CHAP. XXXI. Of Epithemes.
EPithema, or an Epitheme, is a composition used in the diseases of the parts of the lower and middle belly, like to a fomentation, and not much * 1.1 unlike an embrocation. They are made of waters, juices, and powders, by means whereof they are used to the heart, chest, liver, and other parts. Wine is added to them for the more or lesse penetration, as the condition of the hot or cold affect shall seeme to require; for if you desire to heate, more wine must bee added, as in swouning by the clotting of bloud, by the corruption of seed, by drink∣ing some cold poyson: the contrary is to be done in a fainting by dissipation of the spirits by feaverish heates, also vinegar may bee added. The matter of medicines proper to the entrailes is formerly described, yet we commonly use the species of e∣lectuaries, * 1.2 as the species elect. triasantali the liver being affected, and Diamargariton in affects of the heart. The proportion of the juices or liquors to the powders, uses to be this, to every pinte of them ℥i. or ℥i ss. of these, of wine or else of vinegar ℥i. You may gather this by the following example.
℞. aqu. ros. bugl. borag. an. ℥iii. succi scabios. ℥ii. pul. elect. diamarg. frigid. ʒii. cort. citri * 1.3 sicci ʒi. coral. ras. ebor. an. ʒss. sem. citri & card. ben. an. ʒiiss. croci & moschi an. gra. 5. ad∣dendo vini albi ℥ii. fiat Epithema pro corde.
Epithemes are profitably applyed in hecticke and burning feavers to the liver, * 1.4 heart, and chest, if so be that they be rather applyed to the region of the lungs; than of the heart; for the heate of the lungs being by this meanes tempered, the drawn in ayre becomes lesse hot in pestilent and drying feavers. They are prepared of hu∣mecting, refrigerating, and cordiall things, so to temper the heate, and recreate the vitall faculty. Sometimes also we use Epithemes to strengthen the heart, and drive there-hence venenate exhalations, lifted or raised up from any part which is gan∣grenate or sphacelate. Some cotton, or the like, steeped or moistened with such li∣quor, and powders warmed, is now and then to be applyed to the affected entraile; this kinde of remedy, as also all other topick and particular medicines, ought not to be used, unlesse you have first premised generall things.