Of the Pursick.
THis is a shortness of breath, and the Horse that is so diseased is called of the Italians, Cavallo pulsivo, or Bolso, which I think is derived of the Latin word Vulsus, by changing V. into B. and I think differeth not much from him that hath broken lungs, called of Vegetius and other old writers Vulsus, for such shortness of breath comes either of the same causes, or else much like▪ as aboundance of grosse humors, cleaving hard to the hollow places of the Lungs, and stopping the windepipes. And the winde being kept in, doth resort downward, as Russius saith, into the Horses guts, and so causeth his flanks to beat continually without order; that is to say, more swiftly and higher up to the back, then the flanks of any Horse that is sound of winde. And if the disease be old, it is seldom or never cured; and though I finde many medicines, prescribed by divers Authors, few or none do content me, unless it be that of Vegetius, recited before in the Chapter of broken Lungs. And if that prevaileth not, then I think it were not amisse according to Russius to purge him with this drink here following; Take of Maiden hair, of Ireos, of A••h, of Licoras, of Fenigreek, of Raisins, of each half an ounce, of Cardanum, of Pepper, of Bitter Almonds, of Baurach, of each two * 1.1 ounces, of Nettle seed, and of Aristoloch, of each three ounces, boil them all together in a sufficient quantity of water, and in that decoction dissolve half an ounce of Agarick, and two ounces of Co∣loquintida, together with two pound of Hony, and give him of this a pinte or a quart at divers times: and if it be too thick, make it thinner, by putting thereunto water wherein Licoras hath been sodden: and if need be, you may also draw both his flanks crosse-wise with a hot iron, to restrain the beating of them, and also slit his Nostrils, to give him more air. And if it be in Summer, turn him to grasse; if in Winter, let him be kept warm, and give him now and then a little sodden wh••at. Russius would have it to be given him three dayes together, and also new sweet wine to drink, o•• ••lse other good wine mingled with Licoras water.