CHAP. XVII. Of the Falling Down of the Womb and Fun∣dament.

IF the Womb falleth down, it may be called in Latin Procidentia Matricis. So likewise if the Fundament cometh down, it is called Procidentia Ani.

The Causes of these distempers are either * External or Internal.

The External Causes may be any violent exercise, with much striving, also falls or blows, on those parts; also bathing in cold water, &c.

The Internal Causes are serous and phleg∣matick humours, a Dysentery with a Tenas∣mus, the Whites continuing long, a violent drawing the Child, or After-birth out of the Womb; also much Sneezing or Coughing, especially in Child-bed; to conclude, all Page  243 things that may cause a Rupture or relaxa∣tion of the Ligaments of the Womb, or sphincter Muscle of the Anus, may be the cause of these griefs.

In a Procidentia Ani, there is always a * mucous and purulent dejection, from a phleg∣matick, viscous, and sometimes also a sharp acid humour adjoining about the seige, which often causeth a troublesome Ulcer by fretting.

In young people these distempers may be * easily cur'd, if they have not continued long, and do not come very far out, and be not ulcerated.

But if there be a Rupture of the Liga∣ments of the Womb, it is incurable; like∣wise great pain and inflammation are very difficult; and if either the Matrix or Anus be Gangrenated it is mortal, without speedy amputation.

You must begin the Cure with removing * the symptoms and discharging the Guts of their Excrements, either with Clysters or Lenitives.

Then anoint the part with some astrin∣gent Oils, and endeavour to reduce it gent∣ly by degrees.

The manner of the reduction every inge∣nious Artist knows, and therefore needs not any directions.

When the Womb is reduc'd it may be Page  244 kept with a Pessary fram'd of Cork as thick as necessary, and cover'd with Wax mixed with a little Castor, and Assafoetida, which may there continue.

If there be pain and inflammation, let the part be bathed with this.

Take the Flowers of Chamomel, Elder, of * each one handfull; Marsh-mallow-roots one ounce; Seeds of Flax and Foenugreek, of each half an ounce; boil it in two quarts of Milk till half be consumed, then strain it, and add Malaga Wine one pint; mix it.

Let Stuphs be moistned in this and wrung out and applied hot; after which apply a Plaster of ad herniam to the lower part of the Belly.

Before you reduce the Anus, anoint it with Oil of Mirtles and bestrew it with Powder of Album Groecum, or the following.

Take of red Roses, Pomgranat-rinds, Cy∣press-nuts, * Mastick, Crocus Martis, burnt Lead, of each half an ounce; beat them all into a fine powder.

A Bag quilted with the following astrin∣gents, and applied hot to either griev'd part three times a day, will conduce much to keep it up.

Take of Plantain, Sanicle, Buds of Oak * and Medlar, red Rose-buds, Balaustins, of each one handfull; Roots of Comfry, Tor∣mentil, Bistort, Cypress-nuts, Seeds of A∣nise, Page  245 sweet Fennel, of each one ounce; beat them all into a gross powder.

Inwardly may be given Astringents and Strengthners, but not in time of the courses; those prescrib'd against the immoderate flow∣ing of the Terms are good.