Praxis medicinæ reformata: = or, The practice of physick reformed Being an epitome of the whole art: wherein is briefly shewed, the true causes, signs, prognosticks, and cure, of most diseases. Published for the benefit of all persons. By Robert Johnson, Med. Professor.

CHAP. I. Of the Head-ach.

THE Head-ach may be divided into three Kinds.

The first is the momentany Head-ach, it * 1.1 is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ca∣put, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Dolor.

The second is an inveterate Head-ach, and

is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quod tegit Calva∣rium.

The third is a Pain on one Part of the Head, before, behind, or on one side; this is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, * 1.2 cranium, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dimidium.

There is little difference between Cepha∣laea and Cephalalgia; only per Cephalaeam affectae partes multo redduntur quam in Ce∣phalalgia debiliores.

These Distempers are caused by Halitu∣ous Vapours, and Humours, fuming up (from the Stomach and other Parts) to the Head.

1. If the Pain be external, so that the * 1.3 combing of the Head be troublesome, then the Pericranium is affected: But if the Pain be internal, reaching to the Eye-roots, then the Dura mater is invaded with the peccant Humours.

2. If there be pricking, distending Pain with great Pulsation, it is from sharp bili∣ous Humours, or Halitus; but if the Pain be heavy, it is caused from viscous Phlegm or Melancholy.

1. If a violent Head-ach come suddenly * 1.4 on a healthy Person, and the Party become dumb, and snort, 'tis a mortal sign, unless a great Fever do immediately happen.

2. If corrupt waterish Matter or Bloud do issue out of the Nostrils, Mouth, Ears or Eyes, (especially on the fourth Day) the sick will

suddenly recover; but if the Pain be very violent, and do suddenly vanish without a Crisis, 'tis doubtfull.

3. If the Pain be without a Fever, accom∣panied with noise in the ears, deafness, or me∣grim, with numbness of the extreme parts, an Apoplexy or Epilepsy, is at hand.

4. Those that have Cholerick stomachs, are most subject to a Hemicrania; and if it continue long, it causeth weakness of the Eyes, and sometimes blindness.

If the Head-ach proceed from Phlegma∣tick * 1.5 Viscous humours abounding, first give this Clyster.

Take of Vervain, Betony, Mallows, Mer∣cury * 1.6 of each one handfull: Let them be cleansed, bruised and boiled in a Quart of Posset-drink, 'till half of it be boiled away, then strain it and dissolve in it one ounce of the Electuary Caryocostinum, Oil of Chamo∣mel two ounces; mix it for a Clyster.

Sour things, and all that have a Lixivial salt, either fixt, or volatile, and all Aroma∣ticks do correct and amend the viscous Phleg∣matick humours.

Let these forms serve for example.

Take the Waters of Baum, and Mint, of * 1.7 each three ounces; Cinamon-water, and aqua Coelestis, of each half an ounce; Syrup of Fennel, and Mint, of each six drachms; Spirit of Salt, as much as will make it of a

gratefull taste, mix it, and give three spoon∣fulls of it often.

Take salt of Tartar vitriolated half a drachm; Cream of Tartar one drachm; * 1.8 white Sugar-candy two drachms; make it into a fine Powder for four Doses, which may be taken every morning and evening in white or Rhenish wine.

For the Rich you may prepare a medici∣nal Wine.

This may serve for example.

Take the Roots of Elicampane, Calamus aromaticus, of each one ounce; of Rue, Sage, * 1.9 Vervain, sweet Marjoram, of each three handfulls; Anise-seed, sweet Fennel-seed, of each an ounce and half; Orange-peel half an ounce; let them be cleansed, bruised and infused in two quarts of White-wine.

It may be given to three or four ounces in the morning fasting, with twenty drops of Elixir proprietatis, you may also give it by it self, at dinner and supper.

When the Wine is used, fresh Wine may be put to the Ingredients, for a second infu∣sion.

But farther to correct, and gently evacu∣ate the viscous Phlegmatick humours.

This opening Apozeme is effectual.

Take of the five opening Roots of each two ounces, Liquorish an ounce and half; * 1.10 Guiacum half a Pound, Anise-seed, sweet Fen∣nel-seed,

the Berries of Bays, and Juniper, of each half an ounce; Vervain, Betony, of each one handfull; let them be cleansed, bruised, and infused in two quarts of Rain-water very hot, for twenty four hours; then strain it out very strongly, and add the best Manna, Syrup of Roses solutive with Senna, of each four ounces; tincture of Cinamon three ounces; salt of Tartar vitriolated half an ounce; mix it, and give three ounces every morning fasting.

If there be need of stronger Physick you * 1.11 may administer these purging Pills.

Take of Extract. Rudii, pil. foetidoe, Cochioe, of each half a drachm; Mercurius dulcis twen∣ty grains; mix it for three Doses.

If the pain be old and stubborn, apply Vesiccatories to the Neck, also Leeches to the Temples, and Haemorrhoids; or open the jugular, or frontal Vein, which hath often prov'd effectual.

Errhines, Sternutatories and Apophleg∣matisms may also be used, and Ventoses with Scarification if need require.

Baths of Sulphur (whether natural or arti∣ficial with Cephalick Herbs) are good to bathe the Head and whole Body.

Some approve of the fume of Amber, ta∣ken into the Mouth and Nostrils.

Also spirit of cranium humanum, or spirit of salt Armoniack, held to the Nose in a nar∣row-mouth'd

Vial, giveth present ease in all cold Pains of the Head.

Also you may touch the Nostrils and Tem∣ples with Oil of Amber, or Nutmegs, or ap∣ply this Epitheme to the Temples and Fore∣head with Linnen-rags.

Take the Waters of Vervain and Betony, of each one ounce; Vineger of Roses, Oint∣ment * 1.12 of Alabaster, of each half an ounce; Laudanum opiatum one scruple; mix it.

Cold distempers of the head, may also be corrected by hot Cephalicks quilted in a Cap for the Head.

Take of sweet Marjoram, Stoechas, Ver∣vain, * 1.13 Betony, Sage, Flowers of Chamomel, of each one handfull; Nutmegs, Cloves, Wood of Alloes, the Roots of Galangal, Cy∣perus, Calamus aromat. of each half an ounce; let them be all beaten into Powder for a quil∣ted Cap.

Before you put it on, let the Hair be shaved close, and the Head gently rub'd for some time, the better to open the pores.

Let the Sick abstain from fat and viscous Food, and let the mind be compos'd to chear∣fulness.

If the Juice of the Pancreas abounding in the Body, be over sour, it causeth a vitious Effervescency, being oppos'd by Choler and Phlegm in the small guts; from whence sour

and ungratefull vapours may be sent to the Stomach, and thence to the Head.

If the humours be over sour, the sense of * 1.14 hunger will be encreased, notwithstanding the Pain of the Head.

This distemper is to be cur'd by giving * 1.15 those things which temper, and amend the acid Juice in the Body, and do prevent its encrease.

Those things abounding with either a lixivial or volatile salt, do powerfully destroy this acid Juice; as Pearl, Crabs-eyes, Coral, Chalk, Amber, Bloud-stone, Filings of steel, &c.

Take this as a form of a Powder.

Take of Crabs-eyes, Pearl, red Coral pre∣par'd, * 1.16 of each half a drachm; white Sugar half an ounce; let it be made into fine Pow∣der for six Doses; which may be taken mor∣ning and evening in two or three spoonfulls of the following Cordial Julep.

Take Waters of Baum and Mint, of each * 1.17 three ounces; Scurvigrass-water two oun∣ces; Cinamon-water, Syrup of Worm-wood, of each one ounce and half; Oil of Juni∣per one drachm; mix them together for a Julep, of which you may also give two or three spoonfulls every fourth hour.

I prescribe no Purgers in this Distemper, because I am taught by large Experience, that the sour Humours in the Body may be

stirr'd up indeed, but not purg'd, unless with very great gripes, which will doe more hurt, ••••an good.

The encre••••e of the acid Juice, may be pr••••••nted by abstaining from the use of a∣c••••••▪

Let the Patient's diet be moist, and fatty, as fat Broths, Jellies aromatiz'd, &c.

When the Head-ach proceedeth from a hot cause, if the Patient be costive, first give this Clyster.

Take of Mercury, Violets, Lettice, Mal∣lows, Dandelion, of each one handfull; Da∣mask * 1.18 Prunes twenty; let them be cleansed, bruised and boiled in two pints of Fountain∣water, till half of it be boiled away; then strain it, and add Electuary lenitive, one ounce and half; Oil of Lillies two ounces; mix them for a Clyster.

After its operation, you may open a Vein and draw eight or nine ounces of bloud.

Some Authours will not consent to Phle∣botomy in any Head-ach, except the Pain be intollerable; but I have had sufficient Expe∣rience, that it may be done safely in any Pain of the Head.

Elixir proprietatis, taken in Wormwood∣wine, to the quantity of half a drachm at a time, a little before meat, doth wonderfully conduce to amend the vitious quality of Cho∣ler.

Choler may be evacuated by vomit, most commodiously by Antimonial preparations.

Take of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum one ounce; Oximel of Squills half an ounce. Give it in the morning. * 1.19

But if the Patient be averse to vomiting, the Choler may be evacuated by stool, by this or the like Cathartick.

Take of Baum-water one ounce, Cinamon∣water two drachms, Syrup of Roses solu∣tive, * 1.20 the best Manna, of each half an ounce; Powder of Cream of Tartar twenty grains, Diagredium ten grains; mix it for a Potion, which may be given in the morning fasting.

Also these most gratefull Tablets of Scam∣mony may be prepared, and kept for use.

Take Cristals of Tartar two ounces; Scammony one ounce; white Sugar four * 1.21 ounces; with Gum Dragon dissolv'd in Rose∣water as much as is sufficient; let it be made into Troches according to Art.

Half a drachm of these Troches may be given to a Child with carefull governing; a Man or Woman may take two drachms of them.

They who are fearfull of Scammoniats, though safe and potent, let them take the fol∣lowing infusion.

Take of choice Rhubarb two drachms; Cream of Tartar one drachm; infuse them * 1.22 in four ounces of Endive-water for a night;

then strain it and add Syrup of Roses solutive, Syrup of Cicory with Rhubarb, of each half an ounce, Cinamon-water two drachms; give it in the morning fasting: This Electuary is also an excellent Cholagogue.

Take the Pulp of Damask-prunes ten oun∣ces; Powder of Scammony, Cream of Tar∣tar, * 1.23 of each two ounces, Rhubarb ten drachms, Cinamon half an ounce; yellow Sanders two drachms; the best Manna, Syrup of Cico∣ry with Rhubarb, of each eight ounces; mix all together into an Electuary according to Art.

The Dose is from two drachms, to half an ounce, taken either in a Bolus, or dissol∣ved in a sufficient quantity of Endive-water, or any other convenient vehicle.

These excellent Medicines do not onely purge Choler abounding, but purify the Bloud and other Humours; and here we may note, that if a purging Medicine do not ope∣rate according to Expectation, it may safe∣ly * 1.24 be repeated the same day without any danger.

If the Head-ach be accompanied with a great Fever, and Thirst be augmented; the following Medicines will much conduce to asswage it.

Take of Barley-water two pints; Cina∣mon-water two ounces; Syrup of Violets four * 1.25 ounces; salt Prunella half an ounce; mix it,

and give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it often.

This Tincture is also very effectual

Take of Barley-water two pints; Red-rose∣buds * 1.26 one ounce; spirit of Vitriol twenty drops, or as much as is sufficient to make it of a good Tincture, let it infuse all Night, then strain it, and add Syrup of Jujubes four ounces; mix it, and give three or four spoon∣fulls every three hours.

If an Emulsion may please better, take this following form.

Take of sweet Almonds one ounce; the * 1.27 four greater Cold-seeds of each half an ounce; white Poppy-seeds two ounces; let the Al∣monds be blanched, and all well beaten in a stone Mortar; then with four pints of Bar∣ley-water, make an Emulsion; strain it, and add Syrup of the Juice of Limmons, Diaco∣dium, of each three ounces; Cinamon-water two ounces; of which let the sick drink of∣ten, four spoonfulls at a time.

You may also have a little fine Sugar, and salt Prunella equally mixt, which may be kept in the Mouth, to deceive the Thirst.

But where rest is hindred by the Choler abounding, and cannot be obtain'd by the Emulsion, which gently procureth sleep; you may dissolve two grains of Laudanum opiat. in two or three spoonfulls of it, and give it

at night; or you may order this or the like Julep.

Take the Waters of Lettice, Water-lillies of each two ounces; Syrup of red Poppies * 1.28 one ounce; Cinamon-water half an ounce; Laudanum opiatum four grains; Oil of Vi∣triol six drops; mix it, and give four spoon∣fulls of it to cause sleep.

This Epitheme may be applied to the Tem∣ples, and Fore-head with Linnen-rags.

Take the Oils of Violets, and Water-lillies of each half an ounce; the waters of red Roses, * 1.29 Lettice, and Houseleek, of each two ounces; Vineger of Roses half an ounce; mix it.

You may also anoint the Temples and Fore-head with this Ointment.

Take the Ointment of Alabaster, Populi∣on, * 1.30 Oil of Mandrakes, of each half an ounce; mix it.

Let the Patient's diet be Mutton or Veal-broth without salt.

When a salt Catarrh, or the like spittle is the cause of Thirst augmented, you may ad∣minister a Pill of Styrax, or Cynoglosson, which will temperate the saltness of the humours; and if salt serous matter abound in the Bloud, you may purge it by Stool and Urine, for which there are variety of Medicines pre∣scrib'd in the Chapter of Catarrhs.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cephalal∣gia.
• * 1.2

  Hemicra∣nia.
• * 1.3

  Signs.
• * 1.4

  Progn.
• * 1.5

  Cure.
• * 1.6

  Clyster.
• * 1.7

  Iulep.
• * 1.8

  Powder.
• * 1.9

  A medici∣nal Wine.
• * 1.10

  Apozeme.
• * 1.11

  Purging Pills.
• * 1.12

  Epitheme.
• * 1.13

  For a'quil∣ted Cap.
• * 1.14

  Signs.
• * 1.15

  Cure.
• * 1.16

  Powder.
• * 1.17

  Cordial Iulep.
• * 1.18

  Clyster.
• * 1.19

  Vomit.
• * 1.20

  Purging Potion.
• * 1.21

  Troches.
• * 1.22

  Purging Infusion.
• * 1.23

  Electuary.
• * 1.24

  Observa∣tion.
• * 1.25

  Iulep.
• * 1.26

  Tincture.
• * 1.27

  Emulsion.
• * 1.28

  Iulep.
• * 1.29

  Epitheme.
• * 1.30

  Ointment.