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CHAP. XXIIII. Of a Scirrhus, or an hard Tumor proceeding of Melancholy.
HAving shewed the nature of Tumors caused by blood, choler and Phlegme, it remaines we speake of these, which are bred of a Melancho∣like humor; Of these there are said to be foure differences. The first is * 1.1 of a true and legitimate Scirrhus, that is, of an hard Tumor endued with litle sense, and so commonly without paine, generated of a naturall Me∣lancholike humor. The second is, of an illegitimate Scirrhus, that is, of an hard Tumor * 1.2 insensible, and without paine, of a Melancholike humor concrete by too much resol∣ving and refrigerating. The third is of a cancrous Scirrhus bred by the corruption and adustion of the Melancholike humor. The fourth of a Phlegmonous, Erysipelous or Oedematous Scirrhus, caused by Melancholy mixed with some other humor. The cause of all these kinds of Tumors is a grosse, tough and tenacious humor concrete, in any part. But the generation of such an humor in the body happens either of an ill and irregular diet, or of the unnaturall affects of the liver or spleene, as obstruction; or by suppression of the Haemorr••oides or Courses.
The signes are hardnesse, renitency, a blackish colour, and a dilatation of the veines * 1.3 of the affected part with blackishnesse, by reason of the aboundance of the grosse humor. The illegitimate or bastard Scirrhus which is wholy without paine and sense, * 1.4 and also the cancerous, admit no cure, and the true legitimate scarse yeeld to any. Those which are brought to suppuration, easily turne into cancers and fistulaes; these tumors though in the beginning they appeare litle, yet in processe of time they grow to a great bignes.