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CHAP. XXIIII. Of the flatulent convulsion, or convulsive contraction, which is common∣ly called by the French, Goute Grampe, and by the English, the Crampe.
THat which the French call Goute grampe, wee heare intend to treat of, in∣duced thereto rather by the affinity of the name, than of the thing, * 1.1 for if one speake truly, it is a certaine kinde of convulsion generated by a flatulent matter, by the violence of whose running downe or motion, oft-times the necke, armes, and legs are either extended, or contracted into themselves with great paine, but that for a short time. The cause thereof is a grosse and tough vapor, insinuating it selfe into the branches of the nerves, and the * 1.2 membranes of the muscles. It takes one on the night, rather than on the day, for that then the heat and spirits usually retire themselves into the entrailes and center of the body; whence it is that flatulencies may bee generated, which will fill up, distend and pull the part whereinto they runne, just as wee see lute-strings are ex∣tended. This affect often takes such as swimme in cold water, & causeth many to be drowned, though excellent swimmers, their members by this means being so strait∣ly * 1.3 contracted, that they cannot by any meanes be extended. For the skin by the cold∣nesse of the water is contracted and condensed, and the pores therof shut, so that the engendered flatulencies have no passage forth. Such as give themselves to drunken∣nesse and gluttony, or sloth and idlenesse, are usually more frequently troubled with this disease, by reason of their heaping up of crudities. Therefore it is cured by mo∣derate diet, and ordering of the body, and exercise of each part therof, for thus they * 1.4 gather strength, and the generation of the flatulent matter is hindered. In the very time when it takes one, the patient shall bee cured by long rubbing with warme clothes, and aqua vitae, wherein the leaves of sage, rosemary, time, savory, lavander, cloves, ginger, and the like discussing and resolving things, have beene infused. The extension and flexion of the members or joints, and walking, are also good.