CHAP. XI. Of the cure of a Convulsion, by sympathy and paine.
A Convulsion which is caused both by consent of paine and Communi∣cation of the affect, is cured by remedies which are contrary to the do∣lorifique * 1.1 cause. For thus if it proceede from a puncture or venemous bite, the wound must be dilated and inlarged by cutting the skin, that so the venenate matter may flow forth more freely, for which purpose, also Medicines which are of a thin and liquid consistence, but of a drying and digestive faculty shall be powred in, to call forth & dissolve the virulency, as Treacle & Mithri∣date, dissolved in Aqua vitae, with a little of some Mercuriall powder for this is a no∣ble * 1.2 Antidote. Also cupping glasses and scarrifications will be good. Lastly the conditi∣on of all dolorifique causes, shall bee oppugned by the opposition of contrary reme∣dies, as if paine by reason of a pricked Nerve or Tendon, shall cause a Convulsion, it must presently be resisted by proper remedies, as Oyle of Turpentine, of Euphorbium, mixt with Aqua vitae, and also with other remedies appropriated to punctures of the Nerves. If the paine proceede from excesse of cold, because cold is hurtfull to the Braine, the Spinall marrow, and Nerves; the patient shall bee placed in a hot aire, such as that of a Hot-house or Stoave, all the Spine of his back and Convulsed parts, must be annoynted with the hot Liniments above mentioned: For that is much bet∣ter, than suddenly to expose him from the conceaved convulcifique, cause to a most hot fire or warme Bath. In the meane time the Chirurgion must take diligent heede, * 1.3 that as soone as the signes of the Convulsion to come, or already present, or at hand, doe shew themselves, that he put a sticke betweene the patients teeth, least they bee fast locked by the pertinacious contraction of the Iawes: for many in such a case have bit off their tongues, for which purpose he shall bee provided of an instrument called Speculum Oris, which may be dilated and contracted according to your mind by the meanes of a screw, as the figures underneath demonstrate, the one presenting it open and somewhat twined up, and the other as it is shut.