the Womb to prevent which the Woman must not sleep over-much especially in the day time nor feed riotously but exercise her self in Walking or moderate Exercises and often use Purgation and strong Glysters made of such Heâ—bs and Druggs that are hot and dry which will in a short time remove such Ostructions But a more dangerous cause of Barrenness than yet I have named are the Whites which are contracted by an inordinate Eurudition of the Excrementious Homourâ— collected through the Vitiousness of the Blood incident to Young and Old at such times as they are capable of Generationâ— and therefore the Cure must be hastned by reason that in short time it derides Art and renders Women inevitably barren occasioning Leanness Consumption Melancholy Dropsie falling of the Womb swooning Convulsions which renders it difficult and dangerous in long continuance tho' in the beginning it may be eaâ—ily removedâ— In the Cure of this let Phlebotomy or Blood-letting be avoided for as much as the bad Humour must be by no means recalled to defile the Blood the Disease it self being a sufficient weakning of the Body and Vital Spirits First then to discuss the Humour in order to its Expurgation Take two Ounces of Guaicum the like quantity of China and Lentilckwood boil them in Water and Honey drinking a pint fresh made each Morning Then to dry up to Contraction of the Vessels or Humour that lodged there take the Root of Filipendula beat it to Powder and drink it in White-Wine Morning and Evening As also for Astringents use Bones burnt and beat to Powder likewise the Ashes of Capons dung ejected after a long time steeping in fair Water The Patient must likewise avoid sleeping upon her Bâ—ck lest the Humour descend and contract in the Vessels of the Womb but let her be rubbed often to disperse them that they settle not in any one place Sometimes this occasion of Barrenness happens through the violent attraction of the Womb and then appears signs of afflictions of the Womb the Flux not being so great to cure which Suffumations are the most proper and those may be made of Frankinsence Laudanum Santalum or Mastick The Woman upon such occasion having great regard to her self that she take not Cold or proceed to intemperate Diet. Many Women there are whose violent Lusts contracts a heat that either destroys the Eggs or hinders them from being impregnated In this case 't is requisite to avoid hot Air soft lying hot Meats and Spice and requisite to bleed in the Basilick Vein purge moderately with Decoctum Epitaymi and Juice of Roses each two Drams and a half Whey half a pint mix them together and drinking them fasting in the Morning and so continue 4 hours after or for want of the former you may take Triphera Serasenica and Rhuburb of each half a Dram pulverized and mixed with 2 Ounces of Syrup of Roses Violets or Endive but the most excellent Restorative to cool and moderate the Temper in this case is Diet-drink made as followeth viz. Take Pistachia-Nuts and Eringo-Roots of each half an Ounce of Saffron a dram Lignum Alloes Gallinga Caryophillata Mace red and white Behen and Baulm Flowers of each 4 Scruples Shavings of Ivory Rind of Cassia each 2 Scruples Syrup of confected Ginger 12 Ounces white Sugar 6 Ounces add to these 12 Ounces of Baulm Water and set them over a gentle Fire permitting them to seeth then take it off suffer it to cool and put more Water to it stirring the Ingredient lastly increasing them with a Scruple and a half of Musk and Amber then strain out the Luquid part and boyl it up again into a Conserve of which let the Woman eat three times a day but not exceeding the bigness ef a Walnut at a time The times most convenient are Mornings Noons and Night and this let her continue till she finds her Body in temper Another occasion of Barrenness proceeds from the obstruction of those Vessels through which the Monthly Purgations flow in which case open the Basilick Vein and take from hence a moderate quantity of Blood after which take Hiera composita and Oppopanax of each half a Dram and a Dram of Syrup of Giliflowers make them into 7 Pills take them in the Morning and sleep upon them a considerable time then drink off half a pint of Sugared water and 3 hours after a portion of Syrup of Vinegar compounded For want of this take Syrup of Eupatory 3 quarters of an ounce Female Mugwort and Elecampane Root of each an ounce with Syrup of Vinegar a proportionable quantity mix them together and take them when made into an Electuary Morning and Evening to the quaatity of an Hazel-Nut at a time and if the Courses flow not within a short time after let a Pessary of Musk Amber Wood of Alloes and Ash-Keys of each â— Grains Saffron half a Scruple Hares Renet an ounce be put into the Womb Tent-wise and continue there for the â—pace of a day and it will remove the obstruction cause the Cources to flow and in short time render the Woman capable of Generation And thus Reader have I with much caution performed my promise in these particulars and the next thing I shall proceed to amongst other matters relating to the Mystery of Generation are the signs of Virginity c. CHAP. X. Virginity what it is in what it consists and how violated together with the Opinions of the Learned in the point of mutation of Sexes in the Womb during the Operation of Nature in framing the Body SEeing many ignorant People have boasted their Knowledge as to the first particular und some Virgins have undergone hard Censures through the ignorant Determinations of such as have taken upon them to discuss the matter I thought it altogether necessary to clear the Point that so for the future the Conceited might not be indulged in their vain Opinion nor by traducing others prejudice the Female Sex whose Vertues are frequently such as do not require our admiration but imitation Then since the mysterious Word Virginity has puzzled many to define it I mean the cause from whence it arises for the word barely in it self signifies the prime chief or best of any thing But as to the point in hand the main matter bears the following Construction It is observed by the curious searchers into Natures Secrets that in young Maids or Females in the Sinus Pudoris or in that place that is by some called the Neck of the Womb is that pendulous production vulgarly called the Hymen but more rightly the Claustrum Virginale and in French it is termed the Button de Rose or Roses-Bud for that it much resembles the Bud of a Rose expended or a Clove-Gilliflower from when it derived the Word Defloro to Deflower the Deflowering of Virgins because most are of opinion that the Virginity is altogether annihilated when this Duplication is fractured and dissipated by violence and that when it is found perfect and
CHAP. XXVIII The approved Receipts for hindering the Monthly Flux in Women with Child also to cause Women that are fearful and subject to Abortion to contain the Birth Together with preparatory Oyntments to be used before the time of Delivery and Directions for staying or preventing Vomiting much incident to Women with Child TO hinder the Superfluity or Efflux dangerous to Women far gone with Child Take the Oyl of Roses Virgins-wax Iuice of Male Knot grass of each 3 Ounces Bole-Armonick Crocus Martis of each six Drams melt them and bruise them till they become pliant and capable of being spread Plaister wise and when the Flux descends lay it to her Loyns whilst she lies in Bed Or to the same effect you may make Crocus Martis a Dram Knot-grass Iuice 4 Ounces Rose water and Vinegar of each an Ounce adding to them the White of an Egg and apply them cold upon a Linnen Cloth to her Loyns If the VVoman be fearful of containing the Birth and be subject to Abortion Take the Roots of Tormentile and Snamwood of each an Ounce and an half Iobertus's Astringent Powder Mirtle berries Pomegranate Flower of each six drams Dragons Blood and Spong Bedeguar of each half an Ounce Frankincense and Mastick of each 3 Dram Nutmeg and Cloves of each half a Dram â—ommon Pitch six Ouncesâ— Cinnamon a Dram Venice Turpentine washed in the Iuice of Shepherds purse 2 Ounces of Ship-Pitch 3 Ounces Virgins-wax 2 Ounces melt and well imbody them till they become plyable to be spread Plaister-wise and apply the Plaister upon the Leather to the Reins To make an Oyntment exceeding useful before Delivery Take the Oyls of white Lilly Roots and Camomile each 4 Ounces new Hogs-Seam strained and fresh Butter of each an Ounce and a half Muoilage of the Seed of Fenâ—reek extracted in Mugwort water 2 Ounces the Powder of round Birthwâ—rt-Roots and Saffron of each two Drams Wax an Ouâ—ce and a half melt them over a gentle Fire and having strained it forth anoint and supple the Woman's Thighs Hips and Marix therewith In case of Vomiting or Nauseating which too frequently befalls young Childing VVomen Take a Sear Cloth sprinkle it with Galbanum Powder of Cloves and Mastick then covering it with Linntn or Silk in the form of A Stomacher applying it to the Sâ—omack yeâ—â—wâ—ing it as the Scent decays CHAP. XXIX A Pematum for Midwifes to anoinâ— the Hands with when theâ— are abouâ— their Ofâ—â—â—â—â— as also the Womb of thâ— Woman â—o â—e delâ—ver'dâ— Excellent Aâ—plications to sâ—raighâ—en and strengthâ—n â—he Womb aftâ—r Dâ—livery AMong the many excellent Pomâ—tâ—mâ— or Oyntment for Midwive◠〈◊〉 and anointing the Womb or Châ—â—d to â—ender the Birth easie I recommend this as chief viz Take of Hemp-seed Oyl an Ounce and a half half an Ounce of Caster Oylâ— Galmoschate half a Scruple of Laudâ—num a Scruâ—ple with a genâ—le fire make â—hâ—m into an Oyntment to be used as bâ—fore mâ—ntioned To contract the Womb after Delivery Take the Leaves of Sâ—rawâ—rt and Mirtle of each 3 Ounces Grâ—â—n-Medlaâ—s Pâ—â—â—ns and wild Pears of each 8 or 9 Ounces the Sâ—â—machs of 3 Câ—cks frâ—sh killed and newly taken out all which distil and dipping Corâ—â—n into the Water issuing from them make it into the form of a Pessary and put it into the Womb where let it câ—ntinue a considerable space To strengthen the Womb Take of Borage and Violet Flowers each a handful Ditany of Creet an Ounce Wood Sorrel a handful Honey of Roses half an ounce Maiden-hair an ounce boil them in White-wine and inject the liquid part into the Womb the Woman taking soon after it this Potion viz. of Fennel Succory and Bugloss Roots take two ounces of each boyl them in 24 ounces of Whâ—te-wine to the Consumption of two parts adding afterward Fennel-water and Succory-water of each three ounces boiling them again till the fifth part of what remains be consumed and of this let her drink an ounce at a time continuing so to do Morning and Evening for ten days CHAP. XXX To keep the Milk from Curdling in the Breast or to dry it up a most approved Receipt as also to increase Milk IF the Milk be subject to Curd in the Breast past doubt it will contract pains or disorder there as well as in the Child that draws it forth wherefore to prevent it so doing Take the Root of Althaea half a pound boyl them in White-wine Vinegar strain them through a fine Seive adding to the Liquid part Bean flower one ounce Powder of Rue and dried Mint of each a dram Oyl of Mastick 2 ounces boyl them again till they come to the thickness or plyableness of an Oyntment To dry up the Milk Take Honey newly taken from the Bees dissolve it in Water and often wash the Breasts therewith or take the Iuice of Spere mint and Shephards Purse of each half an ounce mix them and sweeten thâ—m with a little of the aforesaid Honâ—y and drink them in the Morning with the Broth of a Hen or Chicken Or she may take the Oyl of Violets 2 ounces the Iuice of Mint and Parsly a like quantity an ounce of White-wine Vinegar Rose-water two Ounces boyl them over a gentle Fire to the Consumption of the Iuice adding a little VVax to make them into an Oyntment and anoint the Breast therewith or for want of these take Elder-tops Sage and Mint of all of them a handful boyl them in Spring-water soft and lay to her Breast If the Woman be scarce of Milk and for the benefit of the Child would increase it Let her take the Decoction of Fennel and baâ—he her Breast therewith mixing the Iuice of Oak Apple and the same time take inwardly this following Powder viz. Of Anniseeds Fennel-seeds and Cummin seeds of each 2 drams beaten Ginger half an ounce of both sorts of Pepper 2 drams of Coral a dram of Chrystal and Cinnamou each a dram the Seed of Daucus a dram Silâ—r Montanus one ounce and a halfâ— Cardamoms and long Pepper of each a dram and a half of Seseleus half an ounce the Seeds of Sasanum an ounce of white Poppy one Ounce mingle and dry them till they are all capable of being beaten into Powder one Dram of which the Woman must take at a time Morning and Evening in Broth made of Red Coleworts anointing her Breast the mean time with an Oyntment made of Venice Turpentine Vinegar of Roses and Beâ—s-wax of each an equal proportion â— CHAP. XXXI For a Pain in the Breâ—st immediately upon Delivery or Fissure TAke the new Bâ—â—s wax 2 Ouncâ—s Nut-Oyl hâ—lf an Ounce Rape-seed Oâ—l the like quantity as the latter when melting the Wax add the Oyl and temper them well together to the thickness of a stiff Oyntment or Salve and spread them upon a Cloth fit to cover the Breast and apply it with extraordinary success In case a Fissure happen iâ— the Breast Take of the Pâ—wder of Gum Aâ—abick an Ounce Râ—se-water and Aquâ—vitae
fit to lay them down for a rule to such as are desirous of self-preservation And indeed for want of due observance divers Diseases afflict Child-bearing Women nay the Child is frequently lost or if it come to a perfect Birth proves sickly and disordered through the evil Homoursâ— that are derived to it through the Mothers misobservance In the first place then the Woman with Child ought to choose a Temperate Air not infected with Fogs arising from Marshes Ditches Ponds Lakes or Rivers and not to go abroad in too hot nor too cold Weather nor when the South wind blew strong for that Wind above all others disturbs and disorders Women with Child oftentimes causing Abortion And next to it the North Wind is hurtful causing Catarrhs Coughs and Rheums which opening the Body causes the Woman to bring forth before her time In short if any evil Vapour be drawn in during Pregnancy causes divers Diseases In caâ—â— of Diet she ought to be very cautious in chusing such Meats as create wholsom nourishment all Meats that are moderately dry being taken so to do and let her observe not to fast immoderately for that renders the Child sickly and weak and often for want of nourishment constrains it to be born before its time nor on the other hand must she be too gluttinous for that again stuffs it and causes â—t to swell beyond its natural bounds All Meats either too hot or too cold and moist are to be avoided as Salads Spices Meats and the extraordinary use of their Meats which makes the Children come forth oftentimes without Nails which is a sign of short Life The most wholsom Meats in this case are Pidgeons Turtles Larks Partridges Pheasants Veal Mutton or any such Meat that is of good Juice and contributing to kindly Nourishment as also such Fruits as are sweet and often Digestion as Cherries Pears Damsons c. but let her avoid such things as subject her Body to windiness Her Longings if extravagant she must restrain at least as much as in her lies not eating any thing that is filthy or contrary to Nourishment nor let her sleep immediately aâ—ter Meâ—l and not at all in the day-time if she can avoid it the Night being preferable in such cases when she may sleep her fill so it exceed not nine hours Her Exercise ought to be moderate for violent motion either in walking or otherwise molests and disturbs the Womb Riding in a Coach especially upon the Stones or in un-even way the last three Months are dangerous as also extraordinary Sounds Noises and above all the Ringing of the Bells and discharging the Guns Laughing Crying or immoderate Anger or any other Passion is extreamly hurtful nor in the first four Months after Conception ought she to lie with her Husband for as much as the Act of Copulation moves and shakes the Womb and consequently the Fruit therein causes the courses to descend She must likewise in the 6th and 8th month abstain but in the 7th and 9th it is not forbidden but rather to be encouraged by reason as Physicians affirm it opens the Passage and thereby facilitates the Birth and the better to help it the Woman ought to take such things as may keep her Body soluble as Syrups and other loosening Matters as may help Nature in its Operation especially let her observe when she grows any thing big to lay aside her Busk and go loose that the Child may have free Scope for two Reasons First That it may not be hurt and Secondly That being unrestrained it may come to its full growth CHAP. XIX Further Considerations how Women ought to govern themselves during Pregnancy 'T IS further to be observed that after Delivery the Breasts frequently grow extream large and swell over-much to prevent which and to avoid the danger of too much Blood which cause curdled or curdy Milk so that from the effects thereof divers Diseases arise in the Breast so soon as the Woman perceives her self with Child let her wear about the Neck a small Necklace of Gold or Steel or a small ingot of the latter to hang between her two Breasts fomenting her Breasts a quarter of an hour every Morning with Water distilled from Sage Perewinkle Ground-Ivy being Blood-warm In her fourth Month when the motion is great and her Belly swells big she may swath it with a Swath-band anointed with Pomatum or the like to make which I shall give Direction and in so doing she will keep it smooth and free from wrinkles as also from hanging down like a Tripe after Delivery Receipt Take of the Gall of Kid and of a Sow of each 3 ounces of Capons grease and Goose-grease of each one ounce and a half and having melted them put thereto a quarter of a pint of Water after which strain them through a Linnen-Cloth into fair Water casting it to and fro therein till it be white at what time add to it the Marrow of a Red Deer one ounce and lay it in Red Rose-water 12 hours after the expiration of which you may use it in anointing the Swath as aforesaid as also the Belly If the Ingredients aforesaid cannot be gotten then the following Lineaments is effectual though the former is better viz. Make of Mutton-Suet adjoyning to the Kidneys and of Dogs-Grease each two ounces Whale-Oyl an ounce and of sweet Almond-Oyl the like quantity wash them well after they are melted together in the Water of Germander or new White-wine and anoint the Belly therewith or the Swath-band ordained to suppoâ—t it But for such as are not desirous to anoint their Bellies they may use the following Bathe or Concoction Take of all the sorts of Mallows and of Motherwort each two Handfuls Lilly-roots the White ones to the weight of Three Ounces Melilot and Camomile of both Two Handfuls Lime-seeds Quince-seed and Fenn-greek seed Three Ounces proportionable of each boyl them in Spring-Water and bathe therewith If the VVoman during her pregnancy feels but little motion in her VVomb let her make a Quilt as followeth and bind it upon her Navel and it will greatly strengthen the Infant viz. Take the Powder of Roses Red Corral and Gillyflowers of each Three Ounces Mastick a Dram and of Angelica-sâ—eds two Drams Two Grains of Amber-greese and one of Musk all which being well beaten put them into a Linnen Bag expanded and quilted that they may be in every part of it placing it upon the Navel CHAP. XX. Rules to be observed upon a VVoman lying down and her Delivery c. HAving thus far proceeded in what as I highly conceived is necessary to be known by the Professors of this Art I shall gradually proceed to what remains And first to inform the Reader what is necessary to be observed upon the Womans lying in order to her Delivery The hour according to computation of time and the disposition of the Body approaching let the Woman send for a skilful Midwife not delaying so to do but rather too
Neck of the Womb be ulcerated or any Excresenses happen there which equally hinder Copulation then may they be known by the pain and shooting upon the least compressure and the issuing forth of putrid Humour and sometimes Blood of the Ulcer be great and the Menses flow the Water hot pains ariâ—ing in the fore part of the Head and oftentimes they occasion gentle Fevers And these obstructions of Generation happen divers ways sometimes from external Causes viz. Rash Physick hard Labours or excessive Copulation and sometimes from internal as the Corruption of the Secun-line the courses too long retained or obstructed heat and overflowing of the urinal Vessels Virulent Gonorrhaeas Pox Inflammation turned into Apostume Humours flowing from divers parts of the Body and settling there all which must be duly considered Now some are in the outward part and may be the easier come at at and external Applications as are most convenient applied thereto but those that cannot be come at must be cured if possible by injection the best injection in this case is as follows viz. Break four Eggs and take the Whites only the which beat with an unequal quanty of rose-Rose-water mingled with plantain-Plantain-water Litherage of Gold Camphire Bole-Armonick Ceruse of each a Dram half a Dram of Green Copperas all which well beaten dissolved and mixed together strained through a fine Cloth and with a Syrringe inject it Morning and Evening till the grief cease and if it smart that it cannot be well endured you may sometimes inject warm Milk to cleanse the puâ—rified Matter Others there are that are not so violent and therefore admit of any easie Cure not being so deep known by a putrid Greenish Matter that flows from them To cure this take Water wherein Barley has been boiled Honey of Roses new Milk and Sugar with the Decoction of Lentils and after them gentle Astringents must be applied Some again are sordid having much Contagious Humour flowing from them to cure which stronger Medicaments must be applied Others there are that eat into the Flesh having a green Contagion flowing from them to cleanse which Aloes and Wormwood concocted in White-wine are most requisite Another sort of Ulcers there are which appear long eating away the Skin from off the Neck of the Womb and are discerned by the Blood and pain they occasion immediately upon the Concression appearing in the Neck of the Womb much like Chilblains occasioned by ill lying extraordinary Venery by violent inflammations or flux of sharp Humours The best cure after a gentle Purge is an Astringent Clyster and after that to anoint them with the Grease that fries out of a Ladle often used in a Kiâ—chen when it is held to the Fire mixed with Unguentum album or Pomatum If the defect be in the Seed through tenderness of age in the Woman than the best Remedy is convenient Diet moderate Exercise and temperate Air together with patience in the Man till Nature in process of time operates so effectually that all things appear and conspire to mutual satisfaction If the Woman be stricken in years and the time of breeding Children be past which in some happens sooner and others later according to their several Constitutions but generally between 44 aud 45 unless strong Preparatives viz. an Extraordinary Diet easie Lodging and moderate Exercise restore them those Women must despair of furâ—her Generation For as the Learned in this Art frequently observe where is neither Buds nor Blossoms there can be no Fruit. If Sterility be occasioned by Obstructions in the Vessels which it often does then the cause must be enquired into and this often happens the which is known by the small desire to Venery and the little or no satisfaction received thereby a settling in the Courses and a slimy Flegmatick Matter mixed therewith as also by their inordinate flowing occasioned by the plenty of Humours collected in the Womb which by reason of the abundance of windy Vapours contracted therein causes Obstructions To which may be added a cold Flegmatick Constitution and from hence it is that sudden paleness arises in the Face c. To remedy this the Party must alter her Diet not eating any Cold Raw Flegmatick substance but rather such things as are apt to stir up Cholerick hot Humours in the Body as Anniseeds or Carraway-seeds in her Bread store of Penniroyal in her Broth let her likewise each Morning for a Week together make a Posset in which she must boil the Roots of Birthwort Angelico Sage Rosemary Cinamon and Burrage The taking the Male Herb Mercury Dittany Centaury Marygolds Cubebs Saffron Mugwort and Clove-Gilliflowers of each a handful boil them in White-Wine and eject the Concoction by little and little at sundry times as the cold or obstruction can be perceived Anointing the Belly and Reins of the Back one day with Oyl of Cinnamon next with the Oyl of Nutmeg or Mace and the third with the Oyl of Myrrh and so continuing to do for a Month together When the Woman lies down Nature will be wonderfully restored and recover such force as to remove the Obstructions Many there are that conceive Barrenness is frequently caused by Inchantation but those Opinions are altogether frivolous and vain If the Womb be defective in its Retentive Faculty Men frequently labour in vain in such a case the Woman must avoid Sorrow Anger or much Sleep Eating new Cheese Milk and raw Food especially Lettice Edive Spinage Beets Nuts Cherries Purslain Onions Garlick and the like they all being hurtful to Generation Nor must she drink nor use Vinegar nor eat the Fat of Meat too frequently but the Womb must be cleansed from the over abundant moisture with the Decoction of Hearts-Tongue an Herb so called Cummin Fennel and Anniseed and strengthned with the Syrup of Wormwood and for a gentle operative Purge in this case take half an Ounce of Laudanum Bees-wax Sheeps Suet and Agarick of each a like quantity melt and bruise them after which make them up into little Pills and take three in a Morning and next to them take of this Conception to the bigness of an Nutmeg viz. The shavings of Ivory Ash-keys yellow and wild Rape-Seed Siler Montanus with red and white Behen of each one Dram Cinnamon Galinga Longâ—Pepper Cloves and Mace Balsam-wood Rosemary Flowers Blatiae Bezaria Gentle Marjorum and Penny-royal of each 4 Scruples Balm Bogloss Cittern Reils of each 2 Scruples Pearl dissolved or beaten to Powder one Scruple Musk two Grains White-Sugar one Pound and an half briuse them and seeth them over a gentle Fire in as much Malmsey as will make them into a Confection This Confection is indeed a most singular and approved one in all cases of Barrenness where cold or obstructions of the Vessels do accasion weakness in the Womb. Other causes of Barrenness there are when the Woman grows fat as we have said before so that the Caul swelling and bearing beyond its bounds with its fatness obstructs the Passage into
Courses for in case she have forgot or by not rightly understanding their natural Efflux or is puzzled therein by reason of some unnatural retention or extraordinaâ—y evacuation she may rectifie her Judgment by these directions viz. From the Age of 14 to 21 Women have their Coursesâ— according to the most natural Courses in the New Moon from 21 to 30 in the first Quarter from 30 to 37 or 38 in the full Moon and from that time to the time they cease in the last Quarter Beside what is before-mentioned she will be made sensible of the approaching time by pain in her Groin Thighs the small of her Belly the lower part of her Navel together with swelling and hardness in the said places shivering and quaking through out the body as if possess'd with an Ague and suddenly after with flushing heat feebleness and lassitude small Sweats on the Face and flushings of the blood there and her body will be in a manner restless she shall perceive the Child move downward with more force than ordinary and a bloody Water will distil from the inferior parts in case of these Fore-runners she may be assured her time is at hand when as she must not delay sending for her Midwife whose Office 't is to order her to the best advantage directions for which I have already given for wonderful it is that Nature has so well ordered her works that the Matrix opens not unless upon some Extraordinary Casualty before the time prefixed and not till then do these signs appear But appearing they ought to be much regarded if the Woman desire her own safety and the preservation of the Child In case the Woman be subject to Miscarriage or to come before her time let her take Mint Roses Marjorumâ— of each a small handful Saâ—fron â—nd Musk of each three Grains bruise thâ—m togethâ—r put them in a Bag flat and hang it about the Woman`s Neck so that it mâ—y reach the pit of her Stomach and iâ— will draw the Womb upward or keep it in its place that it shall not fall down or give the Child occasion to seek for unâ—imely passage CHAP. XXV Of the Washing of Women after Delivery with Dirâ—ctions how to make them FOR the first Wash take a good handful oâ— young â—hâ—rvil boil it in two pints of Water whiâ—h having done add to it a spoonful of Honey of Roses and let the Midwife use it at her discretion and it will draw down the Puâ—gations heal and cleanse the affâ—icted part There are some that use Milk instead of Water affiâ—ming that it greatly mitigates the painâ— bâ—t by those whom Experience has taughâ— better it is rejected this having beâ—n used eight days the second wash may be made Take Province Roses moist if you can but if not the dry Cakes put them in a little Linnâ—n Bag and boil them sufficiently in half a pint of Water and half a pint of white Wine and use it as the former fâ—r the other eight Days viz. The liquid part being well strained The third and last Wash must be made of the decoction of Province Roses in a pint of white Wine and a quarter of a pint of Mirrh Water and used only four days CHAP. XXVI An Astringent for Women when occasion requires as also Directions for a Cere-Cloth and how to cleanse her before she rose TO make an Astringent Take Pomegranates Roach-Allum and Galls of each Two Ounces Knot-Grass a handful of Province Roses four Ounces the Rinds of Cassia and Pomegranates each threâ— Ounces of Scarlet berries and Spermaceti of each one ounce The waters of Roses Myrrh and Burnet of each one ounce and a half White-wine and Water of the Smiths Forg of each a quarter of a Pint then take two little Bags about a quarter of a yard long and half a quarter broad boyl them in the Waters with the drugs of Simples in them and in a new glaz'd Pipkin and use them successively as occasion requires To make an exceeding convenient Sear-cloth to ease the pain and reduce the Body into a good temperament Take Virgins Wax 8 ounces Spermaceti and Venice Turpentine well washed in Rose and Plantine Water of each an ounce and a half adding to them whilst they are melting an ounce of white Lead of Venice pulverized and having by the operation of the Fire well mixed them together spread them Plaister-wise upon a Cloath fit to cover the Belly as far as it is convenient some of this you may lay upon the Nipples having first anointed them with the Oyl of Acorns or Spermaceti and it will allay the Inflammation and much strengthen them To cleanse a Woman before she rises Take a considerable quantity of bitter Almonds pell them bruise them well and make them into a Paste with the Yolk of an Egg and Powder of Grise put the Past â—nto a bag of Shamy and dip it in black VVine tempering it well and use it upon â—he place where the Sear-cloths have been â—aid one after that wash the said places with black VVine wherein Orange flowers have been steeped and it will cleanse these parts to admiration CHAP. XXVII How to expel the Cholick from Women in Child-Birth and the violent Gripings that attend the first Delivery THese pains frequently afflict the VVoman no less than the pangs of her Labour and are by the Ignorant taken many times the one for the other sometimes again they joyn forces and happen at the same instant which is occasioned by the crudy Maâ—ter in the Stomach contracted â—hrough indigestion and while such a pain â—asts the VVoman advanceth nothing towards her Travel to expel the Fits of the Cholick therefore Take two Ounces of sweet-Almond Oyl and an Ounce of Cinnamon Water with three or four drops of Spirit of Ginger and let the Woman drink it off and if this work not your Desire make a Glyster of Camomile Baum Leaves Olive Oyl and new Milk boiling the former â—n the latter and having strained it very well administer it as 't is usual in such cases nor are Fomentations proper for dispelâ—ing mind amiss If the pain prove the griping or fretting of the Guts continuing long after Delivery or if it happen upon the Courses descending by reason of the smalness of the Veins which convey the Blood into the Matrix which often befalls Women lying in of the first Child wherefore it is altogether convenient to use such a Remedy at such a time as may eradicate the cause for the future and above all I recommend this most approved one used with success by many noble Women Receipt Take the Root of great Camfry a Dram Nutmegs and Peach Kernels of each two Scruplâ—s yellow Amber and Amber-Grease of the former a Dram and the latter a Scruple bruise them togethe and give them the Woman as soon as she is lay'd down in two or three Spoonfuls of White-wine but if it so happen that she be Fevâ—rish then let it be in as much warm Broth.
of each an Ounce prâ—pare them by beating them together till they are of an apt thickness thâ—n seeth them over the Fire and whâ—n cool apply â—hem Plaister wise to the Fissure or for want of these take Unguentum Rosarum and anoint the place grieved applying upon it a Pultis of Ground-Ivy CHAP. XXXII The cause of the Bellies swelling after Delivery and how to prevent it and cure it if it happens CEâ—tain it is and experience teacheth often that many Women have their Beâ—lies swelled after Delivery as much almost as before and this happens through too much neglect and carelesness in not having regard to foment them as also to apply things convenient for the Privities by which means windiness and vapourâ— enâ—er and contract in the hollow coâ—câ—vities Veins and Aâ—â—eries the latter of which they enter by insensible ways Now to prevent it take Origanum Nightâ—shade and Mastick of each a Scruple Sagavâ—nâ—m a dram mix thâ—m together and make them into 7 Pillâ— take them all at once and after them drink the quantity of a quarter of a pint of the water of wâ—â—â—â— Lillâ—â—s viz. of the Flowers In case it be come alâ—eâ—dy let hâ—r take â—alf a pound of Spanish Figs thâ— Meâ—l oâ— Barâ—â—y and Beans finely sâ—sâ—â—â— 4 â—unces of â—ach 2 〈◊〉 â—f wâ—ll burnt brick pulverizâ—d Sâ—râ—ps of Nâ—â—s an â—unce boyl thâ—m in as much wâ—â—er of the Smiths Forge as will suffice to bring them to a thickness then spread them upon a Linnen cloth and apply them to the Belly twice â—r thrice aâ—d it will retire to its wonted smallnâ—ss CHAP. XXXIII Of the Inflamations in the Breast and its Cure THE Inflamation in the Breast is no other than the hard Swelling accompanied with a shooting pain as also a beating and redness and is mostly caused by the abundance of Blook drawn or flowing to the Breast and sometimes but rarely it is occasioned by the suppression of the Menses the Hemorrhoids or some bruise received by a blow or the like and is known by a certain redness and burning heat causing the whole body to be feaverish and out of order To cure it then first let the Diet be comforting moistening and of good nourishment as the Broth of Pullets Capons Cocks Chickens Veal c. wherein Indive Borage Purslain or Lettice has been boyled and if she can get it let the VVoman drink Iuice of Pomegranets but for want of that Barley-water wherein Annisâ—eds have been boyled but let her refrain drinking of VVine and strong Liquors as likewise hot Spices and if she find any Obstruction in her excremental Evacuation let her take a softning or mollifying Glyster and sleep at seasonable times as much as she can Another way to remedy it is by diverting the Humours which may be done by rubbing the Body in all adjacent places letting Blood in the Foot Scarification in the Legs or Vesicatiories applied in those places especially if the Menses are stupped or ready to come down if not it is requisite to bleed in the Arm. But if what has been mentioned prevail'd not to remove the Humours make a Cataplasm of the Leaves of Mellilot and Night-shade each half a handful and when boiled in Spring-water add to them Bean-meal two Ounces Oyl of sweet Almonds and Oatmeal of each an Ounce and apply them to the Breast observing so to do before thâ— Breast be exâ—raordinarily inflamed CHAP. XXXIV A Tumour in the Breast its Cause and Cure OF Tumours there are several sorts but first of the Flagitous Tumour the cause of which proceeds from a thick and unnatural Vapour arising from the Menstrual Blood which is retâ—ined or corrupted in the Matrix and that again occasioned by the suppressions of â—he Courses or when Naâ—ure is defective in discharging them into their proper place and due time as also from corruption of humoâ—rs whereby are ingendered â—vil Vapours and their passing by insensible ways causes the Breast to swell or distend as if it were a true swelling and is known by a shooting pain and disorder of â—he Heart by reason of the Wind that oppresseth it the lest Breâ—st being for the most part more swelled than the right communicating pains to the Arms and Shoulders aâ— likewise the Ribs on the same side â—he Breast being white and shining sounding like a Drum if touched gently and swelled in all parts alike To cure â—his as also the windy Tumourâ— you must order the Woman to observe a modâ—ration in Diet that thereby Câ—udities may be avoided and all such things as contract windy Humours in the Veiâ—s suffering â—er to drink water wherein Cinnamon and Anniseeds have been boiled as also the Rind of Cittron and then let hâ—r observe to take such things as are proper â—o provoke the Courses in doing which she will find the Humours abate then let her take Celandine Camomile Ground-â—ill and Ground-Juice stamp them and boil them in White-wine and in so doing you will ease the pain and restore the Breast As for Disease and Accidents incident to young Children there are but few Women of any experience but are skilful in cutting and ordering them wherâ—fore for breviâ—â—es sâ—ke I shall pass them over and prâ—ceed to Anatomize the Genitâ—l parts in a Man that one thing remâ—ining necessary in this Treatise as also to instance what Men and Women ought to marry â—hat their Islue may be Fair Healthful and Prosperous CHAP. XXXV The Anatomy oâ— the Organs of Generatiâ—n in Man THE Yard which is called in Latin Penis à Pedendo because it hangeth without the Belly â—s an Organical part made of Skin Tendons Veins Arteries Sinews and great Ligâ—menâ—s and iâ— long round and on the upper siâ—e flartish seated uâ—der â—he Ossâ— Pubis and destin'd by Nâ—ture partly for making of Water and pâ—rtly for coâ—veying the Seed into the Matâ—ix To which end there open â—nâ—o it small Pores through which the Seed passes into it â—rom â—he Vesiculae Seminales and alâ—o the â—eck of the Vesiâ—a Vrinaria which pours out the Urine in making of Wâ—ter Besides the common pâ—rts as the Cutâ—cle the Skin and the Membrana Carnosa it hath in these proper or internal parts as â—he two Nervous Bodies the Septum the Uâ—ethra the Glans four Muscles and the Vessels The Nervous Bodies so called are surrounded with a thick white Nervous Membrane but their inner substance is spongy consisting chiâ—fly of Veins Arteries and Nervous Fibres interwoven together like a Net And when the Nerves are repleat with Animal Spirits and the Arâ—eries with hot and spirituous Blood then the Penis is distended and becomes â—rect but when the Influx of the Spirits ceases then the Blood and remaining Spirits are absorded by the Veins and so the Penis becoâ—es limber and flaggy Below these Nervous Bodies like the Vrethra and whenever the Nervous Bodies swell it swells also The Muscles of the Penis are â—our two shorter arising from the Cexendix and sâ—rving its Erection and are therefore