The womans doctour, or, An exact and distinct explanation of all such diseases as are peculiar to that sex with choise and experimentall remedies against the same : being safe in the composition, pleasant in the use, effectuall in the operation, cheap in the price / faithfully translated out of the works of that learned philosopher and eminent physitian Nicholas Fontanus.

THE SECOND BOOK, Written by NICHOLAS FONTANUS: OF Womens Diseases.

The first Chapter.

OF the Mother.

THat Disease which we com∣monly call the Mother, the Physitians terme the Strangu∣lation, or Suffocation of the Matrix, and sometimes the Ascent of the Matrix. Ga∣••••n took it to be a drawing back of the Ma∣••••ix, to the upper parts. Hereupon some of

the Ancients conceived the Matrix, to be some stragling Creature, wandring too and fro thorough severall parts, to which phantasticall conceit, Fernelius, Eugenius, and Laurentius, contributed a credulous Assent; for though a woman be dead, yet can you not with an ordinary strength remove the Matrix from the naturall place; neither is that reason, which Fernelius al∣ledgeth, of any moment, who saith, that in these diseases he hath toucht it upwards, seeing that this is not the true Matrix, but a grosse, windie swelling, of a roundish figure, and somewhat resembling the Ma∣trix; you will say the Matrix doth remove, and slip from its proper place; I grant it, for by reason of the moisture, wherewith those parts abound, the Matrix is loosened, and exceedingly stretched: and this is the truth of the whole matter.

The Cause of this Disease is twofold: the Retention of the Seed, and the Men∣struum, which are the materiall cause: and a cold and moist distemper of the Matrix, breeding phlegmatick and thick juices, which is the efficient cause; for when the Seed is retained, and the Menstruum hath not the customary, and usuall vent, they bur∣then the Matrix, and choak, and extinguish

the heat thereof: then upon the diminish∣ing of the naturall heat, windy humours are bred, especially in the Matrix, which by nature is a cold, nervous, and bloud∣lesse part; after the same manner, if the seed be kept too long, it disturbeth the Function of the spiritous parts, and the Midriffe, it oppresseth the heart, causeth fainting and sounding fits, bindeth as it were, and girteth about the parts, and seemes in such a manner to stop the breath, that the sick woman is in danger to be strangled: her puls is sometimes weake, various, and obscure: she hath inward discontents and anxieties, and is most com∣monly invaded by, at least very subject unto Convulsion fits: she lies, as if she were astonished and void of sense: and from her belly you may heare rumbling, and mur∣muring noises; she breatheth so weakly, that it is scarce discernable, and indeed she is so sad an object, that the by-standers may ea∣sily mistake her to be dead. The drowsie and sleepy disease called Carus differs from this, because they who are affected with it, have the use of their breath free, without any molestation: and it differs from a Cata∣lepsy (another drowsie disease, casting the sick into a profound and dead sleep) be∣cause

they who are taken with that, lie without any motion, but they who have the mother, are tormented with Convulsion fits, their legs and their hands are stretched and wrythed into unusuall figures, and strange postures; and by this it is distinguish∣ed from an Apoplexy, unto which it is ex∣ceeding like.

Galen wondreth how these women can live, who are troubled with these cruell fits of the Mother, without any puls, or breathing, in as much as it is impossible for one that liveth not to breath, or for one that breatheth not, to live; for so long as we live, so long we breath. To this I answer, that although these women live without respiration, yet doe they not live with∣out transpiration; for this being perform∣ed thorough the pores of the skin, by the motion of the arteries, conserves the sym∣metry of the vitall heat; for then that small heat retiring to the heart, as to a Castle, may bepreserved by this benefit of transpiration alone.

Now to procure an assurance, whither the woman be living or dead, hold a fea∣ther, or a looking-glasse••to her mouth, if the former stir, or the latter be spotted, it is an undoubted signe that she liveth.

This is a most acute Disease, and soone dispatcheth the sick woman, especially if it took beginning from some very contagious, and poisonous vapours; lecherous wo∣men, and lusty widowes that are prone, and apt to Venery, are most subject to it: but married women that injoy the com∣pany of their husbands, and such as are with childe, are seldome invaded by it.

You must apply your Remedies in the fit, and after the fit: in the fit, the humour must be drawn back with rubbing the parts, tying painfull Ligatures about them, and ••upplying Cuppinglasses, with scariffication to the calfes of her legs: have such Glysters in readinesse, as will take away the paine, dis∣solve, draw back, and purge out the thick humours: you may compound them by these formes following.

Take

• halfe an ounce of Elecampane roots.
• The leaves of rue, penniroyall, Motherwort, and pellitory of the wall, of each a hand∣••ull.
• Three drams of sena.
• Bran, Camomile flowers, and the tops of Dill, of each halfe a handfull.
• Bastard Saffron, and Annise seeds, of each ••wo drams.

Boile them in a sufficient quantitie of

birthwort water to nine ounces, to the strained liquor being squeezed, and prest very hard, add

• Diaphenicon, and benedicta laxativa, of each an ounce.
• Oyle of dill, and oyle of rue, of each s•••• drams.
• Halfe an ounce of butter.
• A dram and a halfe of salt.

Mingle them, and make a Glyster.

Carminative medicines must be laid upo•• the whole inward region, as fomentation•• made of the leaves of Rue, Motherwort, Pen∣niroyall, the flowers of Melilot, and Cam••∣mile, or unguent. de Althea, with the oyle of Camomile, Dill, and Rue; for this loosen∣eth the passages by opening the pores, an•• expelling the winde; pessaries may be pu•• up, made with Civet, Musk, and Amber but you must affront her nose with stin••∣ing odours, as the steame of brimstone, t•••• smoke ascending from old shoes burn•••• Partridge feathers, sagapenum galbanum, ass∣••fetida, and the like, cast into the fire; be∣cause the Matrix doth, as it were abhor, re∣treat, and flie from these things, wherea•• sweet things doe allure to them.

But some curious braine may here de∣mand, why sweet things held to the nos••

doe breed the fits of the Mother, and on the contrary, stinking things appease those fits? I answer; sweet things applyed to the Matrix, in regard that they are hot, doe expell the winde, cut into the slow and tenacious phlegm, and afterwards purge it out: but stinking things applied to the Nose, consume the ascending vapours with their heat; but you may still demand, if hot stinking things be good to break the winde, why may they not be laid to the Matrix, as well as sweet things? I answer? the Matrix embraceth, and meeteth sweet odours and perfumes, but unsavory and stinking sents it abhors, and flies from; for 'tis •• most certaine truth, that every crea∣ture, even by naturall instinct, shunneth in∣conveniences, and affecteth things conve∣nient.

If the evill still increase, and if the Vir∣gin be of a good habit, fleshie, and for a long time hath not had her Courses, or for too long a time hath had them: the safest course, although upon the approach of the Fit, will be to open a veine in the ankle, without delay, especially, if any excre∣tion of bloud appear, either at the nose, or at the mouth; for as Hippocrates hath ex∣cellently taught us; as the coming down

of the Courses, is a present Remedie for those who vomit bloud; so in a body that is plethorick, by reason that the Menstruum hath been long suppressed; you may help a woman who vomits bloud, if you cut one of her lower veines; the same opinion is favoured by Galen in his Commentry, saying, in this case we ought to endeavour an evacuation, namely, such an one as is cor∣respondent to nature, when she is obedient to her own lawes.

After the Phlebotomy, if her body ••e strong, and the Disease continue, apply Cuppinglasses, with scarification to her thighes, Leeches to the Hemorrhoids, and with ite∣rated Glysters, and medicines given again and again into the body, purge out the Melancholy juices.

Many, who are more rash then learned, more bold, then skilfull, because of the cold and the winde, which are the causes of this Disease, at the beginning will un∣advisedly be offering wine to the sick, which being odoriferous, is apt to allure the Matrix to the upper parts; therefore I counsell all those that value the health of their friends, to forbeare this temerity: yet if she faint, and her spirits be so far spent, that she swounds, or is ready to swound, in such

an exigence you may allow her wine, yet in a small quantity.

When the Fit is over, let her live sober∣ly, and feed upon hot meats. that yield a thin, and subtle nourishment, and be very carefull to preserve her self, least she fall into a Relaps; hearbs, and roots, and such thinge as thicken the bloud, or are hard to digest, must be no part of her diet, Worme∣wood beer may be allowed her, or in her beer mingle Cinamon water, or boile Annise seeds, or China roots in it.

The humour must be prepared with cut∣ting Syrups, as Rhodomell, Syrupe of Wormewood, Syrupe of Mint, or Syrupe of the five roots.

You may prescribe the Purge of Mecho∣••aca, Hiera Picra, pills of agarick, of Hiera, with Confectio Hamech, or Sena.

You must open a veine in the ankl•• again, and because this thick and stubborne hu∣mour will not obey a single evacution, you must also purge her body againe with agarick, hellebore, Pills of Mastick, or of Rubarb.

Steele taken in powder, or mingled among the other medicines, will much ad∣vance the Cure; so will an Issue, and an artificiall Bath made with Sulphur, or a de∣coction

of Salsa parilla, Guaiacum, and China.

Lastly, if the Disease take beginning from the seed, because in Physick, no peculiar, or elective purging medicine is consecrated to it, you must lessen her diet, enjoyne her an abstinence from hot wine, and let her continually weare plates of lead upon her back; for it is most certaine, that these doe diminish the seed; if the Patient for twelve mornings together upon an empty stomack, drink three ounces of a decoction of ag∣nus castus seeds, boiled with six graines of Camphire.

CHAP. II.

Of the Epilepsy in the Matrix, And the severall kindes thereof.

PHysitians reckon up a twofold Epilepsy in the Matrix; one by Consent, the other by Propriety; the Cause of this is a thick, viscous, and slow humour, obstruct∣ing the hollow parts of the Nerves: the cause of that is a cold distemper of the Ma∣trix, and a contagious vapour assaulting, and shaking the Braine, and the nervou••

parts: for when the animall faculty strives to expell that humour, or vapour from it selfe, the hollow parts of the Nerves are crusht together, and the passages are stopt, and thus there happens a constipation, or an obstruction, the insides of the Nerves being, as it were straightned, bound, and closed up together.

That there is such a Disease, as an Epi∣l••psy by Consent, we are warranted by Ga∣len to beleeve, who in his book de•• Locis, propounds the example of a boy, who be∣ing lame in his legs, fell afterwards into an Epilepsy, and after the same manner Vir∣gins, who are troubled with obstructions, winde, or a malignant vapour in their Matrices, doe frequently fall into the Fal∣ling Sicknesse.

This is easily known; for imminent win∣die humours, and rumblings in her belly doe presage it, her stomack swells, her mind is confused, her eyes are dim, and when she is ready to fall into a fit of the Epilepsie, or Falling Sicknesse, she may perceive a ting∣ling noyse in her eares, a giddinesse, cir∣cumagitation, or turning round in her head: she is sad in her minde, disquieted in her body, troubled with the passion of the heart, and not seldome with sounding

fits; 'tis a sad spectacle to behold her in this condition, from which if she be not seasonably delivered, she is very likely to fall into an Apoplexy; this we have learn't from Galen, who in his third book de Locis, and 5. chapt. saith, Epilepticks doe often degenerate into a melancholy madnesse, and so on the contrary; for this melancholy mood turnes to the Falling Sicknesse, when the humour invades either the body, or the minde; or if that darke vapour becloud the minde, inducing a dimnesse, or gloomi∣nesse in the thoughts, with sadnesse, de∣spaire, and deep melancholy; if the spirits, which are bright and cleare in their own nature, be obscured with the foggy com∣merce of black vapours, the very presence of them dismayeth, terrifies, and discom∣poseth the minde: or if a confluence of those vapours assault the body, that is, the braine and the nerves, they produce the Fal∣ling Sicknesse.

This requires a twofold cure: one in the Fit, the other after the Fit. In the Fit you must quicken and excite the animall fa∣culty, and force back those poisonous va∣pours, that are stealing from the Matrix to invade the upper ••parts: then the winde must be expelled, the wayes kept open, and

the thick humour must be got out of the body, by rubbing the parts, by tying straight ligatures about her legs, by fomenta∣tions, and baths, made with the leaves of penniroyall, motherwort, thy••ne, nip, camomile, salt, vinegar, and water; softning Glysters are so usefull, that you must not forget to inject them; you may make them thus.

Take

• the leaves of motherwort,
• ...Penniroyall,
• Birthwort, of each a handfull.
• ...Rosemary▪
• Mint, of each a handfull.
• Two drams of fennill seed••.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of wa∣ter, to nine ounces, straine and presse out the liquor, and then add

• ...Hiera picra Galeni,
• Diap••enicon, of each an ounce.
• A dram of sal gemme.

Mingle them, and make a glyster, or

Take

• the roots of Elecampane,
• Restharrow, of each foure drams.
• The leaves of Marjoram,
• ...Motherwort,
• Birthwort, of each a handfull.
• The tops of Dill,
• Camomile Flowers, of each halfe a hand∣full.
• ...

• Two drams of Annise seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of Barley water, to nine ounces, to the liquor which you presse out, add

• An ounce and a halfe of Diaphenicon.
• ...Mass. pill. fetida••.
• De heira cum Agarico, of each two scru∣ples.
• Oyle of Dill,
• ...Camamile,
• Butter, of each halfe an ounce.

Mingle them, and make a glyster.

If necessitie urge you, and the strength of the Patient will beare it, you may prescribe a sharper glyster, to draw the humours from the farthest distant parts, and to imitate the nature and effects of a Purge; be this for an example to you.

Take

• half an ounce of Polypody roots.
• Two drams of Mechoaca.
• The leaves of Sage,
• ...Rosemary,
• Betony, of each a handfull.
• Halfe an ounce of bastard Saffron seeds.
• Two drams of Agarick.
• As much Epithymum as you can take up between your thumb, and two fingers.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of honied water to ten ounces, straine, and

pre••••e out the liquor, and add

• An ounce of Hiera Logodii.
• A dram of the Masse of Pills of Cochia.
• Ten graines of Troch. Alhandal.
• Half a dram of sal gemme.

Mingle them, and make a glyster.

For this being a most acute Disease, re∣quires the utmost tryalls of art, that it may not degenerate (as it is very prone to doe) into a true Apoplexy.

To the Matrix (to make a sudden di∣spatch of the Cure) apply Carminitive fo∣mentations, and bath the privie parts, to break, and expell the winde.

After the use of the Fomentation, apply oyle of Castor, oyle of wormewood, and in∣••ect odoriferous Pessaries of musk, amber, Ci∣vet, made up with gallia Moschat, and a piece of Cotton, according to the secret rules of Art; to the nose you must hold stinking things, as sagapenum, galbanum, assa fetida, Castor, rue, and the like.

When the Fit is approaching, Hippo••rates adviseth to open a veine in the Ankle, and this advice is magnified, and aplauded by Galen in his book de Rigore Chapt. 8. nei∣ther may you forget to apply Leeches to the Hemorrhoids, or the calfes of her legs; for they will suck out the feculent and

dreggish humour, that is impacted in the Matrix.

Cordialls must be administred, as Treacle, Mithridate, Alkermes, Confection de Hyacyn∣tha, and the like: or if you please com∣pound them after this manner.

Take

• the hoofe of an Elk.
• The wood of Misletoe of the Oake, of each two drams.
• The skull of a man newly dead of some violent death.
• Harts••orne, of each two drams.
• Pearle prepared,
• Burnt Ivory,
• Mastick, of each a dram and a half.
• The powder of Rosemary,
• ...Stechas,
• Sage, of each a scruple.
• The species Diacastor.
• Diaccumin. of each a scruple.

With a sufficient quantitie of honey, of roses, and Syrupe of Stechas, make a mix∣ture.

If the Disease become againe indigested and crude, prescribe another Purge, of Aloes, Hiera Picra, Benedicta Laxativa, or Turbith; but that the ignorant may not be rashly precipitated into some erroneous composition, we shall limit him to this prescription.

Take

• two scruples of the masse of Pills de Hiera cum agarico.
• Ten graines of pill. faetidae.
• ...Troch. Alhandal,
• Diagrydium, of each five graines.

With a sufficient quantity of Syrupe of Stechas make nine Pills.

Sometimes the retention of the Seed is the Cause of these Symptomes, which if they be so vehement, that the former reme∣dies cannot tame them, proceed as fol∣loweth.

Take

• Storax in powder,
• Aloes in powder,
• White agarick, of each two drams.
• The juice of the hearb Mercury,
• The juice of the wild Cucumber, of each three drams.
• A sufficient quantity of Turpentine.

With a piece of Cotton make a pessary, ac∣cording to art, put it up, and move it up and down, till the superfluous seed be eja∣culated.

If the ••ick woman have many Fits in a day, certaine it is, that the disease is fixt, and rooted in the Head: wherefore in such cases I have known no better remedy, then an actuall cauterizing in the hinder part of the head, from whence as from an

Issue, that virulent and luxuriant humour which is the cause of this most dangerous disease, may at last have a vent.

In the intermission of the Fits, you mus•• open a vein in her Ankle; this is not my counsell onely, but Galen enjoynes the same remedy; for in his book de Cur. ration. pe•• sang. missionem, he saith; if you will pre∣vent the Falling Sicknesse, cut the Scyrhen•• that is the veine in the Ankle; afterward he commands the preparation of that cold and thick humour, which may be effected by this Apozem following.

Take

• the roots of fennill,
• Small Aristolochy,
• Elecampane, of each foure drams.
• The roots of Dittany,
• Piony, of each two drams.
• The leaves of Nip,
• ...Penniroyall,
• ...Calamint,
• Sage, of each a handfull,
• The flowers of Stechas,
• Rosemary, of each as much as you ca•• graspe between your thumb, and two fin∣gers at twice.
• A dram of annise seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of water, wherein steele hath been in••used, to two pints.

To the strained liquor add

• An ounce and a half of Syrupe of Stechas.
• An ounce of oxymell Scilliticum.

Mingle them, and make an Apozem.

After you have prepared the humour, purge the body with this composition fol∣lowing.

Take

• two drams and a halfe of Sena.
• Three scruples of white agarick.
• A dram of annise seeds.
• A scruple of Ginger,

Macerate them for a night in a sufficient quantity of parsley water; in the morning give them one or two bublings, and to the liquor which you presse out (I meane three ounces of it)

Add two scruples of Mass. Pill. Fe••id.

Mingle them for a Potion▪ or

You may prescribe some other mixture to purge phlegm; and more valiantly to break and expell winde; or make ready this plaister following, to be applied to her Navell, and her secret parts.

Take

• three ounces of bistort ro••ts▪
• ...Lign. Aloes.
• ...Sautali moschatelin.
• ...N••tmegs.
• ...Barbar••es.
• Dill, of each two drams.
• ...

• ... Cinamon,
• ...Cloves,
• ...Scevanth,
• Ca••amile flowers, of each a dram.
• Male frankincense, or Olibanum,
• ...Mastick,
• ...Trochischs de Gallia Moschata,
• ...Storax calimata,
• Red ••torax, or each a scruple.
• Seven graines and a halfe of musk.
• Three ounces and a halfe of yellow wax.
• An ounce and an halfe of ••urpentine.
• A pound of pure ladanum.
• Nine ounces of ship Pitch.

Mingle them, and according to Art make a Plaister.

If the contumacity of the ••vill be such, as not to yield to all these remedies, make Is∣sues in the legs, and if those also prove in∣effectuall, my last recourse is to a decocti∣on of Gua••acum wood, wherewith the learn∣ed Jachinus, as he av••rreth in his Commen∣taries upon Almansor, hath cured many of this Disease.

CHAP. III.

Of Melancholy proceeding from the Ma∣trix.

THis hath one and the same Cause with the Epilepsy, namely the retention of the Seed, and the suppression of the Men∣struum, which being earthy, and not ob∣taining a vent, they putrifie, beget vapours, which doe not onely assault the braine, but they oppresse the heart also, and the Mid∣riffe; for when a gloomy and black vapour ascends to the braine, the principall parts, and their instruments are depraved, and the animall spirit, which is the chiefest in∣stument of the soule, and in its own nature cleare and perspicuous, is rendred darke, and obscure.

The true signes of this disease are sad∣nesse, fearfulnesse, anxiety of minde, and seve∣rall figures or postures of unquietnesse ap∣pearing in the body.

They despaire, they doate, they talke idely, especially at that time when they expect their Courses; in these you may ob∣serve a depraved motion of the principall

Members, because the temperament of the braine is perverted by that cold and dry humour; moreover they are unwilling to dye, they cannot sleep, they have no sto∣mack to their meat, and being taken with a strange loathing of aliment, their bodies waste and consume; sometimes they ima∣gine that they undergoe the torments of damned soules in Hell; they weep with∣out any cause, they groan, they lament, anon againe they laugh, desire to goe in∣to some by co••ne••s, and according to the inward discompo••ure of their mi••des, they turne, vary, and alter their gestures, and countenances into severall figures: sometimes they have a conceit that they are talking with Angels, sometimes they mur∣mur, sometimes they sing; certainly there is not a more strange and wonderfull dis∣ease, for in severall persons it bewrayeth a thousand, severall, ridiculous, and antick behaviours.

He sees the difficulty of this Cure, both in regard of the Symptomes, and the stub∣bornesse of the disease, who understands it to be a cold and dry affect (for there is no doubt, but the braine labours under a cold, and dry distemper) and how much drienesse resisteth the best medicines, is not

unknown to Philosophers; for as it is of a dull, and sluggish action, so are there many resistances: and from thence comes the dan∣ger, because it easily degenerates into ••••ve∣ing, and raging madnesse, or into the Fal∣ling Sicknesse, or into an Apoplexy, and it is held incur••ble, if the braine be primarily affected, because in continuance of time, it takes so deep a root, that no Magazine of Remedies, no stratagems of Art can re∣move it.

Wherefore you must be very carefull, when you undertake the Cure; as for her Diet, let it incline to hot and moist, assigne her a gently breathing ayre; boile her drink with the roo••s of buglos, angelica, and snake∣weed▪ with the leaves of hops, buglos, balme, and fumi••ary; allow her white Wine that is small, and well sented, let her be indul∣gent to her sleeps, avoiding cares, pensive∣nesse, and troublesome thoughts; if her body be costive, make it, and keep it solu∣ble. Venery is wholsome for melancholy per∣sons, provided that it be acted seasonably, and with moderation. Hippocrates placed the whole hope of the Cure in the evacua∣tion of that excrement, commanding, as we have said above, such Virgins to marry.

To facilitate the Revulsion, and the evacu∣ation of the humour, loosen the belly with moistning Suppositories, and Glysters, observe their composition.

Take

• two scruples of the species Hiera pi••ra.
• Ten graines of Troch. Alhandal.
• Halfe a dram of common Salt.

With a sufficient quantity of honey boil∣ed to a due thicknesse, make a Suppository, or

Take

• a scruple and a halfe of Hiera Picra in the species.
• Trochishs of agarick.
• Troch. Alhandall, of each a scruple.
• Halfe a dram of Sal gemme.

With a sufficient quantity of honey, ac∣cording to art make a Suppository.

Take

• the roots of Elecampane,
• Polypody, of each foure drams.
• The leaves of mallowes,
• ...Violets,
• ...Balme,
• Pellitory on the wall.
• Mercury, of each a handfull.
• Ten good prunes.
• Five drams of Sena.
• As much Epithymum as your thumb, and two fingers can grasp.
• Two drams of annise seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of

fu••••tary water to nine ounces, when you have strained and prest out the liquor, add,

• ...Diaprun. Laxat.
• Diaphenicon, of each an ounce.
• An ounce and a halfe of oyle of Violets.
• A d••am of Sal gemme.

Mingle them, and make a glyster. Or,

Take

• the leaves of Buglos.
• ...Borage,
• Balme, of each a handfull.
• Halfe a handfull of Violets.
• Foure drams of Sena.
• Halfe an ounce of the roots of black Hellebore.
• As much Epithymum as you can take up between your thumb and two fingers.
• A dram of fennill seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of broth, made of a sheepshead and guts, sound∣ly wash't before you put them into the pot, and to ten ounces of the liquor which you press out, add

• An ounce of Diaprun. Laxat.
• Halfe an ounce of Confectio Hamech.
• An ounce and a halfe of oyle of Violets.
• Two drams of common salt.

Mingle them, and make a glyster.

But if the Disease arise from a suppression of the Courses, thinke upon that Oracle of

Hippocrates, and obey his words as a sacred Law, when he saith, the true way to pro∣voke them, is by drawing bloud from the ankle; provided that there be no reason to oppose this injunction; having so done, and laying Leeches to the Hemorrhoids, the use whereof is exceeding profitable in this disease; if the body be full, and the disease be found to be common to the whole bo∣dy, open the Basilick veine on the right side: from whence, if an earthy and black bloud flow away, Galen adviseth you to take out a large quantity.

If the Patient be young, leane, black and hairy, adventure upon deep scarifications made in her back, and fasten great Cuppin∣glasses to her arteries.

These universall administrations being premised, and the humour being rightly prepared, it will be convenient to pre∣scribe a Purge to cleanse her body from melancholy: to this purpose

Take

• three drams of Sena.
• A dram of the roots of black Hellebore.
• Two scruples of agarick Trochisht.
• Halfe a dram of fennill seeds.

Macerate them in a sufficient quantitie of fumitary water for a night, and when in the morning you have prest out the liquor,

take three ounces of it, and add

• Three drams of Diacatholicon.
• Two drams of Confectio Hamech.
• Halfe an ounce of Syrup of Violets,

Mingle them, and make a Potion.

She must not take any Pills, for they are too great driers, both in respect of their forme, and also in regard of the ingredients whereof they are compounded.

But by all meanes, let her have somewhat to dispose her to sleep; as this, or the like emulsion.

Take

• the seeds of Gourds,
• ...Melons,
• ...Citruls,
• Cucumbers of each an ounce.
• Six sweet Almonds blanched.
• Two drams of white Poppy seeds.

With ten ounces of a decoction of Lettuce, and Poppy heads, and an ounce of Syrupe of Poppy, make an Emulsion, to be taken about nine a clock at night, and at two a clock in the morning.

Embrochations also may be prepared for the head; you may make them of a decocti∣on of poppy heads, barley, roses, violets, wa∣terlilles, nightshade, lettuce, coriander, and mandrake roots.

Anoynt her nose and her Temples with this oyntment following.

Take

• halfe an ounce of unguent. Populeum.
• Two drams of unguent. rosarum.
• Half a dram of Opium, d••••solved in vine∣gar of roses.

Mingle them for the use aforesaid.

Let her have cooling Lotions, to bath the palmes of her hands, and the soles of her feet; if the cruelty of the disease be such, as to deprive her of all sleep, prescribe this draught following; yet suspend the use thereof till you have tried other meanes, to procure rest for the sick Creature.

Take

• a scruple of Philonium Romanum.
• Three ounces of Lettuce water.

Mingle them, and let her drink it when she goeth to bed, or

Take

• ...Philonium Persicum,
• Requies Nicholai, of each a scruple.
• Two ounces of a decoction of poppy.

Mingle them for a Draught.

Sometimes we use to exhibit two or three graines of laudanum opiatum: yet for∣bear this remedy, unlesse an urgent occa∣sion prompt you to it:

Baths are most wholsome, if they be made of the decoction before prescribed; or else you may follow this example.

Take

• two ounces of Barley,
• The leaves of Violets,
• ...

• ... Vine leaves,
• ...Lettuce,
• Willow leaves.
• Mallowes, of each two handfulls.
• The leaves of red roses, water lillies, of each a handfull.

Boile them altogether, in a sufficient quantity of broth made with a sheeps-head, and let her bath her selfe in the strained liquor.

A Bath prepared of oyles, and sweet wa∣ters is very effectuall; so also is a Bath of Asses milke; for these things temper the earthy humour, mitigate the acrimony thereof, correct the drynesse, and parched∣nesse of the skin, render the bloud more apt to descend, provoke sleep, qualifie the furious motions of the spirits, and nou∣rish and fatten such bodies as are dryed up, and consumed. You must also comfort the heart with Cordialls, and to the same purose

Take

• the waters of Borage,
• Balme, of each six ounces.
• Syrupe of the juice of Borage.
• Syrupe Regis saboris, of each an ounce.
• Two drams of Cinamon water.

Mingle them, and make a Julep, or

Take

• Conserve of ••he flowers of Violets,
• ...

• ... Borage,
• Oringes, of each an ounce.
• ...Confectio Alkermes,
• Confectio de Hyacyntha, of each a dram and a halfe.
• ...Species Diamargarit. frigid.
• Species Diambrae, of each a dram.

With a sufficient quantitie of Syrupe de pomis Regis saboris, adding two leaves of gold, make a mixture, or

Take

• the species Letificant. Galeni,
• The species Diambra, of each halfe a dram.
• Pearle prepared.
• Bezoar stone, of each a scruple.
• Two ounces of Sugar dissolved in Rose∣water.

Make them into Lozenges according to Art.

If these remedies get not the victory, we counsell you to make deep issues upon the knee; and if the disease be inveterate, pre∣scribe an extract of black Hellebore, and apply Causticks to the region of the spleen, by the force and strength whereof, the black and cloudy humour, which sticks so close to the bowell, may by degrees be brought away.

CHAP. IV.

Of a cold Distemper, or a swelling in the Matrix.

THe Matrix is sometimes swelled, either because the Courses are stopped, or else in regard of a continuall suppeditation of cold aliment, which generates a cold di∣stemper in those parts: which because it cannot be simple, or solitary, therefore it presently consociates it selfe with moisture, and from thence arise thick, slow, and clou∣dy windes, in the very cavernes, or hollow parts of the Matrix, tormenting the woman with unspeakable paines.

The signes are a swelling below the Navell, neare the privie parts, slow windes, with rumbling, and murmuring of the guts, for∣saking of meat, sadnesse, slothfulnesse, hea∣vinesse in the head, and about her secret parts.

This is a grievous disease, because many ••imes it turnes to a Dropsey in the Matrix: for, in regard that those windie humours are bread, and increased by the diminu••i∣••n of the naturall heat, as Galen hath ob∣served

in his book de Sumptom. Causis, it comes to passe, that the feeble heat, now ge∣nerating winde, proceeding from a cold distemper in the Matrix, doth so weaken it, that instead of winde, water, or a waterish humour is produced.

This disease is cured by an extreame thin, and drying diet: wherefore let the ayre incline to hot and dry: but if the place be such as doth not naturally afford such an ayre, prepare it by art, sprinkling aromaticall things about her chamber, as sage, nip, betony, rosemary, stechas, thyme, origanum, and lavender.

Let her choise be of those dishes, which will be of good nourishment to the body, easie to digest, and soon distributed to all the parts, as thrushes, young sparrowes, par∣tridges, pheasants, and pigeons: she may not eat the flesh, of goats, Kids, hares, cowes, sheep, nor Deer: meats made with milke are unwholsome for her: so are roots, sal∣lads, and pothearbs: new laid egs, raisi••s, and figs may be allowed her: but command a forbearace of chesnuts and almonds; for they are thick and windy; let her eat the whitest bread baked with annise, or fennill seeds, or a little honey; course barley bread, and the like, is not good for her, but nothing is

more unwholsome for her then fruit; you may grant her the use of some few hearbs, as sparagus, parsley, alexanders, water pepper, ••orage, and buglos.

For her d••inke, give her Fountaine water, wherein annise seeds, or cinanon, or china roots, or the like have been boiled; but the most wholsome drink for her is worme∣wood beer.

If she drink wine, let it be sparkling and pleasant, claret wine mingled with water, other artificiall drinks, as cider, perry, me∣theglin, steepona, Nectarella, Medea, and the like are hurtfull for her.

The humour must be prepared with Rho∣domel, Syrupe of wormewood, Syrupe of mint, and the like.

Her body must be purged by fits, for the crude, thick, and windie humour, will not be got out with one medicine; this is taught us by our great Master Hippocrates, who in his fourth book de Acutis, saith, whosoever indeavours at the beginning of a disease to dissolve, or take away an inflam∣mation by a purging medicine, he will finde himselfe much mistaken; for whilest the part is intensively inflamed, and the affect yet crude, and unconcocted, the phy∣sick gets no victory, hath no laudable ope∣ration

at all: but rather it brings away such things, as would have made resistance against the disease, and so by this rashnesse, the body is weakned, and the disease gets strength: which when it hath once over∣come the body, becomes uncurable: there∣fore whensoever you undertake to purge a body, you must not onely make the hu∣mours fluid, but you must also stay till they are concocted, especially in chronicall, and long-lasting diseases; this may be done by the help of this Apozem following.

Take

• the roots of fennill,
• Elecampane, of each halfe an ounce.
• The leaves of penniroyall,
• ...Wormewood,
• ...Hops,
• Motherwort, of each a handfull.
• As many Camamile flowers, as you can take up, between your thumb and two fin∣gers at twice.
• Two drams of agarick Trochischated.
• Half an ounce of Mechoca roots.
• The seeds of fennill,
• Annise, of each two drams.

Boile them according to art, in a suffi∣cient quantitie of barley water, to two pints; when you have prest out the liquor with all your strength, add▪

• Two ounces of Diac••ycum.

Mingle them, and make an Apozem, or

Take

• the roots of Polipody.
• ...Angelica.
• ...Hermodactyls.
• Of each halfe an ounce.
• The leaves of Hops▪
• ...Motherwort,
• ...Fumitary,
• ...Balme,
• Betony, of each a handfull.
• Six drams of sena.
• ...Agarick Trochischated.
• The roots of Mechoaca, of each two drams.
• Halfe an ounce of Bastard Saffron, seeds.
• ...Epithymum,
• Camomile, of each as much as you can take up between your thumb and two fin∣gers.
• Two drams of fennill seeds.

Boile them according to art, in a suffici∣ent quantity of Cock broth, to two pints, presse out the liquor with your utmost strength, and add

• Two ounces of Syrupe of the juice of fu∣mitary.
• An ounce of Diacnycum.

Mingle them, and make an Apozem.

Let her every day drink three ounces of it.

For nothing cleanseth the Matrix from tenacious, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 humours, so effectu∣ally as Agarick; or which is a surer, and more infallible remedy against the Mother; if we may credit Galen▪ and Mesur. Monar∣dus, Costa, Clusius, Lobel, and Weckerus, ascribe the same vertues to Mechoaca, which is hot, and dry.

Turpentine, although Galen in his booke de sanitate tuenda▪ saith, that it serves onely to loosen the belly, yet it purgeth, and cleanseth all the bowells, as the Liver, the Spleen, the Kidneys, the Lungs, and the Ma∣trix, from those tough and slimy humours, which are strongly impacted in them.

There are severall wayes to prepare it: sometimes it is most easily taken with the yelk of an Egg, sometimes in powder, and sometimes being reduced into an oyle, the admirable efficacy hereof freequent experi∣ence doth more and more discover to me; so that I have often adventured to give it (and with blessed success) in many dis∣eases, both of the Chest, the Kidneys, and the bladder; for this cleanseth the stomack from thick, and tough humours, from which part floweth the whole streame of phlegmatick humours, it wonderfully warm∣eth

the Matrix, wipeth away the clammy filth which sticks about the walls of it, ex∣pelleth winde, provokes the Courses, and brings down urine.

You may make an excellent Fomentation after this manner.

Take

• the leaves of Motherwort,
• ...Penniroyall,
• ...Birthwort,
• Rue, of each a handfull and a halfe.
• ...Rosemary,
• ...Sage,
• Betony, of each a handfull.
• The flowers, of ••amomile,
• Stechas, of each halfe a handfull.
• The tops of Dill,
• Wormewood, Of each as much as you can take up be∣tween your thumb and two fingers.

Boile them in white wine to foure pints; use the strained liquor for a Fomentation, and with sponges dipt in it, bath all about the bottome of her belly, her groiny and her privie parts.

After the Fomentation, apply this admi∣rable oyntment.

Take

• oyle of laurel,
• Wormewood, of each an ounce, and a half.
• Oyle of Castor,
• ...

• ... Earthwormes, of each an ounce.

In these oyles boyle gently

• The powder of aromaticum rosatum,
• ...Wormewood,
• ...Sage,
• Lignum aloes, of each a dram and a halfe.
• A dram of red Corall.

Straine, and presse out the unctious sub∣stance, and add

• Three drams of yellow wax.

Mingle them, and make an oyntment.

If you augment the severall doses of the aforesaid hearbs prescribed, for the Fomen∣tation, you may make a halfe Tub: or you may lay on the plaister pro Matrice ('tis sold in the shops) aromatized with Diarrhodon Abbat. and Diamoschus dulcis, or instead there∣of apply the plaister Tachamacha, or Catanua▪ Antidotes may not be omitted, as Treacle, and Mithridate. Excellent Lozenges may be made for her of sugar, with the species Diamos∣chus, Diagalanga, Diacinnamomum, or Diacumi∣num, or if you please, prescribe this mix∣tue following.

Take

• the roots of Elecampane candied,
• Ginger candied, of each an ounce.
• Conserve of the Flowers, of Sage,
• ...Rosemary,
• Orenges, of each six drams.
• ...

• Halfe an ounce of conserve of borage.
• The species aromaticum rosatum,
• Diamoschus, of each a dram, and a halfe.

With a sufficient quantity of Syrupe of Wormewood, mingle them for your use.

If these medicin••s doe not overcome the disease, let her use minerall, sulphureous baths, or the like.

Zacutus Lusitanus saith, if you take the durt in the bottome of one of these baths, and lay it upon the Matrix, it is as divine a medicine against the cold affects of the Ma∣trix; but in these words of his, I conceave there is more of ostentation, then of truth.

If the evill yet persevere, we used in the next place to prescribe sweating remedies, of guaiacum, china and sassaphraz roots to be administred, as we have already shewed in the foregoing cures; and after∣wards we make issues that the Matrix may exhale.

Now let us consider what must be de∣termined in this case concerning Phlebotomy; some will say that in a bad habit of the body, in a Dropsey, in the trembling palsie, and the like, where there is a deficiencie of naturall heat, no man will adventure to let bloud: seeing that when the bloud is diminished, the heat is also lessened, and

the crude humours become so much the more crude: this was Avicens feare, as is manifest by these words of his: beware least you precipitate your Patient into one of these extreams, either into an ebullition of chollerick, or an indigested abundance of cold humours; this we confesse to be true; yet not so, but that sometimes (all other•• administrations being rightly and duely premised) with Galen we may take away bloud by fits, then exhibit Mellicratum▪ Then againe open a vein, either the sam•• day, or the day following, as the dispositi∣on of the matter shall dictate to your rea∣son; we leave much also to nature her selfe, who many times concocts the thick hu∣mours; the veine in the ankle must be open∣ed, if women are thus affected; but when men are troubled with these windy hu∣mours, the Basilick vein is the most proper to be opened.

CHAP. V.

A Schirrhus in the Matrix.

ASchirrhus in the Matrix is a hard, and stony swelling, bread of earthie hu∣mours,

and of a thick and melancholy bloud retained in the body.

This is either produced by a cold di∣stemper in the Matrix, or else it proceeds from a weaknesse in the upper parts from whence thick humours doe arise.

This disease is very easie to be known, because in those who languish under it▪ the Matrix appeareth hard in the circumference, like unto some great bowle, or a round Spheare.

It differs from a swelling which is caused by winde; because in this winde is heard within, which yieldeth to the touch, and is moved from place to place: but a Schirrus is a hard unmoveable swelling, of a black colour, and sometimes of a palish, wa•• colour, if any phlegmatick humour be mixed with it.

It differs from an inflammation in the Matrix, because in this there is a burning Fever conjoyned, and other signes which manifest an inward fiery Disposition.

This is a Chronicall Disease, continuing many times beyond the space of a yeare; for the Matrix, not being numbred among the more noble parts, doth better endure these molestations; it is also a contumaci∣ous affect, despising ordinarie remedies, and

if you oppose such as are vehement, it de∣generates into a Cancer.

After this sometimes followes a Dropsey in the Matrix, which when it is much hard∣ned, becomes void of sense, incurable, drawing the neighbouring parts into con∣sent with it, and so weakning them, that many times the Creature peri••heth for lack of warmth and cherishing heat.

She must forbeare all those things, that yield a thick juice, and what these things be we have already in good part told you; for her drink, allow her a mixture of wine and water, in which tamarisk roots, or the barke of the Caper tree have been boiled.

The first regions of the body must be gent∣ly cleansed, and then that humour which nourisheth the swelling, must be rooted out with some peculiar and elective medicine; if it proceed from a suppression of the Courses, or Hemorrhoids, open a veine in her ankle, or open the hemorrhoidall veines with leeches: but if it arise from some fault in the Liver, or the Spleen, cut the basalick veine.

Having thus shewed your selfe carefull of the whole body, you must in the next place be solicitous of the affected part; first by applying such things as will gently mollifie it, as the fat of a hen, the marrow

of a deare, or of a calfe, with ammoniack, Sto∣rax, or bdellium: or with discutient fomen∣tations after this manner.

Take

• an ounce of the roots of Polypody of the Oake.
• The barke of the root of the Caper tree.
• The barke of the tamarisk tree, of each halfe an ounce.
• The leaves of warmewood,
• ...Sage,
• ...Savine,
• Penniroyall, of each two handfulls.
• ...Balme,
• ...Motherwort,
• Hops, of each a handfull.
• The seeds of broome,
• Fennill, of each halfe an ounce.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of water wherein steele hath been quenched, to six pints and bath the affected part with the strained liquor; This oyntment fol∣lowing hath a like efficacy.

Take

• ...unguent. Agrippe.
• Ʋnguent. Martiatum, of each an ounce.
• Halfe an ounce of unguent. de althea.
• Oyle of wormewood,
• ...Capers,
• Dill, of each three drams.

Mingle them, and make an Oyntment.

Plaisters also are very profitable.

Take

• ...Diachylon cum gummis,
• Emplastrum de meliloto, of each an ounce.

Mingle them for the use aforesaid, or

You may make ready this plaister fol∣lowing.

Take

• ...ammoniack,
• Sagapenum, of each an ounce.
• ...Opoponex,
• Bdellium, of each halfe an ounce.

Dissolve them in strong wine vinegar, thicken them to the forme of a hard oynt∣ment, and then add

• The powder of ireos.
• ...Ceterach,
• Auripiguentum, of each a dram.

With oyle of Capers make a masse of plai∣stering stuffe, and spread it upon a piece of leather, cut into a convenient forme.

If these medicines availe not, prescribe sweating drinks for her, made with Guai∣acum, China, and Salsa parilla; for as Fallo∣pius, an Author of good account, saith, Salsa parilla hath a soveraine faculty to dissolve a skirrhus, or any hard knotty swelling.

Sulphureous Baths are also most excellent in their operations.

Some commend a poultis made of Goats du••g; for this draweth away the winde,

strengthens, and mollifies the part afflicted, and consumes the thick matter, whereof the schirrus is bred. I usully made it after this manner.

Take

• three ounces of Goats dung.
• Meale of Lupines,
• Fitches, or Vetches, of each two ounces.
• An ounce of Bran.
• Half an ounce of Sulphur in powder.

With the sharpest and strongest vinegar, wherein steele hath been ten times infused, make a Poultis.

Steele is commended by all Authors, it mollifies and opens the Matrix; quickens the naturall heat of the upper parts, and brings down the Courses, the stoppage where∣of is the undoubted cause of this disease; this, as hath already been declared at large, is taken many wayes, either in water, or in the forme of a Bolus, or in Lozenges, or in powder, or in some conserve, as it shall seeme good to the Physitian, and most ac∣ceptable to the sick womans palate.

Issues will be profitable; for whatsoever slimy, or clammy humour doth daily fall downe, more and more from the upper parts into the Matrix, findes a passage out of the body againe, so long as these are kept open.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Dropsey in the Matrix.

VVE affirme with Galen, that an uni∣versall Drosey can by no meanes be generated without the fault of the Liver, seeing that the first instrument of sanguifica∣tion is the author of the bloud, which if it faile in its action, 'tis no wonder if water and winde be generated in the body, instead of laudable and pure bloud.

But we confesse with Hippocrates, that a particular Dropsey may be produced with∣out any fault in the Liver; thus there is a Dropsey of the Chest, in the Foot, the Finger, the Arme, the Matrix, which we our selves have often seen; the Cause thereof is a waterish swelling, rising in the hollow parts of the Matrix, partly by reason of the sup∣pressed Menstruum, and partly by some vio∣lent labour, or some vehement Abortive∣nesse, or by some cold distemper, and winde in the Matrix.

The swelling is discernable by the touch: and if you lay your fingers upon her Ma∣trix, the print of them remaines: if the Pa∣tient

turne her selfe from one side to ano∣••her, the waterish humour immediately ••alls down on that ••ide; within you may ••erceive a rumbling noise of waters, her Courses are stopped; she falsly surmiseth ••hat she is with Childe: the breasts grow ••ank, and there is no appearance of milke.

She feeles some difficulty to fetch her ••reath; she is troubled with passions of the minde, she is tormented with thirst, com∣plaines of heat in all the parts of the body, is apt to nauseate, subject to a paine in her heart, and all other things molest her, that usually accompany a true Dropsey, and that in regard of a salt and waterish phlegme, ••etained in the hollow parts of the Matrix, and communicated thorough the common wayes to the upper provinces of the body.

It differs from an inflammation in the Matrix; because this is consociated with a Fever, continually burning all the parts of the body: but in a Dropsey of the Ma∣trix, the heat is more gentle and temperate; all things are lockt up in the Matrix, that is, nothing worth the mentioning comes from thence in an inflammation: but in a Dropsey a waterish, slimy and stinking ex∣crement floweth away.

This is a Chronicall Disease, and doth not

quickly either destroy, or take leave of the Patient.

It differs also from the windinesse which swells the Matrix, for in that the swelling is not so great, the flesh is not so pale and shining, neither is there so much winde, and it is easily differenced from a Schirrus, for in this you may feele a great hardnesse, but in the Dropsey, the flesh is soft and lanke.

The Dropsey in the Matrix is a direfull disease, whereby the upper parts being viti∣ated, sometimes the whole body is drawn into consent, and then the naturall heat of the Matrix is diminished, and indeed the oeconomy of this part onely is not disturbed, but the universall strength of the influent heat is by degrees extinguisht.

Wherefore you must begin the Cure with∣out any procrastination, or carelesse de∣layes, by a heating and drying diet; the forme, quantity, quality, and manner whereof, we have set down already at large, in the Chapter of a swelling in the Ma∣trix.

Allow her pure wine for her drinke; that is sincere wine; or else wormewood wine; or if it seeme pleasant to her, boile china roots, with Annise seeds, Cinamon, and

Agrimony in water, for her to drink; or al∣ter her beer with China, or wormewood, or Century.

All moist things must be avoided: and the ayre must be artificially heated, unlesse you can settle her in an ayre, which is na∣turally hot.

Among the universall remedies you must omit Phlebotomy, for this exhausts the hot substance, and weakens the naturall heat, cooleth the body, extinguisheth the inborne preservative; yet this rule is not so strict, or so generall, but that sometimes it may be lawfull, yea necessary to cut a veine, when her Courses, are supprest, or when the Piles are stopt: yea, if she be young, and in the flower of her youth, it may be requisite to let her bloud in the spring of the yeare, especially if the con∣stitution of the weather be agreeable, and the constitution of her body temperate, and sanguine, but otherwise never, or at least very sparingly, and that in the Ankle.

Purge the first regions of her body with Diasenua, Mechoaca, or Diaphenicon, the thick, viscous, and waterish humours, neverthelesse being first prepared, specially with such reme∣dies as we have commended unto you above, and although the waterish humours may

be purged out, without staying for their concoction, because water neither concocts, nor waxeth thick, according to Galen, in his book de purgand. Med. Facult. yet to expell the winde, and to open the obstructi∣ons, wherewith the upper parts are infe∣sted, I praise those things which are good to break winde, to unlock the passages, and to purge out the humours; this is com∣modiously performed with wormewood, agri∣mony, fennill, Maidenhaire, the juice of the Florentine Flowerdeluce, Sena, the roots of Parsly, Fe••nill, Sparagus, Butchersbroom, and Alexander, boiled after this manner.

Take

• the last named five roots, of each half anounce.
• Three drams of danewort roots.
• The leaves of wormewood,
• Water agrimony,
• Maidenhaire, of each a handfull.
• Six drams of Sena.
• An onnce of the juice of Ireos roots.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of Barley water, to two pints, unto the strain∣ed liquor clarified with the white of an Egg, add

• Two ounces, of Syrupe Byzant. simpl.
• An ounce of Syrupe of wormewood.

Mingle them, and make an Apozem.

When the humor is prepared, exhibit pills de Hiera cum agarico to the quantity of a dram. Antimony warily administred, is a divine medicine, and so are the Trochischs Alhandal; for these irresistably bring away those thick and clammy humours, which stick so fast to the Matrix; afterwards the Matrix must be strengthned, and the windy humours must be expelled, with Lozenges made according to this manner.

Take

• the Electuary Diacinnamomum,
• ...Diagalanga,
• Dialacea, of each halfe a dram.
• Two ounces of sugar dissolved in Cina∣mon-water.

According to Art, make them into Lo∣zenges, or

Take

• an ounce of old Treacle.
• Two drams of aromaticum rosatum.

With a sufficient quantity of Syrup of wormewood make a mixture.

The Oyntments, Plaisters, and Poultisses, which are mentioned above, must be apply∣ed to the secret parts: issues also and sca∣rifications will be convenient, as we have already taught; Pessaries likewise may bee made after this forme following.

Take

• ...Troch. Alhandal,
• ...Troch. de agarico,
• ...

• The best Aloes of each two drams.
• A dram of Elaterium, which is the juice of the wilde Cucumber inspissated.
• The yolke of an Egg,
• Unsalted Butter,
• The juice of Mercury, of each three drams.

With a sufficient quantity of wax, a piece of Cotton, and a piece of taffata make a pes∣sary.

This being administred, apply the Fomen∣tation following to her privie parts.

Take

• danewort roots newly gathered.
• The roots of the Florentine Flowerdeluce,
• The roots Cucumer. asicrin. of each six drams.
• The flowers of Camomile,
• Melilot, of each two handfulls.
• A handfull of the tops of Dill,
• Juniper berries,
• Laurell berries, of each halfe an ounce.

Boile them in a suff••icient quantity of wormewood water distilled, to foure pints, to the strained liquor add

• Oyle of Lillies,
• Laurell berries, of each three ounces.

Use it as was said above.

CHAP. VII.

Of the falling down of the Matrix.

THe Matrix sometimes falleth down up∣on the lower parts, and this disease the Physitians call the Descent of the Ma∣trix; this is resembled to a pare, or a goose∣egg, as it is small or great; as there are many Causes of this disease, namely a hard labour, and a frequent bringing forth of children, miscarrying, a bringing away of the dead child, some fall from on high, hard riding, or immoderate dancing, yet there is one, in my judgement, more com∣mon then any of the rest, namely too much moisture in that part, whereby the Matrix becomes soft, and loose; 'tis needlesse to set down any signes whereby to know this disease: for of it selfe it is conspicuous.

Yet in the meane time you must not let passe any opportunity of help, because it is accompanied with a diuturnall Fever, many times with Co••••••ulsion Fits, and a trembling of the parts.

Wherefore if the disease pro••••ed from an excesse of moisture, prescribe a drying di••••;

and open the basalick veine for Revulsion sake.

A purge must by no meanes be granted her, for 'tis exceeding hurtfull, because it precipitates the humours to the part affect∣ed, and there breeds an inflammation; but a Vomit is very proper in this case; because by drawing the humours to some other part, it doth derive them from the Matrix.

When you have done these things, labour to settle the Matrix in its former place, and to this purpose the woman must be laid upon her bed, with her legs stretched out, then the Matrix must be gently bathed with mollifying fomentations, afterwards to the end it may not fall down againe, rub the parts well, tye ligatures upon her armes: yea, apply stinking things to her Matrix, as assa saetida, galbanum, Castor, and stinking pisse: but to the nose hold sweet things, as musk, civet, and amber.

When you have thus done, dry up the moisture, digest the slimy humour, and ex∣pell the winde with this Fomentation.

Take

• half an ounce of tormentill.
• The leaves of wormewood,
• ...Mint,
• ...Sage,
• ••enniroyall, of each two handfulls.
• ...

• The flowers of Camomile,
• Red roses, of each a handfull.
• Burnt alum,
• Live Sulphur, of each three drams.

Boile them in sowre red wine to three pints, and with the strained liquor bath her secret parts.

After the fomentation, lay on this plaister.

Take

• two ounces of Emplastrum pro ma∣trice.
• ...Pitch,
• Gummi laranne, of each a dram.
• Two drams of the Trochischs de Gallia Moschata.
• The powder of red roses,
• Red Corall,
• Acornes, of each a dram and a halfe.

With a sufficient quantity of wax make a Masse and spread it upon a piece of lea∣ther cut into a convenient forme.

If it cannot be reduced to its naturall site and position, by the dexterity of the hand, but begins to mortifie by the incle∣mency of the ayre, cut it off, and after∣wards fasten it by actuall Cauterizing, onely be carefull of some ligaments, and feare not the incision, because it is none of those principall parts, without which we can live no longer, but it is a part intended by

Nature for Conception onely and genera∣tion. Avicen reports of some women, who lived eighteen yeares without a Matrix; and the possibility hereof we affirme to be true upon our owne experience.

CHAP. VIII.

Of an Itch, Clefts, Chaps, and an Inflam∣mation in the Matrix.

AN Inflammation in the Matrix is a preternaturall swelling, arising from a hot bloud, or from the suppression of the Menstruum, in the hollow parts thereof.

The Causes of this swelling are either in∣ward or outward; the inward Causes are a great plenitude or fulnesse of the whole body, begot by a hot distemper of the Li∣ver and the veines.

By the vehemence of this distemper, the bloud it selfe is compelled in a large pro∣portion to the Matrix: and thus the re∣tained bloud, being no wayes able to get out, either putrifies, or else without pu∣trifying, produceth an inflammation: sometimes also an Ʋlcer in the Matrix, or clefts, or chaps, or the Piles, doe most spee∣dily

draw the bloud unto them by reason of the paine and heat.

The outward Causes are a fall, a blow, a stroke, a hard labour, immoderate coition, and the like, which weakning the Matrix, the bloud flowes unto it, and settles there without resistance; after this inflammation in the Matrix, there followes an acute Fever, bred of the putrifaction of the bloud, which Fever, Galen saith, must be numbred among the continuall Fevers.

She complaines of a great paine in her head, by reason of vapours ascending from her Matrix: also her eyes ake, and her neck is drawn to one side, her stomack is affe∣cted by consent with nauseating, vomit∣ing, and a griping paine; and from hence many times proceeds a paine in her back, and idle talking; the excrements are sup∣pressed by the compression of the straight gut, and from hence comes a difficulty to make water, or a pissing by drops.

Every one knoweth how dangerous, and mortall this disease is, by reason of the consent, which it hath with the parts afore∣said: wherefore you must presently ad∣dresse your selfe to the Cure; first prescri∣bing a thin and cold Diet, which Hippo∣crates enjoynes to be observed in all Fevers,

and inflammations, and afterwards open∣ing a veine.

Many Physitians have been puzled to finde out Galens meaning, who first com∣mands the Basilick veine to be cut; Second∣ly, the Saphena, or veine in the ankle, but the reason is obvious; for whereas in the beginning of the disease the body is full, he prescribed the opening of the basilick veine to expedite the Revulsion: otherwise he had drawn the humours by a precipi∣tate motion, to the part affected, and so superinduced an inflammation.

When this is done, he proceeds to lessen the predominancy of the bloud, by cutting a veine in the ankle, and not without sound reason: for by the proximity, or nearnesse of that part, the labouring parts are soonest disburthened.

A Purge is in this case inconvenient, by reason of the inflammation of the part, and the drawing faculty of the purging simples. Glysters may be profitable, both to bring away the antecedent cause, and also to free the afflicted part from the peccant matter; Make them by this example.

Take

• the leaves of Violets,
• ...Mallowes,
• Beet, of each a handfull.
• ...

• The flowers of dwarfelder,
• Violets, of each a handfull.
• ...Roses,
• Prunes, ten in number.
• The seeds of Melons,
• ...Cucumbers,
• ...Citrons,
• Gourds, of each two drams.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of whole barley water, to nine ounces, to the strained liquor, add

• Two ounces of Electuarium lenitivum.
• Oyle of Roses,
• Oyle of Violets, of each an ounce.

Mingle them, and make a glyster.

To appease the paine, you may mingle Topicall remedies with the Anodynall, and apply them.

Take

• the leaves of Mallowes,
• Violets, of each a handfull.

Boile them to softnesse, then set them in∣to an oven, and dry them, beat them to powder, sift them, and to the sifted matter add

• The whites of two eggs beaten together.
• The meale of marish mallowes,
• Unsalted butter,
• Oyle of Violets, of each an ounce.
• Two drams of Opium dissolved in wine vinegar.

Mingle them, and make a Poultis, or

Take

• foure ounces of the crums of white bread.
• The whites of two egs.
• Oyntment of Roses,
• Oyntment of Poplars, of each an ounce.
• Two scruples of Saffron.

Mingle them, and make a Poultis.

This Inflammation will either be dis∣solved, or hasten to suppuration; you may guesse by the vehemence of the fever, when it will dissolve; for seeing that the great∣nesse of the fever doth accompany the great∣nesse of the inflammation; if the fever re∣mit, which depends upon the inflammati∣on, 'tis a certaine signe, that the inflamma∣tion shortly will be dissolved; but if after the universall administrations, the fever still continue vehement, it is a true signe of suppuration, and the rather if the paine be increased, according to that Oracle of Hippocrates, whilest Matter or Corruption is ripening, the paines and the Fevers are more importunate then when it is full ripe.

The proper signe of suppuration is a most vehement paine upon the privie parts; and therefore to humour the evill, and to hasten the suppuration, prescribe this Poultis following.

Take

• the heads of white Lillies.
• The roots of marish mallowes, of each two ounces.
• The leaves of mallowes,
• Marish mallowes, of each a handfull.
• ...Bran,
• Camomile flowers, of each half a handfull.
• Twelve fat figs.

Bo••le them all to softnesse, pulp them thorough a haire sieve, and add to the pulp

• Two ounces of the meale of line seed.
• Unsalted butter,
• The oyle of sweet almonds, of each halfe an ounce.
• ...Hogsgrease,
• The fat of a hen, of each half an ounce.
• A dram of Saffron.

Mingle them, and make a Cataplasme.

A Fomentation made of these things, and with sponges applied to the secret parts, are of knowne vertue; but then note, that when you use it, it must be hot or luke∣warme; for the Matrix being a part full of Nerves is easily offended with cold things.

When there is an itching in the Matrix, by reason of an influx of some cholerick, and biting humour, usually there follow chinks, chaps, and clefts, all which require one and the same manner of cure, with an inflammation.

If the Itching continue long, give her whey, or an infusion of Ruharb to drink, lay cooling Epithems upon her Liver, and then wash her Matrix with this Injection.

Take

• a dram of Trochisch. All. Rhasis.
• Mallow water.
• Breast milk of each three ounces.

Mingle them together for an injection.

From hence, if there be occasion proceed to issues.

CHAP. IX.

Of a Cancer, and an Ʋlcer in the Matrix.

A Cancer is an uneven, blewish swelling with paine, and filthy to behold, this is twofold, either with, or without an Ʋl∣cer; the one hath sordid lips, from whence issueth a black corruption, unsavory and stinking; but the other, namely, that with∣out an Ʋlcer, is called almost by all Anti∣quity a hidden Ʋlcer.

The cause of this is the menstruous bloud detained in great abundance, and afterwards dried, and burnt up to adustion: sometimes it is produced by a dry humour falling down from the upper parts upon the Ma∣trix,

from whence that accumulation of∣••ordid, and blackish bloud floweth away.

You may discerne the signes by a paine about the groine, the abdomen, the bottome of the belly, and in the loines of her back: it is a stubborne disease: both in respect of the incommodiousnesse of the place, which is the sinke of all the humours, and also in regard of her frequent desire, and indea∣vour to make water, which render the me∣dicines so moist, that they cannot stick to the part; moreover light remedies it con∣temnes, and vehement medicines make it worse: wherefore Hippocrates in one of his Aphorismes most wisely adviseth us, not to cure a hidden Cancer; because they who are cured quickly perish, they who are not cured live so much the longer; and we say the same of a Cancer, which is exulcerated, the paines whereof are greater, and doe more torment the woman, when the Cure of the Ʋlcer is attempted.

We must therefore content our selves with a palliative Cure, that the Patient may live the longer (for in the midst of misery life is sweet) this may be done by appointing a good Diet, and forbidding the use of Me∣lancholy meats.

Upon the approach of the Spring, and

about the end of Autumne, let her bleed from the basilick veine; but if she have not her Courses open a veine in the ankle.

Prescribe such simples as are good to purge Melancholy, as Sena, Hellebore, myro∣balans, epithymum, and annise seeds; Some of these must be infused a whole night in whey, and so strained and dranke, but ex∣hibit not stronger Physick, because the hu∣mour is so apt to be outragious.

Locall remedies which are moderately cold and binding, may be applyed to the privie parts, as roses, myrrhe, the juice of un∣ripe grapes mingled with rosewater, breast∣milke, and the white of an egg, or

Take

• Cerus wash't,
• Tutia, of each an ounce and a halfe.
• Burnt Lead,
• Frankincense, of each two drams.
• With foure ounces of oleum Omphacinum stirred much, and long in a marble morter, and
• Three drams of white wax,

make an oynt∣ment, or

Take

• foure ounces of Litarge of silver wash't in the juice of Pomegranets, and for two whole dayes worne to dust in a marble morter.
• ...Frankincense,
• ...

• Burnt Lead,
• Auripigment, of each two drams.
• ...Hogsgrease,
• The grease that is gathered from sheeps wool,
• New butter, of each halfe an ounce.
• Foure ounces of oyle of roses.
• Foure drams of wax.

According to the rules of Art make an oyntment.

If any filthy matter, or bloudy corrup∣tion run from the Ʋlcer, beat the shells of Crab fishes to ashes (having first dried them in an oven) and strow the ashes upon the Ʋlcer, aud anoynt it twice a day with oyle.

If the paine increase, and grow insuffer∣able, inject this decoction into her Matrix with a Syringe.

Take

• an ounce of the sperme of Frogs.
• The leaves of mallowes.
• ...Marish mallowes,
• ...Violets,
• Mercury, of each a handfull.
• Coriander seeds,
• Poppy seeds, of each two drams.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of whole barley water, to eighteen ounces; to ••••ree ounces of the strained liquor add

• ...

• Syrup of the juice of Pomegranets,
• Hony of roses strained, of each an ounce and a halfe.

Mingle them together, and make an in∣jection for six times, to be injected twice every day.

Purge her body once a moneth with this Medicine following.

Take

• three drams of Sena.
• A dram of Agarick Trochischated.
• Halfe a dram of black hellebore.
• A dram of annise seeds.

Macerate them a whole night in a suffici∣ent quantity of fumitary water, to three ounces; in the morning set them upon the fire, and after one or two bublings, add to the liquor which your presse out,

• halfe an ounce of Syrup of the juice of fumitary.
• Two drams of Confectio Hamech.

Mingle them for a draught.

If her body be sufficiently strong, open a veine, yet be sparing of her bloud; the Surgeons worke, which may be profitable, when the breasts, or the other parts are in∣fested with a Cancer, must in this case be omitted: first, because he cannot have a full view of it, and secondly, being irritated by his administrations, it would cast the Patient into Convulsion Fits, in regard of

the consent which it hath with the braine, which by this meanes would presently perish.

Ʋlcers happen in the Matrix severall wayes, either upon the coming down of the whites, proceeding from an acrimonious and sharp humour, or else from clefts and chaps, which are not easily curable, be∣cause of the humour which insinuating it selfe, corrodes, and exulcerates the part.

The signes of an Ʋlcer in the Matrix are, a pricking paine▪ about the privie parts, fluxes of a virulent and corrupt humour, a gentle Fever, idle talking, and sometimes sounding Fits.

These Ʋlcers are very hard to cure, part∣ly because of the distance of the place, the virulency and malignity of them, and partly also, because it is so full of Nerves, that they hinder the coalescence, and healing of it.

The most proper and convenient diet which in this case you can prescribe, is that which is moderate and temperate: let her surren∣der her whole desires to sleepe, not fearing any excesse; hot meats must be avoided, and exercise must be forborne; but above all things, let her refuse her husband in his loving offers of Benevolence; for by heat

and motion the humours melt, and falling down upon the Matrix, they exasperate the Vlcers.

When you let bloud open the black vein; a Vomit may be given with security, and safety, but the event of a Purge is doubt∣full: yet if you prescribe one, let it be ve∣ry gentle for the reasons aforesaid.

Locall remedies are very proper and pro∣fitable: so are Baths, and the Injections which we have already commended to you; provided, that you add a dram and a half of the Trochisch. alb. Rhasis, with two ounces of Hydromel, and the whey of Goats milke.

If you can gather from the confession of the sick woman, that these Vlcers owe their beginning to the French Pox, having first made triall of all these remedies aforesaid, as well universall, as particular, prescribe compositions which receive Mercury, the severall formes whereof, if God permit, when we describe the Cure of the French Pox, we shall set down at large.

CHAP. X.

Of Wormes, the Stone in the Matrix, and the Hemorrhoids.

THat wormes breed in all the parts of our bodies is a truth not to be denyed. The Cause of these wormes is a viscous▪ phlegmatick, raw▪ and cold humour, stick∣ing by its clamminesse to the very Matrix, or to the neck thereof; and by degrees pu∣trifying.

The signes of them are a dew, or moisture upon the lips of the Matrix; slendernesse▪ troublesome sleeps, an itching in the belly, and a slow Fever.

This is a disease full of molestation; i•• regard of the Fever, and the want of sleep▪ which waste and consume the sick Crea∣ture.

To facilitate the Cure; a dry regiment is necessary; mea•••• that yield a thick, cold, ••nd moist juice must be avoided▪ her been ••hould be boiled with r••barbe, pur selane, or sorrell, and you may purge her body with ••ills of mastick, or de Hiera, cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or

Take

• an ounce of grasse roots.
• ...

• The leaves of plantane.
• Tansie, of each a handfull.
• Two drams of citron seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of balme water to a pint, in the strained liquor infuse for the space of a night

• Three drams of the choisest Rubarb,
• A dram and a halfe of agarick Troch.
• ...Coralline,
• Hartshorne prepared, of each a dram.

In the moring set them upon a gentle fire, allow them one or two bublings, straine them, and presse out the liquor, and then add

• Foure ounces of Di••••ni••u.

Mingle them for an Apozem.

Every other day let her drinke three ounces of it.

You may make your injections after this manner.

Take

• halfe an ounce of Di••tany roots.
• The leaves of Tansie,
• Calamint, of each a handfull.
• Halfe a handfull of Century the lesse.
• Two drams of citron seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of ho∣nied water to nine ounces, add

• An ounce and a halfe of Syrup of Worme∣wood.
• Two drams of aloes in powder.
• ...

• Meale of Lupines.
• Rubarb in powder, of each a dram.

Mingle them, and make an Injection to serve three times, or

Take

• the roots of Costmary,
• Aristolochy, the long, of each two drams,
• ...Coloquintida,
• ...Aloes,
• The gall of an Ox, of each three drams.
• Two drams of hartshorne prepared.

Boil them in a sufficient quantity of worm∣wood water to nine ounces, every morning inject three ounces of the strained liquor.

Or make a plaister of the things afore∣said, according to art, and lay it to the privie parts.

The same administrations will serve against the stone in the Matrix; provided that you are sure, that that is the Materi∣all and efficient Cause; that is a thick, slow and viscous humour, the other, name∣ly the efficient, is an immoderate heat.

Stones many times also are generated of a corruption, or matter congealed in the Matrix, and grown dry; the Cause is two∣fold; one inward, the other outward; the inward hath already been declared; the outward is a thick, cold, and waterish meat, suppeditating matter to the Concre∣tion

of the stone: as milke, fish, pulse, and other grosse aliments, as cheese and muddy ale.

The Stone in the Matrix is known by the paine in the part, and if you presse down the Matrix the paine is exasperated.

The woman conceives not, her Courses come down immoderately, and if she put her finger up her fundament, she may feele the Stone. Use your utmost speed and di∣ligence to cure it; for whereas the Matrix is as the sinke, or common shore, into which Nature empties out all the grosse and superfluous bloud, it may be feared that that corrupt matter will turne to a Stone, which in continuance of time growes sometimes to such a bignesse (as we of our own knowledge can testifie) that it fills the whole capacity of the Matrix, and totally suppresseth the Courses, breeding Vlcers full of corruption and purulency.

The Cure consists in a good regiment, in the preparation of the humours, and in the evacuation and expurgation of them, to prepare the humours, give her this Apo∣zem following.

Take

• the roots of parsly.
• ...Eryngos,
• ...Fennill,
• Alexander, of each halfe an ounce.
• ...

• The leaves of Germander,
• Violets, of each a handfull.
• White Maidenhaire,
• Century the lesse, of each halfe a handfull.
• The seeds of grummell,
• Nettles, of each two drams.
• Six drams of raisins pickt and stoned.
• Foure drams of licoras,

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of barley water, to two pints, to the strained liquor add

• Syrupe of the five roots.
• Syrup of Lemons, of each an ounce and a halfe.

Mingle them, and make an Apozem.

When she hath drunk the Apozem, make ready this Potion.

Take

• the roots of Polypody,
• ...Marish mallowes,
• The leaves of Violets,
• Mallowes, of each a handfull.
• The leaves of Sena,
• Bastard saffron seeds, of each halfe an ounce.
• ...Agarick Trochischated,
• Mechoacha, of each two drams.

Macerate them a whole night in a suffici∣ent quantity of Rhenish wine to eight ounces, and boyle them gently in the morning, straine and presse out the liquor with a

strong hand, and add to it

• Halfe an ounce of Electuary Diacar••hamum.

Mingle them together, and make a Poti∣on for two doses to be taken every other day.

We have already furnisht you with Fo∣mentations, Poultisses, Oyntments, Plaisters, and halfe tubs to bath in, which are very serviceable in this cure; but above all things inject these glysters following very often, throughout the whole progresse of the Cure.

Take

• nine ounces of some emollient de∣coction.
• ...Diacatholicon,
• Benedicta Laxativa, of each an ounce.
• Oyle of Dill.
• Oyle of bitter Almonds, of each six drams.
• A dram of Sal gemme.

Mingle them, and make your glyster, or

Take

• the roots of restharrow,
• Marish mallowes, of each halfe an ounce.
• The leaves of mallowes.
• ...Violets,
• Pellitory of the wall,
• Mercury, of each a handfull.
• The tops of Dill,
• Camomile flowers, of each half a handfull.
• Line seed.
• ...

• ... Fenugreek, of each three drams.
• Two drams of nettle seeds.

Boile them in a sufficient quantity of water to nine ounces, to the strained liquor add

• ...Diaphenicon.
• Benedicta laxativa, of each an ounce.
• Oyle of Lillies,
• Unsalted butter, of each an ounce and a halfe.

Mingle them and make a glyster.

When these things are done, let the Mid∣wife put her finger up into the Patients Fundament, and artificially presse downe the belly upon the bones, that joyne neer the privie parts, that the place where the stone lies, may be raised up: this being dry∣ed, put in a hooked instrument, and draw it out, as we have sometimes seen it done, but afterwards let issues made in her bo∣dy be kept open.