A treatise of the asthma divided into four parts : in the first is given a history of the fits, and the symptoms preceding them : in the second, the cacochymia which disposes to the fit, and the rarefaction of the spirits which produces it, are described : in the third, the accident causes of the fit, and the symptomatic asthmas are observed : in the fourth, the cure of the asthmas fit, and the method of preventing it is proposed : to which is annext a digression about the several species of acids distinguish'd by their tastes, and 'tis observ'd how far they were thought convenient or injurious in general practice by the old writers, and most particularly in relation to the care of the asthma.

Fourthly, Of the Passions.

I will next describe the Effect of Pas∣sions in producing the Fit. A fatal Or∣thopnea is described by Forestus from a Fright.

The Passion of Anger makes the Spirits restless, and apt to produce the Fit, and the Asthmatics observe in themselves great restlessness of Spirits the day preceding the Fit; and Hippocrates's Aphorism advises all Asthmatics to abstain from Anger and Shouting.

Fear, Sollicitude, and much Study, dis∣composes the Spirits, and produces a rest∣lesness in them, which may occasion a Fit; the Asthmatics are commonly Hy∣pochondriacal, which the frequent Fits produce, though that is supposed to de∣pend on the other.

Study inflames the Spirits, and too much rarefies them; and all violent mo∣tions of the Spirits quicken the Pulse, and thereby produce the Asthma and Ephe∣mera.

All the related occasions are observ'd by Helmont, who says, Denique & aliàs quae ex potu sacchari, vini hispanici, ex ira, tristi nuntio, vel etiam objurgatè luctuoso mox Asthmate corriperentur; and of these he gives Examples. And I have observ'd that Reading or Writing is very injurious in the Fits, and highly disorders the Asth∣matic.