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-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
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.
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-Fennel-water and succory-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
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-water mingled with 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
soon than too late at what time let her prepare a little Bed or Couch of a moderate height and so scituate that it be far from the Door near the Fire and convenient for the Midwife and her Assistants to pass round and be aiding on eveâ—y side as occasion requires having change of Linnen and a small Cricket or little Log of Timber to rest her Feet against she having more force when they are bowed than otherwise Having thus provided when the Womau feels her pains come if â—he weather be not extream cold let her walk leisurely about the room resting her self by turns upon the Bed expecting so the coming down of her Water which is a Humour that is contracted in one of the outward Membranes and flows thence when it is broke by the strugling of the Child or some other accident there being no direct time affixed for its Efflux though for the most part it flows not above two hours before the Birth Motion likewise will cause the Womb to open and â—â—â—â—te it self when lying long in Bed will prove troublesome yet if she be much spent and weakned she may take some gentle Cordial to refresh her self if her pains will permit If her Travel be tedious to revive her Spirits she may take any Broth of Chickens or Mutton and after it a Poach'd Egg but must not take any thing to excess As for the Posture Women are Delivered in they are divers some lying in their Beds others sitting in a Chair supported and held by others or resting upon the side of the Bed or Chair some again upon the Knees being supported under their Arms but the safest and most commodious way is in the Bed when as the Midwife ought to observe these following Rules Let her see that the Woman be layed upon her Back her Head a little elevated by the help of a Pillow having the like help to support her Reins and Buttocks and that her Rump lie high for if she lie low she cannot be well delivered then let her keep her Knees and Thighs as far asunder as she can her Legs bowed together her Buttocks the Soles of her Feet and Heels being fixed upon a little Log of Timber placed for that purpose that she may have the greater force to strain Now in caâ—e her Back be exceeding weak a Swath-band may be cast under it the band being four double and about 12 Inches broad and this must be held by two Persons who with steady Hands and equal motion must raise her up at the time the pains happen but if they be not exact in their motion 't is better evaded and at the same time let two Women hold her Shoulders that she may the better strain out the Birth with more advantage and the better to facilitate it let a Woman stroak or press the upper part of her Belly gently and by degrees Nor must the Woman her self be faint-hearted but Couragious and of a good Heart forcing her self by straining and stopping her Breath In case of Delivery the Midwife must wait with patience till the Child's Head or other Members Burst the Membrane for through Ignorance or haste to be gon to other Women as some has done the Midwife tear the Membranes with her Nails she indangers both the Woman and the Child for it lying dry and wanting that slipperiness that should facilitate it its Egress comes forth with greater pain When the Head appears the Midwife must gently hold it between her two Hands and draw the Child at such times as the Womans pangs are upon her and at no other slipping by degrees her four Fingers under its Arm-pits not using a rough hand in drawing it forth lest by such means the Child through its tenderness receive any Deformity of Body As soon as the Child is taken forth which is commonly with its Face downwards let it be laid upon its Back that it may more freely receive External Respiration then cut the Navel-string with a sharp Instrument about three Inches from the Body tying that which adheres to the Bâ—lly with a silken string as near as you can then cover the Head and Stomach of the Child well suffering nothing to come upon the Face The Child being thus drawn forth and in Health lay it aside and let the Midwife regard the Patient in drawing or causing to come forth the Secundine And this may be done by wagging and stirring them up and down and afterwards with a gentle Hand drawing them forth or if the work be difficult let the Woman hold Salt in her Hands shut them close and breath hard into them whereby she shall know whether the said Membranes be broken or not The like may be known by causing a Strain or Vomitting by putting one Finger down her Throat by straining or moving her Inferiour parts being all observed to be done out of hand If this fail she may take a draught of raw Elder-water or the Yolk of a raw Egg or smell to a piece of Assa-Faedita especially if she be troubled with the Wind-Cholick a Remedy for which I shall hereafter prescribe If she have taken Cold it is a great obstruction to the coming down of the Secundines and in such cases the Midwife ought to chafe the Womans Bâ—lly with a gentle Hand which breaks not only the Wind but obliges the Secundine to come down And these proving ineffectual the Midwife must dilate with her Hand the exterior Orifice of the Womb and gently draw it forth Having discoursed of common Births or such as for the most part are easie I shall proceed to give Directions in case of Extremity CHAP. XXI In case of Extremity what ought to be observed especially to Women who in their Travel are accompanied with an Efflux of Blood Convulâ—ion or Fits of the Wind. IN case of Extremity greater regard must be had than at other times and first of all the Situation of the Womb and her posture of lying must be cross the Bed being held â—y such as have strength to prevent her slipping down or moving her self in the operation of the Man-Midwife or Chyrurgeon her Thighs must be sundered as wide aâ— may beâ— and so held whilst her Legs invert and bend backward towards her Hips her Head leaning upon a Bolster and the Reins of her Back supported with the like her Rump and Buttocks likewise Elevated observing to cover her Stomach Belly and Thighs with warm Linnen to keep them from cold winds The Woman being in the posture aforâ—said let the Operator put up his Hand if he finds the Neck of the Womb dilated and remove the contracted Blood that obstructs the passage of the Birth and having by degrees with much gentleness made way let him tenderly move the Infant his Hand being first anointed with sweet-Butter or a harmless Pomatum and if the Waters are not come down then without any difficulty may they be let forth when if the Infant attempts to break forth with the Head foremost or cross
he may gently turn it to find the Feet which having done let him draw forth one and fasten it to a Ribbon then put it up again and by degrees find the other when bringing them as close and even as may be and between whiles giving the Woman leave to breathe urging her to strain in helping Nature to perfect the Birth he may draw it forth and the better to do it that his hold may be surer he must fasten or wrap a Linnen Cloth about the Child's Thighs observing to bring it into the World with its Face downward In case of a Flux of Blood if the Neck of the Womb be open it must then be maturely considered whether the Infant or the Secundines come first which often the latter happening to do stop the Mouth of the Womb and hinder the Birth to the endangering both the Woman and Child in such a case I say the Secundine must be removed by a swift turn and indeed they have by their so coming down deceived many who feeling their softness supposed the Womb was not dilated and by their being so deceived theâ— Woman and Child or at least the latter has been lost the Secundines removed the Child must be sought for and drawed forth as has been directed and if in such a case the Woman or Child dye the Midwife or Chyrurgeon is blameless because they did their true endeavour If it appear upon enquiry that the Secundine comes first let the Woman be delivered with all convenient expedition because great flux of Blood will follow for then the Veins are opened and upon this account two things are to be considered First the great or lesness of the Secundines advancing if the former and the head of the Child appear first it must be guided and directed towards the Neck of the Womb as in case of Natural Births but if there thro` the weakness of the Child or Mother appear any difficulty in the Delivery the best way is to search for the Feet and thereby draw it forth but if the latter the Secundines may be put back with a gentle hand and the Child first taken forth Another matter is note worthy viz. If the Secundine be far advanced so that it cannot be put back and the Child follow it close then are the Secundines to be taken forth with much care as swift as may be and laid aside without cutting the entail that is fastned to them for by that you may be guided to the Infant the which whether alive or dead must be drawn forth by the Feet with all Expedition tho' it is not to be acted unless in case of great necessity for in other cases the Secundine ought to come last As for a dead Child in drawing it forth let these directions be carefully observed by the Chirurgeon viz. if the Child be found dead with its Head foremost the danger is the greater and more difficult will be the Delivery for it is an apparent sign the Womans strength begins to fail her and that the Child being dead and wanting its imbred force can be no ways affisted to its Delivery wherefore the most certain and safe way isâ— for the Chyrurgeon to put up his left hand sliding it as hollow in the Palm as he can into the Neck of the Womb into the lower part thereof towards the Feet and that between the Head of the Infant and the Neck of the Matrix when having a Hook in the right hand couch it close and slip it up above the left Hand between the Head of the Child and the flat of his Hand fixing in it the Bone of the Temple towards the Ear or else in thâ— hollow of the Eye or for want of conveniently coming at these in the occipital Bone observing still to keep the left hand in its place with it gently moving and stirring the Head and so with the right Hand and Hook draw the Child forward admonishing the Woman to put forth her utmost strength still drawing when the Womans pangs are upon her The Head being drawn forth he must with all speed slip his hand under the Arm holes of the Child and take it quite forth giving these things to the Woman viz. a Toste of finâ— Wheat Bread in a quarter of a Pint oâ— Ipocrass Wine Now the former Application and Eâ—deavour failing and the following Medicines will not enable the Woman to cast forth the Birth you may proceed to Instrumentâ— after another manner First when the Woman is in her Bed let her receive the insuing portion hot abstaining fâ—om alâ— manner of Meats and rest till she feel the Operation which is this Take blue Figs to the number of Seven câ—â—â—â—em in pieces adding to them Fenegreek Mother wort and Seeds of Rue of each Five Drams Water of Peneroyal and Motherwort Six Ounces of each boil them till one half he consumed and having constrained them again add Trochischs of Myrrh a Dram and of Saffron Three Grains sweetning the Liquor with Loaf Sugar and spicing it with Cinnamon Having rested upon thisâ— let her labour again as much as may be and if she be not yet successful make a Suffumation of Castor Oppoponax Sulpuhur and Assa Foedita of each half a Dram beating them into Powder and wetting them with the Iuice of Rue till they become stiff then burthem upon Coals so that the Smoak or Fume may only come to the Matrix and no further If these effect not your Desire then this Emplaister is very fitly to be applied viz. Take of Galbanum an Ounce and a half Colocynthis without Grains Two Drams the Iuice of Motherwort and Rue of each half an Ounce and Two Ounces of Virgins Beez-wax bâ—uise and melt them together spreading them as a Cere-Cloth to râ—ach from the Navel to Os Pubis spreading likewise to the Flanks at the same time making a convenient Pâ—ssary of Wool closing it in a Bag of Silk and dipping it in a Câ—ncoction of round Birth-worth Savin Colocynthis with Grains Staves-Acur Black Elebore of each a Dram and of Rue a little sprig or two These things failing and the Woman in danger let the Chyrurgeon use his Instruments to dilate and widen the Womb to which purpose the Woman must be set in a Chair so that she may tâ—rn her Crupper as much from its Back as is conveniâ—nt drawing up her Legs as close as she can but spreading her Thighs as wide as may be or if through her weakness it appear more convenient that she be laid upon the Bed with heread downwards her Buttocks raised and her Legs drawn up as much as can be at what time the Chyrurgeon with his Speculum Matricis or his Apertory may dilate or widen the Womb and draw out the Child and Secundines together if it be possible after which the Womb must be well washed and anointed and the Woman laid in her Bed comforted there with Spice pleasant Meats and Cordials This course must be takon in the Delivery of
more than ordinary to increase the Milk by degrees which must be of no continuance but draw off either by the Child or otherwise In this case likewise let her have Coriander or Fennel-seed boiled in her Barley-Broath but by any means for the time specified let her abstain from Meat If no Fever trouble her she may drink now and then a small quantity of White Wine or Claret as also Syrup of Maiden-hair or other Syrup that is Astringent taking it in a little water well boiled And after the Suspicion of a Fever or fear of Contraction of Humours in the Breast she may be nourished more plentifully with the Broath of Pullets Capons Pidgeons Mutton Veal c. which must not be till after eight days from the day of Delivery is over at what time the Womb unless some accident hinder has purged it self it will then likewise be expedient to give her cold Meats sparingly that so she may be enabled to gather strength she during the time resting quiet and free from disturbance not sleeping in the day time if she can avoid it If there happen any obstruction in the evacuation of the Excrement a Glyster may be administred to help the defect made after the manner following Receipt Take of both the Mallows and Pelletory of the Wall a handful of each Cammomile and Mellylot Flowers of each a handful Anniseeds and Fennel-seeds of each two Ounces boil them in the decoction of a Sheeps-head and take of this three quarters dissolving in them of common Honey and course Sugar two Ounces of each and of new fresh Butter two Ounces strained well and administer it Glisterwise but if it operate not to your mind then may you take an Ounce of Catholicon CHAP. XXIII What ought to be done to the Child when newly born with divers other matters relating thereto THE Navel of the Child having been before recited the Midwife must cleanse the Infant not only in the Face but likewise the whole Body anointing the Groin Hips Buttocks with Oyl of sweet Almonds or Oyl of Roses to make the Skin supple and close the Pores thereby to exclude the penetration of the Air and strengthen the Members nor would it be amiss if she should take the decoction of Roses or Rose-cakes and Red-Sage decocted in White-wine and bathe the Child therewith the decoction being blood-warm The Infant being thus well anointed or suppled and well dâ—ied wrap it up warm and give it a spoonful of Sugar and Mallago or a scruple of Mithridate or Venice-Treacle dissolved in half a spoonful of Canary and after it a little Cardus water observing to bathe or anoint it each Morning as aforesaid If the Child have extream throws immediately after it comes into the World it must be rubbed with Juice of Pellitory or the Decoction into which fresh Butter is melted or for wanting of that Spinage-Juice with Hogs Grease applied to the Navel with new-layed Eggs mixedâ— or cemented with Nut Oyl laying them likewise to the Navel or you may administer a Glister made of Milk the Yolk of an Egg and a small quantity of Sugar which will undoubtedly ease the pain Now some Children are born of evil constituted Parents or are defective thro' the evil nourishment the Woman has unadvisedly taken during her Pregnancy which occasions the Child to be much afflicted with flegmatick Humours to expel which you may lay the Child on one side and then turn him to the other for laid upon the Back it is subject to Suffocation or Strangling by the ascent of the humour the Belly must above all things be kept soluble causing thereby the Infant to aviod the Blood kept in the Intrails from the time of its being in the Womb by giving it a small quantity of Suppository of black Soap mixed with fresh Butter to take away the Acrimony of it after which immediately let the Infant take a spoonful of Syrup of Violets which will oblige the Flegm to pass down but if heat be defective add to the Syrup half the quantity of Oyl of sweet Almonds bathing the Belly and Stomach of it as often as it is undressed If it happens that the Child's Cods be of Wind the Child must be gently moved to and fro and the Cods anointed with Oyl of Mirrh giving it the liquid of Anniseeds boiled in small Drink if they be swelled or extended with Water rub and chafe the Skin with fresh Butter and the Water will sweat out But what is more to be regarded than any other thing is the chusing a good Nurse for upon that choice depends the thriving or not thriving of the Child and in such cases these things ought to be regarded viz. Observe that she be not dull-sighted sqnint-eyed or have down-casts looks that she be not consumptive or subject to Fits that her Breath is pure that so no noisome Vapour be conveyed to the Lungs of the Child that she be not affected with Bloaches Boils Blains or that she or her Husband were never afflicted with the French Disease that she be not given to excessive Drinking or Gluttony nor in the least subject to Epilepsie or falling Evil. For the Nurse being in a manner the second Mother to the Child it drawing from her good or evil humours especially care must therefore be taken that the Nurse be good conditioned moderate in Meat and Drink wakeful and vigilant not fretful nor subject to passion that her Milk be clean and sweet flowing sufficiently her Breasts well fixed and large nor over fleshy nor she over fat and above all that she be not too desirous of carnal Copulation by which means the Milk will be rendred unwholesome Having thus far proceeded in these affairs I shall through God's blessing lay down divers necessary matters for the preservation of Childing Women and Infants thereby to prevent the hazard and loss which too often happens in such cases CHAP. XXIV To know the exact time of Delivery by signs that precedes it and how to cause the Woman to retain the Birth IN the buâ—iness of Generation nothing is more to be regarded by the Woman than the time of her Conception and Quickning that thereby she may be enabled to be exact in the time of her Delivery every natural Delivery being at the end of 9 Months especially if at the time or near it the Woman is wont to have her natural Purgations or at that time fall out with the full or new Moon Nay tho' a day or two before or aâ—ter for these things so falling out not only hasten but faciliate Delivery and the knowledge of this must extend to the Woman for many reasons First that she may prepare and dispose her self for so great a task Secondly for that at such a time divers Maladies are incident to her nor can their cause be penetrated into unless those things be well known c. Now one thing necessary the better to inable the Woman to understand it is the time of her natural