Dr. Willis's practice of physick being the whole works of that renowned and famous physician wherein most of the diseases belonging to the body of man are treated of, with excellent methods and receipts for the cure of the same : fitted to the meanest capacity by an index for the explaining of all the hard and unusual words and terms of art derived from the Greek, Latine, or other languages for the benefit of the English reader : with forty copper plates.

CHAPTER III. The Differences of the Epilepsie, and the reasons of some of the Symptoms are unfolded. Also its Curatory Method is repre∣sented.

THus far of the essence and the causes in general of the Epilepsie; it shall be now our next task to explicate the differences of this Disease, also the reasons of some of the accidents and Symptoms belonging to it; to which we will lastly add, Observati∣ons and Histories of sick people, with the method of curing.

The most notable difference of the Epilepsie, is wont to be taken from the Subject, to wit, that the brain or part of it, labouring with this discase, is either primarily, and idi∣opathetically or properly affected, or secondarily and not but by a consent with other parts: concerning the former kind, we have hitherto discoursed as to the other, to wit, in which the falling down seems to arise from some place without the head, and then lays hold of it secondarily, and as it were by a blast sent from elsewhere; it is to be ob∣served, that this kind of distemper (as Galen hoth noted) proceeds either from the ex∣ternal * 1.1 or internal parts: we meet with many examples of Epilepticks, in whom the fit being just coming upon them, a spasm is felt with a numness in the hand or toe, or other particular member, which presently from thence as it were with a pricking or tingling, creeps towards the head, which when it hath attained, immediately the sick party falls flat on the earth, and is hurried into insensibility and disorder of Spirits, and other proper demonstrations os the Symptome of the falling-sickness; neither is it a less usual proaemium of this disease, that there first arises as it were a conflict in the stomach, spleen, womb, intestines, genitals or other inwards: or that some kind of per∣turbation is raised in some of them; then from that place, the ascent of (as it were) a cold air is perceived, to which distemper follows the accession of the falling evil, with its most horrid provision of symptomes: hence it was commonly belie•…•…ed that the cause of the Epilepsie lay hid in the part, seen to be so primarily affected, and propagated its evil to the bra•…•…, of its self innocent.

But in very deed, as to this we must say, that in every, Epilepsie not only the procatar∣tick or remoter Cause, but also the conjunct remains wholly in the brain: to wit, that the spirits inhabiting it, being disposed to explosions, and there being explosed, bring on or

cause every falling evil. As to those praeliminary Symptoms in some epilectical people, they sometimes have the place of an evident cause, and sometimes only of a sign: For when the evil disposition of any inward, as the stomach, spleen or womb, happens with the disposition of the Epilepsie, as often as any perturbation is begun in that di∣stempered inward, it easily happens by reason of a transmission of the ferment from thence, or a continuation of the spasm to the head, an Epileptical fit is excited in the brain praedisposed to act.

But these kind of symptoms of the falling evil, which being suscitated from without seem to propagate the distemper to the brain, do often arise from the consent of the brain it self, and are only signs of the approach of the epileptical Fit, or of the spirits beginning to be exploded in the brain: For when the animal spirits planted in the mid∣dle parts of the brain and Cerebel, and also those in the oblong pith or marrow, near the beginnings of the Nerves are so filled with an heterogeneous Copula, that for the casting it off, they are ready to bring on the assault of the disease, before they are all exploded heap by heap, some spirits lying more outward in some private Nerves, be∣cause they are destitute os the wonted influx of their superiors, fall into certain inor∣dinations, and so begin spasms, which spasms (as it it is often the manner in this kind of distemper) begin at the extremities or ends of the Nerves inserted to this or that member or inward, from whence by degrees they creep forward to their begin∣nings; whither being come forth with the spirits thorow the whole Encephalon before disposed to explosions, being moved by that spasms, and so being snatched away with a fiery enkindling, are suddenly exploded or thrust out; so they seem to stir up the Epi∣leptick Fit, beginning at first from themselves as it were secondarily and by instinct, brought from some other place: After this manner, sometimes the Histerical passions, when beginning in the bottom of the belly, they are communicated to the brain, are thought to arise from those Viscera, and to be stirred up by their fault; when in the mean time, the morbific cause subsists chiefly about the beginnings of the Nerves, as we have else∣where signified, and shall again show hereafter, when we come to treat particularly of the Spasmodick distempers.

There yet remain other differences of the falling sickness, to wit, that it is either hae∣reditary * 1.2 or acquired; again, either kind is variously distinguished by reason of the Age or time, in which it first comes upon one, to wit, when the first coming of it happens before, or about the puberty or being of ripe age or after it; further as to the Effica∣cy of the disease into strong and weak, for as much as the Paroxisms or Fits are with, or without the disorder of spirits, and falling as to its inordinate manner, whose assaults are wandring and uncertain, moreover it is wont to be distinguished according to the peculi∣ar Symptoms in these or those sick people, by reason of some disposition, or mani∣fold I diosyncrasy, or propriety of the Temperament.

But from what has been said before of very many of the symptoms, which are to be met with in this disease, the causes do easily appear, so that there will be no need here to consider all of them: but of some of them, which seem more intrinsecate, it will not be from the matter to discourse in this place.

We will therefore first of all inquire, why those sick of this disease, do not fall as those that are apoplectick, or have swounding fits, but are rather stricken down wirh vi∣olence * 1.3 against the Earth or any other bodies, that are by chance opposite to them, as if they were smitten down by some wicked Spirit, so that very often some part of the head, or face is hurt with the violent fall: And those so distempered, even like the Daemonaicks in the Gospel, are frequentIy flung into the fire, or the water; but it may be here decla∣red, that the Epilepticks become obnoxious to these kind of evils, for that the fit com∣ing upon them, all knowledg or providence is taken from them; and further, the nerves neighbouring to the head, being strongly contracted, the whole bulk of the body is carried away headlong: but in the Syncope and Apoplexie, the fall of the distempered body, seems as the ruines of a building, which happens by reason that its Props are taken away: but indeed in the falling Sickness, it is no otherwise than if a house were over∣thrown by the blowing up of gunpowder, which is removed much from the place where it stood.

Secondly, It is commonly esteemed a great Pathognomick, or Peculiar Symptom of * 1.4 the Epilepsie, if when the diseased being fallen to the earth, and suffering most horrid Convulsions, there flows from the mouth, a spumous spittle or foam, which indeed is thought to be pressed from the brain, being strongly contracted into the Palate: But in truth, though it be granted that this flux of spume be very often a sign of the falling Sickness, yet it is not so appropriated to this disease, but that the same sometimes happens in the Apoplexie, in deep sleep, in hysterical distempers, and other convulsive diseases: Besides this kind of foam, does not descend from the Brain, for there is no passage

open, by which it may pass, but from the Lungs being inflated and elevated even to the Larinx, or the top of the sharp Arterie, from whence spittle foams forth, with a cer∣tain fervency and ebullition: For the fit of the falling evil growing urgent, when most of the Nerves in the whole Body are drawn together, those also that serve for the motions of the Lungs and Diaphragma, suffer most cruel Convulsions, and listing up all the Praecordia upwards, continue them almost immovable, in a long Systole, so that the breathing, and pulse, cannot be at all perceived; In the mean time, because the blood straitned within the bosom of the heart distends it, and also almost choaks it, the Lungs however hindred that they cannot be moved after their wonted and natural manner, perform what they can, with a thick and hasty agitation, whereby the blood may be drawn forth from the Heart; by which endeavour of theirs, the shaking air, by the frequent or thick respiration, raises the viscous or clammy humidity into froth, like the shaking of the white of an Egg; by and by it lifts it upwards towards the ca∣vity of the mouth, and so at last drives it out of doors: wherefore a foam or spumous spittle does often succeed in other Distempers, where the pneumonic or breathing Nerves are either contracted, or are hindred from performing their Function.

Thirdly, Moreover, from the same reason it comes to pass, that some Epilepticks being fallen to the ground, beat most grievously their Breasts with their Hands, and * 1.5 are hardly to be held from it: for when the Praecordia being troubled with the Spasm, and hindred that they cannot move themselves after their wonted manner, and the blood stagnating in them, not without a great oppression of the heart, threatens a suf∣focation of Life; then it is that the sick strikes their Breast, to wit, that the Praecordia so shaken, and as it were moved up and down, might renew their motions, and so the blood might be relieved from its stagnation, and the heart from its heavy oppressi∣on: and this is done after the same manner, as when some that are sleeping being tickled, or bit by a flea, unknown to themselves, presently rub, or scratch the affected place.

As to the Prognostication of the Disease, we have already declared, that it is of ve∣ry difficult cure, which difficulty consists in this, that the middle of the Brain (in which * 1.6 is the chief spring and fountain of the animal spirits) is very much debilitated, not only by the Morbifick cause, but also by its effects, to wit, the several fits; and its pores loosened, so that they lie open for the entrance of every Heterogeneous matter: and so the Morbid disposition it self being confirmed by the repeated Paroxisms, and taking deeper root, it is hardly taken away. But it is to be observed, that the Epilepsie sometimes terminates of it self, and is sometimes overcome by the help of Medicines: which happens about the age of puberty, and then only; so that who are not cured, that time being elapsed, that is before the twenty fifth year of age, they scarce ever after recover their health; for about the time of ripe age there is a two∣sold alteration of the humane Body, and therefore there often happens a solution or loosing of the Falling sickness, or of any other Disease deeply rooted: For first, at that time, the genital humor begins to be heaped together in the spermatick Vessels, from whence it follows, that the spiritious Particles, and what are wont to grow to them, nitro-sulphureous and Mo•…•…bifick Particles are laid up, not only in the brain, but also in the testicles: wherefore if this Heterogeneous Copula of the spirits be more plentifully carried to that new store house, from thence the brain be∣coming sree, often leaves the Epileptical or otherways Morbid disposition. 2. About the time of ripe age, as the Blood pours forth something before destinated for the brain through the spermatic Arteries to the genitals, so also it receives as a recom∣pence, a certain ferment from those parts through the Veins, to wit, certain Particles imbued with a seminal tincture, are carried back into the bloody mass, which makes it vigorous, and inspire into it a new and lively virtue; wherefore at that time the gifts both of the Body and Mind chiefly shew themselves; Hairs break out, the Voice be∣comes greater, the Courses of Women flow, and other accidents happen, whereby it is plain, that both the Blood and Nervous Juyce, are impregnated with a certain fresh ferment: wherefore the Morbific ferments or seeds, unless they be overcome by this new natural ferment, they afterwards continue untameable even to death.

But that the Epilepsie is sometimes cured by the help of Medicines, experience doth testify: we shall anon Discourse of the method of healing, and shew the reasons of the most famous Medicines; in the mean time, as to what further belongs to the prog∣nostication of this Disease, if it end not about the time of ripe age, neither can be driven away by the use of Medicines, there happens yet a divers event in several sick * 1.7 Patients, for it either ends immediately in Death, or is changed into some other Disease, to wit, the Palsie, Stupidity, or Melancholy, for the most part incurable.

As to the former, when as the fits are often repeated, and every time grow more cruel, the animal function is quickly debilitated: and from thence, by the taint, by de∣grees brought on the Spirits, and the Nerves serving, the Praecordia the vital function is by little and little enervated, till at length the whole body languishing, and the pulse being loosned, and at length ceasing, at last the vital flame is extinguished.

But that this Disease often ends in the palsie, melancholly, or madness, the reason is, because the tone, and confirmation of the brain is depraved by the often explosions of the animal Spirits, and at length its natural state is so perverted, that by the morbi∣fick particles of another kind also admitted, the spirits are fixed, nor are any more exact∣ly prone to explosions, but rather sometimes by a contrary vice introduced, their Elast∣ick virtue is too much wanting, so that they become dull and fluggish beyond measure; even, as oftentimes the intemperature of the blood, being more cold than it should be, admits the more intense burning of a fever: and indeed, these depressions of the spirit happens partly by their own proper fault; for that their more agil particles being too much explosed, the more dull or heavy, are only left, and from them they are supplied; but partly, as we have said, they happen from the fault of the brain; for that its pores and passages, are so dilated and opened, from the often paroxisms of this falling evil, that af∣terwards, there is an open passage made, for any heterogeneous, and divers kinds of morbifick particles, to enter with the Nervous juice.

Thus much for the Diagnosis and Prognosis, the description and judgment of the Epi∣lepsie, or falling sickness; in the unfolding of which, it was necessary to bring reasons * 1.8 not altogether abstruse and different from the common Pathology, neither are we con∣strained to receede in the Therapeatick or Curatory part of this Disease from the com∣mon and usual method of curing in other distempers: But in truth, the prescriptions of such who follow the ordinarily received Opinions, by which, for the most part, they endeavour to carry away, and wholly to eradicate the morbifick matter, by Catharticks only, do little or nothing avail in the falling sickness, yea they are wont frequently to be hurtful to it. I have known some famous Practiti•…•…ners, omitting wholly the series of the Curatory intentions, betake themselves to certain Emperical Remedies, without the foresight of the whole; this kind of practise, though some∣times it succeeds happily, would much more certainly perform the proposed cure, if the body being rightly prepared, they should in like manner take away all Impe∣diments, by other medicines.

Wherefore, the Indications concerning the cure of the Falling Sickness, shall be (as they are commonly set down) either curatory, which have respect to the Fit, and drive it away either coming on, or when upon them, to set it going the sooner: or prophyla∣ctick or preventory, which have respect to the Cause of the Disease, which if they can take away, its accessions will be inhibited afterwards.

A general evacuation has scarce any place in the former Intention; for in the fit, neither a Vomit, or Purge, and very rarely the opening a vein, are wont to be administred; if the amazed insensibility and disorder continues very long, sometimes a Clyster is wont to be used, but what that chiefly aims at is, to fix the too fierce and volatile animal Spi∣rits, and also to suppress their begun explosions: For which ends, two kind of Reme∣dies chiefly are made use of; to wit, First, such as repress the animal spirits, being too apt to grow fierce and to leap forth, and repel them with some perfume that is ingrate∣ful to them, and compel them into order: which thing indeed medicines imbued with a volatile, or armoniack salt, or also with a vitriolic sulphur do effect, of which kind are salt and oyl of Amber, Spirits of Blood, Harts-horn, Sut, tincture os Castor, and such like: for these being inwardly taken, or put to the nose, oftentimes bring help, and the evil spirits of this Disease are thought to be driven away, even as in Tobit, the Devil was by the fume of the gall of a fish. Secondly, the animal spirits are called away, or hin∣dred from their begun explosions, when they are allured, or held busied in some work they are accustomed to: wherefore, the fit urging, frictions being used, and for some time continued thorow the whole body do often help: but some that set upright the diseased, and altogether hold or restrain their arms and legs, from thcir convulsive motion, or hold them violently in this or that posture; that also blow things into their noses to make them sneese, and pour down strong Cordials at the mouth, and apply either Cupping∣glasses, and Scarrifications, and handle more sharply with other manner of administra∣tions those sick people, and disturb the manner of the fit, I say this kind of practife is most often too roughly instituted or ordained: because after this manner there is a double trouble put upon nature, to wit, one from the disease, and the other not lighter from the standers by, and helpers, when it were much better, for the fit to be suffered to pass over after its own manner, and the sick to endure but one trouble only.

Truly the chiefest care of a Physician, and efficacy of Medicines is used about the prevention of this Disease, that the cause being taken away, or its root cut off, all the fruits might wither; Medicines requisite to this indication, respect many intentions, which may yet be reduced to those two chief heads; to wit, in the first place, that the enkindling or matter of the Disease being supplied immediately from the vicious blood, or nervous juice, and mediately srom the Viscera and first passages be cut off; then in the second place, that the evil disposition of the brain, and the spirits its inhabitants, which is peculiar to the Epilepsie, be taken away.

As to the first indication here, Vomits, Purges, and other things, both evacuating, and altering, yea Phlebotomy, and Cauteries have place; forasmuch as by these means and ways the impurities both of the viscera and humors are subdued or brought away, and their dyscrasie or evil disposition amended: for although these kind of Medicines, and Medical administrations, rarely or never cure the Epilepsie by themselves; yet those take away impediments, set nature upright, and incite her to encounter her enemy; also, they prepare the way, that so specific Remedies might more certainly and effica∣ciously shew their virtues; wherefore, usually, whilst they take care to cure this Di∣sease, with secrets and hidden mysteries, they make use of those kind of Medicines between whiles, in the Spring, and Autumn, and other fit times.

Secondly, As to specific Remedies, which indeed only, though not alwaays, are able to reach the Epilepsie and to subdue it; of which sort are the Male Paeony, Missletoe, Rue, Castor, the Claws of an Elk, preparations of a dead mans Skull, Amber, Coral, with many others. Forasmuch as these are taken without any sensible evacuation, or also perturbation following in the viscera or humors, it is a wonder by what formal reason, or virtue of acting, they are wont at any time to help in this Disease.

Concerning this matter, intricate and obscure enough, if the•…•…e may be place for conjecture, when as we have already asserted the procatartick cause of the Epilepsie, * 1.9 to consist in the Heterogeneous Copula, joyning or cleaving to the spirits inhabiting the Brain, and inciting them to preternatural explosions; it follows, that those things which take away, or resist such a cause, must be of that nature, that by strengthning the brain, and binding up its pores, may exclude that Copula, and so fix, and as it were bind the spirits, flowing within the middle or marrow of the brain, from leaving their Copula, that they shall not be any more apt or prone to irregular explosions; perhaps after the same manner, as when Gun-powder or Aurum-fulminans being pounded with Sulph ur, or sprinkled with spirit of Vittiol, loses its thundering virtue. And indeed, these kind of properties, to wit, one or both of them may be suspected, yea, in a man∣ner detected, in most anti-Epileptick Remedies: For truly, Paeony, Missletoe, Rue, the Lilie of the Vally, with many others, abound in a certain manifest astriction, that 'tis likely, their Particles being taken inwardly, and so dilated to the brain, by the Vehicle of the blood and nervous juice, do so bind, and shut up its too loose and open pores, that afterwards they do not lie open, for the passage of the Morbifick matter: Besides, for that these vapourous Concerts, breathe forth as it were an Armodiack scent or scattering; therefore they are said to purifie the animal spirits, to fix them, ond to strengthen them, having put off their Heterogeneous Copula: This virtue purifying the spirits, proceeding from an Armoniac Salt, is more apparent in Remedies, which are taken from the famuly of Minerals and Animals, such are the preparations of the hu∣mane Skull, of Bl•…•…od, Amber, and Coral, as the other, more binding, rather exists, in the parts and preparations of Vegitables.

It will not be needful here, for the curing of the Epilepsie, to propose a compleat method of healing, with exact forms of preseriptions, because there are extant every where among Authors, general Precepts, and most choice Remedies; and the prudent Physician will easily accommodate, both the Indications, and that plentiful provision of Medicinal stuff, to the particular cases of the sick. But because we have exhibited a quite new Theorie of this Disease, here also ought to be rendred a curatory me∣thod fitted for it: which we shall describe by and by more fully, after we have shewn you some Cases or Histories of people sick of the Epilepsie.

A fair Maid, sprung from Parents indifferently healthful, being her self very well, till about her coming to ripe age, about that time, she began to complain of her head being * 1.10 ill: And first of all, she felt near the fore-part of her head, by fits, a vertigo or giddiness, whereby all things seemed to run round; and also whilst this symptom continued, she was wont to talk idlely, and to forget whatever she had but just done: These kind of fits at first pass'd away within a quarter of an hour, and came again only once or twice in a Month, in the interval of which she was well enough: Afterward, the as∣saults being made more grievous by degrees, they also return'd more often, and with∣in half a Year, her Brain being daily more weakend, this giddiness or turning round

was plainly changed into the Epilepsie, that the sick being struck down to the ground at every fit, was assected with Insensibility, and horrid convulsions, and also with foam at the mouth. The Domesticks observed, that she always fell on the same side, so that sitting near the fire, if she sate in the right Corner she would be flung in the midst of the fire, but if in the left Corner, she fell against the wall of the Chimny: once when being left alone in the house, she fell upon the burning Coals, and so miserably burnt her face, and forepart of her head, that the skull being made bare of the skin and flesh, a deep and large escar was burnt into it: and afterwards the outer shell of it fell off a hands breadth. In the mean time the sick Maid, so long as the ulcers contracted by the burning, ran with filthy matter, she was free from the fits; but afterwards, they being healed up, the falling evill returned: This Disease began first to shew it self about the time of Puberty; for this maid, presently after the beginning of it, had her Courses, and afterwards they constantly observed their set times, tho her distemper grew daily worse: Various kinds of Medicines being administred to this sick Creature, availed no∣thing, because it was the custome and practise of her and her friends, quickly to change both the Physician, and method of Physick, if any happy event did not presently follow, and to betake themselves very much to every Emperick, and outlandish Moun∣tebank.

That in this Case, the Vertigineous Distemper, with a short delirium, was the forerun∣ner of the Epilepsie, it plainly argues, the original of this Disease being planted in the middle of the brain, to depend upon a certain inordination of the Spirits; to wit, those dwelling there, at the beginning, begun to admit an heterogeneous Copula; which being more plentifully heaped up, being moved either of its own accord, or occasio∣nally, while it was shaken off, induced by reason of the Spirits being disturbed, and not yet very explosive those former distempers; Afterwards, from the same cause by degrees growing worse, the perturbations of the Spirits did raise up their manifest explosions, and changed the vertigo, and Delirium into the Epilepsie.

But that this Maid began to be sick, about the time of ripe age, it hence evidently follows, as the natural ferment, so sometimes the praeternatural, explicates it sels, first at that time; wherefore as it happens, that the menstruous purgations do then first break forth, so the seeds of the falling sickness, whether innate or acquired, then budded forth a little, and by degrees were ripened into fruit: when the preternatural Ferment first appears, ofttimes the natural following blots it out, hence the Epilepsie of young ones, often ends about the time of puberty or ripe age, but if that ferment or taint of the di∣sease, comes after the menstruous flux, or together wlth it, and ceases not presently, it re∣mains for the most part afterwards, during life, of it self untameable, and not to be over∣come by any Remedies.

From this Observation, that a Cautery accidentally, and by chance, being made on this sick party, freed her from the fits of the Disease, it may be inserred that fontanells or issues, may be profitably adminlstred, in the cure of the Epilepsie: for wheresoever an emislary is opened for the constant carrying away of the serous water, both from the blood and nervous juice, there very many heterogeneous and morbifick particles flow out with it, that therefore the brain might remain free.

The Daughter os a Brewer of Oxford, had been very obnoxious to a Rheume falling * 1.11 into her eyes from her Infancy, otherwise strong and sound enough, also accustomed daily to hard labour, about the 14. year of her age, she began to be tormented with Epi∣leptick fits, of which she suffered near the greater changes of the Moon, especially then returning: Being asked to endeavour her Cure, I gave her a Vomit of precipitate Solar, and ordered it to be renewed three days before every new and full Moon; besides that she should take at every turn for four days after the Vomit, twice in a day, a dram of male-Paeonie root in powder with a draught of black Cherry water. By these remedies, the fits so long intermitted, that the disease seemed to be cured. Afterwards when they returned again, she was again recoveted by the use of those medicines: and then the menstruous flux breaking forth, and observing its true periods, she remained for the future free from that disease.

The Therapeutic or Curatory Method.

IN the Curing of the Epilepsie, I judg it fit to begin with a Cathartick, and if the sick can easily bear vomiting, first let an Emetick be administred, and for several months let it be repeated, four days before the full of the Moon. For infants and youths, may be prescribed wine of Squils, mixed with fresh Oyl of Sweet Almonds, or also of Salt of Vitriol, f•…•…om half a Scruple, to 1. Scruple: For those of riper years, and of a

stronger Constitution may be prescribed the following forms of Medicines. Take * 1.12 of Crocus mettalorum, or of Mercurius vitae gr. iiii. to vi. of Mercurius Dulcis grain xvi. ℈ i. let them be bruised together in a mortar, mix it with the pap of a rosted Apple or of Conserve of Burage one Ounce, make a Bolus; or you may take an infusion of Crocus Mettalorum or Mercurius Vitae made in Spanish Wine from half an Ounce to an Ounce and a half, or take of Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht gr. iv. to vi. who are of a tenderer Constitution, let them take of the Salt of Vitrial ℈ i. to ʒ ss, and half an hour after let them drink several pints of posset-drink; then with a feather or finger put down the throat, let vomiting be provoked, iterate it often.

The day following the vomiting, unless any thing shall prohibit, let blood be taken out of the Arm, or from the Hemerhod Veins with a Leech: then the next day after, let a purging medicine be taken, which afterwards may be repeated constantly four days eve∣ry new Moon.

Take Resine af Jalop ℈ ss, Mercurius Dulcis ℈ i. of Castor gr. iii. of Conserve of the Flowers of paeony one ounce, make it into a Bolus. Take pill faetida the greater ℈ii. of Hysteri∣ca * 1.13 what will suffice, make thereof v. pills. Take of the strings of black bellibore mace∣rated in Vinegar, dried and powdered half an ounce of Ginger ℈ss. of the Salt of Wormwood gr. xii. of the Oyl of Amber drops ii. make a powder, let it be given in the Pap of an Apple. Take of the powder of Hermodactils compound one ounce, of humane Skull prepared gr. vi. make a powder, let it be given in a draught of the decoction of byssop or Sage.

On those days that they do not purge, especially about the time of the changing of the Moon, let there be administred Specifick Remedies morning and evening, which are said to cure this disease, with a certain innate and secret virtue: of these there are extant a very great company, and are prescribed in various forms of Compositions.

The most simple Medicines which experience hath found to be very Efficacious, are * 1.14 the Root of the male Paeony, and the seeds of the same. Take of the Root of the male Paeo∣ny dried and powdered one ounce, to ii. or iii. let it be given twice a day in the following Tincture. Take of the leave of Mesletow of the Oak two ounces, of the root of Paeony slic'd half an ounce, of Castor one Ounce; let them be put into a close Vessel with simple water of Betony or Paeony, and white-wine, each lb i. of the Salt of Misletow of the Oak or the common Misletow two Ounces, let them digest close in the hot sand for ii. days, let them take three Ounces with a dose of the aforesaid powder.

Poor people may take of the aforesaid powder in a decoction of Hysop or Castor, made with fair water and white-wine.

At the same time let the Root of Paeony be cut into little bits, and being strung upon a thred, hung about the neck. Also let the Roots being fried in a pan, or boiled tender, be eaten daily withs their meat.

Take of the Root and Seeds of the male Paeony each two Ounces, of Misletow of the Oak, of the boof of Elk one dram each let them be sliced and bruised, and put into a thin silk bag, and hang at the pit of the Stomack.

Among the Specisicks, this powder is greatly commended by many Authors. Take * 1.15 of Caster Opoponax, Dragons blood, Antimony and the seed of Paeony, each alike, make a powder, of which may be taken half an Ounce to one Ounce every morning, with wine or some proper decoction, or with black Cherry water.

Take of a mans Skull prepared one Ounce, of Misletow of the Oak, of Counterfeit Cina∣ber, of an Elks Claw, each half an Ounce, so mingle them. The dose is ℈ ss. to a Scru∣ple.

If the form of powder be distastful to any one, or if it should become loathsome by the long use of it, Electuaries, Pills, Troches, Spirits, and Elixirs, each of which agree with specifick medicines, are wont to be prescribed.

Take of the Conserve of the male Paeony, of the Lilly of the Valley each three Oun∣ces, of the seed and root of the male Paeony powdered each ʒ ii. prepared Coroll ʒ i. of * 1.16 the powder of Pearls, and of humane Skull prepared, each two scruples, of the salt of Missletow of the Oak ʒ i. ss. with what will suffice of the Syrop of Corall, make an Electu∣ary, let them take of it morning and evening, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Take of the Powder of the root of the male Paeony one Ounce, of the seeds of the same half an Ounce, of Misletoe of the Oak, of an Elks claw, of humane Skull, prepared each two drams; of the roots of Angelica, Contrayerva, Verginian Snakewood, each ʒ i. of the whitest Amber, of Calcined Corall each ʒ i. of the Common sort of Misletow, ʒ ii. of Sugar Candy eight ounces dissolved in what will suffice, of the Antiepileptical water of Lan∣gius. Make a Confection, of which take twice in a day the quantity of a Nutmeg.

These Powders, by adding to them the Salt of Amber, and harts-horn, with what will suffice of Balsome Capivi may be formed into a pillurary Mass, of which may be taken * 1.17 iii. or iv. pills, in the morning and evening, drinking after them a draught of some ap∣propriat Liquor.

Or of those sorts may be prepared an Elixir, of which may be taken viii. drops to x. twice in a day, in a spoonful of a proper Julup, drinking a little of it after it.

Take of Hungarian Vitriol vi. Pints, let them be distill'd with a Glass retort in hot * 1.18 sand for 24 hours, then let the same retort, being desended or done over with Clay, be put with a large receiver in a reverberating Furnace, that the acid spirits may be forced with a most strong fire, till they come forth. The whole Liquor being distilled, let it be drawn off in hot sand, in a lesser Glass retort, and let there be poured into the Matrace, of the roots of Male-Paeony cut into pieces and dried, four Ounces of the seed of the same, one Ounce of humane Skull prepared, of Elks claws and red Coral each half an Ounce, Missletow of the Oak ii Drams, let it digest with a gentle heat for several days, to the extraction of a tincture, the Liquor being decantated, let it be drawn off in a Glass retort to a third part remaining: being stilled forth, keep it by it self: to those remains, pour of the rectified spirit of Wine a little quantity, impregnated with the infusion of the same ingredients, and let it digest for six days in Horse dung, the Dose of which is half a Scruple to a Scruple. The distilled Liquor may be given from half a spoonful to a whole spoonful, for the same intentions.

Or let there be prepared an Oil, out of the Salt of Venus, or Copper, according to the description of Henry Van Heers, and given as there prescribed.

Among the specifick Remedies, which (when the former shall not be profitable) * 1.19 ought also to be tried, are the Livers of Frogs, the Gall of a Boar dried with Urine, the Powder of Bryony Root. The Powder of a Cuckoe, of Crows; the Runnet and Lights of a Hare, the Liver of a Wolf, stones taken out of Swallows, the Liver of a Kite, the Eggs of Crows; with many more, to be daily taken with Food or Medicine; a famous Catalogue of which is extant of Henry Van Brays, a Physician of Zutphen: and from which prescripts for poor people may be taken, easie to be prepared, and without great cost.

Whilst these kind of Remedies are to be taken inwardly, according to the aforesaid method, some outward administrations being applied, bring help, and are deservedly admitted to part of the cures; therefore, always Issues are made in this Disease, in one fit place or other; and also more often Vesicatories or Blisters.

Amulets hung about the Neck, or born at the pit of the Stomach, are thought to * 1.20 be useful: The fresh Roots of Paeony cut into little squares, and being strung like Brace∣lets, and hung round about the Neck, and as soon as they are dry, let new be put in their places, and they being reduced to Powder, may be taken inwardly: Take of the Roots and Seeds of Paeony each ii. Drams, of an Elks Claw, and humane Skull pre∣pared, each one Dram, of Missletoe of the Oak half a Dram, let them be beaten into gross Powder, and sewed in a piece of red Silk, and like a little bag, let it be hanged about the Neck.

An Amulet of a Stalk of the Elder, found growing in the Willow-tree, is greatly com∣mended.

It agrees with some, to have their heads shaven, and a Plaister applied to the fore∣part. * 1.21 Take of the root and seeds of Paeony, of Castor, Missletoe of the Oak, of humane Skull most finely Powder'd, each one Dram, of Bettony Plaister two Ounces, Caranna, Tacamahacca, each two Drams, Balsum Capive, what will suffice, make a mass, and let it be spread upon Leather, make a Plaister for the suters of the Head.

Let the Temples and Nostrils be often anointed with Oil of Amber, by it self, or mixed with Oil Capive.

Sneezing Powders, and such as purge the Head of Rhume, are to be used daily in * 1.22 the Mornings: Take of white Hellebore one Dram, of Castor, and Euphorbium, each half a Dram, the Leaves of sweet Marjorum, and Rue, each two Drams, make a Pow∣der; make a decoction of Sage or Hyssop, with Mustard dissolved in it, with which gar∣gle the Mouth and Throat.

A Glister may be sometimes used, as need shall require.

Sometimes the more solid Medicines are to be moistned with liquids, or they ought to be drunk after them, for which end Distilled waters should be at hand, Julups, Tinctures, or Decoctions; which are endued with a certain Specific virtue against this Disease.

Take of Hungarian Vitriol four Pound, of the Powder of fresh human Skull, four * 1.23 Ounces, of the root of Paeony sliced, six Ounces, let them be bruised together in a Mor∣ter, put to them either of Spanish-wine, or small white-wine, or wine made of the juice of black-Cherries, a quart; being fermented in a Vessel, let it be distill'd in a Glass∣retort, in hot sand.

Take of the shavings of Box-wood, of Hungarian Vitriol, each two pound, of the Missletoe of the Oak, or the common Missletoe leaves, three handfuls, of Rue two hand∣fuls,

being bruised together, put to it of Spanish-wine, four pints: Let them be distill'd in a Glass Cucurbit, with hot sand.

Take of common Vitriol fix pound, of the root of the Male Paeony six Ounces, of * 1.24 the Missletoe of the Oak one Ounce, of green Walnuts eight Ounces; being cut and bruised, let them be distilled in a Glass. pot, a Glass Alembick being placed upon it, in hot sand. Take of this Liquor one pint, of black Cherry-water, and of the water of the flowers of the Toil, or Line-tree, each half a pint, of white-Sugar four Ounces, mix them, and make a Julup; the Dose two Ounces to three Ounces, twice or thrice in day.

Oxymel of Squils, also an bony decoction with Hyssop, are much praised by the Ancients. Or an Apoz•…•…m of this kind may be prepared, of which may be taken four Ounces, to six or seven, twice in a day.

Take of the roots of Male Paeony, Angellica, Imperatoria, Valerian, each six Drams, of the leaves of Betony, Sage, Lilly of the Valley, Penny-Royal, each one handful, of the * 1.25 seeds of Rue, Nigella, each three Drams, Paeony half an Ounce, of Raisins three Ounces, of Liquorish half an Ounce, being cut and bruised, let them be boiled in six pints of Spring-water, to the consumption of the third part. Towards the end, add of black Cherry-wine half a pint, or ten ounces, strain and keep it in close Vessels. The Dose is from six to eight Ounces, twice in a day, after the afore-prescribed Remedies.

Or the aforesaid ingredients, excepting the Liquorish, and Raisins, may be boiled in six pints of Hydromel, or Water and Hony, or Meath, to the consumption of the third part. The Dose four to six Ounces.

If that the aforesaid method, consisting in the use of Catbarticks, and Specificks, being for some time tried, and altogether in vain, you must come to Remedies of another * 1.26 kind, and chiefly to those called Great, or Notable: In this rank are placed Diaphore∣ticks, Salivation, Bathes, and Spaws.

Alphonsus Ferrius affirms, That he had cured many Epileptical people, with a de∣coction of simple Guaicum, being prescribed twice in a day, and taken to six or eight Ounces, and its second decoction drunk (as in the cure of the Pox) instead of ordinary drink. If to such a decoction the roots of Paeony and other Specificks should be added, perhaps it would be more efficacious. It seems probable, that a Salivation strongly excited from Mercury, and afterwards a Sudoriferous or Sweating-Diet following, might certainly cure this Disease. What Baths, or Spaw-waters are able to do, I have not observ'd, either by my own or others experience. Perhaps I have made trial, that our Artificial Spaws sometimes have been available in curing the Epilepsie, to wit both those impregnated with Iron, and also with Antimony, and taken in a great quantity for many days.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Reason of the Epilepsie which is said to be excited by consent.
• * 1.2

  Other diffe∣rences of the Epilepsie.
• * 1.3

  Why Epilep∣ticks fall down with violence.
• * 1.4

  From whence the Foam at the mouth of these troubled with the fal∣ling sickness comes.
• * 1.5

  Why some in the falling knock their Breasts.
• * 1.6

  The prognosti∣cation of the Disease.
• * 1.7

  The Epilepsie is changed into other Diseases.
• * 1.8

  Of the Cura∣tory part of the Epilepsie.
• * 1.9

  In what the Virtue of the specificks con∣sists in the Epilepsie.
• * 1.10

  1. Observation.
• * 1.11

  2. Observation.
• * 1.12

  Vomitaries.
• * 1.13

  Purges.
• * 1.14

  Specisicks.
• * 1.15

  Powders.
• * 1.16

  Electuaries.
• * 1.17

  Pills.
• * 1.18

  Elixir.
• * 1.19

  Emperical Remedies.
• * 1.20

  Amulets.
• * 1.21

  Plaisters.
• * 1.22

  Sternutories or sneezing powders.
• * 1.23

  Distill'd Wa∣ter.
• * 1.24

  Julups.
• * 1.25

  Apozems.
• * 1.26

  Great Reme∣diet.