hands in order by Gods blessing to cure the most inveterate diseases which probably might have been also communicated only chymical operation is required in most of them 4. To further your ability to do Only to know is not so commendable nor so sufficient as to do also in order thereunto I humbly offer you supplies to help you 1. To compound medicines 2. To direct medicines 3. So supply others with medicines 1. In order to help you in the composition of medicines I do not only tell you such a Mineral such a Vegetable such an Animal is good for such and such a disease but I discover unto you how they must be ordered compounded or mixed and with what and when as also the several quantities both of the one and the other that so the medicine may not be defective but compleat to all intents and purposes whereunto a medicine is applyed or administred 2. In order to help you to a direct medicine It would be little or no advantage especially in some particular medicines for you to understand the making of such and such a good medicine if withall you were not able to give directions as to the taking of the same as what dose must be given what time it must be given and how it must vary at what time in what disease or to what person with the observations that ought to be both before and after the takeing thereof therefore in this regard also I have not been wanting but have annexed to the receipts what ought in order to their taking be observed or taken notice of 3. In order to supply others with medicines besides the delight that most Ladies and Gentlewomen have in looking into Physick and medicines I doubt not but also charity is as a spur unto many that so they may not do something to please their senses only and in some measure serve themselves but to to help and redress the griefs and maladies of their poor neighbours which are not able to help themselves other ways Those noble spirits may here be further furnished in order to such a good work which to provoke unto if my small mite shall be found concerned and they receive good thereby I should be glad and rejoyce Thus courteous Ladies and Gentlewomen I have in a plain stile without Eloquence or Complement that not becoming such a work Apologized unto you it is all I shall say in the case at this time only I beseech you to pardon me in respect to the subject being necessary weighty inrespect to the method being easie though plain in respect of the language being as sober as the case would allow in respect of the brevity being full though short in some particulars and to accept of the pains of him who as now in this case so at all times and in all cases is ready to assist and serve you In testimony of which I subscribe my self Your humble Servant and ready helper in time of need N. S. WOMENS DISEASES DISCOVERED AND Their CURE offered GOD was wonderful in the Creation but most wonderful in the Creation of Man and out of him Woman Man being the most curious piece and woman no way inferiour in that being made compleat like unto man save only with some difference in both respecting generation which parts in women as they are distinct and peculiar so they are accompanied with distinct and peculiar diseases of which I treat And those are called womens discases which come from the defect of that part distinct from men viz. the Womb the Mother or Matrix which was appointed by God to be the field of Nature to receive the seed of man and woman for the procreation and continuation of mankind the parts of it are two Os uteri the mouth and fundus the bottom of the womb In figure it 's like a pear or Cupping-glass having no distinct cell as the womb of beasts have It is framed of two membrances the external springeth from the Perisonleum the internal is full of small holes where the womb covers the Intestinum rectum and by those small holes the course or menstrual blood issueth For noâ—tishment it hath both veins and arteries springing from the Vasa preparantia ramus hypogastricus and from Hâ—pâ—gastricae The sinews appertaining to 〈…〉 from the sixth conjugation and are small It hath also four Ligaments 〈◊〉 above and two below the two uppermost are loose and soft that they might admit dilatation with the womb when a woman is with child or constriction when she is not The two lowermost are nervious round and hollow and go down to the groyn by the production of the Peritonceum fortified by the Glandules and this causeth that pain that women sometimes feel after conception in the inside of the thigh And by these vessels arteries veins and nerves the womb hath consent with all the rest of the body occasioning as Democrâ—â—us to Hippocrates by letter signifies six hundred miseries and innumerable calamities of which we shall briefly treat passing what might be said concerning the adjuncts viz. Cunnuâ— Testicles or stones of women they having such things as well as men only differing in situation quantity frame substance temperature c. Having therefore given you a definition of the womb I know it is needless to tell you the place or situation of it all knowing that I come now to speak of its diseases and cures Observe therefore with me a threefold division of the womb viz. The Vessels Body of the womb or cavity Parts serving for the noblest act of generation Each of these three have their several diseases First From the distemper of the vessels of the womb and the preternatural causes Come 1. Chlorosis or Green-sickness 2. Stoppage of the Courses 3. Immoderateness thereof 4. The Whites 5. Rage or madness of the womb 6. The Mother fits Secondly In the body or cavity of the Womb are 1. Inflamations 2. Ulcers 3. Scyrrhus 4. Cancer 5. Gangrene 6. Dropsie 7. Falling down 8. Shutting up thereof These hindring generation but by accident Thirdly The diseases which are in respect of conception generation breeding and bringing forth are 1. Barrenness 2. Acute and chronical diseases of women with child 3. Abortion or miscarriage 4. Difficult bringing forth 5. A dead child 6. Secundine or after-birth retained 7. Immoderate flux-blood 8. Suppression of blood 9. Acute diseases of women in child-bed Of all which in order and as plain and brief as may be only I must premise three things First that you may not expect to have me so large as to give you an account of these diseases in a general way as their differences causes signes prognosticks c. only the definition of the disease the signes and cures thereof and that the most principal thereby informing your judgements as to do your selves right which is the end of my writing Secondly That you may not expect this Book to be stuffed with multiplicity of receipts or needless medicines but the
herein I shall be serviceable to all good women that shall well mind and seriously consider what I write 1. If the Courses stop by Conception or being with Child there is retained cominonly the natural complexion but others usually are pale and ill-coloured 2. The Symptoms which women with Child have at the first do daily decrease but in other stoppage of the terais by how much the longer the terms stop by so much the more the Symptoms increase mark it 3. In women with Child after the third or fourth moneth there may be perceived the situation and motion of the Infant by laying a warm hand upon the inferior belly in others there is a tumor to befelt but it is flegmatick not hard neither is it proportionable to the womb 4. If a wise and ingenious Midwife touch the inward mouth of the womb it will not be so close shut as it is in women with Child but rather hard contracted and full of pain 5. Women with Child are commonly merry and little disturbed but when terms are otherwise stopped they are sad and forrowful Cure Supposing the suppression of the the Courses by obstructions of the veins of the womb You may begin the Cure with Blood-letting if it do plainly offend either in quality or quantity only be advised where and when Then proceed to the use of these things one after another which are prescribed for the Cure of the Green-sickness but if their disease be so rebellious as not to give way to the former Remedies my advice then is that you Purge with this following Take Pil. Arabica which the Apothecary will help you to two scruples and of Oil of Amber four drops mixed with it be in your Chamber that day and drinking Posset as is ordinary in taking Physick Two or three days after make this medicine following of which give four ounces every morning the first thing and every night the last thing viz. Take Gromwell seed Aniseed Misselto of the Oak of each six drams Ditany of Creet and Cammomil flowers of each two drams Saffron and Cinnamon of each one dram beat what is to be beaten and steep all night in two quarts of good white wine in the morning boil it a little keeping it close cover'd then strain it and use it begging Gods blessing obtaining which undoubtedly it will answer expectations All these being principal receipts amongst the Galenical tribe But if these do not produce such effect as may be and is expected despair not for there is yet other things in our hands which is out of your reach being Chymical preparations that will undoubtedly reach and answer all intentions desires and purposes the blessing of God concurring And let not others through their Pride and Covetousness nor your self by your ignorance and wilfulness upon any account be kept from using those things that the God of all grace hath provided for you for a though slanderously by a vailed generation of men Chymical medicines are accounted and reported dangerous which is the great Bugbear with which they would fright people that so they might keep up their babble I do affirm I am willing at any time to justifie God bearing me witness that I never made or prepared a Chymical medicine in my life neither shall I but what hath been and may safely and without the least danger be given unto little Children And so I come 3. To the Immoderate flux of the Courses a disease which is not without detriment to many good women Womens monethly Courses being moderate in quantity and flowing in due season are natural but if they exceed in quantity or come too often or stay too long they are to be accounted immoderate and besides the intent of nature c. Signs are manifest by the definition however it s known by 1. Ill bearing of the Patient 2. Decay of strength 3. Want of appetite to meat 4. Indigestion of humors 5. Ill habit of body 6. Colour of the face like a dead Corps 7. Swelling of the legs and other most grievous maladies caused by decay of natural heat Cure It must begin by blood-letting in the arm not all at once but by degrees and so she must bleed plentifully as much as her strength can bear And if the Patient can bear the same a Vomit will be convenient especially if the party be prone or apt to vomit which may be done with warm water a pint and Syrup of Squiles two ounces tickling the throat immediately after with a feather After which let this following medicine be given every morning and every night the first and last thing Take the rind of four sower Oranges Bistort and Tormentil of each one ounce the outward rind of the Mulberry-tree two ounces Plantain and Sheepherds Purse of each a handful slice and bruise those things that require it and boil for a full hour in six pints of water then strain it and adde Syrup of Quinces four ounces the Dose is half a pint as aforesaid Outwardly apply a Plaister to the belly spread upon leather and bound on of the ointment called Vnguentum Comitisse it s to be had at the Apothecaries Let them drink Beer and Milk often wherein is quenched red hot Steel and before Diuner for sometime together let them take old Conserve of red Roses one ounce with one dram of the powder of Egg-shells which said things not often fail sometimes do and then we must come to our higher Arcanums and specifical medicines with which I am provided and have cured many not only old in years but old inveterate fluxes to the praise of God I speak it The next thing is the Whites A woman is said to have the whites the woman-flux the flux of the womb or the white menstruals when excrementitious humors do flow from her womb either continually or at least without any certain order or course of time observed in their flowing being sometimes white and flegmatick sometimes pale or yellow sometimes greenish and waterish by the admixture of serous humors Also this disease is wont for the most part to seize upon grown women and those of riper years yet are not Virgins all free from the same so that some have done ill in affirming that such Maids as are troubled with this disease have lost their Virginity my reason is this If Virgins have the veins of their wombs so large that their wonted courses can flow through them why may not the whites drop out of the same passages seeing they are many times more thin and fluxive than the blood it self which is an experienced truth and daily Practice teacheth as much viz. That the most chast and perfect Virgins in the world have had this infirmity c. Signs The disease is easily known by the relation of the party and is oftentimes attended with divers symptoms c. 1. Paleness of the face 2. Want of appetite sometimes with fickness of the stomach 3. Short breathing and weakness 4. Swelling of the Eyes 5.
or cut without sense 6. It sends forth a stinking carrion-like smell In order to Cure In this most grievous and mortal disease because you are not proper subjects in these cases I must be silent only I have holpen you by the signs delivered that timely you may if fearing these things look out for help And let me tell you I am not without Authority to assure you that women have been cured of this disease sometimes the gangrenated place falling of it self by application of proper medicines and sometimes hath been cut off by suitable instruments and the womens lives saved the blessing of God concurting with both remedies and operation Sixthly Of wombs wind water-swelling or Dropsie of the womb It is a blowing up of the womb sometimes to a greater bigness sometimes less causing the belly to swell as in other Dropsies and being with Child Note There is a twofold Dropsie of the womb one from wind like unto that called Timpany another arising from a wheyish and watery humor answering to the Dropsie of the belly called Ascites Signs In laying down which looking upon it as very necessary I shall enquire into a threefold question 1. How this particular Dropsie of the womb may be known and distinguished from that of the whole body 2. How this particular Dropsie of the womb may be known and distinguished from a woman being great with Child And Thirdly How this particular Dropsie of the womb may be known and distinguished from a Mole In answering these three questions you may gather the distinct signs of this peculiar Dropsie of the womb subject only unto women 1. How may this particular Dropsie of the womb be known and distinguished from that Dropsie of the whole body Answ It is distinguished from an universal dropsie of the belly in that the womb-dropsie swells chiefly the lower part of the belly whereas the universal dropsie distends equally the whole belly in all the parts thereof Again in the womb-dropsie paleness and falling away of the flesh of the whole body are not so soon discerned as in the universal dropsie in which also for the most part there is evident thirst and driness of the tongue which are not found in the womb-dropsie Again in the womb-dropsie some wind breaks out of the womb by fits through the privities or else a little water comes away sometimes which evidently declares that wind or water are contained in the womb Quest How may this particular womb-dropsie be known and distinguished from a woman great with Child Many good women were deceived in this case these last two years and I am afraid more will be this year I speak to my own knowledge and have to several told them what after some time they would and not before imbrace for truth who at their reckonings expiring came furtherto enquire which trouble of enquiry if you mark I save you by what follows in answer to this question Ans When a woman is big with Child the swelling is not so even and depressed but it is sharp buncheth out and seems greater about the Navel than elsewhere Secondly In greatness with Child after some months women are for the most part somewhat better than they were but the dropsie of the womb the further it proceeds the worse it grows Thirdly In greatness with Child the child is manifestly perceived to stir after the third or fourth month which is not in the womb-dropsie Yet observe and this is that which deceived so many It falls out sometimes a certain palpitation or motion is perceived in the womb in this disease but it is distinguished from the moving of a Child thus The moving of a child is more even and equal the moving of a child is perceived in divers parts of the belly that motion felt chiefly in one part thereof the motion of the infant in greatness of child inlargeth it self weekly more and more and is to be caused by a warm hand or cloth more than ordinary Fourthly In women with child womens dugs swell but in the dropsie of the womb they sometimes are extenuated and become smaller if not they continue at one stay By these signs well heeded any understanding woman may give a near guess whether she be a true Mother and would have it saved or of no concernment and so would have it destroyed for as the Mother by her affection signified to Solomon whose child it was so this by its motion and other signs signifies of what linage or generation it is and so accordingly may be delt withall 3. Quest Is How the womb-dropsie may be known from a Mole or false-false-conception Answ That in a Mole women find a kind of heaviness in their wombs which is not so felt in womb-dropsie and when they lie on one of their sides they perceive the weight of the Mole to roul like a stone to that side Again in a Mole violent flux of Courses come sometimes by fits namely every third or fourth month which happens not in the womb-dropsie Again in a Mole the dugs swell and sometimes have milk which is not thus in a womb-dropsie I have been the larger in these things because I judge them worth your knowledge and are of a great concernment to you Now then if you by these signs and tokens find your selves to have the womb-dropsie at any time and are sure you are not with child for blood cries high then for the removal of it use these things following with prayer and supplication First then give this Vomit Take of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum one ounce syrup of Squils half an ounce mix them and give it in a morning warm drinking Posset sometimes after it c. A few days after give Pil. Arabicae half a dram oil of Juniper berries three drops mixed Let her swallow in them days between the Vomit and the Pills six Pepper corns every morning fasting After one days rest after the Pills take this following Take roots of Smallage and Madder of each two ounces Savin Feverfew Peniroyal Germander and Mother-time of each one handful Carraway and Carrots-seed of each half an ounce Saffron and Cinnamon of each one dram boil all together being sliced bruised and stirred as they require in Mugwort-water three quarts to two quarts strain it add to the remaining part honey or Sugar sufficient to make it pretty toothsome the Dose is a quarter of a pint every morning fasting using exercise after it Drink every night going to bed a small glass of Doctor Stevens his water outwardly the belly must often be anointed with oil of Dill Rue Wormwood and Southernwood Glisters also are to be administred made of the decoction of Wormwood Peniroyal Rue Centaury in which Glisters dissolv two drams of Elect. Theriaca Diatessaron These things being duly used and the disease not overcome and expelled other things there are which you cannot be directed to the use of them being out of your Element yea and other medicines there are also some
ought naturally to be capable of conception and using the company of a man doth not conceive Here note four things 1. That a woman in her genital imbracements ought conveniently to receive the mans seed into her womb 2. That she ought to retain the same for a convenient season 3. That she ought to cherish and preserve the same in her womb And 4. That she afford fitting materials from the Embrio or first-conception and duly to augment the same as need shall require Now if the woman receive not the seed if she retain it not if she preserve and cherish it not if she nourish it not so as to increase and grow these are impediments to conception and therefore for your sakes for whom I write I will not spare to give you the signs of barrenness according to these four sorts of causes propounded because in what I do in this particular I aim at the good of others as well as my self 1. Therefore I have told you that a woman in her genital imbracements ought conveniently to receive the mans seed into her womb Signs Hindring of reception of the seed is not hard to be discovered for observe it is occasioned by 1. Tenderness of age as also over elderly state 2. Evil constitution of those parts which border upon the womb viz. 3. When women halt or have crooked leggs their Crupper-bone deprest or are over fat 4. Hatred between man and wife and so I may bring in crooked conditions as well as crooked leggs Look to it women 5. Particular diseases also may hinder the reception of seed as tumors ulcers obstructions closures or stoppage and these may be known by search of the genital parts by an ingenuous man or woman skilled to that purpose Secondly I have told you that she ought also to retain the seed for a convenient season Signs here are evident the woman being sensible thereof Having a very moist and slippery womb c. But the next head will explain this And because that requires more exquisite search and knowledge I pass this and come to 3. I have also told you that a woman ought to cherish and preserve the seed in her womb the causes therefore of corrupting the seed in the womb thereby hindring its nourishment and cherishment are four 1. A cold distemper of the womb 2. A moist distemper of the womb 3. A hot distemper of the womb 4. A dry distemper of the womb The true and general signs of each of which I shew you 1. A cold distemper of the womb is hereby known 1. The woman longs not after carnal imbracements and feels little pleasure therein 2. Her face is soft whitish and cloudy 3. Her feeling is dull about her share loins and thighs 4. She voids thin and crude seed and with little pleasure 5. Her courses are stopped or come very sparingly being pale and discoloured and keep no constant orderly time c. 2. A moist distemper of the womb is known 1. By the lax flagi and soft habit of the womans body 2. Her much spitting and waterish stomach 3. Frequent and almost continual flux of whites 4. Plenty of courses also but thin and watery 5. No appetite to fleshly conjunction 6. Heaviness of her loins apt to miscarry and plenty of urin c. Thirdly A hot distemper of the womb is known 1. By the manly and strong habit of the womans body 2. By a ruddy countenance and black hare both of head and eye-brows 3. She is frequent disposed to be angry and thirsty 4. Her urin little and courses few but sharp doing sometimes dammage to the secret passages 5. Their privities itch and they are prone to carnal imbracements and suddenly void their seed Fourthly A dry distemper of the womb is known 1. By the small quantity of the courses 2. Drying itching and chopping of the mouth of the womb 3. Little excretion of seed in genital imbracements 4. Trouble sometimes arising from overmuch carnal conjunction as also leanness If the seed be corrupted and barrenness caused by witchcraft all other signs will be absent which are wont to declare the natural and manifest causes of barrenness there will be likewise some alienation of minds between the married couple of which neither of them can give any handsome account neither can either of them but seldom shoot forth their seed and when they do it is not without labour and difficulty Diet or poison that extinguish seed if they have been taken may come to knowledge by diligent questioning of the woman and those that usually are about her Lastly Malignant diseases such as are of power to extinguish the seed as Leprous Manginess the Whores Pox and such like are known by their proper signs Note that those couples who are of one constitution and so consequently if not altered by means their seeds both thick or both thin both hot or both cold have seldom children Now to know whether a woman be naturally barren is a certain hidden disposition and very difficult to unfold Authors have left many ways to try yet finding no certainty in them I was resolved to have past them in silence but considering that some might wish otherwise upon the reading hereof I shall set down three ways that whoever is so disposed may try them and accordingly speak 1. Hypocrates saith if a woman conceive not and thou wouldst know whether she will conceive or not let her either receive some fume or put the body of Galbanum softned at the fire tied up in silk with the threed to make fast about the thigh or Garlick if she smell or her head or mouth smell of the same thing she is pronounced fruitfull Note It must be done at night and the tryal to be next morning Secondly Amatus Lusitanus commends this following as a most true sign he takes a drain of a hairs runnet which dissolved in warm water he gives the woman to drink being in a bath of hot water and fasting if the woman do then feel pains in her belly he saith she is fruitful if not that she is barren Thirdly others commend the urine of the woman to discover and manifest this doubt using it thus being put into a convenient vessel steep Barley therein which Barley if it grow within ten dayes they count it a sign of fruitfulness if not of barrenness and some do pour the water upon Bran or Fenugreek and take it for a note of barrenness if any worms breed there And these be all to this purpose Those that have an occasion and are disposed to try they may without dammage danger or any great charges But sometimes it so happens though the woman most usual that the man is the reason of non-conception or generation which we shall diligently consider and lay down some manifest tokens of discovery for it would be in vain in that case to prescribe medicines and directions to the woman she being not the proper subject Barrenness proceeding from the man for
principal of the Galenical Art so far as Authors make manifest and I have proved Thirdly Neither may you expect these Arcanums specifical medicines spake of to be at this time made manifest or publick having reasons sufficient to the contrary besides that many of them are Chymical preparations and none of them made without fire and the help of Chymical utensils or vessels but shall reserve them as yet to my self only alwayes ready either to give or sell such quantities and at such prizes as the persons may be capable to give and the medicines deserve And indeed they are very cheap considering their efficacy which things I was more than ordinary concerned to study being my medicines hitherto though acknowledged to be very excellent choice yet complained of by some for their dearness which although I have now endeavoured to remedy yet not so far as to detract from the worth of the things These persons complaining not considering the great charge trouble excellency and worth of Chymical preparations above others but thinking hard of giving four six or ten shillings for a small bottle of some Spirit Tinct Elixar or other medicine not examining who is the greatest gainer whether they that furnish them possibly with three four five perhaps six quarts for the same money or we they only making it by decoction c. we by calcination sublimation liquation salification precipitation purification so separating the pure from the impure administring only the most pure part of any Mineral Animal or Vegetable they both together yea not only so but the best many times lost by their way of compounding or if not so yet the body of the thing being not opened according to Chymical Art doth not operate effectually But of this no more here Having thus premised I come now to the business it self and I begin with these distempers of the vessels of the womb and the first is Chlorosis or Green-sickness and according to promise I shall observe this method viz. 1. To give you the definition of the discase or tell you briefly what it is 2. To give you the most principal common signes of such and such diseases thereby helping your judgments that you may look for Cure 3. To give you some choice and notable Receipts in order to Cure that disease you find your self to lie under or are creeping into In all of which God direct my Pen in writing and cause you to be humble and sober in reading 1. Then the Chlorosis or Green-sickness it is also called the White feaver the Virgins disease the white Jaundies c. and may be defined thus An evil habit of body from the obstructions of the Veins of the Liver Spleen Mesentery and especially the womb whereby the whole passage of blood is hindred which abounding in Virgins when they begin to have their Courses and being hindred by its natural course by those obstructions turns to the upper parts and oppresseth the Heart Liver Spleen Midriff and other parts destroying natural heat and bringing evil concoction in the bowels and is known by these signs following 1. The face and all the body is pale and white and sometimes of a lead colour blew and green 2. Swelling face and Eye-lids especially after sleep the legs also soft and loose especially about the Ancles 3. Heaviness and idleness in the whole body 4. Difficult breathing especially when they move themselves or go up a hill or stairs 5. Palpitation of the heart and beating of the Arteries of the Temples 6. Often great Head ach sometimes before and sometimes behind according as from whence vapors ascend 7. For the most part a swift Pulse 8. Sleep very sound sometimes till noon 9. Loathing wholsome Meat covering that which is not convenient to be eaten 10. Stoppage of the monthly Courses which shews the disease to be at the height Now to help you in the Cure of this discase consider it lieth in three things chiefly viz. In opening obstructions in correcting the distemper of the bowels and in strengthning the same which to do I advise you to use these ensuing medicines 1. Give this Purge in a morning with those common observations which are used in taking Physick Take Rosin of Jalap ten grains Diacatholicon and Conserve of red Roses of each half an ounce Crem Tartar twenty grains Salt of Mugwort four grains mix them altogether and give this Bolus upon the point of a knife c. The next thing is Bleeding and concerning the place observe this That if the body abound with gross and evil humors you then take the arm first if not the foot only remember that when the lower veins are opened it be done toward the full of the Moon when the Courses use to come down or if they have not yet appeared when the party is most afflicted Soon after her bleeding make this medicine and administer it every morning the first thing causing her to exercise after it for several mornings together the quantity of three ounces forbearing meat or drink for two or three hours the medicine is this Take of the filings of Steel four ounces Eryngo roots and Elicampane of each one ounce and half flowers of Broom Rosemary Betony and Epithimum of each half a handful red Coral and shavings of Ivory of each six drams Cloves Nutmegs Cinnamons Saffron of each two drams White wine six pints Steep these things being bruised or beaten in the wine for eight days keeping it close stopt and in a gentle heat in hot water or embers then strain it and use it as aforesaid And in the mean time supply her with Conserve of Mugwort the quantity of one ounce once a day before Supper with six grains of Crem Tartar and by Gods blessing the Cure will be performed but if not then we must come higher to Diuretical and Diaphoretical medicines which never fail Such of which I am alwayes provided with for the good and benefit of all which Arcanums and Specifical medicines are not at this time to be made publick no not to the Sons of Art And so I conclude my discourse concerning the Green sickness only my advice further is that the Parents of such persons as have this disease or others who are concerned would prudently and timely provide marriage for them much of the Cure of this disease lying in Carnal Copulation as experience hath and doth teach every day more or less the vessels of the womb becoming thereby much enlarged c. 2. Stoppage of the Terms or Courses The terms are said to be stopped when in a woman ripe of Age which gives not Suck and is not with Child there is seldom small or no evacuation of blood by the womb which useth to be every moneth Signs are manifest but because it comes either from natural or preternatural causes I shall lay down some distinguishing signs whereby you may discern whether they stay from being with Child yea or no or from some other preternatural cause and
using remedies suitable and fitting which brings me to the cure c. Cure The cure consisteth in preservation for that which is past cannot be helped And The preservation from abortion or miscarriage hath two principal parts or heads The one concerning the woman before she is with child the other when she is with child Before the woman is with child all evil disposition of body which are wont to cause miscarriage must be removed as fulness of blood badness of humors and peculiar diseases of the womb c. Concerning all which advice must be taken of some able Doctor with suitable medicines for this would be too large a field for me at this time to walk or take a turn in But then When she is with child how to prevent her miscarriage I shall here insert that which may do good and be serviceable Besides then that medicine which I have already given for the stopping the overflowing of the courses which is excellent in this case being taken as is there directed I shall adâ—e Take Kermes berries and Tormentil and Bislort roots of each half an ounce Mastick two drams Date stones and shavings of Ivory of each one dram powder them and mix them into the form of an Electuary with syrup of Coral and then mix that with Conserve of red roses and Quinces of each two ounces take the quantity of a Chesnut three times a day morning at four a clock afternoon and at going to bed Hang an Aegle stone Jasper or Smaragds stone about the neck or a piece of Coral in Tiffany make a Plaister with those salves called viz. Emp. pro Matrice Contra Rupturum of each alike and apply it to the region of the share and loins and to the end that the woman may receive good and benefit she must rest her self and keep her self as quiet as possible she can both in her body and mind also she must abstain from genital imbracements c. Moreover this I have observed that by the best and highest graduated means that could be gotten sometimes miscarriage will not be prevented without blood-letting therefore sometimes to some persons to prevent from this evil blood-letting is absolutely necessary yet I dare not say but I have holpen many without bleeding by some secret Arcanums and specifical medicines safe to be taken that my industry in the Art of Chymistry hath made me master of God blessing my endeavours But thirdly of hard child-birth Hard travel in child bearing is such as keep not the due and ordinary laws of nature taking up longer time than ordinary and accompanied with more vehement pains than are usual and other more grievous symptoms Signs Hard travel is known both by the childing woman and by the assistants but especially by the Midwife 1. If the woman continue longer time than ordinary in labour as two three four or more days whereas a truly natural child-birth ought to be accomplished within the space of twelve or twenty four hours at farthest 2. It s a sign of a hard labour if the womans pains be weak and are long before they return and that more especially if her pains be more about her back than privities 3. If the woman be weak and the child weak moving slowly or be either too fat or too lean usually there are hard labours or be crooked also 4. Sometimes hard labour is occasioned by the diseases of the womb 5. Sometimes from the greatness and false situation of the child and 6. Sometimes also hard labour may be guessed at if the water flow from the woman or part of it before its true time which ought but immediately to proceede the birth for this signifies that the after-birth is stronger than ordinary which can hardly be broken c. Cure In pity to poor women in this case though occasioned by sin I shall lay down some choice and excellent observations and medicines in order for their good not at this time at all medling with any directions to or manual operation of the Midwife The observations are these 1. Let the woman lay off all her rings yea and those that are about her also 2. Let her forbear eating any thing that is astringent or binding especially at that time 3. Let her endeavour to be as chearful and lively as possible she may for sleepiness and sottishness do slacken the endeavours both of mother and child 4. Let her also keep her mind free from fear passion sadness anger wroth c. 5. Let her have a Midwife of whom she hath a good conceit and let no woman be about her that there is the least cause or suspicion of prejudice or non-affection 6. Let her not stir unseasonably nor agitate or move to and from unduly fearing it may prevent the child issuing in a fitting posture 7. Let her have her husband if she require or desire it to come into the room to her as often as the man may be rightly constituted and the nature of the work will permit I do not know whether a man kissing his wife at that time have any vertue in it or no but this I know for a certain truth that many good women some I could name have suffered abundantly in this case yea and some so much that their lives have been lost thereby for being denied this priviledge they dying if not undelivered yet not till all is gone and spent that should afterward revive and comfort her and she nearer to the grave than a bed I lay down this the rather because there hath been such evident good success upon the mans presence in several deliveries even immediately that it 's a pity it is not if serviceable to the woman wisely and discreetly put in practice no oftner And besides because I know no substantial reason or ground either from Scripture History nor nature why a man rightly and duly qualified should not have and injoy that priviledge at convenient seasons to visit his wife as in any other dangerous sickness or distemper Weigh what I say well before you judge 8. Let her keep her breath and retain her strength till the right and true time of travel comes This I intimate because there have been many I have known some that have suffered upon this account especially young women who think they are bound and that it is their wisdom to do as the good wives bid them and its common amongst them though but stragling degenerate and wild pains to bid them stop their mouths hold their breath and strain downwards whereas indeed such pains should be let pass without such observation and the woman not put to spend her spirits and strength till it may do her good viz. when the water is complete and judged ready to or hath broke then let her strive and strain what she is able and not before fearing if she do when that time comes her strength and spirits may be impaired and for want thereof the child may not immediately follow the water and
so those places which then and by that were made moist and slippery will afterwards become dry and more straitned and so consequently longer time for the birth of the child and pain of the mother may be expected therefore observe it The next thing is the cure or help by medicines I shall lay down three with this observation that none of them be given till such time the Midwife assures the water is compleat or broken The first is Take oil of sweet Almonds and White-wine of each two ounces Saffron and Cinnamon of each twelve grains Conf. Alkermes half a dram syrup of Mugwort one ounce Chymical oil of Asasoedita two drops mixt and make a potion Another is Take Ditany of Creet Birthwort roots and cakes of Myrrh of each ten grains Saffron and Cinnamon of each twelve grains Conf. Alkermes half a dram Cinnamon water half an ounce Orange flower and Mugwort water of each one ounce Chymical oil of Juniper berries four drops make a potion Or Thirdly Take of Chymical oil of Amber twelve or fifteen drops in a glass of wine or Chymical oil of Cinnamon four or five drops in a glass of wine Or Chymical oil of Saffron seaven or eight drops or extract of Saffron five or six grains in a glass of wine Or Balsom Naturale six drops in one ounce of syrup of Savine c. And these or any of these are very good things and proper administrations being given as afore directed Indeed there is one thing more which I at present forbear to name for good reasons best known unto my self which indeed is an infallible remedy to give women speedy and easie labours being given as is and shall be directed Concerning which I am bold to say that many womens and childrens lives might be saved in a year by the taking of the same it being an experimental medicine fit and worthy to be had in every Ladyes and Gentle-womans and Midwises Closet to give and administer to them that are not able to give to themselves and for all big-belly'd women and especially those who use to have or fear hard labours I say it again that by Gods blessing nothing but great things in this case hath been done by and may be expected from it And although it be scarce to be had and the preparation sometimes difficult yet I am and have been this twelve month endeavouring to make my self master of a considerable quantity and my la 〈…〉 hath not altogether been in vain And â—o I come to the next thing only I must mind you of two things one of which should indeed have been done before accept it now i. e. Sneezing either naturally or artificially by medicines is sometimes very good and may not be forbidden to a woman labouring with a living or dead child To comfort the woman she may take now and then a little burnt wine with a blade or two of Cinnamon a little Alkermes and sweetned with syrup of Gilly-flowers what I have further in this case is to Midwives to whom I shall dedicate a Tract alone and be willing therein to learn them something that are willing to learn that so they may officiate themselves and do the work without the assistance of a man at such times as there is not absolute necessity But till then and there is information in the point Let me advise all Midwives not to juggle nor bogle in their work or stand upon terms of honour to the loss of mother or child or both as it hath been sometimes to my knowledge But things being out of their reach and capacity let them submit wisely and discreetly to them who are more able and let not thâ— presence of a man in such a business as this is scare or amaze a woman but let her submit her self in the fear of God in which fear leâ— the man work and operate and the blessing of God attend all such operations c. Fourthly The next thing in order is of a dead child In fore travel of child-birth by reason of great and long labour the child is oftentimes killed and sometimes before a womans pains come upon her through some preternatural accidents c. Signs 1. A dead child is known when the motion thereof ceaseth which either the mother did feel or the Midwife perceive by her hand laid on or either warm and strengthning things which were wont to awaken and rowse up the powers thereof when they were in a slumber or stupified 2. The mother finds a greater sense of weight with which and pain of the belly they are troubled 3. When the woman turns from 〈◊〉 side to another she perceives the child to roul or fall from one side to another like a stone 4. The lower part of her belly feels very cold their eyes hollow face pale dugs flaggy and at length a stinking moisture like water and blood flows from the womb their belly is blown up with vapours a filthy smell of the womans breath and the body all over smells unpleasingly And 5. Mark this if the after-birth be excluded before the child it is a certain token that the child is dead in the womb Cure For cure hereof it consists wholly in the exclusion or extraction of the dead child and because handy-work and operation is to co-operate with internal medicines I forbear to mention any supposing he whose imployment it is to do the business is of my mind to make use of his own remedies However all those things may be given as hopeful ones in the case of a dead as well as a living child I mean those things I spoke of in order to help a hard labour in the chapter fore-going Men fit for either of these two difficult works as to clear a dead child from a living woman or to take a live child from a dead woman as is sometimes done and is possible they had need be men fearing God and eschewing evil always minding and labouring in the discharge of their trust or work to keep a conscience void of offence both towards God and towards man remembring that saying of the Holy Ghost That all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do 5. Of the after-birth retained In a natural birth commonly the secundine or after-birth is excluded presently after the child yet sometimes it is retained in the womb or part thereof notwithstanding the Midwives care by which means the mother is in great danger of her life Signs Signs of the after-birth retained are needless it being apparent of it self yet sometimes a bit or piece thereof is severed from the whole retained which is not so easie to be known but may be known and apprehended 1. Because the womb after the birth doth yet labour to cast something forth although these endeavours are not so great as before 2. There is perceived in the womb a sense of pain and heat 3. After certain days a filthy and carrion-like smell exhales from the
are free from them more or less Signs are needless be felt sufficiently and demonstration thereof from the women Cure According to Authors ought to be varied according to those several causes producing this troublesome affliction and therefore say they sometimes these gripings come from plenty of blood its thickness sharpness too much clotted and the narrowness of the vessel through which it is to pass forth the womb endeavouring new expulsion stirreth up pain Furthermore they say these gripings are caused by winds or by cold received into the womb and sometimes gripings be caused by a sharp cholerick humor each of which requiring a different cure I am not here to dispute with Authority as to the causes of these gripings only this I do conceive that the ill affection of the Archeus of those parts at that time ushers in both the cause and the effect so that one only medicine as I have several times proved upon different constitutions and parties hath been sufficient to remove and that suddenly those troublesome pains by Gods blessing but that medicine being of a Chymical preparation it would signifie nothing unless to the Sons of Art to whom I write not now however that I may not leave you destitute no more in this than in other cases I shall give you a receipt or two which have been found to many of force and efficacy in this case and indeed are pertinent thereunto Having given her therefore oil of sweet Almonds new drawn three ounces with one ounce and an half of syrup of Violets And administred a Glister made with milk Camomil flowers and the yolks of eggs let her take of this powder viz. Take Date and Peach kernels of each half a dram Nutmegs four scruples powder of Dâ—amargaritum Calidum two drams Aniseed one dram Cinnamon two scruples Saffron ten grains Sugar the weight of all the rest make all into a very fine powder and give thereof in wine twice or thrice a day two drams at a time Anointing her belly two or three times with oil of Dill Camomil and Rue of each alike doing of it so that no cold may be taken 9. Of acute diseases of women in child-bed What we said before touching the acute diseases of women with child we may now repeat touching the acute diseases of women in child-bed being of the same essence and signs with the like diseases in women which are not with child Now those acute diseases are for the most part continual feavers both essential and also symptomical which accompany inward inflamations c. Yet there is a peculiar sort of feaver which almost befalls all women in child-bed which is called by them the feaver of their milk which is wont to befall them about the third or fourth day after they are brought to bed when the milk begins to encrease in their breast and for the satisfaction of those who know not and desire to know It ariseth from the reflux of blood from the womb to the dugs and the motion and agitation thereof which kind of feaver needs not any medicine because usually within three or four days viz. about the ninth day after her delivery it is finished by sweat and from this consideration it is that I always where it may be perswade all women in this case never to rise till the tenth day after being brought to bed danger then being over As for signs and cures as to this head the one is needless being the same with other persons and the other being dangerous and the hourly advice especially in some cases and attendance of the Doctor needful together with those various symptoms that do arise you may not expect from me here not but that I am willing to direct but the consequences ensuing diseases in this case administrations being not legal are so dangerous and pernicious that if I did subscribe in that nature yet it must be with no encouragement to the use of them without advice for these and such like reasons I forbear intimating any remedies in this case and you may not blame me remembring that sins of omission are less than sins of commission yet that you may see I am willing to enlighten your judgment and inform you as far as I may accept and seriously view these few and weighty observations An acute disease befals a child-bed woman either in the beginning or in the middle or in the end of her lying in Now mark If it happen in the beginning and the woman be plentifully purged there must be no other evacuation blood-letting is forbid Nature being rightly and conveniently about her operations But if the child-bed purgations be suppressed or flow sparingly if there be necessary occasion the inferior veins may be opened and a pretty good quantity of blood taken away because at that time the child-bed purgations of blood ought by the appointment of nature to be plentiful Next If an acute disease happen in the middle time of her lying in there is to be considered whether the Morbifick matter be contained in one particular place or whether it be dispersed through the veins and whether the woman hath been conveniently purged or not in regard of quantity If the disease proceed from matter scattered abroad as in feavers and the woman not fully purged the lower veins may be opened having two good indications one is the Morbifick matter will thereby be diminished and the other is her natural flux or purgations provoked But if the woman have been sufficiently purged yet if the disease get ground and the natural evacuation be not sufficient for the disease the inferior veins must be opened notwithstanding and so much blood must be taken away as is convenient and the disease may require And so the further from her delivery or the more dayes or weeks from her labour if there be a necessity from any diseases or feavers either essential or symptomical the more boldness may be in bleeding and that especially if the patient be surprized with any particular acute disease as the Plurifie Inflamation of the Lungs Quinzy and the like and so much concerning blood-letting to women in child-bed The next observations will be concerning Purging comprehended in these following maxims While the child-bed purgations do naturally flow a purge is never to be administred fearing a diverting of nature from her business But if the child bed purgations be not kindly consider whether their fault consist in quantity or quality If they offend in quantity so as to be too little the woman being not purged sufficiently or not at all as it were After all other remedies fit to procure these purgations have been given in vain and the Morbifick matter appear digested ten or twelve dayes being past since her being brought to bed according to the more or less urgency of the disease she may be purged gently but no strong Physick must be given her If her child-bed purgations offend only in quality so that a white flux or some other
Pensiveness and sadness 6. Several pains as the Head Heart c. Cure Omitting Blood-letting in this case the first thing is to cleanse the body of the peccant humors and therefore give this following Vomit in the first place viz. Infusion of Crocus Metallorum one ounce Syrup of Squils half an ounce mixed and give it in a morning fasting blood-warm give Posset and keep warm after it c. The next day save one take this Purge Rosin of Jalap ten grains Cinnamon in fine powder half a scruple mix them and take it in a little Chicken broth and drink of the broth afterwards take it in a morning After this all those things spoke of in the immoderate flux of the Courses may be given unto which I shall only adde a decoction made with Lig. vita Sassafras China and red Rose-leaves sweetned with syrup of Coral Quinces or Spearmint of which let her take daily half a pint for a moneth together But possible some good woman or other may judge my pains in this disease might have been spared many having had it for many years without hurt or danger to such I would say not without dammage for though in one respect this disease may be called good because not attended with danger of Death yet observe it may be accounted bad yea a very bad and stubborn disease forasmuch as the flux of evill humors having once taken this course is very hardly turned out of its channel because the womb is the draught of the whole body so that if this infirmity get head it may and commonly doth bring many other Evils upon the Patient viz. 1. Barrenness 2. Falling down of the womb 3. Exulceration 4. Cachexia or evil habit of body 5. Dropsie 6. Consumption c. And therefore having those Evils attending it I think it concerns me to endeavour to remove it as other diseases to which purpose I have as for the rest made provision of other things if those directed to shall fail And so I pass to the next and that is Rage or Madness from the Womb. Womb-fery is a sort of madness arising from abundance of Seed being Acrimonious and hot transcending the bounds of Nature thereby causing a vehement and unbridled desire of carnal imbracement which desire dethrones the rational faculty so far that the Patient utters wanton and lascivious Speeches c. Signs may easily be gathered by what is said but because it is wont to discover it self gradually by little and little I shall briefly relate its progress in the beginning whilst the party injoys their understanding they are more sad and silent than ordinary but sometimes with a wanton rowling eye and ruddy countenance especially when mention is made of matters belonging to bodily lust for then both Breath and Pulse changeth which hath occasioned sometimes some whispers from me to compose themselves to some inclinable to this infirmity Afterwards when the disease is exasperated they begin to scold weep and ever and anon to fall out laughing they speak many things without time and reason out of which no certain sign can be gathered A while after they repent of their solly until another fit take them by reason of the inordinate motion of the peccant matter which observes no certain period in its fermentation c. Cure The cure of this disease tends to correct the hot distemper of the bowels especially of the womb and the blood and seed likewise to evacuate the sharp humors and seminal matter offending In order thereto let blood pretty plentyfully and reiterate the same if the person be plethorick or abounding with blood then give this Purge Take of the Pill Lapis Lazuli half a dram oyl of Amber mixed therewith four drops make it into several Pills and take them in a morning fasting drinking Posset-drink after it according as usually is done in taking Physick give this twice a week for a moneth together and in the mean time let the party take of this following Electuary twice a day when she takes no Pills viz. Take Conserve of the flowers of Water-Lillies Violets and Agnus Castus of each one ounce Conserve of Roses and Lettice of each two ounces Coral prepared half an ounce Syrup of Violets enough to make it into a body Whey drunk often and plentifully is good in this disease and Issues made in the thighs and legs But in regard of the immediate cause seeing the evacuation of the sharp and corrupted seed may cure this disease my further advice is that at the beginning of the disease before the Patient begins manifestly to rave or in the space between her fits when she is pretty well to marry her for so the womb being satisfied and the offensive matter contained in its Vessels being emptied the Patient may peradventure be cured but if the party cannot so conveniently be married or her condition bare not that estate all lawful means must be used by rubbing or tickling by a skilful Midwife that so an evacuation of the over abounding Sperm may be And if still this disease continue you may understand other things are to be done with expedition and therefore as for others so for this I am not with some secret Arcanums and Specifical medicines tryed and experienced to several effectually to my content as well as those concerned both in mony Credit and Honour few reaching this disease but my self as well as the other madness which men also are liable to c. But then next Is the Mother-fits or Womb-sickness When seed and menstrual blood are retained in women besides the intent of nature they putrifie corrupt and attain a venomous quallity from which according to Galens Doctrine vapours are elevated and carried to divers parts of the body occasiâ—ning several Symptoms the chief going under the name of Mother-fits the womb sometimes being elevated also The signs such as shew the disease approaching and such as shew the disease strengthned 1. Signs that shew the disease approaching are these 1. A noise in their lower belly 2. Belching or inclination to Vomit 3. Wearinesses yawnings and stretchings 4. A sad look pale face Secondly Signs of the disease strengthned 1. A sense of strangling as if they had swallowed a great morsel and it stuck in their throat 2. Stoppage of breath and suffocation increased 3. In conclusion all their vital and animal actions are deprived diminished or abâ—â—â—â—d 4. And from hence springs Ravings Convulsions and other grievous symptoms but this disease being pretty well known by almost every old woman I shall say no more as to the signs but come to the Cure which is double 1. In the Fit 2. Out of the Fit Cure In the fit those vapouts which cause it are to be discussed and drawn back from the part affected the humors contained in the womb which send up these vapours it would be well if we knew which way must be voided and the womb if removed out of its proper seat restored to the same again In
in the womb or its neck 2. Voiding of snotty matter or quitter out of the womb 3. If the neck of the womb be the place afflicted then it is to be known by the parties hand the Midwives finger or genial embracements in which there will be troublesome pain 4. If the bottom of the womb have an Ulcer then the pain is felt about the share and the excrements flow most abundantly 5. If the Ulcer being single and benigne the quitter is little white and not stinking but if malignant and eating the quitter will be greenish lead colour coming away with great pain and stink 6. If it shall arise of the Lechers Pox Gonorrhs will usher it in or attend upon it and other tokens of that foul disease will appear Cure The Cure lieth in hindring the flowing of such humors as either beget or cherish the Ulcer to cleanse and heal the same Blood-letting in this disease is not requisite except an inflamation be joyned therewith Give therefore twice or thrice a week one ounce of Diacatholicon a known Electuary at night drinking Posset in the morning or broth made thin which is more proper But if the Patient be in such condition that she may and nothing forbid give in the first place a vomit of Crocus Metallorum one ounce syrup of Squils half an ounce which you may repeat at some times distance after either of which give this vulnery decoction Take Egrimony Burnet Knot-grass Plantain of each two handfuls Yarrow and Mugwort of each one handful China roots Birthwort roots Bislort roots of each half an ounce Lignum vitae two ounces boil all being shred pounded or sliced in three pottles of water to two pottles strain it and drink half a pint every morning and evening sweetning it with a little honey c. It is also excellent in this disease to drink often warm milk with Sugar of Roses and a little honey mixed therewith There are several other things in order to cure this disease as Injections Cataplasms Ointments c. But because they are to be used and altered as there is occasion which I must not lanch into here I must omit this being work wherein we cannot direct with Pen as we may by Tongue at delivery of our medicines upon a most strict examination and therefore I pass that and come to Thirdly Of a Scirrhus of the Womb. It is a hard tumor without pain bred of thick blood and hardned in the womb Signs of such a swelling bred in the womb are 1. A hardness felt in the region of the womb and heaviness also 2. A sense of some weight bearing down especially when the sick woman stands as though the womb would fall into the water-gate which is not felt when they sit or lie down 3. There is no feaver nor pain wherein it differs from an inflamation or if any it is very small c. But now I know the question will be how shall this disease be known for a Mole or false Conception For general satisfaction in this cafe I aiming at your better judgment and information concerning your selves Observe 1. That this tumor or swelling usually is brought by womens taking cold or drinking cold things when they have their Courses flowing 2. In a Mole if the courses flow they flow disorderly but in this disease they keep their order And 3. In a Mole a womans dugs strout with Milk but in this disease they are extenuated and lessened Cure Bleeding in this case first in the arm then the foot and afterwards with leeches upon the Hemorrhoid veins will be necessary and profitable ordering him when and place where discreetly Then purge three days in one week with these Pills following The first day Take Pil. tapis lazuli half an ounce oil of Amber three drops make them into Pills and swallow them in a morning expecting them to work The next Dose Take Pil. lapis luzuli two scruples oil of Juniperberries four drops And the next Dose Take Pil. Arabica two scruples oil of Assafoetida four drops c. In the mean time the Patient may freely drink a little Mul'd Sack or burnt White-wine only let the spice used be Cinnamon to refresh and comfort her after which to make an issue in one or both legs will be convenient Outwardly you must anoint with this following ointment Take of the gums called Bedellium Ammoiacum and Galbanum of each equal quantities dissolve them with a gentle heat in Vinegar then strain it unto which put oil of Lilies sweet Almonds and Roses of each equal Mucilage of Fenugrick-seed extracted with White-wine one ounce or two according as the quantity you make Hens Gooses and Ducks fat each equal Hogs-grease a little Wax and Turpentine as much as will suffice use it with well and tender rubbings in with a pan of coals These things being used in time and order doubtless by Gods blessing will prove succesfull Other things there are if these fail which as they are too high for you to make so beyond your capacities to administer therefore I pass this and come in the next place which is Fourthly Of the Cancer of the womb A Cancer is a hard swelling of the body or neck of the womb which resisteth the touch and causeth a vehement pain as it were pricking and cutting the part affected and if it be ulcerated it sends forth matter and quitter sometimes yellow sometimes black and stinking Signs It may be known by the definition of the disease before rehearsed and no other signs adjoyned only we for full satisfaction sometimes make use of a womb-perspective instrument made on purpose for our use in such and some other cases of this nature Cure This disease is accounted incurable being so you may not easily be perswaded of help and cure though you are offered the same Some persons to get monies in hand will promise any thing Being therefore so dangerous a distemper I shall forbear any instructions to you concerning this only drinking of whey a good quantity pretty often with two or three drops of Spirit of Vitriol in every draught hath been found effectual after purging and bleeding is necessary A palliative cure therefore only is expected to which end and purpose and to give ease of that cruel pain I am not without medicines but I dare not say positively they will cure this disease perfectly especially if an Ulcer preceded or that be ulcerated Danger being here and daily advice being requisite of either an able Chyrurgion or Physician I rest it here and pass to Fifthly Mortification or Gangrenation of the womb A gangreen is the corruption or mortification of a part beginning c. Signs these Signs of the beginning of a gangreen are 1. An unusual heat felt about the part 2. Horror and trembling upon the Patient 3. Languishing and quick beating pulse 4. Often faintings and swooning 5. The neck of the womb is discovered to be soft lead-colour black and carrion-like and may be prickt
of which I have in my custody which will assuredly by Gods blessing extinguish this disease totally and I have sufficiently proved the same in these last years which as I am willing to mention so also I am as willing to part withall for the good and benefit of poor creatures Look to this disease as timely as you may and many of those inconveniences that do attend it may be prevented But Seventhly Of the falling down of the womb When the womb loseth its natural situation and falls downward to the water gate the disease is termed the falling down or slipping forward of the womb except sometimes by its coming forth too far and by the distemper of the air this disease is more unhandsome and troublesome than mortal and besides hath only this ill conveniency that doth attend it it hinders conception Signs Signs whereby this disease is known are evident to the sense For 1. The womb is found sticking in the water-gate like a Hen or Gooses Egg. 2. It is attended with a perceivance with a weight pressing upon the water-gate especially when the Patient stands upright 3. When they sit or go to stool a vehement pain is felt about the privy parts and the hanch-bone 4. Urine comes away by little and little and makes the womb smart as it comes Cure A Glister being given to discharge from excrements and water being made to discharge the bladder the womb is to be restored to its proper place after this manner let the woman lie along upon her back with her things wide asunder and her knees drawn upwards then let her or another with her or their hands thrust her womb inwards and force it gently still upwards into the neck so as to turn it inwards as it goes till all is returned within the cavity of the belly which should contain the same But observe that if the womb-fallen be swelled so that it cannot enter the cavity of the belly the swelling must be in the first place removed which may be done with a decoction of Beets sprinkling it a little after with Vinegar and Salt the swelling being abated and the womb reduceable let it be anointed with Mucilage of Comfrey roots or with an infusion of Gum Tragaganth being anointed strew it with powder of Bistort root and Mastick beaten very fine and so put it up After it is replaced the woman lying in her bed a little bending with her thighs gently stretched out resting or being cross one another let her abide in this posture sometime and put in at the water gate a little Wool Cotton or spunge wet in red wine and use sweet scents to her nose and stinking to her privities And then every day let her take of this powder following one dram at a time in red wine forbearing for a time carnal imbracement and hard exercise Take Bislort roots in powder one ounce Mirtle leaves and Garden Parship-seed of each two drams shavings of harts-horn half an ounce red Coral two ounces mingle them being well powdered and take as aforesaid Observe of this disease you must not expect help suddenly and the more patience is required if it be caused as sometimes it is by the unskilfulness of Midwives and hardness of labour Notwithstanding I know the disease is curable and some have been holpen by a secret I have not long since attained unto together with some other things done and given as directions tending thereupon though in a bad case the womb coming out of the body as big as my fist and they no longer at ease than they went continually with a truss Therefore if those instructions shall fail that I have given you you may remember there is notwithstanding provision made for you through Gods goodness for your well-being Eightly Of the womb shut up or imperforated Virgins that have their wombs closed up are said to be imperforated like a Cask of liquor having no hole to put in a spicket Now the closure of the womb is wont to be in three places viz. In the inner mouth of the womb In the neck of the womb And In the outward mouth of the womb next the water-gate Signs This disease according as the place that is afflicted is more hard or more easie to be discovered If the closure or stoppage be in the outward orifice of the privity it is discerned by seeing and feeling If the closure or stoppage be in the mouth of the womb it is not discerned till the courses begin to break out for when the time of their monthly purgation is come pains and gripings are felt in the region of the womb at certain periods of time with a sense of weight yet no flux of courses follows Here note the conjecture will be more probable if the Virgin be of a good habit of body not troubled with obstructions The disease persevering their wombs swell so that maidens seem to be with child and sometimes their whole body swells and seems sometimes to be black and blew colour through the abundance of blood and untill I made a narrow inspection in these things I my self as well as several others have sometimes mistrusted some maidens honesty when there hath been no real occasion But if the closure or stoppage do possesse the neck of the womb it is perceived in the first carnal conjunction because it doth not admit the mansyard Note for a right and true understanding of this disease a skilful Midwife man or woman is required who by their hand can give a near guess thereof And some supposition there is of this disease when the mans seed doth plentifully slip away as soon as it is cast in though sometimes that is occasioned also through some preternatural humor abounding and having recourse to those parts causing the womb to be more moist than it ought to be thereby hindring it from retaining what it ought in order to conception to imbrace The closure or stoppage of the inner orifice of the womb is accounted uncurable by reason no instrument can reach the same howbeit it hath been attempted sometimes with good success But the other closures or stoppages are accounted curable and many have been holpen and afterwards been well imbraced by their husbands as other women conceived and brought forth Children But directions in this case you may not expect the chief cure lying in handy operation neither need you dread or fear the work it being of no great difficulty or danger being managed by a skilful Artist and the blessing of God concurring And so I have ended the diseases of the cavity of the womb And so I come now in the third place to say something of those diseases which are in respect of Conception breeding and bringing forth The first is Of Barrenness This word barrenness in this place is to be understood in a large and ample signification so as to comprehend all kind of impotency and every impediment of conception namely when a woman at such an age in which she
I must not favour my own sex no further than it may be with conveniency may be known 1. By the diseases of the genital parts as inability to raise his yard want of seed swelling of his stones running of the reins c. 2. By his being faint hearted and womanish by nature and be slow in casting forth his seed and that be cold 3. If he want a beard and have little or no lust to carnal imbracements and perceive very little pleasure therein These are signal tokens and discover unto us barrenness in the man as well as the other in the woman I come now to the curative part only I must mind you of this that you may not expect here variety of medicines according as the disease proceeds from this or the other cause which the signs aforesaid discover no that would be too large but only such a medicine as is suited and fitted in order to this business for all sorts of barrenness only in that barrenness from the wombs closure it to be understood something else is to be done there before the medicine be used Cure Take Eryngus roots and Satyrion of each four ounces Ameos seed Rocket seed Water cresses seed of each two ounces Filbert-kernels Pine-kernels and Pislachios of each one ounce two pair of the stones of a Bore-pig Mace Cinnamon Cloves and Ginger of each two drams beat bruise and slice as they ought to be and then put them into a pottle of Muscadine mixed with a quart of old Sack cover it close and let it boil softly to the loss of a quart strain it and let the woman drink a quarter of a pint three times a week going to bed and in the morning following let her company with her Husband and observe that as soon as her husband is passed from her she immediately cross her legs putting a warm cloth next her body and lie a full hour afterwards and never to taste her husbands benevolence in that nature but of those mornings which follow after the drink Many more directions are to be given in this point only necessary it is that the parties may be known because directions of this nature must be varied as there may be occasion either in the one or the other And certainly if women were so wise as to admit or look out there are but few that are barren but might by Gods blessing be holpen thereby we hope to bring joy to Parents and a better life of love between party and party which sometimes occasions great differences or at least clouds happiness for the general tone is Give me Children or else I die And herein I speak the more confidently because never yet any one failed of cure that came to me upon this score that were willing diligent and patient in taking my medicines whereof that aforementioned was ever one and observing those rules and directions that I laid before them Secondly Of acute and chronical diseases of women with child the acute and chronical diseases of women with child are the same in essence or nature and have the same signs with the like diseases in women not with child or in men wherefore I must not run out here to the signs of those diseases that are incident to women with child or to speculate there upon they being to be found else where But although the signs as aforesaid either in the one or the other differ not yet the cure of the aforesaid diseases in women with child doth remarkably differ in point of Diet and Physick and especially those two grand remedies blood-letting and purgation As for matter of diet a more fuller and larger diet may be allowed unto a woman with child under a disease than to others and that in regard of the infant yet care must be taken also that the diet do not exceed so as to heighten and augment the feaver however remember that errour in this point which is in point of fulness is the more tollerable for recovery is chiefly to be expected from the strength of the mother and child As for bleeding and purging they are allowable and frequently practised by me and many other ingenious and sober Doctors with very great and satisfactory success the errour about it I refute at the latter end of my book and therefore here shall only say further That the time when and the quantity which are the things of enquiry in this case for at sometimes there may be more blood taken than at othersome and so likewise at some times there may be a bigger Dose given than at other some But in these cases I shall be silent because I would not incourage any woman whatsoever to these things without the advice of a sound judicious and conscientious Doctor fearing they miscarrying they should endeavour to hide and wrap their action in that nature and attribute their sin upon that occasion to this little book of mine which I writ for contrary ends and purposes viz. their good happiness and advantage in this life But then thirdly of abortion or miscarriage Abortion or miscarriage is the bringing forth of an imperfect or unripe child and consequently a child dead in the womb is not counted an abortion till it be excluded so whether a live or dead child be brought forth not being ripe nor having attained to the just term of growth which it ought to have had in the womb it is to be termed an abortion or miscarryed child Signs The signs of present abortion are manifest of themselves but such as go before abortion or miscarriage and do prognosticate the same are these 1. An unusual heaviness of the loins and hips 2. A lothness to stir with loss of appetite 3. Shivering and shaking coming by fits 4. Pain in the head especially about the roots of the cyes 5. A straitning of the sides and of the belly above the Navel 6. The flaging or failing and extenuation of the Dugs 7. Plenty of milk roping from the dugs voluntary argues miscarriage 8. Frequent pain and almost continual about the reins and loins reaching toward the share with a certain endeavour of going out or pressing down of the womb And observe in this latter sign flowing from the womb if any pure blood or wheyish matter or water follow the aforesaid pains and endeavour of coming out miscarriage is not far and at that time notice being taken the situation or posture of the child is changed for whereas it lay high and possessed the middle of the womans belly like a Sugar-loaf bearing out it is now gathered round like a foot-ball and rowled down towards the water-gate and then sometimes though not alwayes there follows grievous symptoms as shivering trembling palpitation of the heart swooning and abounding in bleeding c. I have been the larger upon those signs because I would willingly instruct women for their good for by these truly and wisely observed miscarriage and all those dangerous consequences which attend it may be prevented by timely
womb Cure These things in wisdom may be given and administred that are propounded to help a hard labour and expel a dead child to which I shall adde this which hath proved very successeful Take of the tops of green Lovage stamp them and strain out the juice with a little Rhenish wine add thereto ten drops of oil of Juniper berries and so give it sweetned with syrup of Bawm But sometimes so it is that without the hand of a skilful operator this disease cannot be moved therefore I advise not long delay before such an one in such a case be made use of the consequences that attend this distemper being dangerous which will be the ready way of cure they doubtless being provided with some specifical remedy to help also in the case 6. Of immoderate flux of child-bed purgations The immoderate flux of child-bed purgations is not to be estimated from the quantity or the time of continuance because that in divers natures ages and courses of life it is very different But from the ill-bearing of the woman and her weakness there-from arising c. Signs Signs immoderate flux of child-bed purgations is known as hath been said from the strength of that woman that is dejected through the exhaustion of her spirits that issue with the blood as also from 1. The blood being much clotted 2. The Patients loathing of Meat 3. Being pained under her short-ribs and feeling a distention of her belly 4. Her pulse is weak and frequent 5. Her sight is dimed and she hath a noise in her ears 6. She is subject to swooning and Convulsions These symptoms concurring and agreeing look out for help speedily for delays in this case are very dangerous Cure Observe let her eat a thickning diet as Panadies Gellies Rice Calves-foot broth Pears and Quinces boiled roasted flesh and not boiled Let her have plenty of meat but a little at a time let heâ— drink be water wherein steel or gold is quenched or in which a little Mastick is boiled Let her superior parts be rub'd and bound Let her bathe her hands in hot wine in which a little Alkermes is mixed and let her belly be moderately well swadled These things being observed but expectations not answered besides what is said before in the immoderate flowing of the courses which is good here you may give this Take blood-stone four scruples powder of Bole-armoniack red Coral prepared Pearls of each one dram seed of Plantain Coriander prepared and grains of Sumach of each two scruples mix all being reduced into fine powder of which let her take one dram with a decoction made with Knot-grass and Sheepherds purse sweetned with syrup of Quinces Let her have a Plaister laid all over her belly made with Vng Comitissa These things being administred and the flux not abated you ought with all imaginable care diligence and speed seek out for further advice and supply from them who are masters of higher and powerfuller medicines in this case And because I writ for the good and benefit of all my good Country-women as also because I have found these things worthy of my observation you may take notice touching the sleep of a woman in this case that while the blood flows plentifully the woman must not be suffered to sleep for many by that means are taken away because the natural heat retiring inwards increaseth the flux But if sleep in such a case cannot be avoided then take this counsel that some body be there by her all the while frequently feeling her pulse and marking and observing her breath 7. Of suppression of child bed purgations The good and happy success of child-bearing doth especially depend upon the convenient and orderly flux of the courses or child-bed purgations seeing the impurities which have been collected in the veins of the womb during the nine months time of the womans belly-bearing are wont to be avoided by these evacuations but if they be suppressed wholly or diminished infinite dangers and calamities arise thereby As Acute Feavers and Quinsies Phrenzies and Pluresies Madness and Melancholy Inflamation of the Lungs c. Signs This suppression is manifest of it self but as I told you concerning their immoderateness is not to be estimated from the quantity or time of continuance because c. as there is shewed so here I would have you to note that the diminution thereof is not to be judged by the quantity that comes away because some women have more superfluous blood and some less But the perfect knowledge as in the other contrary case so in this is gathered from the supervenient symptoms such as these 1. A smelling of the belly 2. A pain possessing the nethermost part of the belly the loins and groins 3. Redness of the face and difficult breath 4. Perturbation of the eyes and shivering fits 5. Feavers and fainting fits 6. Stomach sickness sometimes and loss of appetite Cure It consisteth in provoking the menstruals from which purpose though those things are special good before-mentioned in he stoppage thereof yet it s to be observed they are not here to be given in respect of the different state of the Patient In this case therefore Glisters appropriated to the disease are convenient and are in the first place to be made use of make one thus Take Marsh-mallow roots and Water-lilly roots if you can get them otherwise the other of each one ounce long and round Birthwort of each three drams leaves of Mallows Marsh-mallows Pelitory Mercury of each one handful Linseed and Fenugreek seed of each half an ounce flower of Camomil and Elder of each half a handful boil all in Posset drink to a pint then strain it and in the liquor dissolve oil of Dill and Lilly of each one ounce hiera simplex half an ounce and so give it And let her thighs be rubbed downwards and the toes of her feet be tied fast till they ake again and if need be let Cupping-glasses be fastned to her groins and hips and scarrification if need require If these things fail she must have a vein opered about the knees thighs or foot or leeches applyed to the Hemorrhoids If the feaver forbid not there may be given Troches of Myrrh one dram powdered with a little whiâ—e-wine If there be a feaver this decoction hath been used successefully viz. Take French Barley one handful Liquorish half an ounce Schenanth one dram and a half boil all in Posset-drink to a pint which makes three doses one in the morning another about ten a clock and the other about 4. in the afternoon taking a little burnt-wine cold with burnt Cinnamon wherein is dropped three or four drops of spirit of Sulphur Purgation also sometimes in this case as it is necessary so may be used but with great caution but certainly a medicine may be had in this case that answers all intentions c. 8. Of after-pains or gripings after child-bearing Gripings do so frequently betide women in child-bed that very few women
unnatural colour do proceed from her the matter being ripe she may in the latter part of her lying in be safely and advantageously be purged But this must ever be minded and observed that by how much the longer a childing woman is distant from the day of her bringing to bed by so much the more safely as in bleeding may she be purged and so contrary wise For experience hath taught us that women wanting their child-bed purgations if after the seventh or ninth day they are taken with a looseness they commonly escape but if the looseness seize upon them the first day viz. on the second third or fourth for the most part they die and that is all I shall offer in observation concerning those two great evacuations bleeding and purging and so end my discourse only for the better direction of women or nurses in order to inform the Physician in the necessary point of time or knowledge of the disease first seizing the party I shall briefly answer this acute and difficult question Quest Whether the computation of the dayes of the womans sickness ought to be made from the beginning of her disease or from the day in which she is delivered of her child Ans If the birth of the child were natural attended with no grievous symptoms and the child-bed purgations were as they should be and the feaver comes some dayes after the account ought not to be made from the day of the childs birth but from the day the feaver began which was provoked by some other preternatural cause viz. Evil humors lurking within the body or from some external cause But if the child-birth were hard and besides the course of nature and the feaver arose after three or four days we must reckon from the day of the childs-birth because then the whole order of the body began to be overthrown and the humors to be disturbed which was followed by the feaver c. And thus have I finished my treating of womens diseases by Gods blessing whom I pray that these my plain lines may be as candidly received and practised as I in love tendred and offered them that he may have honour and glory by this work both by the writer and reader hereof Unto the latter of which I further address my self in order to their information that I assume the cure of all diseases curable in men or women of all such diseases they are incident to as well as men besides these treated of before and children with six sorts of medicines and no more for all ages constitutions and complexions only the Dose variable The possibility and compleatness of it by reason of those multitude of medicines that are now in use may seem strange to most but to those that understand nature 't is casie and wisdom to agree and consent to such doctrine or truths And that the world may comprehend and imbrace this truth I am now as treating of the medicines so of the possibility and real truth thereof nay further that the best speedy furest and safest way of curing diseases is with a few good medicines and not many compositions but of these things else where Only here take the names and operations of these medicines and so I proceed a little to shew the errors of women in many things appertaining to Physick having finished their diseases curable by Physick These six sorts of medicines are called and their operation is as followeth 1. Pul. Febrifuga Whose operation is chiefly by vomit and sweat the principal medicine for Agues The first inventor thereof Riverlus Physician to the present King of France 2. Ext. Magistrali Whose operation is chiefly by stool 3. Pil. Nigra Whose operation is chiefly by sweating 4. Tinct Sividalis Whose operation is chiefly by urine 5. Laudanum Astringentum Whose operation is chiefly binding the body And 6. Elix Cordialis Whose operation is chiefly to comfort refresh and strengthen both vital natural and animal spirits and all the sunctions of nature being temperate in quality sublime in operation and penetrating in working Now I would have any one shew me such a disease unto which as proper remedies either more or fewer of these medicines may not be administred successefully if they can And that each of them are universal in their classes or their kind I shall sufficiently prove else where Besides these and so I tell you all the chief medicines that I am or desire to be master of except some secret Aroanums and specifical medicines proper only for women before mentioned I have a noble and precious Liquor which I call viam vitae in order to the preservation of health and so consequently a prolongation of life fitted for all Ages Sexes and constitutions and no doubt but happy will those be that use the same with prayer and supplication in the concernments of their bodily or healthful state it being also in this great time of Contagion experienced to be of great force in the preservation and cure of the Plague But this by way of digression yet I hope not altogether unsuitable nor impertinent I come now according to promise looking upon this equally necessary with the other to refute some errors commonly imbraced as truth amongst some women yea by some men also concerning the subject that I am upon And herein you may not think that I will undertake the confutation of all but only of those which I judge most pernicious and rediculous and they are these 1. Some are of the opinion that the Sex and whether a woman be with child or no may be known barely by the urine 2. Some also are of the opinion that the husband breeds his wives child 3. Some are opinion that it is hurtful for the sick to change his linnen very often 4. Some are of the opinion that nothing but hot drinks are to be given to a woman in child-bed 5. Some are of opinion that medicines Chymically prepared are dangerous 6. Some are of the opinion that bleeding and purging are hurtful for women with child 7. Some are of opinion that Gold boiled in broths is a great cordial and good for Consumptions 8. Some have wrong opinions about their choice of Nurses c. A refutation I intend of all these read them soberly judge them wisely and practice conscionably 1. Some are of the opinion that the Sex and whether a woman be with child or no can barely be known by the urine This is a great error and mistake in women notwithstanding I know it is common especially in the latter case for women to send their waters to the Doctors on purpose But that neither the sex nor gravidity can be discerned and discovered barely by the urine I will demonstrate 1. Concerning the sex indeed the urine of a young man an old man a man a woman be different each from other but mark it is only in colour consistance which seeing they may be changed by divers other causes it will not properly shew
whether it be mans or womans for a cholerick woman after exercise and the use of hot meats will make higher coloured urine than a flegmatick man moreover she which hath a feaver or some other disease without doubt changes her urine in some respects according to the nature of the disease how is it then possible for to discover sex by the urine I must be brief but consider what is said and it is sufficient to convince that there is no certainty in it and it is but rashness for any to pronounce or others to expect any such thing by the urine 2. Concerning women with child I would not have you think but that my pains to discover the same by urine hath not been wanting but much and that I am not without those observations and tokens left by Authors to posterity but never yet could I answer my own desires herein yet I have several times divined by urine women to be with child and so it sell out but I must say that what I said nay further what ever any say in this case was and is but conjectural and there is no certainty nor knowledge thereof in urine which I demonstrate thus Although most times and in most persons with child the urine is altered indeed either in one respect or other yet we are to understand that the urine is not changed by the gravidity it self but only by the suppression of the courses which as it cannot be denyed may alter the urine by the reflux of blood and excrements into the veins But that same change of urine may appear in maids by the stopping of their courses yea or in other diseases that arise from the like suppression as also in obstructions of other internal parts so that urine will manifest here no proper or peculiar thing besides if the woman with child be sick the urine may be so changed by the violence of the disease that all the signs of being with child if there were any would be obliterate Certainly if such a thing could have been those famous Physicians whose works are the dictators to all pis Prophets would never have been deceived in their own wives in this case of being with child till it evidently appeared by the infants motion as they have left for the observation of Posterity however in other things the fathers of pis Lectures Now I know many will say I have carried mine and others waters and such and such a Doctor hath told me right and he can tell To this I only say so can and do I often but this I say it cannot barely be done by urine as before demonstrated and what other ways we have to conjecture by in such cases I would freely discover only fearing that the times and seasons for the discovery of such things are not yet come 2. Some are of the opinion that the Husband breeds his wives child a common error This is an error common only to England for ought ever I could read or understand and of all errors this seems most worthy to be laughed at that the husband should be thought to be sick and troubled with the same symptoms wherewith a woman with child is wont having not the same cause to procure it It is true women with child in the first moneth of their conception are wont to be troubled with very many and sundry symproms especially Cacochymick and impure bodies but observe this is not without some cause which usually is from the retention of the courses for seeing nature is wont to use that flux not only for the purging out of superfluous blood but of corrupt and vicious humors also such blood being retent and kept in they are likewise retained and that blood retained by reason of the smallness of the young one in the beginning of her gravidity is not all spent for the nourishment thereof doth putrifie and hath recourse either to the noble parts or at least anoys them with filthy vapors which it sends forth from whence arise the foresaid symptoms in the stomach intrails belly head and the whole body as vomiting loathing of meat unsatiable longing and lusting gripings dizziness of the head and such like seeing therefore the husband hath not in him the causes of these effects but his wife only it stands with reason that she only should be sick what if the husband be sick when his wife breeds a child I hope it is not a Contagious disease he is not infected by his wife no that distemper may happen through some default of his own body Indeed it is no new thing for husbands and wives to be sick together but it is a wonder and hitherto a thing unknown that gravidity or a womans being with child is a Contagious or catching disease and that not other women but men only whom nature hath freed from this kind of travel should be infected therewith Besides it is observed that the symptoms do not happen to all women or at least not all to every one and yet it often falls out that when the woman is in good health the husband is sick yea sometimes being many miles off but if he induce that by his wives being with child how comes it to pass that she continues well at the same time for observe this maxime in Philosophy That natural causes do sooner work upon the near than upon the remote subject And for that cause seeing the woman carries about her such noxious humors she should be sooner yea and more grievously sick I know something might be said of simpathy antipathy contagion fascination and such like trifles but if these things be so I Query why do not maids and widdows who are very often troubled with the like symptoms through suppression of their courses infect their bed-fellows and familiars seeing there is the same cause and sympathy with some of them But note and in this maxime I shew you one great natural cause why many being with and in the houses of those infected of the Plague this great Visitation and yet escaped themselves alone To cause a contagion Not only the efficacy of the agent but also a disposition and analogy in the patient is requisite I shall say no more in this case because by the very relating of it the absurdity of this error doth appear 3. Some are of the opinion that it is hurtful to change the linnen very often in time of sickness This error seems to me to spread most amongst the common people for they think that the sick by changing their linnen are weakned and enfeebled thereby which indeed is not true for it doth rather strengthen them and revive them only great care must be had in changing of the linnen that the party catch no cold for by long keeping of their linnen there are three inconveniencies do happen to the sick viz. 1. The transpiration of the body is hindred 2. Sweat and filth are kept in their shirts which do putrifie and contract an ill savour 3. The
expelling from it whatsoever the depravation of digestion and evil fermentation may have contracted and mixed in it of dangerous and hurtful humors and this pure of mercury antimony copper c. Is that which is used as Physick and no other by chymical doctors the dunghil or some other mean imployment in that art and not their patients tasting of the poisonous or impure part in either of these or ought else that is not suitable to our bodies in order to cure diseases But that this bugbear may take the less advantage it is to be understood that chymists work upon vegetables animals as well as minerals though this must be acknowledged that the more nobler cures in chronical diseases have been and are chiefly conquered by those medicines of the mineral kingdom and judge you whether it be wisdom in any to reject cure though of a snake so his sting be out And so I come to a second question which may be 2. Whether the art of chymistry do or can separate the pure from the impure and so render those things which otherwise are against us for us and those things that are already for us more for us Ans Yes and it is clearly evident and that from those things which are such afrightments viz. mercury antimony medicines being daily made and given from them that with safety are and may be given to children of a year old We have said in effect before impurity to be that which could interrupt the perfections of those actions which do conduct the mixt to the end of its natural predestination the question being now how it may be freed from this domestick enemy which insensibly doth creep into the compound Now as all mixt are under several genders and differing species and that there is several sorts of impurities so there are several ways in art to correct and take them away but because to evident demonstrations or particularize the parts of this doctrine would extend beyond the limits of my intentions I must forbear and conclude that the pure from the impure can be separated from mercury and antimony it self by 1. Calcination 2. Sublimation 3. Distillation 4. Liquation 5. Extraction 6. Infusion 7. Salification And 8. Mercurification Is undeniable and as must so is granted by the arts greatest enemies Some medicines by these ways of preparations being used by themselves But. 3. Some will further say the whole age of the ancients wanted chymical remedies who notwithstanding cured diseases very well and it sometimes happens that Physicians now a days perform great cures without them Ans It is questionable by some whether our ancients were not eminent chymists for Paracels was not the first by many generations and of all those even to our days now I find none but used it and esteemed it highly though I must confess they had but a taste thereof But suppose so men in old time did feed on acorns and lived long yet having now found out the use of corn we reject acorns and leave them to hogs Again if they did and now do it was and is but some times being befooled by many chronical diseases very often and when they do perform any cure their medicines do it but slowly and unpleasantly and there are but few if any chronical diseases taken in any time but chymical remedies will reach and safely and speedily cure Indeed by reason of many impostors that through ignorance and covetousness have played both the fool and knave in these things some miscarriages might happen but I justifie none but true sons of art and true medicines and such are the most noble medicines the world doth afford and I say once again may profitably and safely be given and administred to all sorts of sexes constitutions and in all conditions being made chosen and administred by an understanding and discreet hand Nay even in this our case in child-bed being in regard of their condition the most powerful against all enemies and most friendly to nature commanding the Archeus beyond compare I need say no more the fame thereof spreading almost over all the whole world gets much ground and favourites even from the most noble which if there were any such thing in it as is supposed by some no doubt but it would have been buried in silence and lain in the dust long ere this day But 6. Some are of the opinion that bleeding and purging are hurtful for women with child It is too too common especially amongst the Countrey-women that if they be sick and be with child they will not admit by no means to take Physick or be let blood for fear of miscarriage which indeed is contrary 1. To reason 2. To the Authority of the Ancients 3. To daily experience 1. To reason because a woman that labours with an acute disease as a feaver or plurisie c. is in very great danger therefore no delay ought to be made in applying remedies for we are to understand that the child is nourished by the mothers blood if she be sick there is danger least through that sickness and the corruption of the blood the child perish which if it happen as sometimes though not very often it doth then is the mother in danger both by reason of the disease and the dead child or if not so yet miscarriages do generally attend sickness of women with child and there is no miscarriage without danger Now its evident enough that these evils cannot be prevented without taking away the cause and the cause cannot be taken away according to the testimony of authority without bleeding or purging or both for the same course that is taken to cure a woman not with child and a woman with child is all one and the same thing necessary in the one as in the other for the same disease indicates the same remedies and the being with child does not take away the indication of the disease but only after a sort alters the quantity the quality and the manner of using them Letting blood done with wisdom and discretion I have observed often doth rather revive and strengthen than weaken either mother or child and so likewise purging duly administred the noxious part of the purge if any not reaching the womb and that more about the work of retention than expulsion 2. To the authority of the ancients Hipp. commends purging to women with child from the fourth month to the seaventh month and if he whose medicines were more dangerous than ours as appears plainly did and commanded so successefully much more may it be safe for us our medicines being now in use for that purpose more gentle 3. To experience for we find daily that women with child are let blood and purged once and again and yet no damage but profit and advantage coming by it yea many times to my own knowledge women with child have been preserved from miscarriage by bleeding and purging using only some specifical medicines also and never any caught the
least hurt This then â—s clear that women with child may purge and bleed safely and advantagiously but herein when where and what be advised c. 7. Some are of the opinion that gold boiled in broth is a great cordial and good for women in child-bed and to cure consumptions Gold without doubt is of great vertue and excellency yea the noblest the most solid fixt of all metals compacted and of an almost indivisible union in its substance and therefore though it may be very choice and excellent in curing diseases being such as is aforesaid which shews it to be compounded of salt sulphur and mercury brought to the highest degrees of digestion yet being soused as boiled in broth or taken in substance the broth cannot take any vertue from it only possible some dross it being so very compact as it can be dissolved with no fire nor boiling neither can the digestive heat of the stomach and the moisture of imperfect chile in any wise alter the solidity of this noble metal supposing no broth nor liquor in the stomach analogous to Aq. Regia Therefore those who would have the vertues of gold for their help must desire the help of an ingenious chymist who is able to open the body thereof separate and bring him into such a medicine as is nearer to be reduced into its old body I hope I have said enough 8. Some have wrong opinions about their choice of â—urses Gentlewomen and others that nurse not their children themselves are very difficult usually in their choice of a nurse and herein they are not to be blamed but commended for a good nurse makes a thriving child and she ought not only to be diligent in her attendance but be young well be haved of good constitution using a good and wholsome diet and to abstain from venery But in this case I have observed two things which I think ought not to be so enquired after as they are and therefore I shall endeavour their refutation 1. Whether the nurses milk be old or no and how long she hath given suck c. supposing the milk not to be so wholsome for a new-born child and therefore sometimes prefer a nurse that is elder which hath but lately given suck before one that is young if she hath given suck longer and herein they err for the woman being young and qualified for such a work ought to be preserred far before the more elder though she have given suck longeâ— seeing that every day the breasts of nurses do afford new milk because every day new milk is made and hath the same causes of generation after five years which it had the first month for seeing that the milk doth participate of the nature of its material and efficient cause is generated out of these causes only if the nurse be healthful and free from care anger and sorrow of mind and seed on good and wholsome meats there is no doubt but she gives always good and wholsome milk for the milk doth partake of the nature of the bloud of which it is made but in a healthful body nourished with wholsome meats good bloud is always made and of good bloud is not wont to be made bad and unwholsome milk if the body be in health nor can giving suck it self alter or viciate the milk forasmuch as nature ordains nothing that is evil and it would be ill for the child every day the nurses milk were made worse by giving suck When therefore occasion is offered I chusing a nurse let only her constitution healthfulness and age be considered 2. It is supposed by many that a boys milk is fittest for a girl and a girls for a boy and therefore this is another enquiry supposing the boys milk is hotter and therefore fittest for the girl and contrariwise that the girls milk is cooler and so fittest for the boy Two things against this 1. They suppose amiss that a female is always colder than a male whenas experience testifies that some women are hotter than some men nor can a cholerick woman without censure be judged to be colder than a flegmatick man However 2. They erre in supposing the childs sucking can change the temper of the milk for seeing as we have said the nature of the milk doth sollow the nature of the efficient cause and of the meats of which it is made what can the child do against these for while it sucks it cannot by contact alone change the constitution of the mother therefore as I have said before enquiry of these natures may be spared and other things minded and enquired after as is already specified And thus have I by Gods assistance finished what I intend at this time leaving the answering of several questions or resolving several queries viz. What Sex with child of and whether with child or no Concerning longing twins and hair lips c. till another season Read Consider and Judge with a Spirit of Wisdom Meekness Sobriety and Fear And so for this work as for all other good things Gloria Deo tribuanda non nobis Christian Reader Providence having disposed me a former Wise that was very unhealthful occasioned my study and search into womens diseases the advantage of which as then so often since successefully tryed moved me to this Publication Having also experimental Remedies externally applyed for the perfect curing of worms deafness infirmities in eyes defectnessâ—◠〈◊〉 and ruddy or pimply faces if curable which the p 〈…〉 know before hand By N. S. FINIS