Anatomia sambuci, or, The anatomy of the elder cutting out of it plain, approved, and specific remedies for most and chiefest maladies : confirmed and cleared by reason, experience, and history / collected in Latine by Dr. Martin Blochwich ...

CAP. XXIV.

Of the Hydropsie, and its kinds.

1. Of Ascites.

SEeing this depends of serous hu∣mors, fallen into the Abdomen; and seeing the vertue of the Elder is to exsiccate and draw water from the belly by the consent of Dioscorides and all Physicians; there is no man that doth not perceive that the Elder is of great vertue in this disease.

Purging Medicines.

First then boil in Wine, in a close vessel, those middle barks of the El∣der, with one or two Jews-ears; swee∣ten the decoction; and for some days give it to the diseased party morning and evening to drink.

Some praise this; Take of the mid∣dle bark subtilly grated, as much as

you will, boiled in a sufficient quanti∣ty of Goats-milk, that being put through a Searse, it may acquire the consistence of a syrup or honey; of which give an ounce, or an ounce and a half, for certain days in white wine. The water of the succulent middle-bark, distilled in the Spring-time, and given with a third part of the syrup made of the juice of the buds, or roots, is used in two or three ounces weight.

Quercetan in the first book and se∣venth chapter of his Dogmatick Phar∣macy commends this purging water of the berries; Take the seeds or ber∣ries of the Elder and Ebulus, perfect∣ly ripe, which is in Autumn; out of these with a press draw out the wine or juice, shaking out the inmost ker∣nels, and mixing them with the rest, distil them.

This water, which is Cohobat thus upon the dregs, hath a notable effica∣cy in purging, & chiefly of serous hu∣mors; let it be aromatized with Cin∣namon,

Coriander prepared with the juice of Lemmons, and such like; it may be given to Hydropick persons from one ounce to two. Thus far Quercetan.

For example, R. Of the water pre∣served ounces two, Syrup or juice of the berries and buds, of each one ounce and half mixed. Of this compo∣sed water you may see more in the cited place of Quercetan.

Of the Wines we have often made mention before, chiefly in the second Section; nevertheless we will set down this of Quercetans, in his first Book and ninth Chapter, because it differs little from others; The seeds are to be prest, and the juice drawn out, which being mixed with a dou∣ble quantity of the Must of the best white wine, is to be put in a Hogshead of convenient bigness, till it be fully digested and fermented.

Note, That it is better if it be done in a close Hogshead, that is, if the Hogshead be not altogether full;

but at least the third part be left emp∣ty, and be well closed that nothing do exhale. Which being done, and the fermentation being in a moneths time finished, the hogshead is to be o∣pened, and to be filled up to the brim with wine, wrought after that man∣ner with the juice of berries in ano∣ther hogshead.

This wine doth purge all serous humors, and much helpeth Hydro∣pick persons; the dose is a cup, less or smaller as the strength of the person is.

Dioscorides writeth, that the root being boiled in wine, and given to Hydropick persons in their meat, doth help them.

Whose juice being pressed out, doth purge upward and downward like Antimony, as Mindererus wit∣nesseth in his Military Medicine, cap. 6. So that we are to use it warily, and only so much in quantity as the half of a Walnut-shell will hold, as he ho∣nestly informs.

He commends there likewise a Sal∣let made of the buds, oyl, salt, and vinegar, which we have set down in the cure of the intestine diseases. Fo∣restus lib. 19. Observat. 44. affirms, That by long experience he had learn∣ed, that the leaves of Elder being put in Hydrogogick decoctions, do ex∣cellently purge water, chiefly in the Hydropsie.

The same Forestus in the same book and 87 Observ. hath this, The bark of the root of the Elder reduced in a Succus, the dose is two ounces, in fragrant Wine. Benedic. Veronensis writes, that some give four drachms of the juice of the bark of Elder-roots. Others give for 9 days together the juice of Elder-bark-roots in a pretty quantity, or an ounce in the waning of the Moon, and so cure Hydropick persons: for it bravely purgeth wa∣ter, as the middle bark of the Elder doth likewise. Nicholas at one time gives six ounces of the decoction of middle Elder-bark: The same man

giveth two or three drachms of the juice of the Elder, and of the juice of Ebulus four drachms to an ounce. Some give the juice of the middle-bark of the Elder with Oximel. Thus far Forestus.

And this I have set down, that all may know there was great difference of the dose amongst the Ancients. Ne∣vertheless let him observe faithfully Mindererus his dose, till he know the vertues exactly of each.

Muller in his Medicinal Mysteries saith, This is the perfect cure of the Hydropsie; R. Of the juice of the re∣cent roots of the white Lilly, and of the juice of the green middle-bark of the Elder, of each one spoonful. Take it in common water or thin O∣ximel ever after three or four days: This purgeth the belly strongly. For the tumors that are left about the knees, feet, &c. lay to them the leaves of the great Bur-docks, for they draw out the water.

The Polychrestick powder of the

buds in a drachm, given in white wine sweetned with Oximel of the Elder, or syrup of the juice of the berries is commended in this disease.

Or,

• Take of the Polychrestick pow∣der of the buds four scruples.
• Of Gum of Peru of Galingale, of each half a scruple.

Make an exact mixt powder, it is to be given in what liquor you please, at two times to a patient that is not yet weak; for it powerfully evacua∣teth serous humors.

If the form of powder displease you, work it with the syrup of hony of Elder in form of Pills, or with the Rob of Elder in form of a Bole.

Hydroticks or Sudorificks.

If by these Catharticks the body be emptied well enough, then you may safely proceed to Sudorificks & Diureticks: For if we proceed other∣wise, the whole stream will be devol∣ved on the reins and ureters, where∣by

the gathering together thereof grievous symptoms will arise.

The Rob of the Elder and its ex∣tract are Sudorificks. The first where∣of given in two drachms weight is commended by the Augustans for this purpose. The second is to be in as many scruples, dissolved in the wa∣ter and vinegar of Elder-flowers for one dose.

Or where the Liver is more cold, and the urine less red, give a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or tincture of the Elder, made thin with the water of the flowers, and sweet∣ned with the syrup of the juice of the berries. Then in bed or in a dry Bath provoke sweat.

The spirit of the flowers is more gentle, nevertheless it excellently provoketh sweat, and dryeth strong∣ly the water of the Hydropick per∣son, especially if it be well rectified.

Diureticks, and which move Urine.

Besides those rehearsed, these that follow are Diureticks. The salt of the Elder with a third or equal part of the salt of Wormwood. The dose from a scruple to half a drachm.

The spirit distilled from the salt powerfully moveth urine, and drieth moisture; six drops thereof are to be given in broth some days.

Where the bowels are more hot, and the urine more red, which is oft∣times a deadly token in Hydropick persons, instead of these give three or four ounces of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved in the water of the flowers and leaves, of each half a pound; whereof four or five ounces are to be drank before meat twice a day morning and evening. The poor mans Euporist, viz. A Lixive prepared of Elder and Juniper-ashes, with one part of white wine, and three parts

of simple water, or the distilled water of Elder-flowers; whereof give a cup full twice a day to the Patient fast∣ing, and command moderate exercise for half an hour or longer, if it be pos∣sible; add to it a sufficient quantity of Sugar and Cinnamon, to make it smell and taste more sweetly.

The Experiment of Emylia, Countess of Isinburg.

And seeing we have made mention here of Diureticks, I will not pass by this Receipt of the Countess, by which alone she cured many poor people of the Hydropsie; in which, albeit much is to be attributed to the po∣tion it self, nevertheless I ascribe the chief effects of this happy Medicine to the wine prepared of the Elder-flowers and sponges, which the Hydropick use in time of their cure; therefore I have set down the whole course of the cure, as it is faithfully

communicated to all the true Sons of this noble Art, by the famous Finck, in the 26 Chapter of his Enchirid.

• Take of the old Acorns unshelled,
• Of the old roots of Parsley,
• Of white Oculi Cancrorum, of each two scruples and an half.
• Of Sugar,
• Of Cinnamon, of each one drachm.

All are to be subtily pulverised and searced.

Before the diseased person altoge∣ther lye down, first let him moisten three shives of wheat-bread in strong wine; may be it would not be beside the purpose, if before in that wine he had macerated some Elder-flowers; then presently let him sprinkle upon these shives 4 scruples down weight of that powder, and at night before he go to bed, let him eat it, and go to bed and sleep above them.

Secondly, on the day next follow∣ing, early in the morning, let him eat as many shives of bread so prepared, and fast one or two hours after.

Thirdly, on the same day at night let him eat the same preparation, eat∣ing and drinking nothing above it, and so go to sleep.

In the mean time this diet is to be observed; Let the diseased person ab∣stain from fish, swines-flesh, herbs, cheese, cold water, thin and superflu∣ous drink: Let him use wine prepa∣red after this manner, which I esteem to be the chief part of the cure.

• Take of the whole dried umbels of El∣der-flowers, three,
• Of Jews-ears exsiccate in a dry air, two,
• Of white wine two quarts; or for the use of a middle-child, one quart.

Let them stand all night in infusion, and the patient may drink thereof at his pleasure; but let him abstain from all other drink till the tumor be eva∣nished.

Mark, if the patient by this cure find not an evident alteration, & aba∣ting of the tumor, he may after a fort∣night

renew the cure; and without doubt, by divine assistance, he shall recover his former health.

Topicks.

Apply outwardly to the tumified parts a Cataplasm of the juice of the Elder incorporate with Goates-dung, which hath an eminent vertue in di∣gesting those salt & waterish humors.

Or anoint the tumified parts with the oyl of the bark and leaves, pre∣scribed before in the second place; un∣to which add this same dung to give it consistence.

The tincture drawn out of the rob and juice of the berries doth excel∣lently discuss and dry, if it be rubb'd on the belly and legs.

Or, take a sufficient quantity of the leaves and bark, boil them in a com∣mon Lixive, wherewith foment the belly and tumified parts twice a day.

The vapour of which decoction, held under the Hydropick legs, draw∣eth the serosity from thence, and discusseth it by sweat; it must be poured on hot bricks in a close vessel, that the vapour may come to the heat.

Others bid the feet and legs only to be bathed in a decoction of the leaves, wherein a handful or two of common salt hath been dissolved.

Note, that the pith of the Elder be∣ing pressed with the finger, doth pit, as Hydropick feet do; therefore the juice of the Elder, and the distilled water of Jews-ears, are profitable. Crollius de signaturis rerum, hither you may transfer the example of the Hy∣dropick and gravelly clown, as it is set down in the Chapter concerning the Stone, who was cured by the use of the pith of the Elder.

2. Of Anasarca or Leucophleg∣matia.

IN Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia, having prescribed lighter purges, you are immediately to proceed to Sudorificks and cutting Medicines, which we have set down, made of the juice, extract, and spirit of the berries, and so forth.

For by these the serosity that re∣sides in the musculous flesh, and swels the members, are discussed; and the desired heat is restored to the cold and weak members, and the intrals appointed for nutrition are opened and strengthened.

The wine of the flowers of the El∣der is excellent for ordinary drink. By which alone'tis manifest, that some af∣ter long fevers, and other chronical diseases, becoming Leucophlegmatick did in an instant untumifie: where∣fore may be that experiment of Emy∣lio the Countess were more fit to be

used in this than in the Ascites.

Note, there was a certain Citizen of Haina, who for two years being ve∣xed with a continual falling again in∣to fevers, and after that became Leu∣cophlegmatick through his whole bo∣dy, by my advice he was cured by these following; First, I desired him to use wine wherein the Elder-bark and flowers, and the tops of worm∣wood in equal parts were infused, thereby to open the obstructions of the Meseraick vessels, & to purge the serous & pituitous inundations of the first region. Of which every morning, after he had taken a little broth, he was to take a good draught. From which time, after the belly had for a few days answered the Medicine, I desir'd him to swallow a pretty spoon∣ful of Elder-rob, mixt with Hearts-horn; and having drank Vinegar of the Elder, mixed with Wine, go to sweat in bed; which being done twice or thrice, his whole body did detumi∣fie; a more lively colour, and

laudable appetite did return; neither to this day hath appeared any residi∣ty of Fevers.

While I was writing these things, a grave Matron told me this history; she was almost threescore years old, being troubled for some weeks with a white Flux of the belly, she fell into an Hy∣dropsy, so that her belly & flesh won∣derfully swelling, her strength mar∣vellously decayed; her daughters be∣ing amazed and doubtful of their mo∣thers health, they went to a Physician their kinsman, then famous in this Country, they earnestly desired his counsel & help; who, albeit he was ter∣rifi'd by her weakness proceding from her age & sickness, to use any cure; yet nevertheless through their intreaty he appointed some comfortablethings amongst which he chiefly commend∣ed the conserve of Elder-flowers, and commanded each morning half an ounce should be given her thereof, by which alone, through divine assi∣stance,

she was in a short time reco∣vered, and lived till she was fourscore years old, to the great wonder of all those that saw and heard it.

3. Of a Timpany.

SEeing of this disease the belly is so swelled of flatuosities, that it sounds like a drum, if it be beat on; and that these flatuosities do proceed from no other cause than from a weak stomach; the stomach is to be streng∣thened, and the flatuosities dis∣cussed.

These indications, a Purge being premised, if needful, are well satisfied by the spirit of Granorum Actes simple and stomatical, commended much before for a weak stomach, seeing it not only strengtheneth, but likewise by his subtile faculty penetrateth the most subtile passages of the body, and discusseth all flatuosities; chiefly if the dose of the Carminant-seeds, of Anise and Fennel-seeds, be augment∣ed:

Give every day a spoonful, and a∣noynt the belly with the same.

Or,

• Take of the Spirit of the Stoma∣tical Granorum Actes, two oun∣ces,
• Of the Elder-flowers, one ounce and an half,
• Of white Sugar Candy pulverised, one ounce: mix them.

The dose, one or two spoonfuls.

Benedict Victor Favorin. in 25 cap. of his Empyricks hath these: I saw a wonderful effect in curing the flatu∣lent Hydropsie; every morning in the dawning this drink was given to the patient,

• Take of the water of the roots of Danewort, two ounces.
• Of the Elder, four ounces, mix them.

Continue without interruption this drink for thirty days, and a wonder∣ful effect will follow. But I would ever add some of the syrup of the ber∣ries or flowers, seeing the distilled wa∣ter given alone much troubleth the fasting stomach.