a disaffection has been bred in the lower parts the Brain likewise will have a share thereof 3. Now therefore I here judge not the Brain to be affected without the consent of the inferior parts nor that those inferior are affected without a disaffection of the Brain but that they mutually suffer by turns 4. Hereupon I feared his Sickness might long continue and that it might be very difficult to cure him especially considering his Brain and Stomach and the other mentioned parts were affected in part his Liver besides the Catarrh under which he laboured 5. When therefore they desired to consult with me I conceived this Imbecibility or Weakness to come from a cold intemperature of the Brain because it was in Winter-time and there present a flux of Rheum falling so that as I might judge that it came from a production of Flegm yet not without some mixture of the cholerick Humor by which the Liver became hot from whence his slender and nimble Body wherefore taking dilligent care for the cure of this Disease least he should be a long time in hand I appointed him to chuse a temperate pure and clear air but to keep out of such an one as was misty thick tempestious and rainy or snowy and to avoid Night Work 6. In the mean while when his fit should come on him violently that then he should rather chuse some more obscure place to be in that the Spirits and Vapours which were stirred up or in motion might the more easily be reduced to rest 7. In the mean time I gave order when he went out that he should take care of the Winds blowing and especially Southern as also to avoid the light of the Sun and Moon and also the sight of things swiftly moved as of the current of Rivers or of things moved round as the sight of Wheels or Rundles and also the sight of deep places neither did I permit him to look upwards to high things which were wheeled about Lastly that he should avoid a multitude of Men moving hither and thither by a swift motion furthermore that he should neither frequent the Market or any other place where men used to walk But yet there was no great need to enjoyn him any of these things he himself confessing that he was presently forced to leave the Market or else his Vertigo would easily seize upon him and he should fall to the ground the same also if he should see a multitude of Men walking in a Church for all these things do stir up vapours to an inordinate motion and thereby the Animal Spirits are hurried together that a Vertigo ariseth with great celerity 8. I ordered him to sleep but moderately not as soon as he had eaten but at soonest two hours after and that he should not exceed seven or eight hours as likewise that he should eschew the light that he should not sleep in a place which was very hot as in a Stove nor keep
hope you 'l endeavour to comply with my Request and satisfy the desire of yours Farewel Fabritius Hildanus his Answer 6. To the most Noble and learned Gentleman Melchior Sebizius Senior Fabritius Hildanus wisheth Health 7. I Am not a little troubled for the Malady you complain'd of how tedious and grievious it is for old men to be troubled with dimness or defect of Sight I am partly sensible by my own Experience My Advice which though in it self not worth much yet you seem to respect I neither can or ought to keep from you although indeed it be nothing else but to bring Owls to Athens 8. The Distemper I understand by your Letters is only a Dimness or rather a defect of Sight chiefly when the Head is distorted either to the one side or the other c. The Cause of this and the other Diseases you Complain of must either proceed from some humor that falls down on the hinderpart of the Head and the Optick Nerves or because of the Agitation of the spirits or vapours 9. The temper of the brain principally in old men is cold and moist the native and radical heat being weak those vapours which arise from the Lower parts presently are turn'd into excrementitious humours and so seize upon the Nerves where they engender either a sharp or dull pain as the matter is peccant or mild 10. If the Disease proceed from the animal Spirit which is the Instrument of Sight and lies in the great Cavities and Arteries of the Brain together with the motion of the Humors For by the same motion says Rasis wherewith the Head is moved it is needful that the liquid things therein contained do also move the sight grows dull and is much obscur'd and the man like one drunk reels from one place to another and often falls heavily to the ground 11. But if the Disease proceed from Repletion viz. from the abundance of Vapours that fly up to the head from the lower parts of the Body and of humours thence begotten Who do's not see that such are to be remov'd by Evacuation 12. 'T will be worth your Notice to mind the Recipient part viz. the Brain as well as the Repulsive The Diet is principally to be regarded Let it be such as will afford good nutriment and restore the Ventricle and the parts that need Nutrition together with the native Heat and radical Moisture 13. Secondly You must at some convenient Intervals evacuate those Excrements which are bred in the Bowels by reason of the want of native heat that ought to be done by the application of such Medicine as not only simply expels and evacuates Excrements but by a certain specifick Property draws them downward from the head 14. I have used with good success both as to my self and others the following Pills which strengthen the Ventricle and other noble parts the head and Bowels they gently purge they clear the Sight and like a Balsam they free the body from corrupt and putrid humors Take of most fine Aloes and three or four times impregnated or dissolved in the Juyce of Damask Roses inspissated one ounce of choice Rubarb in most subtle pouder two drams new Agarick trochiscated and dryed one Dram Confect of Alkermes four scruples Cream of Tartar one dram and an half Chymical Oyls of Cinnamon and Fennel of each one Scruple mix them very well in a Mortar and with a sufficient quantity of the Extract of Betony and Scordium make a Mass of Pills of which exhibit a scruple or half a dram they purge gently and the next day commonly 15. Let them be taken 2 or 3 hours after Supper as other gentle Pills are taken at night because of the abundance of Vapours which in sleep are carried up to the head the virtue of the Medicine more easily than in the day-time reaching the Brain there is advantage also to be had by the Pills of Marocostinae invented by Mindererus 16. But if the Disease prove stubborn more strong Medicines are to be applyed first then the matter being prepared and concocted by some proper Decoction of opening Roots as the leaves and flowers of Betony sweet Marjoram with the Syrup of Succory and Betony of each a like quantity prepared 17. Afterwards the Body is to be purged by Pilulae aureae Cochiae Aggregativae of Agarick and the like or the suffusion of Agarick Rubarb and Sena The Ventricle and the parts that serve for Nutrition are to be strengthened where the Confection of Alkermes de Hyacintho also species Aromatici Rosati Diarrhodon Abbatis species de Gemmis Laetificans Galeni and others of this kind agree 18. Although you use universal purgations yet you must not neglect particular ones first Masticatories from Mastick Pyrethrum Marjoram Betony Staves-acre and the like which gently draw noxious humors to the upper part of the Throat 19. From Errhines and sneesing I counsel you to forbare for they shake beyond all measure the Brain and dull the sight as I have shewn by Example in other places When they draw mater out of the Ventricle of the Brain to the Nostrils in the passage they obstruct the optick Nerves 20. The Use of Cupping-glasses applyed to the shoulder and the nape of the Neck I do not approve of often in such cases they bring the peccant matter to the back-bone which is of great loss to the sick 21. I have observ'd that a Noble Matron near Lusanu was taken with the like Distemper and after the applying of Cupping-glasses was surprised with a Palsy in her Arms. 22. The chief and only Remedy as well for curing the present Disease as also for preventing of many other distempers of the body which Age makes us obnoxius to you may have if in both Arms you suffer Issues to be made by the potential Cautery Amongst all the Remedys also which expells noxious humours out of the Body they obtain the first and chief place 23. Sometimes sagacious nature sends to those Fountains excrementitious humours from the Breast and Head as to a common shore and by those sensibly evacuates I speak Experimentally for I have 4 Issues and those all tending to my health 24. But what if you should find any Indisposition of the Liver or Meseraick Veins for such commonly proceeds from sharp cholerick and dry Vapours from the Liver an issue made on the right knee will be very convenient it will expel the excrementitious humour of the Liver and the meseraick Veins and will strengthen the parts which serve Nutrition 25. The head also is strengthned with a Fumigation of Mastick Olibanum Styrax BenZoin and the like as also by using a quilted cap of Spices appropriated to the Disease Written in haste at Bern. Bern 9 Octob. 1621. Fabr. Hild. Hild. Cent. 5. Obs 9. XXXV A Vertigo with loss of Appetite and Pain of the Head 1. The Advice of D. Anthony Frankanzan This Young man of seven years of Age having scratcht a small Pimple it became a
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
make a pouder Divide it into ten parts take a dose twice a day or twelve sows or Wood-lice bruised and White-wine put to them let the Juyce be wrung out make a Draught let it be taken twice a day 51. Now whilst these Medicines are inwardly taken it will not be amiss sometimes to raise Blisters with Vesicatories in the nape of the Neck and behind the Eares for so the serous and sharp humors are very much drain'd from the head 52. Besides Sneezing pouders and such as expurgate Rheum from the head often afford very considerable help 53. The drawing away of Blood from the Hemorrhoidal Veins of the Foot should sometimes be repeated yea and the Distemper requiring Plaisters and Cataplasms are advantagiously applyed to the Soles of the Feet It is also profitable to apply drawing Medicines about the Calves and Thighs Willis de Convulsivis Cap. 5. Observ 5. LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss The Chapter of the Vertigo continued Numb 20. L. A Vertigo with troublesom sleeps 1. John Elinger fifteen or sixteen years of Age was taken with a Vertigo and every Night he vehemently cryed out for that he was troubled with terrible things in his Sleep as if he should fall from some high Mountain 2. He was delighted in drinking of sharp or austere Wine and oftentimes suffered a relaxation of the Uvula and moreover he was afflicted with a vehement pain of the Head so that he was forced to keep his Bed for two days together 3. His Urine was very Cholerick thick troubled full of Sediment and a Spume or froth on the Crown thereof 4. I prescribed him the following Julep to be taken in three Mornings fasting Take Syrup of Staechas syrup of Succory with Rhubarb of each two ounces Oxymel simple Honey of Roses strained of each six drams Aqua Langij one ounce Waters of Endive and sorrel of each two ounces Vervain and Rose-water of each one ounce and half mix them for a Julep 5. Afterwards these following Pills Take Pilulae Arabicae one dram with syrup of Staechas make nine Pills They profit much and in the heat of Summer he took this mixture Take Conserves of Roses and of Wood-sorrel of each an ounce mix them 6. Notwithstanding he had all this while a notable weakness in his Limbs with a Griping of the Bowels and pain of the Head besides his Vertigo so that he was not able to Rise from his Bed also he was bound in his Bowels for four days past with a very great Thirst 7. I prescribed this Decoction following with Prunes Take of the best Sena Raisons of each one ounce white Tartar two drams three of the Cordial flowers Roses excepted of each one Pugil seeds of Anise and Fennel of each one dram Ginger five drams Mallows Herb Mercury flowers of Camomil of each one handful Water a sufficient quantity make a Decoction with Prunes 8. For the Comforting of his whole Body he used this following gross Pouder Take the Aromatick species I suppose he means Cloves Mace Nutmegs and Cinnamon cut small two ounces Coriander Comfits Lozenges of Diarrhodon Abbatis and of Diamargariton frigidum Citron Peels candied of each five ounces mix all well together and make a gross Pouder by beating in a Mortar By the use of these Remedies he was made perfectly well Gabelchoveri Cent. 4. Observ 1. LI. A Vertigo arising by consent from the Stomach 1. A Senator of Herrenberg twenty eight years of Age complained of a Vertigo which he plainly perceived to arise from Vapours ascending from his Stomach to his Head 2. Of other parts of his Body he made no complaints his Urine was well coloured and frothy 3. I prescribed him these following Pills Take Pilulae Aggregativae one dram Diagredium three grains with syrup of Staechas make fifteen Pills the which he swallowed with six drams of Syrup of Roses Solutive 4. Morning and Evening he washed his Feet in the following Decoction Take Aron leaves Thyme Ground-Ivy Camomil flowers Water-Cresses boyl all in a sufficient quantity of Water to wash with 5. In his Food he used Pouder of Nutmegs and going to Bed he eat Carraway-seeds moistned in Vinegar of Roses and dryed again By the use of these things with a Regular Diet he was in a few days made well Gabelchoveri Cent. 4. Observ 56. LII A Vertiginous disposition with other Symptoms 1. A Noble Youth about eleven years of Age being afflicted from his Infancy with an Imbecillity and weakness of the Head was at a certain time taken so ill after Sleep w th the abovenamed Distempers together with a Stupefaction of the parts of Motion that he was not able to hold his Head upright 2. Sometimes after Eating he was seized with the sudden Dejection of his Strength a pain in his Eyes and a darkness of his Sight his whole Body was consumed with an Atrophia his Urine was crude the pain of his Belly great his Appetite was but small without heat and thirst and his Pulse but slow 3. Now the Reason or rather the Cause from whence this Imbecility or Weakness of the Head did proceed is for as much as there is a Penury or lake of Spirits by their Refluctuation to their proper Fountain and Center and that occasion'd by Sleep they are not so quickly and readily distributed and diffused again through the Organs of the Senses 4. There was a kind of Stupefaction upon all the parts of Motion because they need and require a greater flowing in of the Spirits than the Organs of the Senses from whence we may perceive that the same part having the same Nerves oftentimes can Retain the Sense without Motion 5. The contrary whereof falls not out unless there be one Nerve to Communicate Motion and another to Communicate Sense which thing is manifest in the fabrick of the Eyes 6. Why there was a sudden Dejection of the Strength after Eating appears from this the native heat being so weak as not to digest the Food Communicated crude Exhalations to the Principal parts which serve the Animal and Vital Facultys where chiefly in the Brain this accession of Weakness was bred as in that part least Capable to bear external Injuries because of the want and Penury of the Spirits 7. There was also a pain of the Eyes with a darkness of the Sight whereas this Evil did arise by consent of the Ventricle affecting with pain sooner the foreparts than the hinder parts perhaps because the Brain is more Capacious and soft and so more fit to Receive the Impression of Vapours 8. And there chiefly the Emunctores do concur to the separation of the Heterogenous matter from whence also a dark Sight is not difficully demonstrated while the weaker Animal Spirits are whirl'd about contrary to their Nature by the flowing in of the crude Exhalations 9. The whole being consumed with an Atrophia did proceed from the Imbecillity of the Concoction of the Bowels from whence came the crude Urine and Blood
Gregorius Horstius for the Vertigo 1. Take Cardamoms grains of Paradice let them be often chewed or Poudred and taken in Broth. 2. Take Cubebs six or seven grains bruise them and steep them for a Night in three ounces of Wine and strain and drink it the next Morning 3. Take Pouder of Ey-bright with the flowers half an ounce Mace prepared with Vinegar one ounce Coriander seeds a dram and half Betony a scruple Cubebs half a scruple Sugar Candy six drams make a Pouder of which take a dram in a Glass of Mallago Wine and a Tost 4. Take Chymical Oyls of Fennel and Anise seed of each three grains mix them and give them in a little Broth. 5. Take Pouder of Southernwood a dram Oxymel one ounce mix them and give it against the Vertigo in a moist and cold Constitution 6. Take species Diambrae Diamoschu of each one dram Aromaticum Rosatum half a dram red Coral and white Amber both prepared of each sixteen grains Cardamoms Nutmegs Mace of each a scruple Sugar five ounces with Rose-water make a Confection in Rowls adding towards the End Chymical Oyls of Fennel and Anniseeds of each six drops 7. Take Pearls prepared one dram Oyl of Cloves six drops distilled Oyl of Nutmegs eight drops Sugar dissolved in Damask Rose-water eight ounces make a Confection in Rowls 8. Take leaves of Euphorbium one ounce Staechas Lavender flowers of each two drams Mace a dram and half Cinnamon one dram Sugar the weight of all make a fine Pouder Dose two drams 9. Take Nutmegs half an ounce Ey-bright dried two ounces make a fine Pouder The Dose a dram Morning and Evening 10. Take species Diamoschi Dulcis one dram Chymical Oyl of Nutmegs one scruple Oyl of white Amber three grains Sugar dissolved in Lavender Water three ounces make a Confection in Rowls 11. Also to this purpose the Essences of Amber and Ambergrise are famous so also the Pouder of Native Cinnabar Compound together with the Lixivium and Balsam of Agricola Peacocks-dung is a great specifick in this Case 12. Take Water of Swallows Water of Castoreum of each a spoonful mix them for a Dose 13. Take Misleto of the Oak two drams Root of Male Peony three drams seeds of the same one dram red and white Coral levigated of each half a dram Pearls prepared a scruple white Sugar half an ounce mix and make a Pouder Dose one dram with the Water Lilly Convally 14. Take Chymical Oyl of Carraways three grains Ambergrise in Pouder four grains Sugar a sufficient quantity give it in black Cherry-water 15. Take white Amber species Diarrhodon Abbatis of each a dram and half Ambergrise four grains but half a dram would do better make a Pouder Dose half a dram 16. Outwardly Take Pouder of Silk-worms which mix with Dears fat and Ducks grease let the Head be anointed therewith Ex Horstij Tom. 3. Pag. 194. SCHOLIA Theoretical Considerations upon the Cure of the VERTIGO By W. Salmon the Author hereof LVI The Pathology of the Vertigo and first of the Notation thereof 1. THe Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Graece Vertigo Latine The Swimming of the Head Giddiness or Turning of the Brain in English 2. The Definition The Vertigo is a Disease in the Cavities of the Brain chiefly the Foremost in which the Animal Spirits are disturbed by a preternatural Exagitation and Commotion so that all things seem to turn round by which the Sick is taken with a certain Swimming or Giddiness of the Head causing them to stagger or reel and somtimes to fall yet not depriving them either of Sense or Motion 3. The kinds It is two-fold one Simple called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein the Sight remains unhurt the other is Complex called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein Sight is Darkned as it were with a Mist or Cloud LVII The Signs of the Vertigo 1. The Signs whereby a Vertigo is known is a Giddiness in the Head or Brain for the most part without pain in which all things seem as it were to turn round sometimes with a gentle Motion sometimes with a rapid 2. When the Motion is gentle the Sick seldom falls only a little Staggers as it were and is confounded in his Mind by a certain kind of Amazement from the sudden Exagitation of the Animal Spirits so that if he be walking he knows not where he is but must be forced to stand still to Consult the place of his present Station whether he is a going and what is the occasion 3. For that a strange kind of Forgetfulness does seize him notwithstanding all this while his internal Senses are not so disturbed but that he knows he is about business though the particulars be forgotten which after a little pause he Recollects again and becomes perfectly well 4. Sometimes as is aforesaid this affect is accompanied with dimness or darkness of the Sight in which Case not only all the other Symptoms are existent but the Circumvolution or Rotation of things seems to be with a great Violence or Vehemency insomuch that when the Paroxism seizes the Sick must necessarily fall unless that he catches hold of any thing whereby he might support himself 5. It is known a little before it comes by forgetfulness above-mention'd a kind of Amazedness of Spirit Dimness of Ey-Sight with variety of Colours before the Eyes wherein things seem to be double or treble cut presently after all things seem to turn round and the Sick to turn round with them LVIII The Causes of a Vertigo 1. The chief causes of a Vertigo are four One is from a Natural weakness of the Brain being for the most part Hereditary from the Parents or having been weakned from some Blow or Fall or some other external Accident whereby it is made apt to receive the Impresons of Vapours or from long constant and violent turning Round whereby the said Animal Spirits are Exagitated and brought into the like Commotion 2. A second Cause is from the straightness of the passages of the Brain wherein the Animal Spirits moving with difficulty and flowing with a mighty force by reason of the great Intentness of the Sick upon any particular occasion the said Passages being too straight or narrow by reason of some Obstruction and their Flux too vehement and large they are forc'd disorderly to Retire by which disorder and irregularity they make a Circular Motion in the Cavities of the Brain whence the Paroxism is excited 3. Now this Cause is either Idiopathetick to wit in the Brain it self or Sympathetick by consent from the Stomach or some other Viscera 4. If it be Idiopathetick or Original in the Brain and its Cavities the Stomach and all other parts are generally well the Sick Eats well Drinks well Digests well and for the most part is free from Obstructions Pain Wind or other Affections either in the Stomach or other Viscera 5. An Idiopathetick Vertigo is bred in the Brain
from a cold or moist Humour Or from Water contained in the Cavities being the Excrements of vitiated Blood which the more easily make an Impression thereon from the weakness of the part 6. And sometimes it is caused from a Bladder of Water contained in the foremore Ventricle of the Brain to which I was an Eye Witness 7. For a person Dying of a Vertigo accompanied with a Feaver being opened we found no other Cause of his Disease nor of his Death but a Bladder of Water about the bigness of a small Hens Egg lying in the foremost Ventricle of the Brain 8. This Man for many years had been obnoxious to a Vertigo otherwise constantly in perfect Health and lived to the Age of seventy years at first the fits came but two or three times a year afterwards they came once a month and as the Man grew older and older the Disease grew stronger and the Paroxisms grew more frequent and of a longer continuance so that he had a fit once a Week 9. The last Fit he complain'd That all things turned round violently and although he leaned upon a Table call'd out vehemently for some body to hold him for he should fall by the hasty turning round of things he desired forthwith to go to Bed and whilst he lay still he seemed to be somewhat pacifyed but upon the least turning of his Head or any part of his Body he cryed out that the Bed and House would be turn'd topsy-turvy all this was without any Convulsion Frenzy or Madness or the least appearance of a Feaver except about four or five hours before his Death 10. If it be Sympathetick it is by consent from some other part as the Indisposition of the Stomach or other Viscera if it be from the Stomach it is known from the Weakness thereof Sickness at the Stomach want of Digestion Crudity Pain and Wind afflicting that Bowel from whence an Evil Blood is generated filling the Ventricles of the Brain with many Recrements 11. Or from a fermentation of the Blood from whence windy or flatuous Vapours arises filling the said Cavities 12. If it be caused by consent from any other part you may know it from the Indisposition of the said part pain or weakness thereof In a Woman if it proceeds by consent from the Womb she must have been troubled with affections from the Womb a long time before-hand 13. A third Cause is from a Windy Vapour generated or arising from Hypochondriack Melancholy which is known by the Signs of that Distemper 14. The fourth and last Cause is either from the ill Confirmation of the Cranium and parts adjacent wherein there may be some extuberance in the inward Table of the Skull compressing the Brain or a Compressure thereof by a Fracture of the Cranium or a Conglutination of the Vessels of the Brain viz. of the Arteries or Veins from all which causes the Animal Spirits upon the least occasion being disturb'd excite a Vertigo 15. It remains now That we enquire into the Cause of the Darkness of the Sight which we Judge to be from Vapours or Wind vehemently assaulting the forepart of the Brain thereby Clouding and Confounding the Animal Spirits wherein the Images or appearances of things directed to the Brain by the Optick Nerve are rendred unequal and clouded or darkened so that there is either a false appearance of things as when they turn Round or no appearance at all by reason of the darkning of the Sight 16. And this is done in the Brain by the confusion of the Animal Spirits through a preternatural Agitation or Commotion and not in Eyes themselves For that the Spirits are inwrapped with those cloudy Vapours in the highest part of the Brain which gives the Original to the Optick Nerves LIX The Prognosticks of a Vertigo 1. If the Disease be Retent or in one that is Young or if the Paroxism be not vehement but suddenly over the Sick is without Danger and the Cure may be easily performed the same also if it be without darkness of Sight 2. If it be Originally in the Brain or of any long continuance the Paroxism vehement and not suddenly passing over the Cure will be more difficult 3. If it comes Haereditarily from the Disposition of the Parents or from a Native weakness of the Brain it is for the most part without Cure 4. So also if it arises from the ill Confirmation of the Cranium unless the Sick can give any particular Description of the place so afflicted that a part of the Skull may be taken out whereby the Extuberance of the inward Table Compressing the Brain may be removed or those windy Vapours or excrementitious Humours exciting a Vertigo may be Evaporated and drawn away 5. If it has been of long continuance and in Aged persons it is for the most part Incurable so also if it proceeds from a Bladder of Water in the Ventricles of the Brain unless the Skull be opened and the said Bladder be taken out 6. Those afflicted with a Bladder of Water although out of the fit almost always complain of dullness and heaviness of that part of the Head where it lies as did the person we spoke of before and I doubt not if the Skull were but timely opened and the Bladder removed it might be the means to save many a Patients Life 7. An affect not much unlike this is often seen in Calves which when the Country-man sees to be Vertiginous by their turning round he commonly opens the forepart of the Head and by taking out a Bladder of Water saves the Life of his Beast which otherwise would suddenly dye 8. If it proceeds by consent of other parts The Prognosticks depend upon the removing of the said Indispositions for so long as they remain there is no hope of the Cure of the Vertigo 9. If it proceeds from Hypochondriack Melancholy or a Vapour generated in the Brain the Cure will be exceeding difficult to be performed For as much as the Melancholy Humour is hard to Conquer or overcome 10. In cold and moist Constitutions it is apt to degenerate into an Apoplexy Epilepsy or Lethargy LX. The Therapia or Method of Cure and first of a Simple Vertigo or without Dimness of Sight 1. The Cure of a Simple Vertigo is not very difficult and has commonly but two Intentions The First is to discuss the flatulent Spirit troubling the Ventricles of the Brain or to still and quiet the too great Emanations of the Animal Spirits Secondly to comfort and strengthen the Brain hurt or weakened by the said flaculency and Irregularities of the Spirits 2. The first Intention is performed by heating Cephalicks anointing or bathing the Coronal Sutures Temples Forehead and Nostrils with spirit of Rosemary Lavender Carraways Sage Juniper Savin or sweet Marjoram all which have a mighty power to discuss any Ventosity lodged in the Cortex of the Brain 3. But above many other things we commend the following as such of which we have
had a very large Experience first the Powers of Rosmary which wonderfully Sympathize with the Brain and strengthen all its Faculties 4. Secondly the Powers of Sassafras which are indeed a great Medicine and a specifick in this Case the Powers of Oranges and Limons are admirable being indeed partly demonstrated from their Signature but the Powers of Nutmegs and Amber are Inferiour to none of the former 5. Lastly we commend the Essences of Musk and Ambergrise above all other things For that they dissipate Vapours and comfort and fortify the Brain above all other productions whatsoever 6. Now the Medicaments here enumerated as to their external use ought to be well bathed upon the places before mentioned twice or thrice a day at least also some few drops of them may be dropt upon the Palms of the Hands and so drawn strongly up the Nostrils from whence comes an Incredible relief This if it be done five or six times a day it will be so much the better 7. The second Intention which is to comfort and fortify the weakened Brain to prevent for the future the Extravagancies of the Animal Spirits is performed for the most part by Internals of which any of the things before enumerated may be taken from ten drops to twenty thirty or forty according to the Age Sex and Strength of the Patient and they may be exhibited either in some Cephalick Water or Cordial or generous Wine 8. But for as much as Musk and Ambergrise are thought Inimical to Women troubled with Vapours or subject to Hysterick fits we here forbid their external use to the Head or upper parts 9. Inwardly they may be thus given Take Musk twelve grains Ambergrise five grains Peacocks Dung a scruple Venice Treacle half a dram mix and make a Bolus to be given every Night going to bed drinking after it one ounce or two of good Cinnamon Water 10. This alone Medicament transcends al others in most cold and moist Diseases of the Head and Brain especially in Vertigo's Epilepsies Lethargies and other Drowsy-Diseases for it comforts and restores the profligated Animal Spirits almost to a Miracle 11. We could prescribe many other things of great Power and Virtue truly efficacious for this purpose but do here forbear knowing this last Medicine to transcend them all 12. Moreover we can speak upon true and certain Experience that we have not only Cured many of the Vertigo herewith but also several supposed Incurable Hystericks Women that for the space of twenty or thirty years have been continually vexed with those Fits and lived without hope of Cure the effect has been so admirable that the said Hysterick fits have never returned any more LX. The Cure of a Vertigo with Dimness or Loss of Sight 1. The Indications of Cure are threefold first to discuss so much as may be the matter and to quiet the wandring Spirits the second Intention is to remove the Conjunct Cause and to take it away by Revulsion and Derivation thirdly to remove the Procatartick Cause and to strengthen the part afflicted 2. As to first Intention for discussion the things prescribed in the former Section against a Simple Vertigo may be very profitable here but if the strongest of those Remedies prevail not you may after the use of them apply this following Cataplasm Take Barley Meal a pound Oyl of Roses three ounces Poppy-water enough to make it of the thickness of a Pultise to which add Opium half an Ounce first dissolv'd in the spirit of Wine and then inspissated to the thickness of Honey 3. If the former cannot be had you may apply this Take Barley Meal a pound Oyl of Roses four ounces white Poppy seeds well bruised three ounces boyl all in a sufficient quantity of Poppy water to the consistence of a Pultise which apply to the Temples and Fore-head and if the Head be shaved it may be applyed over the whole Head 4. Now to quiet the irregular Motion of the Spirits If the Disease be inveterate and vehement and will yield to no common Remedies you may give a few grains of Laudanum beginning first with two grains and increasing of it half a grain every third day till you come to five six or seven grains 5. Or if you would rather use a Liquid Laudanum as those of Helmont Scheffer or any other you may begin with ten drops and so increase the Dose three or four drops every third day till it come to thirty or forty 6. The second Intention is for removing the Conjunct Cause which is done first by Derivation and that either with Emeticks or Catharticks 7. If the Stomach be foul Emeticks take the first place you may exhibit in the Morning fasting this Take Vinum Benedictum six drams Salt of Vitriol two scruples mix dissolve and then give it It Works admirably and may give the Patient six eight or ten easy Vomits according to the foulness of the Stomach the use of this Medicine I cannot but Commend having Cured several of a Scotoma by twice or thrice exhibiting it alone without any other thing 8. Some commends the flowers of Antimony and doubtless being Corrected they are a good Medicament others Crocus Metallorum given in substance from three to six grains others Vitrum Antimonij from one grain to three and some set a great value on Mercurius Vitae given from half a grain to three well prepared 9. But before all these later things the Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht is to be preferr'd given from three grains to six in a glass of Sack 10. Paracelsus mightily commends the Salt of Vitriol which may be given from two scruples to a dram and half according to Age and Strength he says It is a specifick in all Vertiginous and Epileptick Diseases and truly Experience has often confirmed it 11. For weaker Constitutions and such as are fearful to take Antimonials Vinum scilliticum and Oxymel scilliticum are given with good success from one ounce to two ounces and half either alone or mixed with half a dram of Sal Vitrioli 12. After the Exhibition of Vomits t will be necessary to carry the matter downwards by proper Catharticks among the number of which of Pills he may take Pilulae Agregativae de Agarico Cochiae Aureae Rudij or Our Family Pills either with or without Aloes 13. The following Composition is mightily approv'd of Take Pilulae Aloephanginae Coch ae ex duobus of each a dram Resin of Jallap half a dram Chymical Oyl of Lavender or of sweet Marjoram twelve drops syrup of Buck-thorn enough to make it into a mass of Pills Dose from a scruple to half a dram early in the Morning with good Government Here the Pilulae Lunares have place which may be given twice a Week à gr iij ad viij they are a specifick 14. Those that cannot take Pills may take the Species Sanctae half a dram or the Pulvis ex tribus which carries off the cold pituitous Humour after an admirable manner
15. To weak Constitutions you may give Benedicta Laxativa from three to six drams So also Carocostinum Electuarium Amarum Magistral majus Diacarthamum or Catholicon which last may be given from six drams to one ounce and half 16. But above all to strong Bodies we commend Confect Hamech which may be given from three drams to six mix with half an ounce of Electuarium Lenitivum and so taken in White or Rhenish Wine 17. Those that cannot take solid things may take the following Liquids Decoctum Epithymi compound is of singular use given to four ounces in the Morning fasting Or this Take Decoctum Epithymi two ounces and half syrup of Buckthorn an ounce and half mix them to be taken in the Morning fasting 18. In a more cold Constitution the Vinum Antepilepticum Mynsichti or the Vinum Purgans Mynsichti either of them taken from two ounces to four in the Morning fasting twice a Week are of excellent use in this Cure 19. To these add the Tinctura Cathartica Clossaei Tinctura Cathartica Mylij Tinctura Catholica Phlegmagoga Grulingij Tinctura Senae Composita Tinctura Cathartica Magistralis and our Catharticum Argenteum all which are of singular use in the Cure of an inveterate Scotoma 20. But in the mean season while these Derivations are making you are to consider the State of the Bowels If the body be costive you may exhibite the Enema specificum Mynsichti Enema pituitum purgans or Enema in Capitis Affectibus Mynsichti or this following Take Herb Mercury Beets Mallows Wormwood Betony Centory the less flowers of Camomil and Dill of each half an handful bruise and boyl all in a sufficient quantity of Water to the Consumption of the half strain and to fourteen ounces thereof add Oyl Olive and Oyl of Dill of each one ounce and half Honey of Roses one ounce Hiera simple two ounces Salt a dram mix and make a Clyster to be given warm which exhibite with a Clyster Syringe 21. For Derivation Cupping-glasses may be applyed to the Shoulders or Hips with or without Scarification or in the place thereof you may apply Vesicatories and Cauteries to both the Soles of the Feet which derive the matter from the Head wonderfully 22. If the Head be stuffed with many Excrements you may use Errhines either Solid or Liquid also such Masticatories as we speak of in in the Cure of the Head-ach from a cold and moist Temperature 23. However the Juyce of Sweet Marjoram may be used without Exception or a dram of the Pouder of Euphorbium dissolved in a quart or somewhat more of White Wine it makes an Evacuation above Imagination and causes a strong derivation of the Humours by the Nostrils 24. Now here is to be considered Whether the Disease is of it self or Complicate with the Scurvey or any other Disease In these Cases you must always mix with your Medicaments in their Preparation Antiscorbuticks or other Medicaments proper against the Disease Concomitant 25. Dr. Willis commends this following Take Pilulae de succino twenty five grains Resin of Jallap six grains Tartar Vitriolated seven grains Balsam of Peru enough to make them into four Pills to be taken at Night going to bed or early the next Morning 26. His Vomit is this Take sulphur of Antimony five grains Cream of Tartar ten grains Castoreum two grains make a Pouder which take with good Government 27. The third Intention is for removing the Procatartick Cause this is done by observing a good Diet such as may not generate Wind or Vapours nor breed cold moist and pituitous Humours his Drink ought to be a small ordinary Decoction of Guajacum for that Authors affirm to be a specifick in the Curing of the most Inveterate Vertigo If the Sick at any time drinks Wine let it be either Canary or Rhenish wherein the Powers of Rosemary or Wormwood have been droped from 15 to 30 or 40 drops 28. In the Morning fasting he may take one of the following Medicaments Take Conserve of Male-Peony flowers six ounces Pouder of the Root of the same one ounce Pouder of the seeds of the same two drams Amber Coral Pearls levigated two drams and half Salt of Coral a dram with the syrup of Coral a sufficient quantity make an Electuary Dose two drams Morning and Evening Drinking after it about three ounces of this following distill'd Water Take of the fresh leaves of Tree Misleto six handfuls the Roots of Male-Peony Angelica of each a pound and half white Peacocks dung two pound Cardamoms bruised two ounces Castoreum three drams Let all be cut small and bruised to which affuse White Wine or Whey made with White Wine eight pound distil to dryness mixing all the Liquors together 29. This following Electuary has been used with great success Take Conserves of Rosemary flowers five ounces Conserves of the Flowers of Sage and Betony of each one ounce and half Pouder of Male Peony roots and seed of each one ounce two Preserv'd Nutmegs Pouder of a dead mans skull Misletoe of the Oak of each one ounce and half native Cinnabar levigated three drams syrup of Male Peony-flowers enough to make it into an Electuary Dose two drams Morning and Evening 30. Tincture of Luna may be given from six to sixteen drops in Rhenish Wine or Black Cherry-water 31. Doctor Willis commends the following Tables Take Pouder of Male Peony Root half an ounce Red Coral prepared species Diambrae of each two drams and half Pouder of Male Peony flowers one dram mix them to which add white Sugar ten ounces dissolve them in Peony Water and boyl them to a height making Lozenges weighing half a dram a piece let one or two of them be eaten often in a day 32. Take Pouder of Male Peony roots one ounce and half Pouder of the seeds of the same Coral and white Amber levigated of each three drams Pearls levigated Pouder of the Flowers of Male Peony fresh gathered bruised and dryed in the Sun of each two drams Sugar Candy one ounce mix them let a dram of this Pouder be taken twice a day with a draught of Tea or a draught of the Decoction of Sage and Rosemary sweetned 33. For poor people Willis orders this Take Pouder of the leaves of Misleto dryed in the Sun let it be given a dram at a time twice a day or Take whitest dung of Peacocks in Pouder six ounces Pouder of Male Peony Roots one ounce Sugar two ounces mix them Dose a Spoonful twice a Day in some convenient Liquor 34. For this Intention also the Volatile Salts and Spirits of sal Armoniack Soot Hartshorn Elks-hoof and Mans skull are of great use for they nourish and comfort the Brain and Animal Spirits and destroy all those things which would any ways obfuscate cloud or trouble them 35. To these may be added Tinctures of Coral and Antimony which have a great prevalency so also the Tincture of Peacocks Dung drawn with the rectified Spirit of Wine some
was to be anointed with Chymical Oyl of Anniseeds one part mixed with the Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two parts and this also to be done Morning and Evening as the former 17. Lastly that the Soles of her Feet should be anointed with Oyl of Sassafras thrice a day viz. Morning Noon and Night 18. This Course being continued for six Weeks she became perfectly well nor has she once Relapsed to this day although it be above six years since 19. All the Reward I had was to say I deserved nothing that I was none of the College and therefore a Quack For which Cause If I would have any thing both She and her Husband bid Me take My Course at Law I took their Counsel and was paid to the uttermost penny Monstrum Horrendum See the ingratitude of some People IV. A Catarrh in a Woman Hysterical 1. This Woman being about thirty five years of Age had been two or three years obnoxious to a Catarrh which for the most part was accompanied with a Cough sometimes with Wheasing Hoarsness and Shortness of Breath 2. Moreover she had been for many years troubled with Hysterick fits the long continuance of her Catarrh brought her into a kind of Consumption at last there was an Atrophia or universal pining 3. She sought to many for Help but without success she was extraordinarily Purged and Vomited had Blisters applyed the Seton Issues c. but all things proved unprofitable in so much That she was weary of taking any more Physick 4. Besides the former Courses she had plentifully used Chalybeats and drunk Mineral Waters as of Tunbridge Epsome and Astroph-Wells with great promises of Cure by those means but still with as ill Success as before 5. At length she applyed her Self to Me and for My better Direction gave Me an account of all before Related I wondered that all those things should make no alteration in her wherefore I conceived there was some greater Cause than what those Physicians had Apprehended and which lay yet undiscovered to all that she hitherto conversed with 6. The Woman seemed Melancholy I told her that I feared there was some Discontents on her Spirits which she Confest to be true but what it was I could never get her to declare 7. However she perpetually declined in her Body and at certain hours the Flux of Rhume would be so great that she would be in danger of Choaking whence a vehement Cough would be forthwith excited which lasted upon her half an hour or more by means of which she became inwardly Sore 8. At other times upon the Motion of her Grief and Discontent of Mind Hysterick fits would be excited in such a wonderful manner that beholding her once or twice in them I stood amazed for such was her exceeding strength therein that five or six men could scarcely hold her although out of the fit a poor lean weakly Woman 9. The Aetiology thereof we have not leisure to examine although we doubt not but to the exertion of so great a strength there must be a mighty Conflux of Spirits of the Animal kind 10. The Woman was not so much concerned for her Fits for that they came but now and then but the Catarrh and Cough almost perpetually afflicted her so that unless that she had some speedy Relief she concluded she could not hold out much longer 11. Her Body was in a good Condition not Costive nor very Loose but that which is most Remarkable of all was That she made little or no Urine scarce a pint in two days sometimes not a pint in three days and yet she felt not in those parts any kind of Obstruction Heat or Pain 12. She desired me to Favour her with my best Advice and to do the best for her that lay in my Power giving me a promise to be very grateful After that I had perceived her Urine to be so small in quantity almost from the very beginning of the Catarrh I apprehended a transition of the Serous part of the Blood to other parts of the Body and that if so be it could be reduced to its right Current there might be probably some hopes of Cure 13. In the first place I exhibited this following Clyster Take Chicken Broth a pint Oyl of Camomil three ounces Confectio Hamech one ounce Honey three spoonfuls dissolve them over a gentle heat strain and let it be given warm 14. After which being twice repeated I gave her this following Syrup Take Juyce of Parsly three pints Juyce of Pellitory of the Wall two quarts Honey eight pound boyl all into a Syrup of which I ordered her to take two or three spoonfuls in the Morning fasting half an hour before Dinner and last at Night going to Bed and to continue the use thereof till such time as the whole quantity was spent 15. For her Drink I ordered this Take White Wine six quarts 18 large Thomas Onions sliced very thin infuse them in the Wine this Wine is to be mixt with equal quantity of Water at time of drinking I prescribed for her ordinary Drink 16. By the use of these two things the Course of the Serum was apparently turned and she began to make Water plentifully her Catarrh was in some measure abated but not quite taken away however I ordered still the Continuation of the same Medicament with the Repetition of the same quantity but with a lessening of the Dose 17. Now that the Cough which did so vehemently afflict her might be removed I ordered her the following Medicament Take Tincture of spanish juyce of Liquorice made in spirit of Wine six ounces Syrup of Meconium eight ounces Syrup of Jujubes two ounces Oyl of Sulphur per Campanum so much as might give it a pleasant Acidity mix them of this I ordered her to lick often between Meals but more especially if she felt the Cough coming 18. And whereas the Cough seized her for the most part with a greater vehemency than ordinary just at Bed time or a little after she was lain down to Sleep I prescribed her the following Take spirit of Wine three ounces white Sugar so much as it will dissolve over a gentle heat that it becomes almost as thick as Syrup this whole quantity to be taken just at lying down 19. By the use of these things the Paroxysm of Coughing was constantly prevented and she slept quietly all Night in so much that after ten or twelve days her Cough wholly left her and she also made Urine very plentifully her Catarrh likewise was very much abated but yet she complained that at certain times it afflicted her though not with that vehemency as formerly to be in danger of Choaking 20. Her opinion was That if she could be perfectly freed from her Catarrh she should be well for which purpose I ordered her to take the Laudanum Paracelsi every Night going to Bed beginning first with two grains and so regularly increasing the Dose as we have formerly directed 21. Next Morning
Juyces of sweet Marjoram Primroses and of Betony of each three ounces white Wine six ounces in which one scruple of Euphorbium was dissolved Musk eight grains mix them and let it be given an hour and half before going to Bed 16. After the Errhine had been used three times and with very good Success viz one every third day I gave the Sternutatory following Take Pouder of black Hellebor Pouder of Liquorice of each one ounce Pouder of white Hellebor two drams this I caused to be exhibited now and than as I saw occasion 17. Also during this whole Cure the Diet which I ordered her to take and keep to as her common Drink was this following Take Spring Water twenty quarts Wood of Guajacum Sassafras Sarsa China Liquorice of each half a pound fat Figgs slit Raisons of the Sun stoned of each ten ounces boyl all to the Consumption of eight quarts then strain being almost cold put to it three pints of Juyce of Scurvy-grass Horse Raddish root Rasped â„¥ vj Sugar twelve ounces Ale Yest a pint make it gentle to ferment then Bottle it up putting in each Bottle a Clove slit and one scruple of Salt of Amber Of this she drank about a Bottle a Day and repeated the whole quantity four times 18. I commended to her the Drinking of Pope Adrian his Wine Or the Vinum Cephallicum also the Vinum Stomachicum Mylij and the Vinum Moschatum Mynsichti but she took the following Compositum Take choice Canary five quarts Anacardiums Nutmegs of each one ounce Cinnamon six drams Cubebs Mace yellow Sanders Wood of Aloes of each three drams Citron peels the yellow one dram Cloves bruised half a dram Musk a scruple Ambergrise half a scruple being all in gross Pouder mix them digest in the Wine twenty days shaking the glass every day then being setled decant the clear Liquor into another glass which keep for use upon the Magma remaining I ordered another gallon of Canary to be put 19. Of the first Infusion dulcified with treble refined Sugar she took every Morning a little Sack glass full immediately after her Mastick pouder and Conserves of Roses half an hour before Dinner she drank almost such another glass and again last at Night going to Bed after the Pouder aforesaid and Conserve she took another glass this she did for about five Weeks at what time she said she found her self very well 20. But I that knew the obstinancy of her Disease and how apt such kind of Catarrhs are to return again advised her to continue taking some other things for a while amongst which I prescribed this of Solenander Take Frankincense juyce of Liquortce of each a dram Myrrh Opium Saffron of each a scruple with Syrup of Poppies make Pills of this she took every night going to Bed for the first eight days a scruple only afterwards she increased the Dose to two scruples 21. After she had continued the use of the former things for about eighteen or tweâ—ty days I gave her My Laudanum she begun with it at two grains and increased the Dose half a grain every fifty day till she came to six grains which she took for about eight Weeks 22. That time being over I ordered her again to take the Amber Pouder afore described with Conserve of Roses and to continue taking the same for the space of two or three months 23. Outwardly I caused her Hair to be shaved off her whole Head and the same together with the Nape of the Neck as also her Fore-head and Temples wâ—re anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression four ounces Chymical Oyls of Rosmary of Sage of Sweet Marjoram of Angelica of Origanum of Amber of each one dram mix them well together with this the whole Head and parts adjacent were anointed mornâ—ng and evening for sixteen or eighteen days 24. While this anoinâ—ing was doing a Cucapha or quilted Cap of Spices was prepared which she put on upon her head every time after anointing 25. The time of anointing being over which as we said was in about eighteen days space her Head was Shaved again with a Raisor and upon the naked Skin was applied Emplastrum Cephalicum of the shops which she wore for a long time By the use of these Medicines as we have here declared she became perfectly well XI A thin Catarrh falling upon the Brest and Joynts 1. A Man about forty three yeares of Age had been for a long time even many years troubled with a thin and salt Catarrh by reason of which he was almost always a Spitting his Spittle was thin a little viscous but exceeding Salt as if he had Salt always in his Mouth 2. It afflicted much his Lungs by reason of which he had a kind of Asthma or great difficulty of Breathing Moreover the defluxion was continued to many other parts of the Body especially to the extream in so much that he had often wandring pains about him 3. Sometimes they would be fixed in a Joint for two or three Weeks together so that he would be in a manner Lame somtimes his Arms Legs and sometimes his Feet would be as it were benummed wherein he neither was sensible of Pleasure nor Pain but the Distemper seem'd to incline to a Palsy such was the Mutability of this his Protean Disease 4. The Cause hereof was no doubt a thin Lymphatick Juyce not only overflowing the Lungs but also oppressing the Original of the Nerves themselves whence proceeded that Numbness 5. The Cause of the Pain in the Joynts no doubt proceeded from a weakness of those parts wherein Nature for their relief sending a great flux of Animal Spirits by their tumultuous occurse to these parts making a Collision or striking one against another and also in some measure extending the sensible Nerve forthwith excited the Pain 6. The Cure of this Distemper we prognosticated to be of exceeding great difficulty as well in respect of its long continuance as from its resisting all extraordinary Medicines and the Nature and Disposition of the Humor afflicting and the parts afflicted for as much as Diseases long fixed in the extream parts are not easily to be removed 7. He had tryed many things by the advice of several Learned Men by means of which he thought he received a very great advantage and sometimes he thought himself to be almost well when presently his Disease would return again with great Impetuosity 8. He had been oft times let Blood and a great quantity at times taken from him but this in my opinion rather augmented than diminished his Distemper for losing such a quantity of Blood it apparently decayed his Strength and much weakned him and then it naturally follows for all Catarrhs mightily to advance according to the Diminition of Strength 9. They also strongly Purged him and that oft times which although I deslike not the Act of Purging yet I much disliked the quality and manner of Administration 10. For as the Disease
had been of many years standing and continual so instead of giving now and than a Dose of violent Pills it had been much better to have Instituted a gentle and constant Purging Diet which he might have taken if occasion had been for an hundred days together and such an one as follows I instituted him 11. Take new Ale four or five gallons put into it these following things Sena fourteen ounces Polypody Juniper-berries well bruised Coriander-seed Zedoary all of them well bruised of each half a pound dryed Rosemary Betony Sage Stoechas of each four ounces Bay-berries hull'd and grossly bruised Sal Prunella of each two ounces put them into a Bag with a stone in it to make it sink and let them Work up with the Ale after four or five days he drank of it every Morning a little draught and accordingly encreased or diminished the quantity as he found it to Purge him 12. This quantity being taken I Caused him to repeat it again adding to the former Ingredients these Scurvy-grass Brooklime Water-cresses Tarragon of each three handfuls all bruised Mustard-seed bruised Horse-radish root Rocket-seed of each two handfuls and half he continued the taking of this last quantity till it was all spent which Purging very gently and pleasingly carried off the Morbifick matter and thoroughly cleansed his whole Body 13. But that we might not seem only to remove the Conjoyned Cause by Purging only I Caused him to take the following Dose to Sweat upon Take choice Bezoar Mineral twelve grains Oriental Bezoar ten grains Volatile Salts of Amber and Hartshorn of each eight grains Viper Pouder a scruple mix them together with half a dram of Mithridate and give it the Sick to Swallow for a Dose to provoke Sweat drinking after it a little choice Canary mixed with six drams of Treacle Water being in his Bed and well covered this Caused him to Sweat very powerfully and from whence he Confessed he had wonderful relief 14. As to Topicks his Stomach Head and Temples was anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression one ounce Opo-balsamum half an ounce distilled Oyl of Nutmegs of Rosemary of sweet Marjoram and of Sassafras of each one dram mix and anoint therewith Morning and Evening keeping those parts warm 15. The extream parts either benummed after the manner of a Palsy or pained in the Joynts resembling a Gout I Caused every Morning and Evening to be anointed with the following Medicament Take Powers of Amber six ounces choice Camphir one ounce dissolve it therein and herewith Bath well the afflicted parts 't is not to be imagined what sudden and great relief he received therefrom 16. For in the extremity of his Pain the said Pain would vanish in a Moment and although Lame he would be able to go very well in two or three days time 17. Now 't is to be observed that during the time of his Purging I ordered him to Swallow whole every Night going to bed twenty five or thirty grains of choice white Olibanum or Mastich sometimes the one sometimes the other with about ten grains of pure white Ginger cut into very small bits 18. The time of Purging being wholly over viz. so long as he was drinking the two former quantities of Diet I caused him to take every Morning fasting half an ounce of this following Electuary whereby the Stomach Head Brain and Animal Spirits were mightily relieved Comforted and Strengthened 19. Take the soft or Melligenous extract of Juniper-berries half a pound Viper pouder Pouder of Zedoary of Nutmegs of each one ounce and half Pouder of white Ginger of Cloves of each half an ounce Camphir a dram Venice Treacle three ounces extracts of Virginian Snake-root and Contra yerva of each two ounces mix them for a Stomachical and Cephalick Antidote This is very good against all sorts of salt and sharp Catarrhs moisture of the Brain coldness and weakness of the Stomach and Paralitick and Arthritick Distempers 20. At Night going to Bed he took two three or four grains of my Laudanum the use of these two last Medicines he constantly took Morning and Night for five or six Weeks together by the use whereof he became perfectly Restored and was free from all the said disaffections for more then seven years afterwards XII A Catarrh in a Gentlewoman accompaned with Hysterick fits and an exceeding Pain on her left side supposed an affection of the Spleen 1. This Gentlewoman being about thirty years of Age had been obnoxious to a Catarrh almost from a Child with swellings in her Throat and Almonds of the Ears soreness and difficulty of swallowing but of late to wit for four or five years last pass the Catarrh was almost Continual and she had with it a great dejection of Spirit 2. She would sight often and complain of a great pain in her left Side and many times would be overtaken or seised with fits of the Mother the Cause thereof she apprehended to be from an unnatural Marrage being allied to a man extreamly wicked almost in all senses 3. She was a very Comely Lady and brought with her a great Fortune but was almost at first slighted and abused by her Husband whence arose a great discontent of mind which seising and Continuing long upon her begat a kind of Melancholy habit 4. Not long after she was as she thought afflicted with the Pain of the Spleen which she Conceived was encreased by taking an extream Cold however a Pain she had in her left Side and that almost continually her Catarrh was almost always the same causing her constantly to spit and very much afflicting her in the Night 5. The begining of this Discontent brought also upon her those Hysterick fits the Cause of which is a preternatural Convulsion of the Nerves of the Mesentery and Middriff or Diaphragma whereby that exceeding great rising up into the Breast not much unlike a Ball or Globe is made 6. And I am the more Confirmed in this opinion That these Fitts are often Caused as aforesaid and not always simply from the Womb from that singular observation of Dr. Willis who beheld the same in a Man where the old supposed Cause was impossible to be Suspected and in the time of my practise I have seen two such lâ—ke examples which has very much confirm'd me in this Judgment not that I will totally deny any Cause to be Inherent in the Womb in all persons 7. For I doubt not but where there are great Obstructions of the Matrix and that part abounds with many stinking and noysom humours it being as it were the very sink of a Womans Body that Vapours may be Emitted from thence and that it may also have a share in the Cause of Hysterick Paroxisms 8. The original Cause of the Catarrh I attribute to be in part from a Discrasy of the Blood and in part from a natural weakness of the Brain whereby it is made more apt to Receive the Recrements of the second
a Phlegmatick Constitution was afflicted with an extream violent Pain of the Head and a Catarrh which fell down upon the Muscles of the Cheek-bone after which was a swelling sowewhat hard and red 2. But a diet being prescrib'd him The matter was much lessen'd by the following Pills Take pil de hiera two scruples Agarick trochiscated one scruple with the syrup of staechas make five Pills and take them two hours after supper 3. And to prepare the pituitous and phlegmatick humour Take simple oxymel syrup of Staechas of each one ounce and half the Waters of Betony Fennel and Marjoram of each two ounces mix them and make 2 doses of them 4. Then as for purging let him take pil de cochia Agarick de hiera of each one scruple Diagridum two grains with the syrup of Staechas make of them five Pills and take them after mid-night 5. Again the matter being more Prepared and Concocted he was purg'd once more with Pills of Cochy and his Head anointed with the Ointment of Alabaster to remove the Pain thereof and his Cheek bone which was swell'd with the Oyl of Lillies 6. Afterwards for great Resolution and loosening of the matter there was added the Oyl of Cammomil by these he was Cured and not put to the necessity of Errhins or other Topick remedies Petrus Forestus lib. 10. Observ 132. XLIX A Catarrh proceeding from Cold causing a Pain of the Ears and Teeth 1. The Pain of the Ears proceed not only from a bare Distemper but for the most part from some compounded or conjunct matter and that chiefly Cold and is known by a distillation from the Head when after the South wind has filled the Head the North wind suddenly blows 2. For two Reasons it hurts and excites Pain first by reason of the Distemper which joyns with the other affect but much more when by its own proper power it distends the sensible parts and again most of all when the flatuous Spirit Elevated by it doth extend and disturb the Membrane and internal nervous parts thereof 3. A certain Woman of a pale Colour and a Phlegmatick Constistution the Air being Cold and the South wind blowing and great Rain following fell into a Catarrh which did trouble the lower parts and fill her Head with flegm 4. She used a moist and phlemy kind of Diet before and for two whole Weeks she was afflicted with a violent Pain in her left Ear besides a distillation upon her Teeth of the same side and a swelling somewhat hard without any redness in her Cheek-bone by which great Pain of her Teeth and inwardly in her Ear in the auditory passage she could neither Eat or Sleep 5. I then Concluded that this did proceed from a Cold distillation of Cold matter and therefore purgation would be necessary 6. After the syrup of Betony and Oxymel was given she was purg'd with the following Pills Take Pil. Cochiae assajaeret and de Hiera of each one scruple with the water of Betony make five Pills and let them be taken after mid-Night which gave her two or three stools 7. Afterwards Diet which was slender and attenuating was prescribed her and in the place of Wine and Bear Metheglin wherein Cinnamon was boyled 8. Then Pills of Cochy was administred and Cupping-glasses with scarification on the Shoulders and having purg'd both the Head and Body I made use of Errhines and Masticatories wich properly cleanse the Head 9. After the Pills and Cupping-glasses I made use of others Topicks to wit Oyls and Pultisses which asswage the Pain of the Head but because they did not help enough I did apply a Plaster to the Ear which did wonderfully ease her 10. Take a large Red Onion roasted under hot ashes Oyl of Camomil one ounce Oyl of Aniseed fresh Butter of each half an ounce Saffron one scruple make it in the Mortar like to the form of a plaster and apply it warm to the Ear day and night and it will take away the Pain of the Ear and lose the Apostem this will do though it comes first to a suppuration or festering Petrus Forestus lib. 11. Observ 5. L. A Catarrh by consent of the inferior Parts 1. Physicians Refer the principal cause of a Catarrh to the Liver but why the vapours that are hot and moist ascend to the Brain from the Liver by the Stomach rather then by the Veins to the Head I know no Cause neither shall I raise any Controversie about it For it is agreed it may be by either of the ways 2. But if the Cause proceed from the lower parts the distemper must be remov'd from them if the Head be Infirm it must be strengthned and that Consists in restoring the Temperament 3. After meat let such things be taken as may Check the Vapours from ascending as the Concoctive Pouder of Sylvius and the prepared seeds of Coriander the Confection or Marmalade of Quinces without the Spices to this may be added Sugar of Roses with Bole Armoniack 4. I do not approve of evacuations in pectoral Diseases from a Catarrh it is more safe to forbear in such Diseases of the Brest and Lungs the use of purgative Medicines 5. Pills of Aloes washt with juyce of Roses are a drying and strengthening Medicine Manna with the syrup of Roses draw away those Wheyish Humours 6. If the cause of the Catarrh depend on the bad disposition of the Liver and Stomach the Spaw waters heal both I doubt not their usefullness 7. But in my judgment the Distemper of the Head is chiefly the thing from whence these Symptoms proceed which are carefully to be lookt after in order to their Cure the Spaw-waters how much they avail in reference to this I know not they cannot hurt the Bathings are approv'd according to the diversity of the matter of the Catarrh 8. If by these the heat of the Liver is to be asswaged why do we not rather apply Pultises We do not think our Wormwood to be cold and seeing siccity makes Calidity and Roses that are mixt do dry how far is this Medicament profitable 9. Also after Bathing in sweet-water or rather Oyl in which is boyled a little quantity of Sanders Roses and Wormwood I would bath the region of the Liver with Wine in a double Vessell 10 Oyls dry less what Bathings help doth appear in that the matter of the Catarrh is by these mingled and diffus'd throughout the whole Body and is deriv'd from the Brest 11. But unless I am greatly mistaken we must chiefly look to the Distemper which is in the Head therefore there must be applyed to the Head sweet-bags of Roses and sanders with which must be mixt a little of the pouder of Amber Mastick Mace and Clove-gilly-flowers making thereof as it were a Cap. 12. At night let him hold in his Mouth a little of a Nutmeg toasted in the morning take a few Caraways to beat down those gross Spirits which being agitated Cause a giddiness or Megrim 13.
with their immoderation the native heat of the Stomach or by extenuating the Region of the Stomach and Belly in so much that they wast and pine away 8. Moreover the Vessels of Sanguification often generates Catarrhs For the serous humidity yet crude is too hastily and soon Attracted by the Stomach which afterwards because the fault of the first Concoction is not amended in the sccond by the vehement attraction of the vessels being naturally hot and dry comes and remains in the mass of the venal and arterial Blood and from the ebullition and boyling of the Blood is caried thence to and gathered in the head as their proper Receptacle 9. It is no wonder then that the head abounds with humid and moist Vapours when besides these there are many external Causes which concurr to produce this effect such as the Retention of usual Evacuations the South Winds c. 10. This is plain in the present Case because the hot and dry constitution of the Vessels of sanguification are discern'd by these signs Galen proposes to wit the Coldness and weakness of the Stomach in digesting which proceeds either from its inequal temperature or from some hurt receiv'd from an external object and defluxions from the Head often falling down thither 11. As to this Gentlemans Head which did abound from his younger years with an Excrementitious humidity the reason must be That it being hoter than what it should be did attract too readily the serous matter and for the above-mentioned Causes did cherish and nourish the same 12. Next as to the great pains he endured about the Temples the reason thereof is the matter still encreasing and growing outragious did endeavour an Egress and so did vellicate the sensible parts the too great humidity of the Brain did dull and blunt the Internall senses and did also Cause a kind of dullness and torpor of the Animal Spirits which might occasion that weakness of the Brain whereof he complained 13. The reasons why his Appetite was very much abated was the falling down of the serous matter upon the Ventricle which hindered the Concoction another reason was the humectation of the Stomachical Nerves slowly exciting a sensible Appetite 14. Now follows the Indications first that the too hot and dry intemperature of the Vessels of Sanguification be corrected secondly That the matter copiously running to the Head be driven back Thirdly That the matter of the Catarrh gathered in the Head be resolved derived and evacuated 15. Now as to the first of these we prescribed him a Purgation to be taken every half year for the Evacuation of the serous humidity then a Lentive Hydragogue to be taken in the spring of the first tops or buds of Elder dryed with a slow heat the quantity of one dram in the Decoction of Prunes 16. In the fall it will be convenient to Use the syrup of Buck-thorn a description whereof you may know by Soliander and in Our Dispensatory 17. This or the like being done I advised the oppening of a Vein by which not only the serous and wheyish Blood may be deminished but all the Venial kind may be helped â—y an amicable refrigeration 18. After which this following long digestive will not be inconvenient which is to be thus prepared Take Roots of Succory one ounce and half Parsly Liquorice of each half an ounce leaves of Fumetory Centory the lesser of each one handfull and half the flowers of Elder half an handful the seeds of Fennel one dram and half boyl them in the whey of Goats milk thrice distilled strain to a pound and half and take of the decoction twice every day for the space of a fortnight four ounces 19. These being continued let him afterwards take morsels of Mechoacanna five drams with a fasting Stomach to purge withall drinking the decoction of pease for cleansing 20. Neither are sweats to be neglected on the following days but first you must take either the Electuary or Rob of dwarf Elder half an ounce dissolv'd in the water of the flowers of Elder or the spirit of dwarf Elder half an ounce mixed with the water of Fumitory two ounces or other Hydrotick Medicines as burnt Harts-horn Terra sigillata Lapis Bezoar c. 21. Lastly for Corroberating and for prevention of too great heat use often the following pouder about two hours before Meat Take Conserve of Roses Vitriolated one ounce and half species Diarrhodon Abbatis one dram the syrup of Conserve of Citron-peels a sufficient quantity make an Electuary 22. For the second to wit That the matter flowing to the Head be drawn back which I judge may be done by taking those things Inwardly which restrain and repress the crude Exhalations ascending from the Vessels of Concoction of such use are the Morsels mentioned above whereof every Evening before sleep two drams may be taken Diacydonium simplex half an ounce after meat and also the fourth part of a Confected Nutmeg being good for to Cause rest 23. Outwardly Baths of proper herbs were prescribed such as the decoctions of the flowers of Sage Bay-tree Garden Thyme the flowers of Camomil Betony and red Roses 24. Frictions and Ligatures are to be used in the time of bathings and evacuations of the Menstrua may be made by opening the Veins in the Legs Or a Cautery may be made in the left Thigh 25. As to the third viz. the attenuation derivation and evacuation of the matter flowing together inwardly we may try to Effect this by Masticatories therefore some grains of Mastick may be chewed frequently in the morning 26. Or according to Fernelius Take sugar Candy one ounce and half Mastich half an ounce Long-peper Pyrethrum staves-acre of each one dram make Pills to be put into Noduls and then to be broken between the Teeth 27. Also sternutatories may be used begining first at those more light to wit the Water of Marjoram drawing it up often when it is a little warm Or Take the Roots of Beets one ounce whole Barley Liquorice Currans of each half an ounce Water ten ounces Honey two ounces make a Decoction to a third part in the strained liquor macerate the roots of Pyrethum one dram the tops of Marjoram the seeds of Nigella of each one pugil after twenty four hours let the liquor be expressed which is to be snuft up the Nostrils pretty warm 28. Outwardly let the Air be dry and without being too warm which if otherwise by loosening the Humours would fill the Head and for convenient suffumigation you may use some of the Pouder of styrax Calamita a little of white Amber being added 29. Or troches may be made for a fumigation viz. Take styrax Calamita Benzoin of each one dram and half Tacamachacca two drams Cloves Cinnamon of each one dram Conserve of Roses a sufficient quantity for incorporating some drops of the water of Cinnamon being added make Troches for a fume for the Richer sort Musk five grains may be mixed therewith 30. Little bags for the
mistakes in Meat especially troubles of Mind Cares and Drinking of Wine being also born of Parents who were troubled with Catarrhs was taken with a distillation from the Head into the whole right side of his Body with a certain unmoveableness of the Tongue the Arm and Leg of the same side 2. All these Accidents were Cured by convenient Medicines only a certain heaviness sence of weight in the Arm and Leg of the same side remain'd hindering him that he was not able to go through with his usual Dutys 3. Besides he complained of a certain impediment of the Head insomuch that when he cast his Eyes up or down to the right or to the left and placed his Head again in its natural position he remain'd as if he had been stupid and in a swound yea and would stagger sometimes 4. For the remedy of which although he had Cauteries or Issues upon the hinder part of his Head and his right Arm yet no remedy redounded from thence and sometimes also in Vain he used the Bath waters 5. Prevotius with fortunate success advised him to take Physical Wines to use Turpentine with the Oyl of Castoreum the Decoction of Box-tree China viscus quercinus Mastich-Wood with Sage and Chamepytis besides Treacle with Sugar of Roses 6. And for outward Medicines he applyed Goose-grease with she pure Spirit or Oyl of Rosemary upon Scarlet Cloth to the nape of the Neck Velchius Obs 14. CXXXVI A Catarrh with a Cough 1. A Catarrh and a greivous Cough happen'd to a Gentleman about the twenty fifth year of his Age what he brought up he evacuated with vehemency so that nothing remain'd within him it kept him four years 2. Hellebor did not agree with him but a moderate Dyet to make lean his Body to eat Bread abstain from Bitter Salt and Fat things from the juyce of Silphium or Benjamin from all raw Herbs and to walk much took no Milk but drunk pure Oyl of Sesamus mixt with pleasant Wine 3. Hence it is manifest that the Catarrh proceeded not so much from the multitude of Excrements in the whole Body or in the Brain either as from the intemperature of the Brain it self so that the Excrements caused not the Intemperature so much as the Intemperature the Excrements 4. For if the Excrements had been the first cause of the Distemper purging would have been medicinal but because the first original was Intemperature and an intemperate Brain from which the very food which he took unadvisedly contracted the matter of the distillation Hellebor was not advantagious but abstinence from meat and to pine away with hunger 5. For the aliment so detracted from the Brain causing a want there remain'd less matter to distill and the Brain through abstinence from food was exsiccated and in this manner it fell out that the moist intemperancy of the Brain was stopt 6. Besides he receiv'd hurt from hot sharp salt and fat Meats for such besides their heat are of that quality to whet the passages of the Breath and cause Coughing for sharp things are unpleasant to the Stomach Salt things cleanse and knaw and salt causes moisture 7. The juyce of Silphium or Benjamin was hurtful because 't is very sharp or biting hot and windy by which the Head was made hot and filled again with humors and therefore the distillation run more raw Herbs were hurtful because by them the thick humour Replenishing the Head is elevated the drinking of Milk was not convenient because offensive to those who are troubled with the Head-ach and that for the same reason because it easily excites sorrow in them and therefore by those troubled with Catarrhs are to be avoided 8. Much walking was necessary for it causes dryness but we must include in due season for any man troubled with such distempers walk to much he perceives more hurt thereby then if he move not at all 9. Rubbing also and moderate watching was advantagious his Food was Bread every manner of way wholsom and harmless except taken with immoderation he drunk black wine because in my opinion it makes the moysture of the body not so fluent as white Wine doth but this I Question because 't is much more replenishing then white wine and and purges less by Urine and Sweat 10. He likewise found relief by a potion of sweet wine and pure and green Sesamus good wine is pleasant and convenient for those that are troubled with the Cough and those troubled with hard excrements also Sesamus by reason of the sweet humour which it produces which potion is more fit for the passions of the Breast then for a Catarrh proceeding from the Intemperature of the Brain for it could give but small relief to the Brain but 't was so far beneficial that nothing of the distillation remain'd within Vallesius Comment in loc citat SCHOLIA The THEORY of the CATARRH By W. Salmon the Author of this Work CXXXVII The Pathology of the Catarrh and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Name It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Catarrhus and in English Distillation of Rhume 2. The Definition A Catarrh is a flux of Rhume to the Throat and Mouth coming sometimes from the Head sometimes from the Lungs sometimes from Stomach translating the preternatural or superfluous juyce to various parts of the Body as the Eyes Ears Nose Joynts c. 3. The Kinds A Catarrh is commonly but two-fold one in a sulphureous saline discrasy of the Blood or a hot and moist habit of Body the other in a saline sulphureous Dyscrasy of the Blood or a cold and moist Constitution of the Body in which latter Case it is for the most part Complicated with the Scurvy in the first Case the flux of Rhume is for the most part thin being rarifyed by the two great heat of the Body in the latter Case the humor or Rhume is for the most part thick being condensed by reason of the too cold habit and disposition of the Body CXXXVIII The signs whereby a Catarrh may be known 1. The Pathognomick sign or sign peculiar unto and accompanying this Disease is the flux of Rhume to the part or parts afflicted in the Mouth it is known by the perpetual filling with a moist humor either thick or thin and a continual disposition to Spit in the Nose and Eyes by a continual running of them upon the parts of the Throat as the Tonsilae or Amygdallae the Pharynx or Larynx the Gums Joints c. 2. It is known by the Tumor or Swelling of the part and for the most part is accompanied with Inflamation and pain 3. If the flux be to the Mouth and Throat it is either gentle or violent if it be gentle it Causes only a continual Spitting but if it be fierce or vehement it causes a dangerous Suffocation or at lest an Obstruction of the Lungs from whence often ensues shortness of Breath difficulty of Breathing and a vehement Cough 4. If it falls
grains at a time which was Administred once or twice a week according as the Exigency required 7. But whereas the Epilepsy fell in a Scorbutick habit of Body Antiscorbuticks were Essential to this Cure without which it could not be well performed 8. Take spring water twenty pound Guajacum sarsa sarsafras of each half a pound boyl all together to the Consumption of a third Coriander-seed Rocket-seeds Mustard-seed of each three ounces put them in just at the last boyling let the Liquor stand till it is almost cold then strain and add these following things Juniper-berries bruised half a pound juyce of Scurvy-grass Brook-lime and Water-Cresses of each ten ounces mix them together and with a pint of Ale-yest work them all up and having done working let it be put up into Bottles as you did the diet in the former section 9. The constant taking hereof will alter the habit of the Body and by degrees take away the Scurvy and be the cause of the rooting out of the other Diseases also 10. For if an Epilepsy comes upon a Scorbutick habit it is Impossible it should be cured till the evill habit be clearly removed 11. He also drank now and then in his Broth a few drops of Tincture of Antimony which has an Essential power against this Disease 12. Lastly over the futures of the Head I caused to be applyed Franciscus Valesius his Epileptick plaster and in a short time he became well this Caution is alwayes to be obsered not only in the Scurvy but in all other Diseases concomitant with the Epilepsy that those things good against those Diseases be always mixed with Antepilepticks X. An Epilepsy in young Woman from a disaffection of the Stomach 1. This Disease had long layn hid or secret nor did it make it self manifest till it had got singular advantages on the Animal spirits afterwards it assaulted the young Woman after an exceeding violent manner and with so great a pain and weakness of the Stomach that she her self nor the standers by thought she would live 2. Somtimes she was so sick as to Vomit a great deal of green Choler and somtimes a great deal of tough viscous and yellow Flegm after which she would be well for several days as if she ailed nothing 3. From whence it appeared that the Cause was really lodged in the Stomach upon her next complaining I provided for her the following Dose Take Infusion of Crocus Metallorum six drams salt of Vitriol two scruples mix them and give it her warm this gave her eight or nine several easy Vomits 4. This vomit I repeated the fourth day following after which I gave her several specificks as the Tinctura of Luna spirit of Harts-horn and salt of Harts-horn spirit of Sal Armoniack and such like all which were of a singular good Use for the pain of the Stomach 5. After these things were done her Courses came down nor were they stoped any more 6. To her feet I applyed Blisters which made a good Revulsion of the matter and I now and than caused her to take a Glass of spiced wine upon any Illness or faintness of the spirits cheifly that of Pope Adrian whereby the weakned Nerves are restrained to their former strength 7. Her diet was that common to the houshold nor could a little Irregular diet hurt her by Reason she stayd not long upon it 8. Nor can indeed change of diet create any evil habit of Body nothing can do that unless it has been long used because the Stomuch being nourished and cherished by things which it likes poduces a good and laudable Chyle and a good Chyle a good Blood whereby health of Body is attained at last 9. This young Gentlewoman by looking upon another wishly at the time of her falling down caused her also as it was thought to fall into the same Disease and some think it is done by the Effluvia of the Eyes wherein the Venom of the Disease is secretly conveyed 10. But whether it did or not I will not here determine though it is the absolute opinion of many great Phylosophers and some Circumstances are so strange that a man can scarcely misbelieve it without doing a great deal of violence to his Reason and Understanding 11. Much such an Example does Platerus give in his observations which thing is well worth the Considering XI A simple Epilepsy Originally in the Brain 1. A Youth fifteen years of Age had been more than six or seven years obnoxious to an Epilepsy he was of a fresh colour sanguine Complexion great high spirit and of a singular Wit and Ingenuity 2. The disease crept upon him by little and little the fits being very gentle at first afterwards more Extream when they had held him about two years time they left him for a year of their own accord without Physick but by being accidentally frighted after an Interval of about fifteen months space they afflicted him again with an exceeding deal of violence 3. The youth was sensible of the fit before it came and would Cry out Oh 't is now a coming when he was come to himself again he would declare how its approach was 4. First he felt a lightness and swiming in his Head which made all things seem as if they turnd round presently after his Head would be dull and heavy and he would suddenly be taken with a Convulsion as though his Neck and Soulders would be drawn together whereupon he immediately fell with violence foaming mightily at the mouth 5. I beheld him in several of these fits but that which is more Admirable is that these fits should visit him four or five times in a week and somtimes two or three times a day and then all of a sudden so to leave him that he should be without them for a month or six weeks together 6. For which space of time he would seem to be perfectly well being as merry and brisk as if he had never ailed any thing and then of a sudden without any known or praevious Cause to fall into the same again with all the force and vehemence immaginable 7. The reason of this Phenomenon I might give here but I design to do it in another place to which I shall refer you however the method of the Cure and by what I perform'd it was as follows 8. In the first place I caused Blisters to be laid to the soles of the Feet because they universally and also in a special manner derive from the Head 9. His head being shaved was morning and evening anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two ounces Liquid storax Chimical Oyls of Amber Rosemary and sweet Marjoram of each two drams Chimical oyls of Lavender and Sage of each one dram mix and make a Balsam for the Head with which it was anointed morning and evening for near half an hour together before hot Embers 10. After which was applyed over the whole Head the Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus
but once a fortnight 16. So that I apparently saw that we had got ground upon the Disease and therefore I advised her still to continue the same in the Morning as hitherto she had done and at Noon to take this following Medicament 17. Take Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram and half Mans Skull prepared Misleto of the Oak pouder of Male peony roots of each a scruple mix for a Bolus to be given an hour and half before Dinner 18. Lastly at Night going to Bed I caused her to take of this following Electuary Take choice Musk one dram Ambergrise salt of Mans Skull of each half a dram salt of Vipers of Hartshorn and of Amber choice Civet of each one scruple those things being reduced into Pouder which ought to be make them into a Bolus with a sufficient quantity of Venice Treacle of this she took one dram every Night going to Bed 19. For her ordinary Drink a Decoction of Guajacum Sarsa Sarsafras Lignum Rhodium Rosemary and Lavender flowers Misleto of the Oak Male peony roots and seeds with Coriander seed all in equal proportion to be boyled in a sufficient quantity of fair Water then strain it and sweeten it with white sugar wrought up with a little Yest and so bottled up 20. This was her constant Drink she took during the whole Cure so that what with the use of this Diet and the former Medicaments together with Bathing all the Head Temples Vertebrae of the Neck and Back-bone the Stomach the Region of the Spleen and Abdomen with the Powers of Amber this our Patient was through the Mercies of God in about eight months time perfectly restored to Health although this Complication of Diseases had afflicted her for many years together XVIII An Epilepsy in an elderly Matron 1. This Woman being about forty years of Age was siezed with the Falling-sickness as was thought from an Accident which was the peril of Drowning 2. At first it only afflicted her once a Week but the Disease getting strength constantly afflicted her every day insomuch that she would have somtimes two or three fits a day 3. As it came from a fright so I conceived the Disease Central in the Brain and therefore applyed my self to these Indications of Cure which might rectify the Distemper thereof 4. I caused her to smell to the Spirit of Sal Armoniack from which she received very great advantage every two hours I caused her to take two or three spoonfuls of this following Julep Take Aqua Caelestis commonly called Aqua Vitae Matthioli Aqua Angelicae magis Composita choice Cinnamon water of each six ounces choice Canary ten ounces spirit of sal Armoniack so much as may make it pretty sharp 5. At Night going to bed I ordered her to take the Electuary of Musk mentioned in the former Cure taking after the same an ounce or somewhat more of Cinnamon-water 6 Her Hair I caused to be shaved off I caused her whole Head to be bathed twice a day with this following Compositum Take Powers of Rosemary of Amber and of Sassafras of each two ounces Powers of Oranges and Limons of each one ounce Powers of Lavender and Sage of each half an ounce Musk in fine pouder half a dram Ambergrise in pouder ten grains mix all together which keep in a Glass close stopt for four or five days then make use thereof as aforesaid in bathing of the Head 7. After Bathing apply over the whole the Specifick Antepileptick Plaster of Franciscus Valesius by the use of these things in a little time we had the hopes of Cure 8. And one thing let me here observe to the Reader concerning the Vertue of Musk Ambergrise and the like Odoriferous things that they have a specifick Influence upon the Brain above all other things in Nature and comfort its Functions and Faculties beyond what I am able to express in Words the which I have proved in manifold Diseases of the Head to my great wonder and almost amazement 9. But in the use of these Perfumes a small Dose performs nothing one may be bold to give twelve or fourteen grains of Musk and as much of Ambergrise and Civet as may encrease the Dose to a scruple though in this Case where they are simply used it may not often be necessary to give a Dose above once in two days but I must confess I have given such a Dose twice a day 10. A young Woman about twenty three years of Age was also accidently taken with the Falling-sickness by means of a Fright whom I Cured in few Weeks time by the method of the Observation now recited with very little difference 11. She had not above three or four fits before application was made to me nor she had but two after she began to take of the abovementioned Medicaments and she was perfectly well in about a months time XIX An Epilepsy in a little Youth who was afflicted with a scald Head 1. This Youth was about eight years of Age and was at once afflicted with a scald Head and the Falling-sickness two evil Distempers met in one person 2. I caused his Hair to be clipt off with Scissers not shaved with a Razor to which I applyed the Cataplasmum ad Porriginem which was applyed duly according to the Directions which I have given in my Doron Medicum lib. 3. cap. 7. sect 1. whereby I perfectly cleared it from the said Scald 3. But this being not all the Work which was to be done there being a great humidity lodged in the Brain and Ventricles thereof I applyed a Vesicatory over the whole Head which after healing I repeated three times whereby without giving any Physick inwardly the Epileptick fits were much chang'd and abated in their Vigour 4. However I thought it necessary gently to Purge the Youth the which I did with Pilulae Lunares repeated once a Week for six or seven Weeks together 5. His Drink was a small Decoction of Guajacum and Sarsa 6. In the Intervals of purging I sometimes gave him my Magistral Antepileptick pouder sometimes the musked Electuary mentioned in some of these Epileptick Observations and sometimes I gave him Crato's Antepileptick powder which were of good use yet they took not totally away the fits 7. Upon the advice which I received from another Physician to try a few Doses of Laudanum I made an attempt with one grain and half afterwards continuing the exhibition thereof for six or seven days I encreased the dose to two grains and to two grains and half by the use of which thing the fits absolutely ceased 8. I was the more willing to make Tryal thereof because of the worth and experience of my Friend who told me that he had many times proved it in a Falling-sickness with great success and that for the most part he found it do the Cure when all other things failed 9. Upon this assurance I made this Tryal and found it in all Cases to answer the Character he
came into my thoughts which possibly may not be unwelcome to you 4. A certain Country-man hard by being a long time afflicted with an Epilepsy sent for an Emperick being then about the Age of forty this Man gave him a violent purge which wrought both up and down at one time by the benefit of which even against the opinion of Hippocrates lib. 2. Aphor. 42. he was freed from the Falling-sickness 5. But immediately after he was through the Obstruction of the Optick Nerves deprived of his sight he lived four years but never recovered his sight 6. Another example I shall give you of the like effect of this bad Artist's Skill another Country-man being for many years troubled with the Epilepsy and being now arrived at the twentieth year of his Age received a violent purging Potion from the aforesaid Emperick he was thereby freed indeed from that Disease but yet very unhappily 7. For not long after the peccant humours did flow down in such an abundance that besides an Inflamation in his right Eye he had an insufferable pain in his Head which with the continual flux of the humours brought at last the loss of his sight of that Eye 8. Now that his other Eye might be preserved I prescribed him some Medicaments to be taken now and then after a few days For it is dangerous to Cure suddenly if it be not safely too 9. Therefore Hippocrates prudently admonishes in lib. 1. Aphorism 22. not crude but concocted humours are to be healed and removed 10. A crude humour says Butinus because of its thickness and coldness is in motion flow nor does easily yield to Physick thence from the commotion of them bad Symptomes follows and so much the worser oft time by how much the Medicine is gentler in its attraction and the humour by its grossness stronger in its resistance or more fixed or is immur'd between strait passages Hildanus Cent. 5. Observ 5. LXVIII A Falling-sickness arising from one of the Legs 1. A certain Noble Youth being afflicted many years with the Epilepsy askt my advice That it was the Falling-sickness the affections did declare the signs of which were that the principal Faculties together with Sense and Motion were subverted When yet notwithstanding the perceiving it before hand the short stay of the fit it not often invading nor the disturbed Functions being altogether corrupted or vitiated do rather argue it to be a symtom than an absolute Epilepsy or rather a middle symptom intervening between an Epilepsy and a Vertigo 2. Of this Disease there are three kinds the first proceeds from the vitious temper of the Brain another by consent from the Stomach the third from any other part of the body this last is known by this token that it falls not suddenly without warning but the Patient has a discerning of it some little time before it comes 3. And indeed such was this of Our Patient it cannot be accounted of the first kind for before the fit he discerns as it were a kind of subtle Spirit or Vapour to arise or ascend by degrees from his said Leg and from the great Toe of the same to the Brain and without doubt there the fountain of the Disease is fixed 4. But when as it is wont to be with many men the exhalations from the inferior parts into the Head are as it were perpetual in whom such a symptom as here in our Patient does not arise it is most evident that the exhalation contains in it a malignant and venemous quality which offends the Brain 5. And it is very agreeable that the Legg from whence the cause comes should have been long vexed with Fluxes and Ulcers whereof although the Patient be free yet it is most likely that there remains a bad quality in some part by reason of which the matter there gathered partaking of that Venom and touching the Brain by certain Intervals hurt its Faculites 6. But when it might be said That he was often troubled with the pain of the Stomach and with the Cholick it is not dissentaneous that he is thus afflicted through the Sympathy of these parts 7. The Cause of this Distemper is a cold humour and from thence it may be concluded the Disease is Chronick the continual pain of the Stomach as well as the pain of the Cholick do testify and shew the Temperament to be cold and moist 8. The Curative Indications are these viz. the evacuation of the cold humors the warming of the Stomach the strengthening of the Concoction the drying warming and strengthning of the Legg and when the Head receives matter transmitted from any other Cause it is a certain sign that it is afflicted with weakness 9. Therefore endeavours must be used to strengthen it that it may be the better able to resist and beat off the assaults of such Enemies although this Disease be of its own nature very grievous yet there is great hopes to be conceived of a recovery 10. For according to Hippocrates those young Men that are afflicted with the Falling-sickness are freed very much by the change of Age times seasons and Diet and some that are Epileptick before they arrive to the ripeness of Age meet with a change 11. As to the Cure although the humour to be evacuated seems to require no light Medicines yet by reason of age I think it better to use them Therefore then I shall be content with one simple Medicament But that being repeated let him take every other day about an hour before Supper one dose of pil Ruffi with pil Agarick of which this is the composition 12. Take the best Aloes Ammoniacum of each one ounce the best Myrrh half an ounce bruise them a part and then mix all together with Aromatick Wine make a paste Dose one pill the weight of a scruple let them be taken to at least two drams and every other day let him take three spoonfuls of Oxymel simple 13. Evacuation being made the flatuous humours are to be discussed and the Ventricle to be strengthened taking for some days a Confection of Ginger to the quantity of a Walnut in the morning with an empty Stomach 14. Diatrion pipereon Galeni simplex is the best also before Eating let his drink be of Wormwood-wine in the place of salt add to all his Meat the pouder which is made of Sugar two ounces Cinnamon half an ounce 15. Let his Legs be rub'd often in a bath made of a Lixivium in which are boyled Marjoram Wormwood Roses Sage Betony Rosemary Lavender with the addition of Wine 16. The Finger from whence that venomous Vapour proceeds must be anointed at night before sleep with Treacle dissolv'd in aqua vitae 17. It will be a very good praecaution if before the fit even while he feels it a coming that he use things to bind the parts as either the root of the Finger the Ankles and Knee 18. Great care is to be had of the Head a Lixivum being often adhibited in
two days 1. Galen says that the Falling sickness being a Convulsion of all the parts of the Body which is not perpetual but returns at some certain intervalls consisting in the Brain or some other part affected the humour stopping the passage of the Animal spirits which are contain'd in the Ventricles of the Brain whereby follows such a Concussion of the Nerves as forcibly to expel that which is held in the ventricles or what is delated there from any other part must needs do great hurt 2. Those who are troubled with this disease you may perceive not only to be afflicted with a Convulsion of the whole Body but also with such a deprivation of the functions of the external Senses as that they cannot see hear nor speak 3. Their looks are stern their Eyes and Mouth drawn awry and they snort while they Breath and the reason why they make this noise when they breath is because there is no passage for the Breath through the narrow and inequal places which are filled with flegm 4. The Trachea Arteria to wit near the Larynx being fill'd with the gross humour there must needs be a snorting kind of noise especially if the humour abound and the place be narrow by which the Breath should pass 5. Another reason is when the pituitous humor descending from the Brain contain'd in a hollow place with which the Breath is mixed and by expiration is emitted causes such an agitation of the humour the native heat which is the Vehicle of all the powers assisting as that in the act of breathing there appears a great noise which grows greater and greater according to the accession and force of the humour 6. If according to Galen snorting be an Indication of an Apoplexy how more justly may we referr it to be an indication of the Epilepsy 7. This snorting which is nothing else but a sounding Breath emitted and received into the Aspera Arteria is deducible from two Causes as first from some thick gross humour or dark vapour which obstructs the Breath of which kind of distemper Plinius Nepos relates that Plinius Veronensis died 8. And it was occasion'd thus the latter going up to the Mountain Vesuvius to look on a prodigious flaming Cloud his breath was obstructed by a gross dark vapour by reason of the narrowness of the passage and his great snorting he could not draw his Breath and so died 9. Lastly it proceeds from the too great siccity or driness of the Aspera Arteria or the want of strength as is discernable in those that are near death or in those that are Peripneumonick or Pleuretick or in those that are troubled with acute Feavers so much concerning snorting which happens in the disease of the Falling-sickness 10. Now by these Accessions the mind and the internall senses are for the most part hurt it is evident also That the Brain being hurt and its Ventricle being obstructed there follows an obstruction of all its actions according to Galen 11. What wonder is it then if the Animal spirit which sit as Ruler of both senses and motion be viciated and all the Internal and External senses be hurt and this is certainly the cause why the Reason Cogitation and Memory in those that are taken with the Falling-sickness do not proceed regularly 12. For the faculty of the Brain and its Instrument the Animal spirit being possessed of of the Disease and being intent and earnest to overcome it is rendred less able to perform its several functions and offices 23. A wonderful weariness and weakness redounds from the Accession of this humour which happens upon this Account because Nature in this great Contest labours to be rid of so hurtful a Distemper by which battel there is a great resolution both of the native heat and the spirits from whence they become pale weak and dejected 14. And this Accession in the sick person proceeds rather by consent from the Ventricle and Belly fill'd with much flegm than the property and and primogenious affection of the Brain as the manner reason and celerity of the Cure 15. Where the Evil comes from the primogenious affection of the Brain chiefly in declining Age either never or in a long tract of time that affection is wont to be cured 16. According to Hypocrates's mind those that have the Falling-sickness before the ripeness of Age meet with an alteration but if the Disease trouble till the twenty fifth year the sick dies 17. A great and habitual hurt is indicated in the principal part where the affection continues so long that either it is with great difficulty or not at all cured 18. Why about the end of the Accession there appears much spume or froth in the mouth there is this reason for it 19. The matter contain'd in the Brain obstructing the Ventricle falling down is carried by that pipe to the mouth which ending on the palate from the middle Ventricle of the Brain derives its Excrements 20. It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek Infundibulum in Latin Colatorium among Anatomists 21. The matter being detruded from this part and mixed to the spirituous substance makes a spume or Froth for indeed according to Galen all spume proceeds from the mixture of two substances one spirituous and the other moist 22. The mixture of these is thus both of them are broken and divided into many and those procreate little small bubbles the violent motion either of both or of one makes the mixture sometimes of the frothy substance with the watery as also a strong heat as is experienced in the sea that is moved with the winds which according to the Impetuosity of the motion it is more or less furious and frothy 23. Now because the Disease is fierce and sharp and is accompanied with many bad symptomes by which it is fear'd the sick person may fall into an Apoplexy not only because of the plenty of the matter filling the Ventricles of the Brain but also the greatness and duration of the Epileptick fits for she continued almost a day in one perpetual fit or Accesion 24. She must be help'd according to Hippocrates in one day if the Disease be Acute procrastination in such is Dangerous 25. Therefore we count it best to bring back the matter again from the principal part and to Expurgate the same the Head is to be strengthened and the sick reliev'd by Efficacious and opportune Remedies 26. Also the humour is to be caried down to the inferiour parts by a smart Clyster and the Cephalick vein is to be opened and because the matter did swell by a vehement obstruction and had possessed the Brain we must succour the principal part 27. The description of the Clyster is as followes Take the four Emollitives for the Belly was constipated when she was taken with the Epilepsy of each a handful Hyssop Betony sweet Marjoram Bawm Centaury the lesser of each half a handful the seeds of
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
the admiration of the by-standers he presently rested came to himself and grew well 3. I gave him a Fumigation of a Lobster into his Nostrils and extracted plentifully Blood from the Median Vein his Drink was the distilled water of Lavender sweetned with the Conserve of Peony Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 32. CXXII The Epilepsy in a middle aged Man 1. A Man about forty four years of Age suffered an Epilepsy which was accompanied with Melancholy his Urine was froathy and muddy 2. My advice being required I restored him in a few days to his former Health by these following Medicines Take the pouder of the roots Asarum one dram Wine six ounces mix them and make a draught which he drank off warm in his bed Sweating much and Vomiting whereupon he grew well 3 Our Sternutatory was used to considerable advantage for his Drink Wine was given wherein Hysop was infused Martinus Rudus Cent. 10. Cur. 65. CXXIII The Epilepsy in a middle aged Woman 1. A Married Woman becoming Epileptick having advised with me in the forty six year of her Age about her Cure I ordered Drink of the Decoction of Sage because she was a poor Citizen 2. For purging her I prescribed the following things Take the Water of Tile flowers mix them and make an infusion according to Art strain and take it every day for two days together 3. She sweated seven days together in her Bed taking six ounces of the Decoction of Hysop warm these Prescriptions being followed he was totally delivered from this Malady Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 66. CXXIV The Epilepsy in a very aged Woman 1. A Widow about seventy years of Age was vexed with the Falling-sickness for four years at the interval of Weeks according to the variety of Weather 2. Having advised with me I prescribed Vinum sublimatum i. e. spirit of Wine Pantonosagogum by which she was copiously purged without the least Detriment and was freed from that dangerous and tedious Disease Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 72. CXXV The Epilepsy in another ancient Woman 1. Another Widow in the sixtieth year of her age became Epileptick having fits six times every day and from the first minute of the Paroxysm her Hands and Fingers were convulsed then she fell and lay as one stupifyed for the space of half an hour afterwards she could rise and come to her self again 2. This Woman was recovered by me with this one following easy Medicine Take sublimated Wine i. e. spirit of Wine into which infuse Hysop then take every night going to Bed three large spoonfuls or two ounces when she had followed these Directions for a Week together the Convulsion totally intermitted and never returned again Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 95. CXXVI A Man Epileptick afflicted with the Stone 1. This Man being near forty years of Age and for above ten or twelve years past much afflicted with the Stone in the Bladder was at length siezed with the Falling-sickness The first Fit took him about the beginning of May the second Fit near the latter end of the same Months afterwards the Fits followed him for a while once a Week and at length he fell with them every day 2. He tryed several Physicians without any remedy at length he came to me he complained to me of both his Distempers nor could he tell which afflicted him most but desired my help against them both and by reason his Body was very apt to be bound I caused it to be kept open somtimes with Diacatholicon and somtimes with stewed Prunes prepared with Sena 3. Then I ordered this following Bolus to be taken every night going to bed Take Balsam of Peru three ounces pouder of Mans skull six drams salt of Hartshorn Misleto of the Oak Peony-seeds in pouder of each three drams mix and make an Electuary Dose from one dram to half an ounce encreasing the dose gradually this was taken for about nine or ten months without intermission 4. Every Morning fasting the following Potion was given Take Rhenish Wine four pound Onions shred small six ounces infuse all for forty hours then squeeze hard out to the expressed Liquor add distilled Water of Onions one pound and half salt of Mans skull one ounce mix them Dose five or six spoonfuls every Morning fasting or somewhat more encreasing the Dose also as the Patient can bear it 5. After this had been taken for a month the following was given for a month longer Take Oyl of Juniper-berries from twenty drops to thirty juyce of Limons two spoonfuls mix the Oyl first with a little white Sugar then with the juyce of Limons and so let him take it drinking after it a little draught of Water distilled from biting Arsmart or from Onions 6. And every day an hour before Dinner about ten ounces of the following mixture was given him Take simple water of Juniper-berries simple distilled waters of biting Arsmart and of Onions of each a like quantity mix them to which add at time of giving to every dose two drams or more of the Volatile and Antepileptick spirit of Vitriol 7. Once also every Week and somtimes oftner I purged his Head with proper Errhines by which a vast quantity of Water and purulent Excrements were drawn from thg Brain this was commonly done at night going to bed that he might not take cold by immediate going into the Air and by the constant use of these Medicines this Patient was perfectly cured of his Disease however after the first Month I ordered him for his constant drink a small Decoction of Guajacum in which a small quantity of Mustard-seed and Horse Radish roots were infused Ex MSS. R. Turneri Observ 127. CXXVII The Falling-sickness with other Symptoms 1. A Gentlewoman about 20 years of Age was afflicted every day with Suffocation and Swoâ—ning which degenerated into a Delirium and Convulsion of the whole Body afterwards there was some mitigations of those Symptoms yet they continued somtimes for the space of fifteen days 2. She was also troubled with a most grievious and sharp pains in her Arteries insomuch that she was constrained to cry out bitterly and if sometimes there appeared any intermission of her pains yet she was oppressed by Melancholy and became so lean that she looked not much better than an Anatomy being of a very wane palish colour as if she had been labouring under the Green-sickness 3. She remained in this Condition without Cure for the space of four or five years at length all the Physicians of Thoulouze were convocated to have a Consultation for her Cure but they looking on her Condition as desperate committed her Cure to time her native Air and the care of her Parents hoping that by those means she might recover 4. Notwithstanding she continued under her former Circumstances for many years and those Symptoms getting ground and growing every day more and more vigorous at last all means being dispaired of I was called upon and I asked what Medicines the Doctors
tedious and violent and a watery humor flows forth at the Nostrils it will be good to shave the Head of the Child and to apply a Vesicatory over the whole Head this I have known sometimes to Cure at the first drawing it may be repeated if occasion be two or three times 8. It cannot be done in vain but with great advantage to the Sick forasmuch as that the watery juyce or degenerated Lympha which is the Conjunct Cause of the Disease is clearly drawn away 9. And this is more admirably done and with greater advantage in Infants than in persons of elder years because as yet in Children the Sutures of the Skull are not perfectly closed whereby not only the aforesaid degenerated Lymphatick Juyce but also the preternatural Vapours lodged in the Cavities of the Brain are drawn forth 10. This done the Soar being healed we must make use of Discussives of which the Powers of Amber are of mighty force being Bathed upon the whole Head so all the Powers of Sage Rosemary Lavender sweet Marjoram Thyme Tansey Featherfew Savory and such like 11. For they pierce and penetrate through the flesh Pericranium and softness of the Skull whereby not only the Menings of the Brain but the Brain it self are marvellously dryed comforted and strengthened and the Animal Spirits themselves recreated 12. The Temples Forehead and Nostrils ought to be bathed with the same and this ought to be done twice a day for two or three Weeks together 13. After which the Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus Valesius may be applyed to the Coronal Sutures for as much as it is said that that Plaster alone never fails of the Cure the Composition and Preparation whereof you may see sect 73. § 4. aforegoing of this Chapter 14. Moreover it will be profitable that the the Hands and Feet should be bathed with these Potestates or Powers aforenamed not only because it might probably have a rise from those parts but also by reason of the consent and sympathy of the same 15. The third Intention consists in the exhibiting of proper Specificks if the Child be two three or more years old the Gilla Theophrasti or Salt of Vitriol may be profitably given 16. For as Paracelsus says They are specificks in rooting out the Falling-sickness especially in Children for by gentle Convulsions of the Stomach they cause Vomiting whereby the root of the peccant matter is taken away the Stomach cleansed and strengthened from whence an laudible Chyle is generated whereby strong and salutiferous Spirits are bred in the Heart and Brain 17. This same salt of Vitriol may be given two three or four times according as you see the Disease increase and it is so safe that it may be given even to young Children the Dose to Children is ten grains to half a dram according to their Age and Strength 18. If it be given by a wise Hand it will not only evacuate the humor upward but also derive a part of the morbifick Cause downwards 19. Some commend Hiera picra or the Infusion thereof in a proper Liquour truly the thing is good but 't is too bitter to be given to Children 20. The following things I have proved as Specificks in this Case Take pouder of Male-peony seeds and roots of each one dram and half pouder of Mans skull salt of Hartshorn and pouder of Nutmegs of each a dram Elks-hoof prepared half a dram mix them in a fine Pouder Dose from 15 grains to half a dram 21. Take Castoreum a dram and half prepared Amber half a dram pouder of Peony-seeds and Peacocks dung of each two scruples Oyl of Lavender ten drops mix them Dose ten grains to a scruple 22. Take Nutmegs a scruple pouder of Peony-roots and seeds of each two scruples Misleto of the Oak one dram Castoreum Mans skull prepared Musk in fine pouder of each four scruples mix them together and make an Electuary with the Extract of black Cherries Dose one dram to two drams giving after it a little Cinnamon water 23. Take Tincture of Castoreum Tincture of Mans skull of each an ounce Tincture of Lavender-flowers Tincture of Saffron of each six drams spirit of Mans skull half an ounce Powers of Amber two drams mix them the Dose one dram or more in proper Liquor 24. Take Water of the flowers of the Line-tree Water of the flowers of the Lilly Convally of each six ounces syrup of the juyce of Alkermes syrup of the juyce of Male-peony-flowers of each four ounces spirit of Angelica the greater Composition spirit of Castor of each three ounces strong Cinnamon-water Aqua Coelestis of each two ounces and half Powers of Rosemary Sage Lavender Origanum and sweet Marjoram of each half an ounce white sugar enough to sweeten them well mix all together and so you have a Liquor whitish red of which you may give the Child half a spoonful every Morning and Evening alone or in a glass of Sack 25. With this following Pouder I have cured several Take choice Musk one dram Ambergrise Cochineal Salt of Mans skull of each a scruple mix and make a Pouder which may be given with a little Conserve of red Roses drinking after it a Glass of choice Canary 26. Also our Epileptick Pouder which we have commended in the Cure of the Vertigo is inferiour to very few things 27. Riverius commends this Take Peony-seeds a dram and half Lavender-flowers a pugil Amber two scruples make a fine pouder 28. Columna saith That the root of Wild Valerian given in pouder in Milk has cured very many 29. Vntzerus commends the Gall of a black sucking Puppy but of a Bitch for a Girl to be taken to three or four drops in Tile-flower water he saith it will cure to a Miracle 30. Riverius commends the Back-bone and the Members contracted to be anointed with this following Liniment Take Oyl of Rue Oyl of Earthworms of each two ounces Oyl of Castor a dram and with a little Aqua Vitae make a Liniment it ought to be well rub'd in twice a day Morning and Evening 31. That learned Man and great Chymist Maxy commended to me this as a great secret that would never fail Take Venice Treacle Confect of Alkermes of each half an ounce salt of Mans skull fine pouder of Cocheneel Musk in subtle pouder of each two drams Ambergrise a dram mix and make an Electuary of which the quantity of a Nutmeg may be given the Child every Morning 32. He also commended to me salt of Vipers mixed with equal parts of salt of Mans skull and Musk as a remedy that had scarcely any equal 33. Moreover he told me from manifold and large experiences that all fixt Alchalies if often and long taken would infallibly Cure this Disease for that they enervated the Acid juyce and the sowerness of the Blood which he conceived to be the Cause of this Disease 34. And that he knew more to be cured by taking of Volatile and Fixt Alchalies such as are Salt
a warm place and lastly distil in Balneo Mariae 36. Other Epileptick waters Take flowers of Lillys-Convally one pound Cowslips eight ounces Peony Lavender Tile-tree Betony Mullein of each two ounces young Swallows cleansed number twenty four seeds of bastard Lovage of Carduus Benedictus of each two drams Peony seeds two ounces and half tops of Rue two pugills and half roots of Peony two ounces of long Birthwort one ounce and half Dittany half an ounce Misleto of the Oak one ounce and six drams Cubebs one ounce black Pepper Castor of each half an ounce Rosemary flowers one ounce and half affuse upon them Malago wine a sufficient quantity and distil per Vesicam Or thus Take flowers of Lillys-Convally two ounces and half Peony Lavender and Betony flowers of each an ounce and half flowers of the Tile-tree of Rosemary and of Arabian Staechas of each half an ounce roots and seeds of Peony of each one scruple round Birthwort roots three drams Misleto of the Oak two drams Cubebs Cinnamon of each four scruples long Pepper half a dram Castor one scruple cut bruise and infuse in spirit of Wine a sufficient quantity for some days then distil in Balneo Mariae Or thus Take fresh flowers of Lillys-Convally one pound infuse them so long in a sufficient quantity of generous wine till you can have fresh Tile-tree flowers of which take half a pound Peony flowers four ounces let them stand in digestion for some weeks then distil in Balneo to dryness in the distilled Liquor infuse again Peony roots half an ounce roots of white Dittany Misleto of the Oak of each half an ounce roots of Pyrethrum half a dram seeds of Peony half an ounce Castoreum two scruples leaves of Rue one handful flowers of Staechas and Lavender of each four pugills Betony flowers six pugills Cubebs Mace of each two drams Cinnamon half an ounce squills prepared three drams digest fifteen days then distil in an Alembick Dose from half an ounce to an ounce 37. The Antidote of George Phaedro Take roots of Angelica of Tormentil of each half an ounce Rhubarb three drams roots and seeds of Peony of each six drams wild Tansie with its flowers three drams Rue Coriander prepared of each two drams Mace one dram and half Castoreum two drams dung of wild Geese and of Peacoks of each half an ounce Ashes of Swallows an ounce and half Asses hoof half an ounce being poudered put upon them Aqua Picarum and Aqua Hirundinum of each a quart digest for a month and then distil in Balneo Or thus from the same Phaedro Take of Our Mysterium one grain prepared Pearls half a scruple of the Vterine Elixir five drops Peony water a sufficient quantity make a potion to be given to the sick before the Paroxysm after the fit let the hinder part of the Head be anointed with this Balsam Take Oyl of Turpentine one pound strained Galbanum half a pound Gum Elemi or of Ivy three ounces distil from thence a Balsam to be used as aforesaid He also commends as a great specifick the sweet Oyl of Vitriol so made perse without any other addition Or thus Take flowers of Lillys Convaly three pints of the best wine nine pints digest in a vessel close stopt for some days then distil to the distilled Liquor add Lavender flowers a quart Cubebs Cinnaman Gallangal Nutmegs Mace of each half an ounce Misleto of the Oak Peony roots of each six drams digest fourteen days then distil in Balneo 38. To these you may add Aqua Absinthij composita Aqua Angelicae composita Spirit of Lavender compound Spiritus Castorei Aqua Poeoniae composita which is the Aqua Antepileptica Langij Bezoartica Matthioli Cephalica Mylij Cephalica Horstij Apoplectica Crollij Cardiaca Paracelsi Aqua Picarum composita Aqua Antispasmatica and the Aqua Epileptica Sennerti all which you may see in Our Pharmacopaeia Londinensis lib. 4. cap. 1. sect 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 31. 39. 40. 42. 47. 57. 58. and 63. with some others to these you may add Aqua Antepileptica Maxij Aqua Reginae Hungariae Aqua Anhaltina Cephalica Reinesij Antepileptica Vntzeri Antepileptica Harundinum Vulgaris all which you may see in Our Doron lib. 2. cap. 1. § 1. 9. 12. 19. 21. 22. to which we here refer you There are also several Spirits Oyls and Potestates of great Virtue for this purpose described in those afore named Books which it would be too long for us here to enumerate and therefore we leave you to the Works themselves 39. Compound Antepileptick pouders Take Misletoe of the Oak Peony seeds flowers and roots all gathered in their proper times of each two drams solution of Coral two scruples of Pearls one scruple Mans skull one dram and half Elks-hoof one dram white Amber half a dram mix and make a fine pouder dose a scruple to one dram for the Sick you may add Bezoar stone Ambergrise and Musk of each a scruple Or thus Take Elks hoofs Mans skull roots and seeds of Peony of each one dram red Coral prepared one scruple Diamoschi Dulcis half a dram make a pouder Or thus Take roots of Peony Florentine Orrice Misleto of the Oak Elks hoofs Peony seeds of each one dram red Coral white Amber prepared of each a scruple Emeralds prepared Xylo-aloes of each ten grains flowers of Lavender and Rosemary of each four grains mix and make a pouder Or thus Take Mans skull two drams Amber prepared Magistrys of Pearls and Coral of each one dram Elks hoof Misleto of the Oak Peony roots of each two scruples flowers of the Tile-tree and of Lavender of each half a dram Bezoar stone Vnicorns horn of each ten grains mix and make a pouder Or thus Take Peony seeds Misleto of the Oak Mans skull Peacocks dung of each one dram and half species Diaxylo-Aloes Diamoschi Dulcis of each half a dram mix and make a pouder 40. Other Antepileptick pouders Take roots and seeds of Peony Cubebs Misleto of the Oak Cinnamon of each one scruple white Amber prepared Castoreum of each ten grains Mans skull Harts-horn levigated of each one scruple Emeralds half a scruple Diamoschi Dulcis Diapliris of each half a dram leaves of Gold number two mix and make a pouder Or Thus Take Misleto of the Oak Elks hoofs Harts-horn levigated red Coral Crabs eyes Pearls prepared of each half a dram Peony roots half an ounce Saffron raspings of Mans skull of each a scruple leaves of Gold number six white sugar Candy half an ounce mix and make a pouder Or Thus Take Peony roots and seeds Fragments of the five precious stones levigated of each half a scruple Diamoschi Dulcis Misleto of the Oak of each a dram Mans skull three drams Elks hoof two drams and half Mace Cardamoms Cubebs Coriander of each one dram leaves of Gold and Silver of each number six make a pouder which sweeten with Sugar Or thus Take Peony roots one dram Misleto of the
she found much comfort also for change of Medicaments I further prescribed this Take spirit of Angelica the greater Composition four ounces Oyl of Cinnamon half a dram mix them by shaking of this she took half a spoonful at a time in a glass of Sack now and then somtimes of this somtimes of the powers of Cloves by the use of which her Stomack was not only comforted and restored but her Heart was corroborated and her spirits mightily revived so that now she no longer doubted of her recovery 11. By the Continual use of the powers of Juniper-berries and Ens Veneris a large quantity of red Gravel came from her with much slime and viscous filth in a months time there was saved of pure red Gravel above half a pint for a while no longer than she took the powers of Juniper-berries could she have any ease but by the constant use of the same in about six weeks time the Lady was in hopes to be restored to her desired health I must confess beyond all my inward presages and expectations considering into what a low state of body she was brought who was at my undertaking of her little more than skin and bone so much had her distemper emaciated and weakned her 12. Outwardly I caused her Temples Nostrills Pulses of her Wrists and Stomach to be bathed with the following composition as also the whole region of the Abdomen from the sternon to the share Take powers of Oranges and Limons of each an ounce powers of Rosemary and sassafras of each half an ounce powers of Caraways and Amber of each two drams mix them together with this mixture the parts above named were bathed twice a day viz. morning and evening for about twenty days together By the use of all these things as above prescribed the young Lady was perfectly restored to her pristin Health in about eight weeks time to the joy and satisfaction both of her self and her afflicted Relations VI. Convulsion fits in another young Gentlewoman arising from Pains of the stone or Gravel c. 1. This person after many weeks lingring sickness fell into my hand she was much wasted and reduced into a very low condition so that life was dispaired of Her fits were plainly Convulsive accompanied with a continual Vomiting loss of appetite loathing sickness at Stomach paleness of countenance and trembling over her whole body her pulses were feeble her urine and dejection black like soot and whatsoever she eat for many days met with such a stoppage in her Stomach that it past not through her moreover the stoppage of urine and extream pain in making of water was almost perpetual 2. It was suspected to be the stone upon which she was searched first by a Scotch man secondly by an eminent Chyrurgian of this town but no stone of any bigness could be found or perceived except some small ones about the bigness of large Pease or the like however the Chyrurgian and other eminent Physicians who were then sent for concluded it to be a Cancer of the Womb. 3. I being present began to admire at that judgment for as much as the Lady had never any distemper of the Womb and being an unmarried Gentlewoman as she had never any eminent stoppage of her Courses so was she not troubled with any other distemper of the Womb to occasâ—on such a suspicion moreover among all the symptoms that were present not any one symptom of a Cancer appeared there was neither inflamation tumor nor obstruction of the Womb nor any wound Ulcer hardness or Pain of the Womb all the pains which she sustained arose purely from the obstruction of the urine by slime gravel sand and small stones c. and where as in Cancers there is always a perpetual pain in them the contrary was evident in this Lady for she has been somtimes not only hours and days in absolute ease but weeks also which very thing alone declared the absence of a Cancer 4. Notwithstanding all these arguments and many more which I then used so magisterial were the Gentlemen in their opinion that there was no removing them from it from whence it was concluded the sick was uncurable and therefore must be content to submit to her fate which heavy and disconsolate judgment did in my opinion more hurt to the Patient than her Disease for such a flood of tears and so much grief seiz'd upon her for five or six days that we thought by that alone she would be carried off no arguments nor perswasion which I could use to the contrary could prevail with her to satisfy her 5. At length she submitted to my Arguments and committed her self to my Care and by reason of that great oppression at Stomach I gave her a gentle Vomit to wit sal Vitrioli a dram dissolved in a little Chicken broth it gave her about six Vomits and some slight motions downwards the next day it was repeated again and it gave her about the like number of Vomits bringing up a very great quantity of thick tough viscous flegm which cooled and chil'd the Ventricle hindred digestion caused Vomitings and obstructed all the adjacent passages 6. This Vomit was repeated five or six times so long till she ceased vomiting up such a bird-lime-like flegm and truly in my opinion the quantity of that kind of Flegm which was brought out of her Ventricle much exceeded what we have mentioned in the former observation so that I cannot but wonder in my own brest how the Ventricle of any Creature could be loaded with such a quantity of praeternatural matter and live however this was observable that upon the second Vomit all the Convulsion fits ceased although the fits before returned somtimes more than ten or twelve times in the space of twenty four hours this gave encouragment to me to prosecute the cure and now this heavy matter being removed from the Stomach she began to desire food to eat it to digest it and to gather strength thereupon 7. However to comfort and strengthen the Ventricle thus debilitated with that abundance of cold matter I ordered her now and than to take powers of Cloves in Sack somtimes this following mixture Take spirit of Angelica the greater composition four ounces Oyl of Cinnamon half a dram mix them dose half a spoonful at a time in choice Canary also for change of liquors and for a farther gratification of the Stomach I ordered the sick to drink her fill of Wormwood wine which she also longed for 8. Now I began to think of taking away the pain in making water and the obstruction of the Urine both which were mightily abated by the preceeding Vomits for which purpose I first gave her this Take pure spirit of Turpentine one dram juyce of Limons two spoonfuls mix them for two doses which she took this done I gave her the infusion of large Onions in Rhenish wine which was drunk for some days after that the infusion of winter Cheries in Rhenish Wine
Brain and Animal spirits were conforted 30. But in less than six hours after the blow by reason I suppose of the adhibition of the Powers of Rosemary to the Nostills a vehement Haemorrhage followed in which the sick bled by the Nostrills at least a quart of Blood seeing so exceeding great an evacuation we did our endeavour to stop it to his Forehead this Cataplasm was applyed Take the white of an new laid Egg Terra sigillata one ounce fine Bole a sufficient quantity mix and make a Pultise which was applyed with hards of flax upon Leather as aforesaid all the extream parts were strongly bound with good Ligature the Testicles were also bound and fomented with Venegar the sick was laid upon his back and the pouder of Toads was blown up his Nostrills with a Quill and a dry'd Toad was given him to hold in his Hand Moreover the Crown of his Head was shaved and a Vesicatory applyed thereto by the use of this meanes the Haemorrage was in a short time stopt and the Vehemency and swift return of the Convulsions slakt whereby the Patient had some ease 31. In about six or seven hours more his bleeding was again excited so that it was supposed that he lost at least three pints more of blood and then it was stopt again by the use of the means aforesaid This extream bleeding doubtless mightily weakned the Patient yet certainly delivered him from all future danger of an Apoplexy or other mortal Diseases of the Brain which otherwise might have happened 32. But now whereas his Body was exceedingly bound so as he had not been at stool in above six days no doubt but it was of evil consequence in this case and therefore I ordered the exhibition of this following Clyster Take fresh roots of Lillys and Peony of each two ounces leaves of Mallows Beets garden Arach Sage Centory the less of each a handful flowert of Lavender Staechas Rosemary Camomil of each a pugil Peony seeds Wheat bran of each two drams Caraways one dram make a decoction and strain to a pint hereof add juyce of Beets brown Sugar of each an ounce Hiera picra Hirae Logadij of each two drams Oyâ— of Amber a dram salt half a dram mix and make a Clyster This was exhibited and it wrought gently and plesantly upon him and he confest himself much the better 33. To Comfort him by the mouth I gave this Take Aqua Coelestis Aqua Mirabilis of each one ounce Angelica water the greater composition half an ounce Peony water syrup of Betony of each two ounces syrup of Limons one ounce mix them of this the sick took now and then a spoonful which exceedingly cheared his spirits and Corroborated his Animal faculties now very much hurt 34. Every six hours also I caused the parts aforenamed to be bathed with the Powers of Amber and Rosemary mixed of each a like quantity as also all the back bone from the highest Vertebra of the Neck to the Os Coccigis all the joynts and extream parts together with the Stomach Hypochonders and Testicles whereby the whole Nervous system was strengthned and truly restored And although I must confess that inward Medicines are of mighty use in Convulsions yet I am fully perswaded and confirmed herein by very large experience that external Medicaments of a heating Anodyne resolving and neurotick property do much more contribute to this Cure as sooner reaching the parts hurt except the Convulsion be first excited in the Bowells by poyson violent purges a Vehement Diarrhea the Cholick c. and yet in this Case when the Genus Nervosum comes to be universally afflicted externalls such as those afore named are of most admirable use and this thing I could not but communicate to all the sons of Art for the sake and benefit of the poor afflicted patients 35. The Chyrurgian my assistant would needs have the Sick constantly to take of the following wine a quarter of a pint or better morning noon and night about half an hour before eating the which he told me He had found large experience of and doubtless it is a very good thing Take Rhenish wine choice Canary of each a gallon Peony roots and seeds bruised Misleto of the Oak thick Galangal Calamus Aromaticus Zedoary Aracardiums of each an ounce and half flowers of Lavender and Rosemary of Staechas and Saffron of each two ounces Betony Bawm Calamint Mint Sweetmarojram flowers of Lilly convally of each half a handful Wormwood a larg handful digest all for eight or ten days then decant of the clear wine and let the Patient drink it but it will be good to let the wine stand upon the Ingredients close stopt up during the whole time of the drinking this Wine the sick took but I prescribed him to take it either with or immediately after the taking of the following pouder Take roots and seeds of Peony Misleto of the Oak Elks hoof skull of a dead Man of each half an ounce Swallows dried and poudred Peacocks dung Nutmegs Cloves of each six drams Musk one ounce make of all a very fine pouder the dose from a scruple to two scruples according to age and strength This our Patient took half a dram thereof thrice a day with Roger Dixons wine aforementioned by the use of which things he prefectly recovered 36. He was exceeding weak for a long time and upon the taking of the least cold or overstraining himself or lifting any thing beyond his strength his Convulsions were very apt to return for more than eight weeks together for which cause sake we the more earnestly prest upon him the constant assiduous use of the aforesaid Medicaments till such time as he found his perfect restoration and for the keeping of his body soluble I ordered him often to repeat the aforementioned Clyster moreover after about five or six weeks time I began to purge his Body which I did with my Family Pills with Aloes and this was done once a week for a month together 37. That the hurt in this Patient was great was apparent and that the Genus Nervosum or whole Nervous System was grieved was almost without question for that the Convulsion seized every part from Head to Foot leaving him no where free that we could discern and the iteration of the fits were such at the first as for the most part deprived him of all his senses except that of feeling and yet notwithstanding all this the blow was not so great as to make a wound outward but from thence the Chyrurgian took his more dangerous prognosticks however such was the force thereof as to breake some of the Sanguineous vessels within the Brain as was manifest from that very great flux of Blood which Roger confidently affirmed came from the Cavities within the Skull and without which evacuation the fick must have inevitably perished XV. Convulsion fits in a Child new born 1. It was a little Girl born dead to appearance but after a little time
her to be liberally bathed over all the Abdomen from the Mucronata or lower part of the Sternon to the Os Pubis for about half an hour with the said Powers or Amber and her Belly to be covered with hot cloaths 〈◊〉 warm as she could endure them this was repeated every third hour for eight or ten times and through the Blessing of God this miserable Creature was saved from the jaws of Death XXII Convulsions arising by Consent from Pains in the Stone 1. This Man having been for many years afflicted with the Stone and Gravel at length the Pains became so exquisite as to excite Convulsion-Fits and that in an extream manner the man was of a gross or fat Body and of a long time used no kind of Exercise but eat well and drank freely and that a thick kind of foggy Ale which doubtless left Recremenâ—s enough in all the principal Passages from which Causes without doubt his Disease had its Beginnings 2. In the first place by reason of the fulness of the Body and the great Repletion of humours I thought fit to purge him the which I did with my Family-Pills as being a Medicament proper and specifick against the Stone it self and of which I have had Experience in several Persons in that Disease among the Rest one Andrew Beech of New-Castle in a Lâ—tter to me dated 18th of April 1682. gives this Commendation Honoured Doctor I have sold your Family-Pills for divers years and have often taken of them with good Success I believe under God they have been an Instrument of my Preservation for these three or four years last past But of late especially I have been troubled with the Stone and by taking of your Pills I have voided many Stones and some of them of a prodigious Bigness to come through a mans Yard These are the Gentleman 's own words in his said Letter however I have a Cloud of other Experiments of the same kind which enduced me at this time to their Exhibition I ordered him to take them every third or fourth day by the use thereof for six or seven times there was not only a large Evacuation of corrupt putrid and evil humours but also a Production of several small Stones about the Bigness of Wheat-Corns and some of them somwhat bigger to the number of Twenty three 3. In the Intâ—rvals of Purging I caused the Reins of his Back the Pubis and Perinaeum to be very well anointed twice a day with the Blood red Oyl of Scorpions and inwardly the Powers or Tinctures of Castoreum from twenty to forty drops to be given in this following Wine Take Old Rhenish Wine two quarts large Onions extreamly thin sliced or spread small six ounces digest forty eight hours and keep it for use He took four ounces of it at a time Morning Noon and Night with the Drops of the Powers and somtimes of the Tincture of Castoreum aforesaid 4. But by reason the Convulsions came often and held him very strongly we were forced to have recourse to Opiates amongst which I exhibited at first two grains of my Laudanum at bed-time in a glass of Rhenish Wine and Sugar this was done four times The fifth time I gave him three grains and continued that for four other Doses the ninth Dose I gave him four grains which I continued for a week and once a week increased his Dose a grain till it came to ten grains the which Dose I gave him five or six weeks together By this assiduous use of Laudanum not only the Pains of the Stone were mightily diminished but also the Convulsion-Fits were wholly abated 5. However the more absolutely to secure our Patient against these Convulsive-Motions I caused him to be bathed all over twice a day with this following Mixture Take Powers of Amber Powers of Oranges of Limons of Marjoram of Sage of Penny-royal of each three ounces Powers of Juniper-Berries of Rue of Caraways of Aniseed of each three ounces of Rosemary Sassafras and of Castoreum of each one ounce mix them with this Mixture he was bathed twice a day from Head to Foot for ten days but more especially the Convulsed Parts Hereby the Genus Nervosum was mightily comforted and refreshed and the Cause of the Spasm in some manner discussed 6. But as it was apparent that the Stone was the prime Cause of this pestiferous Evil so it was our Care to use powerful Lithontripticks for this purpose I ordered the four following Medicaments all of them singular specificks and of great Force in this Disease to be used by Course 7. A lithontriptick Liquor Take Rhenish-Wine two quarts Hydropiper-Water a quart Large Onions shred small six ounces Opium two ounces Pouder of Winter-Cherries one ounce and half House-Radish Root scraped Mustard seed bruised Sal Prunellae of each one ounce Salt of Tartar Volatile Salt of Millepedes of each six drams mixt digest twelve or fourteen days and express the Liquor which keep close stopt for use Dose two ounces 8. A lithontriptick Pouder Take Millepedes in pouder two ounces Egg-Shells calcined ten days in a Potters Furnace Winter-Cherries in fine pouder of each an ounce and half Sal Prunellae Opium in subtil pouder Volatile Salt of Harts Horn Volatile Sal Armoniack Salt of Vrine of each one ounce Salt of Juniper-Berries one ounce mix all in a fine Pouder and keep in a Silver Box with a good Skrew to keep it from the Air. Dose from a Scruple to two Scruples Morning and Evening 9. A lithontriptick Electuary Take Venice Turpentine four ounces Opium extracted Extract of Liquorice of each two ounces Liquid Storax Pouder of Millepedes of Winter-Cherries Egg-Shells calcined Sal Prunellae of each an ounce Volatile Salt of Millepedes Oyl of Juniper-Berries of each an ounce mix and make an Electuary to be kept in a Box with a Skrew Dose from a Scruple to half a Dram once a day in a fit Vehicle 10. A lithontriptick Spirit Take Rectified Spirit of Wine three pints Oyls of Sulphur of Vitriol and of Salt of each four ounces mix the Oyls first together then mix them with the Spirit of Wine by little and little till all is put in shake all well together digest for three months then distil in a Glass Alembick or Cucurbit with a very Gentle and Gradual fire that the Subtile and Volatile Spirit only may come over leaving a thick Magma at Bottom of the Substance of Honey or Consistence of a soft Extract In this Distillation you must be cautious your Fire be not too great for if it be it will force over all the Magma or Faeces with the Spirit and then your Labour will be lost and all your Work spoiled 11. This Spirit is of most Subtile and Volatile Parts and a specifick in all Diseases of the Brain whatsoever as well as in Diseases of the Reins It is a Specifick not only against the Stone whether in the Reins or Bladder which by its assiduous use it radically dissolves but
are wont to be sad and melancholick 3. Wherefore without the Help of the Caballine Fountain and the double topped or forked Parnassus only by the Assistance of Bacchus I am suddenly become a Poet and having drunk off his Cup thus he sung WHen Wine I drink all Cares do sleep No Harm I think nought makes me weep Then drink we Wine sweet Blood of Grapes Let 's cease to whine and ioy like Apes 4. The other being excellently read in Philosophy envying his Companion the Poet began thus to speak Many Commodities attend himi that loves Wine for Wine strengthens the Body helps the Digestion and Distribution of the Humours moves Urine and Sweat breeds Blood purifies the Spirits cherishes and refreshes them is of a very speedy Nutriment tempers the Humour makes men confident provokes the innate or inbred Heat causes Fruitfulness in Women is very like unto us and friendly to Nature repairing our decayed Forces tempering the Labours of old men the only Help against cold Diseases it causes Sleep breaks the Acrimony of bitter Choler drives away Sorrow makes the Mind cheerful resists all Poyson according to the Mind of all Authors 5. Lastly there is no Meat so sweet because it serves both for Food and Physick For it exceedingly helps swooning Persons and feeble in a word it makes the Faculties almost dead to revive again especially since with moderate though not with obscure Sweetness it sends from it self a most fragrant Odour wherefore prize Wine for its admirable Effects and for that every four-footed Creature is extreamly delighted therewith also Serpents themselves Swine Crows Bears Apes Elephants when Occasion is offered do exceedingly covet Wine as Pliny tells us Lib. 10. Cap. 72. 6. Whereupon having taken off his Cup thus he begane to sing with an audible and clear Voice WIne in my Crown all Cares doth drown I am rich and wise in mine own Eyes and Kings despise When Sprights of Wine themselves in twine With my sweet Spirit then I inherit Great Craesus's Wealth Wit Valor Health And All is mine by Force of Wine 7. I being tired out with so many words suddenly getting out of their hands who all this while kept me a Prisoner going up the stairs I visited my Patient and enquiring more particularly concerning his Condition I spent about half an hour coming down and devising hâ—â— to depart from that place without being seen again by them I find my Students as it were buried in Wine I feel their Pulses in one I and one in the other a very obscure one the former stept his last Sleep the latter being taken with a Convulsion many things being applied with much ado recovered 8. Wherefore true it is that of Hippocrates and Galen that from Drunkenness proceeds Speechlessness Convulsion Apoplexy Palsy dead Sleeps Stupefactions Falling-Sickness and other mortal Maladies but these are not the Faults of Wine simply considered but of over much Wine Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 3. Obser 122. L. A Convulsion in a middle-aged Woman 1 The Wife of a certain Country-man about the age of forty was afflicted with a grievous Convulsion of the hands together with an intollerable pain in the rest of the Joynts yet without any Cramp 2. There was also the beginning of an Epilepsy and her Urine was pale and muddy for which Causes the cure was thus instituted by me Take of the water of Tile-flowers six ounâ—â—â— of Senna laxative one dram and half mix them 3. As for drink let it be Sage and Hysop-Wine the third day after Purgation she did wash in a Decoction of Cammomil Juniper-Berries Mugwort these things being administred she grew perfectly well within a few days Martinus Rulandus Cur. 21. Cent. 7. LI. A Convulsion in a middle-aged Man 1. A noble Polander about the Age of thirty was miserably afflicted with a Convulsion only in one Arm Hand and the Fingers of that Hand my Counsel was desired towards the subduing of this Distemper 2. I becuse he did affirm he was sound in all other parts and did appear also to be so did repel or remove this Disease in three weeks time by the following Bath and Ointment 3. Take Mallows Lillies Daffodil of each six ounces Sage-Leaves three handfuls Wormwood Origanum of each two handfuls Flowers of Cammomil Melilot and Stechas of each two handfuls and a half Line-seed Faenugreek of each one pound Boyl them all in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath in which he is to fit before and after Noon 4. After he has used the Bath let the Neck Back-bone and all the Places afflicted with the Cramp be anointed with this Ointment Take Oyl of Violets three ounces of Lillies two ounces of sweet Almonds of Mastick of Roses of each one ounce mix them for an Ointment By these two Remedies only no other being tryed he recovered his former Health Martinus Rulandus Cur. 85. Cent. 8. LII A Convulsion in a Man grown into years 1. A certain Husband-man above four and fifty years of age did suffer under one of his Knees a Retorsion and Contraction with a pain of the Nerves insomuch that he was lame and could not stretch out his Foot he contracted all these Evills by a kick of a Horse but within a very short while he was cured by the following Medicines thus prepared 2. Take the Flowers of Cammomil Sage and Juniper-Berries of each ten handfuls they were boyled in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath and he sat therein Morning and Evening 3. After the Bath the affected Ham under the Knee was well anointed with this Ointment Take grease of a Badger and of a Fox of each three ounces Oyl of Mastick two ounces Oyl of Spike one ounce Vinegar three drams over a fire they were well mixed for an Ointment by the use of which he could in the space of ten days stretch out his Knee Leg and Foot and could either stand or walk as he pleased Rulandus Cur. 92. Cent. 8. LIII A Convulsion of the Hands 1. A certain Nun had a Contraction of the Nerves of her Hands which within a few days I restored by the following things Take for a Purge the Pounder of Senna laxative one ounce Sugar one ounce the distilled Water of Carduus Benedictus one pound and half they were macerated a whole night in a warm place for an Infusion which being thrice strained was taken in the Morning and two hours before Supper 2. Take for a sweating-Bath Rue Wormwood Penny-royal Hore-bound Marjoram Origanum Sage Calamint Hyssop Centaury the lesser of each three handfuls Juniper-Berries five handfuls Flowers of Camomil four handfuls Sulphur one ounce Salt three ounces let them be mixed and boyled in a strong Lye as much as is fit in which Stones red hot is to be put This sick Sister did use the same Morning and Evening 3. After Evening bathing the convulsed hands were anointed with the following Ointment Take Foxes grease four ounces Badgers grease two ounces Mastick three drams
of this Gentlewoman being very hot and Melancholick when it could be no more purged by her Courses flowing from her it laid up its recrements and adust faeculencies at first in her Brest and then from a new begining in the membranes of her Stomach from the tumor there made sharp and heterogeneous particles falling down perpetually entred the fibres and Nerves planâ—ed round about which cleaving continually to the spirits dwelling in and flowing into those parts excited them to frequent explosions and so made convulsive distempers in all the neigbouring parts 7. But the convulsive motions somtimes were more light in that place hence it appears that the whole nervous stock and the Head it self as is wont to be in greater Convulsions had not as yet been touched with the same distemper but the disorder of the spirits arising about the parts affected and from thence tranferr'd by a smaller undulation or waving to the Head and so only lightly disturbing the spirits inhabiting it induced watchings with a great heat and perturbation of the phantasy 8. What we have hitherto discoursed of Convulsions from the morbifick setling upon either end of the nervous system will more clearly appear when we shall hereafter treat particularly of these chief kinds of Convulsions viz. the Hysterical Hypochondriacal and other passions 9. In the mean time there will be no need to add a curatory method for this Hypothesis of Convulsions arising by reason of the extremities of the Nerves being affected because the ways of curing may be better accomodated to the passions of this kind hereafter particularly to be spoken of 10. But for the present it behoves us to proceed to the unsolding of the convulsive passions whose cause or morbisick matter seems to subsist within the nervous unfoldings 11. Wee have largely enough in another place discoursed of the nervous foldings and in their description and use we have shown that it is very likely the more grievous fits of convulsive motions begining oftentimes within these parts are from thence propagated on every side into the neighbouring parts and not seldom to a great distance 12. At least that it seems much more probable that the Heterogenous and Explosive particles after that they have overcome the tract of the Head and its medullary appendix and being more deeply slidden into the chanels of the Nerves and their passages together with the juice watering them do spread their stores within the nervous foldings as it were in crosse-streets and by-paths and there somtimes make their statioâ—s until at length being more plentifully heaped they as it were with collected forces produce the more cruel convulsive Distempers 13. This I say appears to be much more probable than what is commonly said to suppose them vapours arising from the Womb Spleen Ventricle or any other inward part on which all the fault is easily thrown 14. For within these soldings there are spaces large enough for morbifick mines that the matter may be there at leisure laid up and remain till it be gathered to a fullâ—ess 15. But then because we believe that great plenty of spirits lodge there more than in any other little Cells the Heterogenous Copula growing to them laies as it were tinder for more grievous explosions so that the spirits being explosed within these Bodâ—es do not only inflate and dilate them but elevate and lift them up from their place even as an house blown up with Gun-pouder wherefore the parts lying over them are suddenly lifted up into a tumor and being loose are drawn violently hither and thither 16. That after this manner the more cruel fits of Convulsions about the Praecordia and Viscera are often stirred up I have found to be true besides the arguments taken from reason not long since by my own sight 17. For when I oppened the dead Body of a Gentlewoman who had been exceedingly troubled with as they say fits of the Mother or Hysterical distempers I found the Womb wholy faultless but the Nerves near the foldings of the Mensentery as it seem'd only to be lifted up and elevated to a bulk and the membrans of that appeared torn and loosened one from another as beâ—ng on every side tumid and loose as it were blown up into little bubbles or bladders Willis de morbis convulsivis cap. 6. Observ 2. LVII A Convulsion in a Gentlewoman 1. There are more considerations of solid reasons whereby we are induced to believe that the passions called Hysterical do most often arise from the convulsive matter heaped up within the Mesenterick enfoldings and by turns explosed which shall be more clearly manifested where we especially treat of those Diseases 2. But neither is it less probable that the Collick pains do very often proceed from a more sharp and irritative matter contained in the same enfoldings 3. Besides as the convulsive fits seem to begin from the Spleen or Ventricle by reason the beginings of which are Inflations and very great disturbances of those parts so it is likely that the nest of the convulsive matter was hid within the nervous enfoldings belonging to the Spleen or Ventricle 4. Also this kind of matter seems to excite within the Cardiack foldings most heavy tremblings and passions of the Heart and within the Pneumonic or Cervical enfoldings those belonging to the Lungs and Throat most terrible fits of the Asthma 5. In our Treatise of the Nerves we have related a notable case of a worthy Gentlewoman in whom a serous matter wonted to distil from the forepart of her Head thorough her left Nostril falling down behind her Ear where when the most cruel pain did infest her Convulsions also and admirable contractions followed whereby the Jointing or compaction now of the Brain and the whole Head seem'd to be pulled downward now the Throat praecordia and viscera upwards 6. Which kind of Convulsions vexing the parts so opposite and at such distance by turns when they did proceed from one and the same seat of the Disease planted in the middest it will be obvious to conceive That the grieved place as the origen of either convulsive affection was the Ganglioform enfoldings planted near the Parotidae or the two chief arteries of the Throat into which the Nerves both of the wandring pair descending from the Head are entred and out of which the shoots do stretch themselves into the Muscles of the Throat and Branching into the Praecordia and Vicera 7. Further from the same cause to wit the convulsive matter heaped and by turns explosed within the Ganglioform enfoldings we think and not undeservedly that sense of choaking in the Throat so often excited in the convulsive fits did proceed 8. But there will be a more fit place to speak of this when we shall particularly handle the convulsive disease and symptoms we shall now endeavour to scarch into what remains of the last kind of Convulsions of which we made mention above to wit which relies on the nervous liquor being infected through
convulsive or phthisical or consumptive Symptoms did molest chiefly in the whole Course of the Disease 24. It behooves us to design the curative Intentions according to the various times of the Disease and the diversities of the Symptoms chiefly urging 25. About the beginning of this Feaver the taking away of Blood seemed convenient almost to all this kind of Remedy I often experienced with success in little Children for that by the means as it were another breathing place is opened to the mass of Blood silently and covertly growing hot and obtruding its foot and smoak on the more noble parts and for that reason its impure efflorescencies or puttings forth are drawn away from the Brain and Lungs 26. Therefore although this Feaver of an ill condition may be accounted as it were malignant yet for as much as the Blood is not presently apt to be coagulated but to be too much powred forth and to restore its serosities on the nobler parts to wit the Brain and Lungs therefore Phlebotomy if it be administred in the beginning of the Disease is convenient almost to all 27. For the same Reason Cathartick Medicines and chiefly Vomitory are administred at the very beginning of the Disease for these do not only evacuate the Viscera of Crudities and so draw away the chief somenting of the Disease and as it were its original but besides they draw forth the serosities from the Blood and so effect its cleansing rather in the Stomach and Intestines than in the Head and Lungs 28. Further by Emeticks for that the receiving Glandules of the Lymphaducts are pulled with a great shaking the superfluities of the nervous juyce least they should evilly affect the Brain and its dependencies are expressed forth into the lower Bowels also for this end the Belly is to be kept continually loose by the use of Clysters 29. But in the mean time whilst the Blood being infected with the taint of this Disease threatens the Brain or Praecordia with the evil it will not be safe to attempt any thing Diaphoreticks or sweating Medicines or Diureticks or such as evacuate by Urine or with Catharticks vomiting or purging Medicines 30. For these kind of Medicines for as much as they greatly pour out the Blood and compel its Serosities into more open Issuings forth all the Recrements being apt to fall away from the mass of the Blood are easily obtruded on the Brain or Lungs when they are of a more feeble Constitution 31. So in a person in another place mentioned loss of speech came upon the raising of an untimely Sweat also I have known that Sudorificks no other than Chalybeats in the morbid disposition of the Lungs have brought on a wasting or Consumption 32. Phlebotomy therefore and if need be Vomiting and Purging either one or other or both being to be made use of at the very begining of the Disease the other intention shall be to draw away the morbifick Serosities of the Blood apt to flow forth on the Head or Brest and to derive them gently by other ways of evacuation and to put them forth out of doors 33. To this end Vesicatories or Blistering Plaisters ought to be applyed to the nape of the Neck or Parotidae or Jugular Arteries or to the Arm-pits or to the Groin or about the Thighs or Calves of the Leggs sometimes in this part sometimes in that to wit That the little Ulcers beiâ—g here and there excited and continually runâ—â—ng might plentifully pour forth the Serum imbued with the morbid and heterogeneous Particles 34. But Remedies gently carrying the Serum into Reins and urinary Passages are most often administred with success For this business diuretical Apozems and Juleps are to be ordained after the following forms 35. Take of the roots of Scorzonera Chervile-grass and of Eringoes candied of each six drams one Apple cut of the leaves of Burnet Meadow-sweat of each one handful of Raisons of the sun one ounce and half of Harts-horn burnt two drams being cut and bruised let them be boyled on a clear fire in four pints of spring-water to the consumption of the third part to a quart of the straining being cleared add of the syrups of green Citrons or Violets two ounces of sal Prunella one dram and half make and Apozem The Dose four ounces to six thrice in a day 36. Or into that straining put fifteen blanched sweet Almonds and of the four cold seeds of each one dram being bruised make an Emulsion according to Art 37. Take Dragon and black Cherry water of each four ounces of Scordium compound two drams of Treacle water one ounce and half syrup of Clove-gilli-flowers two ounces of the spirit of Vitriol twelve drops make a Julep 38. Take oftentimes in a day in small Beer or Posset-drink half a dram or two scruples of Sal Prunellae 39. Besides in this Feaver Medicines gently Sweating of that sort chiefly which restores the Animal Spirits and defends them from any heterogeneous Copula are of very great use wherefore either the Pouder of Pearls or the spirit of Harts-horn or of Blood in a moderate Dose are administred twice a day viz. Morning and Evening 40. Clysters are to be given almost every day and if it be thought fit a gentle loosening purge may be taken once or twice in a Week 41. The Diâ—t prescribed ought to be slender as in other Feavers let them be wholly Interdicted from flesh or broth made thereof only let the Sick feed on Grewel or Barley-broth and let their Drink be small Beer or Posset-drink 42. If that notwithstanding any preventive Feaver the morbifick matter should lodge in the Brain or Lungs or both together so that a dissolution or inordination of the Animal function or a violent Cough should assault them it must be considered what is to be done in either state of the Disease carried forth after the manner into an evil condition but then the curative Indications ought to respect the stupor or madness or Cough 43. And lastly if in the declination of the Disease these symptom do remit proper remedies are to be adhibited against the Atrophie as it were the last fortress of this Feaver 44. First Therefore if the morbifick matter as it is often wont being brought to the Brain should bring in an insensibleness or a soporiferous or sleepy distemper remedies drawing it another way and deriving it some way from the Head and besides such as stirr up the Animal spirits and take away the impure Copula ought carefully to be administred 45. Wherefore in this case the use of Epispasticks or such things that drew the water outwardly should be much encreased and let spirits of Harts-horn be exhibited almost every sixth hour in a little bigger dose 46. Let Blood also be taken away by the sucking Leeches more largely from the Jugular Veins Salvatella or the Sedal Veins 47. If the distemper remits not the Head being shaven let emollient fomentations be often applied thereto further let Cupping-glasses
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
Leaves of Centaury the lesser Scordium Hore-hound Fumitory of each half an handful Carthamus-seeds two drams Cream of Tartar two drams and half Galangal Zedoary of each one dram cut and bruise them and then put them into a Bag which is to be steeped four and twenty hours in two quarts of Wine 14. This with an empty Stomach let them take either five or six ounces alone or with half a dram of Cream of Tartar whereby the first ways or passages and the more proximate mesericaks may be purified 15. The way being prepared thus we shall the more expeditiously penetrate to the root of the Malady and that by a convenient digestion which may be done by taking half a dram of the following pouder either in Wine of Harts-tongue or Worm-wood 16. Take Cream of Tartar one ounce and an half Magistry of Tartar vitriolated one dram and half red Coral one dram Fecula Aronis Briony of each one dram and half Salt of Worm-wood Carduus Benedictus of each four scruples mix them and let it be given in two Doses 17. Then let this proper purgative be given after this digestion Take Magistry of Tartar vitriolated one dram Diagridium with the Oyl of Fennel prepared four grains mix them and make a Pouder Georgius Horstius Tom. 2. Lib. 12. Observ 44. LXIV A Convulsion in a married Woman 1. A certain married Woman was much afflicted with Convulsions not much unlike the former we have already mentioned with these she also laboured under first a trembling and then a shaking of her members which trembling was first felt in the extream parts 2. Presently by communication the Arms appeared convulsed whereupon followed a Dispnaea with a contraction of the back and the whole body and which is very wonderful all this was without any pain unless when the Paroxysm was remitted all the parts were exceedingly wearied 3. Her Urine was such that by its crudity there seemed to be an obstruction of the Viscera of the second concoction therefore I had respect to the first ways or passages that they by little and little might be purged and then to such Remedies as should open those latent and hidden obstructions digest the peccant matter and strengthen the Head and nervous System 4. We began the Cure by this following laxative Wine Take Roots of Peony Swallowwort of each half an ounce the five Openers one dram and half Roots of Elecampane Scorzonera of each three drams the Leaves of Scordium Hoar-hound Fumitory Harts Tongue Ceterach Betony of each half an handful the Leaves of Sena one ounce and half Rhubarb one dram and half the Bark of the roots of black Alder Esula of each two drams the Tops of Elder gathered in the Spring half an handful the Flowers of Elder of Peaches of each three pugils the Seeds of red Ciches six dram Fennel one dram Galangal Sassafras of each half a dram Cinnamon one dram Currans ten drams Cream of Tartar one dram and half make an Infusion in six pound of Rhenish-Wine let them stand four and twenty hours and afterwards let her take for the space of eight days half a pint thereof every day with a fasting Stomach 5. This being premised we endeavoured in the next place to open further those hidden obstructions to digest the peccant matter and to strengthen the Head and Genus nervosum 6. Take Roots of Swallowwort Elecampane Cloves Peony of each half an ounce the leaves of Betony Sage of each one handful Sâ—aechas-flowers Rosemary-flowers of each half an handful Species Deanthos Plires Archonticon of each half a dram Diagalangal Calamus Aromaticus Cloves of each one scruple Sugar to the weight of them all make a Pouder 7. We gave every day in the morning one dram of this Pouder in a draught of Sage and Rosemary Wine which we continued for the space of fourteen days not omitting appropriated Evacuations which were exhibited in the intermediate days 8. Outwardly we advised a fomentation to be used with the spirits of Wine wherein was infused Castoreum Myrrh Bay-berries Juniper-berries the leaves of Sage Rosemary Betony Rosemary flowers Primroses Lavender and the like 9. We also ordered the Back-bone to be often anointed with the Oyl of Earth-worms Oyl of Castoreum Oyl of Foxes and of Orrise c. 10. The drink was Beer well purged from its faeces in which was infused the roots of Cloves and Elecampane the leaves of Rosemary Betony Sage with Bay-berries Nut-meg Cinnamon Cloves c. By which Remedies and the blessing of God upon them this most grievous and vehement symptom was remitted to that degree that the sick never afterwards complained Georgius Horstius Tom 2. lib. 2. Observ 44. LXV A Convulsion in the exream Parts 1. A certain Reverend Parson was afflicted with a most grievous pain about his Neck and Shoulders which at length vexed greatly his left Knee and then together with a sudden tumor immediately relinquishing this place they seised another to wit the right Knee 2. Also the Arms Hands and Leggs alternately were swelled with these kind of wandering pains yet all this was without any intemperature of the Visera or loss of appetite 3. This person having implored the help of a worthy Physician called Cornelius Thaureus because I was absent Evacuation being first premised he ordered the following drink to be taken daily to wit a physical Wine which is as follows 4. Take Succory roots one ounce Swallow-wort Cloves of each half an ounce Endive Peony of each two drams Betony leaves Maiden-hair gout Ivy Primroses both root and herb of each one handful the flowers of Rosemary Sage Time of each half an handful the leaves of Carduus Benedictus one handful cut them after a gross manner for this physical Wine 5. Moreover he ordered the daily use of the convulsive powder which was after this manmer prescribed Take the roots of Swallow-wort Sarsa-parilla Endive Cloves of each two drams Peony Bay-berries of each one dram the powder Rosemary Sage Time of each half a dram species plires Archonticon Diamoschi Amari Dianthos of each one scruple make a powder 6. The quantity of one dram of this powder being taken every day in the Morning as also sweat being oft-times provoked and continued for a week or two those most violent pains and tumors of the External parts were thereby so much discussed that afterwards by these few strengthening Medicines the Patient was even restored to the vigour of his former health Georgius Herstius Tom. 2. lib. 2. Observ 45. pag. 118. LXVI A Convusion in another person 1. I see no cause why I should change my opinion concerning the use of that powder which is already mentioned But it should be gently boyled in the whey of Goats-milk or in the milk it self 2. It will be convenient to take two drams of the convulsive powder with Conserves of Betony and flowers of of Peony of each one ounce which put together into a clean Rag the milk or posset being seethed over a gentle fire
Nerve or Tendon through an enraging of the animal Spirits so vehemently as to bring the Brain into consent so it is likewise caused by the biting of a Viper or other venemous Creature by a Wound made with a poysonous Weapon or Poysons taken inwardly or things of a vehement sharp or malign quality as Spirit of Nitre Oyl of Vitriol Aqua Fortis c. by which the said Spirits are immediately corrupted and polluted and in whose defence by reason of the effusion of Spirits into the Nerves out of the Brain the motive Power of the Nerves and Muscles are more strongly than ordinary excited to exercise their Faculties but with so much violence and inordinacy to expel their Enemy that forthwith the Tumor and lateral Extension of the Nerve is made which is the modificative or formal Cause of the Disaffection 17. Now in this Case if by this great affluense of Spirits the Poyson or corrupted Matter is overcome there is presently a cessation of the Fit but whilst with equal Force they hold the Contest the Fit continues and if the poysonous Matter or Enemy proves too strong for the Forces which are sent in to natures relief the sick for the most part dyes in the Fit 18. Nor is the Case very different where the remote Cause is from Worms in the Bowels or the vehemency of Cathartick and Emetick Medicaments taken inwardly which stimulate the expulsive Faculty of the Stomach and Guts and too much excite those Parts such are several malign Preparations of Antimony Euphorbium Hellebor Spurge Asarabacca Aron roots and other things of like quality which too violently solicite nature at once both by vomiting and stool which somtimes by their Vehemency produce even deadly Convulsions and after the same manner all sharp and acrid humors whether Choler Flegm or Melancholy falling upon the Nerves and by their Acrimony exciting Pain cause Convulsions and convulsive Motion and this is evident in the Cholick Fits of the Mother Epilepsies and other Diseases a-kin to them 19. And indeed when and wheresoever the animal Spirits are hurt corrupted or assaulted by any forein sharp malign poysonous or heterogene matter even then and there will Convulsions certainly be produced whose strength and force will be according to the strength and force of the matter assaulting or offending if it be little and weak the Convulsion will be small and inconsiderable But if it be great and strong the Convulsion excited will also be answerable If this Assault be begun in the Brain the disaffection will be the more admirable and acute and for the most part is mortal But if it happens in any other part of the Genus Nervosum the danger and magnitude of the Disease will be according to the Part or Parts afflicted 20. Moreover in a Spasm or Cramp which is a particular or singular Convulsion that which happens in the extream Parts as the Hands Arms Thigh Hips Legs or Feet or in the Neck or under the Chin is caused for the most part through a sharp and sudden Cold which giving a disaffection to the animal Spirits immediately causes them to tumultuate and assemble themselves together in order to expel their Adversary from whence arises by reason of their so hasty Unition and Affluence to the part not only a Collision whence is in part the extremity of the Pain but also from their too abundant Afflux a great and hard Tumor in the Nerve and Muscle which by reason of the sensibleness and tenderness of the Part adds also to the anguish of the sensitive Soul for that there is a great lateral extension whereby the Nerve or Tendon is contracted in Longitude 21. A convulsive Motion is caused for the most part from a sharp and pricking matter which provokes the Nerves but after a differing manner afflicts the animal Spirits for in a true Convulsion that which afflicts the animal Spirits seizes upon them and is joyned fast to them so as that it can by no means be removed till Nature overcoming and casting it off the Fit ceases to be at present and the contraction is resolved but in a convulsive Motion the matter causing it is not fixed fast to the Spirits but is loose and apt to slide off being a spirituous humor or vapour full of acrimony and malignity as is often generated in malignant Feavers 22. These convulsive Motions are also caused for the most part from the Brain and Nerves suffering by Sympathy Consent or Compassion as we may more properly speak and then we call it Convulsio sympathetica This Sympathy is either from their simple suffering together in respect of Similitude in Substance and Faculties Or from their proximity or neerness Or from a spirituous Poyson and Malignity invading the Original of the Nerves And it is many times caused by consent from the Mouth of the Stomach through an aeruginous or cankred Choler made spirituous or volatile or joyned to some malign volatile Salt Or through Worms Poyson or other sharp Matter which gripes and gnaws or corrodes the Bowels Or from consent with the Womb Mesentery Diaphragma or Praecordia as it often-times falls out in Hysterical Fits Swoonings Swellings of the Stomach Suffocation c. CXI Of the Prognosticks of Convulsions 1. Universal Convulsions are much more dangerous than such as are particular by so much as the hurt of the whole nervous System exceeds the hurt of a particular Nerve 2. Convulsions in many parts especially in those near the Brain are very dangerous so also those which are in the Muscles of the Brest because they hinder breathing and may suddenly endanger suffocation 3. Convulsions in Infants are much more dangerous than in those of Elder years and they are for the most part mortal in very aged people because of weakness and the continual exhausting through the lesitude of the Pores of the Animal Spirits so also if it comes of too much bleeding or vehement Purging for the same reason and in these two latter cases it is for the most part mortal 4. Hippocrates saith sect 2. Aph. 37. that it is better that a Feaver follows a Convulsion than a Convulsion a Feaver for a Feaver coming upon a Convulsion by its excessive heat warms the parts and dissolves the Convulsion by taking away the cause but on the contrary a Convulsion coming upon a Feaver shews Malignancy and is for the most part deadly 5. Convulsions coming upon the taking of Poyson are generally mortal unless the Poyson can be forthwith retracted 6. A Convulsion arising upon Frensy is deadly Aetius saith That he never hard of any that was so taken that ever recovered and the reason is plain because the Animal Spirits are assaulted in their Original or Fountain and the Convulsion is of the whole nervous system 7 A Tetanos is said to be Mortal within four days but saith Hippocrates sect 5. Aph. 6. if it continues longer it is cured for the great stretching of all the Muscles hinders breathing so that
suffocation follows and from thence death now the Convulsion is not the cause of Death as to the hurt don to the Nerves but the suffocation by reason of the Convulsion of the Nerves and Muscles ordained for breathing 8. By so much the more vehement the Convulsion is by so much the more dangerous it is the farther the Convulsion is from the Brain so much the less dangerous it is 9. A Convulsion is much more easily cured if the Brain be only affected by consent than if it be essentially and primarily affected Hippocrates also saith sect 5. Aphor. 1. that Convulsions caused by taking of Hellebor are mortal and this I saw experienced upon several persons at one time who had taken Hellebor for the Worms 10. A Convulsion arising from the Iliack passion is dangerous especially if it be accompanied with the Hicâ—ough so also if swooning immediatly follow it 11. Convulsions arising from extream Pains of the Bowells or parts adjacent to the lower Viscera are evil sect 7. Aph. 67. and the reason is because the Brain is forthwith drawn into consent 12 Convulsions in continual Feavers where the sick is very weak especially if they seize upon the Lips Nostrils Eyes Eye-Lids Eye-Brows or Parts near them foreshew that death is at the Door 13. Convulsions arising from continual watchings or long fasting are mortal for that there is not only a diminution of the animal Spirits but an almost abolition of the natural heat and radical humidity which ought to conserve and support the Spirits 14. Lastly Hippocrates saith Sect. 5 Aph. 2. that Convulsions proceeding from Wounds are pernicious more especially if they be near the Brain for there is danger from the great Inflamation of Mortification of the Part and from thence Death CXII Of the Cure of a singular Convulsion or Cramp 1. The Cramp as is for the most part caused of Gold afflicting the Nerves and Muscles of the Part so it is to be cured by the help of such things as warm and comfort the same having also a specifick Property to be assistant to the Nerves 2. In the first place if the Body be full of evil humous you may purge the Patient with my Family-Pills or with the tincture of the same and because we must prosecute the Cure according to the Indications which offer themselves you may know the strength or debility of the Stomach and accordingly give things cleansing or strengthening if the Stomach be foul you may exhibit a Dose of my vomiting Lozenges which may be given from fifteen to thirty grains according to age and strength yet they may be taken in the Morning fasting and let a good quantity of broth or posset-drink be prepared to be taken they will work well and call the offending humor from all parts of the Body and after they have cleansed the Stomach upwards they will then work admirably well and purge the Bowels downward 3. This being done a Diet of Neuroticks ought to be prepared after the manner of a constant Drink but because that may be troublesome I shall advise to somthing which may with more ease and conveniency be done and what Experience has confirmed to me will be of great advantage to the sick and that is the Queen of Hungaria's Water a Medicament scarcely inferior to any let it be taken constantly three times a day a little before eating viz. Morning Noon and Night and oftner if the Patient so pleases in a glass of Sack or of some cordial Water 4. This being taken for about 10 or 12 days the sick ought to use sudorifick means by taking inwardly English Bezoar Bezoar mineral Bezoar animal Electuarium ad Tabidos Powers of Vipers or our Guttae Vitae mixt and made up into a Bolus with the choicest Venice Treacle or dissolved and given in Spirit of Saffron or in this following Compositum Take Spirit of Saffron two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Salt of Vipers eight grains mix them for a sudorifick Dose Or this Take choice Cinnamon-water an ounce Syrup of Citrons six drams Powers of Vipers twelve drops mix for a dose Or this Take Treacle Water two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram Guttae Vitae ten drops mix for a Dose to sweat withall 5. But during the time that all these things are doing we must not be unmindful of the application of Topicks to the part affected without which almost all other things will nearly be done in vain for this purpose we commend to the sick the Queen of Hungaries water a most excellent thing to bath withall let the place pained be bathed therewith thrice a day and let it be done almost half an hour together it is a Medicament of great Vertue and has cured hundreds 6. But that which transcends all others things and which we can commend upon our own manifold Experience are the Powers of Amber a Medicament never to be sufficiently praised for by the single use of this alone Medicament I can safely say it I have cured several scores of the Cramp so perfectly as that it never has returned any more I could advise to many other excellent things which I know would not fail also but this being the cheapest easiest to come by and of most approved use I advise to the use of it above all other things and they that shall be pleased to make use of it shall find I have spoken a very great Truth CXIII Of the cure of a general and Primary Convulsion 1. The first essay which Authors make towards the cure of a Convulsion is to evacuate the Corrupt and morbifick humor abounding for which Physicians prescribe many ways as first Blood-letting But this as it diminishes the Spirits and obliterates the strength and vigor of the Body so ought it to be cautiously attempted for in this Disease we ought rather to contrive how to augment the natural forces of the Body and conserve the spiritual parts than to diminish them which this operation certainly doth whereupon death in some immediately followeth as I have two or three times observed from unadvised bleeding in this Disease the Patient dying in little more than half an hour after the cause of which doubtless was the defect and diminution of Spirits Riverius one much for bleeding saith That t is only to be don if the Patient be strong and that it is better to take away too little Blood than too much for that Blood opposes the principal cause of the Disease which is Flegm If this be true in what Meanders of folly do Physicians wander who attempt the cure by this kind of method viz. by taking away that matter which opposes the Disease but these Vanities are so gross and absurd that they are not worth disputing about and so deserve no Answer 2. In an universal Convulsion however evacuations are proposed first Revulsive chiefly by strong Clysters such as are commonly exhibited in Palsies and of which this following may be an example
told me That the same thing would come to pass by giving Goats Blood either warm coming from the Beast or otherwise in Pouder to half a dram mixt with any convenient Vehicle the above said Magistery of Crabs-Eyes or Terra sigillata c. may be given from one scruple to two scruples or a dram twice or thrice a day according as the Patient is in age and strength fine Bole also is thought to have the same Vertue 9. If Convulsions arise from Poyson received into the Stomack a Vomit ought immediately to be given as an Infusion of Crocus Metallorum or our vomitting Lozenges after which the Patient having first well vomitted you ought to give a second Vomit made only of pure Oyl olive drinking a pint or more down at once for so by floating upon the Mouth of the Stomach all other recrements not yet brought forth and any reliques of Poyson if any be will certainly be brought away this done the Stomach ought to be washed with two or three quarts of warm Water till such time as the power of the Poyson is certainly overcome and all the humors and juyces of the Stomach made sweet after which you mâ—y give Antispasmatick mix with Antidotes against Poyson lest any of it should be difused into the Blood and Veins which by its Sympathy to the Parts and Antipathy to the Poyson may oppose its effects in all places such are Mithritade Venice-Treacle Electuarium ad Tabidos our new London Treacle our Gutta Vâ—tae Bezoartick-stone Powers and Salt of Vipers c. But if before you give any Mâ—dicine the Pâ—yson has mortified any of the Viscera or diffused its self through the Veins whereby the whole Mass of Blood is contaminated you may give Remedies 't is true but you shall certainly give them in vain 10. If a Convulsion arises from the biting of a Viper or Serpent mad Dog c. in this case you ought to apply the Head of the Viper or Serpent bruised or part of the Liver of the mad Dog to the place bitten being first washed with Spirit of Wine if they can be gotten if not you must give inwardly our Guttae Vitae or Venice-Treacle mixt with volatile Salt of Mans-skull or of Harts-horn but above all other things are the Spirit Powers and volatile Salt of Vipers and in the biting of a mad Dog the Pouder of the Liver of a mad Dog which may be given from half a dram to a dram in any antipasmatick Vehicle if these things be wanting there is no greater Medicine then our Electuarium ad Tabidos which may be given the quantity of a Nutmeg at a time in a little Cinnamon-Water or Spirit of Saffron and the sick laid to sweat thereupon a part also of the same Electuary being laid to the place wounded 11. If a Convulsion arises from the Cholick or Griping of the Cuts it proceeds either from Wind extending the Viscera or from corrosion and ulceration of the parts by reason of a malign sharp and virulent humor if it be caused of Wind you must mix with all your Antispasmaticks Carminatives or such things as expel Wind and open Obstructions having in their own Nature and Essence an Anodyn and discussive Power of this kind are the Essence of Bay-berries Powers of Aniseeds and Caraways Elixir of Juniper-berries Oyl and Powers of Fennel-seeds and these things more especially if they be mixed with our Guttae Vitae or Laudanum or with choice Mithridate or Venice-Treacle or other things which have also a power to ease pain joyned with a carminative Property If it proceeds from the power of malign sharp corrosive or virulent humors it will be necessary to give such things as may absorb the Acidity and overcome the Virulency of what kind are all Alkalies whatsoever as Salt of Tartar Salt of Wormwood and indeed all other vegetable alkalious Salts as also volatile Salts of Harts-horn of Amber of Mans-skull of Vipers and volatile Sal Armoniack to these you may add the Magisteries and levigated Pouders of Crabs-Eyes and Claws Chalk Terra Lemnia Terra Sigillata both the redish and white as also fine Bole Coral Pearl Oyster-shells and other things of like Nature See § 8 above 12. If a Convulsion arises from Obstructions or Filthiness of the Womb you must take care to open those Obstructions by exhibiting such things with Neuroticks and Antispasmaticks as may have a Power to operate upon the Womb of this kind are fine Aloes washed Aloes and all sorts of Pills made of Aloes as Aloephanginae Cochiae minoris Pil. Rudii Pil. Ruffi c. after the Body is well cleansed by Aloeticks which have the greatest force of any thing in this case you ought to have such things as potentially move the Courses without any thing of a purging force such are Powers of Savin Saffron Borax both natural and artificial and indeed all volatile Salts whatsoever these things you may mix with such things as either cleanse the Womb as the Essence and Syrup of stinking Arach or with such things as comfort fortitify and strengthen the Womb of what kind are the Essences and Syrups of Garden-Tansey Fetherfew Myrrh Powers of Rosemary Sage Lavender and most other Cephallicks which by a secret power operate upon those Parts and of what kind are all Hystericks for which I referr you to their proper places CHAP. VII Of A CONTRACTION The AUTHORS Observations I. The Contraction of the right Arm in a Child 1. A Little Youth about seven years of Age having been for some time afflicted with Convulsion-fits by the long continuance of them and the more especial spasm of the right Arm the Sinews thereof became contracted so that the Child could not stretch out his Arm nor make any use thereof although the Convulsions had for a good time left him having been cured of them by former Remedies 2. The Child being beautiful and this contraction of his Arm a great blemish as well as a prejudice to the use of the Arm moved his Parents to seek out still for further Remedy and falling into my hands I applied the following things 3. First a little to open the pores of the skin thereby to make a more easy Passage for other Medicaments I caused the Part affected to be bathed three or four times with the Spirit of Wine then I caused it to be anointed with Neats-foot Oyl afterwards I applyed this following Cataplasm 4. Take the pulp of Turneps bak'd in their skinns Neats-foot Oyl one ounce mix them all together into a Cataplasm and apply it renewing it every Morning and Evening together with the anointing and bathing of the spirits of Wine as abovesaid 5. This was done for 5 or 6 weeks together or thereabouts without any neglect in which space of time the Childs Arm seemed to be perfectly restored and the Contracture wholly resolved 6. However a great weakness remained so that its Arm seemed useless but by Reason the Child was growing we had great hopes that
place or scituation of the malady and the great number of the Vessels with which those Parts are stored as Veins Arteries Nerves-Limphaticks together with Ligaments and Tendons I told them my opinion That it could not be safely done but with apparent dangers and that unless he had a very skillful Chyrurgion indeed and if such yet he could assure them nothing he might endanger the cutting of some of the principal Vessels whereby he should be made certainly lame without any hope of Recovery whereas now whilst there was nothing hurâ— they might live in hopes of a perfect Cure 8. By my persuasions they desisted from the Chyrurgeons advice with a resolution only of following my Counsel Hereupon because it was in a depending part I ordered the sick to keep his bed for ten or twelve weeks or more applying the foresaid things casting in the aforesaid Injection and putting into the Cavitie tents dipt in Vnguentum Nicotianae swathing also up the parts above the Ankle 9. In the mean season we instituted this following Diet with which he was purged for twenty or thirty days or more together 10. Take new Ale three gallons choice Sena eight ounces Juniper-berries well bruised four ounces Caraway-seeds Ginger Coriander-seeds of each one ounce all well bruised Sal Prunellae bruised one ounce and half Sassafras rasped round Birthwort roots of each three ounces put all into a Bagg with a stone in it and let them work up with Ale of which when the working was over the Patient drank every day half a pint more or less as he found it to operate by which he became very well cleansed and the morbifick matter of the Scrofula was throughly carried off 11. This quantity of Diet was four times repeated and although the Disease was rebellious and long yet by the use and application of the above-named things in about a years space the Cure was compleatly performed 12. However by reason of the long disaffection of the part the whole Tumor did not vanish and such weakness was contracted that he could not go for many Months without Crutches 13. For the more perfect Resolution of the Tumor and Strengthening of the weakned parts and also to prevent a new Generation of the morbifick matter I ordered first a Repetion once more of the former Diet secondly the application of the following Emplaster Take Honey two ounces Mithridate four ounces Aloes in fine Pouder one ounce and half red Myrrh three ounces being in Pouder and dissolved or made soft with rectified Spirit of Wine mix them well together and spread them on Leather and apply them letting it lye for a week or more as you shall see Occasion 14. By the use of these last things in a short time he could not only go without Crutches but stoutly walk many miles in a day A like Cure not much differing from this I performed in a young Maiden of about fourteen years of age and almost in all respects with the same things VIII A Contraction in both Hands and Arms. 1. A young Man about thirty years of age having taken a very great Cold had universal Pains seized him running over his whole Body from Head to Foot at last they took up their station in his Hands and Arms with which he was vehemently afflicted night and day for a long time together 2. He had been under the hands of very many as well learned Physicians as Empericks But all their applications proved unsucessful at length I was sent for and I found that by unskilful practice the Patient had been miserably abused and that there was a great Contraction in both Hands and both Arms. 3 The Cure seemed difficult so that I was loth to attempt any thing therein However by perswasion I was wrought upon to make tryal what could be done In the first place I gave him a Dose of our Royal Pouder the praeparation of which you may see in our Doron in its proper place this was repeated four times Afterwards I sweat him with this following Take Venice Treacle Electuarium de Ovo of each half a dram Bezoar Mineral sixteen grains mix them and let the Patient swallow it 4. Immediately after which I gave this Take Spirit of Angelica the Greater Composition Treacle-Water of each half an ounce Syrup of Clove-gelly-flowers one ounce Oyl of Cinnamon one drop mix them 5. Outwardly I bathed all the afflicted parts with the Spirit of Aniseeds for two or three days Afterwards with this following Compositum Take Powers of Aniseeds Oxs-Gall of each a pint mix them together and let the Patient bath therewith Morning and Night this was done for a month or five weeks at the end of which time our Patient seemed to be perfectly restored but the sweating means was three times repeated after the same IX Another Contraction in the Arm. 1. This person by means of a fall had both a numness and Contraction so that the part seemed to be almost dead 2. I caused the part to be bathed three times a day with the Powers of Aniseeds for about twelve days afterwards with the Powers of Amber for five days which was done with great frictions or rubbing 3. Then this Cataplasm was applyed Take Pulp of Turnips baked with their skin on half a pound Oyl of Juniper-berries one ounce Orobus-meal enough to make it of the thickness of a Pultise mix them and apply it warm twice a day which was done for nine or ten days at what time the parts seemed to be in a manner restored 4. Afterwards we applyed Mynsicht his Emplastrum de Galbano Crocatum which was renewed every third or fourth day and the Patient was about two months time made perfectly well being freed both from the Contraction and numedness 5. We cured also a little Girl much in like manner afflicted having a Contraction in her Ham and Thigh occasioned by a vehement burning Feaver which came through taking cold the Medicines were the same in all respects 6. We also with the same Medicines cured a Baker who had a Contracture in his Arm but lately made through a Blow and ill application of Medicaments by an unskilful Chyrurgion X. A Contracture of one Thigh with a Fistula in the other 1. A Man about forty eight years of age who by a fall hurting of his Hipp after some few days the Pain fell from his Hips into his Thighs near the Ham wherein upon one there was a Contraction on the other an Apostem which afterwards degenerated into a Fistula 2. The Man for a long time had used much means and taken the Advice of many Physicians but all in vain somtimes he thought himself better and somtimes worse 3. However the Apostem was healed up too soon before it was throughly cleansed and fit for consolidation whereupon the icorus matter made new furrows and caused the breaking out of a sore about four Inches below the former Apostem 4. This for want of skillful looking after degenerated into a Fistula with
a very hard Callous the Cavity was so deep that a tent of four or five Inches long might go into it when I came to view it I presently saw it was a Fistula and an unskilful Artist had it in hand 5. I caused one Roger Dickson a Chyrurgion of my acquaintance to be sent for who laid open the sore and took off the Callous by application of unguentum Egytiacum which was very well and accurately performed 6. In the mean season I caused the Patient to drink this following Diet-drink Take Sage Betony Ale-hoof Self-heal Bugloss Bawm Avens Agrimony water-Agrimony Scordium Germander Clownes-Woundwort of each one handful Juniper-berries well bruised six ounces boyl all in a sufficient quantity of spring-water towards the end of the boyling add sal Prunellae two ounces boyl to the consumption of the third part of the water then strain and to every quart of the strained liquor being setled add spirit of Wine two ounces double refined Sugar three ounces let it be bottled up and so keep it for use one bottle of which the Patient drank every day 7. However during the time of the taking of this Diet every fourth day I purged the Patient with my Pill Panchimagogae which infallibly conquered the morbifick matter the Composition preparation vertues use and dose of them you may see in my Doron lib. 2. cap. 23. sect 1. 8. With the diet I caused also the Fistula to be washed and cleansing it with Vngnentum Nicotianae Afterwards I caused it to be washed with my Regulata or Magisteral water the which you may see in our said Doron lib. 3. cap. 1. sect 18. 9. By taking the things above named inwardly and by application of the other things outwardly with the use of Incarnatives the Fistula was disposed to healing and in about ten weeks time was made perfectly well 10. However all this while we were not unmindful of the contracture on the other Thigh but we after bathing the part with the Spirit of Wine applied thereto emollient Cataplasms such as the following 11. Take Pulp of Turneps baked with their skins on pulp of Onions baked with their skins on of each half a pound fat Figgs four ounces Oyl of Anniseeds six drams mix them well together and with Crums of white Bread and Orobus-meal a sufficient quantity beat them into a Pultise 12. This was applied for a Month afterwards we added to every half pound of the Pultise one ounce of Ox-Galls which was applied five or six weeks as before at the end of which time our Patient seemed to be well save there was left behind a weakness of the Part which we restored by this following Emplaster 13. Take Aloes in fine Pouder two ounces Mithridate Myrrh in fine Pouder of each three ounces Load-stone in fine Pouder an ounce and half mix the Aloes with the Mithridate dissolve the Myrrh with the rectified Spirit of Wine which make soft with a little Hony then mix all together adding thereto the Pouder of Loadstone and make an intire Mass which spread upon Leather and apply to the Part affected all these things were done in a little more than a quarter of a year and this deplored Patient was made perfectly well XI A Contracture in the Arm of three years standing 1. The Person was about three and thirty years of age the Contracture was about three years standing it was performed by a Chyrurgion by an application of Emollients and a steel Instrument screwed upon the Part. 2. He first of all by my directions bathed it with the Spirit of Aniseeds then anointed it with the Oyl of Earth-worms afterwards he applied this following emollient Pultise for ten days Take Yolks of Eggs number four Oyl of Roses Oyl of Earth-Worms of each two ounces Pulp of Cabbage eight ounces Pulp of roasted Turneps six ounces fat Figgs four ounces mix and beat all together and make a Cataplasm which let it be applied upon Leather Morning and Night for twelve days as aforesaid 3. At the end of twelve days he applied an emollient Emplaster upon which he fixed a steel Compress with Screws which being turned straightned the Part so that every day turning the Screws by little and little reduced the Part to its true Scituation 4. By the same means with the steel Compress another Person who had a Contracture in the Hand was cured in about sixty days time XII A Contracture proceeding from Epileptick-Fits 1. A young Maid being long troubled with an Epilepsy with convulsive Motions had after the Epilepsy left her a Contracture upon several parts of the right Side the first occasion was supposed to proceed from the vehemency of the Convulsions 2. These Contractions afflicted in a manner her whole left Side from which she was freed by the following Remedies 3. Inwardly because she had been formerly afflicted with the Epilepsy I caused these following things to be given Take choice Musk twelve grains Ambergrise five grains Civet one grain Venice-Treacle one scruple mix and make a Bolus to strengthen the Nerves 4. Outwardly I caused her to be bathed all over that Side with the Powers of Aniseeds which was done for five days 5. Afterwards I caused her to be anointed all over that Side with the Oyl of Earth-Worms especially where the chief Contractions were then I caused to be bound about her Arm Thigh and Legg a new Lambs-skin or Sheeps-skin whilst it was hot and new come off the Lamb or Sheep by the application of which alone thing I cured these Contractions in this Patient which were thought beyond Belief 6. For a Lambs-skin or Sheeps-skin whilst newly flead off hath the Power to mollify soften discuss and mightily strengthen the Part afflicted the which thing for its admirable Excellency in this kind I could not but mention and declare to the World 7. It is also an excellent thing against all manner of Gouts other Pains Lamnesses and Weaknesses of the Joints And I knew a certain Man vehemently afflicted with the Gout who was perfectly cured thereof by the application of fresh Sheeps-skins newly flea'd off to the Part affected XIII A Contraction with a Convulsion 1. Though all Convulsions are Contractions yet all Contractions are not Convulsions but this was a Contraction with a Convulsion the Contraction remaining when the Fit was off 2. And being first created by the vehemency of the convulsive Motions such a firm Contraction was made that the animal Spirits could not have their recourse as before whereupon for want of a Flux of Spirits a Contraction or Hardness was generated this Person thus afflicted was cured by the following things 3. Take Aqua Epileptica Langii four ounces Aqua Cerasorum nigrorum three ounces Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition two ounces Magistral Water of Earth-Worms and of Snails of each one ounce mix them together and dulcify them with Syrup of Clove-gilly-Flowers of which there was taken three spoonfuls every Morning fasting and every Night going to bed 4. And the
things therein as beating with a Pestel in a Mortar For here the Pores being mightily opened by the continual grasping of that heavy and hard matter there is first a too great exhausting of the animal Spirits in the part secondly a loss of part of the neurotick Juyce Blisters being raised these it is true after the first or second occasion would easily grow well again and the Parts come to their prist in State but a continual Exercise of the same Work as it is a continuation of the Cause so at length it causes so great an Irregularity as is scarcely ever to be retrieved 4. And the reason is the same in those who have crooked Backs and cannot raise themselves up straight for that they have for a long time carried heavy Burthens for which Cause the animal Spirits being obstructed in their Course are driven back to their Center and the neurotick Juyce likewise in like manner exhausted by unnatural Swearing and other insensible ways of Evacuation and withall a continuation of such like drudgery for several years an evil habit is at length caused so that for the want of Spirits and exsiccation of the nervous Juyce these wretched Creaturâ—s go all their days after bending downwards and these things may also come to pass in those who have long and often laboured under a Tetanos or other Species of Convulsions from whence there is the same loss of Spirits and exsiccation of the said neurotick Juyce the which humor being wasted by the aforementioned causes such a Consumption and leaness appears manifestly in the Muscles of the Limbs even outwardly especially in the greater that their Nerves and Tendons feem to consist rather of Fibres than Flesh and to represent dry Cords rather than soft Nerves 5. This is also caused in part from a defect of Fat which is wont first of all to be wasted by the aforesaid causes when as it growing both extrinsically to their Membranes and being intrinsically inbred with the Fibres of certain of the greater Muscles chiefly anointing and bathing them therewith as it were that they might be the easier extended and contracted in Motion being now deprived thereof renders them unfit for motion whence also follows a Consumption of that which Physicians call Ros Cambium Gluten or Glue with which the Tendons in like manner are wont to be smeared all which happens often-times from the force of an external Heat being too great and persevering long which doth as it were shrink up the Tendons and Muscles as well as dry them 6. Hence the Difference between a Convulsion and a Contraction is much more manifest a Convulsion proceeds only from the Irritation of the Nerves not their exsiccation but a Contraction from the exsiccation of the said Nerves either from too frequent and long Irritations or the Causes first above mentioned which every Artist is desired to take notice of and so it appears that a Convulsion is only a hurt of the animal Spirits in the Genus Nervosum c. A Contraction a cutting them off from the Part affected whence arises the aforesaid exsiccation and shrinking up But such an exsiccation can scarcely be caused from any internal heat though in the most burning Feavers And in an Hectick the Body being otherwise almost wasted yet the Members do not appear contracted except by accident in the Tongue or in the Midriff being over dryed c. 7. After these manners the Muscles almost proper to every part may be hurt whence only particular Contractions of those Parts do ensue Of one Part only if its particular Muscle be hurt Or more if one Muscle send Tendons to many Parts but these things never simply befal a Nerve being so small and slender a Part but they may be effected in the Tendon of a Muscle because it is so strong 8. Some Authors say That a Contraction may be caused from a pituitous or encrementitious humor falling upon and filling the body of the Muscle or Tendons which being thereby distended and made shorter it thereby attracts the Part into which it is inserted from whence they inferr that a Contraction may be caused but I should rather think that if an humor fallen down upon the Muscles possesses their spaces by which they are joyned together that it should rather cause a Pain and upon that account a difficulty of motion than a Contraction of the Part and if it bedew or smeer the Nerves or Tendons a Palsey should rather ensue 9. And this is a certain Truth that the Parts being deprived of animal Spirits their Functions must necessarily cease for from them are communicated to the Muscles the Power of moving and to the sensible Parts the Power of feeling and therefore if the Nerve be wholly destitute of them the remaining Part thereof from the place affected even to the Part into which it is inserted becomes useless the same comes to pass if its continuity with the Part be broken for then the passage of the said animal Spirits is interrupted And this may be somtimes when the Nerves are so straightned that the animal Spirits which require a free passage through them can no longer pass or fill them up or not sufficiently for that though they be most thin and subtile and do illustrate the Nerves like the Rays of the Sun yet nevertheless they may be hindred even as the Sun-beams also may be stopt And this happens if a Nerve or Tendon be so prest in any part of it that its substance doth wholly sink down Or if its substance be so condensed also whereby the passage of the said Spirits are interrupted 10. And the same may come to pass as well as from a solution of continuity straightness of the Nerves condensation preternatural Tumor simple Distemper c. from some fault of the Organ which may arise either from internal or external Causes hurts by compression ligatures blows c. whereby plenty of humor flowing from the adjacent Parts in those narrow places compresses the Nerves with its weight whereby is intercepted the passages of the animal Spirits as is aforesaid the which being detained by so much the longer stop by so much the more the humors become thicker and mucous which cooling and compressing the substance of the Nerves or Tendons destroys their proper temper and so hinders them from ever being filled with or enjoying the said animal Spirits any more 11. And truly this was the reason why we handled Contractures in this place for although they seem to be rather Diseases of the extream Parts yet being for the most part if not always caused from a hurt of the animal Spirits and Functions the Fountain of which resides in the Brain we thought good rather to treat of the same amongst Diseases of the Head and therefore have here added these few Observations and brief Theory as an Appendix to the Chapter of Convulsions being the first that ever we saw in print of this kind XXIV The Prognosticks of Contractures 1. Contractions
proceeding from Dryness or Inâ—nition of the Muscles or their Tendons that draw the Member or of the Nerves or Ligaments that encompass the Joints are very difficult to be cured 2. If they have been of long standing or they consist of a boney hardness or happen in any principal Part whether in the Back or other places are scarcely ever cured and so much the more if they proceed from or are caused by old Age or extream hard Labour 3. If a Contraction be recent in a tender Part and it is not extreamly hardned and in a young or growing Person there is hopes of Cure if timely and proper means be used 4. Contractions of a horney substance in the Hands or Feet proceeding from long and hard Labour are hardly ever cured and more especially those that proceed from a Tetanos for those for the most part remain and the Contraction continues as long as Life lasts or is at most but little changed for the better 5. Contractions from a solution of Continuity where the whole Muscle Nerve or Tendon are cut in two are seldom or never taken away Contractions also in the Back from old Age are incurable 6. A Contraction arising from over-straining of a Part or Tumor of the Muscle may be cured while recent but with much difficulty after it has contracted an absolute horney and callous-like hardness and truly from hence it is that such like Cures are not common to be met with in Authors XXV The Method of curing Contractures 1. As to the Cure of this Disease we can do nothing singular by things taken inwardly unless by accident as in relation to things strengthning the Nerves and in those cases where it may arise from a Spasm or Cramp or Convulsion going before wherein Antispasmatioks and Neuroticks may be found proper an Enumeration of which you may find in their respectâ—ve places in the former Chapter at also in the Chapter of the Palsey hereafter ensuing 2. However that we may inculcate the most proper Internals if any be used the Pouder Tinctures and Powers of Musk and Ambergrise transcend all other things or the volatile Salts of Vipers Swallows Harts-horn and Mag-pies as also the volatile Salts of Peacocks and Peacocks Dung Take Musk twelve grains Ambergrise volatile Salt of Vipers of each six grains mix and make a Pouder to be given three or four hours after meat at Night going to bed Or thus Take Musk sixteen grains volatile Salt of Magpies eight grains Viper-pouder a scruple mix them for a Pouder to be given as aforesaid 3. Now this is to be observed in the giving of these and the like things that you may suffer the Patient to be so covered as to be moved only into a very gentle Sweat for thereby the vital and animal Spirits are excited and made to move more vigorously out of one Part into another but you must be cautious that you suffer no great Sweat for those wast not simply the Spirits which ought to be only stirred not exhausted but also the natural mucilaginous humor or humidum radicale which is the chief thing wanting and by loss of which the Part is already made of a callous substance or horn-like hardness 4. As to Topicks you ought first to apply to the Part afflicted humecting and laxating Medicines which have a gentle heating and resolving Property but because things of a relaxing Property do for the most part cool you must mix hot things with them being also proper and specifick Neuroticks which are to be applyed to the Muscle and its Tendon as also to the adjacent Parts which are contracted or drawn up and indeed to the whole Joint if the Ligaments are withall shrunk up 5. If the Back-bone to wit its Muscles Nerves and Tendons are contracted through the long affliction of a Tetanos you may anoint with this Take Oyl of sweet Almonds two ounces Oyl of Aniseeds one ounce mix them But before you use this it will not be amiss if the Pores of the Part affected be in some little measure opened by the use of the Powers of Aniseeds simple being bathed for a while upon the place For Aniseeds are a certain specifick in the loosning of a Contracture in any Part of the Body comforting the Nerve by its gentle heat suavity and sweetness and in some measure dissolving the matter of the Contraction and therefore it is that in all Contractures the Spirit Powers or Oyl or some of them are constantly used either alone or with some other mixture nor do we know any other simple thing that has the like Force in resolving contracted or shrunk-up Parts And therefore it is for the same reason that whatever things those may be which may be hereafter applyed in resolving of any Contracture in any Part of the Body whatsoever we always make use first of the Spirit or Powers of Aniseeds for the opening of the closed Pores of the Part that the things which are after to be applyed for the more complete relaxing of the Part shrunk up may take the better Effect 6. The Contracture then having been for some few minutes before hand bathed with the Spirit or Powers of Aniseeds you afterwards anoint with the Composition in the former Section or with this following Take Oyls of sweet Almonds of Ben and of Line-seed all newly made by Expression of each an ounce Oyl of Hypericon an ounce and half Oyl of Earth-worms two ounces Oyl of Aniseeds chymical three ounces mix them together to anoint the contracted Part with-all 7. Some Authors commend this Take Oyl of sweet Almonds one ounce and half Oyl of Line-seed by expression Oyls of Violets of Lillys of Camomil and of Earth-worms of each one ounce Oyl of Hypericon Mucilage of the seeds of Fleawort and Line-seed Ducks grease the Marrow of Calves-leggs of each half an ounce Turpentine two drams Sulphur two drams and half pouder of Worms one dram flowers of Hypericon and Saffron of each half a dram Wax a sufficient quantity mix and make a Cerot not too hard It is a Medicine of good use but if Oyl of Aniseed one ounce had been added it had been much more powerful however if things be applyed plasterwise there is not many things which transcend the common Emplastr de minio mad with Vinegar without Wax boyled to a soft consistence and linnen cloths to be dipt in it whilst it is yet blood-red or before it comes to the changing of its colour experience has confirmed it as a most admirable thing And what may take place next is the Diasulphuris Rulandi whose effects in resolving of Contractures are very eminent 8. The grease or fat of Eels is said to be singular and an appropriate or Specifick thing for that it is very humid and relaxing but that which yet transcends all these things is Mans grease and Vipers fat is thought to exceed that However before the use of them it will be good to bath first with Spirits or Powers of Aniseeds
to Art Of this he took the quantity of a small Chest-nut at a time 7. Moreover to the soles of his Feet there was applyed a drawing Emplaster made only of Venice Turpentine Rosin and Bole-Armoniack in fine pouder which being mixt were spread upon Leather and applied by means of which he said he felt the Vapours sensibly to be drawn from his Head at least he thought so by which means with the other helps he was perfectly restored to health X. The Incubus or Night-Mare in a young Man 1. A Man twenty five years of age complaining of the Night-Mare and how he was continually afflicted therewith was thus cured by an old Woman first she vomitted him by giving him plentifully Carduus-Posset which she said she did for clearing his Stomach 2. Secondly she drew a large Blister in the Nape of his Neck by applying a Plaster of Cantharides after which she repeated his Vomit with Carduus-Posset-drink two seveal times more for the more effectual and substantial cleansing of his Stomach 3. Thirdly she purged him downwards by giving him Prunes stewed with Sena and some of the Syrup of the same by which he was plentifully evacuated downwards 4. Fourthly after all this she gave him the Conserve of common Worm-wood which he took the quantity of a Wall-nut at a time Morning Noon and Night the two first times a while before eating but at Night an hour after Supper and this he did for a Month together by which he became perfectly well 5. And by this very method I cured a young Virgin which was afflicted with this Disease and afterwards a middle-aged Woman who had been been many years diseased therewith moreover I cured a Man who confest he had been seventeen years troubled therewith following exactly the same method without any alteration and not long since by the same means I cured a young Lady who had been vexed therewith for above half a year XI The Incubus or Night-Mare in a Woman whose Terms were obstructed 1. This Creature being about eight and thirty years of age and having been long troubled with this Disease caused as she conceived from the Obstruction of her Terms and other Stop pages I cured as followeth 2. First I opened her Body with the following Clyster Take fat Broths a pint Infusion of Crocus Metallorum two ounces Tincture of Colocynthis in Spirit of Wine Honey of each one ounce Oyl three ounces mix them together and give the same warm this was done in the Morning 3. The next day I purged her with my Family-Pils with Aloes which gave her two Vomits and ten Stools and I repeated the Dose four times more giving the same every third or forth day and all this was done about fourteen days before the time she expected them 4. And in the intermediate days I gave her Rhenish Wine and Sugar with some drops of the Powers of Juniper-berries and somtimes with the Powers of Savin by which also the Courses were in some measure provoked in so much as about the time that they used to flow they came down plentifully 5. But with all at Night going to bed she took a dram of this following Pouder Take Bay-berries in fine Pouder Winters-Cinnamon Borax of each five drams Cinnamon Cloves of each four drams Grains of Paradice Rosemary-Flowers of each three drams Zedoary Ginger Salt of Harts-horn of each two drams black Pepper one dram fine Sugar three ounces the Species being in fine Pouder mix them with the Sugar to be given as aforesaid 6. Her Courses being produced and made to flow very well and naturally she became much better however I ordered her to take the specifick things following first every Morning I caused her to bath her Head Temples Forehead Nostrils as also the Region of the Heart and Spleen with the Queen of Hungaries-Water which she did for ten or twelve days together and presently after to take of the Powers of Rosemary Rue Sage Lavender and Angelica all equally mixt in a Glass of pure Rhenish-Wine and Sugar 7. An hour before Dinner she took about the quantity of a Hazel-nut of this following Electuary Take choice Venice-Treacle four ounces Salt of Amber one ounce Ens Veneris Salt of Harts-horn of each three drams Extracts of Saffron and of Gentian of each two drams mix them to be given as aforesaid having first fermented four and twenty hours together For the Salts will put the Electuary into a new Fermentation 8. At Night going to bed she took this Take Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition four ounces Powers of Juniper-berries half an ounce Oyl of Cinnamon half a dram mix them Dose a spoonful in a Glass of Sack last at going to bed these three things in this order she continued the use of for a Month. 9. Lastly In the day time in all her drink as she had occasion for it I prescribed some drops of Oyl of Sulphur to be taken so many at a time as might give it a grateful acidity By her exactly following of these Directions all her obstructions were removed her Courses made to flow orderly and she at length perfectly freed from her Disease so as she never had it more XII An Incubus in a middle-aged Man accompanied with a vehement Catarrh 1. This Man about forty years of age having been afflicted with these Distempers for neer a years space and having forborn the taking of any Remedy for some time out of hopes that Nature would vanquish his Disease when he saw he prolonged the time in vain and that the longer he went the worse he was at length he committed himself to the hand of a Physician a learned Graduate and one of c. who promised to cure him he purged him vomitted him caused him to be blooded six or seven times to the loss of more than an hundred ounces of Blood so that the poor Man was brought to a very low estate and yet as far from Cure as he was at first for besides his nightly trouble of the Incubus his Catarrh was much more and vehement so extream indeed that he thought it alone would carry him off his Catarrh was so far from being made better that it was much increased his strength was mightily impaired his Stomach which ought to be the Index of Health much weakned and there was also now added to the former Symptoms another or two vehement ones to wit a violent Cough with a shortness of Breath and difficulty of breathing 2. Upon these evil Successes of our Doctor it was thought fit to call two other famous and great Men into the Consultation that if the Patient should dye the Discredit thereof should not make any great Reflections But alas that which was not any particular Mans Credit was no Mans nor in great Consultations of many Physicians is any one in particular greatly concern'd whether the Patient doth well or no If by chance the sick recovers though it was purely from the strength of Nature not from the Vanity of
the Physicians or their formal and inconsiderable Consultations Oh how a Consultation of Doctors is magnifyed though peradventure not any two of them agreed and the casting Voice which gave the Recipe or Prescription was only a singular Oracle whose great Name and Reputation were the alone things that made it Orthodox and might peradventure have done as much perse if not more than he did in Conjunction But if the sick dies though from the male-Practice of the careless Consulters no Man is concerned nor is the Reputation of any of them hurt for that he dyed by the hands of the learned and was cast away by the Authority of a consulary Oracle in which no Man had so much as one grain of Reputation to loose Haec autem obiter 3. Two others being added to the Consultation it was thought fit either by them all or the greater or the lesser part of them to take away more Blood which was done at five times to the quantity in all of about seventy ounces or more by which the poor sick Man was made much weaker than before Purgations Vomits and other like things were again iterated idem ad idem to the end of the Chapter in so much that at last he was given over as uncurable and one of the said Doctors had the Vanity after all his fruitless Labour to say that he would be bound to give any Man five hundred pounds that could cure him But how unwilling he would have been to have made good his confident and vain glorious Promise had he been after put to it I cannot but smile to think of And how ill an Opinion he ought to have of himself when he considers the folly and falshood of this his lying Oracle and the weakness and insufficiency of his own Judgment and Understanding in the Art of Physick which I leave to all the learned in our Profession to determine 4. Being thus deserted in this wretched condition by the learned Tribe he for a season gave himself over to Despair at length some Friend commending me to him he requested my Advise his condition was truly deplorable but according to the vulgar Proverb whilst there is Life there is Hope and being perswaded to do my endeavour I prescribed to him the following method by which he was perfectly restored to his former Health first for his Cough and shortness of Breath c. I prescribed the dulcifyed Spirit of Sulphur to be taken in all his drink as often as he drank Take Spirit of Wine a quart Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol six ounces put it in by drops digest two or three Months and draw it off in a Glass Retort with a very gentle Fire so that a thick Magma may be left behind this he took somtimes in Ale somtimes in Canary and somtimes in other Wine 5. Every Morning fasting he took this Composition Take Spirit of Earth-Worms Spirit of Vipers Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition Spiritus Vitae Matthioli of each four ounces choice Cinnamon-Water eight ounces mix and dulcify it with Syrup of Damask-rose-water Dose two spoonfuls every Morning fasting 6. An hour before Dinner I ordered him to take the quantity of a large Wall-nut of this following Take Electuarium ad Tabidos three ounces Salt of Mans-skull Salt of Amber of each half an ounce Indian green Ginger one ounce mix and make an Electuary to be taken in the quantity aforesaid 7. Lastly at Night going to bed I prescribed my Laudanum to be given constantly for some Months beginning with two grains and to encrease a grain every Week which he did till the Dose came to twelve or fourteen grains these were all the things I gave him by the assiduous use of which in little more than three Months time he became well in all Respects Observations from other Authors XIII The Night-Mare in a young Man 1. A certain noble Person about the thirtieth year of his age did complain that whilst he was awake he was as it were often oppressed with a great Weight and that he could not but with great difficulty either move or breath his Voice was uncertain small and scarcely discernable this Disease is called in Latine Incubus in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I helped him presently with the following things 2. Take Aqua Benedicta two ounces by drinking this he did vomit up many Crudities Choler and Flegm and He said he immediately found himself better his Body being well purged I caused Blood to be taken plentifully out of the middle Vein 3. His Meat was sparingly given and Hysop-Wine was given he never lay on his Back but on his side according to my Direction and he was presently well Mar. Rulandus Cent. 9. Cur. 67. XIV The Night-Mare 1. There was a certain Person who though he was well all day yet at Night when he would take his Repose and sleep this Disease seised him he asked my Advice 2. After an universal Evacuation by Panchymagogus Crollij I ordered him to make use of these Medicaments after eating which repress all Vapours from the Stomach such are a Confection of Anise Coriander Mastich Frankincense Quinces c. 3. I also exhibited these things which strengthen both Head and Stomach Take the Species of Diarrhodon Abbatis half a dram Aromaticum Rosatum Diambrae Diamoschi Dulcis of each one scruple white Sugar dissolved in the Water of Betony four ounces the Oyls of Amber of Rosemary flowers and Rosemary of each two drops make Rowls according to Art Grulingius Cent. 1. Cur. 25. XV. The Night-Mare in one Melancholly 1. An intimate Friend of mine of his natural Constitution melancholy and sad said that he felt in his Sleep a black Man lying upon him and when he would cry out his Voice was stopped by the said Man and was by him kept fast bound every Night 2. This Man came to me I acquainted him with the Danger he was in unless he prevented it by seasonable and suitable Remedies And that dreggy viscous humor sticking about his Praecordia and by its ugly Vapour possessing the Throat Midriff Lungs Brain and all his Senses with Visions and horrible Apparitions were evacuated and the bad quality thereof abated with Cordials I feared he would fall into a worse Disease 3. He smiling jeered me saying I do not care a button for all your purgation I flight and scorn them For this is not a meer fancy and toy wherewith I am troubled and so left me 4. Within two days after his Brother comes at midnight to fetch me in all hast to this miserable Man I found him lying in his Bed pale cold speechless scarce opening his Eyes when he was loudly called upon he was also forgetful stupid and drowsy I laid my Hand on the left side of his Chest and felt a very strong palpitation of his Heart 5. Having seen all this I provided Remedies I applied Cupping-glasses but he being taken with a ratling in his Throat dyed
both Stomach and Head 11. Take the Species Diarrhodon Abbatis Aromaticum Rosatum Diambrae Diamoschi Dulcis of each one scruple dissolve them in the water of Betony there being added two ounces of white Sugar make a Confection in tables Dose two or three drams twice in a day 12. Moreover I commanded that the Flegm should be drawn from the Head by Gargarisms Apophlegmatisms and Errhins then afterwards at turns that Treacle and Mithridate should be exhibited as also the Experiment of Aâ—tius then of Paulus which is fifteen grains of the Fruit of black Peony bruised in Water for a draught and that should be continued till the sick recovered Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Obser 50 XIX The Night-Mare in a Child 1. When I was a Child I thought my self oppressed as it were with a black Dog Theodorus Bizantius is of opinion that those nocturnal Apparitions never yet appeared to wâ—se and strong Men but to such as are Children Women effeminate Persons mad Men and sickly People who are because of the weakness both of the Mind and of the Body racked with daily Fear vain and idle Dreams 2. There are some Children who waking with a Fright leap out of the bed such kind of Fears according to Hippocrates and Galen proceed from the gluttonous and ravenous sucking of Milk or from bad Nutriment or Indigestion But we have observed that not only in these but those also who are of perfect Age have had most frightful Imaginations in their Sleep especially when many vitious humors oppress the Stomach 3. Some get this Disease by external causes such as Cold and the Beams of the Moon if Children be troubled with this Disease it is not good that they sleep with their Belly full while they are eating you may give them a little Honey to lick but Children that are subject to surfeiting by reason of great feeding are to be cured by the same Medicines that are used in the Epilepsy 4. Frictions in this case are to be used Rose-Water sprinkled in the Face or rather Wine if it be from a cold cause is good 5. Rondeletius advises Clysters for discussing and evacuating Flatulencies if there be Repletion cutting of a Vein is necessary the Head is to be purged and strengthened then Topicks are to be made use of as we have prescribed in the Vertigo Cephalalgia and Epilepsy Petrus Forestus ex Scholiis lib. 10. Observ 51. XX. The Incubus or Night-Mare in a Girl 1. A Maid about nine years of age was suddenly taken in the night with somwhat like a Feaver then afterwards with the Contraction of the whole Belly and Breast her Eyes continuing open she did not answer when a question was put to her yet she seemed to be in her right wits 2. She was afflicted with a difficulty of breathing a thick kind of Spirit possessed her Heart and Praecordia and as one oppressed with some great Weight she could not speak 3. A venemous kind of Spirit coming from the Belly to the Praecordia then to the Brest and superiour Parts did afflict this poor Maid in this sort of Paraxysm she continued from nine to eleven of the Clock afterwards on the third day she was troubled with the like Fit 4. I coming to see her and finding that she could not be raised up by Frictions and other Medicines I ordered a Clyster to be made for her of the Pouder of Hiera Picra Sal Gem and Hony which had a good Effect For she was a little eased from the Paroxysm yet she continued weak 5. Then we did exhiâ—it a little Wine with the Raspings of the true Vnicorn and so thereby she slept the next day much better 6. The Mother of this Maid thought her Daughter was troubled with Worms and therefore gave her Worm-seed yet she could not void any Worms her Daughter now grew better her Pulse which in the Paroxysm was weak swift and small became equal in its Motions 7. Now that the Malady may not return again at its usual hour I commanded that the Maid should drink Beer wherein Pulp of Cassia was put containing therein the Pouder of the Seeds of Peony it was drained by Expression into the Beer and then drank 8. The next Night the Fit was more easy and favourable because she refused to take one dram of the Pouder in its pure substance we included it in the Pulp which was put into six ounces of Beer this maid continuing to drink always Beer so ordered she became at length perfectly freed from this troublesom Disease Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 52. SCHOLIA The THEORY of the INCUBUS or NIGHT-MARE By the Author W. Salmon XXI The Pathology of the Incubus and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names A Graecis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hoc est insiliendo Nomen habens Quidam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teste Aureliano hoc est Aggressionem Invasionem nocturnam nominant ab aliis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dioscorides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à Species Suffocationis quae hoc malô laborantibus in Somno offertur Avicenna suâ linguâ Strangulatorem nominat In Latin it is called Incubus ab incubando in English the Hag or Night-Mare 2. The Definition Incubus ergo est respirationis offensio vocis interceptio corporisque oppressio seu motus impedimentum cum falso in sommio ponderis thoraci incumbentis à vapore crasso posteriora potissimum cerebri obstruente ut spiritus animales ad liberam respirationem motum edendum prodire nequeant It is a Disease arising from thick Vapours chiefly obstructing the hinder part of the Brain by which the Flux of animal Spirits being stopt the respiration or breathing is hurt the Voice intercepted and the Body so oppressed as it were between sleeping and waking with a weight lying upon the Brest and holding fast the whole Man that notwithstanding all his endeavours the whole Faculty of moving seems for a Season to be abolished 3. The Kinds or Differences They are two-fold 1. The Disease is considered as it happens to such as are young or in old People and in these it has been either of short or of long continuance 2. It is either essential in the Head and Brain or is caused by Consent from the Stomach Hippochonders Testicles c. all which may be discerned by their proper Indications XXII The Signs of an Incubus or Night-Mare 1. The Paroxysm comes for the most part when the Patient is in a Slumber or between sleeping and waking somtimes it invades him in one Part somtimes in another in some begins at the Feet and creeps up the Legs and Thighs by degrees till it seizes upon the Brest and laying hold as it were of all the Powers and Faculties of the whole Body chains them in some it begins at the lower part of the Belly and so ascending higher immediately takes a seisure of the whole Man 2. In other
a Feaver Now the heat in Mans Body arises from the praevalency of the Spirit for where that is strong and turgid the Man is in a good heat or it may be it superabounds but where it is Latent or Languid and weak there the heat is diminished and it may be much less than it ought to be 3. Now the reason why in one Man it should be very much diminished and in another from the same cause it should be as much augmented about its natural temperature seemes to me to be wholy from the strength of the natural constitution and in part from the rarity or density and straightness of the Pores in one more than in another by means of which there is an occasion of a greater wasting or diminution of the Spirit in the one than in the other 4. And this is clear in such as are in continual Feavers who before they sweat are extreamly red and of a vehement burning heat but if by accident or art they are made to sweat well than the heat is not only abated and as it were totally taken away but also that unnatural redness vanishes and leaves in the place thereof a palish whitness Now whereas such a great red colour and vehement heat of Body was caused from the turgency of the Spirits in the Blood now in a vehement fermentation so the loss of that colour and heat was by reason of the diminution and wasting of the said Spirit in sweating a transpiration being made through the Pores of the Skin and this is so much the more evident for that after such sweating the sick although his heat and inflamation is but barely allayed yet he finds himself much weaker and fainter with a certain lowness of Spirit and Dulness 5. And therefore it is that in very strong constitutions and in such who have a greater density and straightness of the Pores than others such upon drinking Brandy and other strong liquors have always a great redness and heat upon them as if they were in a Feaver because of their strength of Body and apt disposition thereof to retain the spirit and native heat how much soever stirred up whereas on the contrary the other through their natural weekness and laxity of the said Pores are subject to a continual wasting of the Spirit and vast diminution of the said internal heat whereby they are rendred pale in countenance and extream faint and feeble and this was indeed the true case of this our Patient 6. This Tremor or Trembling Riverius lib. 1. cap. 10. calls voluntary motion depraved by which the member is somtimes elevated somtimes depressed through the mutual contention between the faculty and the part affected this definition may serve for this place but he seems to fetch it out of Galen de sympt caus lib. 2. cap. 1. who upon this subject doth not wholy agree with himself but calls it in another place motion diminished But Riverius saith That the moving faculty desires to lift up the member and to keep it in that position but the weight of the member presseth it downwards whence comes saith he the Trembling motion 7. The Trembling in this our Patient being very great and his weakness much I was unwilling to purge him for fear of farther weakness but I began the cure with a prohibition of those things which were the Procatartick cause of his Disease and therefore I totally interdicted Brandy to him yet withall gave him liberty to drink for a season now and than a glass of generous Wine least if he was wholly debarred of all strong liquors at once a faintness of the Spirit and general weakness more than ordinary should immediately seize him and therefore in this case I endeavored to make a vertue of necessity and so caused him to take those things which I designed for his cure partly in Wine partly in Mead whereby his restoration was rendred more facile and easie 8. Now whereas the prime first or remote cause proceeded from drunkenness besides interdicting the superfluous drinking of strong liquors so two things seemed necessary in this cure The first was to rectify and restore the the Spirit hurt and diminished in its operations Secondly to comfort and strengthen the parts weakned through the Spirits aberration 9. The first intention is performed by Internal Medicaments chiefly such as are of a volatile property and comfort the animal Spirit And therefore I gave him the following things every Morning fasting he took the Spirit of Harts-horn or the Powers thereof to half a dram in a glass of Wine or Mead and about an hour after the same he eat a hard Biscate for his Breakfast he increased the dose as he found occasion after fourteen days was over I changed his Medicament and gave him instead of the preparations of Harts-horn the volatile Salt of Mans skull from twelve grains to sixteen in old Conserve of Roses the which he took every Morning for a month together in the same manner 10. An hour before Dinner I prescribed him ten grains of volatile Salt of Amber to be taken in Conserve of Roses as the former and to drink after it if he so pleased a glass of Viper Wine and this was also continued for six weeks together 11. About two hours after Supper just at going to Bed he took a dose of Our Electuarium ad Tabidos the quantity of a large Nutmeg and drank after it a little glass of Mead and so reposed himself to sleep the which he continued during the whole course of his Cure 12. The second intention which was to strengthen the Muscles Nerves Tendons and other parts weakned was performed by outward application although it is not to be doubted but that the former internal Medicaments much contributed to the same intention to perform which I caused him for eight or ten days to be Morning and Night bathed first with the Powers Amber or the Powers of Mans skull and then with the Tincture of Myrrh and after ten days he was only bathed Morning and Evening as aforesaid with the pure Tincture of Myrrh made with the Spirit of Wine for near a month more by the use of this means here prescribed and the injoyned abstinence he was in about six or seven weeks time restored to his pristin health II. A Tremor or Trembling in another Man arising from Drunkenness with a leprous Scab 1. He being of a middle age and of a heavy fat and gross Body filled with many ill humors I conceived it necessary first to make a gentle evacuation which I did by exhibiting of my Family Pills with Aloes repeating the same six times at five dâ—ys distance between each Exhibition and withall giving in the intermediate days Elixir proprietatis every Morning fasting thirty drops at a time in a little glass of Canary with all prohibiting him from the ordinary or frequent use of strong liquors 2. At Noon as also between meals when he desired to drink I ordered him to take from
Stomach was exceedingly out of order so that she could take nothing nay not her ordinary Food without vomiting and so exceedingly was it enervated that she constantly loathed all things which were designed to be received in at her Mouth so that by reason of the little Nourishment she took in her Disease seemed continually to encrease upon her now this evil disposition of her Stomach she told me was chiefly caused from the large quantities and nauciousness of the Medicaments which had been for a long time given her so that if I could not find out things more pleasant and delectable and such as withall might strengthen her Stomach she confidently assured herself that I should never be able to do her any kindness 4. These precautions I confess were a means to put me into the right way and therefore I consulted with myself how I might restore the tone of the Stomach now so much overturned I perceived the Faculties of the Stomach themselves were hurt and that that nauciousness and vomiting rather proceeded therefrom than from any real foulness or quantity of matter filling the same and I was the more confirmed in this opinion because she told me that her former Doctors had given her above twenty Vomits by which she was assured her Stomach was effectually cleansed 5. Upon this I applyed my thoughts wholly to strengthners of the Stomach Restauratives and Neuroticks the first thing I gave her was the vulnerary Spirit of Vitriol which as it is a great strengthner of the Stomach so also it is a thing of very subtile and volatile parts I orred her to take it in all the drink she took whether Beer Ale or Wine and to put so much therein at a time as might give it a pleasant tast and to take it as well at meals as between meals by this she confest she found much good and in less than a fortnights time began to eat her Food indifferently well 6. But by reason she complained of a coldness at Stomach and wind which much opprest her I caused her about half an hour before eating to take from fifteen to thirty drops of the Tincture of black Pepper in a glass of Canary and this to do three times a day at least as also immediately after eating to take a glass of choice Wormwood-Wine made very bitter with the Wormwood and somtimes for change a spoonful or two of the best Cinnamon-Water or half an ounce of the Aqua Vitae Matthioli Moreover every Morning fasting I caused her to take from forty to sixty drops of Elixir Proprietatis in a glass of generous Wine by the constant use of these things in about twenty days time her loathing and vomiting was wholly taken away as also that windiness and coldness of the Stomach of which she so much complained 7. By the assiduous use of these things she began to eat and digest her Food very well so that now she was put into hopes of a Cure but that I might effectually accomplish what I designed I now applyed my self to such things as were of a pure restorative nature and withall had a power to comfort and strengthen the Nerves For this purpose I prescribed to her the taking of Electuarium ad Tabidos to be taken the quantity of a large Nutmeg every Morning fasting drinking after it a small glass of Wormwood Wine and to continue rhe same for six or eight weeks as she in the process of time should see occasion 8. I ordered her to take the Electuary about six in the Morning and about three hours after viz about nine a clock to take this following Neurotick Take pure Musk half an ounce Ambergrise one dram Extracts of Gentian Zedoary Contrayerva Virginian-snake-root and Saffron of each two drams mix and with pure juice of Alkernes a sufficient quantity make an Electuary to be taken as aforesaid from half a dram to a dram and drinking after it a little glass of White or Rhenish-Wine and Sugar and this same Dose I so ordered to be taken at four a clock in the Afternoon viz. about four hours after Dinner and to continue it twice a day for ten or twelve days together and afterwards only to take it once a day viz at ten in the Morning as long as need required 9. At Night going to bed I prescribed a small Dose of my Laudanum made of a fermented Opium with volatile Salts I began with two grains and caused her to encrease a grain every week till she took eight grains which was the largest Dose and she continued the use thereof for about three Months Moreover I was enduced to the use of the former Medicament made of Musk because she exceedingly delighted in that Scent and assured me that she ever found it exceedingly to comfort and refresh her 10. Lastly twice a day viz Morning and Night I caused all the Parts afflicted with the Tremor to be very well bathed with the Powers of Rhodium which was done for three weeks and afterwards only once a day to wit at â—ight going to bed just before taking of the Laudanum These means being persued according to my directions her Disease dayly weakned and she encreased in strength so that in less than a quarter of a year she was beyond all expectation restored to her perfect Health VIII A Tremor or Trembling in a young Lady proceeding from Affrightment 1. Being abroad late she apprehended she saw a Spirit or Ghost by which being put into a terrible fear a notable Trembling seised upon her which continued for some hours with great vehemency her Friends expecting that when the terror or affrightment was clearly gon that probably the Trembling would leave her 2. But contrary to their expectation so great was the disturbance of the Spirits that though after a season the terror was clearly vanished yet it left behind it some portion of its effects for though it was somwhat abated in relation to her whole Body yet it partly remained in all the extream parts so that after ten weeks waiting in hopes to see it terminate it then left work for a Physician to exercise his skill upon 3. I was at length sent for to whom they gave the aforesaid relation of her condition by which I saw the Nerves and their Original to be indeed affected and therefore adhibited to her such proper Cephalick-Neuroticks as might probably restore the Oeconomy of the Genus Nervosum or Nervous Systeme Take Venice Treacle one ounce volatile Salt of Amber and of Harts-horn of each one dram and half Musk one dram with confect of Alkermes a sufficient quantity make an Electuary Of this she took the quantity of a dram and half or nearly two drams every Morning fasting drinking after the same a little glass of Sack and fasting after it for the space of two hours 4. But that we might the more absolutely settle the Spirits and confirm the Archeus thus of late disturbed I also resolved to give her at Night going to Bed
a dose of my Laudanum made of a fermented Opium and repleat with volatile Salts I first gave her three grains the use of which she continued for a week every Night then I gave her four grains for a week more and augmented it a grain every week whilst she took it which was to the end of five weeks at which period of time she was restored to her perfect health 5. Since the performance of this Cure I have cured four other Persons who were affected with a Tremor from affrightment and that only with Our Laudanum but now above mentioned given every Night as aforesaid and augmented the dose only one grain a week being continued four or five weeks in like maâ—ner which Observations are truly worth the taking notice of IX A Tremor in the right Arm and Hand which was caused by overstraining it 1. A Servant Maid by some accident whether of lifting thrusting puling or holding fast I cannot now call to mind had so overstrained the part that such a weakness seised the Nerves and Muscles as caused a continuall Tremor or Trembling so that she could not hold any thing in her Hand but it would extreamly shake nor could she guide with it a Cup of Drink to her Mouth whereby she was for a while disabled for her Service 2. Upon this I caused for six or seven days time her said Arm to be very well bathed with the Powers of Amber Morning and Night and then to be bound up with new Flannel and so kept warm 3. A week being past I caused this Cataplasm following to be applyed Take Mithridate eight ounces fat Myrrh dissolved in a sufficient quantity of Spirit of Wine one ounce Orrice root in pouder enough to make it of a fit consistencie mix them well for a Cataplasm This was spread upon Lambs leather and applyed to the part affected it lay two Days and two Nights and then was renewed and was repeated in all about five times at the end of which she found her self well and her Arm restored to its compleat strength 4. But while these things were doing I thought good to give her a few doses of my Laudanum aforementioned which she took to four grains every Night for a fortnight together drinking after it a glass of Rhenish Wine and Sugar 5. Another Maid Servant who had a Tremor in one of her Arms and Hands which came by overstraining was cured by taking the Laudanum every Night as aforesaid and bathing the part affected with the said Powers of Amber but instead of the Cataplasm of Mithridate and Myrrh she applyed a Pultise made of raw Comfrey roots being cleansed and beaten till they were soft in a stone-Morter and then spread upon Leather which was renewed every third day and repeated four times 6. And by this latter method I cured a little Youth of eight years of age who had a Tremor seised upon all his extream parts caused as was supposed by a blow given him over the Reins of his Back the Youth lay several weeks in a very sad and languishing condition and also in perpetual Pain so that some Physicians thought it to be a Nephritis others an Apostemation of these parts or some other thing after three months time he fell into my hands by the first dose of my Laudanum the Child had ease of his Pain and by the assiduous use thereof it was wholy removed and the Cure was compleated by applying to the Reins of the Back the Powers of Amber and the Cataplasm of Comfrey roots in manner as aforesaid X. A Tremor of Trembling caused from a perturbation of the Spirit 1. A Woman near thirty years of age of a melancholy disposition of body and very apt to be frighted upon the least occasion was at length taken with a Tremor which had now continued upon her above two years so that a Palsie was feared to ensue she was Hypochondriack and complained of a great oppression of the Spleen which would be so great somtimes that she could not lye upon her left Side 2. This Woman oftentimes seemed to be indifferent well but if she drank any thing of strong liquors as strong waters or Wine she would be in a manner raging mad as if she had been affrighted out of her wits and this would befal her if that she drank but strong drink plentifully so that she would cry out of being kill'd frighted with Swords and that she saw Devils Ghosts and such like and so violent and extream would her fits be upon such an occasion that three or four Men could scarcely hold her that what with the dread or terror upon her Spirits and her violent strugling for two or three hours together she would be so weakned that when she came to her self she could scarcely stand alone but would tremble so that she could not hold a joynt of her 3. This great Trembling seldom lasted upon her longer than an hour after the affrightment was over but by reason of the many affrightments and other perturbations of Spirit which frequently followed her she became so enervated that at length although the great Trembling might goe off yet it left behind it upon the extream parts a very notable weakness so that she could not hold any thing in either of her Hands without a Tremor or shaking of the same which she thought to be a great affliction upon her 4. She had tryed many Physicians but all in vain and by their advice she lost at times above an hundred and forty ounces of Blood which they pretended was to cure her of her madness which whatever it might do in that respect I will not say one thing I am sure of that it vastly weakned her and contributed much to her Tremor or shaking I first purged the Melancholy humor with the following Tincture Take Sena two ounces Crystals of Tartar one ounce Scammony three drams Cinnamon Cloves Galangal Zedoary Aniseeds of each a dram and half juyce of Liquorice half a dram mix and with white Wine and choice Canary of each a pint make a Tincture This was given her at three times somthing more than three ounces at a time and that every third day with observation after taking the same as in other purges By the means of this purging the Melancholy humor was mightily abated and Our Patient grew after it very chearful and merry 5. In the intermediate days I ordered her to take Tinctura Paralytica Mylij which was given her three ounces or more at a time Morning Noon and Might The preparation thereof you may see in Our Pharmacopoea lib. 4. cap. 7. sect 36. by which she found much good for her Drink I ordered a small decoction of Guajacum Sarsa and Sassafras compleated with seeds to be taken at all times when thirst required 6. But whereas she complained much of the pain of her Spleen I ordered her every Night except the evening before the day of purging to take a dose of my Laudanum she began with
whole Body or of some particular part yet that is the chief which depends upon the causes and accordingly to which the Cure is to be varied And therefore it is either Ideopathetick or Essential in the Brain from a defect or dissipation of the Spirits Or Sympathetick and by consent from a distemperature of the Nerves being afflicted with cold and moisture or obstructed or compressed and condensed or otherwise hurt with some venenate malign narcotick or occult quality The chief or principal difference is that it is either simple or joyned with a Convulsion which latter is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which Hippocrates prognost 10. has made mention which happens somtimes not only in Feavers but also in an Epilepsy at the end of the Paroxysm where somtimes a Trembling joyned with a convulsive motion doth afflict the sick for some hours to wit till the Epileptick matter is wholly dissipated XX. Of the signs of a Tremor or Trembling 1. A Tremor superficially considred is evident to the sight as whether it be great or small and whether it afflâ—cts the part or the whole as also whether it proceeds from any other affect as a Palsy Convulsion Palpitation Rigor or be joyned with a convulsive motion 2. This vitious Trembling is somtimes accompanied with cold and moisture of the part and somtimes with a continual and dry heat and somtimes the parts afflicted have a notable strength and somtimes they are extreamly Weak so that the Sick has not power to guid a Cup to their Mouth 3. Moreover the Disease is known to be Ideopathetick or Essential in the Brain if no violent external cause went before to overstrain or hurt the extream parts In all such cases the Disease is Sympathetical and the Brain only suffers by consent or compassion XXI Of the causes of a Tremor or Trembling 1. Authors have given many causes of Tremor or Trembling which causes require other causes to explain them as That it is caused by reason of the weakness of the motive faculty or nerest Instruments thereof to wit the Animal Spirit which is not able to exercise a voluntary motion perfectly The Spirits are made weak either by a fault in themselves or by a defect in the Nerves which are the Condit-pipes of the Animal Spirits and by which they are conveyed and do act The fault is in the Spirits when either they are but few at the first Or when they are afterwards dissipated They are few at the first either by reason of the cold distemper of the Brain as in old men Or for the want of Vital Spirits which are the matter of which the Animal are made The Spirits are dissipated from many external causes as immoderate evacuations much use of venery and unseasonable great Pain much fasting Grief and long violent Diseases They are hurt by a defect in the Nerves and are weakned when either the Nerves are too cold or are infected with a malign quality Or obstruction Or compressed They grow too cold either from cold Air Or the eating of cold Meats Or much drinking of Water Or swiming often in cold water and the like They are infected by the use of Opium Henbane Poppy and the fumes of Mercury as it often falls out to Goldsmiths and Gilders and to such as having had the french Pox have been cured with the fumes of Cinnabar Arsnick or Mercury as also to such as have had Malignant Feavers They are obstructed either wholly by some hurt provocations or irritation of the Nervous parts Or in part as in a Palsy from a watery humor gently spinkled upon the Nerves producted from Gluttony Drunkenness and other causes Lastly Trembling may come from compression of the Nerves when excrementitious humors abounding in the wholy Body do compress the Nerves and so hinders the free passage of the Animal Spirit Thus Authors 2. These are the common Opinions with which many learned Men have been pleased but we confess no way satisfy us who have a mind wholy desirous to investigate Truth For if these be true causes wherefore is it that they should be causes in one person and not in another for that we see in persons where most of those supposed causes are previous and eminently manifest not one of an hundred are yet taken with a Tremor or Trembling This thing to me seems to argue a defect in the causes by Authors assigned and that there is yet the true cause hidden which being stirred up must infallibly produce the Distemper we shall therefore in the first place discourse of the Procatartick or Antecedent cause then of the Proeguminine nere or conjunct cause in order and that we hope with so much Perspicuity plainness and solid demonstration of Truth as may be satisfactory to all the lovers thereof 3. The Procatartick external or remote cause is evidently manifest in all such as have been affected with a Tremor or Trembling from the bare relation of the course of Life In some great drinking of strong Liquors as of strong Beer Ale Wines Brandy c. has been the Antecedent cause thereof though we confess that for once or twice or now and than to be overcome with those liquors is not very material to the production thereof yet the assiduous and continual repeating of such a kind of intemperance will in process of time produce such an effect so likewise Gluttony and Gormandising thought more rarely unless the said intemperance be promoted to a vast excess and also for a long time repeated 4. To these causes we may add the force of Poyson and of Poysonous things I mean in those cases where their strength is not great enough to eradicate life I remember once upon design an Acquaintance of mine out of a Frolick gave one drop of the Oyl of Tobacco in a glass of Wine to one of the company unknown to them but alas upon a sudden how great an alteration was made the Mans countenance waxed pale sickness at Stomach overtook him a Trembling of the whole Body with fainting and swooning away insomuch being ignorant of what was don I almost dispaired of life to these symptoms was added vomiting with vehement convulsive motions after three hours the force of the Poyson vanished but left behind it a Trembling of all the extream parts and a palpitation of heart for ten or twelve days after And other poysons effect the same things if not so speedily or after the same manner yet with as ill a consequence if not worse One poysoned with Arsenick though not mortally yet had such a Tremor left behind as the consequent and effects thereof that lasted during the Mans whole life Another I knew poysoned with Night-shade who notwithstanding all the industry which was used by the Physicians which that place and time could afford though he escaped with life yet had a Tremor which continued upon him for more than a year after it And although I can enumerate some who having been accidentally poysoned have had yet
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.
least weaked by it but made much the stronger so that by degrees she eat her Food heartily and after an insensible manner came to the use of her Limbs the Disease every day vanishing 14. From this Observation and some others of like kind it is manifest how great things are wrought by purgative Medicaments which are given in spirituous Vehicles for that the Vertue of the Medicament is made by their means to enter the more easily into the Veins and thereby to mix it self intimately with the Mass of Blood whereby such a fermentation or strugling and separation in the Blood is made as causes a praecipitation and excretion of the morbifick matter even beyond expectation 15. And in all sorts of Paralytick Distempers this kind of purging has greater effect because thereby not only the humid and diseasy matter is drawn away but the Neurotick juyce too much cooled and weakned is restored and confirmed whereby a restitution of the pristin health succeeds 16. In her Diet before mentioned she constantly took of this following mixture forty sixty or more drops at a time Take Powers of Rosemary Powers of Lavender Powers of sweet Marjoram of each a like quantity mix them together to be used as aforesaid But at Morning and Night she took about half a spoonful of the same in the Diet aforementioned 17. Twice a day viz. an hour before Dinner and an hour before Supper she took the quantity of a large Nutmeg of this Electuary Take Electuarium ad Tabidos one ounce Powers of Vipers three drams mix them well together After the taking of it she washt it down with a little glass of Hippocras This Medicament immediately after it was taken warmed the whole humane frame to a very high degree yet not so as to inflame it or cause a Feaver yet her whole Body would presently grow as warm as if she had been heat by a very great fire 18. The use of this Medicament was continued during the whole time of the Cure yet somtimes for change sake she took the said Powers of Vipers in a glass of Sack or Hippocras which notwithstanding had the same virtue and effects in warming or heating the â—niversal frame as before 19. But whereas she somtimes complained of an illness and weakness of Stomach as also of want of Appetite and Loathing I caused her oftentimes both between meals and at meals also to take of the volatile Spirit of Vitriol or Sulphur made so by mixing digesting and being distilled off with rectified spirit of Wine after this manner Take rectified spirit of Wine two quarts drop there into by degrees two pounds of the best Oyls of Vitriol or Sulphur shake them well together digest in a gentle sand-heat sixteen weeks at least shaking the Vessel once a day then put it into a glass Cucurbit or a Retort if you so please and leisurely draw off the Spirit with a very slow and gradual Fire so that the pure thin and volatile Spirit may only ascend and the thick Magma remain alone at Bottom And for this cause you must be very cautious that the Fire does not exceed its just Limits for that if it be too great the Magma will ascend with the Spirit and then all your Labour will be lost and you will be forced to repeat the Distillation again 20. The use of this Spirit restored the Tone of the Stomach and made her digest her Food very well besides it has a great Power to restore the motive Faculty in all Paralytick Distempers for that it has a specifick Vertue to open all Obstructions of the Nerves in what Part of the Body so ever 21. And now and then for the Stomach sake also I permitted her to eat preserved Nutmegs candied Orange Limon and Citron-Peels and somtimes preserved green Ginger and somtimes she took this Electuary Take Conserves of Betony Sage Cowslips and Rosemary-Flowers of each two ounces preserved Nutmegs extreamly well beaten number four Indian preserved green Ginger four ounces candied Orange Limon and Citron Peels of each two ounces and half beat all very well together and with Juyce of Alkermes a sufficient quantity make an Electuary with which mix well Oyl of Cinnamon half an ounce Of this she took as her Stomach required it the quantity of a Chest-nut at a time By the use of these things the Cure apparently drew on 22. Whilst all these things were doing we were not unmindful as we before declared of using fit Topicks to the distemper and therefore in the first place we caused the Nucha and Vertebrae of the Spina dorsi from the Original thereof down to the Os Coccygis to be well bathed with this mixture Take anisated Balsam of Sulphur two ounces Chymical oyl of Lavender one ounce mix them well together This was anointed upon the places aforenamed Morning and Night for nere a month together it had not been used twelve or fourteen days before the sick found great benefit therefrom 23. All the extream parts also of the Body which the Palsie had seised were bathed with this following Take Powers of Rosemary of Lavender of Savin of Sassafras and of Limons of each three ounces Powers of sweet Marjoram of Sage and of Amber of each an ounce and half mix them together with this the Paralytick parts were bathed Morning and Night during almost the whole time of the Cure 24. Lastly to strengthen and coroborate the Nerves this following Emplaster or Cataplasm was applyed over all the Paralytick members after the aforesaid bathing was over Take Venice Treacle twelve ounces yolks of Eggs number six Balsam of Peru fat Myrrh made soft with rectified spirit of Wine of each four ounces Balsamum Capivie two ounces pouder of Cubebs or of Zedoary enough to make it of a fit consistency not too hard mix them well together and let them be spread upon Leather and apply to the Diseased parts 25. This disaffection at first was great and the poor Patient truly deplorable for that in the Eye of humane reason she seemed to be absolutely incurable but by the assiduous use and application of the aforegoing remedies according to our directions the Cure was compleatly accomplished in a little more than half a years time to the great satisfaction of all the persons concerned V. A Palsie in a young Woman occasioned by taking a great cold after violent Sweating 1. This young Woman being in a vehement Sweat through long and much Exercise and being impatient cooled her-self with cold Water and withall exposed her-self to the Wind and cold Air so that cooling her-self too hastily she contracted such a Cold as brought upon her immediately a complication of many Evils For she contracted a vehement Cough and so great a Hoarsness as that she could scarcely speak so as to be understood Moreover she had a straightness of Breath an obstruction of the Lungs and difficulty of breathing together with many and great Pains which seized her in all her extream Parts that she
manner Take small Cinnamon-water a quart choice Sena chosen Rhubarb very thin sliced of each three ounces make a gentle infusiâ—n in a sand heat for twenty four hours then strain out by gently pressing and keep the liquor in a glass close stopt for use This quantity will serve for six Doses which are to be given early in the Morning fasting with observation as in other purges 32. In the intervalls of purging I caused the sick constantly to take these following things Take the Powers of Rosemary and Lavender of each two ounces Spirit of Angelica the greater composition six ounces mix them Of this mixture there was taken every Morning from half a spoonful to a spoonful in a glass of Hippocras and somtimes in a glass of Cinnamon-water 33. An hour before Dinner I prescribed this Take Salt of Mans skull sixteen grains salt of Harts-horn salt of Vipers of each eight grains mix them to be given in a glass of Hippocras It is marvellous to think what a great alteration the exhibition of these things made in a very few weeks in this Paralytick Patient but whereas before I permitted if required a glass or two of Hippocras at Dinner so also I ordred as the sick liked it to take after Dinner a glass of Wormwood-wine 34. At night going to Bed I ordered this Take Electuarium ad Tabidos green Ginger preserved candied Orange-peels Conserve of Rosemary and Lavender-flowers of each three ounces Custoreum in fine pouder Mans skull Anacardiums of each two ounces preserved Nutmegs number six Oyls of Rosemary of Rue of sweet Marjoram of Lavender of Limons of Sage and of Sassafras of each ten drops juyce of Alkermes four ounces or so much as may make it of a just consistence mix all very well together by beating in a Mortar Dose from six drams to an ounce at a time 35. After five times purging I sweat the Patient very well five times with this following composition Take Bezoar mineral a scruple Salt of Worm-wood ten grains Electuarium ad Tabidos a dram mix them together for a dose This was given about half an hour before going into the sweat which was then performed in Hartman s Chair with rectified spirit of Wine set on fire It was supposed that every time more than a quart of sweat came from the sick during the time of Sweating the spirits were supported and sustained with this cordial Julep Take spirit of Angelica the greater composition or in place thereof Aqua Vitae Matthioli three ounces small Cinnamon-water four ounces Damask Rose-water syrup of Citron peels of each two ounces and half mix them together by shaking This sweating was repeated commonly at five or six days distance 36. But whereas the sick was troubled with a vehement Catarrh which by all that we had yet done could not be taken away I was forced at length to have recourse to Opiates and therefore after eleven weeks using all the former things without much success against the said Catarrh I ordered the sick to take every Night going to bed a dose of Our volatile Laudanum the description of which you may see in sect 1. § 10. of this chapter My Patient begun with two grains and increased a grain every fifth day till the dose came to be fifteen grains at which time the Catarrh seemed to be wholly taken off from thence the dose was diminished a grain every third day till it came to two grains again and then it was wholly given over having accomplished what it was designed for 37. Yet constantly all the while this was doing the prescript at § 32. and 33 aforegoing were not neglected but assiduously followed with all the care imaginable and the Diet of Guajacum was also continued to the compleat end of the Cure 38. While all these things were doing we applyed to the grieved parts proper Topicks first Frictions were used with course cloths all over the Paralitick parts then immediately after they were very well bathed and fomented with pure spirit of Wine by which the Pores were well opened and made fit to receive the impression of some more powerful remedie 39. After the fomentation all the Paralitick parts were anointed with this following Oyl Take Oyl of Ben a pound and half Chymical Oyls of Rosemary of Lavender of Savin of Sassafras of each an ounce and half Oyl of Aniseeds three ounces mix them together to anoint with This was anointed all over the Back-bone as also upon all the Paralytick members Morning and Night after friction and fomentation as aforesaid and it was well rubbed in with the Hand by a comfortable fire for half an hour together or more at a time 40. Moreover I caused solid Errhines to be put up the Nostrills they were thus made Take Confection Hamech half an ounce salt of Harts-horn half a dram salt of Mans-skull a scruple Scammony and Gambogia of each a like quantity in fine pouder enough to make the Electuary into a consistency for Pills Of this long slender rouls were made and put up into the Nostrills and kept there nere an hour and half with a Muffler pined up before the Nose from Ear to Ear this was don four several times but always about two hours or somthing more before going to Bed to prevent taking cold which if it be don in the Morning the Patient is very apt to do They operated admirable well and brought away a vast quantity of cold pituitous and slimy Excrements out of the Head which very much facilated the Cure 41. Lastly I caused the Head to be shaved and rubbed well then to be bathed with the Queen of Hungaries water for about half a quarter of an hour and after that to be anointed well with this Oyl Take Oyl of Ben three ounces Musk in fine pouder Chymical Oyls of Nutmegs of sweet Marjoram and of Savin of each three drams mix them well together With this the Head was constantly anointed Morning and Night and then bound up very warm By the diligent use of these things and careful following of these our directions was this miserable Patient perfectly restored to health in the space of twenty weeks time 42. A young Man eighteen years of age being taken with a general Palsie from cold was cured in three weeks time only by anointing with the Oyl at § 39. aforegoing and taking as a Diet a strong decoction of Juniper-berries and Calamus Aromaticus made in Wine mixing therewith at time of taking about sixty drops of the Powers of Rosemary 43. A Woman also of about thirty years of age going to Bed well and rising the next Morning Paralytick was cured by anointing the palsied parts with the aforesaid Oyl at § 39. for about ten days and then afterwards bathing the parts affected Morning and Night with the Powers of Amber being also three times purged with the Tincture of Our Family Pills and withall taking in all her Drink some drops of spirit of Sal Armoniack 44. Another young Man
dreadful Convulsions of the Mesentery where not only in a very short time much diminished but also in no long time viz. in less than forteen days wholly taken away 17. But whereas she was very apt to be bound in Body and extreamly afflicted with Wind I prescribed this following Clyster to be exhibited once in two three four or five days as the necessity of the sick required Take Mutton-Broth a pint Honey Oyl Olive of each three spoonfuls Powers of Caraways and Aniseeds of each half a spoonful mix them and exhibit it warm 18. Outwardly as Topicks all the upper part of the Spina Dorsi was twice a day viz. Morning and Night bathed with this mixture Take Powers of Amber of Aniseeds of sweet Fennel-seeds of Rosemary of Lavender of Savin of each one ounce Powers of Nutmegs and of Cloves of each half an ounce mix them to bath withall as aforesaid 19. The Paralytick Parts were first well rubbed with a course Cloth then fomented with Spirit of Wine for almost an hour together then well anointed with this Oyl Take pure Oyl of Ben eight ounces chymical Oyls of Rosemary Sassafras and Juniper-berries of each an ounce Oyl of Aniseeds half an ounce mix them well together with this the extream Parts were well anointed twice a day from the very beginning of the Cure to the confirmation thereof which was in about twelve weeks time or somwhat more 20. Lastly for her constant drink I ordered an ordinary Decoction of Guajacum Sassafras and Sarsaparilla to which was added as a Complement Spanish Juyce of Liquorice Raisons of the Sun Figs Coriander seeds Aniseeds Caraways It was made in half Water half White-Wine the Wine being added a little before the end of the boyling this she took as her ordinary drink by the due use of these things according to the course afore-prescribed she was restored to her perfect health in the time above limitted XI A Palsy in a Man about five and forty years of age 1. This Man being of a middle age and of a pituitous constitution of Body going a long Journey in a wet Season got a very great Cold whence followed a vehement Catarrh the Catarrh being unadvisedly stopt by receiving the Fumes of Amber into the Mouth by a Funnel he was taken with a numbness and impotency of motion and became in a very little time extreamly paralytick in all Parts 2. By the advise of a Quack-salver they applyed almost all over him Cataplasms of Turneps boyled but without Success Yea so far was it from doing good that he received much prejudice therefrom for the Cataplasm not long after growing cold and not being presently renewed he added to his former Distemper and made his Paralysis much worse than it was before whereupon some of his Relations sending for me I prescribed him the following Things 3. Take Treacle Water magistral Water of Earth-Worms of each four ounces Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition two drams Spirit of Sal Armoniack sixteen drops mix them for a draught he took it in the Evening and sweat upon it very well The next Night I gave it again with this following Bolus Take Venice-Treacle half a dram Oriental Bezoar Mineral Bezoar of each eight grains mix them this sweat more powerfully as we desired it and it was twice again repeated each at six days distance 4. In the mean season we ordered from the highest Vertebra of the Neck to the Os Coccygis to be very well anointed twice a day with this Compositum Take Oyls of Hypericon and of Castor of each four ounces chymical Oyls of Rosemary of Savin of Sassafras and of Lavender of each six drams Powers of Amber an ounce Spirit of Sal Armoniack seven drams mix them together and anoint therewith 5. He also took as a Diet a Guajacum-Decoction thus made Take Raspings of Guajacum eight ounces Bark of the same three ounces Raspings of Sassafras and of Juniper-wood of each four ounces boyl all in spring-water eight quarts in a proper Diet-pot three or four hours then add thereto these following Juniper-herries roots of Angelica Peony-seeds all very well bruised of each two ounces leaves of Sage Rosemary Marjoram Time of each a handful choice Sena three ounces boyl them again in the said Diet pot close shut with its Cover or rather covered with a Head having a Neck and Receiver that what ascends may be saved and put it into it at the end of the boyling boyl all together till five quarts only remain being strained and settled add thereto magistral Spirit of Earth-Worms Spirit of Angelica Aqua Caelestis of each two ounces and half Spirit of Sal Armoniack two drams and half mix them and put all into a stone-bottle which stop close for use Of this Decoction he took about four ounces three or four times a day and it very gently and pleasantly moved his Body downward 6. But notwithstanding this Diet he took once a week a Dose of our Family-Pills with Aâ—oes which wrought very well with him gave him about eight or ten stools and sensibly called the morbifick or offending matter from all the extream Parts of the Body by which he confessed he found a very singular Advantage 7. Whilst all these things were doing I caused all the paralytick Parts to be very well anointed Morning and Evening with this following Oyl Take Oyl of Hypericon ten ounces Oyls of Amber and of Rosemary of each two ounces Oyl of Limons one ounce Powers of Juniper three ounces Spirit of Sal Armoniack ten drams mix them well together by shaking and anoint therewith as before ordered 8. When the former Diet was spent I prescribed him the following Wine Take Rosemary and Flowers of Rosemary Sage Time Lavender-Flowers Origanum sweet Marjoram of each a handful roots of Angelica Peony Masterwort Florentine-Orrice black Hellebor seeds of Carthamus of each three drams Hermodactils two ounces white Agarick Sena of each half an ounce Cardamums Cubebs Anacardiums Salt of Tartar of each two drams the Ingredients being cut and grossly bruised they were put into a Bag with a stone in it and infused some days in a Gallon of Rhenish-Wine after four or five days it was gently strained out and kept in a Bottle close stopt 9. Of this Wine he took an hour before eating three times a day viz. Morning Noon and Night but at time of taking thereof there was always added to about half a pint thereof more or less about ten drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack and by the constant use of these things in about twenty weeks time he was restored to his perfect health 10. A certain Woman of about thirty years old being in like manner taken paralytick through an extream Cold was cured by the same means save in stead of the former Oyls she only used this Mixture Take Oyl of Ben eight ounces chymical Oyls of Juniper-berries and of Savin of each three ounces and an half Oyl of Rosemary one ounce Oyl of Cammomil half
those gripings we took care to force them down which we performed with this Bolus Take fine Aloes in pouder half a dram Saffron Aron-roots both in pouder of each fifteen grains black Pepper five grains Honey a sufficient quantity mix and make a Bolus for one dose This was repeated five times at two or three days distance she began to take it presently after the last quarter of the Moon and before the first quarter of the Moon they appeared and came down plentifully and of a good colour and so continued to come down at their due times 8. These things being done We now applyed our help to the removing of the Paralysis which we performed with the following things first I purged her with this Take Rosin of Jalap Aloes Agarick of each six grains Salt of Amber eight grains Oyl of Mint two or three drops mix and make thereof five Pills with this she was four times purged at six or seven days distance and by it she found a sensible good as to her Paralytick Distemper 9. In the intervalls of Purging I gave her this thrice a day Take Prophylactick water of Sylvius or instead thereof choice Treacle-water an ounce and half Magistral water of Earthworms Spiritus Lavendula of each half an ounce water distilled from Onions two ounces Spirit of Sal Armoniack twelve drops Syrup of Saffron enough to make it pleasant shake them together and give it for one dose By the use of this thing she became very chereful and lively but she complained much of its sharpness yet without that it is much to be doubted whether she might have done well or no for these kind of things have not only a mighty power in opening all manner of obstructions but also have a specifick vertue in curing of Palsies and most other cold and moist distempers of the Brain and Nerves 10. But somtimes for change of Medicaments in the place of the last this following was exhibited Take Electuarium ad Tabidos a dram and half Salt of Amber Salt of Harts-horn volatile Sal Armoniack of each six grains mix them for a Dose to be given at Night going to bed drinking after it this following Take Hipprocras four or five ounces Spirit of Vipers one dram Powers of Vipers twelve drops mix them for a draught The taking of this Medicament presently put the universal Frame of the Body into a notable heat yet not so great as to cause Inflamation or a Feaver whereby the too much chilled and coagulated particles of the neurotick Juyce became resolved and those obstructions of the Nerves removed which in part hindred the free afflux of the animal Spirit 11. Now during all this time we caused her to be anointed all over the paralytick Parts as also along the Spina Dorsi with this compound Oyl Take Oyl of Ben twelve ounces chymical Oyls of Rosemary of Savin of Juniper-berries and of Sassafras of each an ounce and half Oyl of Limons two ounces mix them together to anoint with as before directed this was constantly done twice a day so long till such time as she perceived her Palsy to be removed which was in about fourteen weeks time but in the last fourteen days of the using thereof there was mixed therewith as it was used to every ounce of the Oyl one dram of the Powers of Aniseeds and half a dram of Spirit of Sal Armoniack 12. Lastly for her common drink a small Decoction of Guajacum Sassafras Sarsaparilla and Acorus was used adding to it as a Complement Juniper-berries Coriander-seeds Caraways Aniseeds and Juyce of Liquorice and towards the end of the boyling a third part of White Wine then straining sweetning it with Sugar and bottling it up with a Clove slit in two in each Bottle This she took every day constantly as her ordinary drink into every draught of which as she drank it sixteen drops of the Tincture of Castor was dropt And after the anointing was over all those members where the Palsie had lately been and which had been weakned by it were very well bathed Morning and Night with a strong Tincture of Mirrh made with Spirit of Wine for about ten or twelve days together Thus by the use of these meanes was this miserable creature restored to her perfect health in about sixteen weeks time and remained so for several years after XIIII A Palsie in a Gentleman occasioned by taking cold in swiming 1. A young Man taking cold in swiming was at first taken with a kind of Convulsive motions but at length it proved to be Paralytick for that he was deprived of all motion in his Hands and Feet and his sense of Feeling was much impared also which without controversy was occasioned from the coldness of the water for that it is the nature of things over-cold to thicken the humors and render them slow in motion and by congealing the nervous juyce and clouding or thickning the Spirits to hinder their free passage into the sensitive parts whereby many times the Animal flame in some particular places becomes extinguished 2. His Physicians which he first sent for first prescribed him a set Diet then they both vomited him and purged him with several sorts of Medicaments they apply fomentations to the Spina Dorsi and also to the Paralytick parts Likewise they anointed him with several Oyntments and Balsams made of Gums Spices and hot Galenick Oyls but these things doing no good they sent him to the Bath then sweat him with Venice Treacle Treacle-water and other things but all to no purpose so that they then gave him over as incurable 3. Being advised by some Friends to make tryal of me I enquired into all that had been don and they gave me the former relation whereby I perceived that the things which had been used proved ineffectual by reason of their weakness and misapplication 4. I therefore first purged him with the Tincture of Our Family Pills which purge was repeated once a week for twenty weeks but somtimes though not often he took the Pills themselves these purges brought from him a large quantity of cold slimy and viscous humors and somtimes water in great abundance three or four times they also gave him two or three vomits 5. I ordered him this following Diet Take Guajacum Sarsaparilla Sassafras Acorus of each eight ounces boyl all in six quarts of water to four then add Aniseeds Caraways Coriander-seeds Juniper-berries all well bruised of each three ounces Spanish juyce of Liquorice one ounce Raisons of the Sun stoned Figs slit of each half a pound boyl all till only three quarts remains then strain and let it settle being clear decant it off dulcifie it with white Sugar and put it up into a stone bottle with two or three Cloves in it Of this he drank about three quarters of a pint Morning and Evening with twelve drops of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack in each draught 6. But by reason he was vehemently afflicted with a violent Catarrh whereby he
spit much every day by an old Womans advise he took the fumes of Frankincense up his Mouth by a Funnel whereby the Catarrh was stopt but a greater inconvenience presently fell upon him for he was immediately taken with vehement and runing Pains all over his whole Body so that he could not rest either Night or Day this was acted without my knowledg not long after I began the Cure but seeing the ill success they told me what they had done 7. I was necessitated now to take new measures for that the Catarrh was fallen not only upon the extream parts but upon the Viscera also for he was exceedingly tortured in his Bowells and the Cholick so far prevailed upon him that he was many times swooning away 8. Inwardly I gave hâ—m often in the Day the Infusion of Rhubarb in an ordinary or small Guajacum decoction with thirty forty or more drops of Powers of Caraways Outwardly I caused Vesicatories to be applyed to the Nucha to both Shoulders and to his Hips these were three times reiterated and by the seasonable and happy application thereof the Rheumatism was at length removed and withall the said Vesicatories very much contributed to the retriving him out of his Paralytick Distemper for after the Blisters had been applyed the third time he came in a good measure to the use of his Hands and Feet 9. Having thus removed his Rheumatism and Cholick I ordered him Morning Noon and Night viz. an hour before eating to take the Powers of Vipers in a glass of Hippocras whereby the whole Genus Nervosum was in an instant heat as if set on fire yet without any danger of a Feaver he began with twelve drops and increased the dose by degrees till such time as he took twenty four drops The virtue of this preparation of Vipers is so great that it is scarcely to be expressed and in this Cure there was a demonstration thereof 10. And truly the volatile Salt of Vipers is no ways inferior thereto being given in choise Cinnamon water And one Patient to wit a young Lady who was taken with a Palsie on her right side was perfectly cured by giving of it inwardly in Aqua Celestis twice a day and bathing the Paralytick members twice a day also with the Powers of Rosemary and Savin 11. But to return to our young Gentleman again Outwardly I caused all his Back as also all the Paralytick parts to be well bathed with this following Oyl Take Oyl of Ben ten ounces Chymical Oyls of Rosemary Rue and Savin of each two ounces Chymical Oyl of Euphorbium one ounce mix them to anoint with this was used Morning and Evening till such time as he was restored to his former health 12. But whereas he complained of a weakness of his Stomach and indigestion I caused him to drink somtimes Tinctures of Wormwood in choice Canary and somtimes the blood red Tincture of black Pepper these things being used for some time somtimes the one and somtimes the other or alternatim as he liked best he was in about five Months time restored to his health XV. A Palsy in a middle-aged poor Woman 1. This Woman being about forty years old was taken with a Palsy by taking of cold in washing of some Cloths she could make use neither of Hands nor Feet but lay in that miserable condition for about six Months yet not without making tryal of many things to no purpose 2. She was cured at last by taking inwardly only a strong Tincture of Castoreum with some drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack two or three times a day and bathing the Back-bone and all the paralytick Parts Morning and Evening with the Queen of Hungaria's Water 3. And after the same manner with the same Medicament was a young Man cured of a Palsy after he had been eighteen Months afflicted therewith and given over as incurable XVI A Palsy in a very fat Man of about forty years of age 1. This Man being of a strong robust Body and full of humors took a Surfeit by over-eating and drinking of himself which after a while degenerated into a Palsy in which condition he lay for about five Months notwithstanding variety of Medicaments had been applyed to him 2. Finding him of a gross and foul Body I first very well purged him with my Family-Pills with Aloes and somtimes with the Tincture of the same by which a vast quantity of Water and other cold viscous and pituitous matter was drawn away after he had taken this four times I gave him a dram of the Extract of Esula mixed with a little new-drawn Cassia it was taken in the Morning and it purged him exceeding well 3. I prescribed him also for a Diet this following Decoction Take Guajacum rasped Acorus roots bruised of each an ounce and half mealy Sarsaparilla six ounces infuse in warm Water two quarts then boyl it half away or more nere the end of the boyling add White-Wine a pint and half let it boyl a little and then strain it out which sweeten a little with white Sugar Of this he took half a pint in the Morning in his bed with sixteen grains of Bezoar mineral in a little Honey and being well covered with Cloths he sweat well and a long time together 4. Every Morning he took three ounces of pure Cinnamon-Water with six drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack and ten drops of Spirit of Harts-horn and an hour before Dinner he took an ounce and half of Aqua Vitae Matthioli mixed with half a dram of Spirit of Vipers an hour before Supper the same thing was repeated again and about nine a clock at Night he took this Bolus Take Electuarium ad Tabidos two drams volatile Salt of Amber one scruple mix them 5. Outwardly I caused the Spina Dorsi and all the paralytick Members to be very well fomented with Spirit of Wine then bathed with the Powers of Aniseeds and after that to be anointed with this compound Oyl Take Oyl of Ben eight ounces chymical Oyls of Cammomil of Savin of Rosemary and of Sassafras of each one ounce mix them well together in a glass by shaking this was done every Morning and Evening 6. Moreover his Head was shaved and every part bathed with this Mixture Take Powers of Rhodium Powers of Sassafras of each an ounce Powers of Musk and of Ambergrise of each six drams Powers of Nutmegs half an ounce mix them being well bathed which was done two or three times a day it was kept warm with a silk Cap quilted with the chief Spices and pure Musk. 7. The use of these things brought him to his former health but fearing least he should relapse I prescribed him this following Water to be taken every Morning fasting and last at Night going to bed Take magistral Spirit of Earth-Worms Spirit of Angelica the greater Composition Aqua Vitae Matthioli choice Cinnamon Water of each four ounces Powers of Rosemary two ounces Powers of Lavender one ounce Juyce of
Alkermes three ounces mix them very well in a glass by shaking Of this he took two spoonfuls at a time also I ordered him once a Month to take a Purge which was that of the Tincture of our said Family Pills XVII A Palsie happening in a scorbutick habit of Body 1. A Gentlewoman about thirty eight years of age of a cold gross pituitous and scorbutick habit of Body was seised with the Palsie on both Sides so that she had an impotency of motion both in her Hands and Arms Legs and Feet whereby she became totally helpless moreover she had a great weakness at Stomach so that whatsoever she took down she for the most part vomited up again 2. Having lain about half a year in this distressed condition she sent for me I enquired into the cause of her Disease but could hear little for that it crept on her as it were insensibly and by degrees so that she was some months before her distemper came to the height it begining first with a light numbness then with a weakness after that with an Impotency of motion first in one part then in another till at length she became as aforesaid wholly helpless with a loss of Appetite 3. Perceiving her habit of Body to be extremely scorbutick for she was loaded with various colored spots in several parts of her Body her Gums were wasted and her Teeth loose with wandering Pains up and down I judged it highly necessary in the Cure to mix Antiscorbuticks with Antâ—paralyticks and especially such as were of a hot nature for that the Scorbute seemed to be in a cold habit 4. I began with gentle purgations which was performed with Sena and Rhubarb infused in a weak spirit of Scurvy-grass I purged her therewith at first twice a week for a month together afterwards but once a week which purgation was continued during the whole time of the Cure 5. In the Intervals of purging I prescribed this following Julep to be taken every Morning fasting Take Aquae vitae Matthioli two ounces spirit of Earth-worms four ounces spirit of Scurvy-grass six ounces water of Hydropiper eight ounces syrup of Citron-peels six ounces mix them well together by shaking them in a Glass Of this mixture she took three or four spoonfuls at a time 6. Nere Noon to wit an hour or thereabouts before Dinner she took this Take Cinnamon-water three drams Water of Onions one ounce Salt of Scurvy-grass Carduus and Wormwood of each four grains syrup of Rosemary flowers an ounce and half mix them for a dose This caused a great fermentation in the Stomach and somtimes endangered vomiting but by Dinner time the force of its operation would seem to be over so as that the Sick would eat a hearty meal and with a singular appetite 7. At Night going to Bed I prescribed this Take Electuarium ad Tabidos a dram and half salt of Scurvigrass volatile salt of Harts-horn and of Mans-skull of each five grains Oyl of sweet Fennel-seed eight drops mix them This was given at going to Bed so that she slept upon it and it had a very pleasant and sweet operation upon her for it composed her to rest and withall enforced upon her a gentle Sweat moreover the Oyl of sweet Fennel seed has a power of corroborating the Stomach which is performed in part from the suavity and gentle heat for that it is observable that Oyls of Aniseed and of sweet Fennel-seed have a natural and specifick virtue to comfort and strengthen the Nerves in particular and Genus Nervosum in general and the Tunicles of the Stomach being composed of a nervous substance and I fearing there might withall be a Palsie of the Stomach concluded nothing could be more proper than that thing of which I have had a large experience in outward application against the Palsie and truly at this time it was given with great success 8. For her constant drink I ordered her a Guajacum-Diet such as is prescribed a Sect. XIII § 12. aforegoing but not made too strong so that she even drank it also at meals but in all she drank at time of drinking of it there was dropt about thirty or forty drops of pure Spirit of Scurvy-grass and somtimes Spirit of Horse-Radish-root that withall we might encounter the Scorbute at the same time By the use of these things the running and Scorbutick Pains were perfectly removed and she began to eat her Food well and with a Stomach and withall the Paralysis in the extream Parts evidently vanished 9. However during the performance of all these things we were not unmindful of applying fit Topicks and therefore I caused all the Spina Dorsi from the highest Vertebra of the Neck to the lowest of the Loins as also all the paralytick Members to be bathed with the Powers of sweet Fennel-seed which was done Morning and Night for seven or eight days at the end of that time we did not only continue the use of the said Powers as already related but also after the bathing was over anointed all those Parts with this following Oyl Take Oyl of Ben fourteen ounces Oyls of Aniseeds of Rosemary of Lavender of Savin of Sassafras and of Limons of each an ounce and half Oyl of Caraways one ounce mix them well together by shaking in a glass By the use of these things in about four Months time she was perfectly cured 10. A young Woman of about seven and twenty years of age and of an extream scorbutick habit of Body was also completely restored by the Method above prescribed save in the internal Medicaments in stead of the Spirit of Scurvy-grass and Horse Radish there was used the Spirits of Water Cresses and of Mustard seed which had full as great an Effect upon her as the other Spirits had upon the other Woman Moreover in stead of the last Topical Oyl this following was used Take Oyl of Ben twelve ounces chymical Oyl of Rosemary eight ounces mix them together to anoint with by the use of these things she also was cured 11. A Man also of about fifty years of age extreamly over-grown with the Scurvy becoming withall Paralytick was cured both of his Scurvy and Palsy by the former Method save in stead of the Guajacum Diet he had only a Decoction of Juniper-berries made in half Water half Wine which he took with Spirit of Scurvy grass as aforesaid and in stead of the Powers of sweet Fennel-seed he bathed with the Powers of Caraways and then anointed with this Oyl Take Oyl Olive twelve ounces Oyl of Juniper-berries five ounces Oyl of Limons or of Oranges three ounces mix them to anoint with 12. A noble Youth through careless living acquired a Scorbutick habit and by taking an extraordinary Cold became Paralytick through his whole right Side many Galenick things had been used to him for six or seven Months time but all in vain for the Physicians not perceiving a Scorbute to be joyned with a Paralysis mistook their measures in
removed by taking inwardly this mixture and also holding some of it for a little while in the Mouth Take Spirit of Angelica the greater composition Aqua Vitae Matthioli of each three ounces Powers of Rosemary one ounce and half mix them together Dose two drams to half an ounce in Spirit of black Cherries but she held it in her Mouth without mixture somtimes for a quarter of an hour together 14. A Youth of about fourteen or fifteen years of age was so taken also viz. with a Palsy and a Lethargick Distemper the Lethargy would somtimes seem to be off yet then he remained as it were foolish and void of his reason and again in a day or two the Lethargy would return we cured him in about four Months time by the Method first above prescribed in this present Section and with the removal of his Distemper his Understanding was also restored to him as perfect as formerly XIX A Palsy in a Gentlewoman of about six and thirty years of age 1. This Gentlewoman being seized with a great Cold in her lying-in was presently taken lame and from thence became paralytick in all her extream Parts so that she wholly lost the use of her Limbs her Courses also were so stopt upon her that they could not be produced for above fifteen Months and her Belly swelled as if she had had a Dropsy or rather been with Child her Stomach likewise was impaired so that she scarcely eat any thing but what came up again and she complained of a vehement grinding Pain in her Bowels or Womb and in the Reins of her Back 2. In this distress she applyed her self to several persons for remedy she took advise of her Midwife and then of another Woman who pretended to do wonders but all to no purpose for she daily grew worse and worse These failing she sent for a Physician who tampred with her for six or seven weeks with as little success at length two or three other Gentlemen were called to consult withall but yet notwithstanding all their endeavours the event answered not nor indeed could they tell what their sick Patient ailed but one was of one opinion and the other of another however the Paralysis was evident 3. Thus about forteen or fifteen months was elapsed without remedy and the poor Gentlewoman remained without hopes for that such vast quantities and numbers of things had been so long tryed in vain but the wonder when enquired into soon ceased for examining the Apothecaries file I found such poor low spirited and almost insipid things to be inwardly ministred and such gross greasy and abominablâ— nauseous fooleries outwardly applyed that I rather began to wonder she was no worse I imputed the misery she went through and the long hopeless Cure to the ignorance of her Physicians who had for so long time attended her which although it was with small advantage or rather hurt to her the distressed Patient yet it was with a singular advantage and profit to themselves who received all their Mony and Fees not for doing nothing at all but rather for doing mischief by bringing this mirable creature under the terrour of an Incurable Disease 4. After a serious enquiry into the nature of her Distemper it sufficiently appeared that taking cold was the remote cause of all her illness And that the obstruction of her Terms very much contributed to the augmentation of her Disease That her Disease was become stubborn and habitual and that without powerful remedies and such as might be long taken so as to alter the universal habit no hope of cure could be expected 5. In order to this design I first prescribed this following Decoction to be taken as her constant and ordinary drink save at meals I permitted her to drink a glass of Hippocras Take mealy Sarsaparilla two pound Juniper-berries well bruised a pound infuse the sarsa forty eight hours in warm Water sixteen quarts then boyl it away till the half be consumed after which add the berries and boyl again till two quarts more is wasted this don put thereto white Wine two quarts and boyl again a walm or two then take it off cool and strain it and being settled decant and dulcifie it to the liking of the sick with double refined sugar and bottle it up for use 6. This was all the Drink she drank during her whole Cure and she continued the use of it for nine or ten months it is almost incredible what good she found by it and that in a very short space so that she confest all the grinding Pains in her Bowells Womb and Reins were perfectly removed and that in about three weeks time but at time of drinking thereof she for the most part dropt into each draught fifteen twenty or twenty five drops of the Powers of Caraways by the constant drinking of this Liquor her Courses also began to appear though but faintly 7. Now the more powerfully to provoke them I caused her to take every Night going to bed for about a weeks space before the time they used to flow the Angelick Pills of Grulingius to the quantity of two scruples which excellently purged her and that without Pain and according to our expectations they began to flow about the usual time admirably well both in quantity and colour by which this poor Gentlewoman found very much relief and to accustom them to the due time of their flux I caused her for two or three months one after another to take for four or five days before hand the said Angelick Pills so that at length they were again reduced to their ordinary course 8. By this time we began to be in hopes of a Cure and the Patient herself also encouraged us in Our undertaking for now the great tumor of her Belly was abated and gon and she began to eat her Food indifferently well but this is to be understood whilst all this was doing having first cleansed her whole Body from the filthy greasy and nauseous Oyls and Oyntments which they had applyed to her by a proper bath made of Juniper-berries and spring-water with venice soap I caused the whole region of the Abdomen to be Morning and Evening bathed with the Powers of Aniseeds somtimes alone and somtimes mixed with Powers of Fennel-seeds 9. Moreover as to the Paralysis we were not unmindful to administer proper things which were given her at three or four distinct times of the day In the Morning she took this following mixture Take Aquae Coelesti spirit of Castoreum of each one ounce Powers of Vipers twenty or twenty five drops choice Hippocras two ounces mix them for a draught This warmed her all over and heat the whole Genus Nervosum as if she had been by a good fire yet as I have formerly said without the least danger of putting her into a Feaver 10. About an hour before Dinner she took this Take Powers of Cinnamon thirty drops spirit of Angelica the greater composition spirit of
dissolved in Spirit of Salt c. which may be given in any convenient Vehicle from ten grains to a scruple or more according as you can endure the appertive and cleansing Quality To these things add the volatile Spirits of Salt of Sulphur of Vitriol and of Niter dulcified and made volatile with the best rectified Spirit of Wine as I have formerly directed you these things you may take in white or Rhenish Wine or in Infusion of Onions or Hydropiper-Water 26. If also notwithstanding all that has been directed those Mesenterick Convulsions which you commonly call Fits of the Mother shall yet molest you there is no other Remedy but to betake your-self to the use of Opiates which you must take warily and with caution There is nothing better of that kind that I know of than our Laudanum volatile which you may take at Night going to bed beginning with two grains and so encreasing the Dose a grain once a week but your best way of taking of it will be by making it soft with two or three drops of Wine and then mixing it with the Dose of the Electuary at § 23. above by which means I doubt not but you will find an extraordinary Effect 27. These things Madam you must continue the use of for a long time and not be weary of taking them for as your Disease is complicated and radicated even in the Mass of Blood and nervous Juyce in a Body habituated with the Scorbute so it will be necessary to habituate your Body for a long time with the taking of these Medicaments that the former habits may be over-powred and destroyed for otherwise whatever we do will be done in vain 28. Hitherto I have only given you directions as to Internals I shall now advise a word or two concerning the most fit and profitable Topicks and so conclude First therefore as to the Contractions in your Hands my Advise is that you first bath them with the Powers of Aniseeds then anoint them with this following Liniment Take Palm-Oyl that which is pure sweet and good six ounces chymical Oyl of Aniseeds three or four ounces mix them well together for a Liniment anoint with this Morning and Evening it is probable it may reduce the contracted Parts because it is known by many experiences that Aniseeds and especially their chymical Oyl have a specifick V rtue in comforting and restoring the Nerves I order it to be mixed with an unctious Body such as Palm Oyl because contracted Nerves have a great need of such things as have a suppling and humecting Property 29. And because of that Pain which you often feel in your Bowels which you take to be Wind but more especially because of those Mesenterick Convulsions I advise that twice a day the whole Regiâ—n of the Abdomen from the Macronata to the Os Pubis downwards and laterally to the Hypochonders be well bathed with Powers of Aniseeds or of sweet Fennel seeds or with Powers of Savin which have a specifick Virtue against those kind of Fits for want of these you may use the Powers of Amber which in some Persons have succeeded well 30. All the Paralytick Members as also the Spina Dorsi you may bath with this following Mixture Take Powers of Aniseeds of Amber of Rosemary of Juniper-berries of Lavender and of Savin of each three ounces Powers of Oranges of Limons of Sassafras and of Nutmegs of each an ounce and half mix them together to bath withall Morning and Evening Or you may bath with this Mixture Take Powers of Rue and of Rosemary of each four ounces Powers of Amber three ounces Powers of sweet Fennel-seeds two ounces mix them to bath withall as aforesaid Or you may use this Oyl Take Oyl of Ben ten ounces chymical Oyls of Juniper-berries of Caraways of Aniseeds of each two ounces Oyl of Savin one ounce mix them together to anoint withall during the time of the Cure 31. Lastly I advise you Madam that you limit the Doses of each Medicament not exactly to the Proportions which I have assigned but as you find your strength constitution and Stomach will bear for that is the Index by which you must be directed through this whole Course and we must be careful to keep that right upon the Wheels for if that prevaricates we can expect no good Success in the rest of our Undertakings If you find a nautiousness you may drop of this following Mixture in any Liquor which you drink so much as may give it a grateful acidity Take pure Oyl of Vitriol one ounce Oyl of Cloves one dram Cinnamon-Water four ounces mix them together by degrees Dose thirty or forty drops at a time in any convenient Vehicle Use it as you see convenient Add this that once in seven eight or ten days you purge off gently the morbifick matter being then fit for excretion with a strong Tincture of Sena and choice Rhubarb made in Cinnamon-Water repeating the same at the limitted times through the whole course of the Cure Observations from other Authors XXII A most excellent Oyntment against the Palsie 1. A most Illustrious noble Man being frequently accustomed to swim coming out of the water after swiming towards the Evening he felt his Body to be convulsed and a while after he found himself deprived of all motion in his Hands and Feet 2. Being brought home he calls Physicians to advise who constantly averr that the coldness of the water had cast him into a Palsie and they had reason so to Judg For the cause foregoing did argue that it was so For cold water weakens the Brain thickens the Spirits renders them slow to motion straitens the Chanels and the passages whereby the Spirits flow into the sensitive parts and many times extinguishes the inbred fire of the Nerves as Heurnius a learned Master of our Art relates lib. 5. Aphorism Com. 17. happened to a notable swimmer in the River of Seine at Paris who having twice swam over the said River the third time as he was crossing the same he perished in the midst of the Chanel 3. The Physicians having in the first place appointed an exquisite Diet for the person aforesaid they prescribed for him sundry purgations such as might both strenghen and withal draw out the cold humor 4. They apply fomentations to the Marrow of the Back and also to the palsied parts Likewise they apply Oyntments made of hot Gums Spices and Oyls But all these things doing no good at all he made tryal of natural Baths Buâ— when these and sweating drinks made of Ebony would do no good the Disease was given over by Physicians as incurable 5. Being sent for I provided a remedy for so great a malady by the help whereof I have healed many by Gods blessing that were troubled with an universal and particular Palsie this being applyed a month together he was freed from his Palsie and restored to his perfect health The said Medicament is thus made 6. Take Sage sweet-Marjoram Bays
twice or thrice in a Month in chicken broth boyled with leaves of Borrage Bugloss Agrimony and Pimpernel let her continue the use of the aforesaid Opiate on all such days as are free from the use of the other Medicaments Riverius Lib. 2. Observ 198. XXXVIII A Palsy in one side of the Body 1. A Man about fifty years of age had been afflicted four Months with a Palsy of one side of his Body viz. the right Side so that he that he could hardly speak or pronounce his Words plain he was for a whole year troubled with this Disease and in that while he used many Medicaments to no purpose 2. But I undertaking his Cure gave him a Bolus of Bezoardicum Minerale twelve grains with Conserve of Roses which he was to take twice a day and every fifth day one scruple of the smaller Cochiae-Pills with eight grains of Mercury calcin'd per se without Corrosives with which being continued for 20 days together he was perfectly cured Riverius Observ 594. XXXIX A Palsy in an antient Gentlewoman 1. A Gentle-Woman about sixty four years of age a little before the setting of the Pleides fell suddenly in the Evening into a Palsy of her right Side so that she could not distinctly speak nor had she the Power of Sense or Motion in her Limbs on that Side Moreover she was exceedingly heavy in her Head and inclined to sleep 2. Now because her Belly was bound a Clyster was presently injected partly of emollient partly of cephalick Herbs in the straining whereof was dissolved the Hiera Picra of Nicolaus with Diaphaenicon Oyl of Cammomil and Mel Anthosatum or Honey of Rosemary-Flowers which she voided after an hour with much Dung and flegmatick Excrements 3. At mid-night I caused her to swallow seven Pills of Pil. Faetidae and Cochiae with three grains of Troches of Alhandal made up with Syrup of Staechas which about Morning brought away so great a quantity of thick and clammy Flegm that the heaviness of her Head and Sleep seemed to be very much abated 4. On the third day she took an Apozem made of Galangal roots Calamus Aromaticus Betony Bawm Chamepytis Sage Hysop and others of this sort with Oxymel of Squills whereof she took four Doses for the four ensuing Mornings 5. After which having taken again the aforesaid Pills she was somwhat better yet she was not able to stir so much as her little Finger on the Side affected 6. These things being done certain snotty Excrements of her Brain were voided at her Nostrils and Mouth by the use of Errhins and Apophlegmatisms but three days after she used a Diet-Drink of Guajacum Morning and Evening whose strained Liquor was aromatized with Pouder of Nutmeg whereof she always held a bit under her Tongue and somtimes with Diamoschi Dulcis 7. Having drunk this Drink with the second Decoction for the space of five and twenty days her palsied Members had recovered some Sense and could stir a little but after she used Stoves to procure Sweat wherein many red hot Stones were quenched in a Decoction of Bay-Leaves Lavendeâ— Bastard Spike Flowers of the two sorts of Sâ—aechas Cammomil Maiden-hair and Sweat was provoked 8. And she was anointed with hot Oyntments of Martiatum Opopanax Oyl of Castoreum of the Peppers Oyl of Foxes and other such like all over her Back bone and the Members affected she totally recovered her Health not to speak how I appointed her to keep a drying Diet all the course of the Disease By this Method I have cured many that could not speak nor stir their Limbs Riverius Lib. 4. Observ 720. XL. A Palsy which came by taking cold in the Rain 1. A Man about forty years of age phlegmatick going a Journey in a rainy and wet Season awak'd in the Night and was afflicted with an impotency of Motion and Sense and returning home within 3 weeks he was Paralytical 2. Wherefore by the command of a certain Mountebank they laid upon all Parts Brine where before Beef had been seasoned after the application of which he felt a great Pain I prescribed him the following things by which he recovered except that the Parts were not so strong as before 3. Take of the Water of Carduus Benedictus two ounces the simple distilled Water of Treacle six drams the Anti-Paralytical-Water three drams the Spirit of Salt Armoniack sixteen drops mix them for a draught which being taken in the Evening he sweat according to our desire 4. Secondly we ordered the Nape of the Neck the Neck and the Back-bone to be twice a day anointed with this following Liniment Take Vnguentum Martiatum half an ounce Oyl of the Flowers of Cammomil St Johns wort of each one ounce Oyl of Juniper-berries Castor Laurel of each two drams the Juyce of Scurvy-grass strained three drams Allom one dram Spirit of Sal Armoniack two drams Aqua Vitae Matthioli half an ounce mix them and make a Liniment 5. Thirdly he took every day three or four times four ounces of the following Decoction Take the shavings of the Wood Guajacum three ounces the Bark of the same an ounce Juniper-Wood two ounces Fountain-Water seven pints boyl them according to Art three hours and then add Juniper-berries an ounce Angelica-root half an ounce the Leaves of Marjoram Sage Rosemary of each half an handful Sena cleansed an ounce Hermodactyls six drams boyl them again in a Vessel close shut to four pints to which being strained and Antiparalytick-Water simple distilled Water of Treacle of each an ounce and half Spirit of Salt Armoniack one dram mix them and put them into a stone Vessel close shut 6. Every week he took the following Pills and thereby had three or four stools Take Pil. Fetidae the greater half a dram Resin of Jalap Alhandal Troches of each four grains Oyl of Rosemary distilled four drops mix them and make seven Pills 7. These things were used about two Months the Liniment being a little somtimes altered to wit two drams of the Oyl of Spike and the Juyce of the stinging Nettle the lesser half an ounce being added 8. I also prescribed the following physical Wine Take of the Herb Germander Ground-Pine of each one handful Primrose-leaves half an handful Rosemary Sage and the Flowers of Rosemary of each an handful the root of Master-wort Angelica Florentine-Orris black Hellebor seeds of Carthamus of each three drams Hermodactyls an ounce which thing is called the Soul of the nervous Parts as Saffron is of the Lungs white Agarick three drams Cardamoms Cubebs of each two drams Salt of Tartar a dram and half the Ingredients being cut and grossly bruised let them be put into a Bag with six pints of French Wine and make it a physical Wine of which after a due Infusion he took three times a day three ounces into which was always drop'd eight drops of the Spirit of Salt Armoniack with all which things at the fourth Month he was cured Decker upon Barbett his Practice Lib. 1.
If the Palsy is in the Legs the Nerves affected are about the bottom of the spinal Marrrow and the Vertebrae of the Os Sacrum And thus we must seach out for the place whence the Nerves spring which are dispersed to those Parts which are afflicted with the Palsy 17. From these things it is apparent what Conjugations of Nerves are most afflicted and that in universal Palsies there is for the most part an affliction of the whole Genus Nervosum or nervous System which many time comes to pass from the effects of Poyson and the Contamination of the neurotick Juyce by the fuliginous Vapours of Arsenick Antimony and Quick-Silver 18. Galen relates a Story of a Man who in a cold stormy Time by wraping his wet Cloak about his Neck was taken with a Palsy in his Hand And of another who had a Palsy in three of his Fingers occasioned by a Fall from his Chariot upon his Back whence he concluded that some part of the Nerves of the seventh Vertebrae were hurt in their original to which place applying the means after he had in vain opplyed Medicines to the Fingers he compleated a Cure 19. The Signs of the Causes of a Paralysis are drawn from the primary Causes the Diseases aforegoing the Temperament and Habit of the Patient and therefore when external cold and moist Causes go before as also old age a pituitous habit of Body cold Weather cold and moist Diet or an Apoplexy has preceeded they are Signs of a paralytick Disposition nere at hand 20. Moreover a Catarrh long flowing and at length suddenly stopt without taking away the morbifick Matter is a sign of an approaching Palsy unless the matter of the Catarrh be suddenly conveyed some other way for otherwise it commonly falls upon some noble Part or diverts it lelf to the original of the Nerves in the Brain and of this Case we have had two or three singular Examples all incurable CIII Of the various Causes of a Paralysis or Palsy 1. The general Causes of a Palsy are all those which hinder the Passage of the animal Spirit into the Nerves and Muscles which by how many ways and by what Artifice those hinderances are done we shall in what follows more particularly declare 2. A Paralysis therefore happens when the animal Spirit does not sufficiently invigorate or actuate the Nerves and their Ramifications which is caused either by an Obstruction of the Passages by which they should flow to the respective Parts or from the imbecility and paucity of the said Spirits whereby either their activity is hurt or they are wanting so as that the Nerves can not be sufficiently repleat or filled up therewith 3. Hence the Variety of Palsies comes from great and universal Obstructions a compleat and perfect Palsy arises in which both Motion and Sense are both abolished and this comes not only from the substance of the matter obstructing but also from a malign Quality affecting even the Spirit it self this Obstruction of the Passages of the Spirits happens either in the first Sensory to wit the streaked Bodies or in or nere the medullar Trunks Or in the Nerves themselves to wit either in their beginnings or middle or ends viz in the very Fibres themselves 4. If the first Sensory or spinal Marrow is affected it either obstructs the whole Spine whence comes an universal Palsy below the original Obstuction Or one half thereof whence comes a Palsy only on one Side Or it obstructs the original of the Nerves of some particular Coâ—jugation or Pair either on one Side alone or on both at the same time whence a Palsy is caused in this or that particular Part or Member only 5. Now these Obstuctions are made either 1. by a forrein Matter impacted in them Or 2. by Constipation and Compression from matter abounding without them and that may be either from some particular Tumor offending in Magnitude whereby the Nerves are constipated or compressed Or from a large Flux of Humors out of the Vessels flowing upon and overpowering them Or 3. by solution of Unity by a Bruise or Wound Or 4. and lastly from the excess of heat and cold the Spirits being also in part wasted by the one and as it were congealed by the other 6. An Obstruction in the first or common Sensory or streaked Bodies causes either a general Palsy or a Palsy of one Side And this is the chief Reason why such-like Palsies follow upon an Apoplexy Lethargy or Carus for that in those Diseases the Conduits of the callous Body are at first affected from whence upon the passing off of those Diseases there is many times a Translation of the morbifick Matter into the marrowy Passages of one or more of the Corpora striata whence it is that the Afflux of the animal Spirit into the Genus Nervosum is hindered either in one or both Sides And here if the Obstructions be very great Sense and Motion both are abolished but if not the motive Faculty only suffers loss And if it be but a very small Obstuction the motive Faculty has only been deprived or diminished not taken away 7. But why Sense should not be hurt as well as Motion in every Palsy is manifest as aforesaid from the Magnitude of the Obstuction For if the Obstruction is truly so great as to deprive any Member or Part totally of the animal Spirit then Sense and Motion both cease for that they both are performed and invigorated by the same Nerves and Fibres within the same marrowy Passages But if the Obstruction is small then a small Portion of the animal Spirit is distributed so much as may manage the sensitive Faculty but the motive is hurt forasmuch as it can not be performed but by a larger Proportion or Measure of the said Spirit 8. Moreover a Palsy may be caused not only from the Obstructions of the Corpora striata but also from the Compression of the same by Blood extravasated within the inferiour Cavity of the Brain or a large quantity of Lympha or serous Matter lying upon the same and pressing them together by which means the medullary Conduits will be so straightned as to hinder the Afflux of the Spirit into the same 9. But somtimes the morbifick Cause affects the oblong or spinal Marrow though rarely by an Obstuction yet somtimes by Constipation and Compression and somtimes by a Solution of Continuity whereby a Palsy is excited Now Obstructions are not here so easy to be made for that the obstructing Matter in the Head does not easily fall beyond the Corpora striata but the poysonous Miasms may affect the Spirits and so cause a kind of Paralysis Hemiplegia a Numness or depraved Operation of the Part or Parts 10. But in either the oblong or spinal Marrow especially the latter a Palsy may be excited from a Compression or Solution of Continuity by a Bruise Apostume or Wound by means of which the Blood or serous Humor may flow within the Hollowness or
Chanel of the Spine so as to straiten the spinal Marrow and stop up the Passage of the Spirit And this may come to pass from a hurt of the Vertebrae by Distortion or Extremity of Cold in hard Weather by the latter of which a Congelation is somtimes bred from whence paralytick Diseases somtimes arise 11. And if any of these Accidents seise upon any of the greater Nerves or their Ramifications the same thing is caused for that which is bitterness in the Fountain will be bitterness in the Streams also 12. The Matter or Particles causing the Obstruction descending from the Cerebrum into the oblong Marrow falling upon the begining of the Nerves which spread themselves into some of the Muscles of the Face and by obstructing the Passages of the Spirit excite a Paralysis of the Tongue Eyes Eye-Lids Lips Jaws and other Parts From whence the contrary Muscles being contracted a Cramp or Convulsion is stirred up in the opposite Part. 13. The same Particles being carried forth into the spinal Marrow spreads it self somtimes into all its Conjugations or Pairs and somtimes into some particular Nerves of the same from whence a Palsy of all those Parts into which those Nerves or their Ramifications distribute themselves And in all those Parts whether in the Neck Hands Arms Legs or Feet where a Paralysis is caused from the Resolution of some particular Nerve or Nerves if all the Nerves of the same Part or Parts be not resolved but the opposite Nerves be free from the paralytick Affect there is always a Contraction of the same as in a particular Cure before-going we have observed 14. As the imbecility of the Animal Spirit often causes Paralytick Symptoms without any great Obstruction so that imbecility or impotency may be caused by an afflux of malign Particles from Narcotick stupefactive or poysonous Steams whether internal or external arising from Opium or Opiates the Deadly Night-shade Aconitum Mercury Antimony Bismuth Arsenick c. any of which if they kill not yet many times induce paleness weakness tremblings and a relaxation or resolution of the Nerves and musculous parts And the same may be caused from the fumes of Aqua fortis and Aqua regis unadvisedly taken up the Nostrils 15. Such like malign Particles as these whether proceeding from the aforesaid Fountains or from a scorbutick and cacochymick habit of Body passing through the brain and its medullar appendix seize upon the nervous Conduits and thereby not only contaminate the Animal Spirit but also the Neurotick juice whereby both the sense and the power of moving in a very short time comes to be obliterated These upon their first approaches only induce Paralytick Symptoms as stiffness or numbness and withal cause a weakness in the part but at length being plentifully cast into the Nerves and as it were tumultuating there they fix themselves up and down and so perfectly obstructing the passages of the Spirit cause an absolute and durable Palsy 16. Galen and many other Physicians his followers affirm a thick glutinous cold flegm to be the morbifick matter of a Paralysis but such alike substance is impossible to pass through the brain much less the Neurotick Cavities by reason of their exceeding smallness from whence it is manifest that the proeguminine proximate or conjunct cause of a Palsy is malign and very subtil Atoms or Particles which contaminating the Spirits whether in the Brain callous or streaked Bodies the oblong or spinal Marrow the original of the Nerves or their several and various ramifications do infallibly excite a Palsy and in those part or parts which have a sympathy consent or community with the parts first affected 17. But that such thick cold flegm or a watery humor in the Brain is not the cause of the Palsy is manifest for that these humors commonly find another vent to wit by the Nose Eyes and Pallat And where there is a Dropsy of the Brain in which the Brain saith Willis and the tops of either Marrow do as it were swim in Water yet are not such for that reason disposed to the Palsy unless the Water by its weight make a compression of the Marrow 18. The Procatartick remote or foregoing causes remain now to be enquired into and they are either Accidental or Habitual The Accidental are manifest as a Bruise Wound Luxation and extream heat or cold without any previous or habitual disposition of the Body besides which and the conjunct cause which is either a Compression or Solution of Unity there is no other 19. The Procatartick habitual cause is always a malign extraneous matter generated and heaped up together which being suffused into the Organs of sense and motion obstructs the marrowy of nervous passages and somtimes withal profligates the Spirit by mere contact or effects both together whence by reason of the cutting off of the Animal Spirit a Palsy is excited in the congruent parts 20. This cause depends upon a double antecedent cause viz. one more remote which is a disaffection of the Blood and Lymphatick juyce generated in themselves or taken from the Stomach Intestines and Mesentery which conveys to the Head a morbifick matter the other more near which is a brain of evil disposition or conformation being either too weak or too loose and resolved or otherwise of evil conformation whereby it easily admits of forreign heterogene and malign Particles 21. The morbifick matter being brought to the Brain induces a Paralysis either primarily for that those heterogene and malign Particles are chiefly disposed for the exciting or stirring up a Palsy And with all that they are conveyed gradually and in small proportion for otherwise should there be a great afflux together they would first cause an Apoplexy or Carus or excite Convulsions the Cholick Gout or Scorbute and then at length a Palsy Or Secondarily which is most common after some of the aforenamed Diseases a slow and long Feaver immoderate Grief a Consumption Atrophy or Wasting and some other Distempers for the most part Chronical wherein the natural and vital Faculties being thereby very much hurt and the strength at length worn out enervations and resolutions of the whole Body or of some Members often-times succeeds 22. A Palsy for most part follows after long and continued Convulsions or convulsive Motions as Epilepsies for that the Nerves and Muscles in several Members are mightily debilitated so that the motive Faculty is as it were only through infinite weakness abolished the sick becoming first Lame then wholly helpless for that the morbifick matter being continually thrust into the passages of the Cerebrum and its medullar and nervous Appendix does at length so weaken and dilate them that it gives a free course to those malign and heterogene Particles by which the Palsy is certainly induced 23. So also after a frequent and long Cholick which cruelly tormenting and returning by intervals causes other cruel and almost continual pains in the other Viscera of the Abdomen from whence through the
subtilty of the matter is excited wandering pains through the Body and its Members which causes first infinite weakness then a Stapor or Numness and at last a Resolution or Palsy of the parts afflicted for that the seat of the morbifick matter or Particles is now changed being transfused into the Splanchnick Nâ—rves which pulling and twitching the Fibres of the Viscera stirs up Pains and Convulsions then becoming more plentiful diffuse themselves through the Spinal Marrow where entering into the Nerves destinated to such respective parts forthwith induces as aforesaid a Resolution or Palsy 24. In like manner after a frequent and vehement Gout a Palsy may be excited from the infinite weakning of the Nerves and Muscles through the extream anguish and misery of the part for thereby at length voluntary motion comes to be abolished but not for that cause only but from a more inward cause inherent in the Cavities of the Nerves themselves for that the Neurotick juice by the heat and inflamation of the Disease afflicting is rarified and forced out of its own domicil into the hollows of the Nerves where interfering with the Animal Spirit not only exasperates the pain whereby the part comes to be weakned but also obstructs the future occurse of the said Spirit to the same place besides which 't is also possible that the gouty Particles transfusing themselves into the mass of Blood with which being carried to the Brain and being continually multiplyed by manifold accessions may at length contaminate the Spirits in the Callous and streaked Bodies oblong and spinal Marrow and in the original of the Nerves of several conjugations or pairs and their several and various ramifications so as to induce an absolute and confirm'd Palsy 25. There is another species of this Disease wherein the motive Faculty is not abolished but only weakly performed or depraved This is caused either from the want or impotency of the Animal Spirit whereby the Members cannot strongly move or lift or bear any weight but they labour under a great debility and trembling for a sufficient strength being wanting for the performance of any act at one essay Nature submitting is forced to act by a more often repeated endeavour and so the part being in motion is forced to shake and tremble whence it is that in some palsied people there is always a trembling and shaking in all their Limbs for that the nervous Fibres are universally weakned which continually striving to exert their wonted power reiterate those depraved motions perpetually 26. Those who suffer a Palsy through a defect of the Animal Spirit are such as have lost much Blood or such as have too often exercised the Venerial Act or are arrived to an extream or unhealthy old Age for by these means the Spirits are wasted and the supply or stock and provision of them being but small their dispensation into the Genus Nervosum is so much diminished that a trembling Paralysis commonly succeeds thereupon 27. The same thing almost happens to such as have lain long sick in an Atrophy or wasting condition and some other chronical Diseases in which the Spirits wast or decay and the Vigour force or strength of the Body gradatim and as it were insensibly declines whereby they become so enervated as that they can neither go nor stand upright much less perform any other action which requires any considerable power these somtimes lye Bed-rid long and it may be without any considerable sickness and although they seem every day as if they were ready to die yet they lye easily quietly and undisturbed talk chearfully but dare not rise or move for that upon the least motion such a signal uneasiness and weariness seises upon them as if they had don some hard labour or gon some great journey so that they cannot be rested again in some hours after In this case certainly although the Animal Spirits do in some sort inliven and actuate the Genus Nervosum yet the due measure is so small and their proportion to the whole so defective that the power of moving though not wholly taken away yet is so depraved that the sick can scarcely be perswaded to try whether they can move or not 28. And almost for the same reason the Motive faculty fails or is depraved in Scorbutick Persons and such as have often Surfeited themselves with Gluttony and strong liquors whereby such a superfluous quantity of ill humors and indigested matter is generated that thereby even the Spirits themselves are contaminated and at long run almost overwhelmed whereby they are either made imbecil impotent or weak or the Spirit making faculty from the impotency of the Stomach and the other Viscera though not wholly ceasing to perform its duty yet does it so poorly and meanly that there is not a sufficient generation of Spirits daily made to support the humane frame in its due energy and strength For by these meanes the whole Sanguinous mass becomes polluted and filled with impurities and serosities which being therewith conveyed to the Brain made lax or loose as to its Pores by a long continuation of irregularities is easiely received there out of which impure Blood as there is a less proportion of Animal Spirits generated so are they not so sublime serene or subtil but more dull or cloudy by reason of the adhesion of the impure matter whereby they become uncapable of exerting in themselves the motive faculty 29. And in these cases arising from the defect or imbecility of the Animal Spirit we conclude the Spirits not only to be in fault but the Organs also generating and containing them made weak by the depraved Serosities or Gas of the Blood transmitted every where through the whole universal Body into the moving Fibres whereby it is reasonable to think that those few Spirits impure also derived from the Brain being disposed at length through the whole Genus Nervosum into the minutest Fibres and meeting there with that depraved Serositie or malign Gas of the Blood make the motive Faculty both more weak and trembling 30. And therefore as to an habitual Palsy or a Palsy generated from a previous long and habitual vitious course of Living this we say that whatsoever things do more than ordinarily vitiate the Blood or obstruct the Brain and its nervous Appendix excite an afflux of morbifick Particles or matter produce a Narcosis or stupefaction of the Spirits or impeeds their generating may be accounted as antecedent causes of a Paralysis In order to the producing of these causes are the disorders of the six Non-naturals insatiable eating immeasurable drinking Wine or other strong Liquors an idle and sedentary course of Life sleeping too much or unseasonably immoderate use of Venus too much loss of Blood too vehement evacuations either by Vomit or Stool a cold and moist Air Metalick and Narcotick Fumes stupefying Medicines excess of heat cold or moisture vehement and long Passions of the Mind c. 31. Hitherto of a Paralysis where motion is
only hurt the sense remaining firm it is now reasonable that we shew the cause of sense being hurt the motive faculty being sound and strong as is ordinary in such as are afflicted with an Elephantiasis Lepra Graecorum and Mania who often go naked lye cold in Frost and Snow or the middle of Winter and whose Skins are so numb and sensless that they feel not though prickt with Auls Needles or Pins or cut with Knives c. The true reason of this is because the Nerves replenishing the Skin the outer and primary Organ of feeling and the Membranes covering the Muscles by their various Ramifications and innumerable membranaceous Fibres which chiefly convey to the parts the sense of feeling are only hurt or chiefly suffer Whereas those greater Tendinous and Muscular Nerves who by their musculous and fleshy Fibres exert the motive faculty or in whom is seated the power of moving remain safe and unhurt Wherefore the loss or hurt of the sensitive faculty proceeds from a hurt of the exteriour and membranaceous Fibres either through some poysonous or malign Gas or extremity of cold benumbing them so that the Animal Spirit cannot as it ought to do irradiate them and hence it appears that the Nerves of the exterior Membranes are only hurt for that sense being lost the part or parts wast not as when deprived of motion but have a sufficient afflux of the Animal Spirit enabling them to perform their proper duty and to assimulate the nutritions juice brought to the said parts by the Arteries 32. Now out of what has been already said it appears that the extreamest kind of Palsy in which the motive and sensitive Faculties are both hurt or abolished is caused from a general affection of all the Nerves distributed into the part or parts affected as well the Cutaneous and Membranaceous Fibres of the Nerves as the Tendinous and Muscular whereby the Tracts or passages and ways of the Animal Spirit are in a manner compleatly shut up and all its irradiations intercepted or frustrated This may chance though rarely from the descent of the morbifick matter from the Brain into the oblong Morrow but very often from a notable hurt of the Back-bone by a Blow Wound or Fall from some high place whereby the Spinae Medulla being compressed or too much distended or writhed the passages of the Animal Spirit are mightily obstructed and in danger of perfect obliteration CIV The Judgments or Prognosticks of the Palsy 1. A Palsy coming from a cold and moist Cause or in a cold and moist habit of body especially in such as are extream Fat and have been so of a long time is very difficultly cured and if the Disease in such a person has been of any long continuance it seldom or never is cured 2. The cure is difficult or seldom or never performed if the Disease happens in old Age more especially if the Sick is Fat and of a cold moist habit of body 3. A Palsy wherein motion is abolished is much more difficult to Cure than that in which sense is only hurt in regard of the deep scituation of the Nerves for that the force of the Medicine cannot so easily reach them but that Palsy wherein both Faculties are hurt or abolished is yet much worse 4. Every Paralysis whither coming by degrees or happening by accident whether universal or particular though for the most part they are free from imminent danger yet they are long in curing 5. A Palsy coming after an Apoplexy is seldom cured and many times returns into an Apoplexy again by a new afflux of like matter into the Brain which is made lax and weak by the former Disease 6. If it comes from a Blow Fall Wound c. or upon an Apoplexy Lethargy Carus Convulsion Cholick Gout or other affects of the Brain or Genus Nervosum it will not quickly be cured or so much as easily give place to Medicines but for the most part remains uncurable 7. A Tremor or Trembling coming upon or after a Palsy is said to be healthful for that the passages of the Nerves begin somwhat to open themselves to make way for the Animal Spirit whereby Motion though at first after a trembling manner begins to be restored 8. If the Paralytick retains an actual native heat in it there is hope of Recovery but if it is always cold and cannot be induced to retain a natural heat the Case is desperate 9. If a total resolution follows upon a general obstruction of the original of the oblong Marrow or the Spina dorsi being extreamly hurt and that thereby both sense and motion are both taken away the Disease will scarcely admit of any cure 10. An Atrophy or want of Nourishment in the paralytick part with great paleness takes away all hopes of a Cure For it not only signifies an impotency and decay of the Animal Spirit but shews great danger of the extinction of the native heat 11. A Palsy happening in the Winter is cured with much more difficulty than that which happens in the Spring or Summer more especially if it happens in cold and moist Constitutions and in Aged people 12. They who are once cured of a Palsy proceeding from an evident solitary Cause do not so easily Relapse into the same as they who are cured of it arising from a Procatartick cause This seems to be Truth from the very reason of the thing and nature of the Causes 13. If the Ey on that side on which the Palsy happens be hurt thereby there is but little hopes of a Cure for it argues a great defect or want of Animal Spirits in the part or parts affected 14. A Palsy happening to Scorbutical or Cacochymical and very intemperate or surfeited Persons although otherwise of a strong body though the Distemper be not very great yet will it be with much labour and difficulty cured 15. A Palsy in the Legs and Feet is more easily cured than that in the upper parts because those Nerves are harder and stronger 16. A strong Feaver coming upon a Palsy is healthful for the extream heat thereof Rarifies and consumes or expels the morbifick matter and partly for the same reason a Diarrhoea or Loosness coming upon a recent and weak Palsy foreshews speedy Recovery for saith Rhasis I have seen many Paralyticks cured by a Diarrhoea CV The general method of curing the Idopathetick Palsy 1. We now come to the Therapeutical Considerations of the Palsy and first of an Idopathetick Palsy excited from a Procatartick cause or previous disposition of the body to such an indisposition wherein we are chiefly to endeavour the alteration of the habit of the body by rectifying the Discrasy of the Blood then to take away the morbifick matter offending and lastly so to strengthen the parts hurt that they may for the future be able to resist all other assaults of the Disease 2. The Palsy may happen in a hot or cold Constitution and therefore you are first wisely and
and Rubifiers are profitably applyed but these are chiefly used when the resolved Part or Parts have lost the Sense of Feeling But when the Part is made red they ought to be removed least the Spirits by too great an Attraction should be dissipated and such things ought to be applyed as may be warming only confortative and strengthning that the attracted Heat and Spirits may be profitably retained in the said Parts 97. After due Purging Authors chiefly Avicenna very much commends Cupping-Glasses to be applyed which is done for the most part without Scarification to the Part or Parts affected but with much Flame yet they are not to be continued long least they not only draw the Heat and Spirits but also dissipate them as we before observed in Frictions and Sinapisms and that that which is drawn away may be conserved Sennertus advises an Emplaster immediately to be applyed made of Pitch and Pine-Rosin 98. Vesications are with more caution to be used except in Persons very gross and full of watery humors in whom the Nerves and their capillary Ramifications are as it were soaked and overwhelmed with Water for by this means a great part of the morbifick Matter seems to be drawn forth easily and speedily And you may repeat the Operation several times upon the same Part and Place the Skin being first healed again But you are to be very careful to conserve the natural heat by the application of fit Medicaments of a warming and corroborating Vertue least hereby it being too much dissipated a Gangreen should immediately ensue 99. Issues are profitably applyed in Cacochymick Bodies or abounding with ill humors for they continually drain forth the morbifick Matter and that so moderately and by Degrees that there is no danger of dissipating either of Heat or Spirits for thereby Nature disposes of the offending Matter and sends it forth for her own Relief after an admirable manner and these for their safety may be used to old or young Male or Female without any respect to the Sex or Age. 100. The Seton which is also a kind of Issue may be used for the same reason it is commonly applyed between the first and second Vertebra but somtimes in other places pro ratione Membri affecti that the humor oppressing the Nerves may be evacuated and in the Opinion of some Men the Seton is more profitable than the other kinds of Issues for that it evacuates more liberally and more speedily yet not in too extream manner but as they have one good conveniency so they have an ill which almost counter balances it to wit their troublesomness for that they are more tedious and painful than other kinds of Issues are 101. Suffumigations are also commended by some where the Part or Parts affected are for a convenient time held in the Fume or Fumes of some proper and fit Antiparalytick as of Amber Olibanum Frankincense Myrrh Benjamin Opopanax Galbanum Ammoniacum Mastich Sandrach Gout-Ivy Juniper-wood c. Or you may make a suffumigating Pouder thus according to Sennertus Take Amber Mastick Myrrh of each one dram Frankincense two scruples Cloves Mace Nutmegs Cinnamon of each half a dram Wood of Aloes half a scruple let them all be made into a fine Pouder and moistned or sprinkled with Spirit of Wine and dryed again which repeat five times make a Pouder which cast upon live Coles so that the Fume may ascend with which fume linnen Cloths and therewith gently rub the paralytick Members 102. Anointings are next to be considered the ancient Physicians used Oyls of Cammomil of Lillies of Orrice of Hypericon Elder Rue Bays Costus Spike Pepper Earth-Worms Foxes of Castoreum of Euphorbium of Vipers of a Stork of a Goose and of a Cat. Some later Physicians have used the distilled Oyls of Juniper of Wax and of Vipers also of Rosemary Lavender Others commend Mans-Fat as also the Fat of a Goose Fox Cat chiefly of a wild Cat of a Bear of a Lyon and of Vipers especially being mixt with hot and drying Oyls such as the distilled Oyls before named Ex his varia pro re nata misceri possunt 103. Oyntments Unguentum Anserinum Take an old fat Goose deplume and draw it and fill the Body of it with the following things Bees-Wax Butter Salt of each two ounces Fox Grease three ounces wild Cats Grease two ounces and half Hogs Grease two ounces Mans-Grease one ounce Marrow of the Leg of an Ass of an Ox of a Deer of each an ounce and half Pouder of Olibanum Bean-Meal Rye-Meal of each two ounces close it firmly up and let it be well roasted with a gentle Fire taking great care that it be not burnt the Liquor droping from it keep for use to anoint the paralytick Members withall 104. Or thus Take a fat Goose deplumate and eviscerate it then stuff its Body with Sage Rosemary Cloves Indian Spicknard of each a sufficient quantity adding also Fat of a wild Cat one ounce and half Pouders of Myrrh and Frankincense of each half and ounce Castoreum and Euphorbium of each a dram and half Earth-Worms suffocated in Vinegar number thirty roast it after the usual manner upon a Spit basting of it with Vinegar of Rue and the Fat driping from it keep for use 105. Unguentum de Sapone Cratonis Take Venice-Soap half a pound Oyl of Juniper-berries one ounce Pouder of Rocket-seed six drams mix them for an Oyntment Crato commends it 106. Take Oyls of Bays of Bricks nard-Oyl and Oyl of Mustard-seed by Expression of each an ounce and half Opopanax Galbanum Ammoniacum Sagapenum of each half an ounce all dissolved in Spirit of Wine Euphorbium two drams mix them then add Oyls of Juniper of Pepper of Amber and of Spicknard of each one dram roots of white Hellebor of Pyrethrum of Mustard-seed of each one dram white Pepper half a dram Sal Armoniack two scruples Castoreum one scruple Wax a sufficient quantity make an Oyntment with which anoint the Parts affected being first bathed and rubbed with Spirit of Wine 107. Take Ammoniacum Bdellium dissolved in Spirit of Wine of each half an ounce Fat of a Badger of a Goose of a Fox of each three ounces Orrice-root one dram leaves of Rue Betony Cowslips of each a dram and half flowers of Arabian Staechas of Rosemary of Cammomil of Melilot of each one pugil Storax Calamitae Benjamin of each two drams Cloves Frankincense Nutmegs of each a dram Oyls of Foxes of Castoreum of Earth-Worms of Wax of each a sufficient quantity mix and make a soft Oyntment 108. Take roots of Orrice of Calamus Aromaticus of each one dram and half Galangal one dram leaves of of Sage of Rosemary and of Ivy Flowers of Lavender and of Arabian Staechas of each one pugil Oyls of Foxes of Castoreum and of Earth-Worms of each two dram Turpentine one ounce the best White-Wine four ounces boyl to the consumption of of the Wine strain and add Spirit of Wine one ounce Sagapenum Bdellium Castoreum
somthing more at a time in any convenient Vehicle The Magma remaining at bottom you may keep to mix with your ordinary drink and with this subtil Spirit the Paralytick parts may be somtimes bathed 12. After the same manner you may make a volatile Spirit with the Oyls of Vitriol and of Salt which being given in like manner will have the same operation those who have not the conveniency of distilling of it may use it without distillation they will being so taken find it a thing of admirable use but being drawn off according to Art as before directed it is much more subtill and penetrating and conduces to a much speedier cure 13. As for Topicks things very hot are not to be used but a bath of fair water or water wherein Sal prunellae has been dissolved has been found in these cases very profitable you may make it after this manner Take spring-water a gallon sal prunellae three ounces pure white Wine Vinegar half a pint mix them for a Bath and according to this proportion you may augment the sal Prunellae and the Vinegar if you have occasion for a bath for the whole Body 14. But if you would have the Bath withall to cleanse the skin then you must leave out the Vinegar and dissolve in every gallon of water half an ounce of the best Venice or Castile Soap and a bath so made will both cleanse the superficies of the Cutis open its Pores draw forth the dark and fuliginous Vapours and Fumes open the obstructions of the capilary Nerves and so facillitate the cure to admiration CVII The cure of a Paralysis arising by consent from other parts or Diseases 1. If the Disease is excited in a Scorbutick habit of Body cold and moist you must take the self same method and course of cure which we have Instituted in the hundred and fifth Section of this chapter and therefore we shall not any more repeat those things in vain but this is to be observed that through the whole course of the cure as there directed you ought always to mix with the Antiparalyticks Antiscorbuticks for thereby the Scorbutick juyce will be depressed as well as the Paralysis removed 2. A Diet drink may be instituted like those formerly prescribed in which also you may put the Juyces and Expressions of Antiscorbutick herbs Or Mustard-seed or Rocket-seed bruised or Horse-radish-roots scraped c. Or into new Ale you may put the Juyces of Scurvy-grass of Brooklime of Water-cresses of Garden Cresses of Tarragon and so let them work up together Or Mustard-seed or Rocket seed bruised with Horse-Radish roots scraped and put up into a bag after four days the siâ—k may take thereof 3. All the Purges ought to be made in a liquid from and of a spirituous substance that they may the more intimately mix with the Mass of Blood in order to purify and alter it and withal to be mixt wâ—th some Antiscorbutick Spirit such as are the Spirits of Scurvy-grass of Water-cresses of Brooklime of Horse-Radish of common Radish of Rocket of Mustard-seed of Tarragon of Garden-Cresses of Aron of Onions of Leeks of Garlick c. 4. The internal Specifick Alteratives and Corroboratives ought also to be joyned with the said Antiscorbutick Dr. Willis prescribes this Take of the leaves of Brooklime Water-cresses and Plantane fresh gathered of each four handfuls bruise them together and pour to them of the distilled Water at § 66. sect 105. eight ounces squeeze the juyce strongly forth keep it in a glass and take three or four ounces of it twice or thrice a day 5. Or this Medicinal Wine Take Germander Ground-Pine Scurvy-grass Brooklime of each a handful Sage Rosemary Rosemary-flowers Marjoram Angelica Tarragon of each a handful and half roots of Angelica of Master-wort of Florentine Orrice Horse-Radish Black Hellebor Mustard-seed of each half an ounce Carthamus-seeds Agarick Hermodacts Onions Leeks of each three drams Cardamoms Cubebs salt of Tartar salt of Hartshorn of each two drams The Ingredients being cut and grosly bruised let them be put into a bag with three or four quarts of White or Rhenish Wine which infuse for five or six days then let the Sick drink thereof about three or four ounces three times a day always droping into it about eight or ten drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack 6. A distilled Water Take Garden Sourvy-grass Water-cresses Brooklime of the greater Rocket Rosemary Lavender Sage Savory Tyme of each six handfuls flowers of Lavender and Stoechas tops of sweet Marjoram and Penny royal of each four handfuls the yellow of fifteen Oranges and ten Lâ—mons Winter 's Cinnamon Mustard-seed Indian spicknard Virginia-Snake root Contrayerva of each four ounces Galangal Acorus Florentine Orrice large Onions of each three ounces Cloves Nutmegs Cinnamon Jamaica Pepper Cubebs Horse-Radish roots of each two ounces all being cut and bruised affuse thereon so much Rhenish Wine as may cover all the Ingredients about two handfuls over distil in a Copper Vesica tin'd within and let all the Liquor be mixed together which dulcify with syrup of Peony-water 7. Or if you design to have a very strong Spirit to be taken in some few drops or in a small quantity in some other convenient Vehicle you may draw off the eighth part of the Liquor first distilling and save it by it self then draw off the remainder by its self which you may dulcifie to be taken ordinarily or reserve it for a new distillation Or if you so please instead of the Rhenish Wine you may take so much proof Spirit of Wine which digest with the ingredients about twelve or twenty four hours and then distil it off saving the first half of what distils for your use and the other half for another distillation as before 8. Among the number of the things which we commend in a Paralysis whether Idopathetick or Symptomatick whether in a scorbutick habit of Body or arising from any other Disease the Volatile salt of Beans is found by Experience to transcend all other vulgar Remedies and is thought by several learned and experienced Men not to be much inferiour to the salt of Vipers in paralytick Distempers The way of making of which and its use we have taught in Our Doron Medicum lib. 1. cap. 25. sect 66. 67. 68 and 69. It prevails against not only Palsies but also Cramps Convulsions withred Limbs Epilepsies Apoplexies Gouts Rhumatisms Cholicks and other Diseases of the Head Brain Womb Nerves Tendons and Joynts and is withal a most approved thing against the Scurvy You may give it inwardly from four grains to twelve or more in any convenient Vehicle or Antiparalytick Water and that Morning and Evening as the Patient is in Age and Strength to bear it 9. Outwardly you may anoint the Paralytick parts with Oyl of Anniseeds or Oyl of Ben with which the Volatile salt of Beans is mixt or it may be dissolved in any Antiparalytick water and the palsied Parts bathed therewith Morning and Evening for
readily got we had anointed her with this mixture Take Oyls of Rosemary and Sage of each two drams Oyls of Ben half an ounce mix them 5. While these things were doing this following Clyster was prepared to be exhibited Take Decoction of Mallows a pint sweet Oyl two ounces Powers of Rosemary of Carraways of Aniseeds and of Amber of each a dram Tinctures of black Hellebor and of Agarick of each two drams Tinctures of Colocynthis and Hiera picra of each an ounce Infusion of Crocus Metallorum half an ounce Salts of Rue and of Carduus of each half a dram mix them It was injected warm and in about half or three quarters of an hour it wrought well so that there came from her by Stool a great quantity of cold slimy pituitous as well as serous Matter or Excrements when it began to work she came to her self again 6. Afterwards we caused her to continue the use of the first prescribed mixture for three or four days The next day I purged her Brain with this Errhine Take White Wine four ounces Guttae Gambae two scruples Scamony ten grains Euphorbium six grains dissolve the Gums in the Wine over a gentle heat this brought a great quantity of cold viscous and serous Excrements out of her Head by which she confessed she found her self much more pleasant and lightsom then in many weeks or months before we repeated the use of them four times at two days distance 7. In the intermediate days we purged her with this Take Extracts of Castoreum and of black Hellebor of each fifteen grains Resin of Colocynthis and of Scammony of each four grains spirit of sal Armoniack six drops Oyl of Rosemary two drops Tartar Vitriolate ten grains Honey of Rosmary-flowers enough to make a Bolus This purged her very well gave her eight Stools and one Vomit 8. But whereas she complained of a great heaviness and loathing at Stomach and oftentimes of a great Sickness there and had withall a spontaneous Vomiting I exhibited a Vomit made of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum which gave her five Vomits and emptied her Stomach of a vast quantity of viscous pituitous matter which had for a long time afflicted her and so took away her Stomach so that she could scarcely eat a Meals meat in a month with an Appetite 9. I ordered her the continuation of the first prescribed mixture a spoonful at a time Morning and Evening and to drink three or four times a day of this following Physical and Antipoplectical Wine Take choice Rhenish Wine choice Canary of each three quarts Cloves Nutmegs Mace Cinnamon Cubebs of each half an ounce Virginian Snake-root Contra yerva Bay-berries Zedoary Rosemary Lavender Sage Marjoram Penny-royal Origanum Aron roots Agarick of each one ounce Florentine Orrice root Juniper-berries of each two ounces Sena four ounces infuse digest and after four days take about two ounces of the clear at a time dropping into it every time about eight or ten drops of the spirit of sal Armoniack or twenty drops of the best rectified spirit of Hartshorn By following this advise she became perfectly well nor had she any more fits 10. After this very method without any difference in the particulars we cured divers others persons taken with an Apoplexy so that they never had above the third fit and some of them not above the second and they remained absolutely free from their Distemper for many years after II. An Apoplexy in a young Man of a sanguine Complexion 1. Authors define an Apoplexy to be a stupidity with a resolution of the whole Genus Nervosum in which affect the Sick does not really Sleep but being astonished he lies stupid like a stock all the senses alike and motion together with them being abolished 2. But these Accidents are somtimes more mild and sometimes more grievious in which both the internal and external Senses are taken away together whence the whole understanding is abolished nor do they see though some Apoplectical Persons seem to look upon a Man with fixt Eyes nor do they hear a noise nor shew any sign of sense though you pinch cut prick or burn them 3. Also being deprived of all motion of the Body and so becoming helpless in a moment they fall down and all their Members being resolved do languish and grow feeble they neither speak nor swallow but their Breath only remains which is oftentimes very obscure and so little as scarcely to be discerned by any artifice whatsoever but is drawn with great difficulty and noise as in dying people 4. For this cause it was doubtless that Frederick Deckers advised the Cure to be considred on with a prognostick whether there be life or not being first known either by a Candle lighted the Windows being shut if life cannot be known by the Pulse and moved to the Nostrils or by a Feather or Looking-Glass held to the Mouth to wit whether or no the one be moved or the other stained these things being tryed although no sign of life appeare yet they are not to be buried before the third day because in that time they have been observed to come to life again 5. In this difficulty of breathing the Pulse is for the most part strong but discovers it self in great inequalities and so it remains till their senses returning they come to their selves again but this is in the more gentle Parox sms for in the more Vehement they continue resolved and where the Disease is extream their breath being wholy taken away they are immediately suffocated froth slimy and Viscous matter for the most part then flowing out of their Mouth 6. It is evident from what has been said that the Brain must needs be affected for that all motion and sense proceeds from it but it is not to be thought that the functious are diversly weakned as the fore middle or hinder Ventricles of the Brain are hurt nor as the Brain is affected before or behind for that the substance of the Brain doth in all parts perform its duty and therefore as it is more or less hurt so it looseth more or less of its function 7. And if the hurt of the Brain be so great as that all the senses be abolished whence motion also does cease yet the other Functions which the Brain is not the cause of may remain as the Pulse which is excited by the Heart Now whereas the motion of breathing is partly Natural partly voluntary it is manifest that it is caused from the Organs of both kinds of motion both of the Midriff and Lungs And therefore it is that though the Brain be very much hurt so as all voluntary motion does cease the Midriff or Muscles of the Brest contributing then nothing to the motion yet breathing may be from the natural motion of the Lungs they moving themselves after a sort by a natural or spontaneous contraction and dilatation but it is with difficulty because it is performed but with one half
Infusion of Crocus Metallorum an ounce syrup of Squils six drams Salt of Vitriol fifteen grains mix them This gave him four easie Vomits and workt three times downwards with him by which he found himself much relieved and that fullness and oppression of Stomach and sickness at Heart removed so that in about two hours he was perfectly recovered out of the Paroxysm which was so vehement upon him as that it seemed to threaten Life 6. But fearing the fit should return again I ordered him the constant taking of the compound Spirit first above mentioned every Morning fasting And at Noon half an hour before Eating I prescribed him to take the quantity of a Wall-nut of this following Conserve of Rosemary-flowers six ounces Indian preserved green Ginger four ounces Indian preserved Nutmegs number three beat all very well together in a Mortar to a Pulp which done add thereto Oyl of Cinnamon half ad ounce Juyce of Alkerms and Aqua mirabilis of each a sufficient quantity to make the Mass an Electuary of a middle consistency 7. At Night going to bed I prescribed him a draught of this following Wine Take choice Canary three quarts Virginian snakeroot Contrayerva of each two ounces Zedoary winters Cinnamon of each one ounce Cloves Nutmegs of each two dâ—ams Pepper one dram being all in Pouder make an Infusion for six days shaking it every day Of the clear he took about four ounces at a time being dulcified at time of taking with white Sugar and dropping into the same also eight or ten drop of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack 8. The third day after the Fit I caused the former Vomit to be repeated which wrought very well upon him so that he seemed to be throughly cleansed by persuing this advise he had no more Fits but became perfectly well And by this very Method with very little variation I cured a Gentlewoman of about fifty years of age and a Maiden Getlewoman of about six and twenty save that this latter had the repetition of a second Fit but no more and so became well V. A poor labouring Man taken with an Apoplexy in the Feilds in Harvest-Time 1. This Man aged about seven and thirty having led a loose course of Life and given himself up to drinking and idleness became not only very poor but also diseased he was for two years before this Apoplexy seised him troubled with a Vertigo which vehemently afflicted him at certain times and that somtimes with an extream Hemicrania or Megrim so violent for two or three days when it came that it often made him delirious and some of his Neighbours feared his going mad 2. This Vertigo and Megrim continuing upon him brought at length through extremity of Pain Convulsions which as yet only afflicted the Head But accidentally taking an exceeding Cold he fell into a Diarrhoea which was accompanied with a vehement Griping of the Guts This being not carefully removed but through Carelessness adding Cold to Cold produced Convulsions of the Mesentery which sympathising with those in his Head caused universal Convulsions throughout his whole Body so that this wretched Creature was made a Spectacle of Misery 3. In this Condition those about him caused him to be anointed with Oyl of Turpentine mixed with Linseed Oyl and then they gave him half an ounce of Mithridate to sweat upon which indeed gave him Relief as to his then present Distempers but cured him not perfectly of his Convulsions but at times or as he took Cold they would return again upon him 4. Being thus afflicted and not reforming his irregular course of Life by reason of an universal Corruption of the Blood unnatural Heats and colds imprudent drinking of cold Liquors when he was extreamly hot and an Indisposition Weakness and Hurt of the Parts either generating containing or conveying the animal Spirits this miserable Creature of a sudden unthought of fell going from his Labour to Dinner into a fit of the Apoplexy 5. I being accidentally in the Country at that time was desired to come to him and do somthing to whom they gave the former Relation of his course of Life But being absent from the City and not having the conveniency of such Remedies as I would have applyed could I have had them I was forced to make use of necessity and take the most probable Things to do him good which might there be had 6. In the first place I caused a Sternutatory to be made of Tobacco which being finely poudred was blown up his Nostrils by which in a little time he sneezed and much Water came out of his Head by his Nostrils amd in about a quarter of an hour I caused the Sternutatory to be repeated again 7. Also I caused about an ounce and half of Brandy to be put into his Mouth and forced part of it down his Throat which with the Sneesing caused him to move a little and almost brought him to himself again In the mean season a Woman was dispatched into the Town to a Chandlers for a little Oly of Turpentine with which I caused his Nape Fore-head Temples Nostils Breast Stomach and Pulses to be anointed gently By the use of these Things in less than an hour space he was restored out of the Paroxysm 8. Being thus recovered he was carried to the Town and put into a warm Bed for he was in a cold clammy Sweat and I caused him to drink a pint and half of Cardus-Posset Drink by means of which he vomitted plentifully and after the vomiting was over he fell into a moderate Sweat in which he continued for four hours When he called for Drink which he did often I permitted him to have Ale in which Cloves Mace and Nutmegs had been boyled a little sweetned with white Sugar 9. The third day after I purged him with my Family Pills by which he had about fourteen Stools and I ordered him to take them once a week for about two months together By the use of these things he was reduced to his prestin health nor had he after any more fits VI. An Apoplexy in a middle-aged Man which proved mortal 1. This Gentleman about the age of two and forty of a seeming strong and robust Body who both eat and drank well yet as to the main led a temperate course of Life was all of a sudden taken with an Apoplexy so that to the Standers-by he seemed to be dead 2. Physicians and Chyrurgions were sent for by whose advise he was presently let blood but they could draw little from him then they applyed Vesicatories to the Nucha and other Parts sharp Clysters of Colocynthis and Aloes were exhibited besides apoplectick Waters and Spirits to the Fore-head Temples Nostrils and Pulses but all in vain for what ever they could do could by no means restore him but in this Fit he dyed 3. Being dead as they apprehended a great flux of Blood followed by the Mouth and Nose so that he bled nearly a quart of Blood mixt
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
happens according to Hippocrates are commonly between the years of forty sixty in which time the melancholy humor is most vigorous 21. From whom says that Oracle nothing can be more convenient than the coming of the Hemorrhoids and that all Care be taken to keep them running for while they run there is no doubt of the present Safety But if that cannot be done the next thing to wit by Cupping-Glasses and breathing of a Vein the Blood must be drawn forth 22. Although there is some help to be had by the extraction of the Blood yet if the Foeculency of the Blood be not carried off they will not answer the End and the more frequent the letting of blood is the Blood is thereby cooled and the Spirits exhausted therefore it must be done with a great deal of Caution 23. For Hippocrates does not absolutely assign and impute the Cause of the Apoplexy to Blood Melancholy and Flegm but rather advises to abstain from such things as will breed not only a plenty of Blood but also a gross thickness of the same 24. Luscious and impure Wines and immoderate Repetions do suffocate and extinguish the natural Heat the Wine of Carduus Benedictus is good as also Vinum Medicatum made of the Infusion of Sena this Wine must not be taken at Meat as also other Medicaments because they trouble and hinder the Concoction and so the Chyle being crude excites and sends up Fumes to the Head whereby the Spirits of the Brain are wasted and corrupted 24. But if it be taken about an hour before Meat I do not see why it should not do good For Sena does wonderfully purge the Organs of the Senses and strengthens the Stomack the Infusion of Sena or rather our Syrup of Apples with Sena will be more convenient 26. The Infusion is thus Take Currans six drams Galangal one dram the flowers of Borrage Violets of each one pugil boyl them in a sufficient quantity of pure Water in the Decoction infuse the leaves of Sena six drams then strain and take of the Expression four ounces to which add Manna Calabrina six drams Syrup of conserv'd Ginger one dram mix them and make a Drink to be taken every day 27. If he would use the Syrup of the Juyce of Apples and Sena he may take one ounce wherewith he may mix half a scruple of Mace now if the Body be not already loose you may make it so if the day before you use the Infusion of Sena or the Syrup you must be careful to apply a Clyster made of the Decoction of Pauls-Betony in the Broth of a Cock or Capon with the addition of a little Sugar 28. There is also this to be observed that none who is apprehensive of falling into this Malady should presently go to bed after Supper but that there be two or three hours between supping and sleeping 29. Among the principal causes of the Apoplexy Hippocrates recites a forth which is when the animal Vertue which influences both Sense and Motion is impeded and the natural heat is through the want thereof suppressed and almost extinguished 30. This happens chiefly to those that are obnoxious to Crudities too much Gluttony and surfeiting and while thus he should rather use Exercise than Rest 31. For by Abstinence and exercise by which says Celsus a most famous Physician he cured many Diseases such are preserved 32. He ought not to sleep immediately after eating and if he should begin to be drowsy he ought by some of the Family to be stirred up and rather excited to some pleasant Exercises than be suffered to sit or lye down for moderate Exercise is healthful 33. He should not much use Venery nor wast himself that way for the immoderate use thereof debilitates the Head and Brain 34. For the most part there goes before this Disease a Vertigo the which indeed presages his Disease to be near which though present yet bespeaks it not dangerous 35. Those Medicines therefore which a little before I have recited I use but in the first place I exhibite the little Lozenges made with the chymical Oyl of Caraways least the evil Matter should obstruct and creat thick Vapours which might hinder the force of other things to be given 36. Such things as correct those Vapours which infect the Brain by their Odour and pleasant Vapour are very profitable you must also boyl Caraways and Amber in Water and take the Vapours up the Nostrils and a peice of toasted Nutmeg must be taken into the Mouth to which let some Ambergrise be added and Castoreum put in Vinegar is to be held to the Nostrils 37. If a continual intermitting Feaver attend this Disease it needs no other Cure if it be weak it increases the Malady if too strong it destroys the Strength for the Danger lyes in the Excess 38. There are some causes in which there is no place for Medicines such as extream Cold a Blow hurting the Chanels and Ventricles of the Brain sudden Joy great Anger and Indignation Commotion of the Mind Astonishment by Thunder by these Persons become Apoplectick 39. If a great Apopolexy attend these there can be no other reason of the Cure than that which is from obstructing Causes 40. If it ends in a Palsy we must use those helps which tends to a Resolution when the Apoplexy begins some are for letting of blood all on a sudden but this is for certain if it does not free the Person it will surely kill 41. Some greatly approve of a Suffumigation made of Amber but learned Physicians think without reason 42. Sternutatories are dangerous yet may be profitable if applyed in due time the Pouder of the Root of Night-shade with Rue Castoreum and Ginger an equal Part to be blown up the Nostrils 43. It will be good to shake the superiour Parts chiefly the Neck It will be convenient to put to the Head a thin peece of Cypress or the Head being shaved to apply a Cupping-glass to the Crown of the Head sharp Clysters are to be given 44. The difference of the Pulse in a cold swooning and in an Apoplexy consists in this that in the former the Pulse is weak in the latter the Pulse is full and strong unless in the very point of Death 45. But if the apoplectick Person lies without Sense and Motion and spiration with snorting is violent and inequal then there is nothing but Death to be expected Crato apud Scholzium Cons 37. XXVII For the Apoplexy 1. Take Pil. Cochiae two scruples Castoreum one scruple Troches of Alhandal three grains with Oxymel of Squills make eight Pills which may be taken at eleven a Clock and the Person may sleep after them 2. Take the the roots of Butchers-broom of Asparagus of each one ounce and half the roots of Liquorice of Sorrel of Succory of Bugloss of each one ounce Florentine Orrice Galangal of each half an ounce the Peels of Citron dryed Betony Bawm Hysop Marjoram Ground-pine Origanum
Revulsion and minoration of this Apoplectick Repletion 14. Take Extract Pil. Cochiae one scruple Cambogia five grains choice Castoreum four grains Oyl of Amber three drops a sufficient quantity of the syrup of Stoechas make five Pills which are to be guilded 15. And because they could not be Swallowed I ordered them to be dissolved thus Take Peony and Sage-Waters of each ten drams dissolve therein the aforesaid Pills to which add Cinnamon water and Trefoil of each one dram the spirit of Vitriol three drops mix them and take thereof a little 16. About an hour thereafter he did void at divers times hard black and stinking matter for greater Revulsion Vesicatories were applyed to both sides of the Nape but all these means were in vain Johannes Petrus Lotichius Lib. 2. Cap. 1 Observ 10. XXXIV An Apoplexy in an elderly Woman 1. A Woman about the age of forty eight was taken with a strong Apoplexy she was of a corpulent habit of Body she fell down all in a sudden the more ancient Physicians had but small hopes of her 2. At length about sixteen hours after the first assault of the Disease I was called being then but a young man I observed that there was a most grievous Apoplexy with a difficulty of Breathing and a strong and great Pulse 3. I thought with my self that a Cure might be tryed therefore I ordered Blood that same day to be twice or thrice taken away and that very plentifully once in the Arm afterwards in the Foot 4. Two sharp Clysters were given on the same day afterwards every day one some Topicks were also exhibited These things did so well that on the eighth or ninth day she began to know her Domestick Servants and to speak a little Stammeringly 5. Afterwards purging Medicines were exhibited by the Mouth then Apophlegmatisms and such like things were used by which she grew somewhat better yet she could not be brought to such a degree of Recovery as wholly to exercise her Sense and Reason and to use her Feet 6. The remainder of the days she lived she continued impotent she sate and was carried in a Chair and after this manner she lived for some years Rembertus Dodoneus Cap. 8. Observ Medicinal XXXV An Apoplexy 1. Phlebotomy will not be inconvenient provided it be used in the Spring and that too great a quantity of blood be not taken away nor too frequently for that which may be a means to prevent the Distemper may prove a Cause when done to an excess 2. The belly being made soluble and a Vein breathed if it be convenient the Decoction of Sarsa in the Spring will be of excellent use to keep from the Apoplexy for it both cleanses and carries off the matter and loosens any obstructions that are in the Bowels it strengthens the inward parts especially the Brain 3. The Decoction is thus to be prepared Take Sarsa cut into small pieces two ounces the flowers of Prim-roses and of Lilly-convally of each one handful Fennel-seeds six drams Water four pound let them be digested twenty four hours then boyl them to the consumption of a third part at the end of the Decoction through in of the Wood of Aloes three scruples and half being strained keep them in a glass bottle for use 4. I would give every Morning of this Decoction five or six ounces one dram and half of Cinnamon-water being added that the body being well covered may Sweat without wasting of the strength 5. The Decoction being taken I would purge the body with the Pills of Alexander to which I would add somewhat of Aureae sine quibus after this manner Take Pilulae Nitri two scruples Pilulae Aureae sine quibus of each half a scruple with Primrose Water make seventeen or eighteen Pills 6. After the use I would repeat the Decoction for the space of four days then I would exhibite Pilulae Alexandri in Autumn I would renew the Decoction without opening of a Vein and would evacuate the fifth day with Pilulae Aureae de nitro 7. But if he delights more in cleansing Syrups and Decoctions than in Sarsa he may do it for it is not very wide from our intentions 8. Every month while Winter lasts Pilulae Aloephangina of Mastich and of Aloes Rosata Arnoldi will be profitable as also the Tragea and the Electuary and Diacorus may be exhibited by Courses but I would not have Opopanax mixed with the Tragea because it hurts the Nerves and Brain 9. In Summer Amber prepared with the species of Diarrhodon with sugar dissolved in black Cherry water will be convenient of which Rowls are to be made and you may take some of them every other day in the Morning 10. But if Aqua Vitae be desired it may be thus made Take Malago Wine distilled two pounds the leaves of Bawm the flowers of Lilly convally of Rosemary of Lavender of Borrage of Prim-rose of each one handful grains of Paradise three drams Cubebs Cinnamon Nutmeg of each two drams mix them and set them in the sun in a close Vessel that nothing may transpire for a whole month then press them he may take of this every month in the new Moon or full Moon with a piece of bread to the quantity of half a dram 11. In the Morning he may wash his Mouth with the following Gargarism which may be thus prepared Take the roots of Calamus Aromaticus Nutmegs Stoechas Mace Marjoram of each half a dram boyl them in one pound of pure Water strain them then add Vinegar of Roses half an ounce Hony of Roses one ounce and half Mustard pulverised half a scruple mix them 12. The chewing of Cubebs in the Morning are profitable you should abstain from Masticatories chiefly Errhines because they trouble the Brain 13. I have in esteem for a singular experiment in driving away the Apoplexy the use of the following Pills of which I exhibite half a scruple either the night of the new Moon or full Moon in Summer time but a very slender Supper is to be eaten before you use them 14. Take Cubebs Calamint Mastich Nutmeg Cloves of each one dram Ambergrise half a dram Musk six grains with juyce of Marjoram make Pills 15. As to Diet seeing variety is used it will be too tedious here to describe what kind it should be Scholtzius Epist Medic. 8. XXXVI An Apoplexy with a Catarrh 1. A person of Honor was taken with a stupefaction of the Brain from a cold intemperature and exorbitant flegmatick humors his Memory growing every day weaker and weaker it came at length to be so far lost that he could not remember his own name 2. After a few weeks this Gentleman fell into the Apoplexy which ended in a Palsy of the right-side 3. I being imployed as his Physician I did so delineate and describe to another of the same Art the Constitution of the whole Body and principal parts with the Disease and its Symptoms and the way of Cure that I
and half the flowers of Rosemary one handful Cloves Nutmegs of each two drams and half Cubebs two drams Misleto of the Oak three drams and half the roots of Peony half an ounce the roots of white Ditany three drams and half split the roots and cut the rest and let the aforesaid distilled Water be affused upon them which is again to be put into the glass for the space of seven days in the Sun and to be often shaken or agitated then let them be distilled in Balneo Maris This Water is to be carefully kept 3. Take the following Tablets Take the seeds of Peony hull'd half an ounce Pearl one scruple Mace half a dram leaves of Gold number seven fine Sugar dissolved in the above-mentioned Water five ounces make Rowls or Tablets Reinerus Solenander Cons 14. Sect. 3. XLVII For an Apoplexy 1. Shave the Head in that part where the coronal Suture is then apply thereto an Emplaster of Mustard Castoreum and strong Vinegar â—y the Arms and Legs hard with bands rub the Hands and Feet with Sal Niter and under the Tongue put Castoreum 1. Afterwards the Saphena Vein of both Feet is to be opened then a Vein in the Hand or the Nose or the Jugular a day after a Clyster was repeated 3. Take Castoreum and Euphorbium of each one scruple lay it to the root of the Tongue it draws away a great plenty of Flegm by the Pallat in the space of an hour Johannes Heurnius ad Hypocrat Aphor. 42. Sect. 2. XLVIII An Apoplexy 1. A Physician should above all things consider when his Patient is apoplectick whether there be any signs of Life which if he can discern he should then apply himself to the cure 2. He should order that his Members be often rubbed his Hair shaven and the Crown of the Head and Nape to be anointed with the Oyl of Amber and if his Mouth be shut that it be opened and kept so 3. Let him apply often to his Head hot plates of Iron and also exhibite one spoonful of this antapoplectick Water of my composition which will be found very good both for preservation from and cure of this Disease 4. Take the flowers of Lilly-Convally gathered in the Month of May about the rising of the Sun which while they are ripe and dewy put them into a Glass without washing only the flowers must be used and then digest them in Malago-Wine or any other pleasant generous Wine before the Sun in a Glass-Vessel well stopt but you may omit so long till the Lavender has its flower whose flowers seperate from the stalks c. in equal quantity are to be put the flowers of Lilly-Convally in the same Glass to be close stoped up even to the Month of September following at length by an Alembeck in Balneo distil them and that which first comes forth will be a spirituous Water to be carefully kept For it is pretious and of great worth and efficacy in this Disease 5. The rest of the distilled Water is for use but hath not so much vertue as the first you may make use of it in the Frictions of the Members this Water will last long and is most fragrant 6. You may let blood if there be too much but a sharp Clyster should be first injected 7. You may use for vomits Aqua Benedicta but here â—t must be noted that it is to be always exhibited in a double quantity if Strength be not wanting In the Interim the exhibition of the apoplectick Water is to be continued Johannes Hartmanus Prax. Chimiatr Pag. 75. and 80. XLIX The Cure of the Apoplexy and Palsy 1. A Merchant about the age of sixty of a melancholick Temper by reason of some considerable Misfortunes hapning to him in the conduct of his Affairs just as he dined he fell I being present without Speech and Pulse without any sensible Respiration without Motion or Sense being at once deprived of the exercise of all Faculties and Powers both of Mind and Body 2. To me he seemed as one dead I gave him the Salt of Vitriol in common Water for I use always to carry about with me my Antimony and that Salt of Vitriol 3. After I had given him this Potion he immediately vomited up what he had eaten with a great quantity of vitrous Flegm 4. I also distilled into his Ears the Essences of Cloves and Time together with the distilled Oyl of Cinnamon mixed with the former as also into his Nostrils 5. And the Hair of his Head being shaved off I applyed both to his Head and Neck Vesicatories made of Cantharides and I did affix to his Shoulders Cupping Glasses with Flame and deep Scarification 6. At length he opened his Eyes after he lay in that miserable condition twenty four hours he also moved and breathed 7. In the mean season I gave Aqua Imperialis three ounces with the Extract of Treacle two drams and the Oyl of Cinnamon half a dram and the Oyl of Vitriol impregnated with the Tincture of Gold half a scruple These being all mixed I gave them him in one Potion which he swallowed without any inconveniency although he was at that time paralytick 8. The next day because he could not yet speak he made signs that he was grievously afflicted with Pain in the Head I gave him of my Antimony twenty five grains in choice wine by which Medicine he did vomit much for a whole day he did also evacuate both above and below and the next day he began to speak obscurely and stameringly yet he could not move his Arms Feet nor the Trunk of his Body unless with a slow and scarcely discernable Motion 9. The Things above mentioned were again repeated as also that which was infused both into his Ears and Nostrils with things cordial which he likewise took 10. The next day I exhibited to him again Sal Vitrioli by which he again vomited much vitrous and viscous Flegm the day following I gave him of my Antimony by which he was copiously purged both upwards and downwards 11. At length he speak distinctly but the Motion of his Members appeared very weak and slow his Testicles being also swelled I order'd to dip a linnen Cloth into the Spirit of wine and to apply it to the greived Part. 12. But yet the Tumor ceased not but grew greater and harder without any Inflamation then we applyed a mollifying Cataplasm of the Roots of Althaea and Lillies with the leaves of Mallows boyled in pure Wine and malaxed with the Bean-meal first anointing those parts with the rectifyed Oyl of Wax 13. This Remedy being continued for eight days the Tumor of the Testicles came to a Suppuration and being opened much filthy matter came forth and within a month we healed the Sore 14. The sick was purged twice in that month with our Antimony and his whole Body was anointed with the Spirit or Oyl of Wax and the Oyl of Cloves 15. And that he might Recover again the heat
into Some place the cause in the Heart and lay the fault on its Intemperance others in the Brain either from its evil Conformation or from Obstruction thereof in the greater Ventricles Or Obstruction in its Pores or lesser passages which being strongly bound up is said to excite the fit because either the afflux of blood for the generating of Spirits is hindered from those parts Or the efflux and Emanation of the said Spirits from thence to their destinated parts is kept back 8. From Histories or Anatomical Observations of Persons dying of this Disease Blood has been found extravasated or out of its Vessels here and there in great Clodders compressing the substance of the Brain In others the serous Colluvies have overflowed the whole Head both within and without the Skull In others a large Bladder of Water has been found in one of the Ventricles compressing the smaller passages From which observations it may be concluded that the principal places solely affected are not the greater Ventricles but the middle marrowy substance of the Brain and Cerebel which is every where porous and indued with very many minute passages both that the Vital Spirits may flow in thither from the blood and that the Animal may flow forth 9. And though some may suppose that the Apoplexy may be caused from the hinderance of the bloods afflux to the brain 't is true this may be possible but it does not often nor easily happen for they must suppose it to be either from the obstruction of the inner Carotid Arteries and of the Vertebrals which happens in the greater Vessels chiefly about the assent of the Brain from concreted or clodded blood or in the lesser Vessels which pass through the Brain from a viscous matter generated within them but this way it cannot well be because those Cephalick Arteries to wit the Carotides and Vertebrals do so communicate one with another and all of them in several places are so mutually ingrafted one into another that if it happen that many of them should be stopped or pressed together at once yet the blood being sent to the Head though by the passage of one only Artery either the Carotide or the Vertebral it would presently pass through all those parts both exteriour and interiour which thing learned Willis proved an experiment of by spuirting in Ink into the Trunk of one Vessel which immediately filled all the sanguiferous passages and every where stained the Brain it self 10. Or the said afflux of Blood to the Brain may be supposed to be stopt from the compression of those Vessels by reason of the tuberosity or swelling up of the Paristhmia or Kernels in the hinder part of the Neck from a heap of serous or watery humors that by pressing together the Arteries passing through obstructs the passage of the blood to the Head but the former reason remains good against this unless all the said Arteries both Carotid and Vertebral be comprest together which very seldom or rarely happens 11. Or they suppose the said afflux of Blood may he hindred from a preternatural opening of the Blood-Vessels within the Skull wherein a great quantity of Blood is poured forth which should other ways be converted to the use and benefit of the Brain this is possible somtimes to be But certainly this Cause of an Apoplexy is more likely to arise from the too great Incursion and extravasation of the Blood within the Brain as the afore mentioned anatomical Observations at § 8. do demonstrate for that the said Blood so extravasated for the most part concretes into a hard substance which being large and compressing the Marrow of the Brain stop up the Passages and obstruct the efflux of the animal Spirits 12. Thus much in general of this Disease We shall now consider it under its several Branches wherein as we say it is either accidental or habitual so must different Causes be assigned to each If it be accidental it is for the most part excited without any proevious Disposition from a sudden and solitary Cause being for the most part mortal the curatory Method proving very often ineffectual And of this the proximate or conjunct Cause is either a great solution of Unity hapning somwhere within or nere the middle of the Brain from the compression or obstruion of its Pores and Passages whereby the whole emanation of the Spirits is suppressed Or else it is a very great and sudden profligation of the Spirits or an extinction of those inhabiting the Brain 13. This Solution of Unity is either 1. from Blood extravasated within the Brain and growing there into Clodders or striking upon the affected places from whence does often arise deadly apoplectick Paroxysms as several anotomical Observations upon Bodies dying of this Disease have already demonstrated but these morbifick Extravasations of Blood within the Brain come either from external Violence as a Fall from a high Place or from a Horse a blow on the Head or hitting it against some hard thing and such like Or from an internal Disposition the blood being thin and sharp and growing more then ordinarily hot either of its own Acord or by Accident it flows forth through the little Mouths of the Vessels and so easily breaks into the soft and yeilding substance of the Brain where being in great quantity extravasated by intumifying the affected Places and compressing the underlying Marrow the root of the Disease being at the said Corpus Callosum apoplectick Fits are presently excited 14. Or 2. from the breaking of an Apostem or Ulcer which although they are rarely to be found within the Brain yet often in the Menings and almost from the same Cause by which the extravasation of the blood happens This whilst it is coming on to Maturation causes only a dull head-ach or heaviness but when once broken the putrified Matter falling upon the Cortex of the Brain corrodes and putrifies it and instilling by Degrees its putrid Particles most obnoxious to the Spirits into the Meditullium or marrowy part of the Brain excites at length the Paroxysm 15. Or 3. from a heap of serous or watery Matter sent forth from the blood into the Head filling and stuffing all its medullary pores by which a deprivation of Sense and Motion follows And this has many times been caused from Drunkenness and somtimes from unseasonable and immeasurable drinking of cold Water or drinking of cold and small Beer being hot and thirsty and then sleeping upon it as also from a long and total suppression of Urine or frequent Hoemorrhages suddenly stopt whereby a translation of the serous Recrements are forthwith made to the Brain by which for the most part a deadly Apoplexy is caused 16. The other cause of a sudden and accidental Apoplexy arises from the immediate profligation or extinction of the Spirits which may be caused by blasting with Lightning or the Fumes of Sulphur Arsenick Aqua Fortis Spirit of Niter or Charcole and not very seldom from strong Narcoticks or
hours yea sometimes for a day or two at what time they oft times come to themselves again though without doubt many dye being thus taken 27. These if they recover out of the fit whether it be of short or long continuance do never fall into a Palsy or Hemiplegia as those for the most part do who are afflicted with an Apoplexy of the Brain and the reason is because that proper to the Cerebel proceeding either from a poysonous Gas or subtil vapour assaulting the Animal Spirits and suppressing them or from a vast diminution of them by reason of a total exclusion of the blood from the Brain leaves no substantial morbifick matter to fall down upon the Spinal Marrow and obstruct the Nerves thereof as the other kind of Apoplexy does which proceeds from and is caused by the afflux of humors heaped up in the Ventricles of the Brain and other hetrogene substances offending even the substance of the Brain it self and its more inward Marrow but the said Disease passing off as the said malign or poysonous Gas vanishes so by reason of the retribution of new and fresh Spirits the Sick remains afterwards in perfect health though with a paleness of countenance 28. Now the motion of the Heart may be thought to be hindred by reason of a contraction or Convulsion of the Cardiack Nerves chiefly within the Praecordia and Viscera caused as aforesaid by some venomous Gas or Vapour whereby the Spirits about to flow are suspended whence follows immediately great inordinations with a deprivation of Motion and Sense and a very slow and weak Pulse which causes the sick to lye for the time as if Dead And indeed those taken with an Apoplexy from the evil disposition of the Cerebellum are often troubled with the Incubus or with Swooning and failing of the Spirits and an intermitting Pulse 29. As to the Cause of the degrees of the Apoplexy as being either universal every function natural spontaneous and voluntary ceasing or particular this or that part being affected by it self or the faculties though they all without exception suffer an Eâ—lipse depraved more or less now this now that it arises from the quantity and quality of the morbifick matter descending to the middle or marrowy part of the Brain as also from its disposition and location possessing somtimes all its whole substance and sometimes but part of it as the fore middle or hinder parts thereof c. LV. The Prognosticks of the Apoplexy 1. This Disease is for the most part mortal always doubtful and never without present or successive danger for that the Spirits themselves are the immediate objâ—cts of its malignity or violence 2. That is most dangerous of all in which besides the abolition of all the spontaneous Functions the Pulse and Breathing are also defficient or are performed with great labour and difficulty and this for the most part happens with a cold clammy Sweat Snorting and a Foam at Mouth all which indicate immediately Death 3. In an apoplectick Fit if help follows the use of proper and fit means a recovery is to be hoped for but if on the contrary the Distemper continues without intermission above the space of four and twenty hours the Case is very desperate 4. If after the first Aphonick Paroxysm the sick becomes more stupid numb or dull or is frequently troubled with a Scotomia or Vertigo it is to be feared that more Fits will follow for then it is certain that the Disease proceeds from the morbifick Matter already heaped up in the Compass of the Brain and there dispersedly flowing descends through the small Pores only into the marrowy Part which malign and poysonous or neurotick matter increasing to a fulness hastens on a fresh Paroxysm 5. A strong Apoplexy saith Hippocrates Sect. 2. Aph. 42. is impossible to be cured and a weak one not very easily this Galen thus explains A strong Apoplexy is when the breathing is uneven and disorderly and somtimes intermitting and if such a breathing is very hard or difficult the Disease is stronger if the breath be stopt it is most strong but when there is some order that is regularity and easiness in the breathing the Disease is the weaker 6. A faint Sweat in an Apoplexy is evil for it shews great oppression of Nature and it is so much the worse if it be cold and clammy and with great difficulty of breathing 7. Hippocrates Sect. 6. Aph. 51. saith that those who are taken with an Apoplexy dye in seven days except a Feaver seise them but it must be a violent one and essentially springing from the inflamation of the Humors and Spirits otherwise it will not discuss the Matter which causeth the Apoplexy For otherwise if it be only symptomical and gentle or happning accidentally from a burning disposition in the Head through too much Blood in the Veins thereof the Feaver then causes Symptoms of Frenzy or Madness which weakens the animal Faculties rather than weakens the Disease 8. Moreover a Feaver which will have power enough to dissolve an Apoplexy must come in the beginning of the Disease whilst Nature has some kind of Vigour and Strength to make resistance for as Hippocrates in Coacis saith if a Feaver come upon an Apoplexy after it has continued long it is deadly 9. An Apoplexy of the Brain going off often degenerates either into a Palsy of the whole Body or into a Hemiplegia for that the morbifick Matter is not discussed otherwise than upon the spinal Nerves 10 If the Paroxysm is so extream as presently to deprive the Patient both of Pulse and Breathing so that a little after they grow cold and seem dead yet they are not presently to be laid out and given over without hope under three or four daâ— because such do somtimes revive again either of their own accord or by the use of means In such it is certain that the vital heat in the Heart was not totally extinquished but like fire raked up in Ashes it revives again the morbifick Matter being dissipated or evaporated from the Cerebellum 11. An Apoplexy hapning in Youth and in Summer time demonstrates the great Vehemency of the Cause and such an one saith Hippocrates Sect. 2. Aph. 34. is exceeding dangerous LVI The Cure of an Apoplexy in the Fit 1. The sick being in the Fit if it proceeds not from some external vehement hurt of the Head whether it proceeds from Blood let out of the Vessels or a serous or watery humor or the breaking of an Apostem in the Brain or other invincible Cause yet ought the Cure to be attempted in performing of which let the sick sit as upright as may be in a Chair for some hours for the Disease being a sleepy Disease if the sick should be put to bed it might incline the more to sleep which is expressly against the intention of Cure then let the extream Parts to wit the Hands Arms Thighs Legs and Feet be moderately chased and as
Vomits in these Diseases yet we must yield to experience which daily teacheth us that Children affected with sleeping Diseases are more readily and safely cured by the Vomiting Salt of Vitriol than with any other Medicine The same Author commends a Tincture of Tobacco drawn with Aqua Vitae to be taken to the quantity of two drams to be mixt with Honey or some Syrup and so poured down the Throat 22. Blood-letting and Cupping-glasses Barbet saith he very rarely approved of but Riverius adviseth Cupping to the Back Shoulders Arms and Thighs without Scarification if blood had been formerly taken away or with Scarification if it had not But saith he The chief and only place is to apply Cupping-glasses to the Head the which is confirmed by an History of Zacutus Lusitanus where he saith That he cured a desperate Apoplexy by setting a Cupping-Glass twice upon the hinder part of the Head with deep Scarification 23. If none of these things do and though the hopes of Life be but small yet let the top of the Head be shaven and a red hot Iron held over to scald it or if you like not that lay a large Vesicatory over it but Riverius advises to lay the Blistering Plasters to the Neck behind and to the Shoulders both may be good then let the other parts of the Head especially the Temples and Forehead be bathed with Bezoartick Vinegar and let a Dose of Spirits of Hartshorn of Amber or of Soot be often cast down the Throat which things or other like cease not to administer till you see Death it self approach for thâ—se Remedies as Celsus saith not only defer Death but somtimes revive again to life 24. On the next day let the same Remedies be continued the Clyster repeated and the spirit of Sal Armoniack be held to the Nose or a fume of Galbanum boyled in Vinegar or Ens Primum being the Fumes of Sulphur condensed in water Moreover let Errhines or Sternutatories and Masticatories or things to be chewed in the Mouth be used then in the Evening let a Purge be ordered of Pilulae Rudij or of our Family Pills or Pilulae Cochiae the less or a Solutive Electuary of Roses dissolved in some convenient Vehicle 25. But that the Brain and parts weakned may be strengthned and to corroborate the Ventricle and other Viscera as also to promote the more liberal generation of Animal Spirits Apoplectick Waters and Spirits ought to be given This of Sennertus is good Take Lavender-flowers two handfuls flowers of Rosemary of Betony of Sage of each one handful Cubebs Grains of Paradice Nutmegs of each half an ounce rectifyed Spirit of Wine two pound let them stand in digestion in a Vessel close stopt for some days then decant the Tincture Dose two drams in any convenient liquor Or this Take Cubebs two ounces Nutmegs grains of Paradice Cardamoms of each one ounce and half Cinnamon Calamus Aromaticus Zedoary of each an ounce Cloves six drams Species Diamoschu Dulcis Diambrae cum moscho Ambra of each three drams choice Canary or Sherry Wine a sufficient quantity let them stand in Infusion eight days then distil off the spirit Again Take flowers of Lavender Rosmary and Arabian Stoechas of each four ounces Indian spicknard three ounces Rue Gentian Mustard seed Rocket-seed of each two ounces black Pepper one ounce rectified spirit of Wine six pound let them stand in digestion four or six days then carefully in a double glass Body in Balneo draw off the spirit these two spirits mix together and infuse therein the best Castoreum in Pouder two ounces after twenty days decant the Tincture and keep it for use or if you so please you may for two or three Months keep it upon the faeces Dose one dram to two or three in a fit Vehicle LVII The Cure of an habitual Apoplexy or the prophylactick or preservative Method the Patient being out of the Fit 1. Where an Apoplexy is habitual although a course somwhat different from the former must be taken yet not contradictory to what is already prescribed in the Fit For first there must be as there an evacuation of the morbifick Matter which is done by a continued course of Purgation either upwards or downwards according as the Seat of the peccant humor lyes by exhibition of Errhines Sternutatories Masticatories Clysteries by application of Vesicatories Cupping-Glasses the Seton and lastly by Bathings and other sudorifick means all which things we have largely explicated in the former Section with plenty of examplary Prescripts so that here we may be the more brief in the dilating upon those things In the Fit the Method of Cure has relation to the speedy performance thereof without which it is wholly ineffectual Out of the Fit we put things in practice more leisurely and in that order that the urgency if the Symptoms require it being rather prophylactick or preventative than curative wherein after a gradual manner the habit of the Body is altered the morbid Matter taken away somtimes by insensible means somtimes by proper evacuations according to the nature of the humor offending and lastly the vital Intention is prosecuted to the compleating of the desired Cure 2. Secondly After the proper Evacuations are made yea and in the time of making them such things ought to be exhibited as may not only alter the universal habit of the Body but also strengthen and corroborate the Parts weakned by the Disease restore those which are hurt by the procatartick Cause and withall open Obstructions so powerfully as to prevent the renewing of the morbid Matter the neglect of which Intention has been the reason of the return of the Disease in several persons who otherwise might have obtained their perfect Health 3. In the last place for the compleating of the Work proper Specificks are to be exhibited Mâ—rning Noon and Night or after as need shall require that thereby the Foot-steps of the Disease the morbid habit and the very inclination thereto or any thing like it may be obliterated in their first acts or approaches by this means we not only confirm the Cure but secure the future state of the Patient by fortifying him against all the dangers of a Relapse 4. If the Patient be easy to vomit let him first take a proper Emetick as the Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht the Vinum benedictum the Aqua benedicta Rulandi or Infusion of Crocus Metallorum with Salt of Vitriol or the Sulphur of Antimony or this following Take fresh leaves of Asarabacca from six to nine bruise them and put them into three or four ounces of White-Wine squeez them forth and add thereto Wine of Squills half an ounce mix them Or this Take Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht three grains Crocus Metallorum four grains Salt of Vitriol ten grains mix them for a Dose 5. Three or four days or a week being past you may pâ—rge the Patient with our Family Pills which in due intervals of time may be repeated
or new Rhenish Wine It ought to be taken constantly and long for otherwise the depraved habit of the Body will not be altered or changed 18. If you would yet make the Diet more powerful you may add to the composition Virginian Snake-root a pound Contra yerva half a pound encreasing proportionally to the quantity added the quantity of water by this means you will have indeed a most efficacious alterative which will not fail in performing of that which is desired 19. Dr. Willis prescribes this Chocolate Take pouder of the roots of the Male-peony Mans Skull prepared of each half an ounce the Species Diambrae two drams make a Pouder to which add of the cleansed Kernels of the Cacoe-Nuts one pound Sugar so much as will suffice of this make a Chocolate Take of it half an ounce or six drams every Morning in a draught of the Decoction of Sage or Rosemary or Betony flowers of Peony or such-like and you may repeat it if you so please at night too 20. He also prescribes for ordinary drink A Vessel of four gallons to be filled with ordinary Ale in which six handfuls of white Horehound dryed had been boyled with Anacardiums and Cardamums cut and beaten of each an ounce and half to be put into a bag with a stone in it and so put into the Ale during the time it is a drinking Thus much for altering the habit It remains that we prosecute the Vital Indication by prescribing such things as are Specificks against this Disease and then lastly come to the applications of Topicks and so conclude 21. Barbet gives us a Catalogue of these Specificks altogether which are these following roots of Angelica of Masterwort of blew Flower-de-luce of florentine Orrice of Galangal of Pyrethrum leaves of Lavender Rosmary Hysop Rue Spicknard Ground-pine Sage wild Marjoram and all Vegetables which are Diureticks or Cephalicks The flowers of Lavender Lillies Oranges Spike Stoechas Juniper-berries Cubebs Cardamoms Carraways Mustard-seed Nutmegs Cloves Cinnamon Ginger Pepper Balsam of Peru Civit Musk Castoreum Peruvian Balm tree Waters of Lillys-Convally of Juniper of Parsly of Sage the Anhaltine and Apoplectick waters of Crollius of Mynsicht of Quercetan and of Riverius Spirits of black Cherries of Pismires of Mans Skull of Mans Blood of Lillys-convally Essence of Ambergrise Amber Castoreum the Elixir of Peony of Mynsicht syrup of Rosemary-flowers of Mint the Anacardine Confection Chymical Oyls of Amber of Sage of Lavender of Spicknard of Cloves of the Hazle-tree Conserves of Oranges and Rosemary-flowers of Mint the Apoplectick Balsam and all Compound Cephalicks the Magistery of Mans Skull of Amber the Apoplectick Salt of Mynsicht and his Troches of Emerald the Elixir Vitae of Barbets prescription To these Deckers adds Spirit of Sal Armoniack the stinking Spirit of the Volatile Salt of Tartar or the Diaphoretick in very acute Diseases mixtura simplex made of five parts of Spirit of Treacle camphorated four parts of the spirit of Tartar rectified and one part of the spirit or Oyl of Vitriol rectified all mixt together and digested for some weeks 22. Take of the Antiparalytick and Antiprophylactick waters of Sylvius of each an ounce and half Betony-water two ounces and half syrup of Stoechas ten drams mix them and let the Patient take it by spoonfuls Or this Take the greater Elixir Vitae of Quercetan a dram Powers of Rosemary and Lavender of each two scruples rectified Spirit of Angelica half a dram Oyl of Cinnamon ten drops mix them Of this you may give twenty or thirty drops three or four times a day in a glass of Wine or Ale Or you may give twice a day the Salt of Mans skull to one scruple The spirit of Sal Armoniack is admirable being taken in Lavender or Mother of Time-water And the dulcified Spirit of Salt rightly prepared being constantly taken to ten or fifteen drops yea to half a dram in Sage or wild Time Ale or other proper Physical drink The Volatile Salt of Amber is commended by all Men as a most experienced Medicine and the Volatile Salt of Beans is no ways inferiour to it for the same purpose you may give them with the addition of ten grains of Castoreum 23. Platerus commends this Compound water for this Disease Take Sage Rosemary Time Marjoram of each half an ounce Rue two drams Lavender-flowers three drams frâ—nch Lavender one dram Rocket-seed one dram Cinnamon half an ounce Nutmeg two drams Cloves one dram and half Cubebs one dram infuse them in the most generous Wine that it may supernate the space of two inches and distil in Balneo according to Art Dose one two or three spoonfuls Castoreum in fine pouder may be infused in the same Water which may be afterwards strained away and the water then given but you need not infuse it in the whole Composition as some do but rather infuse it in the one half or a third part of the same keeping the greater part which is most grateful for constant use 24. Also if you infuse the abovenamed Herbs and others of like nature in the best rectified Spirit of Wine digesting them a convenient time in the Sun or other gentle heat and withall repeat the Infusions for several times you shall make a strong and most admirable Tincture for this same purpose Or if out of every Herb a part you draw the like Tincture they will be each effectual to the same Intention also you may make a mixture of several of them as you shall see most convenient which will be as effectual as if you had drawn the compound Tincture all at once The Tincture Spirit and Powers of Rosemary are extolled above all the rest especially the former and the latter being made with the best rectified and Inflamable Spirit of Rosemary 25. For such a Spirit by reason of its extream subtilty and heat with which it is endued carries the Virtue of other things to the Brain and casting forth much flegm it stirs up the native heat and benummed faculties For this reason we judge it a good Menstruum to draw forth and extract the Tinctures of proper Cephalicks and Antapoplectick Vegetables and may be used in this Case much more advantageously than Spirit of Wine 26. Oyls extracted by the Art of Chymistry from most of the aforenamed things at § 21. aforegoing do exert the greatest power though given but in a drop or two and therefore are very beneficial if they be dropt upon a little Sugar mixt and then dissolved in any convenient Vehicle and so put into the Mouth to be swallowed Of this kind are the Oyls of Marjoram of Sage of Rosmary of Lavender of Sassafras of Limons of Oranges of Tyme of Hysop of Mint of Southernwood of Wormwood of Penny royal of Featherfew of Origanum of Calamus Aromaticus of Pepper of Cloves of Nutmegs of Amber of Cinnamon and such other like Hollerius extols the Oyl of Vitriol which because of its sharpness causeth Watchings but the dulcified or
with the five pints first distilled and in a Glass-Vessel close stopped digest them eight days often shaking them then let it settle and pour off the clear by Inclination which filterate and keep for use It is an excellent Cordial and Stomatick comforts and warms the inward Parts and causes a good Appetite III. OYLS distilled 1. Oyl of Guajacum It is is made the vulgar way by distillation in a Retort By reason of its soetid Smell it is rather used outwardly than given inwardly It is good against the Pox pocky Nodes and Fits of the Mother in Women 2. Oleum Buxi à Quercetano It is made as the other It is highly commended against the Epilepsy it is known by Experience not only to ease pains of the Teeth but to prevent their roting or perishing and growing hollow 3. Oleum Picis nigrae used per se it is a most admirable thing in curing of Wounds chiefly those of the Head and Nerves IV. BALSAMS distilled 1. Balsamum Foeniculi Johannis Wolfii apud Thonerum Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression one ounce distilled Oyl of Fennel-seeds half an ounce mix them and then add Tincture of Fennel-seed made with the best rectified Spirit of Wine four ounces mix them by degrees and add after it Salt of Fennel ten grains It is a Balsam opening all Obstructions of the Lungs and curing almost all other their Diseases though never so great 2. Balsamum praestantissimum Poterii Take roots of Swallowwort half a pound dryed roots of round Birthwort and of the greater Valerian of each two ounces leaves of Comfrey Plantane Adders-Tongue Filipendula Sanacle Ladies-Mantle Bugle of each two handfuls Juniper-berries a pugil tops of Hypericon with flowers and seeds six handfuls Cammomil-flowers Spicknard of each one handful Earth-Worms a pound Oyl of Hypericon prepared at least with two Infusions Oyl of Earth-Worms of each a sufficient quantity digest eight days in warm Horse-Dung then press it out strongly with a Press To the Colature add Myrrh an ounce and half Mastich Frankincense Gum of Ivy of each three ounces Venice-Turpentine Ship-Pitch of each half a pound dissolve them therein and force over first the Oyl then the Balsam by a Retort It is very penetrating and one of the most effectual vulneraries in the World V. Of ELIXIRS 1. Exilir Vitae Plateri It is an Essence restoring and preserving the vital and animal Spirits He has no where given the description of it but advises to use as a Succedaneum the Aquae Vitae Langii or Balsamum Embryonum or Elixir Vitae Matthioli and the like 2. Elixir Panis Take Crums of Bread fifteen pounds put it into a Glass-Vessel and digest in Horse-Dung for a Month in a sufficient qâ—antity of rain Water then add five pints of White-Wine bruised Cinnamon six ounces and distil in Balneo Maris The Water that comes first will be very fragrant the latter insipid Dose one ounce or two adding a little white Sugar or you may add for every pound of the Liquor a quarter of a pound of white Sugar and digest them to an Elixir It wonderfully recreates the Heart restores lost strength and cures such as are in Consumptions 3. Elixir restaurativa Take the Crums of white Bread two pounds Capons flesh one pound flesh of Partriges half a pound Waters of Bawm of the flowers of Citrons and of Damask-Roses of each a pint generous White-Wine three quarts Schoenanth Galangal Mace Cloves of each six drams Cinnamon six ounces put them all into a Glass-Vesica large enough and digest fifteen days in Horse-Dung close stopt afterwards distil in Balneo Maris so have you a most excellent Elixir It comforts the Heart revives the spirits recreates the natural Powers and restores in Consumption to a Miracle Dose two ounces at a time with a little Sugar two or three times a day VI. Of TINCTURES 1. Tincture of Corn-Poppy-flowers It is extracted by a gentle Infusion in warm spring-water being macerated for four or five hours then strained forth and filtred and then it may be reduced into the form of a Syrup It is an Anodyn Medicament and a most admirable easer of Pain Dose one two or three ounces the Tincture may also be made with Spirit of Wine 2. Infusion of Rhubarb It is made by a cold Infusion and Maceration in Wine then strained hard out by Pressing and filtred It is a most gentle Purge Dose two three or four ounces or more 3. Infusion of Sena It is made by a cold Infusion in Wine for forty eight hours then strained forth by Pressing and thre repeated with fresh leaves It is a most excellent Purge for Melancholy VII Of EXTRACTS 1. Extractum Bryoniae compositum Grulingii Take Bryony-roots five ounces Peony and Cichory-roots of each six dram Squills prepared half an ounce leaves of Savin of Sage Bawm flowers of Borrage of each half an handful seeds of Rocket of wild Parsnips and of Bay-berries hull'd of each three drams Juniper-berries two drams Myrrk three drams Nutmegs Lignum Aloes of each one dram cut what are to be cut and bruise them and extract a Tincture with Spirit of Wine and then evaporate to the just thickness of an Extract To which add Extract of Aloes made by Endive Water one ounce Tartar vitriolate twelve grains Extracts of Motherwort and Mugwort of each half a scruple Oyls of Savin and of Motherwort of each four drops Elixir Proprietatis half a dram mix and make a Mass Dose half a scruple to one dram 2. Extractum Mechoacannae compositam Grulingii Take Mecoacan in Pouder six ounces and half Pouder of Colocynthis six drams Scammony one dram Species Diarrhodon Abbatis one dram Species Diambrae Diatragacanthum frigidum of each two scruples Pouder of Lignum Aloes one dram Troches Aliptae moschatae sixteen grains put them into a Glass Cucurbit and affuse thereon Cinnamon-Water five ounces the best Spirit of Wine a sufficient quantity or so much as may overtop the Ingredients three Fingers breadth let the Vessel be well stopt and digest for six days in a moderate heat after boyl gently being cooled strain all out by Expression and evaporate with a gentle heat or draw off the Spirit till the Magma is of the consistence of Honey with which mix Oyl of Aniseeds seven drops Oyl of Cloves and of Mace of each five drops Oyls of Cinnamon of Citrons and of Oranges of each two drops mix them well and keep the Extract for use Dose from half a dram to one dram in the Morning 3. Extractum Arthriticum Grulingii Take Hermodacts an ounce and half Mechoacan half an ounce gummy Turbith Pouder of Colocynthis of each a dram and half Species Diambrae Diamoschu dulcis of each four scruples Sal Gem two scruples leaves of Ground-pine of Germander of each two drams and half seeds of Hypericon of Anise of Fennel of Coriander of each half a dram being grosly poudred put them into a Glass-Vessel and affuse thereon a sufficient quantity of Spirit of Wine
Let him use Pomanders Confected with the Oyl of Caraway Aniseed and Fennel seed and let him make a perfume of Gum Storax let him also use in the morning frictions and Washing of the Feet in all which there is great help to be had and this may be done in Winter 14. Great Care is to be taken of the persons Diet his Head Feet and Breast are to be well defended against the Cold the matter which is gathered in the Brest and Lungs is to be purged out by Coughing or Hawking not by Medicines that purge the lower parts 15. And the Breast is to be strengthen'd by those things that are not only externally but also internally to be applied as Bole Armoniack and in the Winter also Treacle with Conserve of Roses Laurentius Scholzius ex Cratone Cons 4. LI. A Catarrh from various Causes 1. The most simple Medicaments are the best therefore this simple Electuary which strengthens both the Head and Stomach I approve of Take Conserve of Borrage Citron peels condited of each half an ounce Conserve of Roses four ounces Species Aromaticum Rosatum one dram and an half Cloves cut one dram mix them and take thereof in the morning to the quantity of a Chesnut 2. About bed time let him take for stopping the defluxion the following Electuary Take conserve of Roses one ounce Male frankincense two scruples Nutmegs toasted one scruple Species Aromaticum Rosatum half a scruple mix them and make an Electuary 3. If the Liver is to be strengthned take of this Confection two rouls at a time which may gently purge the Belly Take sugar dissolved in Cinnamon water four ounces Rhubarb subtilly pulveris'd two drams of the extract of Rhubarb half a dram mix them and let there be a Confection made in little Rouls 4. Washing of the Head is good to those who are troubled with Rhume But I approve most of simple things and think it will be enough if Marjoram and Red roses be put in lye of ashes sweats in the Morning will do well especially if you take of the Juyce of Carduus Laurentius Scholzius Ex Cratone Cons 5. LII A Catarrh with a Pain of the Stomach 1. As to the Catarrh the Pain of the Stomach loss of Appetite the swelling of the Belly the Pains of the Neck and the tumor of the Groin they have all their original from Rhume 2. And this Rhume or Phlegm does proceed from these Causes the heat of the Stomach languishes and is weak nor is it reviv'd with dayly Exercise and the said heat is drawn often from the Stomach to assist the Head in its Contemplations studys profound Cogitations c. 3. When the Pot of it self is infirm and a fire is put to it which has more of smoak than flame and the flame is not rais'd by the Bellows and the burning Coals are taken away from it and sent to dress other things what does follow but that there can be nothing made Ready 4. So when there is not sufficient heat for Concoction nor the flames of that heat blown up by the Bellows of Exercise there cannot be in the shop of the first Concoction any good Digestion of the meats in the Stomach 5. And moreover that which is set to boyl if it want a Convenient fire must needs remain Raw and so it is with meats if they want a convenient heat to Concoct them in the Stomach they presently turn into a thick Clammy and viscid humidity and beget Crudities and from thence is so great an abundance of Excrementious humidities 6. In the Body the Concoctive and digestive faculty is not so exact but that there is left some thing superfluous by the accession of which the pituitous and Rhematick part is increased 7. The principal places in which this flegm or Rhume is contain'd and the members by it afflicted are the Stomach the Bowels and the Head 8. The Head by too much Study and Intensness of the mind upon serious and weighty matters is much debilitated and the Animal spirits by too much wearying of the Brain are spent being thus affected it cannot digest that aliment ordained for its use neither can it dissipate those superfluities there bred by the strength of its native heat and spirits 9. From the lower parts of the Body a new and more Copious matter than is expedient is ministred For oftentimes through study and business undertaken presently after eating by reason of the Crudity of the Stomach vapours and thick fumes are drawn up to the Head which the Brain entertains as a guest because it is not able to resist and drive them away at the first coming neither can dissipate them when they are once received 10. After this manner the Head is filld with Vapours which are easily condensed into humours as it is evident by the vapours which coming out of the pot to the cover are converted to Water the like is discerned in the procreation of Clouds in the air the Clouds if they have an Existence for some time in the Air unless they be dissipated by the heat of the Sun or by the vertue of Constellations presently condense themselves into Rain 11. Even so the Head being weak and destitute of the strength of nature heat and Spirits it cannot disperse the superfluous moisture of the Brain but retains and hides it in some corner of the Brain but having got strength it causes it to evaporate through the Pores of the part 12. When these humidities abound there is a fluctuation in the Head which is a certain presage of a Catarrh afterwards when the matter and some irritating quality that attends it such as extream Cold a melting heat or some Impetuous perturbation of the mind doth afflict a person then at first there is a distillation from the Head of some thin and watery Rhume which becomes tough and clammy 13. And the Catarrh being now ripe a certain kind of snot or snivel thick and of a yellow colour flows from it 14. As soon as there is any Rhume in the Brain it is either infipid or sweet but if it sticks long in the Ventricles of the Brain it becomes salt and sharp this is the reason of a Catarrh from the Head 15. A Catarrh that falls by the bone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the Nostrills is innocent and although by this kind of Expurgation the Head is made heavy and is somtimes stuft and Respiration is more difficult and the Voice not so clear yet by this passage appointed for the Expurgation of the Brain the Rhume falls down and is cast forth and so there is less danger than if it did seek a passage another way 16. The Excrements of the Head fall down somtimes on the exterior parts as appears by Pimples Blisters and such like and then the Head having expelled the Humour is a little Light 17. We have done with the Discourse about the Rhume of the Head now as to that which is in the Stomach and Inward parts
Persons and in those especially where it is essential in the Head It begins to their apprehensions in the Ears with a great Noise and with a kind of Terror Fear Amazment and so descending to the Breast where it makes its usual Residence seizes the Arms all the extream Parts and immediately the whole Man wherein there seems to be a Suffocation or at least the sick is in great fear and dread thereof being so mightily oppressed with an extream Weight upon their Breast and Stomach which also holds fast the whole Body that they cannot breath or but with great difficulty and doubtless where this oppression is long it may be dangerous and from this cause it is that some dye suddenly in their Sleep and some go to bed and never arise or awake more which is caused from a too long compression of the animal Spirits and vital Spirits whereby at length there is a total Suffocation and from thence Death 3. In the time of the Paroxysm the sick endeavours to stir move and shake off his Burthen and to strive with vehemency but all in vain for when the Fit is off and the Man is come to himself he finds he is not moved a hairs breadth from the Posture in which he was first seised and yet he thought he strugled strongly with what opprest him and cryed out when indeed he never spake so much as one word but because of the great oppression about the Heart and Midriff and fear of Suffocation he commonly groans and thereby expresses the weight of his Affliction 4. In some Persons the Disease first seises them in their Hands and Arms and creeping up by degrees as before where it began in the Feet is suddenly seises the whole Body but making it residence upon the Thorax and Parts adjacent thereto it compresses all the Spirits endeavouring a Suffocation 5. Although the Disease in the Paroxysm so strongly seises the universal Man as to abolish all manner of external Motion yet it little hurts the Understanding and internal Senses nor the common Sense of Feeling for if any one being by do but touch or pull them though in the height of the Paroxysm the Patient immediately comes to himself and can perfectly remember and tell you all the Circumstances of his Affliction 6. As from the great oppression the sick groans so also are the inward Senses in many so disturbed as that they believe that it was a Spirit that held them Or that they are hag-ridden whence the Name or that some Witch or Devil somtimes in one Shape somtimes in another as of a Dog Cat Bear Lyon c. lies upon them and oppresses them and that they fight and and strive with them and will positively tell you and they also beleive it that they struck the Devil or Witch a notable Blow when indeed and in truth they never stirred their Hands or Arms as aforesaid an hair from their places 7. It differs from the Epilepsy in this for as that is always attended with convulsive Motions so this is always free from them being only accompanied with impotency of Motion as the Epilepsy is caused from a sharp matter stimulating the menings of the Brain so this is thought to be caused from some gross Vapours obstructing the Passages of the Brain It differs also from an Apoplexy in this for that Disease is accompanied with the abolition of all manner of Sense and Motion this only with an hurt of Motion the internal Senses still remaining though somtimes a little obfuscated or clouded XXIII The cause of the Incubus or Night-Mare 1. Fernelius and some others of his stamp will have the cause of the Incubus to be from thick flegm and Melancholy not in or afflicting the Brain but adhering to the Praecordia or compressing the Diaphragma and tumifying or extending the Lungs arising from Surfeiting Drunkenness Gluttony and crude or indigested humors filling those parts from whence gross vapours arising seise upon the fauces and Brain whereby is caused a suppression of the voice and a troubling obfuscating or clouding of the other senses whereby as in chains the Patient is held so fast that he cannot stir or move the least part about him 2. This I confess seems plausible at first sight if those passages out of the Stomach and other Viscera were plainly proved to be straight or immediate that so those affrighting exhalations might have a ready passage to the Cortex of the Brain but till these things are more plainly demonstrated by the Authors of this doctrine we desire a suspension of our assent thereto and that they would be pleased to answer us to these following Objections First whether Surfeiting Gluttony Drunkenness c. be the remote or proximate causes of this evil if the remote how comes it that upon the immediate prevarication the Patient is seised with a Paroxysm if the Proximate how is it that all persons or the greatest number of them abusings themselves in that kind are not forthwith taken with this Distemper for that we see the generallity of Man-kind thus prevaricating to be absolutly free therefrom yea though the most Debauched or Luxurious Secondly How comes it to pass that many time the most abstemious and selfdenying persons where those pretended causes can be no ways previous should after an extream manner be molested herewith and the most temperate persons be so afflicted as to be brought thereby into dispair or involved into some more dangerou Disease Thirdly Why every adherescencie to the Praecordia or compression of the Diaphragma should not cause the same thing and that in every person so afflicted but the contrary hereof is evidently manifest by quotidian Experience and that the persons so oppressed are for the most part taken with some other Disease Fourthly Why one should not rather be troubled with this Disease if the former doctrine be true after the eating of things windy and such things as are apt to generate vapours and exhalations as Onions Leeks Garlick Cresses Rocket Mustard c. than after the eating of things either insipid in their own nature Or which are of a constringing and binding quality being rather of a fixt than volatile property 3. But we are not singular in this judgment for the most learned Sennertus seems to discent somthing therefrom his words are these Et si verò quandoque istam Thoracis oppressionem hoc modo fieri posse non negamus tamen ea non est praecipua caussa nec semper á Cruditate Crapula verum etiam sine his alijs caussis fieri potest And he gives you the near or conjunct cause in these words Caussa proxima est obstructio meaturum Cerebri qui ad initium Spinalis medullae tendunt Spiritus animales organis Sensus ac motus deferunt à vapore crasso which doubtless is not far distant from truth 4. We affirm the Brain to be the principal part affected together with the Animal Spirits in the passages
thereof and that great oppression or weight upon the Thorax or Brest together with that fast holding of the Body whereby it becomes immovable is caused from a withdrawing or stoppage of the said Animal Spirits which is the fountain or prime cause of the motive faculty as also the near or conjoyned cause by which the instruments of motion perform their operations by the guidance of the sensitive soul which being by some accident obstructed in its passages or as it were cut off for a small moment all motion for so long time ceases through the whole Body And although the Man strives never so much to stir or move himself it is all in vain for as much as the Animal spirit which gives being and life to the motive facultie is for a season cut off and its flux hindred and the suppression of the Voice is from the same cause viz. From that which abolishes the motive faculty 5. Now by reason of the short continuance of the Paroxysm the Disease seems not to be dangerous but should it continue long a suffocation of the Vital flame should certainly ensue for the Animal Spirit being the Breath or Air by which the Vital Spirit is nourished and kept alive should that be but for a little while withdrawn or cut off the said vital flame in a short time after becomes extinct and truly in my opinion a long Paroxysm of the Incubus is the cause for the most part of sudden Death in sleeping and that many that goe to Bed and fall a sleep and awake no more dye by force of this Disease being suffocated and not of an Apoplexy as some have formerly believed And whether this be admitted or no that the Vital Spirit is nourished and kept alive by the Animal Spirit yet the suffocation of the Vital might be caused also in part by other means viz. From the want of inbreathed Air which must infailably cease if the motive faculty be totally abolished in the whole Body 6. Hence it appears that in some the prime antecedent or remote cause of the Incubus may be from the irregularity of using the six Non-naturalls which according to the opinion of Rhases and Avicenna is lodged in the Blood that being corrupted through those irregularities Sennertus thinks it to be from the hurt of the digestive faculty but chiefly from a cold intemperature of the Head or Stomach But truly the Procatartick cause is either from error in Diet long used or a melancholy habit of the mind whereby the Blood becomes excrementitious and filled with crude vapours 7. The Proegumiuine nere or conjunct cause of this Disease is from vapours immediately filling the passages of the Brain or Avenues of the Animal Spirit chiefly about the begining of the Spina Medulla by cutting off of its flux whereby the functions of natural and voluntary motion are immediately impeded and the whole Man and every part of him bound as it were in Chains And this for the most part comes to pass in such where there has been a long antecedent cause who eat and and drink such things as immediately put the Blood and other natural juyces upon a gentle fermentation from whence vapours are generated which in the passages of the Brain fail not to effect those things before mentioned Now what these things are in particular which in every constitution will excite such a fermentation is not easy to determine for in some persons one thing does it in other persons another Some if they eat but an Onion or Leek are certain the next night to be troubled with it Others if they should eat an hundred would never be hurt thereby Some again if they eat but a red Hering would after it be afflicted above measure others can make them their daily Food without prejudice but these things are to be known particularly from Observation and experience and accordingly such as are subject to this Disease should make it their business to avoid the same 8. Moreover the Paroxysm is promoted partly from the position of the Body in those who are subject to this Disease for it commonly seizes them lying upon their Backs seldom when they ly upon their Bellies or Sides and yet I knew one in whom the Disease had such a praevalency that it would as farmiliarly seize him lying on his Side as on his Back as also when they are in a slumbring condition or between sleeping and waking at what time and in which condition the matter is more easily moved to the hinder part of the Head or Brain and the begining of the said spinal marrow XXIV The Prognosticks of the Incubus or Night-Mare 1. This Disease the more gentle it is the less danger of degenerating and the more easy to be cured the more grievous the more difficult of cure 2. It is more incident to Children and young people than to elder and is more easily cured in the one than in the other 3. The more constant and frequent the fits the more perilous and so much the more dangerous if the sick remains in a stupid kind of condition after the fit is gone 4. If it comes from any external cause or continued Surfeit it is less dangerous because the cause being removed the effect will cease 5. That which is essential in the Head is the most dangerous if it is by consent from others it is not of so evil a consequence though in this latter case the cure is for the most part very long and tedious nor does the Disease vanish till the discrasie of the part causing be remedied 6. If it happens in sleep it is less dangerous than if it happens just at the awaking for this latter is nearer to an Epilepsy into which this Disease does oftentimes degenerate moreover it is the more dangerous if the Paroxysm be accompanied with a cold Sweat or trembling of the Heart or if either of them or both of them or a Convulsion or Swooning immediately follow upon the going off of the fit 7. If the Disease be of long standing and frequent and proceed purely from a Distemper of the Brain especially in elder people it presages the falling sickness or the Apoplexy 8. Fat Children and young people having fat Bodies are many times suffocated therewith because in such the matter cutting off the flux of the Spirit is so thick and plentiful that nature can never dissipate it XXV The Therapia or method of curing the Incubus or Night Mare 1. The indications of the cure of this Disease are threefold First the humor or matter cutting off the flux of the Animal Spirits is to be removed which is don by proper evacuations Secondly the Discrasie of the Blood is to be rectified and to be reduced to its prestine state of Health Thirdly to strengthen the parts afflicted and weakned by force of the Morbifick matter And indeed the same order and method and the same medicaments which are used in the cure of the Falling-sickness may be used here though
his Paroxysms taken with a Paralytick distemper on his right side from his Loyns downwards to his Foot 2. This continuing upon him he sought out for help and was for near two years in several Physicians hands but without any the least benefit the distemper of the Sone as it was thought also continued with him These things brought upon him many other weaknesses so as that it seemed there was a complication of Diseases nor could those who were his constant Physicians tell well what to make of it but that they might say somthing they pronounced it to be a high Scorbute and that for his absolute cure he must be bound to drink the Waters for some considerable time 3. Through the continuance of this Indispotion he was taken with an extream vomiting which was in part caused from the consent or compassion of parts arising from the Inferiour and greater branches of the Internal stock of the Nerves of the Par Vagum and the superiour Branch of the same for that the Ramifications of the said Internal stock serve both the Stomach Kidnies and Bladder The Twig of the Dexter superiour Branch of the internal stock goes to the right side of the bottom of the Stomach the upper membrane of the Omentum and the Tunicle of the Liver The Inferiour branch of the said Internal Stock goes to the right Kidney and hence is the cause of vomiting in the stone in the Reins And the third and greatest branch of the said Internal stock send twigs to the Mesentery Guts and right side of the Bladder so that the Anatomical reason is sufficiently evident 4. But besides the compassion of Parts there was an exceeding foulness of the Stomach which was contracted from his too liberal feeding and over gorging of his Stomach with Varieties and Delicacies which was to such an excess that he seldom rose from table without being sick and somtimes vomiting after his so liberal eating this course he took for some years so that at length he could scarcely eat at all and at the time of this his illness he took his food no otherwise but as he forced himself which for the most part he vomited up again 5. For this indisposition of his Stomach and to take away the vomiting his Physicians gave him Mint-water Spirit of Mint and syrup of Mint and Mint-water mixed with syrup of Quinces as also Conserve of Mint and Wood-sorrel somtimes alone and somtimes made into a kind of Electuary with conserves of Barberries but alas all these things were don in vain Outwardly too they applyed to him greasy Oyls and Oyntments and certain Emplastick Bodies to remove the Paralysis but without the least success 6. The Patient at length fell into my Hands who gave me a full relation of all things which had passed from which I conjectured at the cause of his Disease I concluded him to be affected either with the Stone or Gravel in the Reins or some other obstructive matter and so much the more because of a Paralysis succeeding the same which was caused partly from the compression of the Muscle Psoa on which the Kidnies lye and is appointed for the bending of the Thigh being inserted into the inner part thereof 7. The Man being of a strong constitution of Body I first began with cleansing of his Stomach which I performed by giving him my Pulvis Admirabilis which you may see in my Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 21. sect 14. I gave it him to a scruple in Diodates syrup of sugar and gave it him every third day till I had reiterated it five times It wrought both upwards and downwards and during the time of the working he took Broth or Posset-drink as in other purges 8. In the Intervalls of purging that we might in some measure comfort and strengthen the body a little weakned by the evacuation I gave him of the following mixture which was taken an hour before eating three times a day Take Electuarium ad Tabidos two ounces juyce of Alkermes one ounce Oyl of Mint thirty six drops mix them dose two drams at a time 9. Having thus effectually cleansed his Stomach and taken away in part the morbifick matter I conceived it necessary to do somthing for the removing that Distemper of his Reins for which purpose I prescribed the following Liquor to be taken in all the drink which he drank It was thus made Take distilled Waters of Onions and of Hydropiper of each eight ounces drop into it so much of the best Spirit of Niter as may give it a pleasing Acidity This he took several times a day and somtimes he took it sweetned with Syrup of Marsh-Mallows I also ordered him to take the Spirit of Niter in all his drink a few drops at a time and somtimes the dulcified Spirit after this manner Take choise Metheglin half a pint dulcified Spirit of Niter forty drops mix them for a draught By the use of these things a large quantity of Gravel and Sand came daily away 10. But by some Symptoms which appeared I feared there might be some Stone in the Bladder for which reason I caused him to be searched and a Stone was found about the bigness of a large Wall-nut but for that it was of a gritty and brittle substance it broke into several pieces upon the search which gave me encouragement to proceed the more vigorously on the Cure and therefore I the more earnestly pressed the use and continuance of the former things by which we cleared all those Parts of the offending matter for all the substance of the Stone came away by degrees in Gravel and somtimes in little bits 11. And the more to promote this Cure withall having respect to the Palsy of the Part I caused him to take every Morning fasting half a pint of the following Liquor Take Bark of Guajacum Lignum Aloes Galangal Gentian Zedoary of each two ounces Raspings of Guajacum of Sassafras and of China of each siâ— ounces Sarsaparilla roots of Angelica and Peony of each eight ounces Onions bruised Hydropiper Betony Ivy-leaves Lavender Rosemary of each ten ounces Venice-Treacle half a pound Cinnamon Cloves Mace Nutmegs seeds of Peony and Parsâ—â— of each three ounces all being well bruised let them be digested in eight Gallons of Rhenish-Wine in a gentle heat for the space of two or three days then put them into a Copper Vesica tin'd within adding thereto three Gallons of spring-water distil off eight Gallons of Water according to Art but beware of burning which Water dulcifie and aromatize with three pounds and a half or four pounds of tabulated Sugar prepared with Oyl of Cinnamon This he took constantly according to my order and it is incredible what good he received from the use thereof 12. But this is to be noted that as somtimes he took it alone so many times he took it with drops of the Spirit of Niter to a pleasing Acidity and somtimes with the vulnerary Spirits of Sulphur and Vitriol by
the use of which things many great obstructions in his Body were removed and his Stomach so exceedingly debilitated as aforesaid comforted and restored 13. However besides taking the Pulvis admirabilis as abovesaid I once a week constantly purged him with the Tincture of my Family-Pills by the use of which Medicament it is almost incredible what a vast quantity of cold slimy viscous and somtimes purulent matter was brought away by which the sick often confessed himself to be much better and that the hope of his cure was now apparent 14. For his constant drink I prescribed a weak Decoction of Guajacum Sassafras and Sarsaparilla to be made which drink I caused him to take even at meals you have several Examples of such a Diet in some of the Chapters aforegoing so that in this place I need say no more thereof 15. Now whereas he often complained in the Intervals of purging of his Body being bound I prescribed this following Clyster to move his Belly Take Mutton-broath a pint Oyl-olive Infusion of Crocus Metallorum of each three ounce Tincture of fine Aloes one ounce mix them and let it be exhibited warm This cleansed the Bowels and brought away with the hardned Excrements much slimy matter so that his Body would be open four or sive days after it even till the time of repeating the purge 16. As for Topicks I caused the Paralytick Members to be well rubbed with cloths then to be fomented with Wine wherein Cephalick and Antiparalytick Herbs had been boyled this done to be very well bathed with a strong Aniseed-water for the Aniseeds have a specifick Vertue in comforting and restoring the Nerves especially if hurt by any cold and moist Distemper or frustration of animal Spirits 17. This being done for some days the said Parts were Morning and Night bathed with this following Mixture Take Powers of Aniseeds Powers of Caraways of each two ounces Powers of Rosemary one ounce mix them to bath with as aforesaid By the use of this alone Medicament externally the Palsy was removed and the sick came to the compleat sense and use of his Limbs 18. Yet was not the ancient strength restored for which purpose I ordered him as for the most part in such like cases to bath with the Tincture of Myrrh made with rectified Spirit of Wine which has a most excellent corroborating Vertue this was done Morning and Evening for a week together 19. Lastly I prescribed this following Cataplasm to be laid to the joints of the weakned Parts and to be renewed every two days Take Mithridate four ounces Myrrh two ounces dissolved or made soft in Spirit of Wine Yolks of Eggs number three Oyl of Aniseeds one dram mix them well together spread it upon Leather and apply it as aforesaid By the use of these things in about twenty weeks time the sick was perfectly restored But he continued the use of the Spirit of Niter for above three Months after III. A Palsy in a young Man accumulated through lying in the cold 1. A young Soldier by lying abroad one Night in the Snow was taken with a Palsie of the whole Body and that in so extream a manner that he seemed to be helpless he was before of a healthy constitution strong Body and fleshy withall but not very fat In this condidition he applyed himself to several pretenders to Physick but all in vain 2. At length he fell into my hands and I cured him by the following means First considering him to be strong and able to endure strong Physick I evacuated his Stomach with a Dose of Vinum Benedictum and repeated the same again the third day on the fifth day I purged him with my Family Pills with Aloes and repeated the same again on the seventh and ninth day afterwards I only purged him once a week with the Tinct ex tribus 3. After the ninth day I gave him a sweating dose Take Venice Treacle one dram Bezoar mineral one scruple Saffron in pouder six grains mix and give it at Night going to bed This sweat him well and powerfully In the time of his sweating least he should faint I ordered him to take now and than a spoonful or two of this following Cordial Take strong Cinnamon-water six ounces Aqua Caelestis Poppy-water Damask-rose-water of each three ounces syrup of Citron peels juyce of Alkermes of each two ounces and a half mix them to be given as aforesaid 4. This sudorifick dose was seven times repeated at five and somtimes at six days distance by means of which with what was outwardly applyed he quickly found relief and in short time after a perfect cure But taking cold after one of his sweats a Rheumetism fell upon him which was much more tedious to him than his Palsie for he had runing Pains which wandred up and down over his whole body somtimes in one side anon in the other somtimes in his Leg then in his Arm then in his Shoulder again in his Foot 5. Moreover he was extreamly afflicted with a Catarrh which accosted him with such a flux of Rheum that he feared in the Night he should be choaked and in the day he could do nothing but spit To remedy these things I thought it necessary first to purge him again which I did twice with my Family Pills and twice with the Tincture of the same This purging gave him some relief but did not wholly take away either those running Pains or his Catarrh 6. This don I caused him to sweat well with a dose of my volatile Laudanum before described in the first Observation of this Chapter by which he found an incredible good For this cause sake I repeated it four or five times more at what time his Pains wholy vanished and his Catarrh was almost nothing at all yet least it should return again I ordered him to continue the use of the said Landanum for some time He began with three grains and increased the dose a grain every seven days till he took about twelve grains thereof at a time and then diminishing again a grain at a time by degrees left it off 7. For his Diet I ordered him a mean decoction of Guajacum Sassafras and Sarsaparilla whose complement was Juniper-berries and the Carminative-seeds with Raisons and Figgs into which was dropt constantly as he drank it some drops of the Powers of Rosemary Sage and Lavender 8. Likewise as an alterative to comfort and restore the Nervous system he took about the quantity of a Chestnut Morning and Night of this following compositum Take of Our Electuarium ad Tabidos four ounces Venice Treacle Castoreum Extracts of Carduus Benedictus of fine Aloes of Gentian and of Virginian snake-root of each one ounce Oyls of Rosemary Sage Lavender and sweet Marjoram of each twelve drops mix and make an Electuary to be taken as aforesaid or when any sickness or illness afflicts the Stomach 9. But while all these things were a doing we neglected not Topical remedies First we