and white Behen and Baulm flowers of each 4 Scruples shavings of Ivory Rind of Cassia each two Scruples Syrup of Confected Giner twelve ounces White Sugar six ounces add to these 12 ounces of Baulem 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 stiring the ingredient lastly increasing them with a Scruple and a half of Musk and Amber then strain out the Liquid prt and boil it up again into a Conserve of which let the Woman eat 3 times a day but not exceeding the bigness of a Walnut at a time The times most convenient are Mornings Noons nad Nights and this let her continue till she finds her body in good temper Another occasion of Barrenness proceeds from the obstruction of the Courses in which case open the Basilick Vein and take from thence a moderate quantity of Blood after which take Hiera composita and Oppopanax of each half a dram and a dram of Syrup of Gilliflowers make them into â— Pills take them in the Morning and sleep upon them a considerable time then drink off half a pint of Sugered water and 3 hours after a portion of Syrup of Vinegat compounded for want of this take Syrup of Eupatory 3 quarters of an ounce Female-Mugwort and Elecampaine 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 quantity 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 Aloes and Ash-Keys of each 2 Grains Saffron half a Scruple Hares Renet an ounce be put into the Womb Tent-wise and continue there for the space of a day and it will remove the Obstruction cause the Courses 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 and 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 only require our admiration but imitation Then since the mysterious word Virginity has puzled 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 that in the Secret place about the Sâ—mus Pudoris or rather by some vulgarly called the Neck of the Womb is that pendulous production by some 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 whence it derived the Word Dâ—floro to deflower or the deflowring 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 intire no penetratio has been made Also some learned Physicians are of opinion that there is no other Hymen or Skin expanded containing Blood in it which divers imagine in the first Copulation flows from the fractured expanse Now this Claustrum Virginale or Flower is as it were composed or consisting of 4 Caruncles or little Buds like Mirtle-berries which in Virgins are full and plump but in Women flag and hang loose and these are placed in the four Angles of the Sinus Pudoris joyned or held together by little Membranes and Ligatures like Fibres each of them situate in the Intresticles or Spaces between each Caruncle with which in a manner they are proportionably distended which Membranes being once delacerated denote devirgination and many curious Coxcombs prying into this Secret the first night of their Marriage and finding their Wives defective in this point have â—ver after held them in evil esteem concluding it happened thro' the effect of Copulation with some other who had been entertained in the Chambers of Venus Nay one I knew that upon this vain â—ancy took such conceit that he would never copulate with his Wife when to undeceive such Idiots it is affirmed by the Learned that such fracture may happen divers ways by accident as well as Copulation with man viz. by extraordinary straining violent coughing immoderate sneezing stopping of Urine and violent motion of the Vessels inforcibly sending down the humours which pressing for passage break the Ligatures or Membrane so that the intireness or fracture of this thing commonly taken for the Virginity or Maiden-head is â—o absolute Sign of dishonesty tho' certain it is that in Copulation 't is more frequently broke than otherwise Once at an Assize held for the County of Rutland a young Man was put upon Tryal of life and death which Tryal was founded upon an indictment for forcing a Virgin when after divers questions asked and the Maid swearing positively to the matter naming the time place and manner of the Action it was upon mature Deliberation resolved that she should be searched by a skilful Chirurgeon and two Midwives who were to make their report upon their Oaths which after due Examination they accordingly did affirm that the Membranes were intire and unfractured and that it was their Opinion for that reason that her Body had not been penetrated which so far wrought with the Jury that the Prisoner was acquitted and the Maid afterward confessed she swore against him out of revenge because he had promised to marly her and then declined it And thus much concerning Virginity and now I shall proceed to the second particular which is Reader to shew you the Opinions of divers learned men to relation to Natures operation in changing Sexes in the Womb. This Point is of much necessity by reason of the different Opinions of Men relating to it Therefore before any thing positive can be asserted it will be altogether convenient to recite what has been delivered as well in the negative as the affirmative And first of the first Severius Plinaeus who argues for the negatives writes thus The Genital parts saith he of both
ounce and a half melt them over a gentle Fire and having strained forth the suplist part anoint and supple the Womans Thighs Hips and Matrix therewith In case of Vomiting or Nauseating which too frequently befalls young Childing Women Take a Cere-cloath sprinkle it with Galbanum Powder of Cloves and Maâ—â—ick them covering it with linnen or silk in the form of a Stomacher apply it to the Stomach renewing it as the scent decays CHAP. XXIX A Pomatum for Midwives to anoint their hands with when they are about their Office as also the Womb of the Woman to be Delivered Excellent Applications to straighten and strengthen the Womb after Delivery AMongst the many Excellent Pomatums or Oyntments for Midwives Hands and anointing the Womb or Child to render the Birth easie I recommend this as chief viz. Take of Hemp seed Oyl an ounce and a half half an ounce of Castor Oyl Galmoschate half a scruple of Laudanum a scruple with a gentle fire make them into an Oyntment and attribute it to the use beforementioned To contract the Womb after Delivery Take the Leaves of Startwort and Mirtle of each 3 ounces Green Medlars Pruans and wild Pears of each 8 or 9 ounces the Stomachs of 3 Cocks fresh killed and newly taken out all which distill and dipping Cotten into the water issuing from them make it into the form of a Pessary and put it into the Womb where let it continue a considerable space To strengthen the Womb take of Borrage and Violet flowers each a handful Dittany of Creet an ounce Wood Sorrel a handful Honey of Roses half an ounce Maiden-Hair an ounce boyl them in White-wine and Inject the Liquid part into the Womb the woman taking soon after it this potion viz. Of Fennel and Bugloss Roots with Cicora ana take two ounces boy them in 24 ounces of White-wine to the consumption of two parts adding afterward Fennel water and Cicory water of each 3 ounces boyling them again till a 5th 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 10 days CHAP. XXX To keep the Milk from Curdling in the Breast or to dry it up most approved Receipt as also to increase Milk IF the Milk be subject to Curd in the Breast past doubt in will contract pains or disorder there as well as in the Child that draws it forth wherefore to prevent it so doing Take the Roots of Althea 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 two 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 Juice of Speremint and Shepherds Purse of each half an ounce mix them and sweeten them with a little of the aforesaid Honey and drink them in the morning with the Broth of a Hen or Chicken Or she may take of the Oyl of Violets 3 ounces the juice of Mint and Paisley a like quantity an ounce of white-wine Vinegar Rose water two ounces boyl them over a gentle fire to the consumption of the juice adding a little wax 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 boil them in Spring water loft and lay them to the Breast If the Woman be scarce of Milk and for the benefit of the Child she would increase it Let her take the Decoction of Fennel and bath her Breast therewith mixing the juice of Oak-Apples and at 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 two drams of Coral a dram of Christal and Cinnamon each a dram the Seed of Daucia a dram Silver Moâ—tanus one ounce and a half Cardamons and long Pepper of each a dram and a half of Seselcos half an ounce the Seeds of Sesamum one ounce of White-poppy one ounce mingle and dry them till they are all capable of being beaten into a powder one dram of which the Woman must take at a time Morning and Evening in a broth made of Red Colwarâ—s anointing her Breast the mean time with an Oyntment made of Venice Turpentine Vinegar of Roses and Bees wax of each an equal proportion CHAP. XXXI For a Pain in the Breast immediately upon Delivery or the Fissure TAke new Bees-wax two ounces Nut Oyl half an ounce Rape seed Oyl the like quantity as the latter when melting the Wax add the Oyls 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 in the Breast take of the Powder of Gun-Arabick one ounce Rose-water and Aqua vitae of each an ounce prepare them by beating them together till they are of an apt thickness then seeth them over the Fire and when cool apply them Plaister-wise to the Fissure or for want of these take Unguentum Rosarum and anoint the place grieved applying upon it a Poltiss of Ground Juice CHAP. XXXII The Cause of the Bellies swelling after Delivery and how to prevent it or Cure it if it happens Certain it is and Experience teachetâ— often that many Women have their bellies swelled after Delivery as much almoâ—â— as before and this happens through too much neglected carelesness in not having regard to foment them as also to apply things convenient to the privities by which means polite windiness and Vapours enter and contract in the hollow Concavities Veins and Arteries the latter of which they enter by insensible ways Now to prevent it take Origanum Night shade and Mastick of each a scruple Sagapenum a dram mix them together and make them into 7 Pills take them all at once and after them drink to the quantity of a quarter of a pint of the water of white Lillies viz. of the Flowers In câ—se it be already come let her take half a pound of Spanish Figgs the Meal of Barley and Beans fine sifted four ounces of each two ounces of well burnt Brick pulverized Cyprus Nuts one ounce boyl them in as much water of the Smiths Forge as will suffice to bring them to a thickness then spread them upon a Linnen Cloath and apply them to the Belly twice or thrice and it will retire to its wonted smallness CHAP. XXXIII Of Inflammations in the Breast and its Cures THE Inflammation of the Breast is no other than the hard swelling acâ—â—ompaâ—â—ed with a shooting pain as also a bâ—ating and redness and is mostly caused by the abundance of Blood drawn or sâ—â—wing
thing that is filthy or contrary to nourishment nor let her sleep immediately after Meals 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 9 hours Her Exercise ought to be moderate for violent motion either in walking or otherwise loosens the Cylendons through which the Child receives its Nourishment riding in a Coach especially upon the Stones or in uneven way the last three Months is 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 lye 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 somenting her Breasts a quarter of an hour every morning with Water distilled from Sage Perewinkle art ground-Ivy being blood-warm In her fourth month when the motion is great and her belly seells 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 Trip after delivery Receipt 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 Cloath into fair water casting it to and fro therein till it be white at what time add to it the marrow of a red Deet 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 Linnament is effectual though the former is better viz. Make of Mutton Suet adjoying to the Kidneys and of Dogs Grease each two ouces Whale Oyl an ounce and of sweet Almon Oyl the like quantity wash them well after they are melted together in the water of Germander or new White-wine and anoit the Belly therewith or the Swath band ordained to support it But for such as are not desirous to anoint their Bellies they may use the following Bath or Concoction Take of all the sorts of Mallows and of Motherwort each two handfuls Lilly-roots the white ones to the weight of 3 ounces Melilot and Chammomile of both two handfuls Lime-seed Quince-seed and Feen-greek seed 3 ounces proportionable of each concoct them in Spring-water and bath therewith If the Woman during her pregnancy feels but little motion in her Womb 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 3 ounces Mastick a dram and of Augelica seeds two drams two grains of Ambergrease 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 he observed upon a Woman lying down and her delivery c. HAving thus far proceed 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 a 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 skillful Midwife not delaying so to do but rather too soon than too late at what time let her prepare a little Bed or Couch of a moderate height and so situate that it be far from the Door near the Fire and convenieut for the Midwife and her assistants to pass round and be aiding on every 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 Woman find her Pains come on if the weather he 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 dilate it self when lying long in Bed will prove troublesome yet if she be much spent and weakened she may take some gentle Cordial to refresh her self if her pains will permit it If her Travel be tedious to revive her Spirits she may take any broath of Chikens or Mutton and after it a poached Egg but must not take any thing to excess As for the Postures Women are delivered in they are divers some laying in their beds others siting 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 lye high for if she lye 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 case 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 2 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 Childs Head or othre Members burst the Membrane for if through Ignorance or hast to be gone to other Woman a ssome have done the Midwife tear the Membranes with her Nails she indangers both the woman and the Child for it lying dry and wanting that slipperyness that should facilitate it its ligress 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 Armpits not using a rough hand in drawing it forth least 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 a sharp Instrument about three inches from the Body tying that which adheres to the Belly 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 which are the contracted Membranes And this may be done by wagging and stirring them up and down and afterward 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 are broken or not The like may be known by causing a strain or Vomiting by putting one Finger down her Throat by straining or moving her Inferior 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 Fssa-Faetida especially if she be troubled with the Wind chollick 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 chase the Womans Belly with a gentle hand which breaks not only the wind but obliges the Secondine 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 Eflux of Blood Convulsions or Fits of the Wind. IN case of Extremity greater regard must be had then at other times and first of al the situation of the Womb and her posture of lying must be cross the Bed being held by such as have strength to prevent her sliping down or moving her self in the operation of the Man Midwife or Chirurgeon her Thighs must be sundered as wide as may be and so held whilst her Legs invert or bend backward towards her Hips her Head leaning upon a Bolster and the Reins of her Back supported with the like nor Rump and Buttocks likewise Elevated observing to cover her Stomack Belly and Thighs with warm Linnen to keep them from cold winds The woman being in the posture aforesaid 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 to it a Ribbon then put it up again and by degree find the other when bringing them as close and even as may be and between whiles giving the Woman leave to breath 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 the surer he must fasten or wrap a Linen Cloath about the Childs 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 the 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 delated and by their being so decived the 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 Chirurgeon 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 lessness 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 Secundines 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 entrail that is fastened 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 Chirurgion 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 inbred forced can be no ways assisted to its delivery wherefore the most certain and safe way is for the Chirurgeon 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 slit 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 the 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 al 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 fine Wheat bread in a quarter of a pint of Ipocrass Wine Now the former Application and Endeavour failing and the following Medicines will not inable the Woman to cast forth the Birth you may proceed to Instruments after another manner First when the Woman is in her bed let her receive the insuing potion hot abstaining from all manner of Meats and rest till she feel the Operation which is this Take blue Figs to the number of 7 cut them in pieces adding to them Fenegreek Mother-wort and Seeds of Rue of each 2 Drams water of Peneroyal and Motherwort 6 ounces of each boyl them till one half be consumed and having strained them again and Trochischs of Mirrh a dra and of Saffron 3 Grains sweetning the Liquor with Loaf-sugar and spicing it with Cinnamon Having rested upon this let her labour again as much as may be and if she be not yet successful make a Suffumation of Castor Oppoponax Sulpher and Assa Faetida of each half a Dram beating them into Powder and wetting them with the juice of Rue till they become stiff then burn them 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 one ounce and a half Colocynthis without Grains 2 drams the juice of Motherwort and Rue of each half an ounce and 2 ounces of Virgin Bees-wax bruise and melt them together spreading them as a Scere cloath to reach from the Navel to Os Pubis spreading likewise to the flanks at the same time making a convenient pessary of Wooll closing it in a bag of Silk and dipping it in the concoction round Birthworth Savin Colocynthis with Graines Staves Acar black Elebore of each a dram and of Rue a little sprig or two These things failing and the Womans life in danger let the Chirurgeon use his Instruments to dilate and widen the Womb to which purpose the Woman must be set in a Chair so that she may turn her Crupper as much from its back as is convenient 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 her Head downwards her Buttocks raised and her Legs drawn up as much as can be a what time the Chirurgeon with his Speculum Matricis or his Apertory may dilate or widen the Womb and draw out the Child and the 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 Spices pleasant Meats and Cordials This course must be taken in the delivery of all dead Children likewise with Moles Secundines or otherwise false Births that will not of themselves come forth in due season or if the Instruments aforesaid will not sufficient widen the Womb then other Instruments as the Drakes Bill and long Pincers ought to be used If it so happen that any Inflamation Swelling or concreet Blood be contracted in the perputium of the Matrix under the Film of those Tumours either before or after the Birth where the matter appears thinner the Midwife with a Pen-knife or incision Instrument may Lance it and press out the corruption healing it with a Pessary dipped in Oyl of Red Roses If at any time through cold or some violence the Child happens to be swelled in any part or have contracted a watry Tumour yet if it remain alive such means ought to be used as are least injurious to the Child or Mother but if it be dead that Tumour must be let out by incision to facilitate the Birth It often happens that Children come with their Feet foremost and the Hands dilating themselves forth the Hips in such a case the Midwife must be well provided of necessary Oyntments to stroke anoint the Infant with thereby to help its coming forth lest it return again into the Womb before it can be drawn forth holding at the same time both the Arms of the Infant close to the Hips that so the Child may issue forth after its own manner but if then it prove too big then the Womb must be well anointed The Woman may likewise take sneezing powder to cause her the more to strain and at the same time those that attend may gently stroke down her Belly to make the Birth descend and keep the Child when advanced from retiring back Sometimes it falls out that the Child coming with its Feet foremost has its ARms exended above its Head the which so happening the Midwife must not receive it in
observe if both the heads come foremost by putting up her hands between them as high as she can and if she find they are Twins she must gently put one of them aside to make way for the other taking that first that is most advanced having regard to the other that she change not its situation Now to prevent the first Child 's being in danger of its Life the Midwife assoon as 't is come forth must tye the Navel-string as has been before directed and also bind it again with a large and long Fillet that part of the Navel that is fastened to the Secundines the more readily to find them The Second Infant born let her diligently it quire whether there be not two Secundines for by the shortness of the Ligament it often happens that it retires back to the damage of the Woman wherefore lest in such a case the Womb should close it is most expedient to hasten them forth with all convenient speed If two Infants are joyned together by the body as sometimes monstrously falls out then although the Heads comes foremost yet is it convenient if possible to turn them and draw them forth by the feet observing when they come to the Hips to draw them forth as swift as may be and in this case great care ought to be observed in anointing and widening the passage And thus much for Extremity or Unnatural-births and the next thing I shall proceed to is how to order the Woman after Natural or Unnatural Births or Delivery CHAP. XXII What ought to be observed after Delivery c. PResently after Delivery in case of a Natural Birth especially if the Woman has had hard labour it is convenient to wrap her in the Skin of a Sheep taken off before it is cold putting the fleshy side to her Reins and Belly or for want of this the Skin of a Hare or Coney being flayed off as soon as killed may be applied to her Belly and in so doing the dilatation made in the Birth will be closed up and the ill melancholy Blood expelled from those parts And these may be continued in Summer the space of an hour and in VVinter two after which let the Woman be swathed with a fine linnen Cloth about a quarter of a Yard in length chafing her Belly before with Oyl of St. Jahuswort after that raise up the Matrix with a linnen Cloath many times solded then with a little Pillow or Quilt cover her Flanks then use the Swath somewhat above the Hanches winding it pretty stiff applying at the same time a warm cloth to her Nipples not presently applying remedies to drive back the Milk by reason the body at such a time is disordered and as it were out of frame for there is neither Vein nor Artery which does not strongly impulse where such remedies as drive back the Milk being all of a dissolving Nature it is improper to apply them to the Breast during such confusion and disorder lest by so doing evil Humours be stayed or contracted into the Breast wherefore 12 hours ought to be the least space allowed for the Circulation and Settlement of the Blood and what was cast upon the Lungs by the vehement Agitation during the Labour to retire to its proper Recepticles A while after Delivery you make a restrictive of the Yolk of two Eggs a quarter of a pint of White-wine an ounce of Oyl of St. Johns-wort as much of the Oyl of Roses Plantain and Rose-water of each one ounce bray them together fold a linnen cloath and dip it therein warm it before a gentle Fire and apply it to the Breast and the pains of those parts will be greatly eased Present sleep is not convenient but above four hours after Delivery she may take Broth Caudle or what other liquid matter is nourishing and afterward if she be disposed to sleep it may be safely permitted And this is as much in case of a Natural Birth as ought immediately to be done In case of Extremity or an unnatural Birth these Rules ought to be observed In the first place let the Woman keep a temperate Diet by no means overcharging her self after so demonstrate an Evacuation and to say true her Diet must be equal to that of wounded persons not being ruled or giving Credit to unskilful Nurses who admonish them to feed lusty the better to repair the loss of Blood for that Blood is not for the most part pure but such as has been detained in the Vessels or Membranes better avoided for the health of the Woman than kept unless there happen an extraordinary Flux of Blood for if her nourishment be over great it will indanger her falling into a Feaver nay more it will increase the Milk to superfluity which Curdling often times turns to Apostumes wherefore it is requisite for the first five days especially that she take moderately Ponado broath Poach'd Eggs Gelly of Chickens or Calves feet French Barley-broath each day somewhat increasing her allowance If she intend to be Nurse to her Child she may take a little more than ordinary to increase the Milk by degrees which must be of no continuance but drawn off either by the Child or other wise In this case likewise let her have Coriander or Fennel-Seed boyled in her Barley-broth but by any means for the time specified let her abstain from Meat If no Feaver 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 takeing it in a little Water well boyled And after the suspition of a Feaver or fear of contraction of Humours in the breast she may be nourished more plentifully with the broath of Pullets Capons Pidgeons Muton 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 if self it will then likewise be expedient to give her cold Meats sparingly that so she may be inabled 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 Excrement a Glyster may be administred to help the defect made after the manner following Receipt Of both the Mallows and Pelletory of the Wall a handful of each Cammomile and Mellilot Flowers of each a handful Anni-seeds and Fennel-seeds of each two ounces boyd them in the decoction of a Sheeps head and take of this 3 quarters dissolving in them of common Honey and course Suger two ounces of each and of new fresh Butter 3 ounces strained well and administer it Glysterwise but if it operate not to your mind then may you 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 Midwise must cleanse the Infant not
flat and hang it about the Womans Neck so that it may reach the pit of her Stomach and it 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 untimely passage CHAP. XXV Of the Washing of Woman after Delivery with Directions how to make them FOR the first Wash take a good handful of young Charvil boil it in 2 pints of water which 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 Purgations heal and cleanse the afflicted part There are some that use Milk instead of Water affirming that it greatly mittigates the pain but by those whom Experience has taught better it is rejected this having been 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 linnen Bag and boyl them sufficiently in half a pint of Water and half a pint of White Wine and use it as the former for other eight days viz. The liquid part being well straine The third and last wash must be made of the decoction of Province Roses decocted in a pint of VVhite VVine and a quarter of a Pint of Mirth-water and used only four days CHAP. XXVI An Astringent for Women when occasion requires as also Directions for a Cere-Chath and how to cleanse her before she rise TO make an Astringent take Pomgranets Roach Allum and Galls of each 2 ounces Knot Grass a handful of Province Roses four ounces the Rinds of Cassa and Pomgranets each 3 ounces of Scarlet-berries of Spermaceti one ounce The waters of Roses Mâ—â—â—n and Burnet of each one ounceand a half white VVine and water of the Smiths Forge of each a quarter of a Pint then take two little baggs about a quarter of a yard long and half a quarter broad boyl them in the Waters with the Drugs or Simples in them and in a new glazed Pipkin and use them successively as occasion requires To make an exceeding convenient Searcloath to ease the pain and reduce the Body into good temperament Take Virgins wax 8 ounces Spermaceti and Venice Turpentine well washed in Rose and Plantane 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 Plaisterwise 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 Oyl of Acrons of Spermaceti and it will allay the inflammation and much strengthen them To cleanse a VVoman before she rises Take a considerable quantity of bitter Almonds peel them bruise them well and make them into a Past with the Yolk of an Egg and Powder of Grise put the Past into a bag of Shamy and dip it in black Wine tempering it well and use it upon the place where the Sear-cloaths have been laid and after that wash the said places with black Wine wherein Orange flowers have been steeped and it will cleanse these parts to admiration CHAP. XXVII How to expell the Chollick from Women in Child-Birth and the violent Griping that attend the first Delivery THese Pains frequently afflict the Woman 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 matter in the Stomach contracted through indigestion and whilst such a Pain lasts the Woman advanceth nothing towards her Travel to expel the fits of the Chollick therefore Take two ounces of sweet Almond Oyl and an ounce of Cinnamon-water with 3 or 4 drops of Spirit of Ginger and let the Woman drink it off and if this work not your desire make a Glyster of Cammomile Baum leaves Olive-Oyl and new Milk concocting the former in the latter and having strained it very well administer it as 't is usual in such cases nor are Fomentations proper for dispelling wind 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 smallness of the Veins which convey the Blood into the Matrix which often befalls Women lying in of their 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 Recepe Of the Root of great Camfory a dram Nutmegs and Peach-Kernels of each two scruples yellow Amber and Amber grease of the former a dram and the latter a scruple bruise them together and give them the Woman as soon as she is layed down in two or three Spoonfuls of White-wine but if it so happen that she be feverish then let it be in as much warm Broth. CHAP. XXVIII The approved Receipts for hindring 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 Ointments 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 Eflux dangerous to VVomen far gone with Child Take the Oyl of Roses Virgins-wax juice of Male Knot-grass of each 3 ounces Bolearmonick Crocus Martis of each six drams melt them and bruise them till they become plyant and capable of being spread Plaster wise and when the Flux descends lay it to her Loyns whilst she lies in the bed Or to the same effect you may take Crocus Martis a dram Knot-grass juice 4 ounces Rose-water and Vinegar of each one ounce adding to them the white of an Egg and apply them cold upon a Linnen Cloath to her Loins IOf the VVoman be fearful of containing the Birth and reject to Abortion Take the Roots of Tormentile and Snake-weed of each an ounce and a half Joubertus Astringent Powder Mirtle-berries Psida Pomgraner Flowers of each six drams Dragons-blood and Spong-Bedeguar of each half an ounce Frankincense and Mastick of each 3 drams Nutmeg and Cloves of each half a dram common Pich six ounces Cinnamon a dram Venice Turpentine washed in the juice of Shepheards purse 2 ounces of Ship Pitch 3 ounces Virgin-wax two ounces melt and well imbody them till they become pliable to be spread Plaister-wise and apply the Plaister upon Leather to the Reins To make an Oyntment exceeding useful before Delivery Take the Oyls of white Lilly Roots and Cammomile each 4 ounces new Hogs-Seam strained and fresh Butter of each an ounce and a half Muscilage of the Seed of Fenegreck extracted in Mugwort-water 2 ounces the Powder of round Billwort Roots and Saffron of each two drams Wax an