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
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
was repeated three times every third day It wrought well both upwards and downwards and thereby she confessed she had some relief nor during this time was there any Fits of the Mother 5. Over the Region of the Spleen I caused to be apply'd Mynsichts Emplastrum de Galbano Crocatum and renewed it every fourth day by which the pain of the Spleen went quite away 6. I advised her to Chearfulness and to divert herself as much as might be with pleasant but innocent Company and to use altogether a fresh kind of Diet and food light of Digestion and that her Sighing might not alwayes prevail upon her I prescribed the following to be taken 4 5 or 6 times a day in a Glass of Canary or other wine she liked best Take Tincture of Antimony drawn with rectified Spirit of Wine according to Basil eight ounces choice English Saffron three drams Cocheneel in fine Powder two drams digest 12 or 14 daies and decant the clear liquor which keep in a Glass bottle close stopt for use Of this she took a quarter of a spoonful or more as aforesaid as occasion requir'd by means of which her sighing went away and she becam more facetious in company than formerly 7. Now by reason I apprehended there was an exceeding foulness of the womb from which filthy Vapours ascended and which was indeed the chief cause of all her ilness I conceiv'd That all that ever we had done was in vain unless that was rectified and that her melancholy and evil disposition would return again Hereupon I gave her what I have found to be a Specifick in this Case and than which I know no better thing to purge and clease the Womb. Take Pulp of Colocynthis cut small and freed from the Seeds one ounce Zedoary half an ounce spirit of Wine half a pint infuse and digest twelve or fourteen daies decant and keep the Tincture in a Glass close stopt Of this she took a large spoonful at a time in the morning fasting about 6 daies after the aforesaid Vomits this was repeated for 5 or 6 times every fourth or fifth day according as the strength and conveniency of the Patient would permit after the taking of the Dose the sick took mutton or veal Broth and it wrought excellently well with her and gave her sometimes 6 7 or 8 stools a day After the taking of this Tincture she confest that she had certain breakings out upon her in several parts of her body which had been of 3 or 4 years standing which by the use of this last Remedy died away and wholy vanished 8. Two or three daies before the time of her courses flowing I gave her the blood-red Tincture of Gum Guajaci made with the rectified Spirit of Wine of which she took a Spoonful in a glass of Renish wine in the morning fasting by which means her Courses were both more orderly and purely red 9. During the whole progress of this Cure she had the Fits of the Mother but once having them before 2 or 3 times a week and sometimes oftner However to secure her against a Relapse I ordered her to continue daily for a month or six weeks the taking of the aforesaid Tincture of Antimony impregnated with the Tinctures of Saffron and Cochenele at Sect. 6. above and every morning and evening for the same length of time to take the Salts of Hart-horn and Amber mixed in equal proportions to the quantity of six or eight grains the which she did and became perfectly well During this Course I ordered the drying up of her 4 Issues upon which she found no Inconveniency 10. Here is one thing more to be noted that upon her taking the Tincture of the Colocynthis above described there came a thick black and foetid matter from the Womb and of a very viscous quality sticking when nearly dry almost like Birdlime V. A Vertigo in a Child five years of Age. 1. This Disease so Vehemently vexed the Child that the Parents thereof could not trust it to goe alone any where for it would seize it upon sometimes 3 4 or 5 times a day the child thought every thing to turn round then he would begin to staggger and if no body was near him presently fall down nor in the fit could he tell where he was 2. I ordered an Errhine to be made of the Juices of Sweet Marjoram and Beets in which was dissolved a few grains of Cambogia this was cast up the Childs Nostrils by which means he evacuated a large quantity of cold slimy and pituitous matter it was thrice repeated in six dayes upon the seventh day the Child bled naturally and freely at nose to the quantity of 4 or 5 ounces of blood and from thenceforth he was perfectly freed from his Distemper 3. However I ordered him to take the Powers of Rosemary to 6 or 8 drops in choice Canary for a Month together VI. A Vertigo in an aged man 1. The sick was about 70 years of Age when this Vertigo first began to afflict him and had now troubled him about an year and a half or more all things seemed to him to turn prodigiously fast round for a season at length his sight failed him but when the Paroxism was over he would be merry and chearful again and eat his food with a very good stomach 2. The Disease every day growing more tedious and now afflicting him once or twice a week whereas it formerly came but once a fortnight or once a month it made them look-out for Cure several famous and learned men were sent for great Advice was given and much means used but all in vain so that finding no Remedy by his Physicians he gave them over 3. Not long after he was seized with another fit and towards the end of it with a violent burning Feaver a great Palpitation at Heart and a great trembling all over his whole Body somtimes fainting away I was sent for and found him in this Condition which Symptoms I esteemed to be no less than mortal My Advice was desired but I was unwilling to meddle at all Whereupon a Chyrurgian was sent for 4. The Chyrurgian being come and viewing the sick He told them presently That the Patient was to be let blood if so be that they would save his Life and that there was no other Remedy left I opposed shewing that it was not his blood which offended in quantity but rather a certain kind of humidity in the Ventricles of the Brain and that the Blood was only hurt in its quality by the predominancy of some luxuriant Salt whereby a fermentation being raised in the blood a Feaver was forthwith excited together with those other dangerous Symptoms 5. Hereupon I delivered my Opinion That he ought to find out some way to divert the humidities of the Cavities of the Brain and that some proper Medium should be thought of to quiet the disturb'd Archeus and allay the violent fermentation of the Blood more especially if
and stinking humors 1. A certain Gentleman of the upper Styria of a Melancholy nature being infested with vehement fierce fits of the Colick and I being called to attend upon him before I could come fits of the Epilepsy seised him insomuch that there was great danger of his life 2. And being passionatly intreated both by him and his Wife not to leave him but to administer all things which might concurr towards his ease and recovery now his Body being first well purg'd I did propose next Decoctum Ligni sancti with sarsa parilla of which he found great good 3. From his sweating Drink a great quantity of stinking loathsom Sweat did evaporate insomuch that when he had done Sweating and his bed was uncovered and thrown open the standers by could not endure the stench which was an Indubitable argument of the Corruption of the humors 4. I stayed with him about a month and at length I went away my Counsel being required by others that were in valetudinarie leaving behind me an honourable remembrance of my self Thonerus lib. 2. Observ 4. XCIV The Falling-sickness in a young Man having many fits in a day 1. One Nicholas Hazard a young man about twenty six years of Age a person of a moist Brain but otherwise Plethorick had strong fits every week three times and very often five times a day which held him for the space of one somtimes two hours with a foaming of the Mouth shreiking out a hurting of all the senses and a long and profound sleep following 2. I used no other Medicine besides blood-letting directed for particular reasons not in respect to the Falling-sickness than the following purging Electuary by the taking of which he was cured in the seventh month observing also a most accurate Diet from which Disease he has now lived free these ten years 3. The purging Electuary Take Electuary of the juyce of Roses an ounce pouder of Jallap a dram spirit of Salt rectified a scruple Oyl of Rosemary eight drops mix it and make it into a soft Electuary Of this the Sick may take the quantity of a Nutmeg three or four times in a week but I think every morning fasting would be much better 4. Deckers commenting upon this Recipe saith That rather than Spirit of Salt that Spirit of Sal Aromoniack ought to be taken Or some other Oyly Volatile salt or one scruple of the distilled Spirit of these two mixt and joyned by two or three Cohobations Barbet Prax. lib. 1. cap. 1. Observ 1. XCV Epileptick motions in a young Woman 1. The Daughter of Simon Gomes de Pas aged twenty years was troubled a year with Epileptick motions which held her from the seventh hour in the morning till the ninth in the evening with a foaming at the Mouth without Speech or the manifest use of her senses 2. Her monthly Terms did notwithstanding observe their due manner and time in the night she did speak eat and drink but it was sparingly I prescribed to her the following Pills 3. Take Castoreum salt of Mugwort of each four grains resine of Jallap six grains fine Aloes nine grains Oyl of sweet Marjoram two drops mix and make five pills for one dose with these she was well purg'd 4. Twice a day she took this following draught Take of the whitest spanish Soap half a dram boyl it in Cows milk and let the Sick take a quarter of a pint of the straining 5. It is wonderful that by taking of this Medicine the fit should be every day by degrees so lessened that at the thirtieth day she was perfectly cured and so continued well In persons Phlegmatick I use not Phlebotomy Barbet prax lib. 1. cap. 1. Observ 2. XCVI The Falling-sickness in a Melancholy man 1. A man of about fourty five years of Age of a Melancholy disposition but especially about the fit every week about the full moon perceiving only a dizziness fell down and then was lamentably afflicted with mighty Convulsions and Convulsive motions which continued for the space of three or four hours forgetting two or three days following whatever was done except his dizziness 2. Then having many troublesome nights with horrid Dreams he always awaked with a fright every part of him shaking and having also lost his Memory lay with his Hand very much trembling 3. Blood-letting was often used by the direction of a certain Physician sometimes to take away the Paroxysm and sometimes for the Disease it self but without success 4. The Wife of the sick person for taking away the fit which could not be overcome nor taken away by Phlebotomy put into her Husbands mouth Cloves chewed or bruised by which the fit was profligated 5. I being called to the Cure prescribed the following things all sharp four and raw things being forbidden first take of the waters of Betony and line tree flowers of each two ounces Eennell water Aqua vitae of Matthiolus the Antepileptick water of Langius of each one ounce the Spirit of salt Armoniack half a dram Ticture of Castor ten drops flowers of St. Johns wort one dram Laudanum opiatum four grains Oyl of Amber five drops syrup of Staechas one ounce mix them of this he took four times at the least every day one or two spoonfull 6. Secondly once every week he took for a dose five of the following pills by which he had three or four stools Take of the gum Ammoniacum dissolved in Rose-water half a dram the best Myrrh the Rozin of Jalap Scammony Vitriol of Mars calcin'd to a whiteness of each one scruple Saffron half a scruple Oyl of Amber eight drops mix them and make gilded pills in number forty and sprinkle them with the pouder of Cinnamon c. 7. Thirdly he took the following pouder every evening with Sack Take of red Coral prepared and of white Chalk of each one scruple sugar Candy three drams mix them and make a very fine pouder to be divided into six doses 8. In the evening this pouder being taken the morning following he had three or four stools We continued the use of these Medicines about a fortnight 9. And then Fourthly I prescribed the following Physical wine Take of the roots of Enula Campana sweet garden flag wood Valerian of each two drams Misletoe of the Oak an ounce the leaves of Sage Hyssop of each an handfull the seeds of Peony sweet Fennel of each two drams Cinnamon three drams Nutmegs one dram Orange-peel two drams the Ingredients being cut and bruised let them be grossly sowed up in a Bag and put into a stone Vessel upon which pour four pints of Canary not french wine nor Rhenish because they encrease the acid humor 10. After a due Infusion he took three ounces of it three times a day twelve drops of salt-Armoniack being first drop'd into evey dose and we continued the use of the said Physical wine to the end of the Cure the above mentioned pills as also the mixture being repeated about the Full and New
revived again in less than half an hour after she was taken with Convulsions fits My advice being accidentally present was desired the Face of the Child was all over black as it were and its whole body trembled in the middle of the fit about a spoonful of water fell out of its right Nostril 2. I immediatly advised to the following thing Take Oyl of Cinnamon one drop mix it with a little Virgin honey very well to this add six or eight drops of the Blood squeeZ'd out of the Navel-string and a spoonful of brest Milk mix them and give it the Child This was done and the Child was forthwith restored I ordered it to be repeated and also to be given if the Child should have any more fits in the fit The Infant had a second fit but by three or four times giving thereof was perfectly Cured 3. I cured another new born Babe by the same prescription and have advised it to several where it has always very well succeeded moreover where the Child has been older so that the blood of the Navel-string could not begotten I have cured them by giving two or three grains of the Navel string in pouder which is a singular experiment worth the remarking 4. A Child ten days old was seiz'd with Convulsions which I cured with this Take Breast milk a spoonful or two of my Guttae Vitae four or six drops mix them and give it the Child twice or thrice a day A child two months old was cured with this Take choise Canary half a spoonful of my Guttae Vitae six 〈◊〉 eight drops mix them This was given and repeated three or four times a day and although the Infant had four or five several fits in twelve hours space yet by taking of this Medicament it was perfectly recovered 5. Another Child about two or three months old seized with strong Convulsions arising as I conceived from Wind I cured with this Take choice Canary a little spoonful powers of Carraways Guttae Vitae of each six drops mix them and give it this was given about four times a day and in two days time was freed from its fits many other Children of the same Age and some elder I have cured with the same prescription save as their aâ—e was greater I augmented the dose both of the powers of Carraways and Guttae Vitae accordingly 6. The Oyl of Cinnamon is a specifick in this Case and I have often times given it with admirable success but that is not every where to be got and therefore somewhat else must be substituted in its room if that therefore be wanting I scarcely know any thing better than the powers of Caraways and my Guttae Vitae to which if you add two or three grains of the pouder of the Navel string you will not do a miss I have cured many Children with these things and as far as I can remember never yet so much as once exhibited them in Vain 7. And indeed all those things which comfort the Vitals and refresh or give respite to Animal spirits must be good and proper here such are the Tinctura aurea Tintura Vitae Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi and all Neuroticks of what kind or quality soever yet this is to be understood that by so much as they are made more spiritual by so much the more admirable they are and operate with the greater celerity and certainty and therefore the Spirits Potestates or Volatile Salt of Mans skull or of Elks hoof of Vipers Swallows Magpies Peony Amber c much transcend any gross or terrene preparation of them wherein the Volatile and pure parts are clothed and clogged with the Earthy c. XVI Convulsion fits in a young Lady arising from terror anâ—â—ffrightment 1. This Lady from a sudden consternation of mind or affrightment was immediately seized with Convulsions so that falling into a fit her whole Body seemed to be contracted from Head to Foot with intollerable Pain or dolour no other apparent cause going before she being one of a very healthful and sound constitution and habit of body and of a pleasant merry disposition 2. These fits came at uncertain times without any order and took her many times at great disadvantages especially upon the least commotion of the mind or disturbance of the spirit Anger or Affrightment as the going over a dangerous bridg looking down from a very high place presence of a Serpent Toad Spider or such like and somtimes also they would seize her in her sleep especially if she was dreaming of any frightful matter They were also so often iterated that in a very few weeks she became as it were a Changling 3. By reason of this Vehement affliction many obstructions were bred in her Body together with a stoppage of her Terms she had also contracted a paleness of Face weakness of the Stomach indigestion nauseousness or lothing want of Appetite hoarsness and Cough with a certain kind of wheezing and in short the whole habit of her Body was altered her strength impaired and her mind in some sort alienated and this purely through the frequency and vehemency of the Disease and long continuance of the Spasmatick Paroxysm 4. Her Friends requested my help and having well viewed the Patient and considered the Disease as aforesaid I began the Cure with purging of her for which purpose I gave her a dose of my Family Pills with Aloes which I caused her to take twice a week for three weeks together with due observation as in other purges after three weeks time I ordered her to take them only once a week and to continue the use of the same for five or six weeks which she accordingly did by which the nauseousness and loathing at Stomach was removed and she was in a little time brought to a good Appetite and to digest her food very well moreover by the same means her Terms were provok'd and made to flow in good order 5. And by reason that in the Absence of the fit she complained of a most Vehement pain of her Head I caused her hair to be shaved off and the common Vesicatory of the shops to be applyed which done and the blister removed I caused it to be drawn three or four days with Colewort-leaves applying the smooth side to the Sore on the fourth day I ordered the rough side to be applyed by which meanes in about thee days more her Head was healed up by these blisters her mother told me she believed above two quarts of humor evacuated 6. In the mean season whilst she took her Pills I was not unmindful of what was further to be done But as I was consulting some of her Relations were for sending for other Doctors especially some of the Colledg of whom Dr. T and Dr. B were sent for with whom although I was not vnwilling to consult for the good of my Patient yet I desired to be excused and that they might act apart but with promise that if things succeeded
nature would contribute something as to adding strength to it 7. Now to effect that intention We applyed that most admirable Emplaster of Mynsicht viz. his Diagalbano Crocatum a Medicament never sufficiently to be commended by the application whereof our feeble Patient in two or three months time was perfectly restored to my great Credit and the exceeding satisfaction of his indulgent Parents II. A Contracture of the Arm in an old Water-man in Southwark 1. This old Man aged about seventy for the space of seven or eight year had lost the use of his left Arm by reason of a Contracture so that he could not in any wise attend his Calling the poor old Man desired my help which I granted and performed the Cure as followeth 2. First I bathed the Contracture very well with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I caused it to be anointed with Oleum Nervinum after which I applyed Emplastrum de minio simplex made with Vinegar and Oyl without Wax it was boyled and taken off whilst it was red a little before it was going to turn black 3. In this Cloths was dipt and applyed to his Arm and about six or seven of these plasters or Sear-cloths performed the Cure 4. The poor old Man was able to give me nothing for my Cure but only gave me of his own free will a bottle of Sack However not long after as a further token of his graâ—â—ful spirit he helped me to a better Patient from whom I Received about fifteen or sixteen pound III. A Contraction in the left Ham in a certain Virgin 1. It was occasioned through a fall and a hurt in the part or parts adjacent being ill cured the Contracture was new but by reason the joint was great as also the parts contracted I was the more dubious of the Cure however being encouraged by the Friends of the party affected 2. I applyed the following things with success beyond Imagination first I caused the part affected to be very well bathed with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I anointed it very well with the expressed Oyl of Mace after which we applied for forty days together or more the Cataplasmum de stercore humano the praeparation of which you may see in our Doron lib. 3. cap. 7. sect 9. 3. The Cure succeeded much contrary to my expectation For the Patient could walk without Crutches or so much as halting 4. The like Cure I performed in a Child using only the same Medicaments IV. A Contracture in the Ham with a lameness of both the Ankles 1. This being a Youth about fifteen or fixteen years of age had this disaffection upon him by reason of a fall first I bathed all the weakned and disaffected parts with the Spirit of Aniseeds afterwards with the Powers of Amber 2. Immediately after I anointed with Oyl of Mace by expression after which I applied Emplastrum diasulphuris Rulandi by which my Patient seemed to be cured save only a weakness remained upon the parts lately disaffected 3. After the application of the Emplaster about eight or nine weeks it being renewed once in three days I caused the said weakned parts to be bathed with a strong tincture of Myrrh made with the best rectifyed spirit of Wine whereby the sick in a short time became perfectly well V. A Contraction Incurable 1. A young Man about seventeen or eighteen years of age was taken with the Sciatica by which he was vehemently afflicted this Disease either by nature or the Artifice of Empericks degenerated and the matter was translated into an Apostem on the outside of the Thigh which being opened a great quantity of corruption came out 2. But by the ill-management of the cure or unskillfulness of the Chyrurgion the Apostem fistulated and made Coney-borroughs as it were thorugh the whole Thigh which afterwards by another hand was Cut up and the bone laid open to be scaled being black and corrupted in many places 3. After two years time the Patient was in a sort cured leaving only a great Contraction of the Ham and one runing Fistula-sore which was no great trouble to him yet this evill Effect it had that thereby the whole Humidum Radicale was drained away the sick dying in a miserable Consumption 4. In his Life-time almost a thousand things were applyed to restore the contracted Hand but all in vain 5. Being dead I was desirous to see the contracted Tendon which being laid open and freed from the rest of the flesh and Vessels it had contracted not a Gristley but a kind of Boney hardness to the great Admiration of the Spectators this hardness by degrees decreased till it left the Nerve in its own natural state VI. A Contraction of the Fingers cured by a Woman Emperick 1. She first anointed the contracted parts with the Oyl of Cammomil which being don for two or three days she caused the Patient to hold her Hands in a hot Cows-Paunch for an hour or two which was five or six several times repeated 2. In the Intervalls of which and afterwards she only applyed this following Cataplasm Take Oleum Nervinum one ounce Oyl of Cammomil Oyl of Euphorbium of each half an ounce fresh Cow-dung half a pound mix them well together and apply them to the part affected 3. By the use of these meanes the Patient was in about five or six weeks restored again to perfect health VII A Contraction of the In-step with a scrophulous Tumor 1. This was supposed at first to come through a strain but whatever the cause there was a great flux of ill-digested humors to the part afflicted whereby followed a Contraction of the In-step with a great Tumor thereof and in the Ankle and indeed a swelling of the whole Foot Insomuch that the Patient a Youth about ten or eleven years of age could not go and was forced to keep his bed for many weeks together 2. Many things were used to resolve the Tumor and great Discussives were applied but all in vain at length we applied things to ripen it and to bring it to a Suppuration which in convenient time was done 3. The Tumor ran at first a great deal of thin matter afterwards the Sanies run more thick being broke we applied this following Cataplasm 4 Take Venice Turpentine two ounces Oyl of Roses one ounce Yolks of Eggs number two with Bean-Meal a sufficient quantity make a Cataplasm which apply 5. The Tumor seemed cavernous or hollow whereupon we cast thereinto with a Syringe this following Injection Take plantain-Water a pint Salt of Vitriol two drams Saccharum Saturni half a dram Tincture of Aloes made of white Wine one ounce and half Infusion of Crocus mutallorum Spirit of Wine of each two ounces mix and make an Injection to be cast in warm twice a day 6. The Tumor Lameness and Sore continued more than a year upon him Insomuch that the Friends of the Person were advised by several Chyrurgions to have it laid open 7. But by reason of the
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
Errhine of Turbith mineral 685 b Decoctum Catharticum Rulandi 9 a Decoctum Melanagogum 205 b Decocta Cepbalica 666 b Decoctum alterativum aperitivum Grulingii 753 b Decoctum vulnerarium Poterii 754 a Decoctum aliud vulnerarium Poterii ibid Decoctum astacorum Poterii ib Decoctum Coronopi Poterii ibid Decoctum purgans Sennerti ibid Decoctum evacuans humores mixtos Cratonis 754 b Diet for a pocky Head-ach 4 b 52 b Diet for a pocky Megrim 18 b Diet for a Head-ach 49 a Diet in a Vertigo 45 a Diet for a cold scorbutick Catarrh 139 a Diet purging 140 b Diet for an Hysterick Catarrh 142 b Diet for an Epileptick Child 245 a b Diet for an Epileptick Melancholy Woman 247 b Diet for a scorbutick Epilepsy 248 b Diet for an Epilepsy essential in the Brain 250 b Diet for a splenetick Epilepsy 252 b Diet for a general Epilepsy 344 a Diet for a Convulsion from the Cholick 367 b Diet for a Fistula 485 b Diseases of Intemperature 37 a Diseases of Repletion 37 b Diseases of Ablation ibid. Diseases of the Head 39 a Distillation into the right Eye 151 b Difficulty of Breathing 184 a 198 a 202 b Dropsy 568 b Dysentery 151 a E Electuarium arthriticum 173 b Electuarium phonoscorum 213 a Electuary against the Epilepsy 259 a 276 a Electuary of Mejeris against the Epilepsy 314 b Electuaries antepileptick compound 364 b 365 a Electuary against the Stone 395 a Electuary of Lithontriptick 399 a Electuary convusive 445 b Electuarium de Tamerendis apud Thonerum 757 a Electuarium arthriticum Plateri ib Elixir vitae Plateri 749 b Elixir panis ibid Elixir restorativa 750 a Emplaster vulnerary for the head 55 a Emplastrum Cratonis for the Epilepsy 311 a Emplastrum Antepilepticum Sennerti 366 b Emplaster for the Region of the heart 413 a Emprosthoton 451 b Emprosthotonos what 465 a Emplaster strengthning 484 a 486 a 487 b Emplastrum Diaphoreticum Adriani Mynsichti 492 a Emplastrum contra Rupturam Grulingi 760 b Emplastrum Mercurii vivi ibid. Emplastrum de vipera Poterii ib. Epilept Pouder of the Author 107 a b Epidemick Feavers 191 a Epilepsy 239 a see Falling sickness Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus Valesius 294 a Epileptich Convulsion 311 b Epileptick motion 317 b Epileptick Persons 332 b Epilepsy its Names Definition and Kinds ' 333 a Epileptick Convulsions 464 a Errhines solid 3 a 45 b Errhines liquid 45 b Erastus his ancepileptick water 278 a Errhines of Platerus 343 b Errhines antepileptick 359 b Experiment for a pocky head-ack 53 b Extractum Bryoniae compositum Grulingii 750 b Extractum Mechoacannae compositum Grulingii ibid. Extractum arthriticum Grulingii ibid. Extractum Citrii Platerii 751 a Extractum adversus pestem Poterii ibid. Extractum aliud Poterii ibid Extractum Ligni Guajaci Poterii ibid. Extractum antivenereum Poterii ibid. Extractum antivenereum purgans Poterii ibid. Extractum hystericum Poterii 752 Extractum hystericum aliud Poterii ibid Extractum in Uterinis affictibus Poteris ibid. Extractum hystericum roborans Poterii ibid. Extractum sive Confectio uterina a quod am Empirico Chymico reperta apud Poterium 752 b Extractum catholicum Poterii ib. Extractum catholicum aliud Poterii ibid. Extractum nephriticum Poterii ib F Fasting 48 b Fainting of the Spirits 85 b 143 b Falling-sickness in a Child 239 a 263b 260 a 268 b 271 a 279 a Falling-sick in a young Girl 240 a 270 b 263 a 319 a 324 b 325 a Falling-sick in a young woman 241a 260 a 270 b 306 a b 307 a b Falling sick in a middle aged man 242 a 325 a b 326 a Falling sick in another girl 243 a Falling sick in an antient Man 243 b 277 b 321 b 322 a 324 a 325 a Falling-s in another ancient man Falling s in a woman 224 a 332b Falling-s in a Child 244 a b. 325b 331 a Falling-s in a little boy 245 a 265 a b 261 b 283 a 308 a 330 b 331 b Falling s in a Melancholy woman 245 b 256 a 318 a Falling s with the Scurvy 248 b 270 a Falling sic with disaffection of the stomach 249 a Falling sic essential in the brain 250 a 278 a 301 b Falling sic cured by a Sternutatory 251 a Falling sic with pain of the scleen Gout 252 a Falling sick with Obstruct of urine 253 a Falling sick in another young girl 254 a Falling sick in an old Woman wch became paralytick 255 a b Falling sick in an elderly matron 257 b Falling sick in a boy with a soald head 258 b Falling sickness in a Consumptive 259 a Falling-sickness with the Dead-Palsy 260 b Falling-sickness with fits of the Mother ibid. Falling-s after Child-birth 266 a 298 a Filling-s in a Woman with Child 266 a b Falling-s in a Man 266 b Filling-s cured by Stibium 267a Filling-s from an old Vlcer stopt 267 b Falling-s in a frighted boy 268b Falling-s in a Man from regurgitation of his Vrine 269a Falling-s Hereditary 269 a Falling-s by consent from the Stomach 261 a 369 b 281 a 282 b 294 a Falling-s with Lunacy in a Maid 271 a Falling-s from a Tumor in the Hand 273 a Falling-s from too great Intention of Mind 275 a Falling-s with concussion of the whole Body 276 b Falling-s with many other Symtoms 262 a 327 b Falling-s arising from Blood 263 b Falling-s cured by a Caustick 264 a Falling-s cured by Tobacco 264 b Falling-s from the Womb 283 a 331 a Falling-s from distemper in the Feet 284 a Falling-s in a young Man 285b 332 a b Falling-s arising from one of the Legs 286 a Falling-s cured by Guajacum 288 b Falling-s beginning with a Vertigo 300 a Falling with Convulsions 305b Falling-s from trouble of mind 308 b Falling-s from translation of the morbifick Matter 310 b Falling-s with Convulsions 311a Filling-s with a bastard Palsy 313 a Falling-s from Vapours and humours and the Cavities of the Brain 316 a Falling-s with the Cholick 316b 317 a Falling-s in a Youth 521 a b 522 b 523 a b Falling-s from Madness 323 a Falling-s in an aged Woman 326 b Falling-s with the Stone 327 a Falling-s with obstruction of the Lungs 328 b Falling-s from vehement Passion 330 a Falling-s its Pathology 333 a Falling-s its Signs 333 b Falling-s its causes 335 b Falling-s its Prognosticks 337b Falling-s in Infants its Cure 338 b Falling-s its Cure in elder persons 341 a Falling-s from distemper of the Womb 348 a Falling-s by consent from the Stomach 351 b Falling-s arising from Worms 352 b Falling-s simple its Cure in the Fit 353 b Falling-s pure or simple its cure out of the Fit 355 b Family-Pills virtue to kill Worms 571 b Family-Pills good against the Stone 598 a Feaver 43 a b 108 a 143 b 147 a Feaver epidemick 191 a Feaver Synoch 215 b Feaver burning 401 a Feaver 412 b 624 b Fumigation against the Catarrh 199 b G Galens Remedy
the pain after a miraculous manner went away such are the Virtues of this Preparation of Sassafras that they are wonderfull in this kind 11. Outwardly to the Region of the Spleen I applyed this Oyntment Take Ammoniacum strained one ounce Balsam of Peru Labdanum of each half an ounce Hens-grease two ounces Oyls of Roses and Melilot of each three ounces juice of Hemlock six ounces boil to the consumption of the juices With this I annointed after which I laid over it Ceratum de Ammoniaco Foresti by which means the Scirrhus of the Spleen diminish'd daily and went away If this Cerate could not have been had I might have applyed the Emplastrum de Galbano Crocatum Mynsichti Or Emplastrum è Cicuta cum Ammoniaco which you may see in my Dispensatory or Labdanum with natural Balsam and Wax Or that Cerate mentioned in Our Synopsis Medicinae lib. 3. cap. 31. Sect. 47. § 3. at the end thereof 12. During all this time the Tabes or Consumption was not forgot for things both as to Diet and Medicine were provided For Diet I advised to things light of Digestion but forbad all Milk-meats least they should be curdled by the Acids which were prescribed for the removal of other Symptoms The gravy and juyces of meat whether Beef Mutton Veal or Lamb not much above half boiled or rosted then cut and slash'd that the Juyce might drop forth he took plentifully with a drop or two of oyl of Sulphur in it but Gellies I forbad by reason of their Glutinous property As to Medicine the only thing he took was Electuarium ad Tabidos which you may see in my Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 22. Sect. 1. A most admirable thing in this Case and by which I have restored many Consumptive but this thing was not administred till all the former things in their order had in some measure taken place which was almost at a months end but whereas the sick had at first upon him a vehement sweating and that this Medicine if given in a large dose does also provoke Sweat I ordered the dose in a less proportion so as it might comfort and restore but not provoke the Diaphoresis By these means continued the sick was in about twelve weeks time restored to his perfect heâ—lth From my House at the Red Balls in Salisbury-Court Fleetstreet where my Synopses Mediciâ—ae are to be had London Printed for T. Dawks L. Curtiss sold by T. Basset J. Wright R. Chiswel 1681. The Chapter of the Megrim continued Numb 7. August 18. X. A Megrim which proved Mortal from a Sphacelation of the Brain 1. It happen'd in a youth of about 17 years of Age sanguin and of a robust and strong Body it began at the latter end of July or beginning of August and had continued about 15 dayes without any Interm ssion but sometimes there was a kind of remission of the Vehemency of the pain for some few hours 2. He took little or no rest during all that time and when upon any remission of the pain he had any sleep it was troublesom and terrible waking oft in much fear terror and affrightment so that there seemed to be sometimes an Alienation of the Mind 3. It was contracted at first by being in the Sun long in an extream hot day the youth having also surfeited himself by too much Eating and too plentifully drinking of Wine the day before yet it began without a Feaver and so continued to the seventh day at which time the pain raging more than before excited a violent continual burning Feaver which we call Causos for it was extream every third day 4. Many things were done in order to his Cure but without Success for the Disease resisted all Medicines he was plentifully let blood had Medicines given him internally and Topicks applyed outwardly pickled Herrings applyed to the Soles of his Feet at last other things not prevailing his Physician gave him an Opiate this did him no good but made him absolutely rave 5. His Case being desperate it was moved by some of the Family That I should be sent for When I came I view'd the Youth but with amazement saw him very dangerous which at first put me to a stand what to do I feared a Sphacelation of the brain at least an Inflamation thereof 6. Now a Sphacelation of the Brain is a Suppuration or Corruption of the substance of the Brain springing first from an Inflamation of the same by some it is called Gangreen by others Mortification it is treated of but by few Authors yet Hippocrates lib. 3. de Morbis has describ'd it 7. The Cause of it is Inflamation of the part now the Cause of the Inflamation is from Blood too much heated whereby it becoms too fluxil and sheds it self into the inner part of the Brain the cause of the Blood being too much heated may be from being too long in the heat of the Sun or too Violent exercise or by holding the Head too near the Fire whether on the Hearth or in the Oven Furnace c. Or from a Contusion of the Head or from a Wound or from Commotion of the Brain by a Fall Blow c 8. An Apostem Mortification or Sphacelus of the Brain is known by a great Head-Ach running by the hinder part of the Head to the Neck and Back with a decay of all the Senses both external and internal he tosses too and fro cannot abide in the same place lays hold with his hands upon his Head pulls his Hair scratches his Face as long as his strength will continue to do it there is a most sharp and strong Feaver which from third day to third day is exasperated nor will the sick either eat or drink by which the strength soon decays all these signs were found in this our Patient But had it proceeded from a Wound or Contusion there would be a kind of sadness and numbness in the Body with weakness of the Animal Spirits and as the Disease increases the matter begins to putrify a Feaver arises from whence comes Head-ach and sluggishness as the putrefaction encreaseth all the Symptoms grow more vehement the Feaver sharper the sick rises from his sleep of a sudden and roars out presently lying down again often putting his hand to his Head there sometimes coming forth from the Mouth and Nose a little before Death a filthy green and stinking matter 9. This Disease is for the most part Mortal and as Hippocrates saith Sect. 7 Aph. 51. in three days time They saith he who have a mortified and putrified Brain dye in three days but if they live longer they recover But this is not to be understood of a compleat Sphacelus or Mortification of the Brain for that is incurable but of that which is at hand by reason of great Inflammation thereof See my Synopsis Medicinae lib. 1. cap. 52. sect 28. and lib. 2. cap. 39. sect 28. where you may receive much satisfaction Now
Causes and of the hope of Cure which we shall consider in the Pathology of each Disease in particular Next of the Therapia or particular method of Curing which Let this Scholia containing l m n o p q be placed immediately after K. and Page 36. in each particular place also shall be at large declared 8. But before we attempt this we are to consider that both Bodies of Mankind as also Medicaments are for the most part hot or cold viz. hot and moist or hot and dry which Physicians call a sulphurious saline Habit or cold and moist or cold and dry which they call a saline sulphurious Habit according to which Habits proper Medicaments are to be destinated 9 However the principles of Physick as they relate to Mans Body or to Medicaments are necessary to be known or at least wise in what Sense Naturalists and Chymists apprehend them In Man there is a Body a Spirit and a Soul these united make the compleat Man these in their Natural State free from disorders perturbations or irregularities renders him in perfect Health If they never so little vary from their Natural State it is in order to Diseases and a final dissolution of the Compositum 10. But whereas we speak here of Body Spirit and Soul we intend a Body Spiritual although we call it Natural But we understand it Spiritual only in opposition to the primary external appearance or outward form as for example in a vegetable suppose Rosemary in its primary external form the Body consists of Stalks Leaves and Flowers but when by the ART of the Chymist an Extraction is made you have a pure subtle and volatile Oyl wherein its Energy Virtue and Power answers to the Life and Soul of Man its Volatility Flame and Oleosity to the Spirit and its material Substance to the Body viz. that Body which we call Natural in opposition to a thing truly Spiritual although it is indeed a Spiritual Body in its kind in respect to its first Earthy or natural form or appearance this Conjunction of Principles in Maâ— is that which Philosophers call the Archaeus the Archaeus of Nature or the Archaeus in Man 11. Now as to the Principles of Medicaments Here Philosophers much vary some as Doctor Willis make five Principles viz. Salt Sulphur Mercury Water and Earth but these five we have proved in our Pharmacopaeia Londinensis lib. 6. cap. 1. to be only three viz. Salt Sulphur and Mercury excluding his Flegm and Caput Mortuum Others as Paracelsus Crollius make but three as indeed they are and these three we make but one as the Body Spirit and Soul in Man make but one Archaeus so the Salt Sulphur and Mercury of all mixt Bodies make but one only true Principle which for distinction sake we in like manner call Potestates or the Powers 12. In proof whereof we say this That we deny not but that as to the outward appearance a Chymist may Extract a Salt in form of Salt a Sulphur in form of Oyl and a Mercury in form of Spirit to which he may give the Names aforesaid but these Names rather respect their form of appearances than the true Nature For he must necessarily grant me that in all Salts as there is a Body so there is an Oleaginous Property which is Sulphur and an Energetick Virtue which is the Mercury or Spirit unless they will deny any Virtue or Power in the said Salt at all So likewise in the Sulphur or Oyl who so Blind as cannot see or feel a Body there which Body by their own Concessions Answers to their first Principle of Salt its oleaginous and flamy property argues their second Principle or Sulphur and its subtilty volatility and penetrating quality argues the third Principle which is Mercury or Spirit Again in the Mercury or Spirit there is no less a Body seen than in the Salt and Oyl which Body demonstrates their first Principle as aforesaid viz. Salt Its Inflamility demonstrates their Sulphur or second Principle and its Energetick or penetrative Power and Force makes manifest their third Principle which is Mercury or Spirit 13. Hence it appears That the Principles of all things are really but one though subsisting under three several forms and Subsistences For Salt is only the Body Spirit and Soul Concentrated the Sulphur is the Salt Spirit and Oyl embodied in a more subtle appearance and the Mercury is the Salt Oyl and Spirit expanded or dilated as may be said to an Infinity 14. So that it is manifest that those three are but one though some may object that they are three different Principles from the Nature of their Operation mistaking the way and manner how they exert their Powers and Forces which is not from the different Nature of the things or Principles so called but from their manifestation or manner of subsistance and appearance this is apparent in an Iron Tool if it be sharp with a Point it only Pricks if it has a sharp Edge then it Cuts but if it has neither Point nor Edge it only Bruises and yet notwithstanding the substance is but one though the forms or appearances be many from whence follows their particular way or manner of action 15. Thus much as to Principles which is what we understand of them and how we would have the Physician understand us through all this following Work viz. What we mean by the Archaeus and what we mean by Potestates or Powers through which the Energy of Medicaments are conveyed in order to the Healing of the Diseases incident to Mankind 16. The Pathology of Diseases we shall explicate under a six-fold Consideration viz. The Name Definition Kinds Signs Causes and Prognosticks of the same afterwards the Therapia shewing the various Ways and Methods of Cure first general according to the three-fold acceptation of Diseases secondly particularly in respect of the various Causes producing 17. This as the Preamble to what we intend We shall now come to shew the Order in which every Disease shall be handled First Diseases of the Head Secondly Diseases of the Thorax or Breast Thirdly Diseases of the Abdomen or Belly Fourthly Feavers Fifthly Diseases of the extream parts viz. Tumours Wounds Ulcers Fractures and Dislocations 18. Diseases of the Head are either first In the Menings secondly In the substance of Brain thirdly In the Cavities of the Brain fourthly in the Cutaneous Teguments of the Head fifthly In the Parts of the Head as Eyes Ears Nose Mouth Palate c. 19. Diseases in the Menings of the Brain are chiefly the Chephalalgia the Cephalaea or old Head-ach the Megrim or half Head-ach Diseases in the Cavities of the Brain are chiefly a Vertigo Catarrh Epilepsia Apoplexia Palsy Convulsion Trembling Incubus c. Diseases in the Substance of the Brain are the Phrensy Melancholy Madness loss or hurt of Memory sleepy Diseases c. Diseases in the Skin or Covering of the Head are the Alopecia Ophiasis Baldness Lousiness Scald-head Wounds of the
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
from Hypochondriack Melancholy which being it self along and Inveterate distemper may be the Cause of the Continuance of such as arise in part by consent therefrom For sending fumes into the Ventricles of the Brain by the continued circulation of the Blood it naturally followes that Pain must be naturally excited and that almost continually especially upon any sudden or violent Motion or Exercise any Grief or Trouble of Mind any anxious Thoughts or any change or alteration of the Air the reason of which last we have largely declared in Sect XXXIX § 3. and 4. aforegoing To these causes may be added the natural weakness of the brain from the birth by reason of which from almost every small Occasion this Pain of the Head is excited 8. Hence it appears That the persons most subject to this Disease are such as are of a Cold and dry Habit of body of which disposition are all Hypochondriacks and such as are of a Cold and moist Constitution the Ventricles of whose brains are almost perpetually filling filled with Recrements If it be objected that such cannot be subject to manifold Fermentations of the blood because of their cold Habit of body which is an enemy to Fermentation To this we answer That neither Heat nor Cold are simply of themselves either the Materiall or Formall Causes of Fermentation but only an Accidental Cause which are stirred up accidentally from the fit or convenient mixtion of proper Salts this Spirit of Vitriol and a solution of Salt of Tartar in fair Water or fair Water it self although they are both of hem externally Cold and also Cold in their operation yet being mixt together in a fit proportion they excite a most incredible heat which may be said indeed to be the Accidental Cause of the Effervescency and the same may be done in Our bodies although Cold and Moist if that Humidity meets with a Salt proper for such an Operation XLI The Prognosticks of a Cephalaea or Old Headach 1. This Disease if it has not been of long standing is the more easy to be cured but if it has been of any long standing it is commonly very difficult So also if it proceeds from the French Pox. 2. It is scarcely ever Cured if it followes after a Fracture of the Skull or be caused by evil Conformation of the parts or proceeds from a pure and natural or haereditary Weakness of the Brain unless that the Skull be opened and a peice thereof taken out 3. And as it for the most part happens either to people of a cold and dry Constitution of a Melancholy habit Or to such as are of a cold aâ—d moist Constitution of a Cachectical habit So in both these Conditions the Cure cannot but be very difficult for in the first cause the Melancholy habit must be altered else you do nothing at all and that is no easy thing to do and in the latter the Cold and moist habit must be removed if you perform any thing which is a matter of no small moment 4. If it proceeds from consent of other parts you must alter their Habit and Constitution for till the Cause be taken away the Effects can never absolutly cease And according to the difficulty of altering the nature qualities and disposition of those parts such will be the hopes of Cure in this Disease 5. If it be complicated with any other Disease as a Cough Catarrh c. the Cure will yet be so much the more difficult for till they are removed the Cephalae can never be Cured because it is certain that those Concomitants contribute mightily to this Disease 6. That which proceeds from a Fermentation of the Blood is the most easy of this kind to be Cured for upon the stopping of the Fermentation the pain not long after ceases But then this falls out again that if the Fermentation is renewed so will this Pain be also XLII The Cure of a Cephalaea or old Head-ach in a cold and dry Constitution of Body or arising from Melancholy 1 If it be in a cold and dry Habit from a simple Intemperature without Cause from any other part the Cure will not have that difficulty in it as if it proceeded from Melancholy In this Case you are to warm and humect the parts Take Oyls of Camomil and Bays of each half an ounce Oyl of Nutmegs by expression mix them well together and anoint very well all the places pained Morning Noon and Night before a convenient Fire embrocating the parts also at the same time 2. Inwardly also ought to be given things which heat and humect the parts as Take choice Canary a quart spanish juyce of Liquorice one ounce dissolve it therein let it settle then decant the clear and let the Sick take thereof every day Morning Noon and Night it is a specifick in this Case for the constant use hereof for long time does admirably warm comfort and moisten the parts and indeed alter the whole habit of the Body 3. If the season of the year will admit it may be drank with equal parts of Juyce of Strawberries or Juyce of black Cherries the last thing is marvelous for this purpose The Wines made of the Juyce of Strawberries and black Cherries by fermentation being constantly drank either alone or mixt with the Canary as before prepared are yet much better 4. If it proceeds from a Melancholy habit of Body you must use the Topicks formerly mentioned in the Cure of a Cephalalgia from cold and dryness with the things even now ennumerated adding also the erradication or changing of the Melancholy Habit without which all things are done in vain How this is performed we shall teach when we come to Treat of the Cure of Hypochondriack Melancholy to which I shall principally refer you 5. Yet the following things have not been used without success Once in three Weeks or a Month you may Purge with Pilulae de Lapide Lazuli Or with this Infusion Take Water a pint Sena one ounce Green Roots of Polypody half an ounce Salt of Tartar one dram make an Infusion to purge with 6. Somtimes also may be used the Tinctura Melanagoga Grulingij which excellently evacuates the Melancholy Humor Some commend the Diasena Nicolai half an ounce at a time to one ounce But it is thought that Confectio Hamech given alone from half an ounce to six drams exceeds most other things 7. Thus Compounded it is good for weak Constitutions Take Confectio Hamech one ounce Cassia extracted or Diaprunum Lenitivum or Catholicon two ounces mix them for two or three Doses 8. If the Stomach be foul let the Vinum Elleboratum be given half a Spoonful at a time with an ounce of Oxymel and as much Wine of Squills or half an ounce of Platerus his Walnut Water 9. In the Intervals of Purging the Sick may constantly drink Quercetans Decoction of an Ox-Spleen Or the Decoction of Crabs taking also now and then Wine of Black Cherries Pope Adrian his
Misleto of the Oak of each an ounce and half Juniper-berries seeds of Peony of each half an ounce Mustard or Rocket-seed Cloves Mace of each three drams Castoreum two drams white Dittany two drams and half flowers of Lavender of Rosmary of Sage of Betony of the Tile or Line-tree of Lilly-convally Hops of each a pugil bruise and digest three days in old white Wine three pound and half Waters of black Cherries of Marigolds of Sage of each six ounces then express all hard out to which add Venice Treacle an ounce and half Confect of Anacardiums six drams species Diambrae 2 drams digest three days then distil in Balneo Mariae 7. Aqua Hirundinum cum Castoreo above mentioned Take 35 live Swallows pull off their Feathers Castoreum 3 ounces roots of male Peony gathred in the decrease of the Moon 2 ounces flowers of Lavender Bawm Lilly-convally of each one handful white Wine two quarts digest 24 hours in a warm place then distil 8. Aqua Hysterica seu Melissa Composita aforenamed Take fresh Bawm 2 pound Rue red Sage of each 4 ounces Rosmary-flowers one ounce Bay-berries Castoreum Nutmegs of each half an ounce biting Cinnamon Cloves of each 2 drams Mace Citron-peels Indian-spicknard of each one dram cut and bruise all put them into a glass Alembick upon which affuse a little Wine digest 4 days in a gentle heat and then distil off the Water 9. Syrupus de Manna Laxativus abovemen ioned Take fresh roots of Polypody 6 drams Orrice-root half an ounce Currans 3 ounces fat Figs Dates of each six Liquorice rasped half an ounce Cinnamon half a dram flowers of Violets Borrage and Bugloss of each one pugil choise Sena 1 ounce and half Metheglin 3 pints boyl to the Consumption of one pint strain and dissolve therein Calabrin Manna 3 ounces Sugar Candy Sugar Penides of each one ounce boyl to the thickness of a syrup adding in the end a little Cinnamon-water 'T is excellent for Children and Infants LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss CHAP. III. Of the Vertigo Numb 10. August 27. The Authors Observations I. A Vertigo in a Youth with Dimness of Sight called Scotoma 1. He was a lusty likely Youth 18 years of Age and of a Sanguine Complexion this Giddiness often troubled him by Fits but especially if at any time he went near Water It was accompanied with a darkness of Sight which Disease is called Scotoma and is the worst kind of Vertigo his eyes being shut yet nevertheless all things objected to the internal sense seemed to turn round this Disease thus compounded of both with Blindness is called Scotodinos 2. The Seeing is hurt by the too much agitation of the Spirits they being moved either by themselves or with the mixture of a Vapour The Spirits are contained in the Brain its Arteries and Ventricles which being vehemently moved without the mixture of a Vapor represents to the Imagination the like commotion from whence arises a Vertigo This vehement motion of the Spirits may spring from divers causes as from a hard and continued motion of the head long turning round c. wherein although the head and body rests yet they keep their course for a while after the same manner till they can rest again So also the head being bowed a great while downwards the Spirits then tending from thence upwards to the beginning of the Nerves upon the lifting up of the head again the same Spirits with haste and violence going back again to their proper Seat stir up a Vertigo Sometimes it may come from a motion of the body and vehement commotion of the mind being often and mightily exagitated in deep Cogitations Passions Watchings Studies c. whence a Vertigo often arises Sometimes from the long seeing of a thing turned round or other violent motion whether real or seeming so as the Earth seems to be moved and run to such as Sail but here it only comes to pass in such whose Spirits are easily stirred or in such as are disposed to this Disease whereby occasion is given for the Fit to seize although the cause thereof be inconsiderable Sometimes a Vertigo is excited from looking down from a high and dangerous place in such who are not accustomed thereto for thereby Fear being moved the Spirits are suddenly too much diffused and drawn back again whereby they are moved unequally and circularly but this no ways happens to such as are not fearful 3. Sometimes the cause of a Scotoma or dark Vertigo arises from the collected Spirits of the Brain contained in the Arteries thereof being made more hot and plentiful whereby they agitate themselves and by their unquietness cause various motions in this Case a light motion stirs up the Paroxysm 4. The Dark Vertigo is sometimes caused from the mixture of vapours with the Spirits of the Brain and according to the nature and plenty of Vapors and place from whence they arise and to which they are carried in the Brain and the force of their Agitation so is the Vertigo more gentle or more vehement this Vapour if it be too hot causes also a pain of the head If it is troubled coloured or shining arising from a mixture of humours and Choler then there are many false imaginations and representations in the mind the Sight is deceived in seeing Insects Atoms and other things which it sees not If it be obscured whereby Clouds Fumes c. are cast before the Eyes and the Sight is darkned together with the Vertigo as in a Scotodinos these though they see nothing yet they feel the Vertigo 5. But how these Vapours may affect the Sight now remains to be enquired into some think that these Vapours ascending and breaking forth before the Eyes like a fume do either deceive or hinder the Sight because Tears are sometimes provoked and the eyes look red with the Vapors which did penetrate them but this is rather from the pricking of the sensible Coat of the Nostrils by reason of its communication with the Tunica adnata Some think these Vapors do wholly go under the eyes penetrating even to their most inward parts so that intrinsically they are seen by the eyes but for these there are no passages to the Orbicle of the Eye for it is so compact by reason of the Tunica cornea and it on every side whole that no vapours can any ways pass through it and into it a Needle can scarcely be thrust when a Cataract is to be taken off Others knowing that there is no passage into the Orbicle of the Eye but by the Optick Nerve Vein and Artery suppose that these Vapors first assaulting the Brain do thence descend by the Vein and Artery of the Eye whereas these Vessels only run through the Tunica adnata and do no where come into the Tunica Cornea nor inward parts of the eye for that if Blood should enter the Eye it by its colour would represent all things red to the Sight as is seen when
things which cause a Plethory and a Vertigo viz. all vehement commotions of the Mind great Anger afflicting Phansies and Melancholy Imaginations cold Air Winds as also gross and thick Air with a cold do afflict the Head and Nerves 7. Those who are afraid of Diseases in the Nerves they would do well to be advised to keep carefully the Head Neck Feet and Stomach from Colds and that they would not suddenly strip themselves in the cold Air after they come out of a hot place or when they begin to sweat and that they would beware of the Beams of the Moon and the Sun because they fill the head with Vapours and breed both a Vertigo and Catarrh 8. Secondly But if the Vapours and the Repletion of the Head be increas'd you may use the Pills above-prescrib'd the number of which you may increase or diminish as you see occasion 9. By the pouder of Nigella you may draw out some part through the Nostrills and the water of Marjoram may be taken to drive out the pouder which you may take twice into the Nostrills before meat and thereby cleanse them If your pouder be too strong you may make use of the water only 10. Take Roman Nigella infused in Vinegar a day and a night furthermore being dried let him take a dram and an half of the pouder the Waters of Marjoram and of the Elder of each one ounce and mix them 11. Thirdly To dissipate Vapors Let the head be washed in the morning with herbs afterwards mentioned put into the Lye of Ashes the head being afterwards dryed with warm cloths Take the leaves of Stoechas of Lavender Anthos of each one pugil and a half Indian spicknard one dram roots of Asarabacca three drams the leaves of Sena two drams Agarick one dram Betony and vervain of each an handful and an half Marjoram one pugil let them be bruised and put into a Lixivium and boiled as aforesaid 12. And this odoriferous Pomander which follows will be very usefull if the Smell morning and evening be taken up the Nostrills for that Odor dries and dissipates the Vapors and strengthens the head Take pure Labdanum two scruples Gallia Moschata one Scruple Lignum Aloes Storax Calamita of each half a scruple Mastich Olibanum Gum of Juniper bitter Costus of each five grains Ambergr se Musk of each one grain Let them all be subtilly pouder'd and with the Muscilage of Tragacanth extracted with Marjoram water make Pomanders 13. The Confection following is very Excellent for strengthning both head and stomach which may be used with the rest but every morning take the Quantity of a Walnut it is pleasant and effectual and preserves the head and Stomach from many Diseases and it is this Take Cheb Myrobalans condited of each five drams green Ginger preserv'd Calamus Aromaticus condited Citron peels confected of each half an Ounce Orange-Peels candied three drams Eringo condited five Drams Indian Nutmegs preserv'd two drams Roots of Bugloss condited Cichory condited of each half an ounce Conserves of Rosemary-flowers Peony-flowers Bawm of each two drams Powder of Ey-bright one dram Cinnamon in gross pouder one Scruple as also Mace in gross pouder half a dram mix them all together and make a Confect 14. Lastly This pouder will be very useful if you be much troubled with the Vertigo Take Pouder of Ey-bright with the flowers half an Ounce Mace steep'd in Vinegar one dram Coriander prepared four Scruple Betony one scruple Cubebs half a Scruple Sugar Candy six drams and mix them Of this let a dram be taken in the morning either by it self or with the crums of Bread or in a rear Egg or in boyled Ale Also Fennel-seed cover'd over with sugar and chew'd in the Morning is good for it dissipates the Vapors and preserves from the Vertigo and clears the sight 15. But if there be any Indications or Symptoms of an Apoplexy this following powder will be very good Take of white Amber prepared two drams of the Roots of Peony species Diarrhodon abbatis of each half an ounce and mix them And then take one dram every month the day after the new Moon with a little Cinnamon-water or the Spirit of Wine Whosoever shall continue the use of this Remedy at the time appointed they may have their Bodies delivered from the Apoplexy and many other Symptoms Consil Medic. Scholzij Obs 113. ex Casp Hofmanno XXXVII A Vertigo Scorbutical and fainting of the Spirits 1. The Vertigo often comes upon an Inveterate Scurvy to which is wont to be added a fainting or assiduous sinking of the Spirits and almost a continual fear or dread of it Also a Stupor or stiffness in the Members with the sense of a pricking here and there running about them 2. These kinds of Distempers proceed from the sinking of the Animal Spirits in the Original Fountain and sometimes of them which are contained in the Nerves both the Cardiack and those serving for the Moving of the parts and when they fail in the Brain and nervous stock being much surrounded with a Scorbutick Salt they are not easily cured 3. Cephalick Remedies such as are convenient in the Vertigo and Paralytick Disaffections excited by themselves are to be administred with Antiscorbuticks mix'd therewith first therefore fit Catharticks being exhibited as such as are convenient in the Scurvy you may proceed with Specifick Remedies against the said Vertigo after this manner 4. In the beginning of the Cure open the hemorrhoidal Veins in the Fundament by Leeches and unless any thing gainsay Let it be several times repeated Then take of the Pouder of male Peony-roots four drams Red Coral levigated two drams Man's skull Elks-claws prepared of each one dram mix them Dose from half a dram to a dram 5. Take of the best Sugar in Aqua Peoniae compound or in water of wild Radish and boyled up to a Consistency eight ounces of the best rectified Oyl of Amber half an ounce make thereof Tablets and take of them from one dram and half to two drams morning and evening drinking after it a draught of the following distilled water 6. Take Scurvy-grass brook-lime Garden-cresses Lillies of the Valley Sage Rosemary Betony of each three handfuls green Wall-nuts four pounds Rinds of Oranges number six Limon peels number 4. fresh roots of Male-Peony half a pound being bruised and cut put to them the flegm of Vitriol one pound Whey made with Cider five pounds distill them after the common way to dryness letting the whole water be mixt together The Dose from three ounces to four five or six Willis de Scorbut cap. 9. XXXVIII A Vertigo Scorbutical in the highest degree 1. A man about 40 years of Age of a Melancholy habit afflicted for many years with the Scurvy was often sensible of divers and manifold Symptoms thereof at various seasons of the year 2. There was seen about his thighs large black spots and marks as if proceeding of strokes pains of the Belly with a loosness often afflicting
the 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
Neighbours Friends and such as came to visit him but could not Remember scarcely the names of any of them 8. When at any time he entred into the Discourse of Affairs he wanted words to express the sense of his thoughts at length there was not only a total Resolution in the right Arm and Leg but also a mighty tumor Oedematosus in them both insomuch that his Cure and the prolongation of his daies was so much doubted as that there was scarcely the least hope left 9. However I did not desist from the Method of Cure and the Assistance of the learned and skilful Physician Dr. Wharton but with joint Counsells for the Benefit of the sick we prescribed solutive Pills to be taken at certain times and at other days we ordered Cephalick Antiscorbutick and Antiparalytick Medicines to be taken at physical hours and a Plaster of Gum and Balsoms to be applyed to the head being first shaved as also the Parts affected to be annointed with Oyls and Balsams and strongly rub'd 10. While these things were used with some good Success as to the perspicuity and clearness of his Intellect he fell but by what means I know not into a Feaver about the middle of Winter every night he was afflicted with great heat and thirst and broken and interrupted Sleeps his Tongue was parched and rough his Pulse high and his Urine red 11. We did forbear Phlebotomy because of his Age Palsy and chiefly the Dropsy which was begun in the right side but yet a thin diet of Barly and Oatmeal Broths being Prescibed him we did exhibit from day to day Julleps Apozems and other Medicines provoking Sweat and Urine the Issue at the Shoulder-blade running at this time very plentifully 12. The sick was much better both in respect to his Memory and the Palsy and every day recovering from both these affects together with the Feaver he arriv'd at perfect health and continues so 13. In this sick person the motion and various alterations of the morbifick matter was very notable for that adhering to the Meditullium of the Brain to wit the Callous Body did excite an outragious Vertigo the same was afterwards augmented and as it is probable diffused farther into the Meanders and turnings of the Brain and so procured oblivion in the first affect 14. Afterwards the same matter moved by the Feaver and a little discussed or driven back partly falling into the one streaked body did bring a Palsy of one half of the Body partly coming into the compass of the Brain did almost deprive him of his Memory the calous body in the mean while obtaining as it were a clearness or serenity 15. Lastly It was not without the help of the other Feaver that the morbifick matter being driven out of all its Forts should be wholy defeated Willis Exercitat Patholog Cap. 7. Obs 2. XLVIII A Vertigo Ideopathetick 1. Being wearied with the importunate complaints of one afflicted with a Vertigo after many things had been used in vain I prescribed to be taken twice every day for the space of a Month about a spoonful of the following pouder drinking thereupon a draught of the Decoction of Sage or Rosemary impregnated with the Tincture of Coffee 2. Take the Roots of Male Peony two ounces and the flowers of the same bruised and dryed one ounce the white dung of Peacooks half a pound white Sugar two ounces make a pouder 3. It is scarcely credible how much good this person found in that Remedy after a Month he came to visit me but he seemed as it were another or a new man being free of his Vertigo he went briskly about his Affairs Willis Exercitat Pathol. Cap. 7. Obs 3. XLIX A Vertigo Convulsive 1. Some years since a stranger who lodged in this City sent for me I suspected at the first sight that he was possessed and believed that he had more need of a Conjurer than a Physician he was forty years old who at set times of the year for the space of three years had been wont to be afflicted with Convulsive motions 2. Whilst he by chance lodged here for a few daies about his occasions growing melancholy he had a fit of his Sickness greater than usual 3. He was wont for two or three dayes before hand to sensibly feell the coming of his Disease viz. from a great commotion within the forepart of the Head and almost a continual Vertigo and frequent dimness of his Eyes 4. But the fit coming upon him his Eyes at the first were variously roled about and inverted then a certain bulky substance like a living Creature was seen to creep from the bottom of his Belly upwards towards his Heart and Breast and from thence to his Head 5. I pressing his Belly with my Hand felt very discerningly this kind of motion and as long as I hindred this round thing from ascending with both my Hands and all my strength he found himself indifferently well 6. But as soon as this swelling creeping upwards by degrees had reached the Head presently the Members of the whole body were cruelly pulled together insomuch that he would dash himself against the Walls or Posts as if possest by an Evil Spirit he could hardly be held and restrained by four strong men with all their force but that he would leap from them and fling out his Arms Feet and Head here and there with divers kinds of motions 7. When he forbore strugling or leaping out his Members would be strongly extended and his Muscles stiff as if troubled with the Cramp 8. Such a fit would last about a quarter of an hour then coming to himself he would talk soberly and walk about in his Chamber he knew what he had suffered and asked pardon of the standers by 9. Immediately after he began to draw his Eyes inward and so swiftly to roul them about then presently the Convulsive Distemper returning acted over again the same Tragedy and after this manner he would have five or six of these kind of Convulsive Fits within the space of three hours 10. In the midst of one of these Fits a Vein in his Arm being opened and a large Orifice made the blood issued out leisurely and was seen presently to be Congealed it did not flow about in the Dish after the manner of Liquors with a plain and equal superficies but like melted Suet dropped into a cold Dish one drop being heaped upon another it grew to a heap 11. If this Distemper had hapned to a Woman it would have been presently concluded That it was the Mother or Hysterical and the cause of it would have beee ascribed to the fault of the Womb especially because the ascending of something like a bulk began the fit from the bottom of the Belly 12. But when this common ordinary solution which is oftenest the subterfuge of Ignorance cannot be allowed in this case it seems most agreeable to reason to refer all those Symptoms to the Evil affection of the Brain
and Nervous stock 13. For truly it may be plainly collected That the Cause of the Distemper lay hid in the Head it self by the Symptoms preceeding the Fit which did Demonstrate a very great agitation of the Spirits within the Head 14. The Inflation of the Brain and heavy swimmings which came just as the Fit was coming on him and the turnings of the Eyes did manifestly denote that heterogeneous and explosive particles did adhere to the Spirits dwelling within the Encephalon near to the beginning of the Nerves 15. So that this Case comes near to the nature of the Epilepsy excepting that the Spirits within the middle of the Brain did not admit an Heterogeneous Copula nor being explosed in another place did they outragiously break forth there for during the fit the sick person was still in his Senses or had the use of his Memory 16. But the Morbifick matter being more abundantly laid up in the Head from whence it descended into the Pipes both of the exterior and interior Nerves it had placed mines of explosive Seeds very diffusive into the Viscera both of the lower and middle Belly and also in the exterior Members 17. So that when the Animal Spirits began to be explosed near the beginnings of the Nerves presently from thence others inhabiting the Mesenterick enfoldings and then others in the other nervous enfoldings interjected from the utmost bound even to the Head being explosed in order did even continue the Convulsions from one part to another until they came to the Head it self 18. But presently being translated from thence to the spirits dwelling in the Spinal Marrow and appending Nerves the most strong Convulsions of the Muscies and Members of the whole body followed that ascent of the bulk or substance which very often was perceived in the lower Belly about the beginning of the Convulsions proceeding from the Spirits within the Mesenterick enfoldings being brought into explosions shall be more largely declared when we come to Discourse of Hysterick Passions 19. If it be asked for what reason that the Convulsive Paroxism beginning in the part of the Head near the beginnings of the Nerves presently the Spirits dwelling in the outmost parts as many as are pre-disposed for that symptom enter into Explosions and so transfer the Convulsive Disease being there fully raised upwards for it is so for the most part whether the entrance of the Disease begins in the bottom of the Belly or about the middle of the Abdomen the Hypocondria or Praecordia for that the Convulsion is wont to creep by degrees from those places towards the Head 20. I say for the Solution of this these two Considerations are offered viz. in the first place we consider that when some whole series of Spirits are disturbed those who reside in the extreamest bounds are first destituted of their original Influence wherefore they before others grow outragious and irregular hence it is when the Nerve of the Arm or Thigh is strained hard by leaning on it that the wonted influence is hindred that a numbness with a sence of pricking or tingling is first felt in the Fingers or Toes from whence by degrees it creeps upwards to the part affected 21. Secondly The other is which is the cause rather of this Distemper viz. That the Spirits being ready for explosions when they are contained within the Nervous Pipes one or more as so many little distinct Tubes they require a sufficient ample space in which they may be able very much and indeed successively to be rarified and expanded which thing because it cannot be easily performed within the Trunks of the Nerves from the beginning towards the end therefore while the Spirits about the Nervous Origine being first struck off leap back towards the Encephalon for that cause they stir up the Vertigo 22. The more open explosions of the Spirits for the most part begins about the inferior passages of the Nerves or at their Extremities where the Trunk of the Nerve is either dilated into more open foldings or terminated in more Fibres largely dispersed abroad 23. Then those Spirits being explosed there is room made presently for others succeeding in order wherby in like manner they may be explosed 24. Hence we may observe whilst the exterior Spirits are explosed if a ligature or hard compression being made the succession of others into the same space or their progress towards the exterior parts be intercepted the Convulsion is wont to be hindred that it cannot ascend upwards 25. Wherefore when a Numbness being arisen from the farthest end of the Finger or Toe creeps to the superior parts with a tingling or with a cold Air and at length reaching the Brain causeth most horrid Convulsions if after the motion is begun the Arm or Thigh be strongly tyed the Spasm or Convulsions not being able to get over the bound place is hindred from coming to the Head 26. Yea it is usual for Hysterical Women as soon as the swelling in the Belly or the ascent of the bulk in the Abdomen is first perceived to gird strongly their Wasts with swathing bands and so oftentimes they prevent the Precordia and Region of the Brain from being disturbed by that same Convulsive Fit 27. But that the Blood let out in the midst of the Fit was soon congealed it falls out ordinarily so in Convulsive and Apoplectical Diseases as the most famous Heighmore has observed out of Hendochius 28. But that some from hence argue That Convulsions depend on the thickness of the Blood and stagnation its motion being impeded cannot be allowed because the blood drawn from those that are obnoxious to Convulsions a little before the Fit is dilated with Serum and fluid enough 29. Wherefore we may judiciously think That the Congelation is caused by the Paroxism it self because in Convulsive motions and immoderate contractions of the Nerves and Viscera the inter-flowing blood by the exhalations of its Spirits and Serum is somewhat losened in its mixtion and therefore in some sort coagulated not unlike Milk which by reason of too much agitation and separation of the parts one from another grows into Butter wherefore this kind of Coagulation of the blood seems rather to be the Effect than the Cause of the Convulsions 30. In order to the Cure of this Distemper That Learned Man makes the first Indication to be to draw away the matter enkindling the Disease viz. that the blood might no affix its Heterogeneous particles either begot in it self or received from other parts as the Viscera on the Head or Brain for this purpose Evacuations are first to be performed 31. Vomits for the most part bring help here such are the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum Salt of Vitriol Vinum sciliticum which may be given at first then almost the next day a quantity of Blood may be taken away 32. After which you may give this following gentle Cephalick Purge Take Pil. de succino Cratonis or Pil. Tartari Bontij two Drams
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
ceased and she afterwards Spit a filthy kind of matter somtimes frothy and sometimes thick which would be of a yellowish or greenish kind of Colour and sometimes little Lumps would be Spit forth so that some Physicians and they who would be accounted Wise Men too conceived them to be Portions of the Lungs others thought them to be only Coagulated Blood 4. However whatever they were our Patient grew weaker and weaker and her Body exceeding lean and tabified so that in the Judgment of all Men there was an absolute Phthisis which still grew worse and worse by reason of the Contumacy of her Catarrh 5. She requested My help and I prescribed her the things following by reason of the thinness of her Body I was loth to Purge her very much therefore I ordered her now and then to take Syrup of Roses Solutive 6. And because of the Ulcer as also that she had no Stomach to her Food I prescribed the Vulnerary spirit of Sulphur thus made Take rectified spirit of Wine a quart pure rectified Oyl of Sulphur two ounces mix them and digest till they are almost sweet 7. Of this I caused the Sick to take three four five or six times a day and somtimes oftner about half a Spoonful of it and sometimes more in a Glass of Sack this cleansed the Ulcer in the Lungs and in a little time healed it also it begat a good Stomach in the Patient whereby she could the better eat her Food 8. Sometimes also for change I caused her to take choice Canary made moderately bitter with Tincture of Wormwood and sometimes the Tincture of black Pepper in rectified Spirit of Wine to forty fifty or sixty drops in any convenient Liquor by which the native heat of her Stomach became restored and strengthened so that she could Eat and Digest her Food very well 9. However that she might be always taking things conducing to her Health I ordered her often to Lick of this following Syrup Take juyce of Turnips squeezed out of Turnips baked dry in a Pan a pint and half Water distilled out of Snails and Earth-worms a pint Virgin Honey clarified four pounds mix all together melt and make a syrup in the heat of a Bath of this she took with a Liquorice stick between Meals at lest ten or twelve times a day which comforted and strengthened the late indisposed Lungs 10. Also I ordered her to take every Morning fasting and every Night going to Bed fourteen sixteen or twenty drops of the Annisated Balsam of Sulphur by which she found great good 11. These things she continued the use of for about seven or eight Weeks at what time we conceiv'd the Lungs to be perfectly well the Catarrh was also much abated but not wholly taken away 12. After seven Weeks time I caused her to receive several times the Fumes of Amber as mentioned in the former Observation also I ordered her three or four grains of My Laudanum to be taken every Night going to bed by which the Catarrh was perfectly removed and this much to be deplored Sick Patient recovered her pristin Health 13. Now here is to be noted That during the greatest part of this Cure her Food was the Juyce or Gravy of Meat sometimes of Mutton sometimes of Fowls but chiefly of Beef which she took sometimes alone sometimes with a little Bread in it 14. Her solid Food was chiefly Biscuit Almonds blanched Raisons of the Sun and her Drink was sometimes a Glass of Hyppocras or Spiced Wine but for the most part Water distilled from Milk VIII A Catarrh in a young Woman accompanied with shortness of Breath want of Appetite and a great pain in her Stomach 1. This Woman was about twenty five years of Age had been much troubled with a Catarrh but without any Ulceration of the Lungs caused a great shortness of Breath and difficulty of Breathing insomuch that she would sometimes Pant as if she strove for Life 2. This continual flux having followed her for many Months so cool'd and weakened the Ventricle that she had scarcely any Appetite at all for her Food moreover what she did Eat she could not well Digest and often times it would come up again 3. This was accompanied with such an extream pain of the Stomach which came by fits that she would often say That nothing could equal that pain but the pangs of Death 4. These fits would last sometimes four or five hours at a time in which whatsoever she took whether hot or cold she received not the least benefit 5. She had tryed many things and without success as manifold Vomitings and Purgings Clysters she had also Blysters Errhines Sternutatories Issues and had been many times Sweated whereby although the fierceness of her Catarrh might be something remitted yet she had not the least Ease as to the pain of her Stomach 6. Various sorts of Cordials Stomaticks both hot and cold were given her yet every thing as to the pain of her Stomach proved successless 7. They gave Specifick Stomatick Cordial Pills Stomatick Electuaries Antidotes Pouders Laudanum's c. and continued the use of them for many Months in so much that there was nothing left undone that was thought fit or necessary for her 8. But behold her Disease Tyrant like doubled its strength and this Stomatick pain seem'd greater than ever nor was her Catarrh in the least lessened but afresh excited so that hopeless of Remedy she was given over by all her other Physicians expecting no Cure but by Death 9. A Friend of hers desired her to make Tryal of Me which although she had tryed many Physicians in Vain yet her almost dayly Grief made her easy to be Intreated accordingly I was sent for to whom she related the aforegoing things 10. I began to be Amazed in consideration of what Cause that might be which none of the foregoing Remedies could remove but weighing the thing seriously I conceived it to be an Acid Salt lodged in the Blood which was not only the Cause of her Catarrh but also of that vehement pain in her Stomach 11. For the sharp Particles of the said Salt did not only prick and vellicate the Tunicles of the Stomach but also by their perpetual supplys did in length of time severely corrode it whereby a great rawness was occasioned which at last afflicted her every day immediately after Eating 12. For the fresh Food received in the Stomach falling forthwith upon the raw Ulcerated parts caused that immediate and extream Pain from which she could never be freed till the Food was carried off from the Stomach either upward or downward when the Food was carried off she was more at Ease and so remained as long as she remained fasting but upon the fresh Eating of Food again her pain returned with the same vehemency 13. I was dis-heartened from attempting any of the ways that had been hitherto tryed from the Relation she gave Me wherefore considering those things and the Causes by Me
did proceed from the Liver and Spleen as the fountain and original thereof and these from a bad Diet and the pravity of them to be increased by the bad Medicines which were applyed 3. I began the Cure of this person with a stomachal specifick by which the Obstructions of the Visera being unstopt we prescribed the Decoctum Melanagogum and Cholagogum for twenty days in which time he Recovered his perfect Health 4. The Decoction may be made as follows Take Sena Epithymum Dodder Polypody of each two ounces black Hellebor one ounce Cassia extracted Tamarinds of Rhubarb Prunes of each three ounces Violets an ounce and half boyl in Water a sufficient quantity with a few drops of Oyl of Sulphur sweeten strain out and keep it for use Poterius Cent. 2. Observ 14. CI. An Inveterate Catarrh of two years standing from a great weakness of the Nerves 1. An Illustrious Person 24 years of Age fell into a most grievious and dangerous defluxion of the Head from whence descending into the left side did generate a signal impotency in the Arm lower part of the Spina Thigh and Foot of the same side 2. He did use the advice of several Physicians in vain For the usual purgations phlebotomy and the like the decoctions of Guajacum Sarsa Parilla Cauteries Cupping-glasses Frictions Unctions Embrocations and Suffumigations had been all used though not with that desired success 3. When I first came to him I exhibited for the strengthening of the Brain and Nerves a Medicament with Conserve of Roses then he took a Cephalick Decoction for thirty days and the Oyl or Balsam of Vitriol was added at certain seasons 4. By these few and pleasant Medicines he Recovered his former Health in a fortnights time which he kept without any Alteration to this very Juncture of time excepting the two last months wherein he had the like affect unless he had been helped by our Industry 5. Of all the coroberating Medicines our Diaphoreticum Aurum is one of the best and our stomacal Pouder is also an universal Corroborative Poterius 2. Observ 34. CII A Salt Catarrh 1. A worthy Gentleman of 45 years of Age being afflicted with a salt Catarrh led his Life very unpleasantly and unhappily for the space of two years under a pretended Cure of 3 Physicians For he was somtimes accustomed by their direction to common Purgations and Phlebotomies somtimes to use Lignum Guajac now and then the Broths of Vipers Juleps and Syrups besides Capital Conserves Confections Morsels Pouders Clysters and many things else so that his Disease was most deplorable an Alopecia being produced from a salt Catarrh with the asperity and siccity of the Skin of the Head and accompanied with St. Anthonies fire for some short Intervals 2. While I thought of a fit Remedy to remove and extirpate this Catarrh the weakness and imbecillity of the Ventricle proceding from so many Medicaments came under my serious Consideration and was to me very discernable â—herefore I had a prospect of comforting and succoring the Ventricle as a very necessary and publick Instrument which Our Stomatick specifick did happily effect 3. I call it Ours because I know of none that has ever made mention of its use and vertue this Medicament is of a most sweet and pleasant Savour and does excert its efficacy without any manifest alteration it is to be exhibited in a very small quantity 4. Now to Extract and draw forth this saltness out of the Body we ordered the taking of the Decoctum Melanagogum with the Lignum Sassafras for twenty days 5. As for a Diet we prescribed such as is plentiful without any mutation almost of what was Customary only the Patient was to abstain from all things sharp salt and spiced with things wherein Vinegar was as also Cheese and other things of a bad nutriment 6. With these few good and safe things within the space of 25 days he was freed from this stubborn and as other Physicians call'd it incurable Disease about seven years after his Cure he died being under the Cure of other Physicians of a simple Tertian Poterius Cent. 2. Observ 52. CIII A Catarrh accompanied with a slow Feaver and a weakness of the strength and for some years contracted 1. A certain Gentleman of thirty years of Age was afflicted with many greivous distempers but the most troublesome and grievous of all these was a languishing Faintness and Pain of the Stomach which I did ascribe principally to Diet and the weak Constitution of the Viscera both as the external and internal Causes of so many Evils 2. And as a proof of the Cure I endeavour'd to strengthen the Viscera afterwards to destroy and purge out those Fleeting and Congested humours both in the Stomach Intestines and other parts of the Body 3. The first Indications we did absolve in a short time with our Stomachal Specifick and the second with the following Decoction 4. Take of choice China cut in small pieces half an ounce sarsa parilla one ounce sassafras two drams Sanders half a dram Epithymum Dodder and sena five drams Annise Coriander prepared of each one pugil the flowers of Borage Bugloss Balm Betony of each one handfull the flowers of Violets one pugil Boyl them all in the Broth of a Capon Poterius Cent. 2. Observ 71. CIV Of A Catarrh in general 1. We may say concerning a Catarrh as Ovid said of old concerning Erynis there is no Countrey wherein it does not Reign it spares neither Man Woman nor Child against old Men it mainly bends its force 2. A Catarrh is a distillation or defluxion of a preternatural superfluous Humour from the Brain to the Members Scholars talk much of the Name and Power of a Catarrh but we still consulting the profit of humane Kind say with Fernelius that a Catarrh is a distillation of the excrementious Humour from the Brain to the lower Parts 3. I call it excrementious because every thing which we Eat has in it self a Mucilaginous Tartar very noxious and hurtfull to the Health of Mankind which tartarous Impurity or filth seeing it cannot be wasted subdued and seperated there remains an Excrement which should have a passage by Urine and other secesses of Nature 4. But if it comes to the Members and Lodges there it is the foundation and Basis of all distillations from whence a Catarrh has its pecular differences not from cold and heat c. as the vulgar Dreams but from the nature of the excrement and the difference of the place 5. The differences of Catarrhs are not learned in a long time and by much use and Experience wherefore the Brain of all the Members does abound most with a Catarrh For it being a soft and moist Body requires and needs equally a great and suitable Nutriment not so much for nourishing of the Bulk of the Body as for the Reparation and Regeneration of the Spirits 6. Now to cut off this Catarrh let us strengthen all the natural parts removing these Evils
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
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
of Tholouze had prescribed her which I found to be these Clysters breaking Wind and emollient Clysters Apozems Juleps things provoking her Courses Baths Oyntments Emplasters Embrocations and many other Prescriptions which I willingly pass by least I should prove tedious 5. Now when that I had considered this Disease could not be cured by Galens method but was rather in danger of being made worse I attempted the Spagyrick way of Cure 6. First of all I enquired what kind of Diet she had used all her Life long and I found that she had always drunk Water and did abhor all flesh Meat and the Broth of Flesh and did eat all manner of Fruits Eggs made ready with Bread Oyl and Herbs wherefore I altered the whole Course of her Diet prescribing her to accustom her self by little and to drink Wine till she could drink it pure without mixture the Course of her Diet was hot and moist 7. Afterwards I prescribed the salt of Vitriol dissolved in Mugwort-water to the quantity of one dram in one ounce of the said Water 8. So great was the Vertue of this Medicament that there was almost a Recess of all the Symptoms she did Vomit up an abundance of flegmatick humors greenish and yellowish by this Medicament alone and a Bath of Wine with Tartar she was perfectly cured in the space of eight days 9. Of which benefit being always mindful she at last bestowed her self and all her Riches upon me as a Reward of my great Care and Cure by whom living as yet I have many goodly Children Petrus Johannes Faber Cur. 11. CXXVIII The Falling-sickness 1. A Labouring Man of my Brothers whilst he was warming him before the Fire fell to the ground my Brother and I being present without sense trembling crying out and foaming at the Mouth to whom we gave immediately Aqua Imperialis with the green spirit of Vitriol by which he did presently rise and was freed from the Epileptick assault 2. But within three or four hours after the fit returned from which he was delivered by the like Medicament to wit my salt of Vitriol it purging him by Vomit for a whole day and he was for a long time freed from the Paroxysm which used to afflict every third hour 3. Afterwards we purged him the next day with our Antimony and for eight days together he did use the Essence of white Amber with the green spirit of Vitriol in Cinnamon-water to a small quantity and by these few Medicaments this young Man was perfectly cured of the Epilepsy with which he had been afflicted from his Mothers Womb. Petrus Johannes Faber Cur. 42. CXXIX An Epilepsy with a vehement Obstruction of the Lungs 1. It was in a Youth which for five or six years had been mightily troubled with the Falling-sickness having for so long time used the advice of Physicians without any hope of Remedy at length by reason of a Fall had a bruise upon his Side and Back from whence came a great difficulty of Breathing sometimes to the endangering the stopping of his Breath 2. The Disease encreasing upon him he receiving no benefit by any thing given by his Physicians he became not only Hoarse but breathed with a ratling Noise in his Throat and Breast and complained that his Stomach was mightily swelled within to his apprehension as if he should burst and therefore earnestly desired that his Brest and Stomach might be suddenly emptied without which he must necessarily dye 3. At length I being called perceived where the young Mans grief lay and how that by reason of a great Obstruction of the Lungs there was present danger of Suffocation I forthwith ordered the following things Take Rhenish Wine a quart dissolve in it an ounce of the pure juyce of spanish Liquorice by receiving only its rubicund Tincture in this Tincture dissolve Volatile salts of Hartshorn and Mans skull of each half an ounce Dose one ounce more or less in a glass of Canary putting into it at time of taking eight ten or twelve drops of spirit of sal Armoniack or as many drops as the Sick could well endure to swallow it withal and this to be taken four or five times a day 4. After three or four days the danger of Death by Suffocation was over then I ordered this following Vomit Take Infusion of Crocus Metallorum half an ounce salt of Vitriol one scruple mix them This was given in the Morning fasting by which he had six easy Vomits and eight Stools I repeated it twice more at four days distance by means of which three several Emetick Doses and the continuation of the former prescript the miserable sick Patient was perfectly cured not only of his Suffocative Obstruction of the Lungs but also of his Falling-sickness Ex MSS. R. Turneri Obs 130. CXXX The Falling-sickness 1. A Barbers Wife in Bedford-shire being afflicted therewith every Change of the Moon was preserved by taking each day three drops of Oleum Heraclei with the Extract of Peony 2. Or the Cure of this Disease may be thus performed first you shall purge your Patient with the Extract of Helleborus niger the Dose whereof is from eight grains to twelve being before well Corrected and then drank in some convenient Liquor or Potion 3. This being done he gave his Patient Morning and Evening of this Composition which the longer it is used the better it will be for him Take the Essence of Peony Conserve of Rosemary-flowers and of Betony as much as you please mix them together in form of an Electuary then add thereto for every ounce of that Compositum one scruple of Mans skull and half a scruple of the Oyl of Rosemary-flowers with twelve drops of the Oyl of Vitriol hereof let him take half an ounce at a time either by it self or with some convenient Liquor Broth or Potion 4. Also the nape of the Neck must be anointed with the Oyl of Castoreum when the person falls you shall anoint their Nostrils with the Oyl of Amber for that will in a very short time recover them again it will be also expedient to use those things that Comfort the Brain and the Heart Anonymus CXXXI The Falling-sickness 1. Against the Falling-sickness I have often given the juyce of the Herb called Lanceola which is Herba Vernalis or the less Plantain called Rib-wort with an empty Stomach for the space of thirty days mixing it with the Gelly of the shavings of Ivory and the Blood of a Pigeon for the Man the Male for the Woman the Female in the Essence or Oyl of Mans Skull Paracelsus 2. I often cured the Falling-sickness with Essentia veratri nigri prepared by our order Paracelsus 3. A certain Woman was troubled with the Falling-sickness in whose Nose I put the Oyl of Gagates and in a short time she recovered again then I purged her with our Hellebor and the next day I gave her some drops of the Oyl of Mans skull who afterwards was not any more
of an approaching Epilepsy and sometimes of a fit ready to come in those that have had it already but all these signs are not to be expected to be found in one person but some of them in one some in another according to their various Natures and Dispositions Qualifications Habits and Constitutions CXLVII The various Causes of the Falling-sickness 1. There are many Causes of an Epilepsy which arise in part from the quantity or quality of the matter causing 2. The place where the prime Cause lodges is within the Encephalon and springs from the indisposition of the parts within the Skull 3. But it may be demanded how that can be in those kinds of this Disease where the Paroxysm begins in the extream parts and ascends by degrees up to the Head 4. Truly this seems only to be so and happens by meer Accident For that the Morbifick Cause subsists about the Encephalon it self thereby causing immediately a great insensibility and dis-order with a vehement Contraction of most of the Members and Viscera 5. By which it appears that the Encephalon and original of all the Nerves are possessed with the Morbifick Cause 6. The opinion of Galen was that an Epilepsy was caused from an imperfect obstruction of the Ventricles of the Brain but the true Cause of an Epilepsy is from the sudden Rarifaction and Explosion of the Animal Spirits inhabiting of the middle the Brain and these are the first and immediate Cause of this Disease by which the Brain being as it were blown up and tumefied is rendred insensible and the Nerves appending thereto are put into Convulsions whence comes the sudden accession of the Fit the deprivation of both the internal and external Senses 7. The Procatartick Cause of the tumultuating of the Animal Spirits we do not just now deliver that being known almost to every one but the Proeguminine Cause deserves a little to be enquired unto 8. For that the Animal Spirits should be so rarifyed as to tumultuate and to make those preternatural Explosions of their own accord is not reasonable to believe but there must be somewhat that must go before as the Act of the sensitive Soul to stir up those kinds of perturbations viz. 9. There must be something which must obstruct their regular and natural Motions and this in some persons which we have seen opened that dyed of an Epilepsy was either a bag of water in the Cavities of the Brain or a viscous water or other corrupt matter yellow green blew c. filling the said Ventricles by reason of which the said Spirits assemble together in a tumultuous manner as aforesaid 10. These Spirits making their explosions upon the the original of the Nerves and indeed the Nerves of the whole Body affect the other spirits in the nervous system by way of Consent whence it is that though the Disease seem to begin in the Hand or Foot yet the original thereof is absolutely in the Brain it self 11. Barbet says that the nearest Cause is the Lympha vitiated in the Brain and irritating the Nerves by its sharpness and indeed he was not far off from the Truth 12. For Nature being hurt by such a kind of sharpness sends as it were Floods of Spirits towards the relief of the parts afflicted but by reason of this vitiated Lympha falling upon the original of the Nerves the influx of the Animal Spirits is hindered whence follows immediately Convulsion 13. And by reason that the Community betwixt the nervous Systeme and the animal Spirits is cut off by the Matter interposing thence follows the so sudden deprivation both of Reason and Sense and of all regular motions 14. Decker is of the opinion that it is an acid Lympha that Causes this Obstruction and indeed that is most probable because that nothing can prick or vellicate so much as acid things and all Obstructions made by Acids are commonly great and the Coagulations difficult to be dissolved 15. Whence it is That Diseases arising from an Acid Salt as for certain the Epilepsy does are of so difficult Cure 16. Deckers saith That from the Thumb of the left Hand he had somtimes observ'd a sharp matter to be mov'd towards the Heart and Brain so that the Patient was sensible of it 17. This is nothing but what we said before of this Disease proceeding by consent from the extream parts 18. But the chief Observation that Deckers makes hereof is this That the said Thumb being bound had sometimes kept back the Fit and that the sick had been several times so delivered from the approaching Fit 19. This is confirm'd by Galen de locis affectis lib. 3. cap. 5. Also Johannes Schenkius de Epilepsia Lib. 1. Obs 82. affirms the same 20. I knew the person very well that had it arising from the Foot aforementioned 't is probable the same thing might have succeeded in him but my Youth and want of Skill in Physick for it is near twenty years since hindred my putting the thing in tryal 21. If it proceeds from the Womb pains of Loins does preceed for those Women are for the most part troubled with vehement Head-aches 22. The remote Causes thereof says Barbet are to be sought in the milky Glandules the Womb and other parts for whatever it is whether it be Choler Flegm the Pancreatick juyce the Seed or menstruous Blood that makes the Lymphatick Juyce sharper easily causes an Epilepsy 23. The Brain not being rightly disposed the region of the Brain is by all concluded to be the primary seat of this Disease 24. But Willis will by no means admit water heaped up within the Ventricles of the Brain nor a thick viscous humor impacted in the passages of its Pores to be the Conjunct Cause of this Distemper for saith he such Causes are begot by degrees and would shew some certain signs before hand of their first coming upon one 25. To which we answer that so they do else how comes it to pass that we have so many previous signs of an approaching Epilepsy as we have a little above enumerated 26. But saith he the assault of the fit being over such a matter could not wholly be discussed in so short a time but that from its Relicts some impediments of the Animal Functions would remain which rarely happens in the Epilepsy unless it be inveterate 27. To which we Answer that there is no such need that the matter should be wholly discussed in so short a time for it has been observable that the intervals between each fit comes not so much from the discussion of the matter as by the quieting of the Animal Spirits which force their way through the Obstruction 28. So that when the continuity of the nervous System is made up with the original fountains of the Animal Spirits the Fit passes off but when the obstructing matter fluctuates afresh and dissolves again that continuity then there comes an accession of a new fit 29. From hence it may certainly be
concluded That the middle of the Brain is always the primary Seat of the Epilepsy and that originally the morbifick Cause is stored up in that Region 30. But the Distemper growing inveterate it gradually spreads it self through the whole Brain enlarging its dominions after a wonderful manner scattering the Morbifick Matter every where up and down which subjects the whole much like Garrisons in Conquered Countries keeping the vassallated people under subjection 31. Its dominions being enlarged through the whole Head extends it self likewise to the nervous Appendix so that the semination of the Disease like lightning is diffused thorough the whole nervous Systeme but sometimes one Nerve is more affected than another whence Convulsions follow sometimes in one part somtimes in another 32. And if the nervous System be universally a like affected the Convulsion generally affects the whole Body 33. The Cause why Epilepticks fall down with violence is partly from the surprize and sudden coming of the fit whereby all their Reason and Sense is taken from them and partly from the Convulsion of the Nerves adjacent to the Head which being strongly contracted the whole Body is vehemently carried forth and falls violently 34. From these Contractions other parts become swelled and tumifyed as the Lungs maxillary Glandules both upper and lower out of which the Lymphatick Juyce being strongly pressed and squeesed forthwith the Spittle appears like foam at the Mouth CXLVIII The Prognosticks of an Epilepsy 1. The Epilepsy is a Disease hard to Cure if it be inveterate or of long continuance it is so much the more difficult and the Idiopathetick is harder to Cure than that which is by consent 2. That which is in Infants is of all the easiest to Cure and much more easy while it is Recent the Child having had but few fits 3. That which is Hereditary is never to be cured and antient Physicians were of the opinion that if it happened to people which were much in years that it was also incurable but experience has contradicted that 4. For we have known people above fifty years of age Cured but we confess it has been with great difficulty 5. In some persons it is cured without the help of Physick in whom siezing upon them young it has continued ten twelve or fourteen years but at their arriving at puberty or ripeness of age or in Virgins at the coming down of their Terms the Disease of its own accord has left the Patient 6. Though in this Case I am very apt to believe that there might be some congruous and benevolent Directions in Heaven of the principal Stars or principal Significators which might be adjuvant to the Native at that time 7. If all the Functions be abolished the Convulsion vehement and strong the Paroxysm of long continuance and Excrements flow forth of their own Accord the Cure will be exceeding difficult 8. If it comes from external Causes or evil Diet Surfeiting or Drunkenness the Convulsion mild and the fits not long the Disease will not be very difficult to Cure 9. Hippocrates says That an Epilepsy coming in Boys at fourteen years of age and in Girls before twelve is curable but after the age of twenty five it is incurable as appears by his Sect. 5. Aphor. 7. and of this opinion is Galen but the latter part of this Prognostick as we said before is not always true 10. A strong Epilepsy often kills the Patient in the fit or else turns into an Apoplexy by reason of the strength of the Symptoms whereby there is a great Concussion of the Brain and a profligation of the strength of the whole Body 11. Riverius tells us a strange kind of Story that somtimes the Concussion of the Brain will be so great in the fit that some pieces of the Bones called Processus Mamillares will come out of the Nostrils 12. If the Falling-sickness comes of Melancholy it commonly degenerates into Madness by which means the morbifick matter offends the very substance of the Brain it self whereby being corrupted it obfuscates or darkens the Animal Spirits whence comes a Melancholy Dottage 13. If the Epilepsy proceeds from a thick Lymphatick Juyce it for the most part degenerates into an Apoplexy or Palsey 14. If a Quartan Ague or a violent burning Feaver comes upon an Epilepsy it commonly Cures it because by the vehemency of the heat the Morbifick matter comes to be dissolved rarifyed and discussed 15. If the fits are often repeated and every time grow stronger and stronger the Animal Faculties will be quickly obliterated by reason of which the Vital Spirits come to be tainted from whence the Vital Functions comes by degrees to be profligated 16. And this seems to be by consent of the Nerves serving the Praecordia so that at length the whole Body languishing the Pulse being quell'd the Vital flame is not long after extinguished 17. The reason why this Disease often ends in a Palsy Madness or Melancholy is from the conformation of the Brain being depraved by the manifold and tumultuous rushings forth of the Animal Spirits whereby its natural state is so perverted that the morbifick Particles of another kind are admitted whereby the Animal Spirits are either fixed or become dull and sluggish being depressed by the Morbifick matter afflicting 18. If the Falling-sickness happens to Children and they be not freed from it about ripeness of age being overcome by a new and natural fermentation of the Blood the Disease will continue and 't is much if it be not incurable to Death CXLIX The Method of Curing the Epilepsy and first of the Cure of Infants 1. The Cure of the Falling-sickness in Children differs something from that in elder people for that in the latter strong Evacuations are commonly used which we cannot do in Children nor indeed is there that need and necessity because such a heap of morbifick matter cannot be supposed to be in them as is in those of elder years 2. The chief things we use to Children are Revulsives Discussives and Specificks 3. For Revulsion Blysters may be applyed to the nape of the Neck or behind the Ears or an Issue may be made behind the Ear whereby the Morbifick matter is plentifully drawn away or the Seton may be applyed to the nape of the Neck which may run for two three or four Months 4. Blystering Plasters also applyed to the soles of the Feet may be very profitable for by reason of the consent of parts they sometimes Cure to a miracle 5. Issues a so in the Arms and Legs are also approved of by many Learned and Experienced men if the Child be two or three years old Cupping-Glasses with Scarification may be applyed to the Shoulders Loins or both 6. I knew a Chyrurgian which lanced the Head and cut many deep flashes even to the Cranium whereby the Child bled extreamly after which he healed them forthwith up again upon which the Child recovered and had no more fits 7. If the Paroxysm be
tedious and violent and a watery humor flows forth at the Nostrils it will be good to shave the Head of the Child and to apply a Vesicatory over the whole Head this I have known sometimes to Cure at the first drawing it may be repeated if occasion be two or three times 8. It cannot be done in vain but with great advantage to the Sick forasmuch as that the watery juyce or degenerated Lympha which is the Conjunct Cause of the Disease is clearly drawn away 9. And this is more admirably done and with greater advantage in Infants than in persons of elder years because as yet in Children the Sutures of the Skull are not perfectly closed whereby not only the aforesaid degenerated Lymphatick Juyce but also the preternatural Vapours lodged in the Cavities of the Brain are drawn forth 10. This done the Soar being healed we must make use of Discussives of which the Powers of Amber are of mighty force being Bathed upon the whole Head so all the Powers of Sage Rosemary Lavender sweet Marjoram Thyme Tansey Featherfew Savory and such like 11. For they pierce and penetrate through the flesh Pericranium and softness of the Skull whereby not only the Menings of the Brain but the Brain it self are marvellously dryed comforted and strengthened and the Animal Spirits themselves recreated 12. The Temples Forehead and Nostrils ought to be bathed with the same and this ought to be done twice a day for two or three Weeks together 13. After which the Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus Valesius may be applyed to the Coronal Sutures for as much as it is said that that Plaster alone never fails of the Cure the Composition and Preparation whereof you may see sect 73. § 4. aforegoing of this Chapter 14. Moreover it will be profitable that the the Hands and Feet should be bathed with these Potestates or Powers aforenamed not only because it might probably have a rise from those parts but also by reason of the consent and sympathy of the same 15. The third Intention consists in the exhibiting of proper Specificks if the Child be two three or more years old the Gilla Theophrasti or Salt of Vitriol may be profitably given 16. For as Paracelsus says They are specificks in rooting out the Falling-sickness especially in Children for by gentle Convulsions of the Stomach they cause Vomiting whereby the root of the peccant matter is taken away the Stomach cleansed and strengthened from whence an laudible Chyle is generated whereby strong and salutiferous Spirits are bred in the Heart and Brain 17. This same salt of Vitriol may be given two three or four times according as you see the Disease increase and it is so safe that it may be given even to young Children the Dose to Children is ten grains to half a dram according to their Age and Strength 18. If it be given by a wise Hand it will not only evacuate the humor upward but also derive a part of the morbifick Cause downwards 19. Some commend Hiera picra or the Infusion thereof in a proper Liquour truly the thing is good but 't is too bitter to be given to Children 20. The following things I have proved as Specificks in this Case Take pouder of Male-peony seeds and roots of each one dram and half pouder of Mans skull salt of Hartshorn and pouder of Nutmegs of each a dram Elks-hoof prepared half a dram mix them in a fine Pouder Dose from 15 grains to half a dram 21. Take Castoreum a dram and half prepared Amber half a dram pouder of Peony-seeds and Peacocks dung of each two scruples Oyl of Lavender ten drops mix them Dose ten grains to a scruple 22. Take Nutmegs a scruple pouder of Peony-roots and seeds of each two scruples Misleto of the Oak one dram Castoreum Mans skull prepared Musk in fine pouder of each four scruples mix them together and make an Electuary with the Extract of black Cherries Dose one dram to two drams giving after it a little Cinnamon water 23. Take Tincture of Castoreum Tincture of Mans skull of each an ounce Tincture of Lavender-flowers Tincture of Saffron of each six drams spirit of Mans skull half an ounce Powers of Amber two drams mix them the Dose one dram or more in proper Liquor 24. Take Water of the flowers of the Line-tree Water of the flowers of the Lilly Convally of each six ounces syrup of the juyce of Alkermes syrup of the juyce of Male-peony-flowers of each four ounces spirit of Angelica the greater Composition spirit of Castor of each three ounces strong Cinnamon-water Aqua Coelestis of each two ounces and half Powers of Rosemary Sage Lavender Origanum and sweet Marjoram of each half an ounce white sugar enough to sweeten them well mix all together and so you have a Liquor whitish red of which you may give the Child half a spoonful every Morning and Evening alone or in a glass of Sack 25. With this following Pouder I have cured several Take choice Musk one dram Ambergrise Cochineal Salt of Mans skull of each a scruple mix and make a Pouder which may be given with a little Conserve of red Roses drinking after it a Glass of choice Canary 26. Also our Epileptick Pouder which we have commended in the Cure of the Vertigo is inferiour to very few things 27. Riverius commends this Take Peony-seeds a dram and half Lavender-flowers a pugil Amber two scruples make a fine pouder 28. Columna saith That the root of Wild Valerian given in pouder in Milk has cured very many 29. Vntzerus commends the Gall of a black sucking Puppy but of a Bitch for a Girl to be taken to three or four drops in Tile-flower water he saith it will cure to a Miracle 30. Riverius commends the Back-bone and the Members contracted to be anointed with this following Liniment Take Oyl of Rue Oyl of Earthworms of each two ounces Oyl of Castor a dram and with a little Aqua Vitae make a Liniment it ought to be well rub'd in twice a day Morning and Evening 31. That learned Man and great Chymist Maxy commended to me this as a great secret that would never fail Take Venice Treacle Confect of Alkermes of each half an ounce salt of Mans skull fine pouder of Cocheneel Musk in subtle pouder of each two drams Ambergrise a dram mix and make an Electuary of which the quantity of a Nutmeg may be given the Child every Morning 32. He also commended to me salt of Vipers mixed with equal parts of salt of Mans skull and Musk as a remedy that had scarcely any equal 33. Moreover he told me from manifold and large experiences that all fixt Alchalies if often and long taken would infallibly Cure this Disease for that they enervated the Acid juyce and the sowerness of the Blood which he conceived to be the Cause of this Disease 34. And that he knew more to be cured by taking of Volatile and Fixt Alchalies such as are Salt
drams seeds of Anise of Fennel and of Hartwort of each two drams flowers of Bugloss and Rosemary of each a handful and half make a Decoction in fair water strain and in a pint thereof infuse pure Agarick one ounce Ginger Galangal Rubarb of each two drams strain again and with white sugar make a syrup which aromatize with a little Cinnamon in pouder with this the Body ought to be once or twice a Week cleansed during the whole Cure if the Sick cannot take a purge in this form let them take it in the form of Pills as above-mentioned 22. The Body being sufficiently cleansed the Head and Womb may be corroborated with some of the things abovenamed or with this following Take choice Venice Treacle five ounces of the best spirit of Wine a pint Camphir two drams digest in a glass close stopt in Horse-dung or sand for a Week then distil in Balneo with a gentle heat so that the Alembick may not grow very hot draw off about a third part and repeat the distillation three times the Dose is one Spoonful Morning and Evening adding thereto four drops of the Oyl of Vitriol or six drops of the Tincture of Coral and sweetening it a little with white Sugar 23. Or this which may be exhibited in the time of the Paroxysm also Take syrup of the juyce of Peony one ounce syrup of the juyces of Rue and of Bawm of each half an ounce liquid extract of Castoreum two drams extract of Juniper-berries a dram and half extracts of Angelica and Zedoary of each one scruple of the former spirit two drams Lavender-water one ounce mix them Dose one spoonful 24. Among the number of Corroboratives are accounted Mithridate and Venice Treacle Confect of Alkermes Diamoschu dulcis Bezoar stone given with Scorzonera water but most effectual things are the Oyl and Powers of Amber which may be given in the fit as also to provoke the Terms 25. If the Courses be obstructed you must use with your Corroboratives such things as provoke them among which some highly commend this Take green branches of the Fir or Pitch-trees one handful Mugwort half a handful tops of Juniper bark of the Beech-tree of each a handful Celandine leaves of the Alder-tree of each half a handful roots of swallow-wort and round Birthwort of each five ounces make a Bath in fair water for the sick to sit in for about half an hour The Belly and lower parts after bathing may be anointed with this Take Oyls of Rue and Bays of each an ounce Chymical Oyls of Aniseeds of Cloves and of Camomil of each a dram mix them CLII. The Cure of an Epilepsy by consent from the Stomach 1. If vapours arising from the Stomach to the Head be the cause of the Falling-sickness it is known by a certain pain going before a perturbation and sickness at Stomach with a kind of heaviness or weight about the Precordia want of Appetite weakness of the Concoctive Faculty belching of Wind with other like Symptoms 2. The Sick also upon the accession of the Fit is sensible of it before-hand and it oftentimes comes upon an emptiness of the Stomach or too long fasting 3. Children are often affected with this Disease from this very cause when either the Milk is corrupted in their Stomachs or it was before hand of a vitious quality from some evil habit of Body in the Nurse and then it is known by gripings in the Bowels of Child the Ordure being either of a Saffron or of a Verdigrise like colour 4. In order to the Cure purgation is necessary and that kind of Purgation by Vomit more especially if the Sick is apt to that evacuation The Bilious humor Physicians say needs no preparation but thick tough and viscous flegm they say ought to be prepared before-hand for evacuation that it may be the more easily expelled which thing Dr. Willis stoutly denys Sennertus advises to prepare the matter by taking Honey of Roses Oxymels Syrups of Betony stoechas and such like 5. If the Sick is not apt or does not easily Vomit the cause may be removed by things which work by Stool as Hiera picra pilulis ex Aloe in a cholerick cause Agarick Jallap in a flegmatick cause sena Hellebor c. in a melancholy cause 6. In this case the stronger Purgers are not to be used lest they draw too much or new matter to the Ventricle and thereby augment the Disease by a continued hurting or weakning of it 7. The Stomach being cleansed you must strengthen it with proper corroboratives In a hot cause you may apply Topicks made of Oyls of Quinces of Roses of Olives Omphacine of Water-Lillys of Lettice of Nightshade c. in a cold cause Medicaments made of Mastich Mint Wormwood Cloves Nutmegs and such like 8. Inwardly let the Food be given warm and temperate in respect of quality not sharp or salt or fat or oyly and Trallianus forbids the drinking of Wormwood or other bitter things lest lying in the Ventricle they should be converted into Choller yet doubtless where the cause is from cold moist and indigested flegm things hot and bitter can do no hurt however other things of a warming Nature may easily be given instead thereof as Coriander-seeds Betony Cheb Myrobalans preserved Nutmegs which come from the Indies extract of Juniper-berries rolls of Aromaticum Rosatum and Caryophilatum Syrups of Mastich and Cinnamon c. from which various Medicines various Compositions may be made according to the humour abounding If the cause be from heat and bitter and choller you may use Conserves of Wood-Sorrel Marmalade of Quinces Quiddony of the same Oyls and Spirits of Vitriol Salts Sulphur Nitre c. of which also things may be compounded 9. Now in the mixion while you are compounding things to fortify the Ventricle you must be sure not to forget such things as are Specificks against the Disease afflicting to wit the Epilepsy for by this means the Sick will soon be restored to his pristin Health 10. Take Conserves of Roses of Betony and of Peony of each two ounces extract of Juniper-berries half an ounce pouder of Mans skull four scruples Indian green Ginger preserved half an ounce Oyl of Vitriol ten drops with syrup of the Conserve of Citron-peels and juyce of Peony-flowers make an Electuary 11. Take pouder of Cloves two drams extracts of Peony of Calamus Aromaticus of Carduus of each one dram Indian green Ginger condited two drams with sugar a sufficient quantity make Morsels 12. Take Mans skull prepared Peony-roots Scorzonera Nutmegs Misletoe of the Oak of each one dram seeds of Anise and Fennel of each one dram white Amber Peony-seeds Peacocks-dung of each half a dram Cubebs Anacardiums Galangal Tormentil roots Virginian Snake-roots Rosemary-flowers of each a scruple white sugar two ounces make all into fine pouder Dose two scruples to two drams CLIII Of an Epilepsy arising from Worms 1. If any one be taken with Epileptick Fits and the Cause
he could not set his Feet upon the ground to go and if he strove to beare his Body upon them it was with exceeding great Pain 2. This Disease continuing the Convulsion by degrees seized upon other parts and in like manner afflicted his Hands and Arms so that he could scarcely stir himself and upon almost the least motion or turning himself one part or another would be crampt or shrunk up with a horrible Pain or tortor of the part upon the sudden opening of his Mouth it would seize him under his Chin so that he trembled to think of yawning and indeed upon any sudden motion or the feeling of the least cold the spasm would take him somtimes in one part somtimes in two parts somtimes in more and somtimes it would be universal over his whole Body 3. In the first place I caused the Patient to be put into a warm Sulphur-bath because it has great power not only to open obstructions but also to dilate the Pores whereby the Cold and Windy vapours or flatulent Spirit engendred in the Muscles Nerves and Tendons might be in some measure drawn out this don I applyed to the principal parts afflicted with the Cramp this following Cataplasm Take fresh roots of Bryony of Marsh-mallows of Mallows of each one handful boyl them in Milk till they are soft then beat them into a mash and add to them the mucilage of seeds of Fleawort and Quinces Line-seed of each two ounces Goose and Dogs grease of each one ounce Oyl of Bays an ounce and half Oyls of Amber and of Anniseeds of each half an ounce Saffron two drams pouder of Bay-berries enough to make it of a Convenient stifness mix all well together spread it upon Leather and apply it 4. This went not without its desired effect for the Patient found much ease and Comfort by it but being removed and exposing himself to the Air or not being so careful as he ought to be of taking cold the Tetanos returned again and that with a greater Vehemency whereupon I advised the Application of the same Cataplasm again but first I caused all the Convulsed parts for two days to be well anointed Morning and Evening with this following Take Frankincense Mastich of each one ounce Storax Benjamin Myrrh Opopanax Bdellium Elemi Sagapenum Amoniacum sarcocol of each half an ounce Euphorbiam Aloes Labdanum Castoreum roots of Galangal Costus Nutmegs Mace of each six drams sage Marjoram ground-Pine Rosemary and Lavender flowers of each ten drams Venice Turpentine a pound distil all in a Copper Vesica or in a retort according to Art so will you have a water and Oyl which keep apart with the water I caused him to be well bathed and then after that I caused him to be anointed with the Oyl and after two days as aforesaid applyed again the former Cataplasm 5. Upon the removing of the Cataplasm to avoid his immediate taking of Cold as also to strengthen the parts weakned by the Vehemency of the Convulsion I applyed this following Emplaster Take Oyl of sweet Almonds new drawn Oyl of Camomil Oyl of earth-worms Oyl of Whelps Oyl of Castoreum Oyl of Line seed by Expression Oyl of Nutmegs by expression Oyl of Hypericon of each one ounce Mucilage of Fleawort-seed and Linseed Ducks-grease Calves marrow Turpentine Frankincense Myrrh of each half an ounce flowers of sulphur six drams pouder of Earth-worms two drams Saffron a dram and half Wax a sufficient quantity make all into a Cerate which spread upon Leather or new Cloths and apply it 6. This Emplaster was kept upon the part for a week and renewed every week for a month or more at what time I advised him to leave it off but withall to bath the parts twice a day with some warming and comfortable water and so I doubted not but he might be secure for the future of his Health as in relation to this disease Take roots of Orrice Horse-radish Angelica Acorus both Galangals Costus Pellitory of spain Zedory Gingen Cyperus leaves of sage Time Rosemary Rue Marjoram Bawm Hyssop savory Lavender flowers of staechas flowers of Hypericon Cowslips Mustard seeds Gith Juniper and Bay-berries Nutmegs Cloves Mace Cubebs spicknard long and round Pepper Xyloaloes yellow sanders saffron Frankincense Myrrh Liquid storax Castoreum of each one ounce sal niter eight ounces all being prepared and poudred grosly affuse upon them spirit of Wine five pints digest in a warm place for a week then draw off the spirit in Balneo Mariae or sand according to Art with this water he bathed his Limbs and other parts affected Morning and Evening and became well 7. But that we might the more secure his Health to him and take away the progenerative Cause of that flatulent spirit producing the Tetanos I advised him to purge two or three times with my Family Pills with Aloes and withall every Morning and Night going to bed to take about a spoonful of this following mixture by the use of which thing he found an incomparable kindness Take of the best Cinnamon water a pint Cardamom water Aquae Coelestis Aquae Mirabilis Aquae Jmperialis of each half a pint spirit of saffron Doctor Stephens his water of each four ounces syrup of Roses solutive syrup of Clove-gily-flowers of each a pound and half mix them well together and keep them in a glass bottle close stopt for use to be taken Morning and Evening as aforesaid XXIV Convulsion fits in a young Man arising from a hurt of the Genus Nervosum occasioned by a Blow 1. How many ways Convulsions may be caused is not my place hear to lay down yet by reason of this present observation We shall a little search into some of the principal causes that thereby we may make our discourse somthing the more intelligible to the Apprehension of the industrious Student The more frequent cause of Convulsions is thought to be an irritation of the Brain pouring forth the Spirits into the Nerves such a one by which its expulsive faculty stired up rising to cast off what is troublesome to it doth together drive forth the Spirits as Nature every where feeling Pain and trouble is wont to thrust Spirits thither and together with them Blood also somtimes so powerfully that there follows an Inflamation of that part which receives them 2. But this irritation or trouble of the Brain is thought by some Physicians to happen rather by consent or compassion with some parts than from its proper affect because we see Convulsions happen rather from an affect and disease of another part far distant somtimes from the Brain than of the Brain it self as from a Nerve prickt a Tendon hurt or some violent Medicine taken inwardly 3. Whereas if it did happen from some grievious disease of the Brain as indeed it must needs be a grievious Disease which must induce so vehement a symptom the accidents of Convulsions would not so soon remit as also in other hurts of this principal part we see there
succeeds long continued and lasting symptoms as you see in an Apoplexy Now those affects which happen to the Nerves which cause Convulsions as a Puncture Inflamation c. if they were in the Brain would not cause them but an Apoplexy and Phrensie although the Brain thus affected by consent also if the cause offending be great and follows continually not only irritating the Brain it self but also by its Vehemency and frequency so hurting it contracts also its proper Disease then the contention of Convulsions lasts almost continually as I not long since observed in a noble Lady nor does the sick hardly ever come any more to themselves or the fit wholy cease till the Patient is dead 4. Yet it may be also that from the same cause as we shall anon speak when we treat of that which is poysonous both the Genus Nervosum and Brain being hurt together Convulsions may happen coupled together with other hurts of the mind 5. But to find out the part which is first affected and with which the Brain consents we must consider the symptoms to wit the inordinate motion and privation of Senses which has so great consent with the Muscles exercising voluntary motion and with the Brain communicating sense that that being hurt the Muscles are forced and the Brain ceaseth a while from its function which we say is that Genus nervosum Or Nervous System because it begins in the Brain and ends in the Muscles under which name viz. of Genus Nervosum we understand all the Nerves in the whole Body both within and without the skull especially those endued with the sence of feeling and the nervous parts which are compounded of them which are of most exquisite sence the which being so hurt that the functions of the Brain are abolished by sympathy and those of the Muscles augmented it must needs be that Convulsions follow which how it may come to pass we will now immediately explicate 6. The offence of the Genus Nervosum not that which weakens its functions but that which by bringing trouble to it doth rather stir up its faculty if it be caused either in one place or more a Nerve or nervous part is affected and if the hurt be great then the whole Genus Nervosum or Nervous system rising up whilst it endeavors to shake off that with which it is offended doth together exagitate the Brain from whence it proceeds and draws it into consent so that that also feeling these disturbances of the Nerves whilst it endeavors to help them to resist and overcome the disaffection driving the Animal spirits from it self into the beginning of the Nerves it is for a season left destitute of its functions but no otherwise than we somtimes observe in a syncope that the Heart without any proper affect of its own the Spirits wandering for some other cause doth cease from its function till they return again 7. In which effusion of the Spirits into the Nerves it happens that the motive power does continue in them not only as was declared formerly but also by reason of the plenty of Spirits of the Nerves the Muscles are excited to exercise their motion but chiefly that Violent and inordinate motion in the beginning of Epileptical fits is acted for this cause that whilst the Genus Nervosum does indeavour to expel this hurt or disaffection it is contracted into it self and then again dilated forcing the Muscles of the whole Body into whose beginnings the Nerves are inserted by consecution to commit those inordinate and outragious motions by pulling or drawing and then remitting them and that so long till the offending matter is removed or expelled from them or by reason of dejection of strength and as it were weariness when they can no longer exercise Motion yet notwithstanding they retain their Limbs convulsed or attracted stiff and fixt for a while till at last they come wholly to themselves 8. This often happens in a Catalepsis presently at the beginning no agitation of the Body going before perhaps because in that Disease there is not so great an effusion of Spirits into the Nerves when as in that somtimes some senses do yet remain and there is a less iritation of the Nerves whence as it may be accounted as Platerus saith a certain lighter kind of Epilepsie yet very seldom happening otherwise proceeding from the same cause which breeds an Epilepsie but which doth either lâ—sâ—â—ffect the Genus Nervosum by irritation or else has that property to produce a stupidity or rigidness of the members rather than a Convulsion 9. But that these causes of hurt to the Genus Nervosum from whence an Epilepsy often proceeds a Catalepsis more seldom are diverse and frequent it is no wonder for that the Nerves by reason of their exquisite sence are not only unable to endure great hurts or Pains but also are so easily offended by the slightest that they cannot suffer the touch of a body for which reason whilst they are carried in the Body nature hath provided for them that they touch not the Bones neither are they joyned to any other parts besides those into which they are inserted from which notwithstanding they are not exasperated by divers incursions unless they be great and violent so that they be Convulsed of which sort are those which may happen to them from a Wound irritation or infection either acting singly or more of them together 10 That a Convulsion may be caused by a Wound made in a Nerve or Nervous part daily experience has confirmed yet not from every Wound of a Nerve but only or for the most part from a Nerve hurt by Pricking upon which Convulsions are wont to follow its function being thereby stirred up by reason of the hurt for which reason also if we cut off a Nerve Convulsed we cure the Convulsion caused in it but this molestation of the Nerve proceeding from the solution of its continuity is yet more increased by an Inflamation or Putrefaction from the Corruption restrained in the narrow hole of the Puncture of the said Nerve and by the great Pain from thence which for the most part does attend this affection if the Wound happen from Iron which of its own nature is an enemy to the Nerves commonly by reason of its rust or because it is infected or a blow or bite of a poysonous Beast 11. But also a Nervous part being wounded especially in that place where the Nerves goe under it and constitute the greater part of it as the Bladder being hurt at the Neck the Muscles about their beginnings either by chance or whilst the Chyrurgian and Lithotomist attempt an aperture of the place most commonly dangerous Convulsions succeed which a difficulty of swallowing going before so much feared by the Chyrurgian calling it a Spasm of the Stomach is wont most an end to foretell 12. An irritation of the Genus Nervosum if it be vehement may also cause Convulsions which proceeds either from
this cause for the most part possessing the substance of the Brain or its Ventricles should rather induce an Apoplexy than Convulsions However in the mean season we do not deny but that the cause of an Epilepsy or Convulsions may oftentimes lye in the Head for that we meet with many faults within the skull in the membranes of the Brain in its substance and in it humors which raging with their poysonous and malign quality at set times as the nature of the Venom may be by provoking the Membranes and Genus Nervosum do cause either a long continued and almost incurable Epilepsie or Vehement and horrid Convulsions 21. But the nature of the Venenate cause as also of other Poysons we can no otherwise know than as by dissections made somtimes a speck or little spot is discovered somtimes some black or frothy humor in some inward part of the skull or bone or membrane or Brain it self and somtimes nothing at all can be discerned But then that it is of a poysonous quality we gather from this for that there is no manifest cause of any great moment yet nevertheless such horrid symptoms are produced which although they kill not the sick will yeeld to no remedies 22. This Venenate cause also lying in the Bowels may produce the like long continued and rebellious Epilepsies or Convulsions as Poysons taken into the Stomach and Guts which have somtimes the properly of begetting an Epilepsy or Convulsions Or meat changed into the nature of Poyson Or Excrements assuming a Venenate quality contained in those places as also in the Womb or other parts Of all which that these are the causes and do lie in the Veins is known and judged from the affctes concuring with them Or from others offering themselves about the Praecordia and Heart-strings or in the Veins Or from the disaffection of the Stomach or Womb. 23. The Veins in like manner if they be filled with Malign and Poysonous humors of this kind as it often hapens in Malignant and Pestilential diseases as such as are Epidemicall and Contagious where the Malignancy doth besiege the Heart and more especially the Genus Nervosum do after a more particular manner excite deadly Convulsions such as are wont to happen in Feavers so much not by reason of the great hurt of the Nerves from extream heat as from the venenate quality of the humor assaulting the Animal spirits both in the Blood and Nerves Or if without any such Pestilential Epidemical or Contagious disease the humors heaped up in the Veins should be changed into a Poysonous property inimical to the Brain and Nerves then Epileptical Convulsions would rather be induced than the others more especially if the Melancholy humor should meet with such a transformation which somtimes brings along with it a deep hypochondriacal Melancholly foolishness frenzy or Madness and from this cause does proceed a long continued and incurable Epilepsie 24. Moreover as a Venenate cause raised from the same may cause some short Madness being produced from matter collected in the Meseraick veins whether Lacteal or other so that may also produce rather Epileptick Convulsions than Hypochondriacal Melancholy whence also some think that a Catalepsie is caused which we hold to arise from subtil Vavapours ascending from a contaminated malign or venenate Melancholy humor and with a Vehement and sudden motion striking or smiting the Animal spirits and Genus Nervosum 25. Also in Women such matter is wont more usually to be heaped up in or about the Vains of the Womb where also the Blood retained and corrupted rather than the seed which seldom is affected with such a Malignity except in the furor rage or Madness of the Womb doth cause Convulsions such as are often to be seen in Virgins and Women Hysterical who never yet had their Courses or have them praeternaturally stopt whether before or after Childing 26. That the like quality may be bred or contained in the habit of the body which may cause Convulsions or Epilepsies experience doth daily testifie from which Galen and Fernelius write they have observed that Air in an Epileptick Child ascending from his Foot in one example and the like air or Vapour runing from the Crown through the outward parts of the Head in an other example did cause Epileptick fits as often as they came or returned and this very thing I my self have three or four times observed in so many special examples wherein the air or vapour ascending upwards seemed to the Sick as if he had put his Foot Leg or Arm leisurely into cold water deeper and deeper the vapours gradually proceeding not much unlike to the rising of the cold superficies of the said water And it has also been somtimes observed that an Air or Vapour runing from the Hand where afterwards an Apostem has bred as also from the Feet or upper places has don the like 27. That the like Poyson entring the body from without many cause Convulsions or Epilepsies for the like reason as the bitting of Venomous Beasts especially of the Viper or a mad Dog the sting of Scorpions the reception of Arsenick sublimate or other venenate and Corosive things the same quotidian Experience doth largely witness and particularly in the biting of a mad Dog besides the symptom of Madness and other cruell indications Convulsions are at length excited through the Malignity of the Venene spirit whereby the Patient is carried off and I once saw Convulsions arise from poysonous smells hastily assaulting the Animal spirits in the Brain which was don in a lusty young Man who hastily and unadvisedly received the fumes of very strong spirit of Niter by which he was immediately cast into most cruel Convulsion fits 28. These things being premised for the better understanding of the matter we shall now come to deliver our Observation which is of a Convulsion arising from a hurt of the Genus Nervosum by a blow received on the hinder part of the Head and vertebrae of the Neck how great the blow was I will not determine this I am sure of it brought dreadful Convulsions upon the sick so vehement that life was despaired of 29. The sick was immediately committed to a warm bed Roger Dixon the Chyrurgian and my self being sent for the fits often returned for the strength of the Convulsive motion being spent and the fit as it were going off the sick scarcely seemed to be free but new Convulsions were forthwith excited Roger was for letting him Blood which although it was a blow I was in this cause utterly against believing that if any such evacuation was necessary that Nature would provoke it however in the mean season all the external parts behind were bathed first with the Queen of Hungaries water then with the Powers of Amber and that not slightly also some few drops of the Powers of Rosemary were conveyed up his Nostrills they as also his Forehead and Temples being extreamly well bathed therewith by which without doubt the
most powerfully opens all Obstructions in what part of the Body soever cures the Cachexia and Chlorosis or Green Sickness in Virgins provokes the Terms and facilitates the Birth And as there is no more powerful Remedy against the Stone and Gravel in the Reines Ureters and Bladder so no more excellent thing is known for the absolute Cure of old and inveterate Head Achs Vertigo's Megrims Lethargies Apoplexies Palsies Epilepsies Convulsions Fits of the Mother The Gout and other like Neurotick Diseases And here in one singular Medicine we found a compleat Remedy for the complex Malady of this our distressed and miserable Patient 12. These four last Medicaments were taken alternatim or by Course one after another for Variety sake for about three Months time at the end of that time he only took of the Spirit Morning Noon and Night from twenty to forty drops in Beer Ale or Wine as himself liked best and he continued the use of it for about half a year longer at what time he found himself perfectly well and free from all his Distempers as well that of the Stone as that other its Concomitant the Convulsive Fits 13. Now 't is to be noâ—ed that this man had been formerly searched by a Scotch man who upon the Gripe declared He found a large Stone as big as a Hens egg or bigger whose Opinion it was and it is the Opinion of most learned men that he could not be cured without cutting but the Dreadfulness of the Operation making him to decline that kind of help he endured his Misery so long till he fell 〈◊〉 Câ—â—vulsive-Fits by the Extremity thereof He was above threescore years of age by his own Relation but a strong lusty man at what time I undertook him though I must ingeniously confess that I was forced upon the Tryal and undertook him without any heart or hope of Cure but by reason the things I exhibited gave him Ease the sick himself encouraged me to go on which set me upon the study and search after such things as might most probably do him good I proceeded on according as I have before related and in about eleven months time restored my Patient to perfect Health 14. Now whereas he might possibly receive Benefit by all the things which were given him yet that which I conceive perfected the Cure was this Our Lithontriptick Spirit which I believe did really and absolutely dissolve the said Stone in the Bladder not that I ever made any after-search which I have almost a thousand times since repented the neglect of but beause he lived several years after free from any of those kind of pains or the least obstruction or stoppage of his water In the sixty seventh year of his Age being invited to a Feast he eat too liberally of somthing there which pleased him whereby being surfeited he fell into a vehement burning Feaver which put a period to his days 15. After the Cure of the aforesaid Person I have with happy Success used the same Method with very little Variation in the Cure of several others afflicted with Convulsions arising from Nephritick and Lithontriptick Dolors but as in the former so also in them I do attribute the Cure chiefly to the Virtue of the aforesaid Lithontriptick and Antispasmatick or Antepileptick Spirit whose mighty Power and Force and singular Excellency is not to be explicated by me in many words but rather requires the more serious Contemplations of industrious Physicians the truly legitimate Sons of Art XXIII Convulsions arising from an Vlcer in the Ventricle 1. A young Man by too immeasurable eating of sower Limons without Sugar created an Ulcer in the Stomach the which upon eating commonly excited such extream Pains as put the Sick into Convulsions which fits were often repeated six or seven times in the space of four or five hours 2. He consulted Physicians to whom he only complained of a pain at his Stomach which they not conceiving to be ulcerated gave him hot and biting things and such as were proper Stomaticks in a cold Cause from whence in stead of receiving of Benefit the pain was extreamly exasperated and the Convulsive fits strengthned so that he began to dispair of ever meeting with a Cure 3. Among the number of the rest a certain Woman Emperick gave him Tinctura of Cardamoms and grains of Paradice drawn as she said with Cinnamon water but such was the event thereof that such vehement Convulsions were excited that at length the Patient seemed to dye or rather swoon away which put the by-standers into a great amazement 4. Upon this I was sent for and they gave me a relation of his condition how that for above six months he had been afflicted with these Convulsions and sickness at Heart and that many things had been tyed but all in vain yea rather that he was always very much the worse for every thing that was administrated to him and that he had even now taken a Cordial and stomatick water which they shewed me and I tasted of it being only the Tincture aforesaid which was very hot and was fallen into this dreadful fit accompained with swooning away 5. After a little consideration and pondering the condition of the sick in my mind I conceived it could not be any simple disaffection of the Heart or matter offending the Stomach in quantity for that some former Physicians had given him several Vomits for the cleansing thereof but rather an ulceration of the Nervous tunicle of the Ventricle the which opinion I was the more confirmed in when I understood that the beginning of his Disease was from often and too liberal eating of sower Limons without Sugar which possibly might cause a Convulsion of the parts 6. Upon this I gave him salt of Vitriol a scruple at a time dissolved in fair water and I gave it him Morning and Evening I chose such a quantity as might not make him Vomit but by staying in the Stomach might strengthen and heal the same moreover because I apprehended it to proceed from an acid I thought good to absorb the said acid humor with some kind of Alkaly for which purpose I caused him to take about ten in the morning and at four in the afternoon a dram of the following pouder Take Terra sigillata an ounce and half fine Bole two drams Pearl prepared red Coral prepared of each a dram mix and make all into a very fine pouder By the exhibition of these things the Patient had immediate ease and in six days time was made perfectly well XXIV Convulsions accompanied with a burning Feaver 1. I conceive these Convulsions were excited through a kind of Malignity not from the force of the Feaver for as much as they are stired up rather from the effects of cold than of heat and of this kind are those Convulsions which proceed from Poyson the biting of Serpents or other venomous Creatures Wounds made with poysoned weapons and such like 2. The Patient that laboured under
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
its whole mass with Heterogenious and Explosive particles and for that reason irritating the whole processes of the Nerves and the nervous bodys into vniversal Spasms or Couvulsions and those either continual or intermitting Willis de morbis Convulsivis cap. 6. Observ 3. VIII A Convulsion proceeding from a Feaver 1. This distemper in this Maid being accompanied with a frequent humid Cough was at first thought to be only a Cold but within few days this Cough plainly became convulsive so that whilst she coughed the Diaphragma being carried upward and with a renewed Sistole held so long a time that she made a great noise as if about to be suffocated 2. Then this little Maid growing more apparently feaverish complained of thirst and heat and lay all Night without sleep with a mighty agitation of her Body and began to talk idly as if her Coat had fallen into the water and when all things grew worse she began to be tormented with convulsive motions first in her Limbs by and by in her Face and then in her whole Body 3. The Paroxysms coming by often turns twice or thrice in an hour did most grievously trouble her so that this little wretch within the space of twenty four hours after the convulsive distempers began to grow more grievous her Animal spirits being almost quite spent she dyed 4. Whilst the convulsive fits tormented her her Pulse was very much disordered and often intermitting also a frequent vomiting molested her 5. Being sent for to visit this Maid also too late a little before her Death when I could contribute nothing to the prolonging of Life I endeavoured what I could to find out from her death the knowledg of the aforesaid Disease 6. Therefore having procured leave to dissect her Body the reasons and marks of the symptoms chiefly urging in this Feaver more clearly appeared 7. Opening therefore first the lower Belly I found all the Bowels in it sound enough and well furnisht the Ventricle although tryed with empty vomiting contained nothing besides the liquour lately taken in at the Mouth For neither in it nor in its Appendix were Worms or sharp humors found which are wont oftentimes to give Cause to these kind of Convulsions 8. The small Guts were in many places mutually involved to wit the Convex superficies of one part was thrust into the Concave of another as into a sheath and hid far in it which indeed I judg to have happened wholly from the convulsive Motions of those Bowels 9. For whilst by reason of the vehement Convulsion excited from the nervous Origen the opposite Fibres being drawn together did work the same Intestine into contrary Motions it easily happened that one part of the Intestine of the Ilion being carried upwards might run into the hollowness of the other being snatched downward 10 The Thorax being opened the Flesh of the Lungs appeared very red and as it were sprinkled with Blood yea in some places as if it were livid and almost black out of the same wherever it was cut there flowed a thin and frothy Matter 11. Certainly this shewed that the feaverish Matter or the serous Impurities of the boyling Blood being soon impacted in the Lungs do so stuff up their Pores and Passages that the Blood it self being in its wonted and free Circulation there stagnated and being extravasated did excite a certain Inflamation 12. We found no less clear Track of this so deadly Disease in the head For the Shell of the Skull being removed presently the Vessels creeping through the Miningae were seen to swell very much with Blood as if almost the whole mass of Blood were gathered together in the head 13. For the Veins being cut or broken about the inwards of the lower and middle Belly little Blood flowed forth Besides those Membranes which cloath the Cerebel and being higher spread divide it from the Brain being sprinkled in very many places with extravasated Blood were noted to be of a black-purple Colour that it was not to be doubted but the Phlegosis or Inflamation round about excited was the cause of so cruel infesting Convulsions 14 These Coverings being taken away the Substance of the Brain was seen to be altogether moist and waterish abouâ— measure with a watery humour yea its Râ—ad or Bark being taken off all the Ventricles were full of a limpid or clear Water of which kind of very clear Liquor there was judged to be more than half a pint 15. From these Appearances the Pathology of the aforesaid Feaver is collected easiâ—y to wit in this Sickness as also in many others the Blood feaverishly growing hot presently deposes its Recrements both into the Lungs and into the Brain 16. Wherefore a serous Colluvies or watery Heap did presently overflow the Constitution of either then because the Blood being hindred both here and there from its due Circulation it began to grow into a very great Heap about the Confines of the affected Parts and at length to stagnate and to cause as it were a Phlegosis or Inflamation 17. Hence by reason of the Serum being plentifully heaped up in the Lungs and baked by the Heat the troublesom Cough with the thick and discoloured Spittle for the most part came in this Disease and by reason of the like Affection excited within the Head the Vertigo Swimming Stupefaction and other cephalick Passions constantly seized on the sick 18. Which kind of Distempers in this little Maid and in her Brother by reason of the infirm Constitution of the Brain before in either of them being made more grievious terminated in an Apoplexy 19. I might easily here propose many other Histories of persons of this Feaver at that time but from these now recited the type of the aforesaid Disease may be sufficiently known 20. But because the same Feaver happens almost every year on some predisposed and perhaps by reason of an evil Constitution of the year may hereafter at some time become Epidemical it will be worth the while to represent some Method about its Cure 21. Concerning which first of all take notice That in this Feaver no Critical days were to be observed as in the vulgar continual Feavers For the Blood as soon as it began to grow hot poured out a part of the morbifick matter as yet crude and not overcome from its Embraces to the Head or Breast 22. Wherefore it were vain to expect that the Blood should suffer the Heterogenous Particles to be heaped together in its mass to a fullness that from thence a flowring or putting forth arising at the set Intervals of time it might thrust the same subtilties out of doors 23. Yea rather this growing hot glows not with a great and open burning but like a Fire covered over with Chips sends forth a moist smoak or breath rather than a Flame But so that from thence by reason of the nervous juyce being depraved soon in its disposition and not rarely because of the Lungs being stuffed with the consumptive matter the
not give any help as the former to the sourness of the Throat it may be hence gathered that the salt particles of the blood and humors coming away by the urine had a two fold state or condition to wit of fixedness and fluedness 35. Wherefore the serum imbued by them became now of this now of that nature For it seems that the saline particles being degâ—nerate within the mass of the blood remained fixed and rendred the urine for the most part lixivial 36. But those which flowed without the blood in the nervous juice or were laid up about the solid parts did degenerate into a flux or acetousness and therefore from these being derived into the emunctiores of the Mouth that noted sourness of the Mouth and Oesophagus proceeded 37. Moreover when these kind of particles being gathered to a fullness in the nervous juice and solid parts did swell up and arising to a fluxion boyled up into the blood presently these being sent away from thence in heaps through the Reins rendred the urine encreased in quantity sourish 38. But for as much as the saline particles being of a diverse condition and that those of the same kind could not be mingled together they mutually moved against one another and break their forces therefore the salt urine and not the sour healed the sourness of the Throat 39. It appears by a vulgar Experiment that the most sharp spirits of Vitriol by the mixture of the salt of Tartar or any other lixivial grows very mild and yet from thence appears that the acid humor sweating out into the parts of the Mouth and Throat of this Gentlewoman came near the nature of sharp Vitriol 40. Because the fume of Tobacco being taken at the Mouth of the sick person was wonderfully sweet as it happens to such who have before-hand tasted Vitriol Willis de morbis convulsivis cap. 9. Observ 2. LX. A Convulsion in a noble Virgin 1. Because we treat here of admirable Convulsions which do not ordinarily happen and whose nature and causes ly deeply hid for the better illustration of these kinds of distempers we will yet shew one or two more cases no less wonderful than the former 2. About ten years since I visited the Daughter of a certain noble Man afflicted after this manner with convulsive motions that some thought her possessed with an evil Spirit 3. This Beautiful and well shaped Virgin about the age of sixteen begotten of a Paralytick Father without any evident cause about the Winter Solstice began to grow very ill 4. At first she was troubled with the Head-ach though not after a grievous manner as also for many days with a giddiness then she felt now in one of her Arms then in another a trembling and sudden contraction which kind of Convulsions returning often in that day endured scarce a moment 5. The next day sitting in a Chair near her Sister suddenly leaping out she took several Jumps successively with wonderful Agility every Jump being several foot in length then when she was come to the further part of the Chamber she stood leaping a great while in the same place and every time a great height 6. When her Legs were quite tired with leaping she fell on the Floor and presently she flung her head here and there with wonderful Violence as if she would shake it from her Neck 7. As soon as she ceased from this Motion for weariness presently the same Fury invaded her Hands and Feet so that she was forced violently to exercise her Members by striking the Walls or Posts or by beating the Pavement 8. When by reason of Shame or Modesty before her Freinds and the By-standers she did with some kind of violence hinder her self from these Motions for all the while she was her self and spake soberly the Distemper being sent inwardly she was very much afflicted with a very great Oppression of the Heart which caused her to sob and bemoan her self 9. When she would ease her self the Fury being transmitted to the Muscles of the outward Limbs she was forced presently to leap about to fling here and there her Head or Arms as also to run about the Chamber or to beat the Ground with her Feet 10. Because these kinds of vehement Motions of her Limbs or Viscera in the Tragedy of the Dâ—stemper did mutually relieve themselves returning as it were in a Round 11. Coming the fifth day after this Lady was sick I gave her a Vomit of the Infussion of Crocus Metallorum Wine of Squills and Salt of Vitriol by which she vomited seven times cankered Oyl or Choler in great plenty with the Mixture of a sharp and as it were vitriolick Humor 12. The next day ten ounces of Blood was taken from the Saphena Vein besides she took twice a day Antidotes of the Pouders of pretious Stones of Mans Skull and the root of Male-Peony By the use of these within a week she seemed to be cured and she continued for many days afterwards free from the aforesaid Distempers 13. But after two weeks at the time of the full Moon she fell into a Relapse of the same Disease more cruel than before for besides those wonderful Leapings and vehement Conversions and Roulings about of her Head and Members she was forced besides to fetch often a most rapid Course round about her Chamber 14. She began at this time by the praescriptions of others to take anti-hysterical Medicines and purges at certain set Intervals but without any Help 15. At last I being sent for because she seemed indued with a strong Habit of Body and with a notable Fierceness of Spirits I gave her a stronger Emmatick by which she vomited forth ten times greenish Choler like to Rust with Flegm sharp like Stygian Water and she was suddenly eased 16 After this I gave her every Morning a Draught of white Wine dilated with the water of Black-Cherries with Sows or Hog-Lice bruised and infused therein and strongly pressed forth 17. By the use of these she seemed presently to be cured and was well above a Month and when afterwards the Distemper being about to return she felt at any time some Fore-runners presently by the use of the Vomit and the expression of the Millepedes or Cheslogs she averted the approach of the Disease 18. Within three Months she so far recovered her former Health that she has now lived these many years free from those kinds of convulsive Distempers But from the time the convulsive Passions wholly ceased she was somtimes troubled about the parts of her Mouth and Throat with a Defluction of a most sour Humor like the vitriolick Stagma 19. Besides somtimes she was obnoxious to the Pica or longing of Women and at somtimes also to the Cough with a discoloured Spittle threatning a Consumption notwithstanding which by Remedies used in these kinds of Cases she was easily cured 20. As to the Aetiology or rational Account of the aforesaid Case there is no reason that we should fear
the Oyl of Salt and so was cured Paracelsus SCHOLIA The THEORY of CONVULSIONS By the Author W. Salmon CVIII The Pathology of Convulsions and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Convulsio in English a Convulsion or Retraction 2. The Definition Convulsio Nervorum Musculorum versus suum Caput Originemque violenta praeter Voluntatem contractio est in qua voluntaria Extensio Articulorum laeditur Membrum à Figura naturali detorquetur acerbissimoque dolore afficitur A Convulsion is a forced Contraction of the Nerves and Muscles towards their Original viz. the Brain and spinal Marrow wherein the voluntary Motion of the Joynts is hurt its natural Form and Scituation is depraved or changed and the Parts affected are afflicted with a most sharp Pain 3. The Kinds or Differences First the Kinds of Convulsions are chiefly four First 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Emprosthotonos which is when the whole Body is bended or drawn forwards Secondly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Opisthotonos which is when the whole Body is convulsed or drawn backwards Thirdly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tetanos which is when the Convulsion is equally both ways so that the whole Body is stiff like a Stake that it cannot be moved any ways Fourthly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spasmos a Convulsion which only happens to a particular Part as the Hand Arms Leggs Thighs Hips Bowels Stomach Neck c. Secondly the Differences are known from the Causes and Parts afflicted and so a Convulsion is either Vniversal afflicting the whole Body and arising from the Brain and spinal Marrow of which kind are the three first aforenamed Or Particular afflicting some Part as the Ey Mouth Arm Legg c. arising from a particular Nerve hurt of which kind is the fourth Species aforenamed Thirdly Some Authors make a Convulsion to be but two-fold arising from opposite or contrary Causes as Fulness and Emptiness Fourthly Riverius make a Convulsion to be either proper or improper The Proper is that which agrees with the prime Definition at § 2. above The Improper saith he Is a convulsive Motion and they are thus distinguished In a true Convulsion the Retraction of the Muscles is always but in a convulsive Motion the Retraction is continually renewed moreover in a true Convulsion the convulsed Part is immoveable but in a convulsive Motion the chief of which is the Epilepsy it may be moved divers ways CIX The Signs of a Convulsion 1. The Diagnosis of a Convulsion is manifest from the Definition aforegoing and the Signs are easily learned for in a true Convulsion the Nerves and Muscles are contracted stiff and immoveable the Part afflicted is distorted and drawn out of its natural Shape and afflicted with a most exquisite Pain 2. The kind of the Convulsion is known from the manner of Retraction whether it be forwards or backwards or both ways 3. A Spasm or particular Convulsion is known from a forceable drawing up the Nerves and Muscles of the Part afflicted as it sometimes falls out under the Chin by excessive yawning In the Neck through Cold or some sudden Motion so likewise in the Mouth Eyes Hands Arms Fingers Thighs Legs and Feet and sometimes there are remarkable Convulsions of the Stomach Guts Mesentery and other internal Parts 4. If there be a Convulsion of the Stomach it is known by exquisite Pain Vomiting and somtimes by Fainting away and Swooning 5. If there be a Convulsion of the Guts it is known by the exquisite pain great tumbling of the Guts and hardness of the Belly and the sick by reason of the torture is almost ready to go distracted 6. If there be a Convulsion of the Nerves of the Mesentery or Diaphragma the Pain is more dull there is a rising of somthing as it were out of the Belly into the Stomack great hard and round much like as in those which they call Fits of the Mother which at length by reason of its Prevalency and Force takes away the Senses of the sick so as that they neither see hear or understand any thing CX The various Causes of a Convulsion 1. The Causes of a Convulsion whether they be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proegoumenine or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Procatartick are manifold and various the more frequent Cause is from an Irritation of the Brain pouring forth the Spirits into the Nerves which arises for the most part by consent from other Parts and those somtimes far distant from the Brain as in a prick of a Nerve or Tendon a vehement blow upon any part causing a concussion of the animal Spirits and putting them into disorder and confusion the biting of a Serpent or Viper or other poysonous Beast The hurting of the Nerves or Tendons with a poysonous Weapon which seizing upon the animal Spirits presently corrupts and poysons them whence arises immediately universal Convulsions over the whole Body 2. The Cause of an universal Convulsion is for the most part from a hurt of the nervous System together also with the Brain it self from whence it is that a Tetanos is always accounted the most dangerous because it arises from a compleat hurt of the animal Spirits both in the Brain and nervous System whereas an Emprosthotonos and an Opisthotonos are caused from a hurt of the animal Spirits either in the Brain alone or in the nervous System according to the Scituation 3. And therefore an Emprosthotonos is when the Body with the Head and Neck are forceably contracted and drawn forwards so that the Chin is joyned to the Breast and the Body is in some measure turned round not much unlike to the Keel of a Ship yea somtimes bended like a Bow and somtimes round somtimes the Head of the Patient is joyned to his Knees and that is caused from the Affection of two Muscles which bend the Head forwards 4. An Opisthotonos is caused by a disaffection of the twelve Muscles which extend the Head some or all of them being drawn together by which means the Head and Body are drawn backwards 5. A Tetanos is caused from an equal contraction of the Muscles both before and behind whereby the Parts drawn by the opposite Muscles being as it were ballanced they remain stiff and inflexable which is called Motus Tonicus and is the most violent of all Convulsions being caused from the contension or disaffection of all the Muscles 6. A Spasmos simply so called is a particular Convulsion caused by the contraction of the Nerves and Muscles of some particular Part which are ordained for its Motion from the Effects or Symptoms of which it somtimes has a peculiar Name 7. So the Convulsion of the Muscles which move the Eye is called Strabismus A Convulsion of the Muscles of the Jaws and Temples is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Trismos the Convulsion of the Mouth which is caused by a contraction of the Musculus latus on the one side is called Spasmos Cynicus a
Dog-like Convulsion wherein the Mouth is wrested aside but if the contraction of the said Musculus latus be on both sides it is called Risus Sardonicus or a grinning But there may be a wryness of the Mouth without a Convulsion which may be made from the resolution of one Muscle which causes the Muscle on the other side to draw the Lips to the sound Part whence comes a Distortion the Convulsions of other Parts want proper Names 8. But the immediate Cause of a Convulsion as Hippocrates and Galen and others deriving from them say is from Repletion and Inanition viz Fulness and Emptiness This Opinion is confirmed by the Example of a Lute or Harp-strings which are commonly stretched out For saith Galen while the strings are moist and filled with humor as it falls out when the Wind is Southerly they are swelled and stretched and so broken and when they are over dry as it happens when the Wind is Northen then they are contracted and so also broken 9. The same thing befalls the Nerves which being either too full of Moisture or too dry are stretched and contracted and the Muscles in which they are united are so drawn back to their Principal or Original that thereby a Convulsion is immediately excited 10. But by reason a Palsey is also caused from a Water overflowing the Nerves it is doubtful how a Convulsion should arise from the same Cause they being as it were Diseases opposite the one being a Resolution of the Nerves and Muscles the other a contraction of the same This has made Physicians much divided among themselves and the most ingenious Galenists have confest it a Problem beyond their Capacities to resolve Averroes said The former reason of Galen at § 8. above was more fit for a Fidler than a Demonstrator And Argenterius saith It is not easy to render a reason of all things and especially why Water which is said to be the Cause of the Palsy or Resolution of the Nerves and of a Convulsion or Contraction of the same should somtimes produce one Disease and somtimes another when it is the same matter and the same Parts that are affected to wit the Nerves why should not then the same Disease be always produced 11. The great difficulty of solving this Paradox is that which has divided almost all Authors and fill'd them with contradictions and Nonsense insomuch as several learned Men to wit Averroes Erastus Cesalpinus Platerus Sennertus and others have justly deserted this opinion whose long disputations and various reasons would be too long here to relate However Riverius is very unwilling to quit the sense of Hippocrates and Galen and therefore he expounds them thus Therefore saith he although we cannot satisfy our selves in this great difficulty while better Arguments are propounded suppose that those Objections may be taken off thus A Convulsion and a Palsy differ in this a Palsy is made of a pure watery humor without mixture which doth not extend the parts but only softens them as we see in the tumor Oedema but a Convulsion is caused of the same humor but not pure and simple but mixed with much wind by which wind the Nerves are stretched and the Mucles also which are contracted to their Original for no cause can be thought more fit to make so great a contraction than Wind which Galen acknowledgeth de sympt caus lib. 2. cap. 2. and Experience teacheth us that the greatest distentions are made especially by Wind as we may see in the Dropsy Tympanites and the Cholick and in Convulsions those are the greatest which are caused of Wind which stretches and distend the parts River pax lib. 1. cap. 6. 12. Although we are here unwilling to undertake the answering of Riverius in this case yet we may make bold to tell him that in an Oedema there is as well Tumor and Extension as softness of the matter and if the humor be the same in both as he seems to consent to what Reason is there That it should not as well extend the Nerve in the Belly of the Muscle where it has more liberty to play as well as it does the Tendons and parts adjacent to them in a Joint where it has less liberty 13. Moreover for the Nature and Quality of the humor which he thinks may cause the Convulsions he it is to be feared as much mistakes it for many yea most things which cause vehement extentions will cause no Convulsion at all and his parallell of the Dropsy Tympanites makes vastly more against than his Argument will do for him for that in the Tympanites where the extension is so eminently great and that among Muscular and Nervous parts yet is there not the least appearance of a Convulsion nor any inclination or disposition of the parts to such a disaffection 14. And since Convuâ—sions are often caused where neither fulness nor emptiness are previous as in a prick of a Nerve or Tendon it is manifest that some other cause is attendent and that the Animal spirits are the principal objects of the matter causing whose disaffection and hurt are the near and conjunct cause of this Dâ—sease for as much as the said spirits being disturbed and hurt in any part there is presently an afflux of as it were a troop or Army of Spirits which Nature immediately sends to the relief of those in the part afflicted whence by reason of their rushing force and vast flux from their fountain the Brain the Nerve if it be particular Or the Genus Nervosum if it be general are infinitly extended and shrunk up and that with a vehement and almost intollerable pain the which is excited not only from the hurt of those Animal spirits in the place prickt or Genus Nervosum otherwise hurt but from the violent rushing and Collision of the said spirits one against another by reason of their tumultuous occurse in order to the relief of Nature 15. Now the reason why universal Convulsions are so dangerous as for the most part bringing Death is either from the exquisite pain overcoming all the Spirits or from the extream extention of all the Muscles whereby the drawing of the breath is hindered and suffocation in a short time ensues If the affect or hurt of any particular part be small it causes that Nerve or Muscle only to suffer and so the Convulsion is only particular but if it be very great and extream then the whole Genus Nervosum or nervous System suffers also so that indeavering to shake off that which does offend it it doth therewith exagitate the Brain and so draws it into consent whereby the Convulsion becomes Universal over the whole body and the Symptoms seem to be so extream that by reason of the great Flux of Spirits from the Brain and their wanderings up and down it doth as it were cease from its Functions till such time as they return again 16. And after the same manner as a Convulsion is caused by a prick of a
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
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
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
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.
than during the time of sweating 28. After the sweating is over the Trembling members may be anointed with Venice Treacle mixed with Oleum Irinum or Oyl of Bays or bathed with Aniseed-water which comforts and nourishes the Nerves Or with this of Sennertus his prescription Take Camels Hay Cyperus Acorus Spicknard Nutmegs Cloves Pepper of each two drams Hermodactils Satyrion of each one dram Spirit of Wine or Aqua Apoplectica one ounce Wax a sufficient quantity melt mix and make a Liniment but that which goes beyond all these things are the Powers of Aniseeds which by a certain kind of Specifick virtue corroborate the weakned Nerves Some also highly commend the Balsam of Sulphur being anointed down the whole Back-bone and upon the parts afflicted with the Tremor and that this will be so much the more effectual if the said fine pouder of leaf Gold be mixed therewith 29. The fourth and last Intention is to restore if need be the emaciated or wasted body This may well be performed by many things prescribed in the second Intention of Cure seeing that those things which restore and recuperate the humane nature also breed Spirits The first thing which I shall here recommend for this purpose is the Electuarium ad Tabidos being taken Morning Noon and Night about an hour before eating to the quantity of a large hasle nut at each time 30. The Gelly of Vipers flesh is admirable for this Intention nor is there scarcely a better thing in nature so also the flesh eaten boyled or baked but for such as cannot attain it you must give other things as the Spirit and broth of Earth-worms with the Tincture of black Pepper which is no mean thing Or you may make the Tincture of the said Pepper with the said Spirit of Earthworms which you may give in Milk or in all his drink and Morning and Night you may give this following Electuary Take Venice Treacle one dram to one dram and half pouder of Earthworms one scruple to half a dram of Our Laudanum from one grain to two grains Oyl of Cinnamon one or two drops mix for a dose to be given every Night going to bed Or thus Take Venice Treacle two ounces pouder of Earth-worms pouder of Vipers oriental Bezoar Bezoar mineral of each half an ounce to six drams Oyl of Cinnamon one dram mix them and with juyce of Alkermes a sufficient quantity make an Electuary Dose one dram to two drams Morning and Night Or thus Take Venice Treacle Extract of Sarsaparilla of each two ounces Scorzonera roots candied Indian green Ginger candied Citron peels candied of each one ounce and half pouder of Vipers and Earth-worms of each three ounces Pistich nuts number eighty beat all together in a mortar and with the syrup Diacodium a sufficient quantity make an Electuary according to art adding at last Oyl of Cinnamon one dram and half Dose two drams two or three times a Day CHAP. III. Of the PALSIE The AUTHORS Observations I. A Palsie in a middle aged Man of a gross body with a vehement Catarrh 1. THis Person being about forty three years of age And of a Gross fat pituitoâ—s habit of body was taken with a Paralytick Distemper in all his Extream parts which was thought to be first caused from taking of an extream cold there was a numbness almost all over him together with a very great Tremor or Trembling which was continual and equal but without any manner of Pain 2. This Gentleman had been under the Hands of several Physicians for two or three years together but could receive no benefit so that he gave himself over to dispair having indeed passed through all the ordinary courses of Physick at length some of his Relations perswaded him to make use of me I was accordingly sent for they gave me a relation of all that had passed and requested my care for the future 3. All the things and the whole course which had been used to him during all this time had been wholly Galenical so that I did not wonder that no success had attended the same I therefore proceeded as follows first I caused his Body to be effectually purged with my Family Pills with Aloes and repeated the same eight or nine times with fit intervalls three four or five days being somtimes between And by reason he complained of an exceeding sickness and weakness of his Stomach so that he could scarcely digest any Food that he took I prescribed this following Electuary to be taken three times a day for ten days an hour before eating Take Diatesseron two ounces Powers of Pepper forty drops mix them dose twenty grains 4. Moreover I ordered him to take the Tincture of black Pepper thirty forty or sixty drops at a time or as much as he could conveniently bear in all the drink he took by means of which the great indisposition of his Stomach became rectified and he began now to digest his Food much beter than formerly 5. I also gave him of the volatile Spirits of Vitriol and Sulphur in Wine somtimes and somtimes in Mead or Ale for change sake the use of which he continued for nere twelve weeks he took from twenty to forty drops at a time according as he could bear it and by this he was very much relieved and the Head and Stomach with the whole Nervous system was very much comforted and restored 6. His purging being compleatly over I caused him to sweat well which was don somtimes in Hartmans Chair with Powers of Rosemary of Oranges and Limons of each a like quantity mixed together and somtimes in Bed with this following sudorifick dose Take Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram Bezoar mineral one scruple mix them and give it drinking after it a small glass of Sack This was repeated about ten times at four days distance the sick sweat well and after the sixth time sweating the numbness of the parts went quite away 7. By the use of these things the Catarrh was much abated but not wholly taken off for which reason I ordered him to take constantly the following Electuary for some time Take Electuarium ad Tabidos two ounces Our new London-Treacle one ounce mix them Dose from half a scruple to one scruple I caused his Head to be shaved and applyed over the whole Cranium being first very well bathed with the Powers of Rosemary The Emplastrum Cephalicum of the shops 8. But this not wholy removing the Catarrh I prescribed him my volatile Laudanum to be taken every Night going to bed the last thing he began with two grains and once in a weeks time we increased the Dose a grain so long till he took about twelve grains of it at a time which had so good an effect upon him that by the assiduous use thereof this vehement Catarrh was perfectly removed 9. What this Laudanum is and how prepared We have taught in Our Chymistry now in the Press But that we may not wholy detain or withhold from
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
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
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
the Cure at length falling into our hands we cured him by the method above prescribed Save in stead of the Guajacum-Diet which we could by no means perswade him to take he took choice Hippocras with permission to drink now and then a draught of Beer XVIII A Palsy in a middle-aged Woman accompanied with a kind of Lethargy 1. This Gentlewoman taking Cold in going along Journy was seized with the Palsy and withall a kind of Lethargy the Physicians of the place to which she went were consulted but were at first at a stand what to do at length they gave her Julep of Roses inwardly and anointed her outwardly with Vnguentum Martiatum Oleum Excestrense and other the like Galenick Remedies but without the least appearance of good 2. When the Country-Physicians could do her no kindness her Husband brought her to London where he meet with other Asses of Aesculapius who whiled away several weeks in doing nothing at all for all the things they applyed to her were wholly Galenical so that having no power to penetrate into the root of the matter it was impossible they should ever effect the thing desired without the help of a Miracle 3. These Tools proving all useless by the advise of a Freind they sent for me having well viewed her I immediately perceived a Paralysis with a Lethargy the Gentlewoman was in a very dangerous Condition so that she was not to be play'd or dallied withall but there was a necessity of speedily using some powerful Medicines especially such as might throw off her Lethargick Disposition 4 In the first place I purged her Head with solid Errhines such as these following Take Confectio Hamech half an ounce Scammony and Gutta Gamba both in fine Pouder of each a like quantity so much as may make it up into a good consistency for Pills to every ounce of which you may add of Euphorbium in fine Pouder half a dram Of this there was long Pellets made to put up the Nostrils which were kept in with a Muffler put before the Nose and pin'd from Ear to Ear this was done in the Evening and the Errhines were kept-in about an hour and half 5. By the use hereof her Head was exceedingly well purged and the operation was four several times reiterated at two or three days distance by which a very vast quantity of cold pituitous matter was drawn away from her Head after the fourth time we used the following liquid Errhine which wrought yet more powerfully upon her and with less trouble Take White-Wine a pint choice Euphorbium two scruples in fine Pouder Cambogia four scruples make a dissolution of the Gums over a gentle heat and keep it in a glass closs stopt for use This was cast up the Nostrils with a Syring and repeated thrice at three days distance by which her Head became effectually purged and upon the last exhibition thereof her Lethargy wholly left her with great hopes of amendment as to her Paralysis also 6. But whilst all this was doing I was not unmindful to evacuate the whole Body of the cold morbifick matter with which it was afflicted and this I performed somtimes with the Tincture of my Family-Pill and somtimes with an Infusion of Rhubarb and Sena in a small Scurvy-grass-Water this purging I promoted every fourth fifth or sixth day as I saw occasion and the strength of her Body would bear 7. In the intervals of purging I ordered her to take this following Mixture Take Cinnamon-Water an ounce Basil's Tincture of Antimony two drams Powers of Rosemary one dram Spirit of Sal Armoniack ten drops mix them together for a Dose This was given her every day except the days of purging three times a day viz. in the Morning fasting an hour before Dinner and at four a clock in the After-noon 8. At Night going to bed I prescribed her this Bolus Take Electuarium ad Tabidos a dram and half Bezoar mineral sixteen grains volatile Salt of Mans-skull volatile Salt of Amber of each seven grains with Juyce of Alkermes a sufficient quantity make a Bolus to be taken at bed-time this composed her Spirits gave her good rest and provoked a gentle kind of sweating 9. Her Diet was choice Hippocras with permission to drink now and then yet but seldom a draught of Beer or Ale or a Decoction of Sarsaparilla in Water thus made Take mealy Sarsaparilla split two pounds Caraway seeds bruised four ounces Spring-Water sixteen quarts boyl the Sarsa in the Water till near the consumption of the one half then add the seeds boyl a quarter of an hour longer and take it off the Fire and strain it which make pleasant with white Sugar and put it up into Bottles with a Clove in each Bottle and keep it for use 10. Outwardly these Topicks were applyed first the paralytick Members were extreamly well bathed with the Powers of Aniseeds Morning and Night for six or seven days this being done they were every day twice a day anointed with this following Oyl Take Oyl of Castoreum and Oyl of Scorpions made as we have directed in our Doron Lib. 3. Cap. 2. Sect. 1. of each eight ounces chymical Oyls of Rosemary sweet Fennel seeds Savin and Limons of each two ounces and half mix them well together in a glass by shaking 11. By the use of this the palsied Parts were restored but there yet remained a very great weakness upon them which were thus remedied Take fat Myrrh make it very soft and by adding a sufficient quantity of rectified Spirit of Wine draw a blood red Tincture to every ounce of this Tincture add a â—ram of the chymical Oyl of Limons which mix well together With this being bathed for some time they were restored to their former strength 12. But to prevent a Relapse and because the sick was very apt to be sleepy I ordered the taking every Morning a little Sup of the Queen of Hungaria's Water and the same half an hour before Dinner and to be repeated about four a clock in the After-noon and at Night going to bed this Electuary Take Indian preserved Nutmegs number six Indian preserved green Ginger eight ounces candied Citron-Peels four ounces pure Indian-Oyl of Mace by Expression two ounces and half beat all very well together in a Mortar and with a sufficient quantity of the Juyce of Alkermes make an Electuary according to Art Dose the quantity of a Wall-nut at going to bed This was taken near six weeks after the Paralysis seemed to be perfectly taken away and by the constant use of these things for that time the Lethargick Disposition and Inclination were wholly removed 13. A beautiful young Lady of about sixteen years of age was by taking a vehement Cold seized both with a Lethargy and Palsy who in about eight weeks time was perfectly restored by the precedent Method with very little variation The same Lady after she seemed to be well cured of the aforenamed Diseases became in one Night Dumb This accident was
quantity make it after the manner of an Opiate or liquid Electuary He took thereof twice a Day to the quantity of a Chest-Nut 4. The next thing that we ordered was Frictions first with the Hand then with a rough Cloth before a Fire for the space of twelve or more Days then to continue the use of the aforesaid Electuary to which we did add for the removing of the Obstruction of the Liver the Species Diacurcumae three drams but the Liver being now made more free the Electuary was repeated without the said Species Diacurcumae 5. A while after the same was prescribed but after this manner Take Conserves of Borrage Bugloss Citron-Peels of each one ounce the Species Diarrhodon Abbatis Species Resumptivae Species Triasantila Species Aromatici Rosati of each two drams Syrup of Maiden-hair Syrup of Vinegar simple of each a sufficient quantitie make a Confection 6. Then after this these Tablets were used Take Species Resumptivae two scruples and half the Species of Haly contra Tabem Species Diarrhodon Abbatis Species Aromatici Rosati Species Triasantila of each one scruple dissolved in Borrage-Water white Sugar three ounces make a Confection in Rowls weighing three drams let him take one in the Morning and drink thereafter one Cup of Canary or Rhenish Wine 7. We did speak of Frictions now we come to prescribe Ointments which are to be used after the said Frictions Take Oyl of sweet Almonds two ounces Oyl of Cammomil one ounce mix them This was often repeated then the next soft Ointment was used 8. Take Oyl of sweet Almonds one ounce Oyl-Olive half an ounce Ship-Pitch two ounces with a sufficient quantity of Wax make an Ointment By these Remedies but especially by that Ointment first described this Youth grew well to the wonder of many People 9. Moreover these following Medicines are good against an Atropia Take Lineseed Oyl Oyl of Worms of each one ounce Oyl of Mace two drams Oyl of Hypericon three drams Salt Gem dryed and levigated one dram Oyl of Roses half an ounce with a little Wax make a Liniment 10. This following Medicine is also very good Take the Pulp of the Wings and fleshy Parts of a Capon and of Partriges of each six ounces the Flesh of Dates two ounces the Flesh of Jubebs one ounce Pine-Apples washed in Water of Colts-foot and Hysop of each three drams the seeds of Comfrey and Mallows of each one dram Liquorice scraped clean half an ounce Tragacanthum Gum Arabick of each three scruples sweet Almonds blanched three drams beat them together according to Art adding a sufficient quantity of Sugar as also the Syrup of Bugloss and Violets a sufficient quantity the Pouder of Species Resumptivae one ounce and half Electuarium de Gemmis one dram mix them and make a Pasta Regalis or Marchpane 11. Take Syrup of Staechas six ounces the Pouder of Species Aromatici Rosati one dram mix them 12. Tak Oyl of sweet Almonds Oyl of Violets Oyl of Sesame of each half an ounce Gum Tragacantha Gum Arabick of each one dram and half the Pouder of Species Resumptivae one dram the Yelk of an Egg with a little Wax mix them and make a Liniment Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 97. LXIV The Palsy in a middle-aged Man 1. A certain Gentleman of a robust strong constitution about forty years of age for the most part in good Health at length having accustomed himself to a sedentary Life and Idleness and thereby being made more dull did hate all kinds of Exercise and Recreation Furthermore being melancholy and sad would upon any light Occasion yea somtimes for no manifest Cause break out into Weeping and Tears 2. This Man after a very little while the like thing I have usually observerved of others was affected with a Weakness and Trembling of all the Members and afterwards with the resolution of the lower Parts 3. Yielding himself up to this Conquerour and every Day more and more sensibly languishing he dyed within six Months 4. I remember many others especially two that had committed themselves to our Cure who in the former part of their Life and middle Age were very ingenious and learned but afterwâ—ds in their declinature and latter part of their Life growing very dull and forgetful partly from the ill disposition of the Body and partly from the perturbations of the Mind became paralytick notwithstanding all the Remedies that were used in the beginning of the Disease 5. In such like Cases first of all the Brain seems as to its disposition and confirmation to be corrupted and appaired and the Spirits being carried out of their proper Chanel being also dull and heavy cannot rightly perform the Acts of Imagination and Memory therefore because of their Defects and inordinate Motions there must needs be an Impotency and Eclipse of the motive Faculty in the nervous Appendix Willis Pathelog Cap. 9. Observ 1. LXV The Palsy in a young Man 1 A young Man of a sanguine Complexion ingenious and for the most part healthful sitting in his Chair after Supper and too plentifully drinking Wine was taken with a Stupidity and Numbness in his right Hand insomuch that his Glove which he had in his Hand did fall involuntarily from him 2. Afterwards rising out of the Chair and endeavouring to walk he felt a resolution in his Thigh and Leg of that Side a little after he fell yet without any Apoplexy into a certain Dulness and Hebitude of Mind with a kind of Heaviness and Unsensibleness 3. Nevertheless he remained in his right Wits and could when interrogated answer aptly enough though but slowly and not without some Impediment doing also whatsoever was commanded him 4. A learned Physician being brought Phlebotomy Vomits and Purgations were celebrated in their order Cupping-Glasses Scarification Liniments Frictions and other Administrations were carefully exhibited yet notwithstanding the use of these Remedies the Palsy still grew worse 5. Insomuch that besides almost a total deprivation of Motion in the Members of the right Side he also lost the Sight of his right Eye in this his miserable Condition though somnulent and numb he knew his Freinds and was conscious of his own Infirmity and sollicitous for recovering his Health and did take all Remedies were tendred him 6. But every Day more and more the animal Functions and by consent from them the vital did at length grow feeble and faint so that about the seventh or eight Day of his Sickness he fell into a Delirium and presently after into Convulsions and other distractions of the animal Spirits of which his Strength being utterly destroyed he dyed 7. The Head being opened the fore Cavities of the Brain were filled partly with Ichorous-Blood partly with Concrete and Grumous as also with plenty of the serous humor 8. From whence it is easy to conceive that from that Illuvives compressing the Corpus unum striatum and shutting-up its Pores and the Passages the Afflux of the Spirits into the nervous Appendix of that Side is
Line-seed the roots of Althaea of each one ounce Ammoniacum Serapinum dissolved all Night in White-Wine of each half a dram Frankincense Mastick of each two drams Oyl of Foxes one ounce Wax half an ounce make a Cere-Cloth according to Art spread a small quantity of this Ointment upon Leather according to the largness of the wounded Member by which Remedy the Person found himself to be much better 3. We have given you several Examples of Persons that have been taken with the Palsy by this or the like Accidents Some by Bruises Blows and Wounds in the Head and Neck have fallen first into a light Apoplexy then into a Palsy the History of which and their proper Cures as also their Causes and Signs we have given you in their peculiar Places 4. We have likewise told you how difficult or rather incurable this Disease is which is most evident in old Men who are scarcely ever freed from it 5. If a Trembling and Feaver follow upon a Palsy and that also which comes from a Blow or Wound provided the Nerves be not too much bruised and torn it is possible that such a Palsy may be cured but on the contrary a Palsy that is occasioned by some signal Contusion or tearing asunder of the Nerves is really incurable 6. Avenzoar according to the Judgment of Galen says That if the Nerves which serve Respiration be wounded there is emâ—nent danger of sudden Death 7. If the resolved Member grow nothing less nor is weak nor corrupted there is some hopes of a Cure but on the contrary if it grows discernably feebler and smaller and the native Colour perishes it portends no good nor easy Cure to the Patient 8. In the Cure of a Palsy or the resolution of the Nerves from a Wound or any other extrinsical Cause the whole Body is to be purged or Blood is to taken or both is to done and the Humors which have their influx upon the resolved Part are to be diverted and strict Rules of Diet which have been above prescribed are to be followed 9. Proper Topicks should be also set against this mighty Disease outwardly diverse Remedies are to be applyed and made use of in a Palsy proceeding from a Wound such as Emplasters Cataplasms Ointments Fomentations Cupping-Glasses and the like 10 Guido did use this one Liquor very well described by Mesues in the Passions of the Heart with which the whole Back is anointed and it is this Take choice Myrrh Aloes Spikenard Sanguis Draconis Frankincense Mummia Opobalsamum Opopanax Bdellium Carpobalsamum Ammoniacum Sarcocolla Saffron Mastick Gum Arabick liquid Styrax of each two drams or two drams and half choice Labdanum Castoreum of each two drams and half Musk half a dram choice Turpentine the weight of them all pulverize those which are to be pulverized let them be all mixed with the Turpentine then put them into an Alembick which distil over a gentle Fire and receive for Vse the subtil Liquor 11. Guido de Cauliaco did add to this pretious Liquor Herbs proper for and dedicated to the Palsy and as he witnesses it did help more effectually Petrus Forestus Lib. 6. Observ Chirurg 20. C. A Palsy cured by Paracelsus 1. One saith he was troubled with the Palsy whom I cured only with the Essence of Wall-Flowers drawn with the Spirit of Wine 2. Note First it is to be supposed that this Essense was either a Tincture drawn from the dryed Herb with the best rectified Spirit of Wine such as will fire Gun-Pouder Or otherwise such an Essence as is made of the Juyce of the Herb with an addition of Spirit of Wine as we have taught in our Doron Medicum Lib. 1. Cap 15. Sect. 2. § 1. where you shall receive further Satisfaction Salmon 3. Note That as to the use of the Medicament it is possible that he might as well give it inwardly in any proper Vehicle good against the Palsy as apply it outwardly to the Part by Bathings and Fomentations Salmon 4. A compleat Palsy or benummedness and loss of Motion A Boy fifteen years old falling down a stone pair of Stairs had his Arm and Leg benummed and void of moving whose Neck with the hinder Part of the Head and all the Back-bone I anointed with this following Ointment 5. Take Fox Grease two ounces Oyl of Earth-Worms one ounce Oyl of Bricks half an ounce mix them together and anoint therewith It was accordingly done and in short space no Wound Swelling or Palsy appeared in him Paracelsus SCHOLIA The THEORY of a PARALYSIS or PALSY By the Author W. Salmon CI. The Pathology of the Palsy and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Paralysis Resolutio Nervorum and in English the Palsy Paralysis à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est resolvi dicitur for that the Nerves and the Muscles in whom also the Nerves are inserted are so resolved and weakned that they are wholly unfit to exercise the Motum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or voluntary Motion 2. The Definition Est videlicet Paralysis motus in Parte una vel pluribus abolitio nonnunquam Sensus simul aboletur ob Spirituum animalium ad motuum spontaneum necessariorum Defectum Sennertus Paralysis Resolutio Nervorum est ubi aut totum Corpus excepto Capite aut alterutrum Latus aut Corporis duntaxat aliqua Pars videlicet Pes Manus aut Lingua Motu ac Sensu simul aut Motu tantum privata est Joel Paralysis describitur nempe quod sit Partium nervosarum à debita tensitate Resolutio sive Relaxatio cujus ratione Motus Sensus nempe aut alter tantum simul uterque in toto Corpore vel in quibusdam Partibus debito more exerceri nequit Willis A Palsy is a loss of Sense and Motion in some Parts of the Body by reason of the stopping of the Conduits or Passages of the animal Spirits Riverius Among these Willis his Definition is the most ample viz. that it is namely the Palsy a Resolution or Relaxation of the nervous Parts from their natural or due Habit by which means Motion and Sense to wit either the one only or both together in the whole Body or in some Parts can not be exercised after their due Manner But Joel wil have it that if the whole Body together with the Head be affected it is not a Paralysis but an Apoplexy and indeed most Authors say That an Apoplexy is an universal Palsy of the whole Body 3. The Kinds or Differences It is either universal call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which the whole Body the Head excepted is affected Or particular called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which some Part or Parts are seised therewith 2. It is either on both Sides of the Body called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or on the one half or Side of the Body and is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But some Authors use all these Terms
promiscuously for one and the same Disease viz. for a Resolution of the Nerves which is a loss of Sense and Motion in any Part of the Body 3. It is either perfect in which Sense and Motion are quite gone Or imperfect wherein Sense and Motion are only decayed or diminished and in this case if the diminution be but small it cannot be properly Paralysis a Palsy but rather Stupor or Torpor a numbedness which is commonly the Fore-runner of a true Palsy 4. A Palsy may be either from the hurt of the motive Faculty the sense remaining found Or from the hurt of the Sense the motive Faculty remaining well 5. A Palsy may arise either from a solution of unity in the Nerves as by a Bruise from a Fall or Blow or by a Wound or from a relaxation of the Vertebrae of the Back suddenly caused 6. It is either from Causes innate as 1. From cold pituitous humors which relax and dissolve the Tone of the Nerves 2. From straightness or narrowness of the Nerves caused by Obstructions Or by Constipation from some Tumor c. 3. From thin sharp serous and windy humors moved in the Bowels not only to the beginnings of the Orifices of the Nerves but to the very Muscles and Tendons Or from causes external and foreign as from Narcoticks and Poysons as touching the fish Torpedo immeasurable drinking strong Liquors taking of Henbane Poppies Opium Quick-silver Antimony Arsenick c. To these external Causes may also be added the excess of heat or cold by the first of which the Spirits are wasted and spent and by the latter of which they are obstructed in their passages by Congelation c. 7. It is either Idopathetick or by consent of Parts and that for the most part in a scorbutick habit of body CII The signs of a Palsy 1. The Pathognomick signs of a Palsy are the hurts of the motive and sensitive faculty for where the loss of motion and sense is there is certainly a Paralysis or Palsy 2. Where these Symptoms are universal there the Paralysis is universal if they afflict but one part only those part only suffers by the Palsy Somtimes it affects but one side of the body and somtimes it affects both 3. If the sense and motion be both wholly lost the Palsy is said to be perfect if they be not absolutely destroyed but only depraved it is but an imperfect Palsy and is rather a kind of Torpor Stupor or Numness 4. If the motion be only hurt and the sense perfect yet it is a Palsy so also if the sense be abolished and the motion remains but this kind of Palsy in my opinion ought rather to be called an Hemiplegia than that which only afflicts one side 5. Hence it appears that the kinds of the Palsy is easily known from the abolition of the motive and sensitive faculties according to the part or parts affected being discoverable by the Eye and the habit of the body in which it happens but the principal part affected or what first suffers is with more difficulty to be discerned being only known from Anatomical Learning which teacheth the original and distribution of the Nerves through all the parts of the body 6. If the right or left side of the Face has the Palsy and no other part suffers the Brain is only hurt in that part from whence the Nerves are brought which distribute their branches to those sides of the Face but if the parts under the Head be affected together with the Face then it is a sign that the Spinal Marrow is hurt as well as the Brain and if the parts beneath the Head are hurt and not the Face the fault is only in the Spinal Marrow and some of the Nerves springing from thence 7. If one half of the body only has the Palsy only one half of the Spinal Marrow and Nerves thence proceeding are affected but if the whole body suffers then is the whole Spine afflicted from its very original 8. Now the disaffection of the Spinal Marrow is that which hinders the afflux of the Animal Spirit the principal Instrum nt not only of sense but also of all natural motions for by reason of its discrasy it can neither communicate to the Muscles the faculty of moving nor to the Nerves the power of feeling for that the parts into which it is inserted become unprofitable 9. And this is true whether the passage of the said Animal Spirit is interrupted by a solution of Unity or Obstructed by a morbifick matter or otherwise constringed for by either of these hinderances the said Animal Spirit can no longer have a free passage through the nervous System flow through or fill it up or not so amply as it ought to do 10. In whatsoever place this hinderance happens whether about the Spinal Marrow or about the conjugations or branches of Nerves proceeding there from it causeth a Palsy either of more or fewer parts according as the Nerve affected is more general or particular 11. We shall now declare what Nerves affected do produce a Paralysis in each respective Part. If the Nerves nere to the Brain or in the beginning of their Passage from the Brain or the spinal Marrow lying next under the Brain be hurt or effected there is commonly a general Palsy wherein also breathing the Voice Speech and Swallowing with some excresive Motions do suffer hurt 12. But if the hurt is in the following production of this Marrow it makes those Members only paralytick into which its Branches of Nerves are inserted But the Palsy is so much the more general by how much the affect of the said spinal Marrow is nere to the Brain or original of the Nerves 13. If the Ey be affected with the Palsy the visive Nerves are originally hurt as also the Cerebrum adjacent it self If the Tongue is paralytick the Conjugation of Nerves serving the Tongue is hurt and the Speech is also defective and by reason of its Community with the auditory Nerve if the defect be so great as to cause a perfect loss of Speech then the sick is for the most part deaf also 14. If there be a Palsy of the Larynx Tongue Jaws Midriff as also of the Bladder and Fundament those Nerves which some Authors account of the sixth and seventh Conjugations are hurt about their original If there be a defect of the Voice the recurrent Nerve is affected If there be a defect in Swallowing the Nerves which go to the Muscles of the Jaws are hurt If there be danger of Suffocation the Nerves which go to the Midriff are hurt though the Midriff the Instument of Breathing can otherwise in some sort perform its Office for that it receives Nerves also from the spinal Marrow 15. If the Sphincters of the Bladder and Anus be paralytick from whence follows in the one an involuntary Pissing in the other a Relaxation of the Fundament the Conjugations of Nerves supplying those Parts are generally disaffected 16.
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
a dram and half with Honey or syrup of Ground-pine make an Electuary Dose half an ounce or six drams in the Morning fasting and fasting three hours after it 89. Lozenges Take extract of Calamus Aromaticus two drams Oyl of Cinnamon of Cloves of Nutmegs of Rosemary and of Sage of each seven drops Species Diambrae a dram with white Sagar dissolved in compound Lavender water and boyled up to the consistency of Lozenges six ounces make LoZenges Or thus Take Species Diamoschi Dulcis a dram and half Species Diambrae two scruples Diamargariton Calidum half a dram raspings of Misletoe Elks hoof of each a scruple fragments of the five precious stones of each half a scruple Extracts of Galangal of Orrice and of Peony of each seven grains Cardamoms fifteen grains distilled Oyl of Nutmegs seven drops Sugar boyled to a height in Lilly-Convally-water mix and make Lozenges 80. Take pouder of the best Zedoary the lesser Galangal of each half a dram Species Diambrae one dram pouder of the seeds of Mustard Rocket Scurvy-grass Water-cresses of each half a dram make of them all a fine Pouder add to it of the best rectified Oyl of Amber half a dram and with white sugar dissolved in compound Peony-water and boyled up to the consistency of Lozenges six ounces make Lozenges according to Art weighing each half a dram Eat of them three or four twice a day drinking after them a taster of some of the aforegoing Antiparalytick waters or that of the Queen of Hungary 91. Take species Diambrae a dram distilled Oyls of Sage of Nutmegs and of Cloves of each four drops with Sugar boyled to a height in Rosemary-water two ounces make Lozenges or Rouls Or thus Take Oyls of Sage of Cinnamon of Cloves and of Nutmegs of each six drops with Sugar boyled to a height in Ground-pine-water two ounces make Lozenges or Rouls Or thus Take rectified Oyl of Amber fifteen drops Oyl of Cinnamon ten drops Essence of Sage one dram white Sugar half a pound boyled to a heigh in waters of Lavender-flowers and flowers of Lilly-convally make Lozenges or Rouls 92. Pilulae Take the pouder of Virginian Snake-root two drams of the lesser Galangal one dram of the Gummy extract of the remains of the distillation of Quercetans Elixir Vitae two drams flowers of sal Armoniack for the most pure Volatile Salt of Soot or Harts-horn one dram Balsam of Peru one scruple Balsamum Capivi enough to make a mass which make into small Pills rouling them in the species Diambrae Dose half a dram Evening and Morning Or thus Take Resin or Gum Guajaci three drams species Diambre one dram chymical Oyl of Guajacum purely and rightly rectified a dram and half Liquid Amber enough to make all up into a Mass which form into little Pills to be taken after the former manner Willis 93. These are the Prescripts of the best Authors We shall now lay down some more singular Specificks and so conclude this Head hasting withall speed to Topick applications And therefore in this case we commend the Waters and Spirits of Lavender compound of Castoreum of Peony compound of Earthworms magistral Aqua imperialis Aqua Vitae Mattheoli Bezoardica Mattheoli Aqua Cephalica Mylii Aqua Cardiaca Paracelsi Aqua Aromatica nost Anhaltina schroderi Cephalica Reinesij Antepileptica Vntzeri Aqua Magna Fioravanti Aqua Vitae aurea Langii Virtutum Reinesii the Apoplectick Water of Jacob Martin Fabers Epileptick Spirit of Vitriol Spirit of Harts-horn Spirit of Mans-skull Spirit of Rosemary compound carminative Spirit of Sylvius compound Spirit of Scurvy-Grass Spirit of Vrine Spirit of Juniper-berries Spirit of Rosemary and Savin Spiritus Paralyticus Spiritus Antepilepticus Apoplecticus Clossaei Spiritus Diapente Antidotum Salis Spiritus Salis Armoniaci Spiritus Vitrioli dulcis vulnerary Spirit of Sulphur chymical Oyls of Rosemary of Savin of Juniper-berries of Aniseed of Caraways of Cinnamon of Cloves of Nutmegs of Sassafras of Rhodium of Bay-berries of Turpentine and of Amber Balsamus Polychrestus Mynsichti Nervinum Schroderi Balsamum Vitae Bilgens Vitae magis compositum Paralyticum Horstii Clossaei Elixir Syncopticum Clossaei Vitae majus Quercetani Vitrioli Mynsichti Elixir Sulphuris Paralyticum Horstii Elixir Vitae nostrum Elixir Aurantiarum Baccarum Juniperi Castorei Lavendulae è Corticibus Limonium de Melissophyllo de Mentha Rosmarini de Mentha Radicis Serpentaria de Salvia Elixir Vitae rubrum Tinctura Castorei Antimonii Mynsichti Dia phoretica Paracelsi in Convulsionibus Mylii Paralysi Milii Succini Horstii Martis Mynsichti Cardiaca Argentea Extracts of Vipers of Gentian of Angelica of Acorus of Carduus Benedictus of Elecampane of Zedoary Diapeonias Mindereri Castorei Zwelferi Antepilepticum Zwelferi Antipestilentiale Zwelferi Aureum Mynsichti Pouder of Vipers Liquor Cephalicus Diaphoreticus Mynsichti Sal Argenti Succini volatile Tartari volatile Sal Vrinae Cranii humani de Cornu Cervi Armoniacum volatile volatile Viperarum Powers of Rosemary of Lavender of Sage of Savin of Penny-royal of Savory of Marjoram of Origanum of Limons of Oranges of Aniseeds of Caraways of Cloves of Nutmegs of Cinnamon of Sassafras of Juniper and Bay berries of Amber Powers of Virtues Powers of Vipâ—rs which last with its volatile Salt are superiour to all other things Mynsicht also his Tincture of Mars is a Medicament of no small account so also the dulcified Oyls of Sulphur Salt and Vitriol so made by a long digestion with the best rectified Spirit of Wine for at least three or four Months for these open Obstructions to a wonder and free the Passages of the animal Spirit In a Word the Powers and Elixirs of things transcend all other Forms of Medicaments for that by their neatness and exceeding Subtilty and Power of Penetration they do what no other kinds of Remedies can 94. We are now at length arrived to the Topick part of this Cure by which we also endeavour to recal the Heat and Spirits to the grieved Parts and these are either particular or general The particular Topicks are such as are applyed to the affected places as Frictions Cuppings Issues Setons Fomentations Oyls Balsams Oyntments Cataplasms Cere-Cloths Emplasters and Powers The general are Sudorificks as Hot-Houses Stoves Baths of which we have already spoken and Mercuriates externally applied by way of Unction c. and as we have taught in our Synopsis Medicinae Lib. 3. Cap. 32. Sect. 6. § 9. ad 17. to which we shall at this time refer you 95. Where there is age and Strength of body able to bear it you may use daily Frictions on the Parts affected with course warm Cloths but it ought to be done gently least the Heat and Spirits be not only attracted but also dissipated Moreover Frictions ought if with conveniency they can to be used before Fomentations Anointings Bathings c. for that thereby the Pores are before hand opened and prepared for the reception of the Vertues of the applyed Medicament 96. Somtimes also Sinapisms
they may be had we absolutely advise to the use of them not only for the reasons before given but for that they are infinitely more excellent efficacious and safe CVI. The Cure of the Palsy in a hot dry and cholerick Constitution 1. If the Palsy be excited in a hot and cholerick Temper or in a young Person you must give Medicines of a milder nature and less hot than what we have before prescribed in a cold Palsy for those more hot and Elastick things do rather aggravate and increase the Disease than diminish it and therefore for a Diet you must wholly forbear Guajacum and make use of Sarsaparilla and such like temperate things after this manâ—er 2. A Diet for a Paralysis in a cholerick Câ—nstâ—tution Take mealy Sarsaparilla three pounds bruise it in a Mortar sal Prunellae four or five ounces Peony roots and seeds Burdock roots Liquorice Sage of each half a pound Raisons of the sun blew Figgs slit of each two pounds Water five gallons infuse all twenty four hours in a gentle heat then boyl to the consumption of one haâ—f strain dulcify it to the Pallat of the sick with white Sugar and bottle it up with a Clove or two in each bottle for ordinary drink 3. Or thus Take Sarsaparilla two pounds bruised Virginian Snake-root contra yerva Zedoary Peony roots Burdock-roots Liquorice of each six ounces Carraways Coriander-seeds of each four ounces Raisons of the sun blew Figs of each a pound sal Prunellae three or four ounces spring Water sixteen quarts first boyl the Sarsa to the consumption of a third part or better then put in the rest of the things and boyl till about eight quarts only remain then strain dulcifie with white Sugar and bottle it up as before 4. Let the sick once a Week or oftner purge with Diacassia with Rubarb or with Diaprunum Lenitivum Electuarium amarum Magistrale majus minus Diacassia with Manna and without the leaves of Sena Diacarthamum Diaphoenicon Electuarium de Citro solutinum Diaprunum solutivum Electuarium Lenitivum Passulatum Catholicon Tryphera solutiva given in Rhenish Wine and Peony-water or in Clarified Whey Elixir Proprietatis made with the Oyl of Sulphur the Infusion of Sena and Rubarb in half White Wine half Rose-water or with other things of like Nature but the Physician may join with the Purge proper Specificks against a Paralysis as the salt of Wormwood Extract of Peony Tincture or syrup of Steel Volatile Salt of Millepedes c. as he shall see fit 5. The habit being in part altered and the morbifick Matter mostly carried off it will be necessary to give such things as may strengthen and corroborate the Organs and parts weakned such as these following Take roots of Aron of Male-Peony Angelica Imperatoria of each half a pound flowers of Sage Rosmary Marjoram Brooklime Water-cresses of each four handfuls Rinds of six Oranges and four Limon flowers of Prim-roses Cowslips Marigolds of each three handfuls cut and bruise all and put to them new Milk six pints Mallago Wine one quart distil them in common Organs with great care that there be no Empyreuma and let the whole Liquor be mixed together 6. An Electuary Take Conserves of the flowers of Betony of Fumitory of Prim-roses or Cowslips of each two ounces Species Diambra one dram Pouders of Ivory Crabs-Eyes and Claws of each four scruples Pouder of Peony-flowers two drams Lignum Aloes yellow Sanders of each one dram Salt of Wormwood a dram and half with syrup of Peony-flowers a sufficient quantity make an Electuary Dose two drams twice a day drinking after it either the simple Water of Aron-flowers or some of the afore prescribed distilled Water three ounces or as much of the Decoction of Sage or of the above prescribed Diets 7. Somtimes instead of the aforesaid Water and Electuary you may give Mynsicht's Tincture of Mars the preparation of which you may see in Our Pharmacopoeia Londinensis lib. 4. cap. 7. sect 34. It is a most admirable thing and opens Obstructions in the remote parts as well as in the Viscera almost to a miracle You may give it from six to twenty or thirty drops in any convenient Vehicle chiefly a glass of Rhenish wine 8. Or the Sick may take Dr. Willis his Syrup of Steel which may be taken a spoonful at a time in the former distilled Water for fourteen or fifteen days between whiles It may be thus made Take of the whitest Sugar dissolved in black Cherry-water and boyled up to a consistency eight ounces adding to it of our steel in pouder three drams let them be stirred together over the fire then by degrees pour to it Rosmary-water twelve ounces warm let it boyl gently for a quarter of an hour souming it and pouring it forth warm through a hair Sieve or strainer 9. You may also exhibit Lozenges of Steel made after this manner viz. with Sugar boyled sufficiently with Steel adding the Chymical Oyl of Amber or of Rosemary half a dram then presently pour it forth for Lozenges Dose two drams twice in a day drinking after it a draught of one of the former Diets or six ounces of the following Apozem 10. Take China root one ounce Raspings of Ivory of Hartshorn of each half an ounce white and yellow Sanders Wood of the Mastich-tree of each half an ounce infuse them in warm water and close stopt for a whole Night six pints in the Morning add to them roots of Chervil of sweet smelling Avens of Broom of Parsley of each one ounce and half of the dryed leaves of Ground-Ivy Sage Germander Betony of each one handful Coriander seeds three drams let them be boyled till half be consumed then add to it White Wine half a pint and strain it into a Jugg upon the leaves of Water-cresses bruised two handfuls let it infuse warm and close shut for two hours strain it again and keep it in a Vessel well stopt 11. But if Choler boils in the Body and the Constitution be exceeding hot you will find the following a most admirable Antiparalytick and somtimes performs Cures of this kind to a Miracle being long and constantly given Take of the best rectified spirit of Wine a quart drop into it by degrees of the best Oyl of Sulphur per Campanum twelve ounces shake it all well together stop it up close luting if you so please the mouth of the glass digest in a warm place or in the sun for the space of three months at the end of that time put all the Liquor into a glass Alembick or a glass Retort and distil with a gentle and gradual Fire encreasing the fire a little towards the end but be very cautious that you make it not too great lest you force over the Magma For then your labour of distillation will be lost but having drawn off the subtil and pure spirit leave a thick Honey-like matter at bottom Dose of this Spirit a quarter of a spoonful or
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
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
of the Members and that the serous humours which the Nerves had imbibed might trouble him no more we applyed a dry Stupha every Morning for a whole month 16. Our Sudorifick Antimony was given him to cause him to Sweat at length by the foregoing Medicines we delivered our Patient both from the Apoplexy and Palsy and a thin and light Diet being oâ—served still by him he yet lives in perfect health Petrus Johannes Faber Cur. 40. L. An Apoplexy in a young Girl 1. A Girl ten years of Age after bathing of her self fell into an Apoplexy which proceeded from a flux of gross humors into the Vessels and parts of the Head wherein consisteth the feeling and moving of the whole Body 2. She snorted much in her Sleep and trembled all over her Body I cured her with Oleum Cranij humani giving it with Spirit of Vitriol in Lavender-water Paracelsus LI. An Apoplexy in an elderly Man 1. One Caspar Mayr a Carpenter in the City of Lauginga being about fifty years of Age was taken with a strong Apoplexy of which through the help of God I cured him 2. Being called to him I exhibited the following Sternutatory Take Meal of Darnel pouder of Nigella-seeds pouder of white Hellebor of each a scruple Marjoram Rosemary Sage of each half a dram Musk two grains make all into a subtile Pouder 3. Of this Pouder about the quantity of three pease was blown up into his Nostrils with a Quill by which he sneezed strongly 4. After the Sneezing I gave Oleum Heraclinum to about half a spoonful to be swallowed by little and little by virtue of which almost miraculously he presently came to himself began to speak and know the By-standers 5. Being asked concerning his Disease how he was taken he answered he knew not how he was affected nor that he was deprived of all Sense and Motion however being now fully come to himself he called to mind that before he was taken with this Disease he was afflicted with a pain of the Head and a streightness of the Brest 6. And indeed through the mercy of God he recovered his perfect Health beyond the opinion of all men Martinus Rulandus Cent. 7. Cur. 44. SCHOLIA The THEORY of the APOPLEXY By the Author W. Salmon LII The Pathology of the Apoplexy and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à percutiendo in Latin Apoplexia and in English the Apoplexy a word denoting percussion wherein after a wonderful and admirable manner the sick is struck dumb and sensless 2. The Definition Est omnium corporis partium motus ac sensus repentina privatio omniumque animalium functionum interceptio Joel It is defined by Riolanus to be an abolition of Sense and Motion with Respiration hurt which at last brings snorting and suffocation by reason of thick flegm flowing out of the Funnel and obstructing the Larynx or Wind-pipe which does oftentimes and unexpectedly invade a Man or follow some other sleepy Disease all the Ventricles of the Brain but especially the fourth being obstructed wherein unless the matter be discussed in the Spinal Marrow Death unavoidably follows Anot. lib. 4. cap. 2. Fernelius saith That an Apoplexy is a Disease bred by an obstruction of the Rete Mirabile the afflux of arterial Blood out of the Heart into the Brain being thereby intercepted Willis saith Apoplexia vi vocis percussionem denotat propter stupendam affectûs naturam quasi aliquid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continentem Sideratio appellatur namque ea correpti tanquam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aut numine invisibili perculsi subitò ad terram concidunt atque sensu motu privati totâque functione animali nisi quod respirant cessante quasi exanimes aliquandiu jacent quandoque mortem obeunt sin reviviscunt saepenumero paralysi universali aut hemiplegiâ afficiuntur The Sense of the word Apoplexy denotes percussion and by reason of the stupendious quality of the Distemper containing as it were somthing super-natural it is called a Sideration or Blasting for those struck therewith being as it were Planet-struck or struck with an invisible power fall suddenly on the ground and being deprived both of Sense and Motion and the whole Animal Function ceasing save that they breath they lye for a long season as if Dead and somtimes dye indeed but if they revive they are many times taken either with an universal Palsy or else with a Palsy of one side Riverius saith It is a most deep sleep and a total privation of Sense and Motion breathing excepted wherein the Sick neither opens his Eyes answers nor feels when he is hurt breathing also with difficulty Apoplexia morbus est gravissimus qui primò caput obsidet protinus ac subitò sensu motu universum corpus privat ita ut exitus spiritus animalis a cerebro prohibeatur vitalis aditus à corde ad cerebrum praepediatur à percutiendo nomen habet quôd qui ea laborent veluti de coelo percussi videantur Avicenna apoplexiam definit quod sit otiositas sensus motus per interceptionem spiritus sensitivi motivi ab oppilatione ventriculorum cerebri The Apoplexy is a Disease suddenly depriving the whole Body of Sense and Motion and causing all the Animal Functions to cease breathing only excepted wherein the Sick lies for a season as if Dead 3. The Kinds or Diferences 1. The Apoplexy is either accidental coming of a sudden and falling indifferently upon any Man though not at all predisposed thereto for which no preventive method can be instituted Or it is habitual from a constant disposition in some Men because of which they are at first only exercised with light approaches thereof or rather Symptoms afterwards the Paroxysms are evident but gentle but at length they become more grievous and of which at last they for the most part dye 2. The Apoplexy is distinguished according to its degrees as Sennertus teacheth Lib. 1. Par. 2. Cap. 23. into gentle strong and strongest The gentle is that in which the Sick breaths freely and easily becomes sensible again The strong Apoplexy is that wherein the Sick breaths with very great difficulty and as it were with violence snorting and foaming at Mouth The strongest and most dangerous is that in which all Sense and Motion immediately cease through the whole Body the breath also being stopt in these there is neither snorting nor foaming but the Sick lyes as if perfectly Dead and they ought not to be buried before three days be over for it has been found that in that space of time some so seized have revived again 3. The Apoplexy is also two-fold according to the place the one is seated in the middle of the Brain the other in the Cerebellum 4. It is either from causes conjunct and procatartick or from causes evident as some external violence LIII The signs of an Apoplexy 1. The person before
stupifying Medicines causing Sleep as also from the too immoderate drinking of strong Waters by the too liberal taking of the last of which we have known three several persons suddenly taken with apoplectick Fits who dyed in the height of the Paroxysm 17. But how Opiates affect in this Case Webferus tells us That they do only too much open and dilate the Pores and passages of the Brain and as it were open the doors of it before fast shut whereby every extraneous or forreign and incongruous thing is admitted into the Repository or sleeping place of the Spirits together with the subtil liquor poured forth from the blood and so by a violent incursion dissipates their ranks and orders This opinion of Webferus may have somthing of truth in it if it be considred in respect to the first Dose being too large for Opiates always hurt most at the first time of taking but not to the subsequent Doses for if so it would follow that being often given they would still bring a greater evil by dilating more and more the Pores of the Brain and thereby make a much easier enterance for all manner of Impurities which experience daily convinces us of the contrary for afterwards being often taken they do little hurt and the Sick having been a while accustomed to the use of them will take in large quantities without the least Detriment 18. By this it appears that Opiates do not so much alter the conformation of the Brain as immediately to profligate the Animal Spirits unless given at first in too large a proportion for then by reason of their present incongruity to them and sudden falling foul upon them the Particles of the Opiate extinguishes the said Spirit as with a mear Blast Whereas had it been given at first in a smaller Dose and gradually increased till a familiarity had been begotten between them the Opiate would have been so far from hurting or disturbing the Spirits that on the contrary it would become infinitely grateful and friendly to the same 19. The cause of an habitual Apoplexy now comes to be considered The Proeguminine conjunct or proximate cause is a malignant matter heaped up and dispersed in the compass of the Brain which at length descending into its middle or marrowy part does assault and suppress all the Spirits in the very fountain of their production and emanation Now this possibly may be done either by filling the medullary Pores or by obstructing and driving away the Spirits themselves or by contaminating them with a Stupor or Numbness as it were by a blast not much unlike lightning from the malignant contact of the matter rushing upon them or by all these ways together 20. For without doubt the Particles descending on every side from the compass of the Brain into its middle part or Callous Body and entering it from every part do presently fill the passages how straight soever they be and puting to flight the Spirits force them into a narrow place where being then beset and not able either long to resist or find out other passages they are profligated thereby obliterating every Function of the intelligent Soul 21. Being thus profligated or struck down they do not suddenly rise up again for that they are not able to rid themselves from the chains or umbrage of the malignant matter but they lye long suppressed till at length somtimes that matter is dissipated or drawn up into the blood or issuing forth through the little Pores of the Marrow slides forwards into the Ventricles of the brain Or at length falling down yet lower it is impacted on the Corpora striata either one or both of them and so causes either a Hemiplogia or an universal Palsy 22. In the interâ—m as the Animal Spirits within the Corpus Callâ—sum begins to free themselves so they resume their accustomed offices which they manage again till new matter springs up in the compass of the Brain and by degrees is increased so as to descend into the Callous Body as aforesaid thereby exciting another Paroxâ—sm from the embraces of which if the Spirit cannot free it self by either of the aforesaid ways in some reasonable time being by degrees wholly overcome they are at length perfectly extinguished 23. As to the Procatartick Causes of an habitual Apoplexy they are to be explicated not in a much differing Method from the like in most other Cephalick Diseases for seeing that the Blood must necessarily be in fault for that it sends to the Head forreign and very hetrogeneous Particles obnoxious to the constitution and texture of the Animal Spirits and that the Brain also is in fault for that it has been by degrees weakned and indisposed by the means of the sanguinous disaffection whereby its Pores and passages are altered made dissolute and too lax it then follows that it may at length easily admit without any difficulty the morbifick and malign matter sent forth from the blood 24. How the Blood comes to be thus affected seems not here necessary to be declared seeing we have already done it in many other places and that it is obnoxious to and follows all the irregularities of humane life as profound Drunkenness with Wine and strong Waters a long suppression of the Serum from its usual and long accustomed Evacuations a translation of the morbick matter of another Disease to the Head excessive drinking of cold and small Liquors when one is extream hot and dry Gluttony and Gormandizing with many other like Enormities too tedious here to be related 25. For the blood indeed transfers to the Head and Brain more especially in Apoplectick persons a great quantity of saline and noxious juice or of a malign serous and excrementitious humor extream prejudicial and for the most part deadly to the animal Powers taken somtimes from one place and somtimes from another which by degrees instils them with the Lymphatick and Nervous juice out of the Arteries on the compass or outer borders of the Brain where by little and little insinuatng the said malign and morbid matter it overflows at once all the said outward parts of the Brain and like a Sea breaking in or a Sulphurous or arsenical blast either drives away the inhabiting Spirits or totally extinguishes them 26. Hitherto we have discoursed of the causes of an Apoplexy in the Brain it now remains that we shew the causes of that proper to the Cerebellum In this case the motion of the Heart is often suppressed or proscribed whereby presently the blood being retained without the Brain the Animal Spirits destinated to the vital function fall down even as the light vanishes when the flame is put out and are suppressed somtimes extinguished in the fountain it self to wit within the Cerebellum whence comes besides a failing of the Spirits a sudden privation of all the Animal Functions the Sick becoming sensless and immoveable with a Pulse and Breathing very much diminished and almost imperceptible and growing cold lye as for Dead many
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
it self or dissolving it in a little Cinnamon-water But the Extract of Sage is a great secret and a specifick in an Apoplexy 35. An Electuary Take Conserves of the flowers of Lillys-convally or of the male Peony six ounces pouder of the root of male Peony half an ounce Mans skull prepared three drams seeds and flowers of the male Peony poudred of each two drams red Coral prepared Pearls and the whitest Amber of each one dram salt of Coral four scruples syrup of the flowers of the male Peony enough to make an Electuary Dose two or three drams Morning and Evening drinking after it two or three ounces of some proper Antapoplectick-water 36. Platerus commends this Electuary as very excellent in the Progress of the Disease Take Conserve of Orrice-root the true Acorus that is the Calamus Aromaticus in the shops of each one ounce Sage Rosemary Marjoram Stoechas Lavender of each half an ounce Confectio Anacardina two drams the species Diambrae Diamoschu of each half a dram seeds of Rocket and Rue of each one dram with Oxymel of Squils or Honey of Anacardiums make an Electuary Dose the quantity of a Chestnut every other day or one dram of it to two may be taken Morning and Night mixing with it eight or ten grains of Castoreum and a grain or two of Euphorbium 37. Sennertus advises to this Electuary Take Conserves of Lavender flowers one ounce Conserves of Rosemary-flowers Sage Marjoram Betony of each an ounce Calamus Aromaticus condited half an ounce Species Diamoschu dulcis half a dram Rocket-seed a dram with Honey of Anacardiums and Syrup of Stoechas simple make an Electuary This is better Take Conserves of Sage Rosemary Lavender Stoechas Marjoram of each half an ounce Calamus Aromaticus condited Confectio Anacardina of each two drams the Species Diambrae Diamoschu of each half a dram volatile Salt of Amber Salt of Mans-skull of each a dram Pouder of Virginian snake-root and of Contrayerva of each a dram and half volatile Sal Armoniack two scruples with Syrup of the Juyce of Kermes make an Electuary Dose from one dram to two 38. Lozenges Take Species Diambrae two drams Pouder of the roots of Male Peony choice Zedoary of each one dram and half Pearls a dram the best rectified Oyl of Amber half a dram the whitest Sugar dissolved in Peony-Water six ounces and boyled up to a consistency with which make Lozenges according to Art each weighing half a dram Let the Patient eat one or two often in a day at pleasure and after the eating of them to drink a dram or two of some proper Apoplectick Water or the Aqua Vitae Matthioli 39. Riverius commends these Tablets or Lozenges Take Ambergrise half a scruple distilled Oyls of Aniseeds of Cinnamon and of Nutmegs of each three drops Oyl of Cloves one drop Sugar dissolved in Orange flower-water and boyled up to a consistence four ounces mix and make Lozenges according to Art each weighing a dram Dose one or two Lozenges every Morning after which you may drink a little Aqua Apoplectica 40. Sennertus prepares these Morsels Take the Species Aromaticum Rosatum a dram Diambrae two scruples Diapliris cum Moscho Dianthos of each a scruple Conserves of Rosemary and Lavender-flowers of each one dram and half Extracts of Peony five grains of Galangal three grains red Coral dissolved a scruple Oyl of Nutmegs by Expression four grains Oyls of Cloves and of Amber of each two drops Sugar dissolved in Rosemary and Lilly-Convally Waters and boyled up to a consistence a sufficient quantity mix and make Morsels according to Art Or thus Take white Amber prepared two drams and half the Species Aromaticum Rosatum Diambrae Dianthos Diapliris of each two scruples Sugar dissolved in Betony-Water and boyled up eight ounces mix and make Morsels 41. Rotulae Antapoplecticae Take Extracts of Peony roots and of Calamus Aromaticus of each one scruple Pearls prepared two scruples red Coral prepared half a dram Oyl of Nutmegs by expression one scruple distilled Oyl of Nutmegs twelve drops Oyl of Fennel seed seven drops Sugar dissolved in Peony-Water and boyled up three ounces mix and make Rowls according to Art after the same manner may Rowls be prepared with chymical Oyls of Cubebs which will be of great efficacy 42. These Pills also are given to corroborate and strengthen the Head animal Powers being taken in the Morning fasting and last at Night going to bed Take Cubebs Mastick Nutmegs Cloves of each one dram Ambergrise half a dram Musk half a scruple with Extract of Gentian make Pills Dose from a scruple to half a dram or two scruples 't is a most excellent composition and a Specifick in the Case 43. This following Tincture is inferiour to few things Take Virginian-snake root Contrayerva Bay berries hull'd Zedoary Cubebs Cloves of each an ounce Cinnamon Anacardimums of each an ounce and half with the best rectified Spirit of Wine the Ingredients being all well bruised make a strong Tincture in forty days shaking of it every day then let it stando till it is fine decant the Tincture and put intn it pure Ambergrise Musk of each three drams in very subtile Pouder upon which let the Liquor perpetually stand Dose two or three drams in a Glass of Wine every Morning fasting 44. We commend also as Specificks in this Disease the Potestates or Powers of Rosemary a most admirable thing the Powers of Lavender of Sage of Tansy of sweet Marjoram of Origanum of Oranges of Limons of Sassafras of Bay and Juniper-berries of Time of Savory of Penny-royal of Caraways and of Amber than which no other preparations can be more powerful for that they pierce into the most remote and inward recesses of the Brain and animal Spirits and that powerfully and momentarily To these you may add the volatile Salts of Vrine of Mans-Blood of Sal Armoniack of Mans-Skull of Vipers of Amber of Ox-horns of Harts-horn of Elks-hoofs of Tartar of Soot and such like which by a specifick property overcome the Disease nor is the volatile Salt of Beans in any thing behind them the preparation of which we have taught elsewhere 45 If the Disease proceeds from Blood thrust forth into the Cavities of the Brain besides provoking Blood by the Veins in the Nostrils or opening those under the Tongue or the Jugulars we must use things less hot and also we must use Medicines that purge Choler with those that purge Flegm If it comes in a Melancholy habit of Body purge Melancholy chiefly with Sena and if the Patient be strong with the Extract of black Hellebor and alternately with both of them as you shall see convenient and then give the Medicines before prescribed for strengthning the Brain and comforting the Animal Spirits If it proceeds from fullness or too plentiful feeding after a liberal evacuation both upwards and downwards you will find that abstinence at least temperance will mightily facilitate the Cure 46. It now only remains
we shall give you some Examples Take the Queen of Hungaria's Water four ounces Syrup of Citrons Angelica-water of each two ounces Powers of Nutmegs one dram mix them Dose half a spoonful or more every Morning Or thus Take Spirit of Earth-Worms Powers of Rosemary of each two ounces Damask-Rose-Water Syrup of Clove-gilly-Flowers or of Citrons of each an ounce and half Powers of Vipers two drams mix them for a Potion Dose half a dram or more in a glass of Sack Or thus Take Spirit of Saffron four ounces Spirit of Harts-horn one ounce Peony-Water two ounces Salt of Mans-skull one dram mix them Dose one spoonful every Morning in a glass of Sack 11. To these things you may add Tinctures and Magisteries of Coral and Pearl as also of Amber of Crabs-Eyes and Crabs-Claws Powers of Amber Rue Sage Cammomil Cinnamon and of Juniper-berries all which things have an absolute Power to corroborate the Parts the Pouder and Extracts of Peony whether the Roots Seeds or Flowers the Pouder of Misleto of the Oak Take Mithridate or Venice-Treacle a dram Pouder of Peony-roots or of Misleto half a dram mix them for a Dose to be taken at Night going to bed Or thus Take Venice-Treacle a dram Extracts of Peony and of Misleto of each half a dram mix them for a Dose to be taken as aforsaid Or thus Take Conserve of Acorus three ounces Pouder of Misleto of the Oak three drams mix them Dose six drams at Night Or thus Take Aromaticum Rosatum Extract of Gentian Extracts of Peony-roots of each an ounce Salt of Mans-skull half an ounce mix them Dose a dram to two drams Or thus Take Extracts of Gentian and of Saffron of each two ounces choice Musk half an ounce Ambergrise one dram being in fine Pouder mix them Dose half a dram to a dram and half 12. Sennertus commends this Take Species Aromaticum Rosatum one dram Diarrhodon Abbatis half a dram Diamargariton frigidum Cinnamon Mace Cloves of each one scruple Misleto of the Oak half a dram Peony-seeds Magistery of Coral of each one dram Aniseeds two drams Coriander seeds half an ounce Sugar of Roses tabulated the weight of them all mix and make a Pouder Dose one spoonful Or this Take Coriander-seeds half an ounce Aniseeeds Fennel-seeds Aromaticum Rosatum of each half a dram Peony-seeds hul'd red Coral prepared of each two scruples Sugar of Roses tabulated the weight of them all mix and make a Pouder Or this Electuary Take preserved Quinces an ounce and half preserved Wall-nuts number one Citron-Peels candied half an ounce Conserve of Roses six drams Flowers of Rosemary Lavender and Marjoram Roots of Scorzonera candied of each half an ounce Pouder of Peony roots and seeds of each half a dram red Coral prepared one dram with Syrups of Citron-Peels and of Quinces make an Electuary Or this Take Aromaticum Rosatum three drams old Venice-Treacle a dram and half Plerisarconticon four scruples Diamoschi Dulcis Musk of each one dram Conserve of Rosemary and of Rosemary-Flowers of Acorus of each half an ounce Peony-seeds a dram and half Coriander seeds one dram with Syrup of Staechas make an Electuary Dose one dram after eating Or thus Take Pouder of Cloves two drams of Aniseed of roots of Elecampane and of Angelica of each a dram and half Aromaticum Rosatum two drams and half Nutmeg Cinnamon Musk of each one dram candied Orange-Peels one ounce and half with Syrup of Epithymum a sufficient quantity make an Electuary 13. Some other Physicians commend Worm-wood-Wine taken in a Morning fasting as also Lozenges of Aromaticum Rosatum of Diarrhodon or of Diamoschum to be taken at bed-time Platerus advises to this Electuary Take Conserves of Roses of Borrage and of Marjoram of each an ounce and half Citron-Peels Myrobalans and Ginger candied of each half an ounce Elecampane Galangal of each a dram and half Peony-seeds Coral Ivory of each two drams Diarrhodon Dianthos of each a dram Cordial Species half a dram with Syrup of Betony make an Electuary Dose the quantity of a Chest-nut drinking after it a little Wine mixt with water of Lilly Convally 14. Topicks to be appyd in this Disease are either proper Cephalicks and Neuroticks or Amulets 15. Of Cephalicks and Neuroticks these following are chief The powers of Rosemary of Rue of Sage of Sassafras of Savin of Amber of Lavender of sweet Marjoram of Hyssop of Time of Feather-few of Tansie of Baum of Mint the Queen of Hungaries water the Quintessence or Powers of Virtues all or any of which may be bathed Morning and Night upon the Head Temples Fore-head Nostrills Brest Stomach and regions of the Liver and Spleen as also upon the Pulses in several parts for thereby the Tone of the said parts come to be strengthened so as the generation of the morbifick matter will be prevented Moreover the crown of the Head may be shaved and thereupon you may apply the Emplaster of Franciscus Valesius which we have so often celebrated in the former Book against the Epilepsy 16. Of Amulets against this Dâ—sease these are chiefly commended by Sennertus Peony roots hung about the Neck Bracelets made of Peony seeds red Coral Lapis Chrysolitus put into a golden Locket as also Lapis Malachrites which is a kind of green stone and I suppose nothing differing from the green Lapis Nephriticus which being inclosed in a golden Lâ—cket may be worn upon the left Arm. 17. Hitherto of a simple Incubus essential in the Brain a word or two now of that which is by consent from other parts In this case you must mix with the Medicaments before proposed such things as are most appropriate to that part from whose consent the affliction may be thought to arise so if it be from the Stomach you ought to mix Stomaticks if from the Liver Hepaticks if from the Spleen Spleeneticks if from the Womb Hystericks if from the Reins Nephriticks c. That thereby the Medicaments designed may be directed to the intention Now to know when it proceeds from a Sympathetick affection or Compassion as I should rather speak it of any other part you ought to consider the symptoms attending the same and so accordingly to judg CHAP. II. Of a TREMBLING The AUTHORS Observations I. A Trembling in a young Man from excessive drinking of Brandy 1. A Young Man of about twenty eight years of age having acquired a Trembling of his extream parts through his much drinking of Brandy and other strong liquors desired my help it being extream troublesom to him And whereas it might have been thought that he should have been very hot and inflamed he on the contrary acquired a pale countenance and a very cold disposition of Body 2. The reason of this thing being inquired into was found to be from the weak constitution of his Body for as much as many that drink strong liquors in like manner are contrariwise of a fresh Rosy or red colour and continually hot as if they were in