The store-house of physical practice being a general treatise of the causes and signs of all diseases afflicting human bodies : together with the shortest, plainest and safest way of curing them, by method, medicine and diet : to which is added, for the benefit of young practicers, several choice forms of medicines used by the London physicians / by John Pechey ...

Of Diseases of the EARS.

CHAP. XXXII. Of Deafness and Difficulty of Hearing.

WE treat of Deafness and Difficulty of Hearing in the same Chapter, because they proceed from the same Causes, and differ only in degree.

They are either occasioned by Diseases of the Head, or by a fault in the Ears.

A Cold Intemperies of the Brain, repletion or weakness, or any other Disorder, especially in that Part from whence the Nerves of Hearing arise, may occasion Deafness of Difficulty of Hearing. The fault of the Ear may be in

the inward or outward part of it. In the outward Ca∣vity, a perfect or imperfect Stoppage, by reason of a Tumor, Abscess, Blood, Matter, Flegm, or other things from within, or without, may occasion a difficulty of Hearing: But it is to be noted, that though the outward Cavity be quite stopped, yet perfect Deafness will not follow; for sounds can pass through the Mouth to the Ears: for there is an open Passage from the Pallate to the inward Cavity of the Ears, which serves for the clean∣sing the Ears, aad those that are Deaf, are wont to open their Mouths, that they may hear the better: And if Travelling by Night, you put one end of your Stick, or the point of your Sword betwixt your Teeth, and the other end on the Ground, you will easier hear a noise from a far, and Footsteps of those that follow you.

In the inward part of the Ear, Humours collected in the inward Cavity flowing principally from the Head, most commonly Flegmatick, but sometimes Cholerick, occasion Deafness, or Difficulty of Hearing: But these Humours are sometimes transmitted to the Ears from the whole Body, as in continual Fevers, especially when they are malignant; but it also proceeds from an ill Confor∣mation of the Organs of Hearing, as when the Tympa∣num is relaxed by a violent noise, or from moisture. And for this reason very many deaf People hear worst in a Southerly Constitution, because the Membrane is relaxed by the moisture of the Air: But sometimes the Tympa∣num is stretched and dried too much, as after acute Dis∣eases, Watching or Fasting, and sometimes it is broke by violent Motions, or corroded by Matter: But sometimes Matter and Blood flow from the Ear in great Concussions, without any injury to the Hearing, when they break out betwixt the Bone, and the Membrane; or if other Parts of the Ear are disordered from the Birth, or by reason of some external Cause, as from a Fall, a Blow, or the like. Lastly, a cold Intemperies occasioned by cold Air, or cold Water falling into Ear, or the immoderate use of Nar∣coticks, or of other Medicines, may occasion this Dis∣ease.

To distinguish particularly all those Causes by their Signs is very difficult, yet they may be guest at in the fol∣lowing manner.

If Deafness happen by reason of a Disease in the Head•• some other Senses are also hurt, or some peculiar Disease appears in the Brain, as pain or dulness of the Head, Apoplexy, Lethargy or the like.

The Stoppage of the outward Cavities of the Ears may be perceived by the Eyes, if by the Sun you look in∣to the Cavities; for then you may see, whether it be a Tumour or gross Matter, or any other Heterogeneous Substance; and then you may know, by the relation of the Patient, whether any thing is fall'n into the Ear.

But if the inward Cavity be filled with some Humour, we may reasonably suppose it is Flegm, if a Flegmatick Fluxion troubled the Sick before, or if he has been fre∣quently subject to such Fluxions.

But if a Cholerick Humour occasions this Disease, a Cholerlck Fever afflicts the Sick, or went before, and it is also accompanied with violent Pain, if it proceed from Blood, the Pain is heavy, and Blood abounds in the whole Body.

The looseness and moisture of the Tympanum is known by moist Causes going before, and by a moist Intempe∣ries seizing some other Part; for it can scarce be ima∣gined that moisture should only seize this part. Too much driness or tensity of Tympanum may be known by the driness of the whole Body, and drying Causes go∣ing before.

We may also guess at the Rupture or Errosion of the Drum, if the violent corroding and tearing Causes above-mentioned went before.

As to the Prognosticks of this Disease. Deafness from the Birth, or which has continu'd a long while, and is ab∣solute, is incurable. And that which is not absolute, but of a long standing, is seldom or never cured.

That Deafness which proceeds from Choler or Blood, in acute and continual Fevers, commonly goes off when the Fever ceases.

Difficulty of Hearing, if it be not soon cured, dege∣nerates into a perfect Deafness; if the Drum be broke, and if a Cicatrix be left upon it, the Deafness is incu∣rable.

That Deafness which encreases and decreases by inter∣vals, is curable.

As to the Cure: That Deafness which proceeds from a Disease of the Head, requires no other Cure than what is requisite for the Cure of the said Disease; that which arises from a Tumour that is hard and inveterate is incu∣rable: But if it be hot and inflamed, the Cure of it is proposed in the Chapter of Pains of the Ears: But if it proceed from Matter collected in the Ear, see the Cha∣pter of the things that come preternaturally from the Ear. If it proceed from driness, it must be cured by a moistning Diet, by long Sleep, and by washing the Head with warm Water, and dropping moistning things into the Ear, as Oil of sweet Almonds and the like: If it pro∣ceed from any thing dropp'd into the Ear, that must be forthwith wash'd out, shook out, or extracted; and if some little Animal has crept into the Ear, it must either be allur'd out, or kill'd. The Ears are wash'd by pour¦ing in such things as moisten, smoothen and dilate them as Milk, Oil of sweet Almonds, or some mollifying or loosning Decoction. Things are shook out of the Ears by Sneezing. It is also good in this case to bend the Ear downwards, and to hop upon the Leg of the same side; for by this means, Boys shake Water out of their Ears when they have been swimming. But if those things do not succeed, you must endeavour to extract it by care∣fully putting an Ear Pitcher beyond it, or with a pair of Forceps fitted for the purpose.

But if this does not succeed, you must endeavour to break them, and afterwards wash them out; and to this purpose, a Probe with Cotton on the end of it, and dipp'd in Turpentine, or the like, is put into the Ear, to clear the Passage; and if any of the clammy Matter remains behind, it may be cleared by an Ear-Picker. Some cut a Quill, and put one end into the Ear, and endeavour to suck out what is in it.

Animals are allur'd out of the Ear, by putting such things to it, as are pleasing to them; as a Spunge dipp'd in Milk and Sugar, or the Pulp of a sweet Apple, or Lard wherewith little Worms are much pleased, and soon come out of the Ear, if it be turned to the Sun. If a Leec•• happen to get into the Ears, it may be enticed out, by putting Blood to the Ear; Gnats may be drawn out, by putting Dogs Hairs into the Ears; but if you

cann't get them out, alive, 'tis best to kill them, because then they will not disturb the Ear so much, and may be easier drawn out; they may be kill'd by dropping Spittle or Urine into the Ear. But bitter things kill them soonest, as the Juice of Wormwood, a Decoction of Aloes, or any Gauls, sharp things do also the same, as Vinegar, the Juice of Onions, and the like.

But because a cold Intemperies is the most frequent cause of Deafness, rhe Cure must be chiefly directed to the amendment of it; wherefore an attenuating, drying, and moderately heating course of Diet being ordered, as is prescribed for the Gutta Serena; and Southerly Winds being avoided as much as possible, and the Ears defended from them; Vaporous Aliments must be avoided, especi∣ally Garlick and Onions, which are very injurious to the Hearing, and also those that generate gross and flegma∣tick Humours; these things, I say being first observed, general Evacuation must be entered upon by Head Purges. Bleeding must be also used if there be an indi∣cation for it; and if the Disease be obstinate, a Sudori∣fick Diet, afterwards particular Remedies that cause a Revulsion of the Humours, as Blisters, Issues, Sneesing Powders, Masticatories, Apophlegmatisms, but especially Masticatories.

But Sulphureous and Bitumenous Baths are peculiarly proper for the Cure of this Disease, the Body being ba∣thed, and the Head washed with them; afterwards topical Remedies are to be applied, to discuss the Matter in the Ear.

Take of the Leaves of wild Marjoram, Wormwood; Penny-royal, wild Thym, Sage, Mint, the lesser Centaury, Mallows, Marsh-mallows each one handful, of the Flow∣ers of Camomil, Melilot, Stechas, and Rosemary each one pugil, of Cinnamon and Cloves, each half an ounce; boil them in equal parts of Fountain-water and White Wine added towards the end. Strain it, and foment the Ear with it hot with a Spunge Morning and Even∣ing; and the Vapour of the Decoction may be received into the Ear through a Tunel.

It certainly does much good by passing into the inner∣most Parts of the Ear. Instead of the Fomentation, Bread made up with Carraway-seeds, cut and applied hot

from the Oven, may be used; or common Bread just taken out of the Oven, the under Crust being cut off dipp'd in Spirit of Wine, and applied as hot to the Ear as can be born, is also of good use: But the Bread will be more effectual, if with the common Flower, the Seeds of Carraways, Juniperberries, Bayberries, and Nutmegs are mixed with it.

If you'll have a stronger Decoction, you may add of the Pulp of Coloquintida, or of the Roots of white Hel∣lebore each one dram: After fomentation, some Liquor must be instilled into the Ear, and afterwards you may stop it with Cotton perfum'd with Musk.

Take of Oil of bitter Almonds, and of Rue each one ounce, mingle them, and pour it hot into the Ear. Or,

Take of Oil of Castor, and white Lillies, each one ounce, of Oil of Dill half an ounce, of white Hellebore half a dram, of Aqua Vitae one ounce: boil them in a Bath, till all the Aqua Vitae is evaporated. Strain it for the use above-mentioned.

Chymical Oils are are very effectual, as of Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage, Fennel. Spike, Cloves; but because they are very strong, they must not be used alone; but they are to be mixed in a small quantity with the fore∣going Oils, half a dram of them, may be sufficient to be mixed with two ounces of the foresaid Oils.

The Water that drops out of an Ash-stick when it is burning, is much commended for Deafness, when it pro∣ceeds from a hot Cause.

The Fat of an Eel is much in use; it is gathered from the Water wherein a Fat Eel is boil'd, being Scum'd off with a Bay-leas, and dropp'd hot into the Ear.

In applying topical Remedies, this must be always ob∣served, viz. that they are applied warm or hot, and what hath been used before must be taken out of the Ear, before other things are dropp'd in; and when any thing has been dropp'd in, the Ear must be stopp'd with Cotton perfum'd with Musk, which of it self is very good for Deafness.

CHAP. XXXIII. Of Noise in the Ears.

THE Sense of Hearing is obstructed by a Noise in the Ears; for as the Eye ought to be void of Co∣lour, that it may rightly perceive all the Colours of Ob∣jects: For if it be preternaturally affected with any Colour, as in the Jaundice, the Sight must be necessarily depraved, so the Ear should have no sound in it, that it be able to receive all Sounds that come from abroad, for if any Sound is preternaturally in the Ear, it hinders Hearing.

This Noise in the Ear proceeds from a preternatural Commotion of the inbred Air; for though this inbred Air moves naturally, yet no noise is heard from its Mo∣tion, unless we stop the Ear with the hand, or with some such thing.

The Causes of this extraordinary Motion are Va∣pours, Wind, or Spirits, transmitted to the Ear from other Parts, or bred in it; if it be brought from other Parts, it proceeds either from the whole Body, or some peculiar Part. It flows from the whole Body in Fevers, and this Sound in the Ear comes from a windy Spirit conveyed through the Arteries from the whole Body to the Ears: But it most frequently happens at the begin∣ning of Fits, and just before a Crisis by a Bleeding at the Nose. Wind is also elevated to the Ears, from some peculiar Part, viz. from the Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Mesentery, Womb, and from some other Parts; upon which account, inviolent Vomiting, Hypochondriack Me∣lancholy, and Mother-Fits, there is frequently a Noise in the Ears. It is also occasioned by windy Spirits flowing from the Head, that arise from Cold and Fleg∣matick Humours. Wind is also generated in the Ear by Flegmatick Matter contain'd there. Upon which ac∣count, difficulty of Hearing is commonly accompanied with a Noise in the Ear, for the Obstruction is occasion∣ed by Humours, Other Causes occasioning this Noise in

the Ears, are Ulcers, a hot Intemperies, Weakness, ex∣quisite Sense, a violent shaking in the Head, and violent Sounds.

The Cure of this Disease is to be varied, according to the variety of the Causes; and first the Cure of the Noise proceeding from a consent of other Parts, depends on the Cure of the Diseases of those Parts: But that which arises immediately from the Ear requires a pecu∣liar Cure; and if it be generated by a cold Intemperies, and from gross Wind, it requires the same Cure which is described in the Chapter above. If it proceed from an Ulcer in the Ears, it requires the same Cure, which is proposed for Curing the Ulcer in the following Chap∣ter. If it proceed from Weakness, after long Sick∣ness, it will decrease gradually as the Strength increases. But you must drop into the Ear Oil of Camomil, of Dill, or Oil of sweet Almonds. And lastly, if it takes its rise from a hot Intemperies, or an exquisite Sense, a cooling and moistning Diet must be ordered, and cooling things must be dropp'd into the Ear, and first a Decoction of Barly, Violets, Lettice, Water Lilies, to which may be added, to make it more penetrating a little Balm or Camomil; and if these do no good, the Juice of Lettice, Purslane, and Henbane may be used. Galen proposes the Juice of Poppies, and Opium it self; but these are to be used sparingly, least by weakning the Native Heat of the Part, they should too much dull the Hearing.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of Pain of the Ears.

PAIN of the Ears is a very violent Disease. The chief Causes of it are Intemperies immaterial and humoral, Wounds, Ulcers, and external Things falling or thrust into the Cavity of the Ear.

A cold Intemperies often occasions a Pain in the Ears; it is occasioned by cold Winds, cold Water, and other

cold thlngs; for cold things are injurious to those Mem∣branous and nervous Parts.

But a cold Matter occasioning Pains in the Ears, is ei∣ther Flegmatick, or Serous flowing from the Brain, or Wind transmitted from the Brain, or lower Parts.

Hot Matter occasioning those Pains is either Cholerick, or Sanguinious, whereby an Inflammation is raised.

If an immaterial Intemperies be the Cause, there is no weight peceived in the Ear, nor no Tumour. A cold Intemperies is known by cold Causes going before, as tra∣velling in the Winter time, the increase of Pain by ex∣ternal Cold, and its being eased by the Application of hot things. A hot Intemperies may be known, by the external things that heat, as a hot Air, the heat of the Sun, pain arising from the use of hot things.

If the pain arise from a Flegmatick Humour, there is a weight perceived in the Ear and in the Head, and a Flegmatick Fluxion has sometimes fallen upon some other Parts. Besides, cold Causes went before, as cold and a Northerly Wind, cold Aliments, Winter time, old Age and the like.

If the Pain arise from Wind, it will be violent, but not continual, and a noise of the Ear will be joined with it.

That it comes from a Serous Humour, may be known by other Diseases produced by it, and afflicting the Sick at the same time, as sharp and thin Fluxions on the Teeth, the Eyes, the Ears, the Breast, and other Parts, and by an Evacuation of serous Humour by Vomit, Stool, Urine and Sweat.

If it arises from a Cholerick Humour, it will be prick∣ing and sharp, with a sense of heat; it will be eased by cooling Medicines, and the Constitution is hot and cho∣lerick, the Sick young, the Course of Diet hot, it is Summer, and some other heating Causes went be∣fore.

An Inflammation is known by the Violence of the Pain, Pulsation, by great heat and redness, that extend them∣selves sometimes to the Cheeks and Temples; a violent continual Fever accompanies it, sometimes a Delirium, Convulsion, Fainting, and Coldness of the extream Parts.

A Wound may be known by Blood pouring from the Ear, an Ulcer by Matter flowing out: But because a Flux of Matter sometimes flows from the Brain through the Ears, there is need of distinction; for if it proceed from the Brain, the Pain of the Head, and other Signs of an Imposthume went before, the Matter is evacuated in great quantity, and is lessen'd by degrees, till at length it quite ceases. But it may proceed indeed in a great quantity from an Abscess of the Ear; but then the Signs of an Inflammation went before, afterwards an Ulcer follows, which afterwards may be known by the follow∣ing Signs, whether it takes its rise from an Abscess, or from a Flux of some sharp Humour, A small quantity of Matter flows continually, pain and heat, and pricking in the Ear, especially when the Ear-Picker is put in. Moreover, we may guess at the differences of the Ulcer; for if the Ulcer actually exists, it may be known by the thin Sanies, that is of a Citron Colour: And by the length of the Disease, you may know if it be deep by the quantity of Matter; if it be sordid, by the thickness and quantity of it; if it be virulent, by the thin Sanies; if putrid, by the stinking Matter; if corrosive, by Blood flowing out after the Sanies; if it be Fistulous, by the duration of the Ulcer, the virulent Sanies, and by the hard and callous Flesh. Things fallen into the Ear, or thrust into it, may be known by the relation of the Sick, and may be perceived in the Cavity of it.

The Prognostick of the Pain of the Ear is various, ac∣cording to the variety of the Causes; that which pro∣ceeds only from an Intemperies, is easily cured. That which proceeds from cold, flegmatick, serous, or windy Matter, is not dangerous, but is most commonly long in curing: But that which proceeds from hot Humours, and especially if they cause an Inflammation, is very dange∣rous for the Brain, by reason of its nearness, suffers by consent, and a Delirium and a Convulsion often follow; and young Men are in most danger of this Disease; for they being of a hot Constitution, and their Blood being hot, the Inflammation is so great, that it destroys the Na∣tive Heat of the Brain, and kills the Sick within a Week; but old Mens Humours are colder, and the Inflammation less, and so they are less in danger.

Ulcers in the Ears are difficultly cured, because the Brain puts off its Excrements upon them, but those that follow an Abscess are easier cur'd, and also those that yield good Matter: But when the Sanies is virulent, fetid, or otherwise ill qualified, the Cure will be very difficult, and especially if the Ulcer be Fistulous, or the Bone foul.

The Cure must be varied according to the variety of the Causes, if it proceed from a cold Intemperies alone, bo•••• Medicines applied to the Ear may be sufficient for the Cure, such as were proposed for the Cure of Deafness A hot Intemperies, if at any time it happen without Mat∣ter, may be cur'd by cooling Topicks.

If it proceed from a cold Intemperies joined with Matter viz. Flegm, or Wind, or serous Matter, the same Cure is to be administred, which was proposed for the Cure of Deafness▪

If it arise from a hot Intemperies with a Fluxion o•• Cholerick Humours; first the Humout flowing to th•• Part must be drawn away by Bleeding, whereby also th•• hot Intemperies of the whole Body, may be moderated▪ afterwards the peccant Humour must be evacuated by proper Purgers; and afterwards cooling Juleps and Broth••▪ Goats Milk, Mineral Waters, Baths of warm Water, and the like, must be used; and lastly, all those things are to be used, which are proposed for the Cure of a Head-ach, proceeding from a hot Intemperies: But the Pain must be asswaged by cooling and anodyn Topicks.

For the Cure of an Inflammation of the Ear, an emol∣lient, cooling, and loosning Clister must be injected, and so much Blood must be taken away, as may answer to the fulness of it, and to make a sufficient Revulsion of the Humour flowing to the affected Ear, the Cephalick Vein opposite to it must be opened, and a great quantity of Blood must be taken away at several times; and if the Disease seem to arise from a Suppression of the Courses, or of the Hemorrhoids, the inferior Veins must be opened, a good quantity of Blood being first taken from the Arm. And if those Causes are absent, the opening of the inferior Veins will make an excellent Revulsion to the most distant Parts, to which end Leeches applied to the Anus are also proper.

Revulsions may be also commodiously made by Frictions, and Ligatures of the Arms and Legs, and by Cupping-glasses applied to the Shoulders and Back.

And sometimes Cupping-glasses applied behind the Ears for to make Derivation, do much good.

Zacutus Lusitanus also commends Leeches applied be∣hind the Ears, four of a side, which he says, gave much relief to a certain young Man, who was afflicted with a violent Inflammation of the Ear: The opening of the Artery of the Temples has also sometimes admirable Suc∣cess. Purging is also very proper in this Disease, with Cholagoges; afterwards the whole Mass of the Humours is to be attemperated with cooling Juleps made of a De∣coction of Lettice, Purslain, Plantane, Sorrel, and the like, also of the Syrups of Lemons, Pomegranates, and of red Poppies.

In the mean time, whilst the foresaid Remedies are used, Topicks are to be continually applied, which must be always anodyn, by reason of the Violence of the Pain, the Mitigation whereof is principally to be taken care of; but at the beginning and increase, gentle Repellents are to be mixed with the anodyns; at the State and Declina∣tion, Resolvents are to be mixed with them.

Take of Womans Milk, fresh drawn, two ounces; of the white of an Egg beat to a Liquor half an ounce; mix them, and drop it warm into the Ear.

Or the Milk alone milk'd into the Ear.

Take of the leaves of Plantane, and Night-shade, each one handful; of the flowers of Camomil and Melilot, each one Pugil; make a Decoction; let the Vapour be received into the Ear by a Tunnel.

Take of Oyls of Violets, Water-Lillies and Roses, each one Ounce, mingle them, drop it warm into the Ear.

Millepedes infused in the foresaid Oyles, and press'd out, make an excellent Anodyn; for they have an ex∣cellent Faculty to ease Pain, and for that reason they are used for Pains of the Teeth, the Piles, and other Pains.

If the Heat is very violent, cooling Juices are to be mixed with the foresaid Oyls in the following manner.

Take of Oyl of Water-Lillies, and Oyl of Roses, each one ounce, of the Juice of Night-shade and Plantane, each half an ounce, mingle them, and drop it into the Ear.

Oxyrrhodinum is used by many Practitioners, made of Oyl of Roses two parts, and one part of Vinegar; but it

may be suspected as may be also all other things which repel powerfully, for there is danger, least the Humour should flow back upon the Brain; and it is a general Pre∣cept always to be observed, not to apply strong Repel∣lents in Inflammations that are near noble parts; but gentle Repellents may be mixed with Loosening and Ano∣dyn things; for so the Fluxion may be moderately sup∣pressed, and not driven far back.

But in violent Pains we are forced to use Narcoticks, but they must be used rarely, and with great caution, for they are offensive to the Head. I know a Person, says Galen, who lost his Speech and Sense by the use of Opium, nor could he be restored by any Medicines: But if there be absolute Necessity, they may be prescribed in the following manner.

Take of the Oyl of the Seeds of Poppies one ounce and an half, of Camphor and Opium each two grains, mingle them, and drop them into the Ear. Or,

Take of Oyl of Sweet-Almonds two ounces, of the Juice of Mallows half an ounce, of Myrrh half a dram, of Saffron half a scruple, of Opium three or four grains, mingle them, use it as above.

In the Application of Topicks the Precept of Galen must be carefully observed, viz. That the inflamed Ear be not touched, but Medicines must be dropt into the Ear by a Probe wrapt round with the softest Wool dipt in the Medicines, and the Sick must be ask'd whether it be warm, and whether he can bear it any hotter, and you must drop it in as hot as he can bear it; the Probe must be dipt in the Medicine and applied gently to the passage of the Ear, that it may flow into it; you must continue doing of it till the passage is full, and then apply over it to the mouth of the passage and over all the Ear, Wool dipt in the Medicine.

At the state of the Disease, Oyls gently resolving are to be mixed with Anodyns in the following manner.

Take of the Oyls of Camomil, Sweet-Almonds, and Violets, each one ounce, Oyl of Lillies half an ounce, mix them.

But Fomentations and Fumes resolve more power∣fully, which may be prepared of the following De∣coction.

Take of roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce; of the leaves of Mallows, Nightshade and St. Johns Wort, each an hand∣ful, of the Seeds of Flax half an ounce, of the Seeds of Mallows, Marsh-mallows, white Poppies, each two drams; of the flowers of Camomil, Dill and Roses, each one Pugil, make a Decoction in Water or Milk for a Fomen∣tation or Fume.

The Water drawn from Ash-sticks, being dropt into the Ear eases the pain wonderfully; it is drawn by burning green sticks in the Fire, it drops from the ends of them.

If the Tumor cannot be resolved, but tends to Suppu∣ration, which may be known by the increase of the pain a great Pulsation, and a violent Feaver, Nature must be furthered in her Motion, and the following Cataplasm must be applied.

Take of Crums of white Bread one pound, boil them in Milk to the consistence of a Poultis; then add the yolks of Eggs number two, of Oyl of Roses two ounces, of Saffron one scruple, make a Cataplasm. Or,

Take one Onyon, fresh Butter two Ounces, Oyl of Camomil and Roses, each one ounce, of Saffron one scruple; make a Cataplasm, which must be applied moderately hot to the part.

When the Abscess is broken, and the Matter comes out through the Membrane of the Ear, either rarified or cor∣roded; then the Sick should lye on the Ear affected, that the Matter may flow out easily, and such things should be dropt into the Ear, as may wash and cleanse it.

Take of the Decoction of Barly four ounces, of Honey of Roses one ounce, mingle them, drop it warm into the Ear.

If the Ulcer be generated by Acrimony of Matter, it requires a peculiar Cure, which may also be used for an Ulcer arising from Fluxion of Humours.

And first, according to the Opinion of Galen, Topical Medicines must not be applied to any Member, before the whole Body is purged; wherefore Evacuation by Bleeding and Purging being administred, agreeable to the Nature and Constitution of the Patient, and repeated through the whole course of the Cure as often as there is occasion, drying and astringent Topicks may be used, be∣ginning with the Mild, and proceeding to Stronger by degrees. For instance,

Take of the best Honey, and of old White-wine, each three ounces, boil them till all the Scum rises, drop it into the Ear; afterwards stop the Ear with Cotton dipt in the same Liquor; when you would have the Medicine stronger, mix the Juice of Horehound, Smallage, Wormwood, the lesser Centaury, or of Sow-bread with Honey; boil them gently, and drop them into the Ear. Or,

Take of the Juice of Beets one ounce, of Horehonnd half 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ounce, of the best Honey six drams; boil them a little; afterwards add two drams of Syrup of Wormwood, mingle them.

You may make a stronger Medicine in the following manner▪

Take of the Juice of Sow-bread one ounce, of Myrrh on•• ounce, of Saffron half a scruple, of Frankincense one scruple, of Verdigrease half a scruple, of old Wine one ounce an•• an half, boil them till the Wine is consumed, drop th•• Liquor into the Ear twice or thrice a day.

Note, Before any Liquor is dropt in, the Ear must be well cleansed with warm Hydromel, a Probe wrap•• round with a Cotton, being dipt in the Liquor, and used for that purpose.

The Ulcer being well cleansed it must be cicatrized by Epulotick Medicines used in the following manner.

Take of round Birthwort, of the bark of Pomegranates, and of Galls, each half an ounce, boil them in equal parts of Wine and Smith's-water to half a pint; strain it, and add to it of the Juice of Plantane and Knot-grass, each one ounce, of Honey of Roses two drams; mingle them, and drop it into the Ear; or drop into the Ear burnt Allum mixed with the Wine, for it is very drying.

If the Ulcer be very obstinate, and has continued a long while, it is certainly promoted by Fluxion, which there∣fore you must endeavour to remove, by Purging and a Diet-drink of Gujacum or Sarsaparilla, by Errhins, Masti∣catories, Issues, and by other Remedies that divert the Fluxion.

If Pain arise by reason of the Sharpness of the Remedies, Oyl of Sweet or Bitter Almonds, with Myrrh, Aloes and Saffron, must be dropt into the Ear: If the Pain be vio∣lent, a little Opium must be mixed with them, or the Oyl of the Yolks of Eggs beat in a leaden Mortar may be used.

If the Ulcer be very Sordid, Aegyptiacum must be mixed with the foresaid Juices.

If the Pain of the Ear be occasioned by something thrust into the Ear, you must endeavour to draw it out, by wrapping Wool upon a Probe dipt in Turpentine, or made glutinous by Rosin, or some other Gum: But if this will not do, warm Oyl must be often dropt into the Ear, to relax it, and to Lubricate the Matter contained in it, and so it may the easier be drawn out, and Sneesing-powder must be given, and these things must be used con∣tinually till the Sick is freed; for if any thing remain long in the Ear, an Inflammation will arise, and after∣wards it will be much more difficult to extract any thing from the Ear; and there will be besides great danger.

Lastly, If the foresaid Remedies are not sufficient, Chirurgical Instruments must be used. See the manner of Extraction in Fabritius Hildanus, Cen. I. Observ. 4, 5, 6.

Gnats sometimes insinuate themselves into the Ears, and moving in the Cavity of it, they cause much Trouble, but they may be extracted by a Probe wrapped round with Cotten, and dipt in Turpentine.

Sometimes water runs into the Ear in swimming, or when the Head is wash'd, and is often very troublesom and causes Pain, but is most commonly easily shook our, by hopping upon the Leg of the same side, and by holding the Ear downwards: But if this will not do, you must endeavour to suck it out with a Pipe wrapt round with Wool to stop the hole of the Ear, that the external Air should not enter in. It is also dried by a small soft piece of Spunge often put in.

CHAP. XXXV. Of things that come out Preternaturally from the Cavities of the Ears.

MAny Things come out preternaturally from the Ears, which must be particularly mentioned, and peculiar Remedies must be prescribed for them. First therefore, an Abscess being broken arising from an Inflammation, or from an Ulcer, proceeding from the Acrimony of Hu∣mours, Matter or Sanies, is wont to flow; the Cure of which depends on the Cure of the forementioned Diseases, which are proposed in the foregoing Chapter.

Blood also sometimes flows from the Ears, as in Wounds and Concussions of the Head, whereby the Veins of the Ears may be broken or torn: But if this Flux be moderate, it must be left to it self, for if it should be re∣tained within it might cause an Inflammation; but if it be immoderate, or continue a long while, it must be re∣strained by bleeding in the Arm, and by applying Cup∣ping-glasses with Scarification to the Shoulders; after∣wards cooling and astringent things must be dropt into the Ears, as the Juice of Plantane, Knot-grass, or the De∣coction of Bramble-tops, red Roses, Mastich, Acacia, Hyposistis, Balaustins, Sumach, and the like, in Wine and Vinegar, or Smiths Water.

A watry Humour sometimes flows from the Brain to the Ears, this most commonly happens to Children, and ought not to be stop'd, for being suddenly stop'd, it occa∣sions the Falling-sickness, or some other great Disease of the Head.

For Nature puts off Excrements, and the too great Moisture that abounds in Childrens Heads, not only by the ordinary ways appointed for this use, viz. The No∣strils and Pallate, but also through the Eyes, the Ears, and the Superficies of the Head, where Ulcers and Scabs often happen: But when such an Evacuation is Symptomatick, and when the Humour flowing to the Ears causes Ulcers in them, and hinders the Hearing, you must endeavour

to cure it by a convenient Method. And First, the Su∣perfluous Humours in the Brain must be evacuated by gentle Purges often repeated, and also by Derivation, by Blisters in the Neck, and an Issue there; afterwards the Ears must be cleansed and dried by the following Medicine.

Take of the Juice of Agrimony, and Worm-wood, each four Ounces, of Whitewine, and Honey of Roses, each one Ounce, boil them a little, and drop them into the Ear the Filth being cleansed away, afterwards the Ears must be stopped with Cotton dipt in the same Liquor.

But if a watry Humour flows from the Ears of grown People and continues so a long while; the whole Body and the Brain must be evacuated, afterwards, the super∣fluous Moisture must be dried up by Sudorifick Diet-drinks, and the Course of it must be endeavoured to be turned by Blisters, Issues, and Cupping-glasses.

Lastly, Worms are sometimes generated in the Ears, from putrid Ulcers, which being cured they cease to come out. But Because the healing of the Ulcer requires Time you may endeavour to kill the Worms in the mean while by convenient Remedies. For Instance,

Take of the Oyl of bitter Almonds, of the Juice of Smallage, and the lesser Centaury, each two Ounces, of Vinegar two Drams; boil them a little, then add of Mirrh, and Aloes, each one Scruple; mingle them, and drop it into the Ear. If you would have it stronger add ten Grains of Coloquintida.