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.

Of Convulsive Diseases.

CHAPTER I. Of Spasms or Convulsive Motions in General.

IN handling the Convulsive Distempers, many Physitians distinguish between the Spasme or Convulsion, and Convulsive Motion; by the first they understand a con∣stant Contraction, whereby the Member becomes stiff and inflexible; by the Second, swist motions, and Concussions; which, coming between, cease, and return alternaetly: But neither those who have observed these notes of difference, nor other Authors, have taken notice that they are continual: for that by the words Spasme, and Convulsion, they often design a certain Spasmodick or Convulsive Affection; wherefore to distinguish it better, we will call the former distemper with Cardan, Teta∣non, a continual Convulsive Cramp; but the other Spasme, or a Convalsive motion in general.

But that the irregular Nature and Causes of Convulsive motion, might more rightly have been made known, it should first have been declared, after what manner the regu∣lar motive function is effected in an animated body: but the more full Consideration of this, because it belongs to the Physiologie, or Reasoning of the Nature of the Brain, and Nervous stock, it is deferred to another Discourse: For the present, we will signifie in a word, as much as shall serve for the elucidation of the matter proposed. That the * 1.1 animal Spirits are the next instrument of regular motion, and that their Action, or mo∣ving force, consists only, in that they being more thickly heaped up together, in the mo∣tive part, and there spreading themselves in a more large space, they blow it up, and in∣tumefie * 1.2 it; which for that reason, being contracted, as to its length, draws to it self the part hanging to it. In our description of the N•…•…ves already published, we have shown this kind of motion to be twofold, to wit, Spontaneous, and meerly natural, the In∣stinct of this is derived from the Cerebel, but of that from the brain, but both through the pipes of the Nerves, as it were the channels, both to the muscles, and also to the fibres, interwoven with the membrains, and other motive parts of the Parenchyma, or in∣wards; Lastly, in all these, the various actions are so expeditiously effected, which either natural necessity, or the rule of the will requires, by that only means, that there is an intimate Conjunction, and communication of Duty, and most swist Commerce, be∣tween the animal Spirits, which constitute the Hypostasts of the sensitive Soul, within the foresaid parts, disposed, or fitted by a continued Series. But there is this notable diffe∣rence between the motion of a muscle, and that performed by other parts; for in these * 1.3 the action is most often circumscribed within the bounds of the motive body, so as its membranes only, or one part of the inward moves another, and consequently this is moved of its neighbour: But in the musculous stock, usually the moving part is placed in one member, and to be moved of another next it (although within some musculous part, as the Heart and Diaphragma, they properly for the most part move themselves only) hence the Membranes and inwards, are said to have as it were an intestine and vermicular Motion; such as whereever it is begun, the Spirits there more thickly gather together, and spreading themselves forth, they first intumifie this part, then going for∣ward another, and so farther, till at last they draw the hindermost parts, and by this means transfer an intumifaction, and therefore a motion, from one place to another; almost after the same manner as worms, and other creeping creatures make their pro∣gression. But to this motive function of the Membranes and Inwards, if it be frequent or undiscontinued, plenty of spirits are required, which notwithstanding execute their task calmly enough, without tumult or great force: And indeed it is to be observed, that the Animal Spirits flow not more sparingly into the Membraneous Inwards, than into the Muscles; as it appears from the more exquisite sense of those parts, and by the manifold insertion of Nerves within them, and the diversity of divarication, through the foldings and fibres, altho in the mean time the muscles are watered with a more plentiful influx of Blood: But as to the motion, performed in the musculous stock, the heaping together, and rarefaction of the Spirits, through the whole jointing of the mo∣tive

part, suddenly and unfolded, are performed with such force, and strength, as the attraction of the muscle, in its motive endeavour, may exceed the force of a pully or windlace; and when this force only depends on the expansion or rarefaction of the Spi∣rits, seated in the motive part, we conceive it to be no otherwise, but that the Spirits so expansed or stretched forth, as it were fired, after the manner of gunpowder, to be * 1.4 explodedor thrown out. But we may suppose, that to the spirituous Saline particles, of the spirits inhabiting the interwoven fibres in the muscle, other nitrous sulphureous parti∣cles, of a diverse kind, do come, and grow intimately with them, from the arterous blood, flowing every where within the same fibres: Then as often as the particles of ei∣ther kinde, as Nitre and Sulphur combined together, by reason of the instinct of moti∣on brought through the nerves, are moved, as an inkindling of fire, forthwith on the other side bursting forth, or being exploded, they suddenly blow up the Muscle, and from thence cause a most strong drawing together; for indeed it seems to be ordained for this end, that the Muscles are imbrewed much more plentifully with the arterous blood, than the membraneous inwards; to wit, that the Elastick coupling of the spirits, being consumed, and perpetually falling off, through the very often, and sometimes continual motion, might be by that means supplied, from the fresh sanguineous juice: in the mean time, that the spirits themselves, being supplied in a smaller quantity, through the small nerves, might even like old Soldiers continue longer in the same station, and follow their manifold coupling or labour. How else are labouring beasts supplied with a sufficient stock of spirits, for so much labour; whilst they exercise almost all their muscles, by a swift course for many hours, yea sometimes a whole day? or who can believe that a little handful of spirits brought through the small branches of the wandring and In∣tercostal pairs of the Nerves to the heart, can be able by their own strength to effect that its so strong and indiscontinued motion? Indeed it seems, that of necessity there must come to them from the blood perpetually, auxiliarie aid, and those afterwards to be al∣ways exploded. For this reason certainly, the motive virtue, hoth of the Heart, and the rest of the Muscles, becomes more strong and Elastick, above any mechanick Or∣gan: to wit, for as much as the animal spirits, acting every where in the musculous stock, get to themselves an explosive Copula.

If any one shall be displeased at the word Explosion, not yet used in Philosophy or Me∣dicine, so that this Spasmodick Pathologie, standing on this basis, may scem only ignoti per ignotius explicatio, an explication of unknown things by more unknown things; it will be easie to shew the effect of this kind of notion, and very many examples and In∣stances both concerning natural and artificial things, from the Analogie of whose moti∣ons, in an animated body, both regularly and irregularly performed, most apt rea∣sons are to be taken. For besides the mixtures of Nitre with Sulphur, with Tartar, and with Antimony, all which are fired with a thundring noise; also Aurum fulminans or fulminant Gold, and a Composition of salt of Tartar, with Nitre and Sulphur, without any actual fire, being only thoroughly heated, are exploded with a vehement Crash; also to this may be referred, many Liquors, which being mixed together, or poured up∣on some certain bodies, cause or stir up violent motions, and plainly explosive: The spirit of Nitre, and the Liquor of congealed Antimony, being poured on one another, or either of them thrown upon the filings of Iron, cause a great Ebullition, with heat and black Smoke. It is commonly known, what heat effervescency, and force plainly explosive, arise from fixed Salts melted together, and from acetous or sharp salt of eve∣ry kind, mixed with one another: Nor is the effect of Explosion less seen, when a liquor imbrued with a volatile Salt, as the spirit of Harts-horn, or of blood, is put to a saline, either fixed or acetous Stagma, or sulphureous Nitre, to wit, the particles being vehe∣mently stricken one against another, leap up with a force, and on every side are carri∣ed forth, a great way; which without doubt, if they were restraired within the space of any body, as the fibres of a Muscle, they would suddenly intumifie it, and so would constitute an instrument of local motion. Concerning this thing, we have more fully discoursed already in our Neurologie, or Tract of the Nerves, and perchance we may yet publish the explication of this more fully and more acurately some other time.

In the mean time that this opinion may not be thought altogether new, and that I have exposed it as a child of my own brain, that had no other Patron, I will here shew you the assertion of the famous Gassendus, which as it openly favours our Hypothesis, and in some sort gave an occasion of it; so, perhaps it will give to it some Authority. Therefore this Rational man, weighing in his mind, how much that force or strength might be, with which not only the Arm, or T•…•…igh, but the whole animal Machine, is moved, govern'd, lifted up, and carried up and down: He adds, Who can easily comprehend that small thing, whatsoever it is, within the body of an Elephant, whether we conceive it to be a foul, or spi∣rit, or any other beginning of motion, that it should be able to agitate such a bulk, and to

cause it to perform a swift and regular dance? and so much the more, for that, when as that small thing within that body, no longer flourishes, there is need of somuch outward strength to remove it never so little from its place: but indeed, the same fiery nature of the soul, serves within the body, by its own mobility, the same thing in Prop•…•…rtion, that a little flame of Gun∣powder does in a Cannon: whilst that it not only drives forth the Bullet, with so much force, but also drives back the whole Machine with so great strength. But indeed he says as to the spirits, which (like explosed Gun-podwer) cause the agitation, it is doubtful whether it be they which come from the brain, or those in the little tendons as it were of kin to them, or springing from them, that are thought to do it: But altho either of them concur, yet they seem to be more presently destinated to this office, which are those of the same kin or off-spring in the Tendons. There needs no more, it is declared, that the motive function depends on the Elastick Copula, of the animal spirits, and its decision or abating. But from this being supposed, (which indeed we may suppose with very great probability) it easily follows, that the convulsive motions proceed from the like cause: For whosoever shall consider the sudden puffings up, the violent and strong Contractions in the members and affected parts, yea, sometimes the most impetuous concussions, and violent throws of the whole body, can conceive no less, than that very many heaps of the animal spi∣rits are exploded, or thrust out, even as lightning breaking forth from a Cloud. Fur∣ther from hence it may be Argued by a reciprocal Argument, that because the Spasino∣dick motions are explosive, that therefore the regular are also produced by the explosion of Spirits: But after what manner, and by what means, and from what causes, the ani∣mal spirits being exploded, or thrust forth, produce Spasmodick Affections, shall be our present business, a little more largely and plainly to demonstrate, however difficult and abstruse the matter feems to be.

We will not here stand to recite many opinions of others, concerning the Nature and * 1.5 causes of a Spasm, or Convulsion; that which was most common, and long famous among the Ancients, that this distemper was only produced from repletion or inanition, or from fulness or emptiness, (however, besides the authority of Hipocrates, for the establishing of this, an example is brought, of a Skin, or the strings of Lutes, which * 1.6 are wont to be contracted, being either filled with a moist, or emptied by too dry an air) easily falls of it self; because it seems to suppose (that which is credible to none by Ex∣perience, the fragility of a Nerve) to wit, that the Nerves themselves, after what manner so ever abreviated, and contracted, are able with a certain force to draw to them the Muscles. If that it shall be said, that the repletion or inanition, ought to be understood, in respect of the solid parts, which were wont to be drawn together; it may be observed to the contrary, when as the Muscles and Nervous stock are very much watered with a watery humor, as in an Anasarca, or are plainly destitute of the same, as in the consumption, or Mirasmus; yet no convulsive motions are for that reason exci∣ted: among the moderns, very many have determined irritation of the Nervous parts to be the cause of Convulsion; taking their Conjecture from thence as I suppose; for that by ocular inspection it appears from the Vellication it self, and by the only touch of the Nerves, that spasms are induced: And indeed we have clearly observed in the dissection of a living whelp, that the knife being put upon the naked ends of the spinal Nerves, pre∣sently both themselves, and the Bodies of the Muscles in which they were inserted, were hauled: neither is it unusual, that spasms are excited almost in every man, by the punctures of the Nerves and Tendons. I remember by reason of an Ulcer in the arms of a certain man, that the Tendons of the Muscles were laid open, which when touch∣ed by the Surgeons Instrument, caused in the Patient a certain rigor through his whole body, and forthwith a Coneussion arising, made him to quake for a good space. But in truth, albeit, we grant the irritations of the Nervous parts, not seldom to serve the turn of the evident cause; and further that sometimes this solltary cause produces more light and transient spasms; nevertheless, that the more grievous paroxisms of this Disease, and their frequent repetitions by turns may be duly unfolded, it behoves us to investigate, or search out other and deeper causes, to wit, the conjunct and procatartick Cause.

Forasmuch as spasms never happen but in a living Body, where the Nervous parts are blown up, and grow turgid with the animal Spirit, we may readily conjecture that those animal Spirits themselves are as in regular motion, so also in the Convulsive, the next Instrument of Action: to wit, so long as they are imbued with a fit and moderate explosive Copula, and are moved to that striking forth, only by the command of the Ap∣petite, or instinct of nature, they bting forth motions altogether regular; but if the same Spirits get to themselves an heterogeneous Copula, and too much Elastick, or if they are snatched into their Actions more impetuously and vehemently than they should be; they even like unbridled Horses, pricked forward with Spurs, leap forth inordinate∣ly, or throw off, or explode violently their Copula, altho genuine and natural: and so

they carry away the containing parts, as it were a Chariot tied to them, together with * 1.7 themselves, with a fierce and perverse motion.

When therefore, as aforesaid, the Convulsive motions are chiefly stirred up for two Causes, hence as many Species of them are ordained. For first, it happens that a Con∣vulsion is induced without a procatartick Cause, or heterogeneous Copula, first acquired * 1.8 only from a solitary evident cause: For so a vehement passion, impressed on the brain, a dissolution of the parts, hapning somewhere in the Nervous stock, a spasmodick pas∣sion is suddenly brought upon some, whose brain and Nerves are of a more weak con∣stitution: for that the animal spirits do trouble the containing parts, the impropor∣tionate Object flying from them, and by striking vehemently their Copula, though very agreeing, it blows them up, and so they pull others annexed to them: Spasms being after this manner. excited, because the natural Copula of the spirits in them is stricken more vehemently, they are after a manner explosive, which notwithstanding, quickly leave off, and very often pass away with moving of the Viscera, or Members; only with a trembling, and some horror, into a fainting of the spirits. But Secondly, Con∣vulsions, whose paroxisms are more grievous, and stay longer, or are oftener repeated, seem altogether to depend on a procatartick cause, or a previous disposition, and to arise from some other conjunct cause, besides Irritation. And therefore in this case we suppose, that the heterogeneous, and greatly explosive particles, do increase with the * 1.9 spirits, acting in this or that region of the Body: then from this wicked Combination, and restless Collision of this kind of matter, and the spirits frequent and vehement explosions being brought forth, the spasmodick Paroxisms are induced.

But besides the Elastick Copula, which every where happens to the spirits, from the arterous Blood, and from whose orderly explosion the motive force is performed, according to the Book of the Appetite, or instinct of Nature, in all the Nervous parts; (as we have elsewhere declared) also sometimes other kind of little bodies, of a fierce nature, or rather like Gun-powder or Nitre, come to the spirits, and intimately ad∣here to them, when frequent and suddain divorces of this matter, from the Embraces of the spirits, happen from the mutual striking together of the particles, the contain∣ing Bodies are variously blown up, and so are thrown into Convulsive motions. In truth, as often as the Spasmodick Affection becomes habitual, that the Convulsive Pa∣roxisms arise not rarely on their own accord, and without any evident cause, but still on every light occasion; the procatartick cause of such a Disease, consists in the evil disposition of such a sort of animal spirits: For neither is the Serous filth, or other less sharp humours, although deposited in the very ventricles of the Brain, or about the o•…•…gine of the Nerves, sufficient to stir up such a sickness: For that I have seen in the heads of dead people, oftentimes the middle part of the Brain, and the very be∣ginnings of the Nerves, wholly covered with a limpid water, who, whilst they were alive, had neither the Epilepsie, nor Convulsive Motions: But to the producing of these motions, very active Bodies are required, such as are Saline, and Sulphureous, which being combined with the spirits, and then on a sudden breaking from them, they imitate the combinations and violent explosions of particular Minerals. For indeed, if in regular and ordinary motion (as we have intimated) the Muscles can∣not get a motive force, and elastick strength, unless a certain explosion of the animal spirits be supposed, certainly much more lawfully may we assert, that epileptick fits, and other admirable Convulsions, which still happen to be excited, complications of the same spirits, with other very fierce particles, and vehement elisions, or strikings of these one against another, are required. But, as to this kind of Spasmodic Copu∣la, because it differs from the natural and ordinary, which we have elsewhere shewn to be in regular motion, and to be supplied from the blood; it behoves us to inquire from whence it comes, and by what means and in what places it is wont to get to the spirits.

As to the first, it is to be observed, that Spasmodick explosions do every way hap∣pen, in the Muscles, to which only they are limited, which effect the regular motion; but also in the Membranes, to wit, the Ventricle, Mesenterie, and other parts almost without blood: besides, that the explosions themselves, in the Convulsive Affection, though they are excited contrary to the will of the Appetite, and the manner of Na∣ture, are far more vehement, and do longer continue, than in the irregular motion: out of which it seems to be manifest, that the Explosive Spasmodick Copula, doth come from some other place than the Effectrice of Legular motion: And indeed, it is pro∣bable, * 1.10 that that flows not, as this, from the arterous blood, running every where among the Musculous fibres, but descends from the Brain, with the Liquor watering the Nerves, and so is heaped up, a•…•…out their beginnings, middle, processes, enfold∣ings, and Extremities, as it were the Mine of the Convulsive Disease. Indeed nothing

appears more evident, than that the Spasmodick Disease doth most often arise by reason of the evil first fixed in the Brain, and from thence is transmitted into various parts of the Nervous System: for it happens from hence, that a vehement Passion, as of Fear, or Anger, or of Sadness of spirit, affecting the inhabitants of the Encepha∣lon, the passion called Hysteric, and Hypochondriac, doth so often arise: Further, that in the evil Crises of Fevers, when the adust recrements of the blood are transfer'd into the head, Convulsions do generally succeed. Moreover, and this is the reason, why the Vertigo, the inflation of the head, torper of the mind, and other accidents of the Supreme Region, are wont to be the proaemium of Spasms presently following in the Inwards, and not seldom in the whole Body. Wherefore it is not to be doubt∣ed, but that the heterogeneous and explosive particles, are instilled from the Blood, together with the Nervous juice, into the Brain; which afterwards being thrust forth into the Nervous stock, do there grow to the spirits, and with them bring on a Convul∣sive disposition. In truth, the Spasmodick distempers, which are either universal, or at least occupy many parts of the Body at once, arise for the most part, by this only means. But in the mean time, we will not deny but that particular Spasms, which contain themselves within certain places, the dead being no ways affected, are induced sometimes by other means. For if the Nerves imbibe their humour from either end, to wit, the root, and the extream fragments, (which both the learned Glisson main∣tains to be most likely, and by us is shewed in our Neurologie, not without great pro∣babillity) it may be from hence inferr'd, that the Spasmodick particles are brought inwardly, not only from the beginning of the Nerves, but somewhat also by their extremities: Therefore that perhaps appears clear and plain enough, that from the Spleen being evilly affected, Spasms arising about its Region, do not seldom affect the * 1.11 Hypochondria and Praecordia. I have known some, from a Tumour or Ulcer existing in the Mesenterie, Womb, and other inwards, were wont to have Convulsions both in the grieved part, and also all about it; the reason of which seems to be no other, than that the heterogeneous particles being more plentifully heaped up in the af∣fected place, creeping also into the Nervous fibres, planted nigh thereunto, supply them with matter for Convulsive motions like to fired Gun-powder: But indeed, Spasms arising from such a cause, are not wont to diffuse themselves far about, nor always to ascend to the Head.

These things being thus premised, concerning the inward and next cause of the Spasmodic Distemper, which we affirm to arise chiefly, and most often from the head it self, and in some respect also from the extremities of the Nerves; it now remains, that we more particularly declare, the various remoter Causes in either kind, and the manifold provision of this Disease. The Convulsive Disease therefore, for the most * 1.12 part, takes its Original from the head: to wit, as often as the heterogeneous and ex∣plosive particles, being diffused from the Blood into the Brain, or its medullarie Ap∣pendix, are afterwards derived to the Nervous stock, and there grow together with the spirits: But this happens to come to pass from various causes: for there are very many ways and means whereby the Morbifick matter is admitted into the head, and very many also, whereby it is deduced into this or that region of the Nervous Sy∣stem; and according to the various Translations of this kind of morbifick matter, the divers kinds of Convulsive motions are constituted.

Therefore, that the Heterogeneous and Spasmodic particles are admitted into the Encephalon, it is to be imputed to the sault both of the Blood sending, and of the * 1.13 Brain receiving it.

1. When the Blood pours upon the Head the Morbifick matter, either all its whole mass is depraved, as it frequenly happens in malignant Fevers, also in the Scorbutick, Cacochymick, and chiefly in an Originally corrupt Distemper; or the Blood of it self innocent and incorrupt, receives elsewhere Malignant little bodies, and afterwards fixes them on the brain; so in great impurities of the Inwards, and chiefly when any parts are affected with an Inflamation, or virulent Ulcer, or hurtful Ferment; for from such Mines the taint of the Disease, the noxious particles, bubble up into the Blood, and af∣terwards, in its passage, are laid up in the Brain: So, by that reason the Spleen, Womb, and other Inwards, being evilly affected, Convulsive Diseases are excited, which not∣withstanding, depend more immediately upon the Brain, receiving the corruption of those parts, through the commerce of the Blood.

2. But in the second place, the Blood however vitious it should be, and impregna∣ted * 1.14 with the Morbid seed, it could not easily leave its Infection on the head, unless there were some fault in the constitution of the Brain, and its Appendix; as long as these parts are well made, and are full of vigour, they defend themselves, and what belongs to them; and the doors being shut, they admit nothing but an unmixt spirituous Li∣quor

destinated for their use: but if either the passages and pores of the Brain are too lax, or the door keeping spirits leave, or are called off from their watches, and He∣terogeneous and Morbific matter creeps in together with the Nervous juice, and un∣folds its malignity in the animal government. As to the evil disposition of the Brain it self, it is sometimes hereditary: So those sprung from Parents obnoxious to the Epi∣lepsie, * 1.15 or Convulsions, are themselves for the most part prone to the same Distempers: and indeed, the constitution of the Brain may several ways become vitious from the birth: for either its temperature is more moist, or more dry than it should be, or it may be faulty by the excess or defect of either quality. Sometimes the pores are more lax, or its consistency is too soft, or too hard: and also the Conformation of the parts of the Brain, and its Appendix, may be after an undue manner; But some∣times, * 1.16 the disposition of the Brain and Nerves, originally whole and firm, is vitiated by accident, and acquires a Morbid inclination: long Intemperance may enervate these parts: as also Malignant Fevers, and Chronical Diseases, very much debilitate them: besides outward accidents, as the excess of heat or cold; an Ulcer or a blow oftentimes perverts their Crases, and renders them more incident to the impressions of Diseases. But as to the constitution or irregularities of the animal spirits, by rea∣son of which, the Heterogeneous and Spasmodic particles enter the Brain without any repulse, and more easily cleave to it; it is to be observed, that the animal spirits are in some more tender, and easily dissipable from their very birth; so that indeed they are not able to suffer any thing very strong or vehement to be brought to the sense or imagination, but straight they fly into confusions: For this reason, women more than men, and some of them more than others, are obnoxious to the passions called Histe∣rick. Further, sometimes a violent Passion impresses on the spirits, though moderate∣ly firm, this kind of dissipation and inordination, so that afterwards they are able to suffer nothing strongly, or to resist any injury: So it often happens, that Morbid im∣pressions are affixed on the animal regimen, by sudden sear, or great sadness, which can hardly ever after be blotted out: for from hence Women often contract first the Di∣seases named the Mother, or from the Womb; and Men the Hypochondriack, and are for the most part still subject to them.

From these things it appears, after what manner, and for what causes, the Spas∣modic Matter is wont to be admitted into the Head: now let us see next what * 1.17 is done with it afterwards; if that this matter brought to the Brain, induces the Con∣vulsive Distempers, either not always, or not altogether after the same manner.

1. It sometimes happens, that the Heterogeneous and Explosive Particles are ad∣mitted into the Brain, which notwithstanding are again exterminated without any * 1.18 great hurt, and before they enter into the Nervous stock: for that the Veins and Lym∣pheducts, or water-carrying Vessels, often sup up what is superfluous, and an enemy to the animal dominion, and convey it forth of doors, or dispose of it into Emunctu∣aries, or Sinks. Whilst such a Matter is for a little while agitated in the Brain, its Par∣ticles being affixed to some of its Spirits, and at length striking against them, cause the Virtegc, and the swimming in the head; but because they enter not into the passages of the Nerves, Spasmodic Distempers do not follow.

2. When the Morbifick Matter is admitted within the Head, and not presently from * 1.19 thence sent back, oftentimes it produces not its evil, till it is inserted into the stock of the Nerves; for the animal Spirits within the Brain, being as yet strong, and having got a more free space, they evade the embraces of every Heterogeneous Copula; which indeed they are not able to do within the strait channels of the Nerves: Be∣sides, the Morbifick Matter it self, if it cannot be sent away out of the Brain by the excretory Vessels, it is by and by sent forth to the System of the Nerves, as the more ignoble part; but if in spite of the force of the superior faculties, such a matter stays * 1.20 long within the Brain, it much infects the spirits that inhabit it, and induces the Epi∣lepsie, as shall be more particularly shewed hereafter: but more often, the hurtful mat∣ter is thrown on the Nervous stock, from the Brain, without much harm to it; but this happens to come to pass not always after the same way.

For truly, the Heterogeneous Particles, being mixed with the Nervous Liquor, * 1.21 and fallen towards the beginnings of the Nerves, do not indifferently enter all of them together, or these, or those, as chance shall guide them, but they are directed to the passages of some before others, and that not without some Reason. For we observe, that the Convulsive Symptoms do chuse for the most part one place in Children, another in riper years, and a different one in more tender, than in the more robust.

In Children, who are not yet accustomed to the Affections of the Heart, and exer∣cise * 1.22 of the outward members (whereby the Morbifick cause may be further carried from the brain) the Spasmodic matter runs more often into those nearest Nerves, viz. the third, fifth, and sixth pares; wherefore, their faces and mouths, and those parts; are chiefly handled: and it is rare and unusual for them to have their viscera, and praecordia, lifted up, or affected, with an inordinate motion, as in those of riper years: on the contrary, in men of more advanced years, by its approach to the intercostals, * 1.23 and the Nerves of the wandring pare, it being more open to those of the spinal mar∣row, which those Nerves respect, are wont to be more frequently pulled: but yet with this difference, that in the more tender, and those who are very delicate, and subject to passions, and who by reason of the passions of the mind, have very often their praecordia and viscera disturbed, the Spasmodic matter more readily enters the more open passages of the interior Nerves, and therefore they are rendred more obnoxious to Spasms, stirred up in the Abdomen and the Thorax: for hence it is that Women are molested with the Passions called Hysterical, and some men with the Hypochondriack; as shall be more largely declared hereafter, when we come to treat particularly of these Distempers.

When the Spasmodic matter falls upon the heads of some Nerves, or remaining there, * 1.24 it creates only a giddiness, and lighter Spasms, and leapings of those parts to which these Nerves belong, or being slidden more deeply into the pipes of the Nerves, it brings forth more cruel Convulsive Paroxisms: but the same being dilated into the Nervous processes, is disposed through one or more of the branches of the stock or trunk, sometimes all, and sometimes only those more open than the rest, and by de∣grees cleave to the spirits, both within those Nerves, as also to those planted within the hanging Fibres: so that it is after the same manner, and there is the like preparation in the disposition to Convulsive Paroxisms, as if grains of Gun-powder were laid in a long train to be fired successively: The spirits after this manner imbred with an Heterogene∣ous Copula, are lodged within the Fibres, interwoven with the Membranes and Muscles, but chiefly within the Nervous foldings; and when they grieved with too great plenti∣tude, or troubled on any other occasion, are compelled to shake off their Copula, the Particles striking and leaping one against another, hugely blow up the containing parts; and so excite a motive force, contrary to the commands and laws of the Appetite and Nature: Besides, the spirits once stirred up to the performing Convulsive motions, * 1.25 begin their Explosions from the one or the other extremity of the Nervous System; but for the most part at the end. But they who are first explosed snatch or take with them their neighbours, also predisposed like a fiery train; and so they propagate the begun affection, with a long continued series of Spasms, from one end to the other: For a Convulsion begun in the bottom of the belly, or at the foot, or hand, creeps by degrees to the upper parts, and for the most part to the head it self: and the same Distemper when it begins in the brain (as in the Epilepsie) is derived in like manner thence downwards, to the remote Viscera, and also to the exterior Members and Limbs.

The Morbifick matter, flowing in the heads of the Nerves, produces divers kinds of convulsions, according to their various plenty and dispensation; For first of all, it is * 1.26 to be observed, that the whole passages of the Nervous System, or of some of its parts, through the abundant and exuberant matter, are sometimes possessed, so that the ani∣mal spirits both flowing in, and there implanted, being full of an Heterogeneous Co∣pula, and a perpetual supplement of it, are urged into continual Spasms. I have known some who have had all the Muscles and Tendons through their whole Body afflicted with contractions and leapings without intermission: I have known others whose Thighs, Arms, and other Members, were perpetually forced into various bend∣ings and distortions: and also others I have seen, who of necessity were compelled to leap and run up and down, and to beat the ground with their feet and hands; and if they did not, they fell into cruel Convulsions of the Viscera and Praecordia. 2. If the Explosive and Heterogeneous Particles be combined with the spirits in a lesser plen∣ty, they stick to them without tumult or perturbation, until, after some time, both Particles leaping again one from another, and from their striking one another, raise up Convulsive Paroxisms; which sort of Paroxisms are periodical, and are repeated exactly at certain hours; which happens by reason of the Morbifick matters being dayly poured upon the Nervous stock, with an equal dimension; and therefore about the same space of time it is also daily heaped up to an explosive plenitude; or they are wandring and uncertain in others, for that the Heterogeneous Particles are poured in with a lesser company, and so arise not to an explosive fulness under a long time; when in the mean time, the more full heaping of them together, and their explosion,

are wont to happen sometimes more often, and sometimes more seldom, by reason of several occasions, or evident causes: hence it comes to pass, that the Spasmodic Distem∣per is sometimes altogether attributed to the evident cause; when indeed, if a more remote Convulsive cause had not gone before, such a cause had stirr'd up none.

Therefore, that we may say something of the evident causes of Convulsions, we have already observed, if they be more vehement, and happen to a weak and tender * 1.27 constitution of brain and nervous stock, they are sometimes solitary, or of themselves cause Convulsive Passions: but as often as the Spasmodic Distemper is heavier, and be∣ing made habitual is wont to return oftener, though the evident cause be manifest, and bears the blame of the effect, nevertheless it is to be suspected that a procatartick, or more remote cause exists, and is the more strong efficient, though it lies hid within: for unless the spirits are imbued with an Heterogeneous Copula, they would not be so easily nor so often driven into involuntary and preternatural Explosions.

We meet with a double order or Classes of Evident causes; for either they are of that sort which increases the procatartick or more remote, and brings it sooner to an * 1.28 explosive fulness, as are an ill manner of living, and errors in the six non-naturals, which by infecting the blood, and nervous juice, heap up to a Saturity, in greater plenty, on the Spirits heterogeneous particles, and by that means do the sooner procure Spasmo∣dick accessions. Or 2dly, The evident cause is said to be, whatever stirs and irritates suddenly the spirits, that they presently fall into explosions, and whatever it be, that causes them to strike off their Copula, and of this sort there are very many accidents, that provoke the spirits, planted now within the Head, and now within the nervous Sy∣stem, * 1.29 to convulsive motions by a divers instinct (as is wont in the regular motions) which motions are either direct or reflected.

1. Of the former kind chiefly are violent perturbations of the mind, wherewith the spirits of the brain being agitated and confused, they excite others lying within the nervous stock, and often praedisposed to irregular explosions; so a vehement fear, an∣ger, or sadness, do not only introduce epileptical and hysterical fits, to those that are disturbed in their health, but sometimes cause to divers others, palpitation, and trem∣bling of the heart, and also horrid convulsions of the members and limbs. 2. As to the other kind of evident cause, to wit, whereby Spasms are excited by a reflected Act, this indeed comes to pass not unfrequently, as often as any heavy trouble, with an irritation of the fibres and spirits, happens any where to the nervous stock: for that this trouble being by and by communicated to the chief fountains of the Spirits, to wit, the brain or Cerebell, from thence inordinare and violent motions, against the will of the mind, that is convulsive, being begun, they are returned back, for so either worms, physick, or sharp humours, cruelly hauling the coats of the intestines, cause spasms in those parts, and not seldom in the outward members.

So much for the several kinds of causes, the conjunct, procatartick, and evident, whereby convulsive Diseases, becoming habitual, and are wont to be repeated with more grievous Paroxisms, do arise: But as we have assigned another species of this Disease, where the Paroxisms depend on an evident solitary cause, or at most only from irritation, the Spirits being not yet praeoccupied with an explosive Copula: it is now next to be in∣quired into, by what and how many ways this may come to pass. Concern∣ing this in general, it is affirmed, that the Spasmodick fits produced by mere irritation, are either lighter and quickly passing away, or more grievous, and not seldom deadly, as when poyson is taken, or when they come upon an overpurging medicine. Moreover it is noted, when the morbifick, or irritative matter falls upon the tales themselves, or the foldings of the Nerves, that it also not rarely becomes explosive, and so Spasms produ∣ced also from mere irritation (as we have already noted) are certain explosions; these * 1.30 being thus premised, we will dispatch the businness in hand.

The irritation of the nervous parts, which is wont to cause convulsive motions, hap∣pens in various places, and from various matters, which are incongruous and inimical to the spirits, and fibres. As to the things, enemies to the Nature of the spirits, you may observe, besides poysons, and the excess of cangible qualities, which are inflicted from without; many things which are begot within us, viz. the various recrements of the * 1.31 blood, and nervous juice, feverish taints, preternatural salt, or sulphureous humors, yea worms, the stone, with many other things, to be infestous to the nervous stock, and ordinarily to stir up Spasmodick irritations. As to the places affected, or the seat of the irritative matter; although this brings hurt in any part of the nervous System, yet for the most part, it is wont to become most infestous, when it is fixed near the beginnings or the ends of the nervous System, or about the middle processes of the Nerves, and es∣pecially in their foldings: Besides, such a matter, which irtitating the Spirits, is wont to have the place of an evident cause, doth not seldom become, as we hinted but now,

the means of a more remote cause, forasmuch as the heterogeneous particles, being sent from it, enter into the nervous fibres, and being combined with the Spirits, renders them more apt and ready to be exploded.

1. Therefore, it sometimes happens, that malignant humours, and infestous to the nervous stock, being poured out from the blood, on the region of the brain, and * 1.32 from thence being dilated to the hinder region of the Head, do fall upon the ori gine of the nerves: where, if the little skin, which cloaths the oblong pith, be broken, they fall into the naked trunks of the nerves, and enter deeply into their fibres; where∣fore indeed, Convulsive motions arise, not only in the neighbouring parts of the head, but sometimes in very remote, and not rarely in the whole Nervous System: This is gene∣rally observed in evil Crises of feavers, the morbifick matter being translated to the head; also in cephallic Distempers, being brought to the worst and deadly state. Truly when I have opened the heads of those who died by this means, I found in all of them the hinder region of the oblong pith, immers'd with a sharp and salt Serum.

2. As the interior extremity, or original of the System, so not rarely the exterior, * 1.33 or the end, from a vellication or hauling there made, begets Spasms or Convulsive moti∣ons, and transfers them on every side: that this is done ordinarily in the outward members, the prickings of the Tendons and Nerves do testifie. No less are Spasms wont to be excited every way about, from a vellication or pulling made in the Viscera, when at any time Medicines, or sharp humors, also Worms lying in the Ventricle or Intestines, pull the membraneous part, and so impress a troublesome sense on the chief sensories; presently from thence, by reason of the firing of the spirits, Convulsive mo∣tions torment now the affected parts, and now indifferently any other parts; for often∣times Spasms, from the more grievous hurt of some inwards, do not only imploy the affected parts, and their neighbours, but also the Muscles of the Face and Mouth, and are likewise transfer'd to the exterior members. The stone impacted in the Uriters, causes not only cruel contractions in that passage, but in all its neighbourhood. Moreover, some Hysterick and other Hypochondriack symptoms, are sometimes induced by this means; forasmuch as by a vellication made in the Membranes of some Viscera, thence the Spasm is returned back.

3. The irritative matter, which is wont to be the evident cause of Spasms, some∣times * 1.34 occupies the middle processes of the Nerves, and therefore the parts, sometimes above, sometimes beneath its seat, are incited to Convulsive motions: This appears plain enough in the foldings of the Nerves; for when the sharp recrements of the Nervous juice, are laid up in them, they do not rarely create Spasms, through the whole neighbourhood: by this means the Collick or Histerick Distemper, is often seen to be begot or excited, there being no fault in those inwards, only from the humors de∣posited in the foldings of the mesenterie, as we will shew hereafter, when we come to treat of those particular Distempers. In like manner, by reason that the ganglioform foldings being stopped up with a sharp and irritative humor, perfocation or choaking in the Throat, and various contractions of the Praecordia are caused. Besides, Spas∣modick Distempers do not seldom depend upon a sharp humor within the whole trunks of the Nerves, and filling the passages of the Nervous Bodies. We have seen some troubled with admirable and perpetual Convulsions, so that they have been forced (as we have already mentioned) to run about, to leap, to fling about, and distort their members, to strike the ground with their feet and hands, and to exercise other strange gestures, even as if they had been bewitch'd; the genuine cause of which kind of passion, seems to consist in this, that the juice watering the Nervous stock, being most sharp, like stygian water, and being become degenerate from its due Crasis, doth ir∣ritate continually, and as it were possess with a certain madness, the spirits therein flowing and implanted.

From these things which we have discoursed about the various causes of Convulsi∣ons, * 1.35 their manifold Species and differences are made manifest. For first, we have made known, that Spasmodick Passions are most often derived in respect of their origine; for the head, being affected; or the Morbific matter flowing into the beginnings of the Nerves: yet sometimes, though more rarely, they depend upon such a matter creep∣ing into the extremities of the Nerves.

2. As to the production of the Disease and Symptoms, we observe the same some∣times to be produced from a solitary evident cause, as a sudden and vehement Passion: * 1.36 but indeed more often to require a more remote, or procatartick cause, or previous disposition: moreover, the causes sometimes so to interfere, that the procatartick also may supply the place of the evident cause; and also on the contrary, that this may serve in the place of the other.

3. As to the extension of the Disease, the Convulsive Distemper may be distinguished into Universal, because the spirits actuating the whole nervous System almost, and the Encephalon it self, are successively exploded; and particular, in which the spirits within some private region of the animal Kingdom are disturbed.

1. The former is meant when the animal spirits are irritated within their first foun∣tains, to wit, the pith of the brain and cerebel, from whence their violent explosions * 1.37 happen; wherefore every internal function of the Soul, to wit, the sense and imagina∣tion, is obscured, and its exterior locomotive faculty perverted: This kind of universal Spasmodic Distemper, in which, besides the Spasms of the Limbs and Viscera, the interlor powers of the Soul suffer an Eclipse, is again twofold, to wit, either primarie, which begins at the Head, and arises; forasmuch as the spirits inhabiting that place, being imbued with nitro-sulphureous Particles, are first exploded, and there inkindling, snatches or takes hold of the rest, flowing in both the medulary and nervous appendix, and there stirs up Convulsive explosions, as may be discerned in the Epilepsie.

2. Or this universal Passion, causing insensibility, is secondary, to wit, which being begun somewhere in the nervous stock; from thence plenty of spirits being successive∣ly affected, becoming like the undulation or moving of waters, is at length carried to the head it self: this often happens in Paroxisms called Hysterical, in which, by rea∣son of the Spasm begun at first in the bottom of the belly, or some intumescency or rising up in the Abdomen, then the same spreading higher, with the same effect, through the pipes of the Nerves, the Ventricle, and by and by the Praecordia, are drawn together, and at length the Spasm forceably rushing to the Head, the Patients fall down, and all Knowledg is taken from them; and lastly, the Disease being re∣flected into other Nerves, Convulsive motions of the exterior members succeed.

2. But as to the particular Spasm, in whose fit the sick continue well in mind, this indeed is distinguished into various differences. As to the seat of the matter, which happens about the beginnings, extremties, or middle processes of the Nerves (as we have shewn) there arises a difference: For even as this Morbifick matter, besieging the beginnings of the Nerves, is fixed about the head, middle, or end of the oblong pith, it therefore happeneth that sometimes only the parts of the face, or mouth, some∣times the Viscera of the lower or middle belly; and again, sometimes chiefly the out∣ward limbs are hauled together.

Further, a Convulsion, as to the duration of the fit, and its magnitude, uses to be distinguished into a continual and intermitting: The former, as we have already hint∣ed, * 1.38 is called Tenasmus, or a permanent contraction; as when one part, or more, being contracted or distorted with a constant stretching, are detained for some time in the same preternatural posture; so when the Muscles, or a Member, suppose the Eye, Lips, Cheeks, are distorted from their right position, nor cannot easily be presently reduced: the cause of which is sometimes a resolution, or Palsie in some other Muscles, which when they are loosened, the opposite do too strongly act, and draw forcibly the whole part towards themselves, which ought to stand as it were betwixt them, in an equal ballance: but sometimes such a permanent contraction is excited, by reason of the Tendons being stopped with an impacted serous humor which become for that cause stiff: this kind of Distemper becomes very familiar in the Scurvey, that the sick sometimes are not able to extend any Member or Joynt, but they are contracted round like a Globe. Sometimes the Tendons in the back, by reason of such a course of humor, draw the bones out of their due situation, and cause a gibbousness, or bending out of the Body. The Tenasme is wont to be distinguished into universal; of which there are three kinds, to wit, Tension forward, Tension backwards, and Tenasmus properly so cal∣led; and peculiar or particular, whch chiefly respects some certain Member or joynt: we will speak of these distinctly hereafter.

2. The intermitting Convulsion is either short and momentary, which is acted by frequent turns, and as it were by little leaps, as is to be observed in the quaking and shaking of the Tendons in horror, which are to be distinguished between with a fre∣quent alternation of motion and rest: or the leapings of the Spasms, and their inter∣vals, are drawn out longer: so it is usual for Convulsive Paroxisms, when they are re∣peated, to endure for some time, and to leave off again; but such periods are now certain, or come to certain set hours, now rare and incertain, and happen after a di∣vers manner, and as various occasions are given. There are other differences of this Distemper, which will be better illustrated hereafter, when we shall speak particular∣ly of each kind of Convulsions.

CHAPTER II. Of the Epilepsie.

THus far we have treated of the nature, causes, and differences of Spasms or Con∣vulsions in general, according to a clean, new, and unusual Hypothesis; but (as I think) agreeable enough with Reason: our next business is, to explain particularly the chief kinds of that Distemper; amongst which the Epilepsie easily deserves the pre∣heminence, and the consideration of it ought to proceed by a certain right of method and order; for that this Disease having as it were got a large Empire in the human body, exercises its Tyranny not only in the whole Encephalon, but for the most part in all the parts of the Nervous System at once: wherefore by the Ancients it was called Morbus Herculeus, or the Herculean Disease, from the cruelty of the Distemper, and from the man∣ner of the violent fits, as if sent as it were by some Divinity, being so amazing; Mor∣bus Sacer, or the Holy Disease; to which may be added, the conjecture of a certain Divine of our own Country, of no small note, to wit, that many who were taken to be Daemonaicks, or possessed with the Devil in the New Testament, were only Epile∣pticks; and that they called the cure of this Disease by our Saviour Jesus Christ, an ejection or exorcism of the evil spirit: In truth, in this Distemper, no marks at all of the Morbifick matter appears, or are so very obscure, that we may have deservedly suspected it to be an inspiration of an evil spirit; at least it is probably, that as often as the Devil is permitted to afflict miserable Mortals with his delusions, he is not able to draw more cruel Arrows from any other Quiver, or to shew Miracles by any better Witch than by the assaults of this monstrous Disease.

As the symptoms of the Epilepsie are very stupendious, so their causes, and the formal reason of the Disease it self, are most difficult to be unfolded. For indeed, the business is variously controverted among Authors, both concerning the part affected, and also the manner of its being affected: many place its seat in the Brain, or its Ven∣tricles; others in the meninges, or thin skins enwrapping the brain; and some again in the middle, or lowest belly; but by what right shall be inquired into anon: In the mean time, laying aside the Opinions of others, that the true speculation of this Disease may be found out by the clew of right reasoning, we will first of all endeavour to give you its description, together with the whole sense of its Phaenomenas. Secondly, these things being rightly weighed, to find out the subject of the Disease, and its chiefly affected parts. Thirdly and lastly, To add the means and manner whereby this Disease is be∣gotten, with the true causes of its symptoms.

In the first place, As to the Idea of the Disease, the Epileptick fit or assault seems to * 1.39 be only an universal and more cruel Convulsion, to wit, in which the spirits inhabiting the Brain, being first irregularly moved, and as it were confused all the rest dwelling in both the medulary and nervous appendix of the Encephalon, begin at once Convul∣sive motions, or inordinate contractions, and continue them for some space, with fre∣quent leapings or palpitations: The accession of the Disease comes upon them at una∣wares, and oppresses the sick, not the least thinking of it; and in the twink of an Eye casts them on the ground, deprived of sense and understanding; for that they do not only fall, but are flung down with a certain force, so that oft-times the part first striken against the Earth, or other adjacent bodies, is hurt with a bruise or wound; being last done, there comes upon them a gnashing of Teeth, with a foam at the Mouth also, oftentimes the shaking of the Head, and a frequent knocking it against the ground, the Arms and Thighs, yea, the hinder part of the Neck and Back either become presently slit, or else they are distorted hither and thither, with various ben∣dings; some cruelly beat their Breasts; others strongly thrust out their Arms and Thighs, and fling them, and sometimes the whole Body, impetuously here and there; many have their Praecordia and Hypochondria, and also all their lower Belly swelled and blown up very much: after some time, sometimes: shorter, sometimes longer, these symptoms, the Tragedy being as it were acted, cease on a sudden, and then the sick come to themselves, and recover their senses: but after the fit there remains an aking in the Head, with a dulness and hebitude of the senses, and not seldom a turn∣ing or giddiness.

The Epileptick Paroxisms are wont to return sometimes at set times of the day, month, or year; and most commonly at the greater returns of the Year or Tropicks, or at the opposite aspects, or conjunctions of the Sun, or Moon, they are wont more certainly to return, and to afflict more grievously: sometimes their comings or accessi∣ons are uncertain, and wandring according to the occasion and variety of evident causes: there are also Fits or Paroxisms, now more light, which quickly pass away, so that the sick are scarce thrown to the ground, nor are carried into disorder or in∣sensibility; now more grievous, whereby they when taken lie sensless the space of an hour or more, and are tormented with horrid symptoms, as if possessed with the De∣vil: Sometimes tho more rarely, some foregoing signs of the Fit, warn them of their falling into it; as an heaviness of the Head, a brightness of the Eyes, a tingling of the Ears: sometimes a Spasm or Cramp proceeds in some exterior part, as in the Arm, or Thigh, or el•…•… in the Back, or Hypochondria, which ascending from thence like a cold Air, and creeping towards the Head, seems to bring on their falling down. Boys and young Men are found to be more obnoxious to this Disease than old Men, or Men of mature age: who ever are once struck down by its fit, unless they be cured by the help of Medicines, they will hardly be altogether free from the infection of it all their Life after; the more often the Fits are, the more grievous they become; which as they frequently return, become more cruel, and enervate the use of the memory, ima∣gination, and reason, and then the strength and force of the whole animal function, until its Oeconomy being greatly perverted, the vital function at length decays, and by degrees is abolished. The weapons and wicked preparation of this Disease, being af∣ter this manner laid open, we will next make an inquiry in what part it fixes its feat, or what is its next subject.

The accession of the Epilepsie, and the manner of invasion, seem plainly to declare, * 1.40 that its primary seat, or part chiefly affected, is contained somewhere within the Head; but that a Paroxism sometimes begins in the remote parts, and from thence ascends to∣wards the Head, which indeed seems only to be so, and happens by accident, when in the mean time the Morbifick cause subsists about the Encephalon it self (as shall be anon declared:) but that from the first assault of the Disease, presently a strange insen∣sibility and disorder, with contractions almost of all the Members and Viscera suc∣ceeds, it is a manifest sign that the whole joynting of the Encephalon, and the original of all the Nerves, are possessed with the Morbific cause: But truly, although it seem most difficult to unfold where this cause or morbifick matter subsists chiefly; for, neither is it probable that the same is diffused thorow all the parts of the Brain, yet it neither appears in what singular place this being fixed should draw all the other parts so suddenly into a consent of its evil.

Among the various opinions of Authors about this matter, there are two that seem * 1.41 more probable than the rest, and challenge an assent with an equal likeliness to Truth. One of which asserts the very middle of the brain; and the other the meninges, or the thin skins encompassing or cloathing it, to be the primary seat of the Epilepsie: The reason of the former is founded in this, that where the fountain of the animal spirits, and the original of the sensitive soul it self consists, there ought to be placed the cause of this Disease; certainly when the chief faculties are first hurt, all the rest easily par∣ticipate of the same evil: But in truth, though I may grant in the Apoplexy, and the deliquium or fainting of the spirits, that it is so, yet it follows not in a Convulsion (of which kind of Distemper the Epilepsie is) that all the Fibres and Nerves should be pul∣led together, because the middle part of the brain is first pulled: for that this, as it is a moist and fluid substance, and wanting of sense and motion, seems not capable of con∣traction, or the Spasmodic Distemper: wherefore others thinking the brain and every part of it, free from the blame of this Disease, cast it altogether on the meninges: affirming, that the membranes, cloathing the brain, and chiefly their processes, spread upon the clefts of the brain, and Ceribel, as they are hauled by the morbifick matter, do conceive or beget Spasms or horrid Convulsions, and then that from the Meninges themselves so contracted and brought together, the included brain is greatly com∣pressed and bound together, so that its pores and passages being bound up, the great amazing disorder and insensibility is induced, and also the trunks of the Nerves, to which either meninge or skin is fastened, being brought into a consent with them, enter also into Convulsive motions: And indeed after this manner the formal reason of the Epilepsie may perhaps seem to be unfolded; but truly when I consider further of the matter, I think we may differ from this opinion, because it does not appear by what course, or for what cause, the falling down being at hand, these meninges should beget such horrid Spasms. Nay, it neither appears, how from them, however Convulsive they be, the Epileptick Paroxism should be induced.

As to the former, it seems an impossible thing, for the meninges to be so contracted, * 1.42 as to their whole Concavities, that being bound more strictly together, like a purse, they should on every side pull together their contents, and draw them into a narrower space: for that the Dura Mater sticks most firmly to very many places of the skull, yea, and the Pia Mater is tied to it, near the processes of the hollow turnings, by a mutual knitting of the membranes, and every where besides with a continuity of Vessels: hence it easily appears, either that membrane, as to the greatest part of it, is immovable, so that they cannot fall into so universal Spasms: but in respect of lesser Spasms, as when a certain portion of this or that meninge, or both together, is pulled, indeed we grant such may happen: for I have often heard those troubled with great headach to com∣plain extreamly of a great constriction of the parts, lying under the side of the skull; sometimes on the right, sometimes on the left, and yet from thence no assault of falling down has followed: Further as those membranes being notably hurt, do cause great vel∣lications or haulings, yet upon it there is not wont to be an Epileptick fit to follow: for I have known, from an Imposthume in the Dura Mater, when being broken and that the stinking matter had knawn the more tender meninges, and shell of the Brain, that the sick hath fallen into an amazedness, and at length into a deadly Apoplexy, who not∣withstanding in the whole course of the Disease, was free from any Epileptical Symp∣tom. Also I remember, I have seen one, who had the Dura Mater very much torn by the Instrument of an unskilful Surgion, and another that by a wound, had that with part of his skull taken away, so that a portion of the brain swelled forth, and yet to neither of them any Epilectical passion hapned; wherefore neither is it likely that the blood or humours, or (if any shall so argue) the vapours, compacted within those meninges, can bring in any greater evil than either a stroke or wound inflicted on them, or filthy matter there poured out: Besides, those who are more lightly troubled with * 1.43 the Epilepsie, so that they scarce fall down, and have their minds free through the whole affault of the disease, would perceive the membranes to be so contracted, and the globe of the brain to be more straitly thrust together, if there had bin any such kind of affe∣ction; but they on the contrary seem to have the brain as it were inflamed, and to be sen∣sible, that the spirits leap forth, and are as it were explosed, with a certain fierceness.

As indeed, I think it is very likely so, that the Epileptick Paroxism is stirred up from a certain sudden rarefication, and explosion of the animal spirits, inhabiting the brain, which are in truth the first and immediate subject of this Disease; to wit, whereby the Brain it self is inflated, and rendred so insensible, and the nerves hanging thereto, also put into Convulsions: For hence it comes to pass that the accession of this Disease be∣gins so on a sudden, and determines perfectly without any great provision or remains of the morbifick matter; because the Infection is not brought so much to the solid parts, as to the spirits themselves.

We have already shown by what means, the heterogeneous and explosive Copula, con∣sisting as it sems of nitro sulphureous particles, cleaving to the spirituous particles of the animal Spirits, and lastly, being smitten and explosed by them by reason of plenitude or irritation produces Convulsive Symptoms: But altho this kind of Spasmodick Copu∣la, is first distilled from the blood into the brain, yet for the most part it does not take hold of the spirits there, or at least it stays not long with them in that place: but rather being thrust from thence towards the nervous Appendix, causes particular and respective Spasms, near the places affected: But sometimes if the spasmodick matter be more plentiful and strong, and the constitution of the brain weak, the heterogeneous Co∣pula, being fixed to the Spirits, not only in the nervous stock, but also to those planted within the Encephalon it self causes the epilectick disposition; and the explosive particles of the Spirits, and this Copula knocking one against another, stir up the falling fit. For indeed, since the assault of the Epilepsie urging the insensibility, and great disorder, is for the most part the first Symptom, and all the pathognomick, it may be concluded that the Animal Spirits lying within the middle of the Brain it self, are affected before others; and that therefore that part is the principal seat of the disease: Then, forasmuch as the falling of the sick, or casting to the ground, and spasms of the mem∣bers and Viscera most often follow that Insensibility great disorder, or leaping forth of the spirits, it follows that the animal Spirits also inhabiting the Nervous System, are imbrued with the same explosive Copula, and are drawn into consent with those inhabiting the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it self, and are excited by them, to explosions purely inordi∣nate; altho sometimes (by the whole series of Spirits, planted both in the brain and nervous stock, being like a long train of gunpowder, predisposed to explosions) an exterior Spasm, beginning a great way off, perhaps in some member or inward, may afterwards be carried to the Brain, as shall be more fully shown hereafter. In the mean time, it is concluded, that the region of the Brain it self is always the primary seat of

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this disease; and that we ought to suppose the conjunct cause of the distemper, not to be water heaped up within the ventricles of the brain, nor a thick or clammy humour impacted in the passages of its pores: for such causes are begotten by degrees, and therefore would shew some certain signs before hand, of the first coming upon one: further, the assault of the fit being over, such a matter could not be wholly discussed in so short a time, but that from its reliques some impediments of the animal function would remain, which indeed rarely happens in the Epilepsie unless inveterate: but, for the exciting of the falling down, no less can be imagined, than that the animal Spirits which flowing within the marrowie substance of the brain, perform the acts of the interior sense of the imagination and appetite, having got an heterogeneous Copula, should be inordinately exploded, and so they being disturbed beyond their orders and stations, the superior faculties of the animal regimen, must suffer an eclipse; then, from this greater explosion of Spirits as it were from a fiery enkindling, other Spirits inhabiting the marrowy and nervous appendix, being also praedisposed to explosions, conceive the like disorder, and in like manner cause the explosive convulsive motions of the containing bodies.

For altho we conclude, that the middle of the brain is always the primary seat of the Epilepsie, and that from the beginning, the morbific matter is laid up wholly in * 1.44 that Region; yet the distemper growing grievous, this being more plentifully spread thorow the head, enlarges its bounds, so that it being strowed here and there, and far and near stretched out, Spasmodick particles are cast into the rest of the Brain, and also into the nervous appendix like gunpowder or explosive seed, where∣by it comes to pass, that at the first approach of that disorder of spirits, convulsi∣ons follow sometimes in these, sometimes in those parts, and not rarely thorow the whole body.

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 * 1.45 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 * 1.46 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 * 1.47 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 * 1.48 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 * 1.49 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 * 1.50 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 * 1.51 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 * 1.52 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, * 1.53 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 * 1.54 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 * 1.55 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 * 1.56 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 * 1.57 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 * 1.58 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 * 1.59 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 * 1.60 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 * 1.61 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 * 1.62 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) * 1.63 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 * 1.64 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. * 1.65 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 * 1.66 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 * 1.67 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 * 1.68 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 * 1.69 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 * 1.70 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.

CHAPTER IV. Of other kinds of Convulsions, and first of the Convulsive Mo∣tions of Children.

AFter the Epilepsie, as it were the principal Spasm, in the chief place excited, to wit, within the middle part of the Brain; the other kinds of Convulsions come to be treated of in order. The differences of those are best taken from a twofold kind of cause, and the various manners and accidents of either. We have already shown that all Spasmodic Distempers do flow either from the meer irritation of the spirits, or from their explosion, by reason of the cleaving of an Elastick Copula to them, or joint∣ly from both together: wherefore, the manifold Ideas of Spasms may be distinguish∣ed, and distributed into certain Classes, as it happens for this or that cause, or either together, to remain in the various places of the Encephalon, or the Nervous Appendix. For indeed, the Spasmodic matter, or the Explosive Copula of the spirits, finding a pas∣sage chiefly, and most often thorow the Brain, and sometimes in some measure thorow the extremities of the Nerves, subsists either about the origine of the Nerves, or their middle processes, or their outmost ends, or abounds in their whole passages, as shall be by and by more particularly declared. Further an irritation stirring up Convulsions by it self, or with a previous remote cause, although it be made every where in the Nervous stock, yet it chiefly, and more frequently produces such an effect, about the

beginnings, middle processes, and foldings, or ends of the Nerves. But the same kind of cause and effects, are after one manner in Infants and Children, and another in Youths, and those of riper age. Since therefore we have determined, particularly to consider all the kinds of Convulsions, we will first discourse of the Convulsive motions of Infants and Children.

Infants and Children happen so ordinarily, and frequently to be tormented with Spasmodic Distempers, that this is rekconed the chief, and almost the only kind of Con∣vulsions; for the symptoms of this kind, in other more ripe People, are wont to be called by other known Names, and referred to the Epilepsie, Hysterick, Hypochon∣driack, Collick Passions, or also to the Scurvey: but in Children they are called, as it were by way of excellency, Convulsions.

As to this we must observe, that Children are found to be greatly obnoxious to Con∣vulsions, chiefly about two seasons, to wit, within the first Month after they are born, or about their breeding of Teeth: Although it often happens, that the assaults of this Disease may come also at other times, and from certain other causes.

In the first place therefore, it very often happens that Children newly born, or at least ere they are two Months old, are afflicted at every turn with Spasms, excited in divers parts; for that inversions of the Eyes, distortions of the Cheeks and Lips, or tremblings, yea contractions of the Tendons, and frequent jerkings or leapings forth of the Members, and sudden shakings of the whole Body infest them; and that the same effect likewise sometimes afflicts the Praecordia, appears plain enough, because whilst the Spasms busie the Limbs, and outward Members, also the Face becomes now pale, now of a livid, or dead colour, from the Blood stagnating in the Heart, and the Lungs being at that time contracted. As therefore, Spasms are wont to infest three regions of the Body in Children, to wit, the parts of the Head and Face, the outward Members and Limbs, and the Praecordia and Viscera, we observe now these regions, now those, now two, or all together to be possessed, by the Morbific cause, to wit, as it is fixed, either about the beginnings, or ends of the Nerves; and when the former of these happens, as the superior part of the oblong pith, the middle, or the lowest part of the spinal marrow is touch'd, one or more parts together are assaulted by the Mor∣bifick cause.

As to the other causes of this Distemper, to wit, the procatartic and evident, those of the former kind, do chiefly consist in two things: First, that all the parts of the Head in Infants are very weak, and abound with a viscous humidity; to wit, the Brain less firm, and the tone of the Nerves very loose, so that they are not able to bear the more light force of every matter, but the spirits inhabiting them, are easily incited into irregular Motions or Spasms, by the proper Liquor, wherewith those parts are watered, if it flows never so little immoderately, or at least more plentifully, than for the measure of so little strength. But in the second place, because it appears by ob∣servation, that Children, not only, nor all, who are of a more tender Constitution, are found to be prone to this Disease, therefore this ought to be rather accounted for a reason of the more remote Morbid cause, that the Blood, and Nervous Juice, are ori∣ginally vicious in some Infants, by reason of evils contracted from the Womb: For that the sanguineous mass, wanting eventilation for many Months past, becomes im∣pure in Children newly born; wherefore, broad and red puttings forth, like the small Pocks, shew themselves through the whole skin, in most Children, soon after they are born; to which sort of wealks, or efflorescences, if they are hindred or repressed, of∣tentimes dangerous exulcerations, about the parts of the mouth follow. Hence we may deservedly suspect such impurities of the blood, sometimes to be poured forth into the brain and nervous stock, considering their debility, and for that reason Spas∣modic Distempers to arise; to wit, whilst the blood being vicious from the Womb, en∣deavours to purifie it self, it transfers it faeculencies into the Head, which were wont to be exterminated by the putting forth the red gum, or red spreadings thorow the skin: Wheresore, a water now thin and serous, now thick and sticking, and either partici∣pating of preternatural Salts and Sulphurs, is laid up within these or those recesses and cavities of the Brain, Cerebel and oblong pith, the recrements of which, when they begirt the beginnings or ends of this or that Nerve, and sometimes many toge∣ther, affix on the spirits inhabiting them Heterogeneous Particles, and apt for Spasmo∣dic or Convulsive explosions. For as soon as the Nerves have deeply imbibed such Particles, the spirits being burthened with their Copula, endeavour either of their own accord, or being incited by evident causes, to thrust and shake it off; and so they enter into Spasmodic or Convulsive explosions.

The evident causes, which bring on Convulsive motions in Children predisposed, are of two kinds, viz. In the first place, whatsoever stir up unwonted effervescencies of

the blood, whether they be excesses of heat or cold, a too p•…•…ntiful nourishment, or hotter than should be, the changes of the Air and Weather, and chiefly the periodical times of the Moon; for by reason of these, and other the like occasions, the Blood growing more hot than by right it should be, affixes sooner to the spirits an Hetero∣geneous Copula, even to a fulness, and causes it presently to be struck off and exploded, by them throughly disturbed. Secondly, An irritation in almost every part of the ner∣vous System, does not seldom bring into act, a Spasmodic or Convulsive Disposition: wherefore, not only an excess of tangible qualities outwardly inflicted, but the milk Coagulated in the stomach, choler, or other sharp humors, or also Worms knawing the Intestines, are wont to excite Spasms or Convulsions: Besides, these kind of evident causes, as they are stronger, sometimes induce Spasmodic Distempers of themselves, and without a previous disposition: even so Worms, and perchance sharp humors, cause Convulsive motions to some Children, at least to the more tender.

That it might more certainly, and to the sense appear, what kind of Morbific matter might be in Convulsive motions, I have opened the dead bodies of many which this Disease had opprest: I have always in vain sought the cause within the Viscera, and first passages of Concoction; In the heads of many, a serous water being heaped up, within the Cavity, under the Cerebel, and distending the Membrane which clothes the oblong pith or marrow, did overflow the beginnings of the Nerves: in some, no footsteps of this Disease appeared: so that, what sticking to the spirits did irritate them into explo∣sions, was of so imperceivable a bulk, and its original so altogether hid, that it could not be found out by the most perspicatious scrutiny of the sight. Sometime past, in this City, many Children of a certain Woman died of this Disease, at length the fourth, as the others, died within the Month; we dissected the Head, and here no serous Collu∣vies or Water did overflow the Ventricles, but only the substance of the Brain, and its Appendix, was moister than ordinary, and looser; what was most worthy of observa∣tion, was, that in the Cavity, which lies under the Cerebel, upon the trunk of the ob∣long pith, we found a remarkable heap of clotter'd, and as it were concreted blood: but in truth it is uncertain, whether this matter deposited there from the beginning, had primarily caused the Convulsions; or rather, whether this blood being extravasated and expressed, by the contraction of the parts planted round about, was not the effect and product of the Convulsions, and not the cause of them; for also in Apoplectical people this kind of Phaenomenon ordinarily happens; which yet we shall afterwards shew to be rather the effect, than the cause of the Disease.

Indeed, the Heterogeneous Particles, which flow to the Blood, from the Womb, are wont to be sent away through Efflorencies or Cutaneous Pustles in the whole Body in ma∣ny Children, in others being poured on the head, are the material cause of the Convul∣sive Distemper, may be inferred, besides the reasons before recited, from the Remedies chiefly helping: For that in little Children, obnoxious to this hereditary Disease, the Convulsive Fits are best prevented, if that an Issue be made presently after they are born in the nape of the Neck, and blood drawn with a Leech from the Jugular Veins; for the corruptions of the Nervous Juice, are brought away by that, and the impure buddings of the blood, are diverted from the head by this: by these ways of admi∣nistrations, when before two or three Children, of the same Parent, have died of Con∣vulsions, soon after they were born, all the rest have been freed from the same evil.

Secondly, Thus much concerning the Convulsive motions of Children, which are wont to infest them, by reason of an Infection contracted from the Womb. If that at this bout they should escape the Disease it self, or at least its deadly strokes, neverthe∣less, about the time of breeding Teeth, they would be found at last to be obnoxious to the same danger: for when the Teeth, especially the greater, are about to cut, often∣times a Fever is excited, to which not seldom Convulsions are joined: and though at this time Children are grown stronger, and may better bear the fits of the Disease, than when new born, yet the Convulsive Distemper, now stirred up by no other grie∣vous occasion, becomes very dangerous, and sometimes deadly.

But forasmuch as Children, who fall into Fevers about the time of breeding of Teeth, are not all tormented with Convulsions, it therefore follows, that some disposi∣tion to this Disease, either innate, or acquired, doth proceed; and that the pain caused from the breeding the Teeth, is to be esteemed only the means of a more strong evi∣dent cause, to wit, Children, who being indued either with a Cacochymia or Juice, causing ill digestion, or with a more weak constitution of the brain and nervous stock, have their animal spirits too much adulterated, or dissipable, are sometimes disposed for the coming of Convulsive Distempers: wherefore, when so acute pain, together with a Fever, afflicts, that latent disposition is brought into act.

If it be here asked, for what reason a fever, and then Convulsive Motions following thereupon, come to those predisposed, in teething, it may be answered, that either ef∣fect may be attributed to the pain, as the immediate cause: We experimentally know by our selves, what the torment is, that follows an irritation about the roots of the Teeth; in truth so great and so cruel, that a more cruel can scarce be; for that one or two notable shoots of the fifth pare of nerves, reaches to the roots of each Tooth, which when it is hauled by the sharp particles of the Blood, or other humors, there laid up, causes a most sharp sense of trouble, or pain by its Corrugation: But this kind of Vellication or hauling of this Nerve, happens thus to children breeding teeth, because that the membranes and fibres are every way distended by the Teeth, now increasing into a greater bulk, and as yet included within the scarce hollow gums: hence the blood being hindred in its Circulation, causes a tumour, and so presses the nerves, and also pours on them the more sharp particles of the Serum, by which being notably pulled or hauled, they are tormented with Corrugations, and pain∣ful Spasms.

Therefore, when so cruel pains happen to children from their breeding Teeth, it is no wonder if a feaver, and also convulsive motions sometimes follow: the former of these happens, both for as much as the blood being hindred about the pained part, is not cir∣culated with its wonted and equal course, wherefore it becomes inordinately moved, in the whole body; and besides, because Spasms being stirred up somewhere in the ner∣vous stock, the corrugated and contracted nerves, press together, and pull the arteries, and by that reason, stir up irregular and feverish fluctuations in the blood. But some∣times Convulsions happen in breeding Teeth, both because the blood growing hot, sends forth heterogeneous particles, to the animal government, and so stirs up the spirits into explosions; and besides also, when this acute pain, and as it were a lancing, follows upon the teeth being about to cut, it communicates a very troublesome and irrita∣tive sense, from the affected parts, to the first sensory, presently from thence, the motion of the rage is retorted by the same or other neighbour Nerves, which by reason of a pre∣vious disposition, doth not rarely become convulsive.

Besides these two occasions of Convulsions (which are wont to be chiefly, and more often in children) to wit, the times of Infancy and breeding Teeth, this Distem per al∣so is excited at other times very often, and for other causes: For in whom the Seeds of the Spasmodick Disposition is sown, they sometimes unfold themselves presently after the birth, and are ripened into morbid fruit; or else lying hid for a while, they now come before the breeding of Teeth, and follow a long time after it; and by reason of other evident causes, to wit, either external or internal; of which sort are a sickly, or breeding nurse, milk Coagulated in the stomack, or degenerating into an acid or bitter putri∣fection, a feverish distemperature of the head, ulcers or wealks of other parts sudden∣ly vanishing, the changes of the air, the Conjunctions, Oppositions, and aspects of the Sun and Moon, and surh like; they at length break forth into Act, from an un∣certain event. Concerning these, there is no need, that we should particularly dis∣course.

When all the Children of a man dwelling in the neigbourhood, died of Convulsions, within the space of three months, at length to prevent that fatal event, they sought for remedies, for a child newly born: I being sent for, a few days after the being brought to bed, first advised the making an issue in the nape of the neck, then, that the next day after, a leech being applied to the jugular vein of each side, two ounces of blood should be taken away: Besides, that about every conjunction, or opposite aspect of the Sun and Moon, about five grains of the following powder should be given in a spoonful of Ju∣lap, for three days, morning and evening. Take of humane Skull prepared, of the root of the male paeonie, each one dram, of the powder of Pearls half a dram, of white sugar one dram, mingle them, and make a very fine powder. Take of the waters of Black Cherries three ounces, of the antiepileptic of Langius one ounce; of the syrrup of the flowers of the male Paeony six drams, mingle them; also I ordered that the nurse at the same times, should take a draught of whey, or posset drink, in which were boiled the seeds and roots of the male Paeonie, and the leaves of the Lilly of the Vally; the Infant for about four months was well, but then began to be troubled with Convulsions: at which time, the same remedies being administred both to the child, and to the nurse, in a larger dose, Vesicatores also were applied behind the ears, and blood was taken by the sucking of a Leech, from the jugular veins: within two or three days the child grew well: afterwards, whenever within four or five months the Convul∣sions returned, it was cured again, by the use of the same Remedies. After half a year, the convulsive motions wholly ceased, but a painful Tumour arose, about the lower part of the Spin ae dorsi or back-bone, from which proceeded acertain distor∣tion

of the Vertebrae, or joints of the back-bone, and a weakness of the legs, and at length a Palsie. It seems in this case, that the Spasmodic or convulsive matter, being wont to come upon the brain first, and beginnings of the nerves, entring at last the Spinal marrow, and being thrust out at its further end, it wholly stopt up the heads of the appending nerves, and shut out the passage of the Spirits: to wit, because other narcotick and more thick, had joyned themselves to the explosive particles.

The Curatory Method against the Convulsive Distempers in Chil∣dren.

IT is to be endeavoured either to prevent the Convulsive passions, threatning Children and infants, or to cure them being already begun.

For if the former children of the same parent, were obnoxious or liable to Convulsi∣ons, that evil ought to be prevented timely, by the use of of Remedies to those born af∣ter. * 1.71 It is usual for this end, to put into the mouth of the child newly born, some anti∣spasmodick Remedy, assoon as it begins to breath: from hence some are wont to give them some drops of the purest hony, others a Spoonful of Canary sweetned with Sugar, and some again oyl of Sweet Almonds fresh drawn, to some may be given half a Spoonful of epileptic water, or one drop of oyl of Amber.

Besides these first things given to Infants, which certainly seem to be of some mo∣ment, certain other Remedies and means of Administrations ought to be used: to wit, let one spoonful of Liquor proper to this distemper, be drunk twice a day: as for exam∣ple: Take of the water of black Cherry and of Rue each an ounce and a half; of the Antiepileptic of Langius one ounce; of the Syrrup of Corral ʒ vi. of prepared Pearl, gr. xv. mix them in a Viol. On the third or fourth day after the birth, let an Issue be made in the nape of the neck, then if it be of a fresh countenance, let a little blood to about an ounce and a half, or two ounces be taken by the sucking of Leeches, from the jugular veins, having a care lest the blood should flow out too plentifully in its sleep; let the Temples, and the hinder part of the neck be gently rub'd with such a like oynt∣ment. Take of the oyl of Nutmegs by expression ʒ ii. of Capive ʒ iii. of Amber ℈ i. Let an Amulet be hung about the neck, of the roots and seeds of the greater Paeonie, a little of the hoof of an Elke being added to it.

Moreover antispasmodick Remedies, should be daily given to the Nurse; let her take morning and evening, a draught of whey or posset-drink, in which the roots and seeds * 1.72 of the male Paeonie, and sweet fennil seeds are boiled. Take of the Conserve of the flow∣ers of Betony, of the male Paeonie, and of Rosemary each ii. ounces; of the powder of the Root and flowers of the male Paeonie, each ʒ ii. of red Corall, prepared, and of the whitest amber, each ʒ i. of the roots of Angelica, and Zedoarie prepared each ʒss. with what will suffice of the Syrr•…•…p of Paeonie, make an Electuarie; let her take morning and eve∣ning, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Take of the powder of the root of male Paeony ʒ ii. the seeds of the same ʒ i. make a powder; of the whitest Sugar three ounces dissolved in the water of the flowers of the Line-tree; and boiled to tablets, of the oyl of Amber ℈ i. make tablets according to Art, each weighing ʒ ss. let her eat one every sixth hour. Also let her keep to an exact diet.

If any Infant be actually afflicted with Convulsions, because that an Issue operates lit∣tle and slowly, it will be expedient to apply blistering plaisters to the nape of the neck * 1.73 and behind the ears, and unless a more cold temperament should gain-say it, let blood be drawn with Leeches from the veins: let Liniments be used about the Temples; No∣strils, and hinder part of the Neck, and plaisters also laid to the bottoms of the feet; Clysters that may keep down the belly, should be daily administred: besides let speci∣fick Remedies be inwardly taken, often in a day, to wit, every sixth or eighth hour.

Take of the oyl Capive, of Castor each ʒ ii. of Amber ʒ ss. make a Liniment. * 1.74

Take of the plaister of Oxycrocia two parts, of dissolved Galbanum one part, of oyl of Amber ℈ i. make a plaister for the soles of the feet. Let there be given of the powder of Ammoniacum, according to the description of Riverius, twice or four times in a day.

Take of humane skull prepared, of the seeds of Paeony, of an Elks claw, of Pearls pre∣pared, * 1.75 each ʒ ss. of Amber greese, gr. vi. make a powder; the dose vi. grains, in a spoon∣full of the Liquor hereafter described, three or four times in a day.

Or take of humane Skull prepared, of pearls each ʒ ss. of the Salt of Amber ℈ i. of the Sugar of Pearl ʒ i. the dose ℈ ss.

Or take of the Spirits of harts-horn iii. drops, let it be given every sixth or eighth hour in a spoonful of the Julup below prescribred.

To the children of the poor, may be administred the powder of the Roots of wild Va∣reian ℈ ss. to ℈ i. let it be given twice a day, in a spoonful of milk, or appropriat Li∣quor.

Untzerus greatly commends the Gall of a sucking Whelp, to wit, that the whole juice of the gallie Bag being taken forth, be given to the child to drink, with a little of the water of the flowers of the Tile, or Line-tree.

A learned Physitian lately told me, that he had known many cured with this Reme∣dy: Besides, Empericks are wont to cause the bigger children, after they have drank the gall, to eat also the Liver of the Whelp broiled.

Julups, distilled waters, and other appropriat Liquors, may be prepared, after the fol∣lowing * 1.76 prescripts.

Take of black Cherry water three ounces, of the Antiepileptical water of Langius, one ounce, of perlate sugar, ʒ ii. mix them.

Take of the green Roots of the male Paeonie cut into little pieces, six ounces, of Hun∣garian Vitriol eight ounces of humane Skull two ounces, of the Antiepileptical water os Lan∣gius half a pint, mix them, and let them be distilled in a glass retort, in hot sand, the dose i. spoonful to ii.

Take of the fresh roots of the Male Paeonie cut, four ounces, being bruised in a Mar∣ble Morter, pour to them of Spanish-wine, lib. i. make a strong expression, add of ma∣nus Christi pearled, half an ounce, let it be kept in a close glass. The dose i. Spoonful, or ii. twice in a day.

When Convulsive motions happen by Reason of the difficulty of breeding Teeth, this Symptom as it is secondary and less dangerous, so the cure does not always require the first or chief labour of healing, but sometimes we are rather careful to remove it, by allay∣ing * 1.77 the pain and the feverish Distemper; wherefore both the patient and the Nurse ought to use a slender and refrigerating Diet;. the Teeth being about to break through the Gums, their passage should be made easie, by rubbing or cutting them; and also Anodynes should be applied to those swelled and grieved parts: Clysters and taking away blood are often used; it behoves to cause sleep, and to attemper the fierceness of the blood: sometimes an∣tispasmodick Remedies are made use of, but the more temperate, and such as do not trou∣ble the blood and humors, Vesicatories or blistering plaisters, because they aptly evacuate the serum, too much poured forth on the head, oftentimes bring help.

When children are troubled with Convulsions, not presently after they are born, nor by reason of the cutting of their Teeth, but for other occasions and accidents; the cause * 1.78 of such a distemper, for the most part, subsists either in the head, or some where about the Viscera of Concoction. When the former is suspected as it is wont to be manifested by signs which argue a Serous Colluvies, too much heaped up within the Head, the former Remedies, already recited, ought to be given in a larger dose; besides, in those who are able to bear purging, sometimes a Vomit, or a light purge is prescribed: Wine and Oxymel of squills, also Mercurius Dulcis, Rhubarb, and Resin of Jalop, are of approved use.

As often as the cause of the Convulsive Distemper seems to be in the Viscera, either Worms, or, sharp humours, stirring up the torments of the belly, are understood to be in fault.

Against Worms, a purge of Rhubarb, or Mercurius Dulcis, the Resin of Jalop being added, is ordained: sometime past, a Child being miserably afflicted with Convulsions * 1.79 that he seemed to be just dying, I gave him a dose of Mercurius Dulcis with Resine of Ja∣lop; with his stools, which were four, he voided xii. worms, and presently grew well.

Take of the root of Viriginian Snakeweed, in powder ʒ i. of Coral calcined to a whiteness ʒ ss. a powder ʒ i. the dose from half a scruple, to one scruple, twice in a day, continued for three days, drinking after it a decoction of Grass-roots. Take of the species of Hie∣ra ʒ i. ss. of Venice-treacle ʒ ii. make a plaister for the bottom of the belly, or apply to the Navel a plaister.

If the Convulsive motions are suspected to proceed from an irritation of the Ventri∣cle, and intestines, made by sharp humours, a gentle purging, either by vomit, or stool, or both successively ought to be. For this end, let them drink a gentle Emetick of wine of squills, or salt of vitriol; when even the sick are troubled with a striving to vomit of their own accord: but if the other evacuation, or downwards, shall seem bet∣ter to be tried, they ought to take an Infusion of Rhubarb, or the powder, and Syrrup of Succory with Rhubarb, or of Roses with Agaric and very often by these Remedies, timely applied, I have seen the Convulsive Distempers in Children

to be cured: besides, in this case, Clysters are frequently used: but external Medi∣cines are not to be omitted; to wit, Fomentations, Oyntments, Plaisters applied to the Belly.

Take of the flowers of Cammomel cut very small, two handfuls, let them be put into two little bags made of fine Linen, or Silk which being dipped in warm Milk, and wrung out, may be applied successively to the abdomen, or lower region of the Belly.

Take of the tops or flowers of Mallows, in like manner, but small, let them be fried in fresh Butter, or Hogs Lard, and in the form of a Liniment, or a Cataplasm, applied to the Belly.

CHAPTER V. Of Convulsive Diseases of Ripe age, arising chiefly by reason of the Nervous origine being affected.

ALthough Convulsive Distempers, which happen to those of riper years, being known by other Names, also are commonly reputed of some other stock, and are wont to be referr'd to the Passions called Hysterical, Hypochondriacal, or Colical, or to the Scorbute; yet if the matter be a little better considered, it will easily appear, that some Convulsive symptoms, both in Men and Women, do come from the brain, which Convulsions properly and truly challenge to themselves the Name: But these (as we have already mentioned) may be distinguished after a various manner, by the mani∣fold seat of the Morbifick cause, but chiefly into these three kinds, viz. Into Spasms or Convulsions stirred up, by reason of the origine of the Nerves being chiefly affected; * 1.80 into others being stirred up, by reason of the extremities or ends of the Nerves being possessed by the Morbifick matter; and lastly, into such from whose head the Morbific Matter descending, fills the whole passages, or the most part of some certain Nerves, or of all together.

Therefore, that we may proceed to unfold the Convulsions arising from the begin∣nings of the Nerves being affected, take notice here, that the Morbifick matter besieging * 1.81 the beginnings of the Nerves, doth sometimes chiefly flow into the first pair of Nerves, to wit, which respect the Muscles of the Eyes and Face, and from thence the contracti∣ons and tremblings, now of the Nose, Cheeks, or Lips, now of the Eyes, or the distor∣tions of the Mouth, follow. Secondly, Sometimes the wandring and intercostal pair do chiefly imbibe the Heterogeneous Particles; and then Inflations, or Contractions of the * 1.82 Abdomen and Hypochondria; and also the palpitation of the Heart, trembling, difficult and interrupted breathing, an intermitting pulse, and other symptoms of the middle, and lower Belly, do very much infest. Thirdly, But sometimes the Morbifick cause being placed lower, affects chiefly the spinal marrow, and therefore the outward mem∣bers and limbs, are rendred obnoxious to inordinate leapings forth and contractions: Further, in very many cases of this nature, because the animal spirits being explosed about the origine of the Nerves, do inordinately leap back towards the Encephalon; for that reason, to all Convulsions almost being excited by this means, the Vertigo, also the scotomie or giddiness, the tingling of the Ears, and sometimes the amased insensi∣bility or falling down of the spirits, are joined, or follow.

But as we may conjecture, from the various figures of the Convulsive Distemper, it * 1.83 seems, that the Convulsive matter hauling those, or these Nerves, or many of them together, is lodged either about their beginnings, only, so that the spirits in that place being often explosed, a frequent and very troublesome Vertigo arises, besides trem∣blings, and a short faintness about the Praecordia, swoonings and often leapings, and light contractions in the Viscera, or Muscles are felt. Or, Secondly, The explosive Particles being dilated to the beginnings of the Nerves, enter more deeply into their processes, and not seldom being slidden down into the Nervous foldings, belonging to the Praecordia, or the Viscera of the lower Belly, or also to the exterior members, pro∣cure there other as it were nests of Convulsive Distempers, that as often as the spirits about the Nervous origine are driven into explosions, presently fits, as it were Hysteri∣cal, Asthmatical, or otherways Convulsive, arise in the Abdomen, Thorax, or Limbs: Examples of these, and by what means they are made, shall be anon more clearly de∣livered: In the mean time, the Spasmodic matter flowing into the pipes of the Nerves,

when it is transfer'd even to their processes and remote enfoldings; yet, forasmuch as it hath still its chief mi•…•…e about the Nervous original, therefore after very grievous Convulsions of the Viscera or Members, a great perturbation of the Brain follows thereupon, with a tingling of the Ears, a Vertigo, and often an insensibility or amased excurtion of spirits: but sometimes the Morbific matter, as to the greatest part, being translated to the farthest ends of the Nerves, from thence they become free or clear about their beginnings: For I have observed many, who, whil'st at the beginning, they were infested with the Vertigo, often fainting away with fear, head-ach, and heaviness about the hinder part of the head, to have felt about the Praecordia or Viscera, only light inflations or tremblings; but afterwards, suffering more cruel Convulsions about these parts, they did not complain of the former Distempers of the Head.

If it should be further demanded concerning the Convulsive matter, from what place * 1.84 it should be brought, and by what ways carried towards the beginnings of the Nerves, and what kind of settlement, and as it were cherishing nests it there obtains; we say, that although we cannot detect the footsteps and manifest passages of this matter, yet so much may be collected from certain observations, and the Analogie of things, it may be supposed there are these two distinct manner of passages, whereby the Convulsive Particles being first poured out into the Brain and Cerebel, from the Blood, are from thence carried towards the beginnings of the Nerves, viz. First, sometimes this matter being imbibed by the Brain and Cerebel, and by degrees passing thorow the pores of either, slides into the trunk of the oblong marrow, whose tract being also overcome by it, together with the nervous juice, it slides forward towards the original of the Nerves, and is heaped up near their heads, or within the medullarie trunk it self, or within the annularie Prominencies, in which places, either a long while subsisting, it stirs up frequent V•…•…rtigoes, and more light Convulsions, in remote parts as hath been said; or being slidden from thence, more deeply into the passages of the Nerves, excites fits of Convulsions very cruel: such a progress of the Morbific cause, we suspect in whom the vertigo, swooning, heaviness of the head, and torpor of the mind go before the Convulsive assaults: Indeed, the matter of the Disease, abounding as yet in the brain and marrowie appendix, produces these kinds of previous Distimpers; which being slidden from thence into the Nerves, causes Convulsions.

Secondly, There is yet another way, whereby it plainly appears, that the material cause of the Convulsive Distemper is transferred to the beginnings of the Nerves, to wit, when the same being deposited by the serous water within the cavities or ventricles of the Head, it is insinuated into the neighbouring roots of the Nerves: For in Chro∣nical Diseases, when the remarkable discrasie of the blood and humors happens also to be accompanied with a praved disposition of the brain, oftentimes a great plenty of sharp Serum infesting the Nervous stock, dropping forth from the Vessels of the Choroei∣dan, or retiform enfoldings, slides into the ventricles of the brain, and its appendix: But this serous water, afterwards breaking thorow the under-spreading of the C•…•…rebel, into the fourth Ventricle, the little skin there being displaced, whereby the oblong marrow is uncovered, it falls upon the beginnings of one or more of the Nerves, and either by irritating, or imbuing them, with Heterogeneous and Explosive Particles, in∣duces the Convulsive disposition. And this for the most part is the cause that sick peo∣ple, after long and ill handled Fevers, also after the more grievous Cephalic Diseases, at length die of Convulsions; as I have found by the frequent Anatomie of the Carcases of those who died by that means. Also it appears by Anatomical observation, That the brain may be overflowed by a certain serous water without the Distemper of the Convulsive disposition; and further, that in some, who died of the Epilepsie, and other Convulsive Diseases, there was no deluge of the Serum, within the Ventricles of the Brain: by which it is given us to be understood, that the Convulsive Distempers do not flow only from the watery matter in the Head; but that they arise not at all from such a cause, unless the serous water overflowing the Ventricles of the Brain, and chiefly that underIaying of the Cerebel, be imbued with Heterogeneous and Explosive Particles. I remember once, my Counsel to be ask'd for a young man labouring with an egregious Phtisis, and at that time truly desperate, besides a Cough, and shortness of Breath, he had grievously complained for many days, yea weeks, that he could not lie upon his back in his bed, or whilst he sat in a Chair he could not lean his head backwards: for that by this, or that posture of his Body, he was wont presently to suffer tremblings of his heart, and a fainting of the spirits, as if he were just about to die: wherefore of necessity he was fain to hold his head upright, or leaning for∣ward. After he was dead, his Carcase being dissected, his Lungs appeared all over tumified, and in some places Ulcerated: then his Skull being opened, there flowed within all the Ventricles of the brain, a great quantity of yellow and salt Serum:

which water certainly whilst it did slide forward upon the fourth Ventricle, about the trunk of the oblong marrow, his head leaning back, rushing upon the heads of the wandring and intercostal pair of Nerves, did stir up the aforesaid Convulsions about the Praecordia: but so long as his head was inclined forward, that the heap of Serum flow∣ed back into the interior Ventricles of the Brain, the origine of the Nerves remained free from that Convulsive matter.

Having hitherto shown how many ways, and by what passages the morbific matter, being dilated towards the origine of the Nerves, seems to bring on Convulsions, it were easie, according to these reasons, to unfold many Convulsive symptoms: for besides the Convulsive motions of Infants and Children, oftentimes excited from the same kind of causes; hither may be refer'd the contractions, and sudden leapings forth of the ner∣vous parts, which follow upon Fevers. As also those Passions commonly called Hyste∣rical, also Hypocondriacal, and certain others, proceed not seldom from the Morbific cause, rushing upon the beginnings of the Nerves. We will therefore endeavour to establish the truth of this Hypothesis by some other Histories and examples of sick peo∣ple; but in the first place, we will propose observations of that kind, in whom the Morbific matter setling upon the beginnings of the Nerves, and not being as yet slid deeply into their proeesses, induced frequent vertigoes, and only more light Convul∣sions of the Viscera and Praecordia.

A Noble Woman about 30 years of Age, of a tender constitution, and lean in Body, was wont every winter to be grievously afflicted with a Catarh or Rhume flowing upon * 1.85 the wind-pipe and Lungs, with a hoarse Cough, and great spitting; but the last year, great care and diligence being used, she avoided that evil. But after the winter Sol•…•…tice, having taken cold, she was troubled with an huge pain of the head, a tingling of the Ears, a giddiness, with a great defluxion upon the Eyes, that it easily appeared, that the heap of Serum, which before this time was wont to distil into the Breast, was now wholly laid up, within the head and brain: besides, an effect of which was, that as often as she began to sleep, she was greatly infested with Passions, as it were Histeri∣cal, to which she had never been before obnoxious: For when ever, being sleepy, she closed her Eyes, presently a bulk ascending in her belly, a choaking in her throat, tremblings, and leapings about the Praecordia, were stirred up; which affections not∣withstanding quite ceased, when she was thorowly awakened, so that the sick party was necessitated to abstain almost altogether for many days and nights from sleep.

Being sent for to this Lady, after she had been sick and weak for many days, I was compelled at length to use gentle Medicines: therefore I took care that blood should forthwith be drawn from the foot, to four Ounces, and every day a Clister of Milk and Sugar to be administred, by which she was wont to have three or four stools: besides I gave her every eighth hour a Dose of the spirits of Harts-born in a spoonful of the following Julup: Take of the water of Penny-royal, of Walnuts, and black Cherries each four Ounces, of Histerical water two Ounces, of the Syrrup of Clove-gilliflowers an Ounce and a half, of Caster tied in a little knot, and hanged in the middle of the glass half a Dram, of the Powder of Pearls one Scruple, mingle it. I caused with suc∣cess a visicatorie to be put behind the Ears, and a Cataplasm of the leaves of Rue and Cuccoe-pint, with the Roots of Bryony, Bay-salt, and black soap, to be laid to the soals of her feet. Sometimes I gave her in the evening in a little draught of the prescribed ju∣lup, half an ounce of Diacodium, to which succeeded a moderate sleep, without the wonted Convulsions following: which kind of effects from opiats exhibited in the like case, I have often experimented: for the quenching her thirst I gave her a Ptisan, with diuretick Ingredients boiled in it: by the use of these, she was very much eased, in a short time. But what proved a great benefit to her, was, that an Imposthume in her ear, breaking of its own accord, poured forth, at first a yellow matter, and afterwards for many days, a great plenty of thin Ichor or Excrement, by which Evacuation, the Convulsions of the Viscera and Praecordia wholly ceasing, the disease was perfectly cured.

As to the Reason of the aforesaid sickness, without doubt, it seems, that those Distem∣pers were excited by the serous colluvies, laid up within the bounds of the Head: for the translation of that humor into the head, brought at first both the Disease, and the Secretion or flowing of it out, thorow the Emunctuaries of the ear, took away all the Symptoms: Besides, when the morbifick matter had brought in to the spirits, planted about the beginnings of the nerves, a disposition somewhat explosive, they, though being struck as it were with madness, they were continually troubled, yet so long as leaping back towards the brain, they obtained a space, in which they might be more freely expanded or stretched forth, they did indeed only more vehemently exer∣cise the Phantasie, and without farther trouble did only cause watchings. But when by

sleep sometimes creeping upon her, the excursion of the unquiet Spirits were restrain∣ed towards the Brain, (which indeed necessarily happens, when we sleep, the nervous Liquor within the pores of the brain, at that time being more plentifully admitted) they tumultuarily rushing upon the heads of the wandring pair, and intercostal Nerves troubled the whole series of Spirits, flowing within the passages of those Nerves, and so caused the aforesaid Convulsions, about the Praecordia, Viscera, and muscles of the throat. I have known many both Men and Women sick after this manner, who when they have been troubled with an headach, an heaviness of the hinder part of the head, or a Verti∣go, have while they slept, felt forthwith in their Praecordia, or Viscera, or in both toge∣ther, perturbations as it were Convulsive; which indeed happens from the bending downward of the tumultuating Spirits, being reflected from the brain, upon the begin∣nings of the Nerves: But that the use of opiats, brought a pleasing sleep to this sick per∣son, without the wonted Convulsions, following, the reason was, because the animal spi∣rits, as unquiet and furious as they were, yet by the Intanglement of the Narcotick Par∣ticles, they were bound as it were in Chains, that afterwards, without any resistance they were overcome by sleep. I have indeed very often happily cured, most grievous fits of Convulsions, both Asthmatical, and as it were Hysterical, by administring Opiates.

An honest woman M. G. of 67. years of Age, yet of a florid countenance, and fat in * 1.86 body, when she had been a while obnoxious at first to a swelling of the face, and very grievous fits of the headach, she fell through the great cold of the winter, into a very troublefome Vertigo, with a trembling of the heart, a fainting away of the Spirits, and a frequent striving to vomit: being layed in her bed, if she opened her eyes, or turned her from one fide to another, she was presentiy troubled with a notable gidiness, or swim∣ming in the head, with swooning and effectless vomiting. Visiting this woman, I doubt∣ed not, but that the cause of her sickness was, the Convulsive matter, being translated from the exterior region of the head, to the most inward recesses of the Encephalon, by whose inspiration or heterogeneous Copula, the animal spirits being touched while they leaped forth inordinately towards the brain, they excited the vertiginous Distemper, and while they rushed tumultuarily upon the heads of the nerves, the Scotomie, disorder of the Praecordia, and endeavouring to vomit. A large Vesicatory or blistering Plaister, being applied to the nape of the neck, and behind her Ears, Clisters daily administred, also the use of Spirits of harts-horn frequently, and of a Cephalick Julup, cured her with∣in a few days.

A noted man about 33. years of Age, when he had been for a long time subject to a * 1.87 Cough, with great and thick spitting, besides having the pores of his skin very open, he was wont to sweat continually, and every night to be wet with it: about the beginning of the spring, he perceived those usual evacuations to happen more sparingly; in the mean time, he complained of a fulness of his hands and feet, and as it were a certain swelling or puffing up, so that he feared a dropsie was coming upon him; besides he was troubled in his head, with a giddiness and frequent Vertigo: A little after, this evil increasing, light contractions, and sudden Convulsions, were ordinarily excited about his Lips, and other parts of the mouth and face; also presently after (the morbific mat∣ter as it should seem, flowing upon the beginnings of the wandring pair and intercostal nerves) he was afflicted with the trembling, and leaping of the heart, with frequent fainting away of the vital spirits, as if a Leipothemy or swooning was falling upon him.

I know that very many ascribe these Convulsive passions, so grievously infesting the Praecordia, to the vapours rising from the spleen: but it seems much more reasonable to deduce them from the Convulsive matter laid up within the brain, and rushing upon the beginning of the Nerves; because a shifting or translation of some excrements, from some other parts, to the head, goes before, and that it is so laid up, within the compass or bounds of the Encephalon, the almost continual vertiginous distemper, and the Con∣vulsions of the parts of the mouth and face, testifie it plainly: wherefore I thought good to prescribe to this man Remedies according to the method hereafter shown.

I might be able here to propose many observations of this nature, in whom the morbi∣fic matter, subsisting near the beginnings of the nerves, stir up light Spasms or Convul∣sions only of the Viscera or members with a Vertigo. But because a portion of this mat∣ter, descending from the head, enters more deeply the pipes of the Nerves, and so strows the tinder or enkindling of explosive seed, as it were gunpowder, about their middle and ultimate processes and enfoldings, it will be to the purpose to add some examples of this kind.

A certain young maid E. L. tall and handsome, sprung from sound parents, and her self (as far as might be perceived) originally healthful, after she had served a master * 1.88 long sick, being a long time, and almost continually with him, and was forced to watch whole nights very often, and also at other times, so that she never slept but short and in∣terrupted

naps; she at length begun to complaln of an heaviness in her head, and a fre∣quent Vertigo: wirhin a little time after, the distemper growing worse, she felt tremblings in her whole body, with a light shaking of her members, which came at certain times, tho wandring and uncertain: afterwards she suffered fits plainly Convulsive, and those horrid, and often Infesting: a little before the approach of the disease, she was afficted with a short Scotomie or swimming in her head, by and by she felt a streightness, and great oppression of her Breast, whereby all her Precordia were drawn together: then present∣ly gnashing her teeth, and giving a great groan, she was wont to fall to the ground, in the mean time she was sensible, but labouring with the great oppression of her heart, till that constriction of her breast was loosned, she was not able by any means to rise; afterwards, when the fit was past, she was disturbed a good while, with a great palpita∣tion of the Heart, an heaviness of the senses, and a great debility of the animal function. After that this Sick maid had lived subject to these kind of fits, being very often repeat∣ed, for about 14. months, she at last became Epileptical, that as often as the assault of the evil rerurned being flung prostrate on the Earth, she was taken with the Insensibili∣ty or amazedness of Spirits, with the foaming at the mouth, and other peculiar symptoms of the falling sickness. Neither did this distemper stay here, but ere the space of a year was elapsed, it degenerated into madness, that at last the sick maid, having lost the use of her Reason, grew sometimes mad with fury, and sometimes was plainly stupid and foo∣lish.

It is plain from the beginning, progress, and osten metamorphosis of this Disease, that it at first had its cause and seat in the head, near the beginning of the Nerves, and from * 1.89 thence did daily unfold more largely its bounds, both into the brain, and nervous System; for from the beginning, the morbific matter consisting near the beginnings of the nerves, caused only lighter Spasms or Convulsions of the Viscera and members, and shakings, with the Vertigo; afterwards a portion os it being slidden into the pneumonic nerves, and their foldings, produced most grievous Convulsions of the Praecordia, Diaphragma, and Ventricle; and also another portion of the same matter invading the brain, and its marrow, caused the Insensibility or Amazedness, and so the fits of the Falling-sickness; and at length, the texture of the spirits being wholly vitiated, and their Latex being de∣generated into a most sharp, and as it were Stygian Liquor the Convulsive distempers passed into madness.

Therefore, as to the particular reasons, both of the disease, and symptoms, it seems, that the aforesaid Virgin, by her sedentary Life, (she being deprived altogether of the exercise of the body, and the use of a more free air) but chiefly by her nightly watch∣ings, and being frequently interrupted of her sleep, she had contracted a vitious dis∣position of the blood and humours, and also a praved and weak constitution of the brain, and Nervous stock (to which may be added, that she did perpetually attend on a Master, sick of most grievous distempers of Convulsions, and by that means had re∣ceived perchance some contagion, or convulsive infection: and first of all indeed, the Heterogeneous Particles being poured forth, together with the nervous juice, into the brain and Cerebel, and there cleaving to the spirits, as it were skirmished with the preli∣minarie scotomie, and vertigenous distemper; then the convulsive matter, setling upon the beginnings of the wandring pair, and intercostal Nerves, and the spinal marrow, brought in, with the Vertigo, the leaping of the Viscera and Muscles, and their lighter sha∣kings: Afterwards when entring more deeply the pipes of the Nerves, it was carried into the Cervical, and Cardiac, and perhaps intercostal, and other unfoldings, and em∣bued the spirits, performing the office of respiration, and the pulse, with an explosive Copula; they being brought into explosions at every turn together with their superiors, iuhabiting the nervous origine, by reason of fulness, or because of irritation, excited most horrid Convulsions of the respective parts: But the fit growing strong, from the pneu∣monic or breathing Nerves being strictly bound, the sudden inordinate systole of the Thorax was stirred up; then presently the Diaphragma being suddenly and vehemently drawn back, the obstreperous ejaculation did succeed: Further, when by reason of the systole of the Thorax, being sometime continued, the blood being hindred, that it could not move, it stagnated altogether in the Praecordia, therefore, during the fit, that great oppression of the heart, with want of speech and motion afflicted the sick Maid: But in the mean time, while as yet the region of the brain remained free and clear from the explosions of the spirits, the sick party remained in her senses, or memory: but af∣terwards when the Convulsive matter being daily increased, it was unfolded in the middle or marrowy parts of the debilitated and broken brain, to the former passions; about the Praecordia, came also the insensibility and amazedness of spirits, then the Epilepsie, and lastly madness, for the reasons before recited. Many Medicines, and of various kinds, being prescribed to this sick Maid, by many, both Physicians and Empe∣ricks,

but confusedly, and with an uncertain method, being presently changed, did her no good.

A certain fair woman, well coloured, and well flesh'd, from a setled grief, fell into * 1.90 a sickly disposition; about noon, and the evening, for the most part she was pretty well, but in the morning when she had sleep enough, and often indulged it too much, till she became very somnolent and heavy: being thoroughly awakened, presently she was wont to complain of a heaviness, and as it were a stupidness in her whole head, with a Vertigo at every motion, or stirring about of her head; a little after she constantly expected a Convulsive Fit, or the insensible amazedness of the spirits, and sometimes this, sometimes that, was wont to infest her: for that after the Vertigo, as it were a praevious Vellication, for the most part, she felt in her ventricle, and left side, an heavy or weighty pain running up and down here and there; hence belching, a striving to vomit, eruptions of blasts, also wonderful distentions of the abdomen, and hypochon∣dria, did follow, and sometimes for many hours, did miserably exercise this Wo∣man; but sometimes these Symptoms hapned to be wanting, and then the distem∣per more cruelly afflicted her brain: for falling into frequent insensible fits, she was wont to continue a great while immovable, and with her eyes shut, without sense or un∣standing; and when her servants had moved her by rubbings, and with the sume of To∣bacco, she came by and by to her self, but presently again she fell into the like insensibi∣lity, and so for four or five times, before she could perfectly recover her self, and be without expecting to fall into these fits again: At le•…•…gth the Tragedy being acted, she remained however affected with a•…•… heaviness and torpor of head, in some measure: but about noon, all the clouds being discussed, she was wont to obtain a fair, and se∣rene disposition of her whole head, until the next morning, the same Symptoms would return again.

Who shall rightly weigh these Symptoms, need not suppose them vapours, arising from the Womb or Spleen, and in those seek for the morbific cause in vain: which truly may more certainly be placed in the head it self: for it seems, that by reason of a great sadness (which happens often to women) at the beginning, a great debili∣ty, together with a vitious taint, was impressed on her brain; so indeed that the ani∣mal spirits derived to the brain and Cerebel, brought with them heterogeneous particles of a mixt kind, viz. Partly narcotick or stupifying, and partly explosive or rushing forth: which kind of Copula, when they had more plentifully conceived, through sleep they were stirred up to the shaking of it off, by mere fulness: as soon therefore, as the woman was awakened, the same spirits being moved, either a bending downward being made below, they were depressed upon the beginnings of the Nerves, and there being explosed, they excited Convulsions of the viscera; or leaping back towards the middle of the brain, and being there struck off, they brought in those frequent and ter∣rible Insensibilities. In truth, this distemper was somewhat akin to the Epilepsie, but that the morbific matter was not as yet stayed within the regal palace of the brain, or its middle part, so that there it might infect the spirits within the fountains; but yet the same heterogeneous Copula, did cleave more strictly to them, dissociated or disjoin∣ed below, and dividing themselved into various and lesser rivolets according to the be∣ginning of the nerves. In the mean time, the spirits, whereby they might shake off that matter, being often explosed, caused the stupor and insensibility, but bending to some other place, they rushed upon the beginnings of the nerves, for that reason cau∣sed those Spasms or Convulsions of the viscera: but that the fits come only in the mor∣ning after a plentiful sleep, the reason was because the heterogeneous Copula of the spirits, coming to them with the nervous juice, was at that time gathered together to a fit fulness for explosions, which being then wholly shaken off, the sick person remained therefore all the rest of the day free from the distempers, till the next day, when the night Sleep had brought to the head, a new supplement of morbific matter, the like fit return∣ed in the morning, which perhaps, as the Sleep had been shorter or longer, was moved now within the brain, now near the nervous origine.

But it may be observed, that Convulsions have arisen from the nervous origine, being chiefly affected, not only in the female sex, as the weaker and more liable, but some∣times * 1.91 these kind of distempers have been excited in men ftom the like procatartick cause. Some years since, being hastily sent for from a stranger, who lodged in this City, at first sight, I suspected that he was possessed, and •…•…lieved that he had more need of Exor∣cisms, than of Medicines. He was about Forty years old, who had now for about three years, at certain set times of the year, been wont to be troubled with convul∣sive Motions; whilst he by chance lodged here for a few days about his occasions, by reason of a great sadness, he had a fit of his sickness greater than usual: He was wont for two or three days beforehand ro feel the coming of his disease; to wit, from a great

commotion within the forepart of the head, almost a continual Vertigo, and frequent dim∣ness of his eyes: But the fit coming on him, at first his eyes were variously roled about, and inverted, then a certai bulk, like a living animal, was seen to creep from the bot∣tom of his belly upwards, towards his heart and breast, and from thence to his head▪ I my self pressing his belly with my hand, felt very plainly this kind of motion, and as long as I hindred this round thing from ascending with both my hands, and all my strength, he found himself indifferently well; but as soon as this swelling creeping up∣wards by degrees, had reached the head, presently the members of the whole body were cruelly pulled together, that he would dash himself against the walls or posts, as if possest by an evil spirit; He could hardly be held, and restrained by four strong men with all their force, but that he would leap from them, and fling out his arms, feet, and head here and there, with divers manners of motions: when he ceased from leaping forrh, or strugling, his Members would be strongly extended, and his muscles stiff, as if troubled with the Cramp or stiff extension: such a fit would last about a quarter of an hour, then coming to himfelf, he would talk soberly, and walk about in his Chamber; he knew what he had suffered, and asked pardon of the standers by; presently after he began to draw his eyes inward, and swiftly to role them about: then presently the con∣vulsive distemper returning, acted the like Tragedy as before: and after this man∣ner, he would have five or six of these kind of convulsive fits, within three hours space. In the midst of one of these fits, a vein in his Arm being opened, and a large orifice made, the blood flowed out slowly, and was seen presently to be congealed: and so indeed, that being received into the dish, it did not flow about, after the manner of Liquors, with a plain and equal Superficies, but like melted sewet, dropped into a cold Vessel, one drop being heaped upon another, it grew to a heap.

If this strange distemper had hapned to a Woman, it would presently have been said * 1.92 that it was the Mother, or Hysterical, and the cause of it would have been laid on the fault of the Womb; especially, for that the ascent of something, like a bulk, began the fit, from the bottom of the belly: But when this common solution, which most often is the mere subterfuge of Ignorance, cannot be admitted in this case, it seems most con∣gruous to reason, to refer all these Symptoms to the evil affections of the brain and nervous Stock. For truly it may be plainly gathered, that the cause of the disease, did lie hid in the head it self, by the Symptoms preceding the fit, which did denote a very great agitaiton of the spirits within the head; that inflation of the brain, and heavy swimmings, which constantly came just as the fit was coming upon him, the turnings of the eyes manifestly argue, that heterogeneous and explosive particles, did adhere to the spirits dwelling within the Encephalin, near to the beginnings of the Nerves. So that this case, comes near to the nature of the Epilepsie, excepting that the spirits with∣in the middle of the brain, did not admit an heterogeneous Copula, nor being explosed in another place, did they tumultuously break forth there; for during the fit, the sick person was still in his senses, or had the use of his memory: But the morbific matter, being more plentifully laip up in the head, when from thence it was slid, more deeply into the pipes, both of the Interior and Exterior Nerves, it had placed mines of Ex∣plosive seeds, very diffusive in the viscera, both of the lower and middle belly, and also in the exterior members, so that when the animal spirits began to be exploded, near the beginnings of the nerves, presently from thence others inhabiting the mesenteric enfolding, and then others in the other nervous enfoldings, interjected from the outmost bound, even to the head, being explosed in order, did even continue the Convulsions, from one part to another, until they came to the head it self: but presently the explosi∣on being translated from thence, to the spirits dwelling in the spinal marrow and Appen∣ding Nerves, the most strong Convulsions of the muscles and members of the whole body followed: But that, that ascent, as it were of bulk, or substance which very of∣ten was perceived in the lower belly, about the beginning of the Convulsions, proceeding from the spirits, within the mesenteric enfoldings, being brought in∣to explosions, shall be more largely declared anon, when we come to treat of hysterick passions.

In the mean time if it be asked for what reason that the convulsive paroxysm, begin∣ning in the part of the head, near the beginnings of the Nerves, presently the spirits dwelling in the outmost parts (as many as are predisposed for that Symptom) en∣ter into explosions, and so transfer the co•…•…ulsive Distemper, being there fully raised up∣wards, (for it is for the most part so, whether the entrance of the disease begins in the bottom of the belly, or about the middle of the abdomen, the Hypochondri•…•… * 1.93 or Praecordia, for that the Convulsion is wont to creep by degres from those places to∣wards the head:) I say, for the solution of this, these two considerations are offer'd, to wit, in the first place we consider, that when some whole series of spirits is disturbed, those

who reside in the extreamest bounds are first destituted of their original Influence; wherefore they, before others, grow tumultuous, and begin to grow irregular; hence it is, when the Nerve of the arm or thigh, is strained hard, by leaning on it, that the wonted Influence is hindred, that a humness, with a sense of pricking ot tingling, is first felt in the fingers or toes; from whence by degrees, it creeps upwards towards the places affectcd. Secondly, the other is, and rather the reason of this distemper, to wit, that the spirits being ready for explosions, when they are contained within the nervous pipes, one or more, as so many distinct little Tubes, they require a sufficient ample space, in which they may be able very much, and indeed successively to be rarified and expanded, which thing because it cannot be easily performed within the Trunks of the Nerves, from the beginning towards the end, therefore while the Spirits, about the ner∣vous origine, being first struck off, leap back towards the Encephaleon, for that cause they stir up the vertigo: the more open explosion of the spirits, for the most part, begins about the inferior passages of the nerves, or at their extremities, where the trunk of the nerve is either dilated into more ample foldings, or terminated in more fibres largely dispersed abroad; then those Spirits being exploded, there is room made presently for others sue∣ceeding in order, whereby in like manner they may be exploded: Hence we may ob∣serve whilst the exterior Spirits are exploded, if a ligature or hard compression being made, the succession of others into the same space or their progress toward the exterior parts be intercepted, the Convulsion is wont to be hindred, that it cannot ascend up∣wards, wherefore when a numbness (as medical Histories testisie) being arisen from the farthest end of the finger or toe, creeps to the superior parts, with a tingling, or like a cold air, and at length reaching the brain, causes most horrid Convulsions; if by and by after the motion is begun, the Arm or Thigh be strongly tied, the Spasm or Convul∣sion not being able to get over the bound place, is hindred from coming to the head; yea, it is usual for histerical women, as soon as the swelling of the belly, or the ascent of the bulk in the abdomen is first perceived, to gird strongly their waists with Swathing bands, and so oftentimes they prevent the Praecordia, and the region of the brain, from being disturbed by that same Convulsive Fit.

But that the blood being let out in the midst of the fit, was so soon congealed, in∣deed * 1.94 it very ordinarily happens to be so in Convulsive and Apoplectical Distempers, as the most learned Heighmore hath first noted out of Hendochius: But that some from hence contend, that convulsions rely altogether upon the thickness of the blood, and stagnation, its motion being hindred, cannot be granted: because the blood taken from those who are subject to convulsions, a little before the fit, is dilated with serum, and fluid enough: wherefore we may lawfully think, that the congelation is caused by the parox∣sm it self, because in Convulsive motions, and immoderate contractions of the Nerves, and Viscera, the interflowing blood by the exhalations of its spirit and serum, is some∣what loosened in its mixtion, and therefore in some sort coagulated; like as when milk, by reason of too much agitation and separation of the parts one from another, grows in∣to butter; wherefore this kind of Coagulation of the blood, seems rather to be the ef∣fect, than the cause of the Convulsions.

The Curatory Method.

AS to the cure of these kind of Convulsive Distempers, which in women, or men, proceed from the morbific cause lying upon the beginnings of the Nerves. The first indication will be, to draw away the tinder or inkindling of the disease, viz. to hin∣der that the blood may not affix on the head, the heterogeneous particles, either begot in it self, or received elswhere from the Viscera. For this purpose an evacuation both by catharticks, and blood-letting, unless something contradict, is wont to be beneficially prescribed.

Vomiting most often brings help, wherefore Emeticks of the Infusion of Crocus me∣tallorum, * 1.95 or of the Salt of Vitriol, or wine of squils, is to be taken at the beginning. Then almost the next day, the taking away of Blood, either by phlebotomy in the Arm, or by Leeches in the Sedal veins, is to be performed; then afterwards a gentle purge of pills, or solutive Apozems, is to be ordained and timely repeated.

Take of the pills of the Amber of Crato, or of the Tartar of Bontius ʒ ii. of the Re∣sine * 1.96 of Jalap, gr. xvi. of Caster ℈ i. of the oyl of Rosemary or Amber, ℈ss. of gumm. Am∣moniac dissolved in hysterical water, what will suffice to make 16. pills. Let 4. of them be taken every sixth or seventh day.

Take of the Roots of Polypodia of the Oak, of sharp pointed-docks prepared, of Cher∣vil, each ʒ vi. of the male Paeony, ʒ iii. of the leaves of Betony, Germander, Chamipits, Vervine, the male Betony, each i. handful, of the seeds of Cardamums, and burdock each ʒ iii. let them be boiled in 4. pints of Spring water, till half be consumed: Let It be strained into a matrace, to which put of the leaves of the best Senna, one ounce, of Rhubarb, ʒ vi. of Turbith gummed half an ounce, of Epithimum, of yellow-Sanders, each ʒ ii. of the Salt of worm wood, and Scurvy-grass, each ʒ i. the yellow rine of the Orange ʒ ii. let them digest close shut, in hot sand for 12 hours, let the straining be kept for use, sweeten it (if there be need) with what will fuffice, of the Auguflan Syrrop, or of Succory with Rhubarb. The Dose six ounces, once or twice in a week.

Every day, in which purges are not taken, Remedies strengthning the brain, and also * 1.97 the animal spirits; for the taking away the Heterogeneous Copula, or for the hindring them from running into explosions, are to be administred, which indeed ought to be prescribed and chosen according to the constitution and habit of the Body, and tempera∣ment of the sick; for too lean bodies, and such as being indued with a more hot blood, Medicines less hot, and which do not trouble the blood above measure, ought to be given: On the contrary, for phlegmatick and fat people, whose Urine is thin and watery, and whose blood is circulated more heavily, and Viscera's stuffed, more hot Remedies, and notably apt to ferment the humors, are designed. In the former case let it be prescribed after this manner.

Take of the Conserve of the Flowers of Betony, Tamarisk, the Male Paeony, each two * 1.98 Ounces, of the Species of Diamargerit frigida a Dram and a half, of the Powder of the Root of Paeony, and of the Seeds of the same, each one Dram, of red Coral prepared two Drams, of Vitriol of Steel two Scruples, of the Salt of Wormwood two Drams, with what will suffice of the juice of Oranges, make an Electuary, take of it twice or thrice in a day, drinking after it a little draught of the Julup hereafter prescribed.

Take of Coral red, with the juice of Oranges, beaten together in a Glass, or Marble * 1.99 mortar, and dried, half an Ounce, of the Powder of Missletoe of the Oak, of the root of the Male Paeony two Drams, of perled Sugar three Drams, make a Powder: the Dose from a Dram to half a Dram, twice or thrice in a day.

Take of the Species of Diamargarit frigida two Drams, of the Salt of Wormwood three Drams, of the root of Cocoe-pint powdered one Dram, mix them, make a Powder, let it be divided into xx parts; take a Dose in the morning, and at four in the afternoon.

Take of the Roots of Butterbur one Ounce; dose half a Dram to a Dram twice in a day. * 1.100

Take of the Leaves of Burdock and Cocoepint each six handfuls, let them be cut and mixed together, and so Distilled. The Dose two Drams to three, twice or thrice a day, after a Dose of Electuary or Powder.

Take of this water distilled two pints, of our steel prepared two drams, mix them in a Vial, let it be taken after the same manner.

Take of the simple water of Walnuts, and of black Cherries each half a pint, of Snales three Drams, of the Syrrup of the flowers of the Male Paeony two Ounces: the Dose an Ounce and a half to two, after the same manner.

Take of the shavings of Ivory and Harts-horn, each three Drams, of the roots of Cher∣vil, Burdock, Valerian, each half an Ounce, of the leaves of Betony, Chamepits, Harts-tongue, the tops of Tamarisk, each one handful, of the barks of Tamarisk, and of the Woody Nightshade, each half an Ounce, let them be boiled in two quarts of spring water, to the consumption of the third part; add to it of white-wine eight Ounces, strain it into a Pitcher, to which put of the leaves of Brook-lime, and Cardamine, each one handful, make an infusion warm, and close for four hours: Let the colature be kept close in Glasses. The Dose six Ounces twice in a day; after a Dose of some solid Me∣dicine, sometimes such an Apozeme may be mixed with two Drams of our steel, and taken in the same manner.

In the Summer time, the use of Spaw-waters is convenient; and for want of them, our Artificial ones may be taken.

If that for the reasons above-recited, more hot Medicines are to be prescribed, you may proceed according to the following method. * 1.101

Take of the Conserves of Rosemary, of the yellow of Oranges and Lemmons, each two Ounces, of Lignum-aloes, of yellow-sanders, of the roots of Snake-weed, Contrayerva, An∣gelica, Cocoepint, each one Dram, of the Vitriol of steel (or of steel prepared) four Scru∣ples, of the Salt of Wormwood and Scurvey-grass, each one Dram, with what will suffice of candied Walnuts, make an Electuary; let it be taken twice in a day, to the quantity of a Nutmeg, drinking after it a dose of appropriate Liquor.

Take of the Roots of Male Paeony, Angellica, and red Coral prepared, each two drams, * 1.102 of Sugar dissolved in water of Snales, boiled to the consistency of Tablets, six Ounces, of the Oil of Amber lightly rectified half a dram, make a sufficient quantity of Lozen∣ges, each weighing about half a dram, take one or two twice or thrice a day, drinking after it a dose of proper Liquor.

Take of the Roots of Virginian Snake-weed, Contrayerva, Valerian, each two drams, * 1.103 of red Coral, and prepared Pearl, each one dram, of winteran Bark, and of the root of Cretian Dittany, each one dram, of the Vitriol of steel, and Salt of Wormwood, each one dram and a half, of the extract of Centaury two drams, of Ammoniacum dissolved in Histerical water what will suffice, to make a pillulary mass: of which take four Pills in the Morning, and at four in the Afternoon.

Take of the Spirits of harts-horn, or Sut, or humane Blood, or of Sal ammoniack, what * 1.104 will suffice, take of them from 10. to 12. drops, morning and evening, in a spoonful of Julap, drinking a little draught of the same after it.

Take of the Leaves of Betony, Vervine, Sage, Lady-smocks, Cuccoepint, Burdock, each two handfulls, of green wallnuts, number 20. the rinds of six Oranges, and of 4 Lemons, * 1.105 of Cardamus, and Cubebs, each one ounce, being cut and bruised, pour on them of whey made of Cider or white whine, six pints, let them be distilled according to Art. The dose two ounces or three twice in a day, after a dose of a solid medicine. Add to i. quart of this liquor ii. drams of our Steel.

Take of the water of Snails, and of earth-worms, each six ounces, walnuts simple four ounces, of Radish compound two ounces, of white sugar ii. ounces make a Julap. The dose 4. or 6. spoonfulls, twice in a day, after a dose of a solid medicine.

Take of millipedes or chesslogs, cleansed, i pint; of Cloves cut, half an ounce, put to them i quart of white-wine, let them be distilled in a glass-cucurbit. The dose one ounce to an ounce and a half, twice in a day.

For poor people, medicines easie to be prepared, may be prescribed after this manner.

Take of the Conserves of the Leaves of Rue, made with an equal part of sugar, six ounces; take of it the quantity of a nutmeg, twice in a day, drinking after it of the de∣coction of the Seeds and Roots of Burdock, in whey or posset-drink made of whitewine.

Or there may be prepared a Conserve of the leaves of the Tree of Life, with an equal part of Sugar: dose ʒ ss. to ʒ i. twice in a day.

Take of millipeds prepared ʒ iii, of ameos seeds ʒ i. make a powder, divide it into 10. parts, take a dose twice in a day, or 12 Sows or Woodlice bruised, and whitewine put to them, let the juice be wrung out, make a draught, let it be taken twice a day.

In the mean time, while these Medicines are taken inwardly, it is sometimes conve∣nient to raise blisters, with Vesicatories, in the nape of the neck, and behind the ears; for so the serous and sharp humors, are very much brought away from the head: besides sneezing powders, and such as purge Rheume from the head, often give signal help. The taking away of blood from the sedal veins, or the foot, ought sometimes to be itterated; yea, and the Distemper urging, Plaisters or Cataplasms, are profitably ap∣plied to the soles of the feet. It is also beneficial to apply drawing medicines about the calves and thighs.

CHAPTER VI. Of Convulsive Motions, whose cause subsists about the extremities of the Nerves, or within the nervous foldings.

SOmetimes Convulsive Distempers do arise, without any fault in the Head, by the ir∣ritation and explosion of the spirits, remaining about the extremities of the nerves, which plainly appears, because when medicines haul sharply the Ventricles or Inte∣stines, or worms gnaw them, there do not only follow Convulsions in those parts, but besides convulsive motions do sometimes torment (or are retorted on) the members, and outward Limbs: for indeed, as we have shown elsewhere, when the sense of a ve∣ry grievons Trouble torments any part, and from that is communicated to the chief sen∣sorie, presently from thence an involuntary and irregular motion, is wont to be reflect∣ed on the spirits in that place irritated; and that not only by the same nerves, to which the sence of the pain was carried, but sometimes also the Convulsion is reciprocated by others, either neighbouring, or altogether extraneous: So the Stone being fixed in the

Ureters, and irritating very much its nervous fibres, excites convulsive motions, not on∣ly in the distempered Vessels, but almost in all the Viscera of the Abdomen: So that the Urine being suppressed, Torments diffused here and there, and very often horrid Vomi∣tings follow. Wherefore, 'tis not at all to be doubted, but that both diseases, and some Convulsive Symptoms, are very often induced, by reason of an outward hurt, broughr to the Tops of the nerves, terminating within the membranes, muscles, or Viscera: yea in thehysterical, hypochondriaca, and certain other passions, if at any time Convulsive motions are excited, in the hurt head by the fault of the womb, spleen, or other inward; verily they arise by this only means, to wit, by the Trouble of the rest of the parts, being translated this way through the Nerves, (but in no wise by the Vapours) to the brain, and are propagated all about into various Regions of the Body.

But it should here be noted, that altho the evident solitary cause, forasmuch as it is strong and vehement, may sometimes induce Convulsions of it self, and without a prae∣vious * 1.106 disposition: because indeed the Animal Spirits irritated, beyond measure, begin greater, and more than ordinary explosions, as in overgreat purging, and Vomiting, and the fits of the Collick, and Stone, is ordinarily wont to happen; yet in many other con∣vulsive Distempers, whose fits are often and habitual, besides the irritation made, about the extremities of the nerves, which serves for the most part for the evident cause, al∣so a certain more remote cause is present, to whose efficacy the assault of the disease is chiefly beholden; to wit, when convulsive motions are wont to be excited, and at every turn repeated, by the fault of the Spleen, Womb, or other private part, it may be sus∣pected, that the animal Spirits, of the Fibres in the distempered part, and those disposed in its neighbouring parts, had first contracted an heterogeneous, explosive Copula, by which being filled, to a running over, they were provoked, by a light occasion, to con∣vulsive * 1.107 explosions: Then, those being first begun, about the extremities of the nerves, creep upwards by the passage of the same nerves, and are often carried to the same ner∣vous origine, and sometimes beyond, to the middle of the brain: from whenee, lastly, being reflected on the Nervous stock, they also secondarily cause the convulsions of the members and limbs: But after the brain, and a superior portion of the nervous system, are wont to suffer, and be affected often, by the convulsions below excited, the spirits in∣habiting those parts, also begin to be themselves adulterated at length, and to admit an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, and so to acquire in part, a procata•…•…tick cause; hence at length a Convulsive procatarxis, or more remote cause, becomes common to ei∣ther end of the Trunk of the same nerves, and the animal spirits of one nerve, or more being evilly disposed, both at the head and tail, conceive explosions from either part, and deliver them presently to the other, as shall be more largely declared below, when we treat particularly of hysterical, and other; passions in the mean time, we will add some histories and observations of convulsions arising from the farther ends or extremities of the nerves.

A fine maid, about the 16th. year of her age, falling from her horsc, and lighting up∣on * 1.108 a Stone, grievously hurt her left breast, from whence a Tumor arose, with pain, which Symptoms notwithstanding by the use of Medicines, at the beginning seemed to be mitigated, and to be indifferently well, for a long time after. Three years after, she having taken cold, and having observed but a bad course of dyet, all things began to be exasperated, the hurt part swelling into a bigger bulk, troubled her with an acute, and almost continual pain, that the sick Virgin, for the cruel torment, could take no rest for many days and nights, neither could she suffer the glandula's of her breast, being then made more tumid, to be either touched or handled; yea nor any noise, or shaking to be made in the Chamber.

When to this Tumour, about to degenerate into a Cancer, they had applied fomenta∣tions, and Cataplasms of hemlock and mandraks, and other stupifying and repercussing things, this gentlewoman began to suffer certain Convulsive affections infesting her very often: At first, as often as the pain in her breast did most cruelly torment her, she felt in that place, prickings, also convulsions, and contractions, running about here and there, then presently her Ventricle and Hypchondria, and often the whole Abdomen, were wont to be inflated, and very much distended, with an endeavour of belching and vomiting; by and by, the same distemper, being leasurely translated to the superior parts, excited Insensibility; to which shortly after, convulsive motions succeeded, in the whole Body, so strongly, that the sick party could scarce be held by three or four strong men.

These kind of fits, at first were wandring, and only occasionally excited: to wit, they would come, as often as the pain of her breast was strained, by some evident cause: After∣wards, these convulsions did more often infest her, and at last, they became habitual, and periodical, twice in a day, to wit, they were wont to come again constantly, at so many set hours after eating: And when after this manner, the sick Gentlewoman had

been miserably afflicted, for six moneths, at length, she began to be molested with a vertiginous Distemper of her head, exercising her almost continually: for which evil when a fomentation of aroma•…•…ick and cephalick herbs, had been a good while admi∣nistred to her head, she became better, as to the giddiness; but then she was perpetual∣ly infested with a quite new, and admirable Symptom, viz. an empty cough, without spitting, night and day, unless when she was overwhelmed with sleep: After this wor∣thy Virgin, had tryed without much benefit, divers medicines and remedies, prescribed by several Physitians, she was at last helped by making use of the most temperate Bath, at the Bath; then being presently married, after she had conceived, and was brought to bed, •…•…he by degrees grew well.

If the reasons of the whole disease, and its accidents, be inquired into, without doubt the convulsive distemper was first of all excited from the tumor or pained place of the * 1.109 breast; the cause of which was partly the most sharp sense of pain, being impressed from its fibres and nervous parts, but partly by the heterogeneous Copula, being affixed on the spirits inhabiting those fibres and Nerves; for truly, it may be suspected, that the most sharp humour impacted in the Tumor, which perhaps had in some sort flowed thither by the passages of the Nerves, being repercussed by the use of Topicks, had entred the Fibres and Nervous filaments, or little strings disposed thorow the whole border or neighbourhood, and so the heterogeneous and explosive Copula, had clove to the spirits; for the shaking off of which; as often as by pain they were excited, they entred into Convulsive explosions, and together with them, other spirits flowing within the neighbouring Nerves, by consent of the forms (as it often happens) were ex∣ploded after the same manner: Then the Convulsive Distemper, when it first had be∣gun in the extremities of the Nerves, being continued thorow their passages, even to the head, was wont to cause the insensibleness; and from thence leaping back upon the whole nervous system, the Convulsive motions of the Limbs and all the members: The fits, about the beginning of the sickness, being excited after this manner, by reason of pain from the distemper'd part, were carried secondarily to the brain and its appen∣dix: But afterwards, when the spirits inhabiting those places, being often explosed, by sympathy, had so loosned, and weakned the pores of the containing parts, that there lay open a passage within the same, for all Heterogeneous Particles to enter, with the ner∣vous juice, the Convulsive procatarxis or more remote cause also increased in the head; and the spirits inhabiting the Encephalon, being infected with an heterogeneous Copula, they themselves begun the Convulsive fit, or at least afforded the first instinct to its as∣sault, which did return, for the most part, at such set hours after eating, because the morbific matter was carried in, together with the nervous juice, almost in an equal dimension: In truth, in such cases, where the Convulsion being general, doth possess almost all the parts of the whole nervous system successively, we may suspect, that the animal spirits had contracted an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, in the whole nervous stock, which, when it is arisen, at the set time, to a fulness, incites the spirits themselves at the appointed time, in like manner, to explosions, and the same explosi∣on being begun somewhere, is propagated in order to all, after the manner of a fiery enkindling.

As to that empty cough, which succeeding the fomentation of the head, exercised this sick person almost incessantly for many months; it seems, that this symptom should depend altogether from the nervous origine being distemper'd, and not at all on the stuffing of the Lungs; for she did not avoid any thing with the cough; and if at any time that force of coughing was violently restrained, presently she was troubled with the Sense of choaking in her Throat: So that, as it is very likely, the morbific matter laid up near the nervous origine being rarified and stirred, by the fomentation, entred more deeply the heads of the Nerves, appointed for the Lungs, and stirred up in their fibres and filaments, perpetual convulsions: after the like manner, as when the Nervous juice, which waters the fibres and tendons of the Muscles, being made sharp and de∣generate, induces to those parts continual leapings and contractions: hence, when a Convulsion or Spasm was stop'd, in some brances of the distempered Nerv•…•…s, so as she could not cough, presently the Convulsive motion, running into other branches of the same neighbour Nerve, stirred up that choaking in the Throat. I will here pro∣pose another example of a Convulsion, arising from the extremities of the Nerves being affected.

A Noble Matron, of fifty years of Age, after her Courses had left her for about half a year, began to complain, first in a pricking pain of her left Pap; then afterwards, * 1.110 that Distemper leaving her, she was ill about her Ventricle, for there arose an hard, and as it were a schirrous tumour, with a sad pain; upon this came an inflation of the stomach, with difficulty of respiration, a nauseousness, and frequent Vomiting:

Then the disease encreasing, with a more sharp pain running about here and there, she fell into Convulsive Distempers of the Ventricle: to wit, in that place, she was al∣most continually troubled with Convulsions variously running about, just as if her ven∣tricle had been torn to pieces: Besides a constant perturbation of mind, with thirst, and watchings, and a frequent deliquium of spirits, as if she had been just dying, exer∣cising this sick Lady: All which symptoms, she plainly perceiv'd to arise from that Tumour in her ventricle: They saw that all vomitory, cathartical, antiscorbutical, and hysterical Medicines, did her no good, but were rather hurtful and troublesome; she received some benefit, by the taking away of blood by Leeches, and by the use of Asses Milk, and afterwards she was much eased by the drinking of Spaw waters.

The aforesaid symptoms, which commonly are ascribed to the hysterical passion, and the vapours from the Womb here plainly appear, to have proceeded from a Tu∣mour, * 1.111 arising about the bottom of the Ventricle: for that the blood of this Lady being very hot and melancholick, when it could be no more purged by her Courses flowing from her, it laid up its recrements, and adust saeculencies, at first in her Breast, and then from a new beginning in the Membranes of her Stomach: From the tumor there made, sharp and Heterogeneous Particles falling down perpetually, entred the fibres and nerves planted round about; which cleaving continually to the spirits dwelling in, and flowing into those parts, excited them to frequent explosions, and so made Con∣vulsive distempers in all the neighbouring parts: But that sometimes the Convulsive motions were more light in that place; hence it appears, that the whole nervous stock, and the head it self (as is wont to be in greater Convulsions) had not as yet been touched with the same distemper: But the disorder of spirits arising about the parts affected, and from thence transfer'd by a smaller undulation or waving to the head, and so only lightly disturbing the spirits inhabiting it, induced watchings, with a great heat, and perturbation of the phantasie. What we have hitherto discoursed of Convulsions, from the morbific cause setling upon either end of the nervous system, will more clearly appear, when we shall hereafter treat particularly of the chief kinds of Convulsions, viz. the Hysterical, hypochondriacal, and other passions: In the mean time, there will be no need to add a Curatory method, for this Hypothesis of Convulsions, arising by reason of the extremities of the Nerves being affected, because the ways of curing may be better accommodated to the Passions of this kind, hereafter particularly to be spoken of: But for the present, it behoves us, to proceed to the unfolding of the Con∣vulsive passions, whose cause, or morbifick matter, seems to subsist within the nervous foldings.

We have largely enough, in another place, discoursed of the nervous foldings, and in their discription and use we have shown, that 'tis very likely, the more grievous fits of Convulsive motions, beginning oftentimes within these parts, are from thence pro∣pagated on every side, into the neighbouring parts, and not seldom to a great distance: at least, that it seems much more probable, that the Heterogeneous and explosive par∣ticles, after they have overcome the tract of the head, and its medullary appendix, and being more deeply slidden into the Channels of the Nerves, and their passages, toge∣ther with the juice watering them, do spread their stores within the nervous foldings, as it were in Cross-streets, and by-paths, and there sometimes make their stations, until at length, being more plentifully heaped up, they as it were with collected forces, pro∣duce the more cruel Convulsive distempers: This I say, appears to be much more pro∣bable * 1.112 than (what is commonly said) to suppose them vapours, arising from the Womb, Spleen, Ventricle, or any other inward, in which all the fault is easily thrown: For within these foldings there are spaces large enough for morbific mines, that the matter may be there at leasure laid up, and remain, till it be gathered to a fulness: But then, because we believe, that great plenty of spirits lodg there, more than in any other little Cells the heterogeneous Copula growing to them, Iays as it were tinder for more grie∣vous explosions, so that the spirits being explosed within these bodies, do not only in∣flate, and dilate them, but elevate and lift them up from their place, (even as a house blown up with Gun-powder;) wherefore the parts lying over them, are suddenly lift∣ed up into a tumor, and loose, are drawn violently hither and thither. That after this manner, the more cruel fits of Convulsions, about the Praecordia and Viscera, are very often stirred up, I have found to be true, besides the Arguments taken from rea∣son, not long since by my own sight: For when I opened the dead body of a Gentlewo∣man who had been exceedingly troubled with (as they say) the Mother fits, or hysteri∣cal Distempers, I found the Womb wholly faultless, but the Nerves near the foldings of the Mesentery, (as it seem'd) only to be lifted up, and elevated into a bulk, and the Membranes of that inward, appeared torn, and loosned one from another, as being on every side tumid and loose, as it were blown up into little bubbles or bladders.

Indeed there are more considerations of solid reasons, whereby we are induced to believe, that the passions called hysterical, do most often arise from the convulsive mat∣ter heaped up within the Mesenterick enfoldings, and by turns explosed: which shall be more clearly manifested, where we treat especially of those diseases. But, neither is it less probable, that the Collick-pains, do very often proceed from a more sharp and irritative matter, contained in the same enfoldings. Besides, as often as the convulsive fits seem to begin from the spleen or ventricle: by reason the beginnings of which are in∣flations, and very great disturbances of those parrs, it is likely, that the nest of the con∣vulsive matter, was hid within the nervous enfoldings, belonging to the spleen or ven∣tricle: Also this kind of matter seems to excite within the Cardiac foldings most hea∣vy tremblings, and passions of the heart; and within the pneumonic or cervical, (or those belonging to the Lungs and Throat) enfoldings, most terrible fits of the Asth∣ma. In our Treatise of the Nerves, we have related a notable case, of a worthy Gentlewoman, to whom a serous matter, wonted to distill from the forepart of her head through her left nostril, fell behind her ear: where when the most cruel pain did infest her, Convulsions also, and admirable contractions followed: whereby the join∣ting or compaction, now of the brain, and the whole head seemed to be pulled down∣ward, now the throat, praecordia and Viscera upwards: which kind of Convulsions vex∣ing the parts so opposite, and at such distance by turns, when they did proceed from one and the same seat of the disease, planted in the midst, it will be obvious to conceive, that the grieved place, as the origine of either convulsive affection was the ganglioform enfoldings, planted near the Parotidae or the two chief Arteries of the throat: into which the Nerves both of the wandring pair descending from the head are entred, and out of which the shoots do stretch themselves, into the muscles of the throat and branches in∣to the praecordia, and viscera. Further from the same cause, to wit, the convulsive mat∣ter heaped up, and by turns explosed, within the ganglioform enfoldings, we think, (and not undeservedly) that sense of choaking in the Throat, so often excited in the convulsive fits, did proceed. But there will be a more fit place, to speak of this, when we shall particularly handle the convulsive diseases and symptoms. We shall now endeavour to search into what remains, of the last kind of Convulsions, of which we made mention above, to wit, which relies on the nervous Liquor being infected thorow its whole mass, with heterogeneous and explosive particles, and for that rea∣son, irritating the whole processes of the Nerves, and the nervous bodies, in∣to universal Spasms, or Convulsions; and those either continual, or intermitting.

CHAPTER VII. Of Convulsive Motions, arising from the Liquor watering the nervous Bodies, and irritating their whole processes into Con∣vulsions.

THat Convulsive distempers do sometimes wander thorow the whole nervous stock, and infest now these parts, now those, now many together, is so noted, and obvi∣ous almost to daily experience, that nothing can be more: we may therefore take notice in these, that the tendons of the Muscles do every where leap up, and are drawn toge∣ther with spasms; in others, some exterior members are bended or stretched forth, with various flections, and contortions, here and there, after divers manners; we have seen some forced by the unbridled and untamed force of the spirits, as if struck with madness to run or leap about, or strongly to smite, with their feet, or fists, the earth or any objects: which if they should not do, forth with they would fall into swooning fits, and horrid Eclipse of spirits. It would be too tedious, to enumerate all the cases of universal. Convulsions, wandring thorow the whole nervous stock: But the symptoms of this kind, tho they are vorious and manifold, may be reduced never∣theless to three chief heads; to wit, forasmuch as they depend chiefly upon three kinds * 1.113 of causes; for indeed in these wandring Convulsions we ought to suppose the whole nervous Liquor to be vitiated, and the animal spirits, flowing every where in the same to be adulterated, and for that reason, to be almost perpetually exploded: Take no∣tice then, that this kind of infection is most commonly impressed on the nervous

juice, and the spirits every where flowing in it, by one of these three ways, viz. 1st. By Poysons or Witchcraft. 2dly, From malignant or ill-cured fevers, in which the morbific matter is poured forth on the Brain, or nervous stock. Or 3dly, When the nervous Liquor, by a long tract of time, by reason of the scorbutic, or otherwise viti∣ous distemper, doth degenerate from its due constitution into sour, or acid, or any otherwise praeternatural and Convulsive Liquor: we will here consider of each of the aforesaid cases, and first of all, of the fits of Convulsion, which are produced by poy∣sons or Sorceries.

First theref•…•…re, it is somewhere shown by us, that some poysons do act rather on the nervous Liquor, than on the blood, which depraving it most strongly, induce Convulsive * 1.114 distempers: And it appears clearly, from the eating of Hemlock, the laughing Parsly, man-drakes, the furious nightshade, wild Parsnips, and other hurtful herbs, how soon after horrid Contractions of the Ventricle, numbness, delirium, Convulsions, twitches of the * 1.115 tendons, in the whole body, were wont to follow. Besides, those kind of Convulsions follow upon the biting of a mad Dog, and other venomous beasts, where the virulent infection, being received by the nervous juice, and lurking a long while in it, at last * 1.116 puts it self forth, and infects and poysons the whole mass of Liquor, in which it was involved, with its ferment. But what doth yet more illustrate it, are the admirable Symptoms, the truly painful Convulsions, and unweariable dancing, which Authors have related to follow upon the biting of the Tarantula; and indeed, might seem fabu∣lous, unless that the truth of the Thing were asserted by many men of good Credit, both ancient and modern: For besides Mathiolus and Epiphanius, Ferdinand, Gassendus, and Kirchir, add, that themselves were eye-witnesses of this distemper: yea it is said, 'tis a known thing in Apulia, and found almost by daily experience, that in that part of the Country, there are Phalangii, or a certain kind of Spider, which is called Taran∣tula, from Tarenta an ancient City of Apulia. This little Animal, being very frequent in the summer, often bites the heedless Countryman, and infects him with its Venomous Stroke, from whence presently succeed a pain in the hurt part, with a Tumor and itching, and by and by in various parts of the body, a numbness, and trembling, also Convulsions, and loosnings of the members, and other Convulsive Symptoms, with a great loss of strength; as may be collected from Mathiolus, Ferdinand, and others, relating the wonderful ef∣fects of this Disease. But truly, what these Authors say concerning the cure of this Distemper, and is practised commonly thorow the whole country, is worthy of great admiration: for these stung with a Tarantula, as very sick as they are, as soon as they hear musical Instruments, presently they are eased of their pains, and leaping into the middle of the room they begin to dance, and jump about, and so continue it a long while, as if they were well, and ailed nothing; but if it happen, that the Fiddlers leave off never so little a while, they straitways fall to the ground, and return to their former pains, unless by the incessant musick, they dance, and leap till the poy∣son be wholly shaken off: For this end therefore, Musitianers are hired, and are chan∣ged by turns, that without intermission of the noise, those who are bitten, may dance so long till they are quite cured. Thus saith Mathiolus; To which Ferdinand adds, that poor people do expend almost all their substance, in these fidlers and musitians, who wander up and down all that Province; and by playing to these Tarantulasized people, make much benefit: they dance or leap about in the villages and publick streets, and fields, some one day, some one week, and others more. To these Authors, the most learned men, Gassendus and Kircherus agree, both of which have related it from their own Observation, that they have known such affected; and they assert, that they are not affected or excited indifferently with any musick, but with certain kinds of Tune, and that they dance to some measures before others.

Let us inquire a little surther into the reasons of the aforesaid Accidents, if we may follow our conjecture, in this first place, 'tis without doubt, that a certain venomous in∣fection * 1.117 is fixed on the humane body, from the bite of this little creature, which tho it being less infestous to the blood and vital spirit, as soon as ever it passes from it into the nervous Liquor, it presently unfolds it self thorow its whole Mass like leaven, and in∣fects the animal spirits, flowing every where in it; so that indeed, they being drawn one from another, and here and there inordinately moved, induce convulsive distem∣pers, which are accompanied now with the contractures, now with the languishing, and resolutions or loosening of the containing parts.

But why the painful Convulsions, which are raised by the bite of the Tarantula, being presently * 1.118 allayed by musick, are wont to turn into dancing, does not so plainly ap∣pear. That some affirm this little animal (for that by the testimony of Aristotle it should be most wise) to be delighted with musick, and for that reason, its venom being

impressed on man, by fermenting the humors, to induce the like love of musick: I say, this conjecture will not satisfie a mind desirous of Truth, because, that supposes a musick loving nature in the spider, and the same to be communicated to man, by a metastasis, or as it were a certain metempsycosis, or transmigration of soul, both which are taken upon trust, and little satisfactory; but it may be rather said, that the venom inflicted on the nervous liquor, by the bite of the Tarantula, is too gentle to be able to extin∣guish wholly the Animal spirits, or to dissipate them very much asunder, and to compel them into more cruel explosions, but only to put them to flight, and to incite those flying here and there, into lighter, and somewhat painful Convulsions; and that the Musick with its flattering sweetness, doth congregate together, and mutually associate with ease the spirits so dissipated; wherefore, whenas the same spirits, by reason of the Infection sticking to them, are apt to involuntary and Convulsive motions, the melody disposes them, delighted together, and directs them to such Convulsions, that entring the bodies of the nerves, by a certain Course and Order, they are carried as it were in certain prescribed limits and compasses, until at length the particles of the venom, being quite evaporated, and the fury and rage of the spirits being worn out, they whol∣ly shake off that madness. For truly, musick doth easily carry men sound and sober, whether they will or no, or thinking of another thing, into actions answerable to the sound of the harmony; that presently the standers by, at the first striking up of the fid∣dle, begin to move their hands and feet, and can scarce, nay are not able to contain themselves from dancing: Let none therefore wonder, that in men bitten by the Ta∣rantula, when the animal spirits being moved, as it were with goads, they are compel∣led to leap forth, and wander about hither and thither willingly, if they are excited to dancing and composed measures, at the stroke of an harp, so that as in these distem∣pers, the spirit of the musick, as it were inchanting the outragious spirits, and in some measure governing, and changing their convulsive motions, serves instead of an Anti∣dote: for that the animal spirits, being very much, and for a long while exercised, af∣ter this manner, wholly shake off the Elastic Copula, contracted by the poyson, or otherwise; and they being very much wearied, at length rest from that madness, or its incitation.

That which is called the Dance of St. Vitus, is an evil akin to this, concerning which * 1.119 George Horstius relates, that he had spoken with some women, who for some years, visiting the shrine of St. Vitus, which is in the borders of Ulme, did there exercise them∣selves even night and day, with dancing and discomposure of mind, till they fell down like people intranced: by which means. they seemed to be restored to themselves, that they felt little or nothing for a whole year, till about the time of May following, when by the inquietude of their members, they said, they were so far tormented, that they were forced to go for their health sake yearly to the aforesaid place, about the feast of St. Virus. Horst. Epis. Med. Sect. 7. de admirandis Convulsionibus.

Indeed it is a usual thing (as I have observed) both for men and women, to be * 1.120 sometimes tormented with this inquietude of their members, and as it were with a fury or madness, that they have been forced to walk, till they were tired, as also to dance, leap, and run about, here and there, that by this means they might shun the grievous trouble, and sometimes faintings away, which were about to invade them: The reason of which seems to be, that the animal spirits, forasmuch as they being incited by an he∣terogeneous Copulr, in the whole nervous kind, become fierce, and altogether unbridled, which to exercise and tire out, there is need, both that they themselves may be tamed, and that the explosive Copula may be shaken off.

That Convulsive distempers are sometimes excited by witchcraft, is both common∣ly * 1.121 believed and usually affirmed by many Authors worthy of Credit: and indeed, as we do grant, that very oftentimes most admirable passions are produced in the humane body by the delusions of the Devil, forasmuch as he, to cause wonders, by which he might rule, by the subtlety of working, insinuates to the sensitive soul, or the consti∣tution of the animal spirits, heterogeneous Atoms or little Bodies, and so adds now spurs or pricking forward, and now casts chains on its functions, and now carries them to mischief: also by some means he enters himself into the humane body, and as it were another more mighty soul, is stretched thorow it, actuates all the parts and mem∣bers, inspires them with an unwonted force, and governs them at his pleasure; and in∣cites to the perpetrating of most cruel and supernarural wickednesses: yet all kind of convulsions, which besides the common manner of this disease, appear prodigious, * 1.122 ought not presently to be attributed to the inchantments of Witches, nor is the De∣vil presently or always to be brought upon the stage. For indeed as often as a child, or relation of some man of the richer sort is by chance taken with most cruel and unusual Convulsions, for the most part it falls out, that by and by the next old Woman

is accused of Witchcraft, she is made guilty, and very hardly, or not at all, the Wretch escapes the flames, or an halter; when in the mean time, the Disease proceeding from causes meerly natural, may be easily cured, by no other Exorcism, than Remedies usu∣ally prescribed against Convulsive Diseases: In truth, the animal spirits being indued with a more cruel explosive Copula, and being strucken by it all of a heap together, ob∣tain * 1.123 so much strength and vigour, beyond their proper and wonted power, as the flame of Gun-powder has above the burning of the common flame; so that those who obnoxious to this Disease, out of the fit may be govern'd, lifted up, and moved at plea∣sure, with the light help of one man; when the same is upon them, make nothing of the utmost endeavours and force of at least four of the strongest men: But if in the * 1.124 case of any one that is sick, there arise a suspition of Witchcraft, or Fascination, there are chiefly two kinds of motions that are wont to create and cherish this opinion, viz. 1. If the Patient doth perform the contortions or gesticulations of his members, or of his whole body, after that manner, which no sound man, nor mimick, or any tumbler can imitate. Then, Secondly, If such strength be shown, that surpasses all human force; to which, if the avoiding of monstrous things happen, as when bundles, as Henry van Heers relates, are cast forth by Vomit; or a live Eel, as Cornelius Gamma tells, voided by Stool, without doubt it may be believed that the Devil has, and doth perform his parts in this Tragedy.

It were easie to heap together very many, and indeed admirable Histories of per∣sons of every Age and Sex, affected after a stupendious, and as it were supernatural manner, with the manifest suspition of Witchcraft: for such are every where extant among Authors, both Physicians', and Philosophers; and because vulgar rumor noises about Diseases caused by Witchcraft, to happen often in almost every Country: but because these kind of cases are full of Imposture, or always increased by the fictious lies of the relators, to create admiration (and for that they rarely fall under the me∣dical cure) I will here purposely omit them: what remains is, That I proceed to un∣fold the next kind of universal Convulsions, to wit, which comes upon malignant, or otherwise irregular or ill-cured Fevers.

CHAPTER VIII. Of. Universal Convulsions, which are wont to be excited in Ma∣lignant, ill-cured, and some irregular Fevers.

THat Convulsions sometimes happen to persons sick of Fevers, almost every ordi∣nary body understands, and from thence takes a remarkable Prognostication of * 1.125 death, or peril: For in malignant Fevers, also sometimes in the ordinary ill-handled, as the Virtego, or Delirium, arise from the morbific matter being laid up in the Brain, from the Blood; so from the same, being slidden down into the Nervous stock, con∣tractures and twitches of the Muscles and Tendons; also sudden shakings of the Mem∣bers and Limbs; and sometimes most horrid stifnesses in the whole Body succeed: The reason of which kind of symptoms seems to consist in this, that the Liquor wa∣tering the Nervous parts, abounds every where with heterogeneous Particles irritating * 1.126 the spirits: for by that means the spirits inhabiting and influencing, being disturbed in theit just influence and emanation, are incited into continual explosions, as it were a crackling noise, not much unlike, as when the flame of a Lamp being imbued with drossy and salted Oil, ascends with a noise and sparkling: which kind of Convulsive Distempers, for the most part, happen about the height of Fevers, when the morbi∣fic matter being first laid up in the blood, is from thence transfer'd to the brain; and that being pass'd thorow, and also infected, it is carried into the system of the Nerves, and from thence stirs up Convulsive passions, with or without a Delirium.

But indeed, it is sometimes observ'd, That besides these kind of Convulsive Di∣stempers, coming upon Fevers, and secondarily excited; in a malignant constitution of the Air, also from the Breath of a Pestilent Contagion, the Nervous Liquor hath been infected before the blood, or else apart from it; and therefore a Delirium, or Convulsions, have gone before a Feverish Distemper. F•…•…rther, I have often observed, That some irregular Fevers have arose, in which the blood has been hardly seen to boil up, or grow hot above measure, but the beginnings of this flow and very dan∣gerous

Fever, were laid chiefly in the nervous humour; which being by degrees brought to maturity, did induce Convulsive Distempers, with a Delirium, or madness, and other wastings or exorbitances of the Animal Spirits. For the sick never com∣plained of heat, or thirst, being soon made feeble, and as it were strengthless, they were presently obnoxious to frequent giddiness, also to tremblings of the Limbs, and as it were leapings forth; besides, to twitches or jumpings of the Muscles and Tendons, and to contractures, and pains wandring about, here and there. This kind of sickness, by some Physicians, because it seem'd to consist in the solid parts, rather than in the blood, is called a malignant bestick Fever; when indeed, the same being fixed chiefly in the nervous humour, may be better called, the Convulsive ner∣vous Pestilence.

There is mention made by Gregory Horstius, of a Convulsive and malignant Disease, * 1.127 which was sometime past Epidemical, in Hassia, Westphalia, and the neighbouring Coun∣tries: they being taken therewith, without a Feverish heat, immoderate effervescency of blood, whilst they were imployed about their familiar occasions, hardly perceiving themselves to be sick, were wont to have about their hands or feet, and sometimes in both, a sense of tingling, with a numness running up and down: then, by and by, their fingers, together with their Arms and Thighs, were now strictly drawn toge∣ther, now most strongly stretched forth, as if they were frozen. Those kind of con∣tractions, and extentions, rendred themselves by turns, and then changed places, that now the distemper resided in one part, then presently in another: But (as it often hap∣ned) if the Disease at once invaded the whole Brain, universal Convulsions, and often∣times epileptical fits, infested the sick: besides, those labouring with it, were obnoxious at some turns to a Delirium, Madness, and sometimes a Lethargie: This sickness conti∣nued a long time, without any Crisis, or sound solution, and could scarcely be so per∣fectly cured, but that the disposition of the Brain, and nervous parts remained evil all their life after.

As to the reasons of this Disease, and symptoms, it is obvious enough, that the same * 1.128 depends altogether upon the vice, and notable depravation of the nervous juice. That pricking, or tingling, for the most part, at the first coming of the disease, was procured for this reason because that Liquor, beginning to be poysoned, and loosned in its mix∣tion, by the malignant infection, presently it oppressed the animal spirits, abounding therein, and inhibited them from their wonted and free expansion; wherefore, they being half overwhelmed, and constrained to creep, as it were, among Briers, or things that catch'd hold of them, or held them back, they excited the sense, as it were of tin∣glings, running about: but then, because this Disease growing worse, the nervous Li∣quor was yet more perverted in its Crisis or disposition; the Heterogeneous Parti∣cles, which were brought together in it, cleaving to the spirits, caused them to be moved hither and thither, and to be unduly exploded; for which reason, the contractions and horrid distentions in the members, and the tumults and great inor∣dinations in the head, were raised up. But that in this Fever of the Nerves a soluti∣on or difficult Crisis, or none at all hapned, the reason was, because the nervous juice being slow, and as it were mucilaginous, and therefore heavy in its motion, was not defaecated or cleared, as the blood, by a critical effervescency, nor easily concei∣ved, that kind of fermentation by which the pure might be separated from the im∣pure.

Indeed I have known a sickness, much like to this example, to be often excited in our Country, and to invade whole Families, especially Children, and the younger People. Some years since, a populary or childish Fever, very much infesting the Brain and Nervous stock, exceedingly spread in this Country, yea almost thorow all England: The History of which Disease, being described in that time, in which it ra∣ged, viz. in the year 1661. I think it worth our pains to insert, in this place of our Convulsive Pathology: For from hence, it may appear, by what means, and from what causes, the Convulsive symptoms, which come upon any Fevers, are wont to be excited.

A Description of an Epidemical Fever chiefly infestous to the Brain and Nervous stock, spreading in the year 1661.

IN this Country, before the last Summer, viz. 1661. We had been free for above two years, from any popular Disease, unless such only as usually come in some places; * 1.129 but then, before the Summer Solstice, the small-Pox (a distemper here rarely Epidemi∣cal) being rise in many places, raged very much: After that Summer, which was ex∣treamly hot and dry, an Autumn moister than usual followed: and after which, a most mild Winter, almost without any cold: in all which space, the Earth was hardly co∣vered with Snow, or was ever hard frozen, above three or four days; so that within a * 1.130 few weeks, after the Winter Solstice, the Trees began to bud, and the vernal Plants to break forth from the bosom of the Earth, and to flower, and also the birds to build nests: to this mild season, not eventilated at the beginning of the spring, by the nitrous little bodies that were wont to be blown from the North, a filthiness of showers, and almost continual wet succeeded. After the vernal aequinox, a certain irregular, and un∣accustomed Fever, seised upon some, here and there, which within a month became so Epidemical, that in many places it began to be called the New Disease; Raging chiefly among Children, and Youths; it was wont to afflict them with a long, and as it were a chronical sickness: yea sometimes, old men, and men of middle Age, though rarely, were seised by it, and those indeed, it did sooner, and more certainly kill. The Distem∣per * 1.131 at first invading any one, did creep on them so silently, that the beginnings of the sickness were scarce perceived: for arising without immoderate heat, or more sharp thirst, it induced in the whole body a great debility, with a languishing of the spi∣rits, and a torpitude or numbness of the function; The Stomack was ready to loath any victuals, and to be grieved at any thing put into it, and yet not easie to vomit. The sick were unfit for any motion, and only lov'd to be idle, or to lie down upon the Bed: within a short time, also sometime at the first coming of the Disease, they complained of a heavy vertigo, a •…•…ingling of the ears, and often of a great tumult and perturba∣tion of the brain. Whick kind of symptoms were often esteemed, as it were the pe∣culiar sign of the approach of this Disease, if in some those had been wanting, or hap∣ned to be more remiss, instead of the head being affected after that manner, the Di∣sease took more deep root in the Breast, with an excited Cough, as shall be told by and by. But whilst the Brain, and the Nervous Appendix, being after this manner affected, the animal spirits, presently from the beginning of the sickness, were benummed, a slow, and as it were Hectick Fever, was inkindled throughout: but'yet the effervescency of the blood, which was hardly continual, but flitting and uncertain, was according to the disposition of the blood it self, in some more intense, in others more remiss; and therefore, thirst, the white scurf of the Tongue, and other symptoms, which ac∣company a feverish distemper, did more or less infest them: sweating did not willing∣ly follow; nor could it easily, or by a light thing be caused by Art: yea, neither this, nor any other evacuation, as it were critical, at any time succeeding, did suddenly help this Disease; but it persisting for many weeks, and sometimes months, reduced the sick to the highest Atrophie, or wasting of all parts, and often infected them with an incurable Consumption.

About the increase of the Disease, which hapned in most within eight days, if the Distemper (as it was often wont) did settle chiefly in the head, and nervous system, most grievous symptoms, in their Dominions, viz. a plain Phrensie, or deep Stupidity, or Insensibility did molest them. For I often observed, in many Children, and not sel∣dom in Women, after seven or eight days from their falling sick, that their knowledg and Speech failed them, and so the sick have lain, for a long while, yea, sometimes for the space of a whole month, without any taking notice of the by-standers, and with an involuntary flux of their extrements; but if they continued in some sort the use of Judgment and Reason, they laboured with a frequent Delirium, and constantly with absurd and incongruous Chymera's in their sleep. But in men, and others of a hotter temperament, from the morbific matter, instead of a Crisis being translated to the brain, a sury, or dangerous, and oftentimes deadly Phrensie did succeed. But if nei∣ther stupidity, nor great distraction did fall upon them, swimmings in the head, Con∣vulsive motions, with Convulsions of the members, leapings up of the tendons, did grievously infest them. In almost all the sick, the belly was for the most part loose, casting forth plentifully now yellow, now thin and serous excrement, with a great stink: it was rarely that vomiting fell upon any one: The urine in the whole process of the

Disease, (unless when the morbific matter being carried more plentifully into the Brain, did threaten a Phrensie) was highly red, so that some, by reason of the deep colour of the water, judg'd this Fever to have been plainly Scorbutick: which notwithstanding appeared to be otherwise, because antiscorbutic Remedies, (of which indeed many, and almost of every kind were tried) were little or nothing beneficial. It was most of all to be admired, how soon after the beginning of this Disease, the flesh of the sick con∣sumed, and they reduced to the leanness of a Sceleton, when in the mean time there was no great heat that might by degrees confume the solid parts, nor any violent evacuation, which might greatly take them down.

Besides these evils molesting the region of the head, a distemper no less dangerous oftentimes fell upon the breast. For in some, tho not in all, a Cough very troublesome, with abundance of spittle, and thick, was excited: this hapned in some about the de∣clination of the Disease, to wit, whilst the confines of the brain were serene, as it were the clouds sent from thence to the Thorax, a great Catarrh suddenly rained down up∣on the Lungs. But in others, who especially had little infection of the Disease in the head, presently after the beginning of the Fever, a cruel Cough, and a stinking spit∣ting, with a consumptive disposition, grew upon them, and suddenly, and unthought of, precipitated the sick into a Pthisis: from which, nevertheless, they recovered, by the timely use of Remedies, often beyond hope. It was observ'd in some, That after a long eclipse of the sensitive facultie, and oppression of the brain, from the morbific matter, at length tumors did follow, in the glandula's, near the hinder part of the neck, out of which, being hardly ripened and broke, a thin and stinking ichor or mat∣ter ran for a long time, and brought help. I have also seen watery pustles excited in other parts of the body, which pass'd into hollow ulcers, and hardly curable: some∣times little spots, and petechiales, appeared here and there: yet I never heard that any more broad or blew, of these kind, were seen in the sick. Notwithstanding, tho this Fever was not remarkable for very many malignant spots, yet it was not free from Contagion. For that in the same Family, it invaded almost all the Children and Youths successively, yea not rarely those of more ripe years, and at mens estate, who look∣ing to the sick, were familiarly conversant in their Chambers, or about their beds, were infected with the same infection: But indeed, there was not so much cause of suspition, that for it the friends of the sick should be wholly interdicted from com∣merce with, or visiting of them.

Altho the course of this Disease (unless when it intimately setled in the brain) did appear so gentle, and continued without any horrid symptom; yet its cure being al∣ways difficult, succeeded not under a long time: For the sick rarely grew well within three or four weeks, yea for the most part scarce in so many months. If this Disease fell upon men of a broken Age, or strength, especially those who were before obnoxi∣ous to cephalic distempers, as the Lethargie, Appoplexie, or Convulsion, it oftentimes kill'd them in a short space: but if there was any hope of recovering, it could be but slowly procured, (all Remedies whatsoever scarce bringing any sensible help) so that the sick did no sooner come out of the sphere of this Disease, than they fell into the con∣fines of a Consumption.

If the formal reason, and courses of this aforesaid sickness be demanded, it here easily * 1.132 appears, the watering liquor of the brain and nervous stock, for the most part both to∣gether, with the blood, to be in fault; and the immediate cause, especially of the trou∣blesome symptoms, to wit, forasmuch as this water, presently after the first assault of the Disease, was grown more poor than usual, and as it were lifeless; therefore a languishing, and enervation, with a spontaneous weariness and impotency to motion, hapned in the whole body, and with a sudden wasting of the body in the sick. Fur∣ther, forasmuch as the same Liquor was stuffed with heterogeneous Particles, viz. partly narcotick, partly explosive; therefore a numbness, a sense of pricking, leapings up of the tendons and muscles, and contractures, also the Virtego, giddiness, and other more grievous Cephalick distempers did arise. Moreover, forasmuch as by reason of the evil of the nervous juice, being not quickly or hardly to be mended, the cure or healing of the Disease became so hard and lingring. But for that the fault of this Latex, necessarily depended on the diserasie or evil disposition of the blood, also of the depraved constitution of the brain, what their morbid dispositions were, and by what means they brought sorth the beginning or tinder of the symptom of the Fever but now described, let us now see.

As to the former, it seems, that at this season, by reason of the hot and humi'd con∣stitution of the year, and no blast from the north (the little bodies of which imbue the blood and juices of our body, as it were with a nitrous seasoning, and by agitating them, desend them against putrefaction) the blood in most men, and chiefly in Chil∣dren,

Youths, and Women, became like standing-water, that so contracts a setling ve∣ry impure, stuft with heterogeneous particles, and turning to a clamminess, and wa∣trishness; in which, the more pure spirit and sulphur, being somewhat depress'd, the watery particles, being carried forth with the impure salt and sulphur, were too much exalted. Wherefore the blood, both by reason of its Crisis or constitution being vi∣tiated; also by reason of heterogeneous particles being heaped up more plentifully in its bosom, was made more fit, either of its own accord, or occasionally, or because of the contagion to receive a feverish Effervescency, so that from thence, very many sell at this time into fevers. But the blood growing hot, from the feverish taint being received, did not presently burn with an open flame, but like green wood laid on the fire, with a flame as it were suppressed, and much incumbred with smoke. Where∣fore, the morbific matter, being heaped within its mass, was not wont (as in a regular fever) to be consumed by the burning, and its reliques at the set time to be extermi∣nated by the Crisis: but yet, a little after the beginning of the feaver, a great portion of this matter being poured into the head or Thorax, or into both at once, and afterwards being continually supplied in those parts, it induced either the aforesaid distempers of the brain and nervous stock, or cough with a consumptive disposition, or both together; and for this reason, about the beginning of this disease, when a pulse quicker than it ought to be, and a high coloured urine, and full of contents, did show the blood to grow hot with a Feverish distemper, the sick did not complain of heat, or thirst, be∣cause the blood growing hot, did lay up its impurities and recrements, forthwith into the provision of the nervous Liquor, or into the Lungs; wherefore, within these recep∣tacles, the Symptoms presently became worse; but afterwards the disease growing on, a somewhat sharp heat, with scurfness of the tongue, was wont to be troublesome to some: yea, in all, a slow, and as it were hectick fever, continued throughout; which neither by sweat, nor by insensible transpiration, could be so wholly removed, but that it was daily renewed, chiefly after eating, tho never so small: which thing truly see∣med to happen, because the nervous juice being full of the feculencies brought from the blood, did not afterwards receive them in so great plenty, but that these recre∣ments, together with the nutricious humor, (and for that this was not consumed by nourishing the solid particles) remaining within the bloody mass, caused it then to grow feverishly hot.

2ly, Besides this morbid disposition of the blood, contracted from the intemperance of the year, it seems, that the brain also, from the same occasion, was made prone to the aforesaid passions. For when for a long tract of time, the southern winds did con∣tinually blow with a moist constitution of the air; from thence the passages and pores of the brain, being very much loosned and opened, and its connexion too much dissol∣ved, they gave an easie passage to serous humors, and for all sorts of heterogeneous particles; wherefore the blood being very feculent and watery, as soon as it began to grow hot from the fever, carried its serous recrements and filths, presently thorow the two open doors into the head: for whosoever he was, who did not complain of his head, being too much stuffed with a moist air, and numbness of spirits; on the contra∣ry, his pores being bound together by an intense cold, or drier air, all his senses and fa∣culties remained more quick and lively.

These things being thus premised, concerning the morbid provision of the brain and humors, to wit, of the blood and nervous humor by reason of the constitution of the year, whereby indeed, very many at that time, fell into a slow, unequal, and long con∣tinuing fever, surrounded with Cephalic and Convulsive symptoms, and hardly curable: hence also it will be easie to unfold the reasons of the rest of the symptoms and acci∣dents, chiefly to be noted in this disease.

For first of all, that this irregular Fever raged chiefly among Children, young Men, Women, and phlegmatick men, the reason was, because in those kind of bodies, the blood * 1.133 was apt to be more waterish, and less perspicable, and from thence to gather a serous 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or watry humor and heterogeneous feculencies; and also, the brain being more humid and weak, easily received any recrements of the blood. Wherefore it may be observed, that those sort of persons, were found more prone to Convulsions, ari∣sing by reason of any other occasions.

Secondly, the noted Atrophie or leaness, came so suddenly upon this fever, because by * 1.134 reason of the depravation of the nervous juice, the officies of nourishment, depending upon it (which as we have elsewhere shown, are highly active) presently failed. For altho we do not grant, the nervous humor to be only nutricious, but to dispense thorow the Arteries, a matter destinated to the nourishable parts, prepared in the bloody mass; yet it may be lawful to think, that the Liquor watering the brain and nervous stock, by means of an efficient cause, doth conduce very much to alimentation; for this grow∣ing

turgid with animal spirit, actuates and invigorates the nutricious juice, brought to every part by the blood, and admitting it into the passages, and most intimate re∣ceptacles of the body to be nourished, and as it were leading it in, assimilates or re∣sembles it; wherefore, when this houshold liquor is so depraved, that it doth not right∣ly supply the animal spirits, requisite about the work of nutrition, all the members and parts of the stomach vitiated in its tone, either spues back whatsoever nourishment is brought, or cannot receive it to its proper use: wherefore truly in this Disease, the bulk or habit of the body, however fuller or fatter, was more sooner pulled down, than in a continual Fever, where it might much more evaporate by the intense heat, or copious sweats. The reason of which is, because in a burning Fever, altho the blood growing very hot, exhales more plentifully; yet in the mean time, it continually af∣fords something of nourishment, which the several parts helped by the benefit of the nervous juice, easily received and assimulated; but in this nervous Pestilence, altho the nutritive matter was sufficiently provided, yet by the defect of the nourishment of the spirits, the nourishment was altogether inhibited.

3. For the aforesaid reasons also, this Fever being a long while protracted, was * 1.135 wont scarce ever to be critically helped, and difficultly cured, by the help of almost any Medicines: For the feverish matter creeping presently from the beginning of the Disease into the nervous liquor, could hardly afterwards, and not but of a long time, be exterminated from its bosome: for that this water, with a slow motion, and flow∣ing leasurely in the straight vessels, does not as the blood, conceive of its own ac∣cord a purifying effervescency or fermentation; neither can the forces of Medicines reach to it so easily and unmixed: but either they are first hindred by other parts, or because they are heterogeneous, they are wholly excluded from the brain, casting back whatever is incongruous. In truth for this reason, all distempers of the brain and nerves, as it were making a mock at Medicines, are most difficultly cured. Therefore in this Fever, if the evil impressed on the brain and nervous stock was taken away, ei∣ther a cruel cough with plentiful spitting, or tumors, or an imposthume in the neck did follow: to wit, the morbific matter being supped back by the blood, and again depo∣sited, setled either in the Thorax, or in the Glandula's and Emunctories, nigh the hinder part of the neck. But this Disease was the more contumacious, because the discrasie or evil constitution of the blood, was not easily mended: for altho from the begin∣ning, its Latex, the recrements being poured forth, even into the nervous Liquor, grew but little and sluggishly hot; yet afterwards, these receptacles being filled, and the morbific feculencies, and besides the nutritious matter, not imployed in nourishing the parts, being resident even in the blood, did aggravate it, and for the exclusion of this trouble, not to be immixed with it, did induce an effervescency, such as is wont to be in an hectict Fever, either almost continual, or presently apt to come again. For I have often observed in this Fever, from Grewel, Barley broth, and other slender diet, no less ebullition of the blood to be stirred up, than from broth made of flesh: whe∣ther indeed the nourishing juice supplying the blood from the chyle, because it was not imployed in the work of nutrition, carried something heterogeneous, and not rightly miscible, as a trouble to the blood; and by reason of the particles of this su∣perfluous juice, being copiously sent away with the serum, the Urine became very thick, red, and very full of contents: Also, for the same reason, the belly was for the most part loose, forasmuch as the blood, filled full of the nutritious juice, did suck forth a lesser portion of the chile from the bowels, and did pour back again part of that which had been brought to it on the intestines; the feverish Distemper did likewise stick so long in the blood, because, till the animal regiment being restored, nutrition was rightly performed, that superfluous matter was carried into the mass of blood.

We deliver the example, and the Aetiology, or rational account of this aforesaid Fever, more largely for this reason, because the same Disease did fall upon our Coun∣try-men, here and there also at other times: for that of late, in this City, all the younger people of a certain Family, were sick of it: yea, I remember, that some time past, very many laboured with such a Fever. Out of the many Histories and Exam∣ples of sick people, which it rendred when it was epidemical, I will here propose one or two.

A strong and lively young man, about the beginning of the spring, 1661, falling * 1.136 sick, without any evident cause, without any great heat or thirst, he became sudden∣ly weak, and as if enervated, with a dejected appetite, and languor of spirits. Ca∣thartick Remedies, Antipyretics or allaying of heat, digestives, and also antiscorbutics, and others of various kinds, administred by the prescriptions of the most famous Phy∣sicians, availed nothing: But, notwithstanding, the sick man hitherto languishing with a

slow and wandring fever, with a quick and feeble pulse, a deep-coloured urine, had kept his bed a fortnight; besides being reduced to the greatest leanness, he complain∣ed of a giddiness, and as it were the fluctuation of a sound in his head, and a ting∣ling noise in his ears. Altho he was troubled with a great stupor, yet his sleeps were mightily troubled with delirious fables. After four days, when the fever was not yet declined, it was thought good to take away four or five ounces of blood by Leeches, from the sedal veins; from hence the fever began to be much exasperated, for a great intense heat, with thirst, watchings, and almost continual tossing of the body, also the tongue dry, and scurfy, appeared; then quickly a troublesome cough, with abundance of discoloured spittle followed; to him were administred, almond, and bar∣ly-drinks, with temperate bechicks (or things to stop coughing) boiled in them: water of milk distilled with snails, and pectoral herbs, the shelly powders, prepared nitre, and often Cordial Opiats; which notwithstanding scarce giving any help, the sick man still became more weak; when in this manner being sick above two months space, the feverish distemperature, and cough also, daily growing worse, he seemed near death, at length a voluntary sweating arising, so that every night, or every other night, he sweat abundantly, and from thence finding himself better, using then the foresaid Remedies, he grew well within six weeks.

Till I had seen many sick people after the same manner, I suspected this disease to be altogether an hectick fever with a consumptive disposition of the Lungs; but when I saw many others at that time fall sick ordinarily, after the like manner, I easily in∣stituted * 1.137 the Aetiologie or national account of this feavour, such as I have already de∣scribed: to wit, that the blood, because of the intemperature of the year, and per∣haps from errors in diet, had contracted a vitious procatarxis or remote cause: Then it growing feverishly hot, and presently carrying its impurities to the brain, and so de∣praving the juice, watering it, and the nervous stock, induced the vertigineous distem∣pers, with a stupor, a languishing of spirits, and an atrophy of the whole body: but so long as the blood did transfer its recrements, from its own bosom, into the brain and nervous appendix, the feverish heat continued more gentle and mild; but after∣wards, when the tending downwards of the morbific matter, by the opening of the hemorhoid veins, was drawn away from the brain, the same being first retained within the bloody mass, increased the fever; then being poured on the Lungs, exci∣ted the cruel cough, with plentiful spittle: but forasmuch as the flesh of the Lungs re∣mained free from putrefaction, as soon as the serous water was sent away by a more plentiful sweating, the sick man became free, both from the fever and phthisis or Con∣sumption, that seemed so deplorable.

In the mean time, whilst he lay sick, I visited another, about 12. years of age, after the like manner affected. But this when I was first sent for, having been sick * 1.138 above a month, was reduced to the leanness of a Skelliton: besides he was troubled with a vertigo, with a noise in his ears, and deafness, and also with a violent cough with yellow, and as it were consumptive spittle: his pulse was quick and feeble, his urine red and thick, his appetite much dejected, his spirits so languid, and his strength so cast down, that he could not keep out of his bed: I gave this Youth to drink often in a day, water distilled from milk, with snails and temperate herbs: besides I ordered him an open decoction, such as is in use for the Rickets, to be daily taken instead of his ordinary drink; by the help of which Remedies, he was restored to his health in a months space. At this time I was sent for to many other people, of every age and sex, distempered by the same disease, now clearly Epidemical; for it running tho∣row whole families not only in this City and the neighbouring parts, but in the Coun∣tries at a great distance, as I heard from Physitians dwelling in other places, increa∣sed very much. Those for the most part labouring with this fever, so be they were other∣wise whole, grew well by the fit use, and order of medicine and dyet: but it hapned very often but ill to those who were indued with a weakly constitution of brain and nervous stock, or broken with age; but not seldom the case of the sick became dange∣rous because the Physitians were not wont to be sent for presently after the beginning of the disease, yea, scarcely before it had more deeply spread abroad it roots, and the opportunity of healing was past.

For that reason, this fever became very deadly, in the family of a certain Noble man among his children, originally obnoxious to Cephalic distempers. About the vernal * 1.139 Aequinox, a Boy of about eleven years of Age, began to be sick: At first without any vehement heat, or thirst, a dejection of appetite, and want of strength came upon him: Besides, an almost continual giddiness did trouble him, with a frequent danger of fainting, that he often thought he was just dying. By the advice of a certain woman

attending him, they daily gave him Clisters: then, when from the foulness of the Mouth and Tongue, manifest signs of a Fever appeared, this Emperick on the fifth day, gave him a vomit of the infusion of Crocus metallorum, and on the seventh day a Cordial Powder being administred, the incited the sick Youth covered with blankets to sweat: but presently he began to talk idly, complained that his Cap was fallen in∣to the water, by and by becoming speechless, within four hours, whilst I was sent for, he expired before I came.

A little while after, the same disease fell upon his younger Sister: whose sickness however because it was accompanied with a frequent and humid Cough, was thought at first to be only a taking of Cold; but within a few days, this Cough became plainly Convulsive: so that, whilst she coughed, the Diaphragma being carried upward, and with a renewed Sistole, held so a long time, she made a great noise as if about to be suffocated: then this little maid growing more apparently feverish, complained of thirst and heat, and lay all night without sleep with a mighty agitation of her bo∣dy, and began to talk idly, after the same manner as her brother, of her coat being fallen into the water; and when all things grew worse, she began to be tormented with Convulsive motions, first in her Limbs, by and by in her face, and then in her whole body: the Paroxysms coming by often turns, twice or thrice in an hour, did most grievously trouble her, so that this little wretch, within the space of 24. hours, after the Convulsive Distempers began to grow more grievous, her animal spirits being al∣most quite spent, she died; whilst the Convulsive fits tormented her, her pulse was ve∣ry much disordered, and often intermitting, also a frequent vomiting molested her. Being sent for to visit this maid, also too late, a little before her death; when I could contribute nothing to the proroguing of Life, I endeavoured what I could, to find out from her death, the knowledg of the aforesaid disease, therefore having got leave to diffect her body, the reasons and marks of the Symptoms chiefly urging in this fever, more clearly appeared.

Opening therefore first the lower belly, I found all the bowels in it sound enough * 1.140 and well furnisht: The Ventricle altho tired with empty vomiting, contained nothing besides the Liquor, lately taken in at the mouth: for neither in it, nor in its Appendix, were worms, or sharp humors found which are wont oftentimes to give a cause to these kind of Convulsions: the small guts, were in many places involved: to wit, the Convex superficies of one part, was thrust into the concave of another, as into a sheath, and hid far in it, which indeed I judg to have hapned wholly from the convulsive mo∣tions of those bowels: for whilst by vehement Convulsion, excited from the nervous origine, the opposite fibres being drawn together, did work the same Intestine into con∣contrary motions, it easily hapned that a part of the Intestine of the Ilion, being carried upward, might run into the hollowness of the other, being snatched down∣ward.

The Thorax being opened, the flesh of the Lungs appeared very red, and as it were sprink∣led with blood, yea in some places as it were livid, and almost black: out of the same wherever it was cut, there flow'd forth a thin and frothy matter. Certainly this shew'd, that the feverish matter, or the serous impurities of the boiling blood, being soon impacted in the Lungs, did so stuff up their pores and passagss, that the blood it self, being in its wonted and free Circulation, there stagnating, and being extravasated, did excite a certain Inflamation.

We found a no less clear tract of this so deadly disease in the head: for the shell of the skull being removed, presently the vessels, creeping through the meningae, were seen to swell very much with blood, as if almost the whole mass of blood were ga∣thered together in the head: for the veins being cut or broken, about the inwards of the lower and middle belly, little blood flowed forth: Besides, those membranes where they cloath the Cerebel, and being higher spread, divide it from the brain, being sprinkled in very many places with extravasated blood, were noted to be of a black purple colour; that it was not to be doubted, but the Phlegosis or Inflamation round about excited, was the cause of the so cruelly insesting Convulsions. These coverings being taken away, the substance of the brain was seen to be altogether moist and wa∣tered above measure with a watery humor: yea, its rine or bark being taken off, all the ventricles were full of a limpid or clear water, of which kind of very clear Liquor, there was judged to be more than half a pint.

From these appearances, the Pathologie of the aforesaid fever is easily collected: to wit, in this sickness, as also in many others, the blood feverishly growing hot, pre∣sently * 1.141 deposes its recrements, both into the Lungs, and into the brain; wherefore a serous Colluvies, or watry heap, did presently overflow the constititution of either; then, because the blood being hindred, both here and there, from its due circulation, it

began to grow into a very great heap, about the confines of the affected parts, and at length to stagnate, and to cause as it were a Phlegosis or Inflamation: hence by reason of the Serum being plentifully heaped up in the Lungs, and baked by the heat, the troublesome cough, with the thick and discoloured spittle, for the most part came in this disease; and by reason of the like affection, excited within the head, the vertigo, swim∣ming, stupifaction, and other Cephalic passions, constantly seised on the sick: which kind of Distempers in this little Maid, and in her Brother, by reason of the infirm constitution of the brain, before in either of them, being made more grievous, termi∣nated in an Apoplexy. I might easily here propose many other Histories of persons sick of this fever at that time, but from these but now recited, the Type of the afore∣said Disease may be sufficiently known: But because the same fever happens almost every year, on some predisposed; and perhaps by reason of an evil constitution of the year, may hereafter at sometime become Epidemical, it will be worth the while to re∣present some Method about its Cure.

Concerning which, first of all take notice, that in this fever no Critical days were to be observed, as in the vulgar continual fevers: for the blood as soon as it began to * 1.142 grow hot, poured out a part of the morbifick matter, as yet crude, and not overcome, from its embrace to the head, or breast: wherefore it were vain to expect that the blood should suffer the heterogeneous particles to be heaped together, in its mass to a fulness, that from thenee a flowring or putting forth arising, at the set intervals of times, it might thrust the same subtilties out of doors: yea rather this growing hot glows not with a great and open burning: but like a fire covered with chips, sends forth a moist smoke or breath, rather than a flame: But so that from thence by reason of the nervous juice being depraved soon in its disposition, and not rarely, because of the lungs being stuffed with the consumptive matter, the convulsive or phthisical or consumptive symptoms, did molest chiefly in the whole course of the disease.

It behoves us to design the curative Intentions according to the various times of the disease, and the diversities of the symptoms chiefly urging. About the beginning of * 1.143 this fever the taking away of blood seemed convenient almost to all. This kind of Remedy I often experienced with success in little Children: for that by the means as it were another breathing place is opened to the mass of blood, silently and covertly growing hot, and obtruding its soot or smoak on the more noble parts; and for that reason its impure efflorescencies or puttings forth are drawn away from the brain and lungs. Therefore altho this fever of an ill Condition may be accounted as it were malignant, yet forasmuch as the blood is not presently apt to be coagulated, but to be too much poured forth, and to bestow its serosities on the nobler parts, to wit, the brain and lungs; therefore Phlebotomy, so it be administred in the beginning of the disease, is convenient almost to all.

For the same reason, Cathartick Medicines, and chiefly vomitory, are administred at the very beginning of the disease; for these do not only evacuate the viscera of con∣coction, and so draw away the chief fomenting of the disease, and as it were its origi∣nal, but besides, they draw forth the serosities from the blood, and so effect its cleansing rather in the stomack and intestines, than in the head and lungs. Further by Emeticks, for that the receiving Glandulaes of the Lympheducts, are pulled with a great shaking, the superfluities of the nervous juice, lest they should evilly affect the brain, and its dependencies, are expressed forth into the lower bowels: also for this end the belly is to be kept continually loose by the use of Clysters. But in the mean time, whilst the blood being infected with the taint of this disease threatens the brain or praecordia, with the evil, it will not be fase to attempt any thing with Diaphoreticks, or sweating medicines, or Diureticks, or such as evacuate by urine, or also with Catharticks, vomiting and purging medicines: For these kind of medicines, forasmuch as they greatly pour out tbe blood, and compel its serosities into more open issuings forth, all the recre∣ments being apt to fall away from the mass of the blood are easily obtruded on the brain, or lungs, when they are of a more feeble constitution: So in the youth above∣mentioned, a loss of speech, came upon the raising of an untimely sweat: Also I have known that Sudorificks, no other than chaley beats in the morbid disposition of the lungs, have brought on a wasting or Consumption.

Phlebotomy therefore, and if need be, vomiting or purging either one or other, or both, being to be made use of at the beginning of the disease, the other intentions shall * 1.144 be to draw away the morbific serosities of the blood, apt to flow forth on the head or breast, and to derive them gently by other ways of evacuation, and to put them forth of doors. To this end Vesicatories or blistering plaisters ought to be applyed to the nape of the neck, or Parotida or jugular Arteries, or to the Arm-pits, or the Groin, or about * 1.145 the Thighs or Calves of the legs, sometimes in this part, sometimes in that;

to wit, that the little Ulcers being here and there excited, and continually running, might plentifully pour forth the serum, imbued with the morbid and heterogeneous particles.

But Remedies gently carrying the serum into the Reins and urinary passages, are most * 1.146 often administred with success: For this business, diuretical Apozems and Julups are to be ordained after the following forms.

Take of the Roots of Scorzonera, Cherfoil, Grass, and of Eryngoes candied, each fix * 1.147 Drams, one Apple cut, of the leaves of pimpinel, meadow-sweet, each one handful; of Raisins of the Sun, an Ounce and a half, of Harts-horn burnt two Drams; being cut and bruised, let them be boiled on a clear fire, in four pints of spring water to the consumpti∣on of the third part; to the straining being cleared two pints, add of the Syrrup of green Cytorns, or Violets, two Ounces, of Sal prunella one Dram and a half, make an Apozem. The Dose four to six Ounces, thrice in a day.

Or into that straining, put 15 blanched sweet Almonds, and of the four cold seeds, * 1.148 each one Dram; being bruised, make an Emulsion according to Art.

Take water of Dragons, and of black-Cherries, each four Ounces, of scordium com∣pound * 1.149 two Drams, of Threacle water an Ounce and a half, of Syrrop of Clove-gilliflow∣ers two Ounces, of the spirit of Vitriol twelve drops, make a Julnp.

Take oftentimes in a day, in small Beer or Posset-drink, half a Dram, or two Scru∣ples * 1.150 of Sal prunella.

Besides in this Fever, medicines gently sweating, of that sort chiefly which restores * 1.151 the animal spirits, and defends them from any heterogeneous Copula, are of very great use: wherefore, either the powder of Pearls, or the spirit of Harts-horn, or of Blood, in a moderate Dose, are administred twice in a day, viz. Morning and Evening.

Clisters are to be given almost every day; and if it be thought fit, a gently loosning * 1.152 purge may be taken once or twice in a week.

The diet prescribed ought to be slender, as in other Fevers, let them be wholly inter∣dicted * 1.153 from flesh, or broth made thereof, only let the sick feed on Grewel, or Barley∣broth, and let their drink be small Beer or Posset-drink.

If that, notwithstanding, any preventive Physick, the Morbific matter should lodge in the Brain, or Lungs, or both together, so that a dissolution, or inordination of the animal function, or also a violent Cough should assault them; it must be consider'd, what is to be done in either state of the Disease, carried forth after this manner into an evil condition; but then the curative Indications ought to respect the stupor, or mad∣ness, or cough: and lastly, if in the declination of the Disease, these symptoms do re∣mit, proper Remedies are to be adhibited against the Atrophie, as it were the last fortress of this Fever.

First, Therefore if the morbific matter, as it is often wont, being brought to the * 1.154 brain, should bring in an insensibleness, or a soporiferous or sleepy distemper, reme∣dies drawing it another way, and deriving it some way from the head; and besides, such as stir up the animal spirits, and take away the impure Copula, ought carefully to be administred; wherefore in this case, the use of Epispasticks or such things that draw the water outwardly, should be much increased, and let the spirit of Harts-horn be exhi∣bited almost every sixth hour, in a little bigger Dose; let blood be also taken by the suck∣ing of Leeches, more largely from the jugular veins, the Salvatella, or the sedal veins. If the Distemper remits not, the head being shaven, let Emollient fomentations be often applied thereto: Further, let Cupping-Glasses, Plaisters and Cataplasms be laid to the soals of the feet, and other means of administrations, such as are commonly prescribed for the curing of the stupor, or insensibleness, ought to be used: in like manner, if on the evil, or no Crisis of this Fever, a Phrensie, or madness should come, Remedies appro∣priate to those Distempers are made use of.

Secondly, But if either with, or without this sort of displeasure brought to the head, * 1.155 the Lungs also have taken the evil of this Disease, so that the sick, not yet free from the Fever, seem to fall into a wasting, or Consumption, with a troublesome Cough, with abundance of thick, and often discoloured spittle; Medicines commonly prescribed for such kind of Distempers are convenient enough; wherefore pectoral Decoctions, Ele∣ctuaries, Syrrops, distill'd waters of Milk and Snails, and other Remedies of the like na∣ture, ought diligently to be made use of; the forms of which may be found in the before∣described Cases.

Thus far we have described the continual Fever, for the most part Convulsive, and arising no less from the fault of the nervous juice, than of the blood: I will here fur∣ther propose an example of a Disease, having the likeness of an intermitting Fever, but radicated chiefly in the nervous juice; the nature of which kind of Distemper, for that it is very rare, and truly pertinent to our convulsive Pathologie, will appear from the fol∣owing History.

A noted Woman very young, and indued with a more weak constitution of brain * 1.156 and nervous stock, and for that cause very obnoxious to Convulsive Distempers, af∣ter she had conceived with Child, about the fourth month of her being big, from cold being taken, she was grievously afflicted with Astmatical fits; and besides, with a frequent sinking down of her spirits: but by the use of Remedies, indued with a volatile Salt, she grew well within a fortnights space; but after that, about fourteen days, an unwonted and truly admirable Distemper fell upon this Gentle∣woman.

One morning, awaking after an unquiet sleep that night, she felt a light shivering in all her body, as if she had had the fit of an Ague: frequent yaunings and reachings, with an endeavour to vomit followed thereupon: then her Urine, which was but now of a citron colour, and of a laudable substance, became pale and waterish, and was rendred at every turn, to wit, almost every minute of an hour: moreover, about her Ioins, and hypochondria, and in other places, pains with light Convulsions running about here and there, were excited: which kind of symptoms plainly Convulsive, with her frequent making of a lympid Urine, continued in the Morning almost to the Evening, in which space of time, a great quantity of water, at least three times more than the liquor she had taken, was rendred; in the mean time, neither was the heat great, nor did thirst trouble her, nor was her pulse encreased: In the evening the aforesaid Distempers ceased, and her Urine became citron colour and moderate; and besides, all night she enjoy'd a moderate sleep; then the morning following, about the same hour, the fit returned, accompanied altogether with the like symptoms, and so daily acted the same Tragedy.

Visiting this Gentlewoman, after she had been sick in this manner for twelve days, I framed the Aetiologie of the aforesaid case, to wit, That this Disease, chiefly radical * 1.157 in the nervous stock, did depend upon the effervescency and flux of the humour, wa∣tering the nervous parts: For it might be suspected, that this water being diffused from the blood, made degenerate by reason of the suppression of her Terms, upon the brain and nervous stock, became more sharp and serous than it ought to be, and for that cause incongruous to the containing parts: wherefore, being gathered together to a plenitude, by the nights sleep, it did stir them up or provoke them, for the expul∣sion of it, every where into wrinklings and contractions: hence shiverings, yaunings, stretchings, and wandring pains were excited in the whole body: Furthermore, from the solid parts, after this manner contracted and shaken, not only the nervous liquor, but also the nutricious every where laid up in the solid parts, but not truly assimi∣lated, were shaken off: and then, either Latex, being exterminated from its recepta∣cles, and received by the Veins, or Lymphaducts, or water carrying Vessels, was render'd to the mass of blood: from whose bosome, before it had acquired a lixivial tincture from it, being at last cast forth by the reins, constituted a clear and copious Urine: But that this Distemper observed such exact periods, the reason is, because the nervous water being supplied with an equal dimension, did arise to a fulness of run∣ning over, daily at the set time: Therefore also, the Urine appeared concocted and yellow, before and after the fit, because then its matter consisted only from the serum of the blood: Afterwards, during the Convulsive fit, the limpid humour being shaken off from the solid and nervous parts, and passing quickly thorow the blood, adulterated the colour and the quantity of the Urine. I prescribed to this big-bellied Woman, Phlebotomie, and besides, a Powder composed out of Coral, Pearls, Ivory, and other Cardiacks, to be taken thrice in a day in a proper liquor; morning and evening she took of the tincture of Antimony twelve drops (whose singular effect in the too great flux of Urine, I have many times experienced:) By the use of these, all the symptoms ceased in a short time.

CHAPTER IX. Of Universal Convulsions, which are wont to be excited, because of the Scorbutic disposition of the Nervous juice.

THus much concerning universal Convulsions, diffused thorow the whole nervous kind, which come upon Fevers; and especially concerning the Convulsions which * 1.158 are wont to be excited in the commonly called malignant hectick Fever. There yet remains (which was proposed in the third place) for us to shew, by what means, and from what causes, universal Convulsions are induced, without Poyson or Feverish infe∣ction, by reason of the scorbutick, or otherwise vitious dyscrasie or evil disposition of the nervous juice. For indeed, the liquor watering both the nerves and the nervous parts, sometimes descending from its natural disposition, is so much stuffed with hete∣rogeneous and explosive Particles, that the animal spirits admitting an incongruous Copula, every where growing to themselves, are irritated into continual, as it were, cracklings, or convulsive explosions: These kind of affections of the spirits are either divided or separated, between which no communication or dependency intercedes, * 1.159 viz. When many parts of the body are troubled at once with so many Convulsions proper to themselves, which do not come successively one from another, but are ter∣minated in the same muscle or member where they begin: After which manner, I have known some sick people, who have had their Muscles and Tendons all at once in their whole body, perpetually to leap forth with so many distinct Convulsions. Or, Secondly, the Convulsive Distempers, which are excited in the whole nervous kind to∣gether, are continued or connex, which succeed one another with a certain perpetual vicissitude continued between themselves: Forasmrch as inordinate motions, almost of all the members, mutually relieving themselves, being risen in one part, presently pass over to others. For so Horstius relates of a Maid obnoxious to Convulsive motions, whose Members and Limbs not only were forced into divers manner of flections and distortions; but besides, as if agitated by an evil spirit, not being able to stand in a place, she was necessitated to run up and down here and there, and to dance and leap in the Hot-house; nor could be hindred from it by any force or chiding, but that she would run here and there; now she would cast her self on her feet, now impetuously fling her self after another manner; for if she did endeavour never so little to be quiet, presently her Praecordia was most grievously afflicted. Wherefore, the business of our present task is, to enquire a little more exactly into the nature and causes of either Convulsive affection, to wit, both of that which is affected through the very much leaping of the Tendons and Muscles together; and of this, which is caused through the madness and inquietudes of the members of the whole body: that from thence it may appear, what method of healing ought to be administred in either case.

As to the former kind, it easily appears, that these kind of Distempers are not sim∣ple, * 1.160 but complicated, to wit, of a Convulsion and Palsie. For the Muscles and Ten∣dons are perpetually urged with Convulsive motions, notwithstanding, the sick being made weak, they are not able strongly to move any of their members, or their whole body: yea, to these Distempers, pains equally diffused thorow all their Limbs are adjoyned. Hence we may infer, that the animal spirits are imbued with a manifold Copula, viz. both with explosive, and also narcotick or stupifying, and in some sort ir∣ritative or provoking Particles: so that, although being alway burthened, they enter into explosions, yet, not many together, nor indeed any hastily or strongly are ex∣ploded, by reason of the other interjected Particles of another kind; wherefore the motive force does not long continue, but is short, and as it were interrupted: just as if Gun-powder being kneeded with some muddy substance, should be fired: for then the whole mass is not let off at once, with a noise, nor does one heap presently fire another, but a few grains only, and those successively, to wit, one a little while after another, with small crackling noises, are let off or exploded: In like manner the ner∣vous liquor is stuffed thorowout with Convulsive particles, which even cleave to the spirits: but forasmuch, as some narcotick, and other painful ones are mingled with them, the elastick force of the former, however lasting, and greatly diffused, is yet much broken, and every where cut off.

For the illustrating this kind of broken convulsive Distemper, I will here describe a * 1.161 very notable case of a certain Gentleman lately living in this neighbourhood: which being truly admirable, not any writings or observations of Physitians have scarce shew∣ed the like. An honourable Gentleman, whom I knew, sprung from Parents and Grand fathers obnoxious to a someways morbid disposition, either of the brain or nerves, about the hight or beyond the strength of his Age, the fruit of this diseased race began to punish him: for first of all, he was wont to be tormented with a debility and numbness of his Limbs, and with light Convulsions; with which kind of Distem∣pers, when he had a while laboured, at length for cure sake going to the Bath, having used too much the hot Baths, instead of a remedy, he brought back only an exaspera∣tion of the Disease, that from that time the aforesaid symptoms did not any more tor∣ment him by fits, but almost continually, to wit, the Convulsive motions, and painful extensions, did incessantly exercise every Limb, yea, every part of his Body, so that all the muscles were perpetually drawn together, with repeated leapings all at once, and that not without great torment: The only means he had for quieting them, was to ex∣ercise his whole body, sometimes some of his members, perpetually with a local mo∣tion: for so long as he was awake, he was necessitated to be rock'd in his Bed, or on his Couch, or to be carried in a Coach, or to have his members press'd or rubb'd; for which end they had made for him a Bed, and a Chair set upon bow-fashion'd feet, such as are on Childrens Cradles, in which, when he lay down or sat upright, he was mo∣ved up and down continually, with a tottering or rocking motion; which unless he did, he was insested with most cruel pain, and horrid extensions of his muscles: This kind of daily trouble of the Convulsive Distemper, in the night-time, and presently af∣ter sleep, entertain'd much more grievous symptoms: for being newly awaked, his whole body presently was wont to quake, his muscles to be exercised with painful stretchings, every Limb to be wetted with a squalid or ill-favour'd sweat, as if in the agony of death, which was so very Corrosive, that, like aqua fortis, unless they pre∣sently wiped it off, it quickly eat and rotted the Linen. The sick man, during this conflict, was tormented for many hours, between the sweats and shiverings, until being quite tired out, sleep creeping upon him, brought him some ease; but if at the ap∣proach of the fit, he was presently taken out of his Bed, he was better, and so prevent∣ed the wonted cruelty of the Distemper: Therefore, as soon as he was awaked from sleep, though it hapned within half an hour, immediately to avoid the torture, his servants being called, they took him out of his Bed: As to his Appetite he was well enough, he eat without loathing, nor was his stomach disturb'd with what he eat: But he did often complain of the pain of the heart, and sometimes a troublesome spitting, with a stink in his mouth, as if he had taken Mercury, molested him for many days. All hot things, whether Food or Physick, did not agree with his constitution; he did not dare to taste, either Wine, or strong Beer. In the first years of his sickness he ab∣hor'd the very sight of the fire, afterwards becoming weaker, though the winter was sharp he would not sit near the Chimney; his Urine was always of a citron colour, which if it were evaporated in an earthen vessel, over hot coals, saltish faeculencies re∣mained in the bottom, to above half the liquor; his belly was continually bound, and never put forth its load, unless provoked by a Purge or •…•…lister: Yea, besides the Con∣vulsive motions, a spurious Palsie possessed every member of hiswhole Body; for he could not lift up his hand, nor step a foot forward; his tongue shaking, brought forth his words but imperfect; but sometimes, when his mind was carried forth by some sud∣den occasion of joy, he would be able, his spirits being raised with a wonderful strength, suddenly to rise out of his Chair, and without the help of another, to stand upright, and to jump, which interval however lasted scarce a minute of an hour, but that his members flagg'd, and were affected with their wonted languor and trembling. When this worthy Gentleman had been sick after this manner above twelve years, and had consulted the most famous Physitians in all England, and had tried very many Reme∣dies and almost of every kind, viz. Antiparalytick, Antiscorbutick, drying Diets, sweat∣ing Medicines, Purges, Causticks, Baths, Liniments, yea, and had twice tried Salivation, could find no cure by any method of healing; wherefore, all hope of cure being whol∣ly laid aside, for the latter seven years of his life, he made use of only Remedies, chief∣ly respecting some symptoms, viz. he took thrice in a week a solutive Medicine of Senna and Rubarb with correctives, now in form of a Syrrop, or of an extract another time; every night he was wont to take a Dose of an opiate, out of conserves, and tem∣perate Species: Besides, as occasions served, he had ready a Julup, to be taken when his spirits sainted: moreover, he continually drank Beer made of Oaten Mault, altered with temperate and diure•…•…ical herbs. By the use of these he pass'd over at least seven years, without any great alteration for the worse; at length, old age coming on him,

together with the Disease, more cruel fits of Convulsions, not as at first after sleep, but as soon as he was warm in his bed, invaded him, that he was forced to abstain alto∣gether from his Bed, and rarely put off his clothes, unless to shift his Linen: from hence transpiration being hindred, the serous recrements, and others wont to be evapo∣rated, were fixed on the Lungs, which at first brought in a frequent or short breath∣ing, afterwards an Asthmatical Distemper; and lastly, a deadly consumption or wast∣ing.

If the reasons of the aforesaid symptoms be sought after, it will be easie to deduce * 1.162 all these evils from a depraved constitution of the Brain and Nervous stock, and more immediately from the discrasie, and fault of the juice watering those parts. For when that Liquor, in which the animal spirits do abound, was, as to its temper, highly sharp and corrosive, like Stygian water; and as to its mixion, was stuffed full of both narcotick and explosive Particles, it is no wonder, because the spirits being very much burthened, and for that cause restrained from their due expansion, that they should be forced every where into small explosions, as it were cracklings; and that the con∣taining bodies, being loosed from their due extension and strength, should be also con∣tinually irritated into painful corrugations or shrinkings up.

Those Convulsive Distempers did more sharply infest after sleep, because the heat * 1.163 of the Bed, did exuscitate or stir up the heterogeneous Particles of the nervous juice, and rarifying them, as it were compell'd them into explosions; then also, because the nervous parts did imbibe its juice in sleep, and a more plentiful provision of the mor∣bific matter, brought together with it; which being filled to a plenitude, at the first instant of waking, they immediately endeavour to shake off what is troublesome. For this reason it is observed, that the pains of Scorbutical people, and the fits of Asthma∣tical, are made worse by the heat of the Bed, and by sleep; therefore as in these, pre∣sently to leave the bed, was wont to give ease, so likewise it did in our sick man: But that the trouble, excited by the continual leapings, and painful extentions of the mus∣cles, was somewhat allayed by the local motion, or moving from one place to another of the body, or members; the reason is, because the animal spirits, whilst they are * 1.164 compelled to divers actions from without, they remit whatsoever inordinations are ex∣cited from within: for as in pain, and itching, which are lighter Convulsions, it helps, to press, rub, or scratch the affected part; so the Convulsive motions of the muscles and tendons, are somewhat pleased, by the inordinate agitation of the whole body, or the members.

As to the Ptyalismus, or copious spitting, with the stinking breath, which was wont * 1.165 to return at uncertain intervals, we do suppose that might perchance proceed from Mercury sometime secretly given, although I have seen many labouring both with Con∣vulsive, and also Scorbutick Distempers, in whom this kind of perpetual defluxion of spittle from the mouth was very troublesome, without any suspition of Mercury; also some (as shall be told hereafter) on whom a salivation coming (the explosive matter being after this manner critically evacuated) help'd the Disease: moreover, it is likely that the Distemper was produced from the meer recrements of the nervous juice; and that the salival passages, when many, and enough were open, did receive, and convey forth of doors, the superfluities plentifully deposited in the Glandula's, from the Nerves, and also from the Arteries.

As to the lucid intervals, whereby the sick man us'd to obtain some truces, though short, the cruelties as it were of the Disease being mitigated, as when but now his sick∣ness * 1.166 had bound him to his chair, he was able on a sudden to leap up, and walk about; but yet, this unlook'd-for strength being vanish'd, by and by falling again into his wonted languishment: I say, these kind of motions of labouring Nature, prostrate un∣der a great burthen, are its utmost endeavours, and some more strong inforcements, to wit, whereby for a moment of time she recollects her self, and attempts as it were to shake off the yoak of the Disease; but, because she is not able to sustain long this strife, she quickly relapses, and lies down under her former burthen. Truly it is a wonder, how much above the strength of Nature, Anger, and Fear, and some other Passions of the mind, do stretch the nervous kind, and compel them to shew a force plainly stu∣pendious: But these prodigies of her attempts, are only of a small duration.

The conjunct cause of the aforesaid Disease being after this manner designed, and the reasons of the symptoms chiefly tormenting, being shown, it remains yet for us to * 1.167 inquire into the leading cause; to wit, by what occasions the nervous juice being be∣come so degenerate, at first brings in the Paisie, and then leapings, or intestine Con∣vulsions of all the muscles: further, we ought to explain wherefore the fruits of this Disease, increasing by little and little, came suddenly to maturity, by the use of the Baths; also wherefore this sickness yielding to no Remedies, became uncurable.

As to the first, it may be said, that the sick Person, being sprung from Parents who were obnoxious greatly to Cephalic Diseases, had contracted originally an evil Consti∣tution of the brain and nervous stock, so that within the 6th lustre (i. e. about the 36th year) of his Age, he began to be sick of a spurious Palsie, then, when the evident causes daily fixing the infection more on the blood and humors, did happen upon this remote hereditary cause (for there were many chances and unfortunate accidents, which continiually brought sadness, and melancholly upon this Gentleman) indeed therefore, the nervons Liquor being imbued above measure, with a fixed and Scorbutic salt, became highly sharp and irritative, like aqua fortis, or the Stagma's of Vitriol; and so continually incited the Spirits, and the bodies containing them into corrugations and contractions, just as the aforesaid Liquors when poured upon worms do the same thing.

But that this disease, leasurely at first increasing, was quickly brought into a much * 1.168 worse condition, by the use of the hot baths, the reason easily appears: It is known by experience, that the hot Baths do very much exalt and quickly bring to the height, the Sulphureous-saline particles in the humane body, and otherwise morbid, which abound in the bowels and humors, viz. do render them more fierce by agitating them throughly, and force them from their first passages into the blood, and from thence in∣to the brain and nervous stock, yea, and joyn together those that were before sepe∣rate, and idle, and incite them into a certain fermentation: wherefore, those who are hereditarily obnoxious to the Gout or Stone, and have not as yet suffered any fits of those distempers, very often feel the fruit of either disease in themselves to grow ripe soon by the use of the Baths: When therefore in this sick person, both the blood and Liquor wa∣tering the Brain and Nerves, were imbued both with narcotick or stupifying, and con∣vulsive particles; and also when they did degenerate from their sweet and Balsamy Disposition that towards a saltish, and this into a sour, Ciaemul of a Stagma of Vitriol, the use of the hot mineral waters was so far from bringing help, that on the contra∣ry, these evils, for that very cause, presently grew all very much worse: and the Di∣sease, proceeding from the humors being so depraved, as to their temper and mixture, could never be cured by any medicines, no easier than vinegar may be reduced into wine.

When this Gentlemans body, being at last dead of the Phthisis or Consumption, was opened by me, we could find but very few foot-steps of these kind of most grievous Symptoms. Hence, as it appeared, the Palsie and Convulsion, did not depend so much on a thick and copious matter, heaped together some where in mines, as of an evil affecti∣on of the animal Spirits, who are subtle and invisible. I will lay forth, what was wor∣thy taking notice of in the Anatomy of this Person.

The Abdomen being opened, the Caule (as is wont to be in most who die of a Con∣sumption, and other Chronical Diseases) was putrified and almost consumed. In the * 1.169 mean time, the Ventricle, Intestines, Pancreas, and Mesentery, were well enough, to wi•…•…, the membranes were firm, well-coloured, and free from any ulcer, or hard swelling: There grew to the greater intestines certain excrescencies, like to the ears of a mouse; for that there were very many of these kind of things out of either side of the Colon, and right intestine, they shewed like twins at certain distances, like the branches of trees: The like I formerly found in a consumptive Person: The Reason of this seems to be, that the nourishment in Consumptive people, (tho it be deficient about the more solid, and outward parts, yet sometimes) within near the fountains of the nourishing juice, performs more than it ought, and for that cause, superfluous and unnatural additions grow forth.

The milt or spleen, which always is thought ill of, and of most Physitians con∣demned, for being the principal cause of the Scurvy, and of all other distempers, ap∣pear altogether blameless, and free from any fault: For, as in most sound people, we observed, it was of a darkish Colour, soft, and of an equal superficies, free from any obstruction, or swelling, indued with vessels, and fibres, distinct, and firm enough: out of its substance, flowed black blood when it was cut.

The Liver, (which indeed might be wondred at) was indifferently well, neither was it, from so long and grievous a sickness, become harder than usual, or scirrhous, or plan∣ted with little whelks, but it was somewhat big, and of a darkish colour.

The Kidneys, tho free from any ulcer, or gravel, were not however free from fault: for in the middle of the right Kidney, was seen a great cavity, distinct from the Tun∣nel, and much greater than it, full of clear water; the like I have very often found in hydropical people: But indeed, this perhaps arose from the serum deposited in that kid∣ny, that could not easily be strained thorow its passages and pores; for that the serum subsisting therein, had in the beginning made for it self a little den, which afterwards

by degres was inlarged; and when for this reason, the secretion of the serum, and its passing forth by the ureter were something hindred, its Latex restagnating into the blood, brought in the grievous trouble to the head; which indeed, was the rather to be suspected, because also the left Kidney being mightily extenuated and consumed, contained many cisterns and cavities full of clear water.

The Lungs growing on every side to the Sternum, (or part of the breast where the ribs meet) sides, and Diaphragma, seem'd without any distinction of Lobes, of one substance only of putrid spongy flesh, stuffed throughout with a srothy or ichorous matter: without doubt, the sick man had not contracted this evil so long before, to wit, when he was not able to perform any exercise of the body, nor stay in bed that it might breathe out any thing more freely; the feculencies and recrements of the blood, which were wont to evaporate thorow the skin, being laid up in the Lungs, were the cause that they grew together among themselves, and with other parts, and did vitiate their tone and conformation wholly, so that a Consumption being at last arisen, was the effect and product, and not the cause of the rest of the Distempers wherewith he had been a long while miserably afflicted.

In either ventricle of the heart, blood was concreted into a solid whi•…•…sh substance, and baked like flesh; which being formed near the cavities and processes of the vessels of the heart, resembled the figure of a Serpent, with a manifold divided tail: than which indeed nothing is more usual, in many dead People after long sickness: The reason of which is, that the blood being without lise, from long sickness, and from thence circulated slowly about the Praecordia, begins to stand or stagnate in the heart, and depending vessels, and by that means is congealed leasurely into this kind of fleshy concrete.

When the Skull was opened, we sought among its contents, the chief cause of the Disease: The first thing that occurr'd was, the bulk of the brain was less than it should be, and folded into fewer folds, from whence we suspected, that the animal spirits were not plentifully enough brought forth: Further, the whole substance of the head was more moist than it ought to be, and wholly immersed in a wet watery humor; that its covering, viz. the whole meninges were pulled asunder, and the compassing or crevices, and all the ventricles run over with clear water. 'Tis probable, that this deluge of the brain had lately hapned, to wit, forasmuch, as by reason perspira∣tion being hindred, and the secretion of Urine being but little, the serosities gathered together in the bloody mass, were carried to the head, and therefore the substance of the brain, and especially the chancelled or chequer'd bodies were so wholly wetted and soked, that being cut, their substance could scarce remain compacted, but that it would flow away, somewhat after the manner of thick liquids: within the bosoms over∣lying and inserted to the brain and its appendix, and the vessels coming from them, the blood had concreted into little, round, hard, and as it were fleshy balls, just like those within the ventricles of the heart, and the vessels hanging to them, which also lately, when the blood circulated slowly, we thought might happen for the same rea∣son, for which the blood was coagulated within the Praecordia.

The trunk of the spinal marrow being drowned in clear water, was very much ex∣tenuated, that it could scarce fill half of the bony cavity or hollowness: which we thought to be effected by the deluge of salt Serum, in which it was as it were boiled.

So much concerning universal Convulsions, which being very much conjoyned with the Paralitick Distemper, are excited dividedly in many parts at once: There remains * 1.170 others which we call'd continued, because being suddenly translated from some parts to others, they mutually relieve one another, and compel the members, now these, now those, and often the whole body, to be involuntarily moved, and diversly bended or agitated. In these cases the animal spirits, not only those implanted in private corn∣ers, and mines, get to themselves an explosive Copula; and being some how satisfied or irritated, strike it off by certain turns; but when the whole mass of the nervous Li∣quor, abundantly abounds with elastick particles, they then every where cleaving to both the spirits implanted and flowing in, for the reason stir them up into continual Convulsions: But for as much, as not all the spirits at once are not able, however pre∣disposed, to be exploded, (because within the nervous passages there is not room large enough for their so great agitations) therefore the explosive force arising in these, or those parts, is by and by transfer'd from thence unto others, and so to others, and so like fire-drakes, or wild-fire, it runs wandringly here and there, most swiftly creep∣ing from these Limbs to those, and then presently from all into the Praecordia or Viscera, and back again. That the Image of those kind of Distempers may be known, we will here propose some more rare cases, of sick persons, whom sometime past I endeavoured to cure.

A very fine and religious maid, tall and slender, begot of a Father sickly and ob∣noxious * 1.171 to most grievous Distempers of the nervous kind, about the 20th year of her Age, was afflicted for many days with an head-aeh, very cruel and periodical; at length, at that time of the winter solstice, 1656. the pain of her head ceased, but in∣stead of it, a mighty Catarrh followed, with a thin and copious spitting, also an ulce∣rous distemper of the nose and throat; when she had for some time endured this trou∣ble, at length, by the prescript of a certain Woman, receiving the fume of Amber by a tunnel into her mouth, she was suddenly cured, to wit, the Catarrh, or violent Rhume ceased suddenly, but from thence she complained of a notable Virtego, with a pain in the head, and of the tingling noise of the ears: on the Third Day, the tendons of the hinder part of her neck, were pulled together, that her head was bended now forward, now backward, and now of one side, sometime it continued stiff and unmovable; a little after this, the same kind of Convulsive Distemper invaded the outward members and Limbs of the whole body, her arms and hands were won∣derfully turned about, that no jugler or tumbler could imitate their bendings, and rollings about; she was necessitated to spread abroad her leggs, and feet, here and there, to strike them against one another, and to transpose or cross them by turns: Af∣ter this manner either sitting in a Chair, ot lying in a Bed she was perpetually afflicted with these Convulsive motions, unless when overwhelmed with sleep; and when she did a little restrain her members from the great labour of the Muscles, presently she was taken with a difficult and short-breathing with a sense of Choaking; but in the mean time, her eyes, jaws, mouth, and lower bowels, remained free from any Con∣vulsion; neither was she troubled with vomiting, belching, nor any inflation of the belly and hypochondria: Besides she was still her self, and had truly the use of her me∣mory, understanding, and phantasie, she did, nor said any thing madly or foolishly: but in these wonderful evils she shewed an admirable example of Christian fortitude and patience, even with godly and discreet speeches; her appetite was soon lost, so that she took any meat or aliment very unwillingly; thirst continually troubled her, and her strength was grown so feeble, that she could not stand or walk, her urine was of a Citron colour, very full of saltness, on whose superficies grew little tararous skins.

When I was sent for to this Gentlewoman, on the Sixth Day of her Sickness, I fra∣med the Aetiology of this kind of admirable distemper: For the consideration of her father, who at that time was sick in the same house, with most grievous Convulsive pas∣sions, kept me, that I did not with many others, refer all things to the delusions of witch∣es: wherefore, that I might seek out the natural causes of these Symptoms, it was in the first place plainly to be suspected that this Gentlewoman had contracted hereditar-i ly the seeds of Convulsive Distempers, which at length, about the flower of her age, broke forth into this kind of fruit: for when her blood was very much imbued with heterogeneous explosive particles, they at length (as is wont in such a disposition) be∣gan to be poured into the head, and there to be fixed: being therefore first deposited in the Meningae, they induced the huge periodical head-ach; then afterwards, the same matter having accidentally shifted its place, falling down into the sinks of the throat and mouth, changed the Cephalage or head-ach, into a Catarrh or Rhume: and when lastly by an untimely use of the administred remedy, the defluxion stopped, the morbifick matter flowing back into the brain, brought the Vertigo, and then, being thrust forth on the nervous stock, it excited the aforesaid Convulsive Affections.

As to the formal Reason, or the means of generation, whereby the Convulsive mat∣ter, falling down into the nervous stock, did produce these admirable Symptoms, we * 1.172 may lawfully suppose, that the same being thrust forth from the Confines of the head, being yet more firm, into the spinal marrow, and its Appendix; and being like a malig∣nant firment, it first infected with heterogeneous and highly explosive particles, these parts of the juice watering the whole mass; which cleaving to the spirits, every where disposed thorow their whole series, and agitating them, as it were with a certain fury, did stir them up into continual explosions: When in truth, the nervous juice, as is said, was so fermented by the inflowing of the Convulsive matter, that which did otherways water the containing parts, with a gentle falling on them, and through the same did pass over the animal spirits, with an equal expansion; now the same did torment the ner∣vous fibres, with various contractions and corrugations or shrinkings up, and did hin∣der both the spirits flowing in, being too much burthened with an heterogeneous Co∣pula, from their due irradiation, and also variously moving those implanted in every part, did incite them, as it were with a diabolical Inspiration, so that no more obeying the Empire of the will, they ran into inordinate motions, and did renew them, transla∣ted rapidly here and there, with a perpetual reciprocation.

But, altho the heterogeneous particles, being poured forth with the blood into the brain, and thence thrust forth into the nervous stock, did not enter rightly the begin∣nings of all the Nerves, but chiefly, and almost only, the spinal marrow, and its ner∣vous shoots; so that the internal Viscera, also the parts of the eyes, mouth, and face, remained free from any Convulsion: yet, that same explosive force being hindred by some violence, whereby it entred less in the outward members, presently like wild-fire, a way being fonnd, it was wont to run into the Praecordia, and bowels of the lower belly, viz. because the inflowing spirits being struck with a certain fury, and requi∣ring a larger space, in which they might exercise their madness; being excluded from one place, presently enter another somewhere open: wherefore, if that fury had been repulsed both from the members, and the Viscera, no doubt but it would have flown back on the brain, and brought thither madness, or as it were an epileptical insensi∣bleness: which symptoms indeed hapned to be wanting, for that the brain of this most ingenious Gentlewoman, being indued with a more firm constitution, did take from the nervous liquor freshly instilled, whatsoever was congruous and spiritous, for its proper food, and enjoy'd it: in the mean time, it did depress all the morbific parti∣cles, into the spinal marrow, by which the involuntary motions of the members were excited, after that manner as we said but now.

Being requested to undertake the cure of this worthy Virgin; first, a light prepara∣tion * 1.173 of her body being made, I gave her a solutive potion of the infusion of Senna and Rhubarb, with yellow Sanders and salt of Wormwood added to it, by which she was purged twelve times with great ease; the next day I took eight Ounces of blood from her left Arm, every evening I gave her an opiate of the water, and Syrrop of the flowers of Lungwort, with the powder of Pearls: besides, once within six hours, I pre∣scribed her to take a dose of the spirits of Harts-born, in a draught of the following Julup: Take of the waters of black-Cherries, Walnuts, and the flowers of Paeony, each three Ounces, of the Antipeleptic of Langius two Ounces, of the Syrrop of the flowers of the Male-Paeony two ounces, of the powder of Pearls one Scruple, mix it, and make a Julup: because she could not endure much purging, Clisters with Sugar'd milk were made use of frequently: besides antispasmodic Ointments being applied to the hinder part of her neck, and the back-bone, we ordered often rubbing of the distempered members, with warm Wollen cloths wetted in proper Oil.

By the use of these the sick person within six days seemed to be very much helped; for the Convulsive motions almost wholly ceased, and she could contain her members quietly in their due position, only her head sometimes by a lighter contraction was compelled to bend gently this way and that way; further she was able to stand a lit∣tle, and rise out of her Chair; but when she went to step forward, she went not rightly, but obliquely on one side: At this time going away, I left her much better, and in a ma∣nifest state of growing well: But after another week, when the North-wind being high, and arisen in night-time, the Window not being fast shut, blew very much upon the sick person being in Bed, she presently taking cold, relapsed into that kind of condition, that she became obnoxious not only to Convulsive passions, but to an universal perio∣dical Palsie: for after that she was forced to move about, turn, and wind variously, all her Limbs successively, with her head, and members by turns, bent, and thrown about here and there (as before) from morning to night; till at night these kind of motions wholly ceasing, a resolution of her members, or palsie succeeded, so that she was not able to stir either hand or foot, or any other part of her body besides, or to exercise any motive bending of the body, lying in her bed almost immovable like a stone; but being a little refreshed with sleep, about morning, as she recovered some little strength or virtue of the regular motive faculty, by bending, tho but weakly here and there, her arms, and legs, so also the involuntary and convulsive motions did constantly return, enduring from that time all the day, which again at the evening were changed into these resolutions of the Limbs.

By these it appears clearly, that the sick Gentlewoman laboured with a twofold Di∣sease, viz. a Palsie, and Convulsion, and that the material cause of either, was some∣what distinct: For it seems, that the animal spirits every where abounding, being bur∣dened with narcotick particles, were almost continually bound: besides that, in the time of sleeping, together with the nervous juice, the Convulsive particles plentifully flowing in, clove also to the spirits: for the explosions of which, the spirits being inci∣ted, produced the involuntary motions: but also at that time, the narcotic Copula be∣ing somewhat shaken off, they were then able in some sort to perform the voluntary or regular also: Besides the Remedies but now recited, they did carefully administer very many others, almost of every kind, viz. Antiscorbuticks, Antiparaleticks, Decoctions, Sudorificks, or sweating Medicines, distilled Waters, Spirits, Elixirs, Tincture, Baths,

Liniments, with many others; by the use of which, the symptoms were something re∣mitted, but yet the Disease was not wholly cured, the universal Palsie soon ceased, that she was able at any time to move her Limbs, and to bend them here and there; and also the involuntary motions did trouble her but rarely, yet she continued languishing and weak; and when she being of a more fine temper, and prone to a Consumption, by reason transpiration was hindred, the recrements of the bloods being laid up in the Lungs, brought in a Cough, which every day growing worse, she at length died of a Phthisis or wasting.

Some years since, I was sent for to a Noble Virgin, sick almost after the same man∣ner, and sometimes worse: For this suffer'd almost perpetually, coming by turns, in∣voluntary * 1.174 motions, to wit, shakings of the head and members, or deflections or mc∣vings about here and there: besides, she was afflicted with an exceeding troublesome and plainly wonderful Convulsion of the Diaphragma and muscles serving for breath∣ing: for every minute of an hour, and oftner, her back-bone was suddenly bent in about its middle, and together her breast shooting out forward, and her hypochondria being drawn inwards, she made a noisie sobbing, now double, now threefold, but still with a less and less noise: this kind of motion, and ebbing of a crashing noise, was wont to come for many hours, and so that she might be heard through the whole house; and when any short interval of this hapned, she was compelled presently to shake, or writhe together extreamly her arms and hands, and sometimes her legs and feet, and also to fling about most furiously her head, and by and by to hold her neck, as it were stiff, and immovoble: and then in speaking, her tongue would be taken after that manner that she would repeat the same word very often, yea sometimes twenty times at least: when the Convulsive motions tormented her strongly in her outward mem∣bers, she was free for a little while from that throatling and noisie Distemper; and this space of intermission she called her time of ease; tho in the mean time her head and members were carried violently here and there, with Convulsive motions: if at any time she lay on her left side, presently a contraction of her right hypochondrium inwards, with a sobbing or throatling, vexed her. Within a few day, her strength being very much lost by the assiduity of the passions, she contracted so great an imbecility in her loins and joynts of her legs, that she could not stand, nor lean on her feet: her sto∣mach, distempered either with weakness or the convulsion, returned back whatever was put into it, by vomit.

In this case, as in the former, it appears clearly, that the animal spirits, not only those implanted in this or that part or region, had contracted an heterogeneous C•…•…pula * 1.175 to be shaken off by some turns, but also the spirits influencing some nerves, being im∣bued with explosive particles, had brought in the perpetual and wandring Convulsive motions. And when at first it hapned that the spirits so afflicted did assault not all the nerves together, nor any indifferently, but for the most part only those belonging to the Diaphragma, and the Appendixes of the spinal marrow, so that within those spaces the fury of the spirits, perpetually explosing, was limitted; for this reason it hapned that the Convulsive affections being restrained in any one of those parts, did break forth more furiously straight in another; and when by their proper instinct, their mo∣tive force was imployed in one region, the same was in the mean time wont to be re∣mitted in another. Moreover, in this sick person, the morbific matter consisting both of narcotick and convulsive particles, caused together the paralitick and convulsive Distemper.

Coming to her on the fourth day, I gave her an Emetick potion, by which she vo∣mited seven times abundance of ropy phlegm, with yellow choller, yet without any ease: on the next day I took six ☉unces of blood from her left Arm, presently from thence the blood being more impetuously carried towards the head, she complained mightily of an headach, and giddiness; But within three days, she being let blood in the foot, found her self better: she afterwards took Remedies for the Distempers of the nerves, to wit, spirits of Harts-born, and of Blood, Bezoartick and shelly Powders, Julups, and Electuaries, Antispasmodical: by the use of these the symptoms seemed to be some∣thing remitted, but yet they remained somewhat after the manner but now described: After a fortnight, by the prescription of a certain Country-Woman, she took in a draught of Beer, six spoonfuls of blood taken from the ear of an Asse, by which she seem'd on a sudden to be cured: for forth with all the Convulsive motions did leave, and she remained free from them 24 hours; but yet the Disease returning the next day, with its wonted fierceness, would not give place neither to that Remedy, nor indeed easily to any others: she therefore for the future, took Medicines methodically pre∣scribed: Once within six days she was gently purged, besides she took the Powder composed of Bezoar, Pearls, and Coral, with the roots and seeds of Paeony, also an Ele∣ctuary,

prescribed by Horstius for these kind of admirable Convulsions; also Julup, and decoctions, proper in convulsive Distempers: Clisters were often used, frictious ointments, and vesicatories were administred with success: within another week the sobbing affection wholly ceased, and likewise the other Convulsive motions being grown more gently by degrees, very much remitted: growing well of these Distem∣pers, a Cathar falling down in her throat, she was so much troubled, that she almost continually spit forth a sharp, and as it were corrosive spittle, as if she had had a sa∣livation by taking Mercury: which kind of Remedy, indeed, hath been found to have been the last event in this case: but I wholly abstained from administring it, because both the sick, and her friends, would not give me leave.

After this plentiful and troublesome spitting had continued for many days, the Di∣sease seem'd almost to be wholly cured: so that this noble Gentlewoman being free of her Convulsive motions, went abroad, and was well, both in strength and stomach. Only she complained, that oftentimes in a day, she was suddenly afflicted for about a minute of an hour with a shivering of her whole body; which kind of Distemper coming upon her sometimes in the night, broke her sleep: within the space of a month this symptom also, and likewise her Catarrh wholly ceased: But from thence she was sometimes afflicted with an extream sourness in her ventricle, and the passage of the Oesophagus, and sometimes also in her mouth, and pallate, that it was feared left the inward skin being fretted, those parts should contract an ulcerous disposition; besides she was wont to be tormented often in her sleep, sometimes also being awake, with the night-mare or Incubus. For this I prescribed spring and fall, a gentle purge to be administred, with the use of antiscorbutick Remedies, and sometimes Chalibiates, or Medicines of prepared steel, which kind of method she observed so much to her benefit, that she was well in health for many years, and is as yet well.

Among the many Remedies which were taken against that sourness, and as it were ulcerous disposition of the pallat and Oesophagus, I prescribed that she should drink every morning her own Urine fresh made; this, whilst it was very saltish, was wont to give her great ease; but at sometimes her Urine flow'd from her thin and plentifully, which being nothing salt, but like to sour Vinegar, from the drinking of that she recei∣ved little or no benefit.

The reason of the case but now described, seems not much unlike the former, unless that in this sick Gentlewoman the explosive particles had entered into more pas∣sages of the nerves, to wit, besides the appendixes of the spinal marrow, into those de∣dicated for the office of breathing, and also by fits, into those designed for the motion of the Tongue, and almost perpetually tormented the spirits, abounding in them with rage or fury.

But that the cure of this Disease happen'd by the falling down of the sharp humor into the emunctories of the mouth and throat, we may from thence gather that the material cause of this, was the heterogeneous particles, and as it were nitrous, begot∣ten in the blood; which, when from thence, being passed thorow from the brain, they were carried into the nervous stock, caused the aforesaid Distempers: But assoon as by the help of Remedies the more plentiful provision of that matter was hindred, and the morbific particles already produced both from the blood, and the brain, and nervous stock, were derived into those emunctories of the head, the Convulsive Distemper pre∣sently ceased, and within a short time, such a Crisis or Secretion still remaining, the perfect cure of the Disease followed.

Forasmuch as the Urine being of it self very salt, and as it were lixivial, became at some times sourish, which did not give any help, as the former, to the sourness of the throat: it may hence be gathered, that the salt particles of the blood and humors coming away by the Urine, had a twofold state or condition, to wit, of fixedness and fluedness; wherefore the Serum, imbued by them, became now of this, now of that nature: for it seems, that the Saline particles being degenerate within the mass of the blood, remained fixed, and rendred the Urine for the most part Lixivial: but those which flowed without the blood in the nervous juice, or were laid up about the solid parts, did degenerate into a flux or acetousness: and therefore from these, being deri∣ved into the emunctuaries of the mouth, that noted sourness of the mouth, and Oeso∣phagus proceeded: moreover, when these kind of particles being gathered to a fulness in the nervous juice and solid parts, did swell up, and arising to a fluxion, boiled up into the blood: presently these being sent away from thence in heaps, thorow the Reins, rendred the Urine increased in quantity, sourish. But forasmuch, as the Saline particles, being of a divers condition, and that those of the same kind could not be mingled together, they mutually moved against one another, and break their forces; therefore the salt Urine, and not the sour, healed the sourness of the throat. It ap∣pears

by a vulgar experiment, that the most sharp spirit of Vitrol, by the mixture of the Salt of Tartar, or any other Lixivial, grows very mild: yea, and yet from thence appears, that the acid humor sweating out into the parts of the mouth and throat of this Gen∣tIewoman, came near the nature of sharp Vitriol; because the fume of Tobacco, being taken at the mouth of the sick person, was wonderfully sweet, as it happens to such who have beforehand tasted Vitriol.

Because we treat here of admirable Convulsions, which do not ordinarily happen, and whose nature and causes lie deeply hid; for the better illustration of these kind of Distempers we will yet shew one or two more cases no less wonderful than the former.

About ten years since, I visited the daughter of a certain Noble man troubled after that manner with Convulsive motions, that some thought her possessed with an evil spi∣rit: * 1.176 This virgin about sixteen years of age, fair, and well-made, yet begotten of a pa∣ralitick Father, without any evident cause, about the Winter-solstice began to fall ill. At first she was troubled, though not in any grievous manner, with an head-ach, and giddiness for many days; then she felt, now in one of her arms, and then in another, a trembling and sudden contraction; which kind of Convulsions returning often that day, endured scarce a moment; the next day sitting nigh her Sister in a Chair, sud∣denly leaping out, she fetch'd one or two jumps, and many others successively, with wonderful agility, at the distance of many feet; then, when she was come to the far∣ther part of the Chamber, she stood leaping a great while in the same place, and every time to a great height; when her legs were quite tired with leaping, she fell on the floor, and presently she flung her head here and there with wonderful violence, as if she would shake it from her neck: As soon as she ceased from this motion for weari∣ness, presently the same fury invaded her hands and feet, so that she was forced strongly to exercise these members, by striking the walls or posts, or by beating the pavement: when by reason of shame or modesty, due to her friends, and by-standers, she did hinder her self with great violence from these motions (for all the while she was her self, and spake soberly) the Distemper being sent inwardly, she was very much infested with a mighty oppression of the heart, with a bemoaning and very noiseful sob∣bing; when she would ease her self, she was forced presently, the fury being transmit∣ted to the muscles of the outward Limbs, either to leap about, or to fling here and there cruelly her head, or arms, or also to run about the Chamber most swiftly, or to beat the ground with her feet: because these kind of vehement motions of her Limbs or Viscera, in the Tragedy of the Distemper, did mutually relieve themselves, returning as it were in a round.

Coming the 5th day after this Lady had been sick, I gave her a Vomit of the fusion of Crocus Metallorum, wine of Squills, and salt of Vitriol, by which she vomited seven * 1.177 times cancker'd oil or choller in a great plenty, with the mixture of a sharp, and as it were vitriolic humor: The next day ten Ounces of blood was taken from the Sapha∣na vein; besides, she took twice in day, Antidotes of the powders of precious Stones, of human Skull, and the root of the Male-Paeony. By the use of these, within a week, she seem'd to be cured; she continued for many days afterwards free from the afore∣said Distempers: But after two weeks, at the time of the full Moon, she fell into a re∣lapse of the same Disease more cruel than before; for besides those wonderful leap∣ings, and vehement conversions and roulings about of her head and members, she was forced besides to fetch often a most rapid course round about the Chamber: she be∣gan at this time, from the Prescripts of others, to take anti-hysterical Remedies, and Purges at certain set intervals, but without any help: At last, I being sent for, because she seemed induced with a strong habit of body, and with a notable fierceness of spi∣rits, I gave her a stronger Emetick, by which she vomited forth ten times, greenish choller, like to rust, with phlegm, sharp like sty gian water, and she was suddenly eased: After this, I gave her every morning a draught of white-wine, dilated with the water of black-Cherries, with sows or hog-lice bruised and infused therein, and strongly pressed forth. By the use of these, she seem'd presently to be cured, and was well above a Month: And when afterwards, the Distempers being about to return, she felt at any time some fore-runners, presently by the use of a Vomit, and the expression of the Millepedes or Cheslogs, she averted the approach of the Disease: within three months, she so far recovered her former health, that she has now liv'd for many years free from those kind of Convulsive Distempers: But from the time the Convulsive passions wholly ceased, she was sometimes troubled about the parts of her mouth, and throat, with a defluxion of a most sour humor, like the vitriolick Stagma; be∣sides, sometimes she was obnoxious to the Pica or longing of Women, and at some∣times also to the Cough, with a discoloured spittle, threatning a Consumption,

notwithstanding which, by Remedies used in these kind of Cases, she was easily cured.

As to the Aetiologie, or rational account of the aforesaid case, there is no reason that * 1.178 we should fear to refer both the Causes and Symptoms of this Disease, to the explosive Particles (the Brain being pass'd thorow without hurt) sent as a supply continually from the Blood into the Nervous Stock; which, forasmuch as they being poured forth in great plenty, were not restrained within private Mines, to be struck off onely by turns, cleaving every where, both to the implanted and flowing Spirits, forced them, as it were inspired with a Madness, to be perpetually exploded, and to grow raging here and there, by bands: so that indeed, they were not able at all to be ruled, within the containing parts; but there was need to overthrow, and to tame them; impetuously tumultuating, and apt to be carried here and there, like a Whirlwind, by some very violent and strong ex∣ercise. In truth, it was in this sick person, as it is in musical Organs, which if filled above measure, by too great a blast of wind, unless presently the passage of more Pipes be opened, the whole frame of the Organ is quickly shaken, and in danger to be broken to pieces: In like manner in this Lady, when the Animal Spirits actuaring the pipes, and the depending Fibres of some of the Nerves, were moved beyond their due Te∣nour, there was a necessity that their force should be bestowed on many vehement local Motions together, whilst they inflated above measure the Nervous Bodies: wherefore, when their Madness was hindred in one part, by and by, like Wind pent up, creeping somewhere else, it broke forth more violently in some other part.

In this sick Person, the use of one or two Vomits, brought help once or twice, because that by it, what was lodged in the gallie Vessel; yea the Glandula's and Emunctuaries, and also about the Viscera of Concoction, being by this means emptied, the purging of the Blood and Nervous Juice, were more copiously drawn into the same place; therefore indeed, that the Animal Spirits flowing within the Pipes of the distempered Nerves, might be less infected by them: By this reason also, the juice of the Sows, or Hog-lice, was beneficial; forasmuch as it derived the Morbifick Matter, from the Nervous kind to the Urinary passages: Besides these Remedies, the Root, and in a great part the Branches of the Morbifick Matter being cut off, and when others, as it were antidotes, and as it were carefully Administred whatsoever was left of it; Nature at length becoming superior (as she is wont in these critical cases) sent away to the sinks of the Mouth and Throat.

Whilst I was writing these things, I visited an illustrious Virgin, who was troubled * 1.179 with other kind of Convulsive motions, and those universal, and no less to be admi∣red: she was about Eighteen years of Age, handsome, and well made, and before this time, healthful; when the Pestilence raging in this Neighbourhood, she had come within the danger of its Contagion, she fell into a panick fear, with frequent fwouning; the Night following, she suffer'd so great a deliquium, or sinking down of her Spirits, and Insensibility, that she seem'd just a dying; hardly strugling with so great an evil: afterwards, she had every day Convulsive fits, though at first, at uncer∣tain hours, and returning after a manifold kind; But within a short time, its comings being made regular, twice in a day; to wit, they constantly returned at Eleven of the Clock, and before Five in the Afternoon, that no intermitting Fever kept more ex∣actly its periods; yea, also the same accidents of the fit daily chanced after the same manner.

When she had thus been sick for three Weeks, one day I was sent for, that I might take notice of all the Symptoms, and the whole figure of the Disease; she being up about Ten in the Morning, was well in her countenance, going, and speech; she be∣haved her self exceeding well, so that none would ever suspect her to be sick: at Eleven of the Clock, she began to complain of a fullness of her Head, and numb∣ness of Spirits, with a light swimming; by and by she felt a great Pulsation, and as it were the leaping of some live Animal in her left Hypochondrium: putting my hand on her side, I plainly perceived this Motion; then a stretching, and belching followed; which done, she was presently put to bed, and a Maid sitting upon a Pillow held her down; who during the fit, most strictly graspt the sick Person, holding her to her bo∣som, with her arms folded about her wast: besides, servants were ready, and her Rela∣tions standing by, who now press'd down her Belly, and Hypochondria rising up, and swel∣ling to a great bulk, now held her hands and arms. The chief Symptoms of the Disease, which being excited by turns, almost divided the whole fit, were these two. viz. One while cruel Convulsions of the Bowels did infest her, so that the Abdomen rising up into a mighty bulk, strove against the hands of the by-standers, held upon it, that it could not be pressed down; and at the same time, her Praecordia being contracted upwards, the motions of her blood and heart were almost ftop•…•…: in which space of time, this Vir∣gin, her Head falling down, with a small pulse, and almost without voice, lay nigh

sensless; after two or three minutes of an hour, these Convulsions ceased: and then the sick person setting her self upright, look'd about chearfully, and for a while the force of the Disease changed into talking, and singing; both of which, she without cea∣sing performed most pleasantly, and most elegantly, beyond her proper capacity: with these kind of speeches, and pleasant jests, she fell upon all the standers by, that no∣thing in a Comedy could be more pleasant; then she uttered most sweet tunes of Mu∣sick, and more pleasant than any other could, or her self at any other time: After she had past six or seven minutes of an hour, thus jesting and singing, the Convulsions of her Bowels and Praecordia, and the want of speech, came upon her as before: and these soon remitting, the force of the Spirits leaping back from the inferior Nerves on the Brain, it was lastly imployed in the pleasantness of Speech, and Songs; as often (when she talkt to the by-standers) as any of them replyed any thing bitterly, or re∣proachfully, she fell into those most grievous, and longer continuing Convulsions of the Viscera. After this manner she was wont to be molested with an alternate Distemper of the Bowels, and Brain, about the space of an hour; then towards the end of the Viscera, the fit declining, more light Convulsions being made, they repeated three or four times, without any intermission; then these wholly ceasing, the force of the Disease brake forth into her outward Members, from whence it quickly vanished; for her Arms and Legs, for a minute of an hour, suffered leapings forth, and contractions; presently after, the sick person being taken up, left her Bed, free from all Convulsions, till a new fit returned; yea, indifferently well in strength she walk'd about the House, and during the interval of her Distemper, she chearfully performed the accustomed Offices of Life, excepting that her Stomach-languishings, all day she loathed food; in the evening, after the second fit, she supp'd moderately.

This was the present state of the Disease, in whose fits, the more clear use of some faculties, seem'd in a manner to compensate the irregularity of others: But about the beginning of her sickness, it was somewhat otherwise; for the Convulsions of her Bow∣els were far more grievous, and an insensibility was joyned to them; besides, in their interval, talking idly, an incongruous singing; yea, both laughter and weeping, with∣out any known reason breaking forth, were wont to follow one another; but now the Animal Spirits being forced into longer Explosions, performed them so regularly, now this, now that, as a more commodious way was made, that they seemed after a man∣ner to be done by the command of the Will, and of Reason.

That we may therefore, according to our Hypothesis, frame an A•…•…tiology or Ratio∣nal * 1.180 Account of this Distemper: In the first place it seems, that a vehement fear did drive the Spirits inhabiting the Brain and Praecordia, into great disorders: so that they being disturb'd out of their ranks, both the kind of Madness or Foolishness, and the frequent swooning succeeded: Further, it may be suspected, that from the same im∣pression the hurt was carried to the Brain it self, so that its conformation being some∣what vitiated, the Heterogeneous and Morbific Particles were admitted, together with the Nervous Juice: then, although the spirits at the beginning, being confused and troubled, after their short inordinations, at last recovered themselves, and performed the wonted offices both of the animal and vital Function; yet by reason of the taint, impressed on the Brain, the Heterogeneous Particles being constantly admitted, cleaving to those Spirits, induced explosive endeavours, as soon as the spirits were filled to a plen∣titude with the extraneous Copula, they being irritated, entred into Convulsive explosions for the shaking, or striking it off.

About the beginning of the Disease, when both the disposition of the Brain, and the Spirits inhabiting it, was more perverse and vitious from the fresh received hurt, a full∣ness of the Heterogeneous Copula sooner happened, and so its explosion following more often, and more inordinately, was dispatched with greater Tumult; but afterwards, when the hurt of the Animal Regiment abating, the supplements of that Copula, even as the Nervous Liquor, were daily brought in with an equal dimention, the explosi∣ons of the Spirits being made regular and more mild, observed their just periods or set times.

That she felt upon the approach of the Fit a fullness, and as it were an Inflation in her Head, with an heaviness, and dullness of the Spirits; the reason is, because at this time, the Spirits Inhabiting the Brain, being now prepared for Explosions, were wont first of all to be moved, and as it were to swell up; then that Pul∣sation in her left Hypochondria succeeded; for that the Spirits inhabiting the Nervous foldings and Fibres, thickly planted about the Spleen, began to be Exploded: af∣terwards, when the Spirits flowing, both within the Mesenterick and Cardiac En∣foldings were Exploded together,. those elevations, and as it were leapings up of the Abdomen, and Thorax, were induced: and when in this Distemper the Moti∣tions

of the Blood and Heart were almost wholly stopped, therefore there was a small, and almost no Pulse, and she became speechless, and in a manner sensless.

The Convulsion of the Viscera and Praecordia remitting, a Prattling and Singing succeeded; because a falling down, or removal of the Spirits as yet exploded, being made from the Nervous Stock into the Brain, it changed the Convulsions into an exaltation of the fancy, and more ready exercise of the Phantasm, or Representa∣tion of the Imagination: So long as the Spirits within the middle of the Brain, are regularly and orderly Exploded, they bring forth the Acts of the Habits and Faculties so much more noble, and as it were above the strength and tenour of Nature, as in this sick Gentlewoman: but on the contrary, when the Explosions of the Spirits in that Region happen to be inordinate, they cause for the most part foolishness; or at least, the exercise of their powers are incongruous and absurd.

The Convulsions of the Bowels, and the phantastick Actions, reliev'd one ano∣ther mutually, and by turns; because plenty of Spirits being disposed to be struck off, made their tendency, as it were, with a direct and reflected waving or undulati∣on, now on this part, now on that, by turns: then lastly, when they were almost all Exploded, the more often Convulsions of the Viscera were stir'd up; and when a small handful onely remained to be Exploded, that being at last excluded both from the Head and Bowels, it ran forth into the spinal Marrow, and employed the last assault of the Disease in the Convulsions of the Arms and Legs.

There yet remains one great difficulty in this Case, why the Fits of this Disease were always repeated exactly at set hours, and yet had so unequal Periods; to wit, that the coming of the first, was onely but six hours before the second; and then the return of the next, did not happen but in Eighteen hours space. For the solving of this, it is to be supposed, that these Fits did depend upon the Nervous Juice being stuffed to a Plenitude with Heterogeneous Particles; which Particles were altogether conveyed thither from the bloody Mass, and the blood did drink up the same from the nourishing juice, sent as a supply from the Bowels: These being thus supposed, we must consider, in what space of time the Bloody Mass is filled with those Morbific Particles, and then in what measure it pours them forth into the Nervous Liquor. As to these, that it may the better appear, after what manner it was done in the case of this sick Person, you must know, that she took in Twenty four hours space onely at one time a full Meal: to wit, after the second Fit was ended she Supped moderately about Seven of the Clock; the rest of the day wanting an Appetite, she hardly took any Food: there∣fore it is probable, that the Morbific Matter was poured forth, together with the Nu∣tricious Provision, into the Bloody Mass; chiefly in the Night time, and that more plen∣tifully, than that all could presently be derived into the Nervous Liquor: The Hetero∣geneous Particles which are first conveyed from the Blood, newly satisfied, into the Nervous Liquor, being heaped up to the fulness, did excite the first Fit, the coming of which therefore was longer delayed, because both one space is required wherein the Blood, and then another, wherein the Brain and Nerves are to be filled: after this Fit was over, because the Blood yet full, containing in it self more Particles of the same kind, pours them suddenly on the Nervous Juice, therefore the other Fit is induced within thrice the space of the former: but this being ended, because both the Bloody Mass, and the Nervous Juice, are wholly freed from their burthen, the sick Person finding her self better than at any other time, took her food greedily enough; but after that when to the next following Fit, first the Bloody Mass, and then the Nervous Juice ought to be filled with the Morbific Matter, therefore Ten hours are required for this double task; but forasmuch as there is onely need for the second Fit, that the other Particles should be derived from the Bloody Mass yet full, into the Nervous juice, therefore for this Effect, a much less space doth suffice, viz. of Six hours,

After I had seen this Lady, who had laboured for many Weeks with these kind of * 1.181 Periodical Fits, I order'd, that Three hours before the second Fit, Ten Ounces of Blood should be taken out of the Vein on the Foot; which being done, the coming of the Fit in the Evening being expected, quite left her, neither did it return at all afterwards; but the other Fit observing its former time, daily returned till the Patient being let Blood a little before its coming, remained that day free from the Disease, which how∣ever returning the day after, according to the same manner, exercised her for many Months: In the mean time, because the cold of the Winter was very great, she forbore for some time the use of Remedies: but the Spring coming on, this honourable Lady being brought to Oxford, was Cured by the following Method.

First I gave her this Cathartick, and I took care, that it was repeated every sixth or seventh day. Take of the Sulphur of Antimony six grains, of Mercurius dulcis one scruple, of the Resine of Julup gr. iv. of Ginger gr. vi. let them be beaten together in a morter, then add of the Conserves of Violets i. dram, make a Bolus: It was wont to provoke two or three Vomits, and three or four stools. The flux of her Terms came constant∣ly in great abundance, at the set times: wherefore, when the blood seem'd very plen∣tiful, and hot, I order'd Phlebotomy twice or thrice in the midst betwixt the times of her Terms: Besides, every day that she did not Purge, she took twice in a day 4 Pills of the following mass, drinking after them a little draught of the Julup below pre∣scribed. Take of the Roots of the Male-Paeony half an Ounce, of Virginian Snakeweed, Contraerva, Cretic, Dittany, each two Drams, of human skull prepared, one Dram and a half, of an Elks claw one Dram, of red Coral prepared, of the Powder of Pearls, each one Dram, of the salt of Wormwood two Drams, of the salt of Corral one Dram, with what will suffice of the Syrrop of the flowers of the Male Paeony, make a mass.

Take of the water of the flowers of the Male-Paeony, of black-Cherries, and of Wall∣nuts, each four Ounces, of the Antiepileptic of Langius two Ounces, of the Syrrop of the flowers of Paeony an Ounce and a half, of Castor tied in a knot, and hung in the glass, one Dram, mix them, and make a Julup.

When she began to loath the Pills, they being omitted, she took twice a day, to wit, in the Morning and the Evening, about one Scruple of the following Powder, in a spoonful of Julup, drinking after it four or five spoonfuls of the same. Take of Bezar∣stone, of either white Amber, of Pearls prepared, of red Corral, each one Scruple, of human skull two Scruples, of the root of Virginian Snakeweed, and the Seeds of Rue, each half a Dram, mingle them, and make a Powder, let her take one Scruple Morn∣ing and Evening, with a Dose of the above-prescribed Julup.

Then, when also this Medicine began to be tedious to her, she used the Pills, or the Elixir proprietatis, and also, sometimes for many days, the spirits of Harts-horn: At last, she began to be helped by that Powder, being daily taken, for some space.

In the mean time, whilst this method of healing was ordained, her hair being sha∣ven from her head, it was covered only with a thin covering: she wore upon her Bel∣ly an Hysterical Plaister mixed with Galbanum: for her ordinary drink, she took a Bochet of Sarsa and China, the roots of the Male-Paeony, and other proper things, in∣fused in Spring-water and boiled. Within a month the fits were something remitted: then, being by degrees made gentler and lesser, at length they almost quite ceased: unless that at the time of her Terms, one or two fits of the Disease was wont to trou∣ble her: Further she labour'd with an almost constant giddiness, and queasiness of stomach; in the middle of the Summer she drank Astrop-waters for a fortnight, and was perfectly well.

But as for the means in general, to be shown for the Cure of these admirable Con∣vulsions, it will not be easie to assign, either fit Remedies for this Herculean Disease, or a certain method of Cure, approved by often experience: for besides, that these like cases are seldom met with; it is likewise observed, that the same Medicines which at this time were helpful to this sick person, being given to another, or to the same, helpt nothing at another time: The reason of which seems to be, because the cause of the Disease consists in the discrasie, or evil disposition of the nervous juice, which Liquor is not always perverted after one and the same manner: But by the manifold combinati∣on of the Salts and Sulphurs, it gets a morbid nature of a various manner and kind, and oftentimes changes it: wherefore, in the most grievous Distempers of this kind, not the vulgar Medicines, taken from the Shops or Dispensatory, are to be prescribed, but magistrals, as cause arises, according to the appearances of the admirable symp∣toms. A gentle Vomit, Purge, Blood-letting, ought in the first place to be ordained, and to be repeated, as often as shall seem fit. As to specifick Medicines also, and ap∣propriate in these cases, when the chief Indication shall be, to mend the temper of the Nervous juice, you may try many, and by their effect judge of their virtues: There∣fore it may be lawful to try what the Remedies indued with a Volatile or Armoniac Salt may effect. For this end, the spirits and salts of Harts-horn, Blood, Soot, and the Flowers and spirits of Sal-Armoniac, are taken: These helping nothing, you must come to Chalybiats or Steel Medicines; the tinctures and solutions of Coral and An∣timony are given: which kind of Medicines are exhibited in such a dose, and form, and so often, that some alteration may be made by them, on the whole blood or nervous juice: Further, if success shall fail in such like, you must then proceed to Alexiphar∣maca, which help against Poysons, and the maligniancy impressed on the humors, to wit, to institute from these, decoctions, and distilled waters of vegitables, powders, conserves, and other preparations: and to compound variously some with others, and

to administer them diversly. It is likely, that those kind of Medicines which are wont to be helpful to such as are bitten by a Viper, or a mad Dog, or that have taken Wolfs bane, or Poyson, may be useful also in the aforesaid Convulsions. It may be lawful here, according to the example of Gregory Horstius, in his tract of the malignant Convulsive Disease, and also of wonderful Convulsions, to prescribe magisterial Re∣medies in the form of a Purging Electuary, and also of a Powder, and Convulsive An∣tidote, and to compound them variously, partly of simple Alexipharmicks, or poyson resisters, and partly of Antiepilepticks, or things good against the falling Evil.

CHAPTER X. Of the Passions commonly called Hysterical, or Fits of the Mo∣ther.

THE hysterical passion is of so ill fame among the Diseases belonging to Women, that like one half damn'd, it bears the faults of many other Distempers: For when at any time a sickness happens in a Womans Body, of an unusual manner, or more occult original, so that its cause lies hid, and the Curatory indication is altoge∣ther uncertain, presently we accuse the evil influence of the Womb (which for the most part is innocent) and in every unusual symptom, we declare it to be something Hysterical, and so to this scope, which oftentimes is only the subterfuge of ignorance, the medical intentions and use of Remedies are directed.

The Passions, which are wont to be referred to this cense or order, are found to be various and manifold; which rarely happen in divers Women, or which come wholly * 1.182 after the same manner: The most common, and which commonly are said to consti∣tute the formal reason of the Hysterical Distemper, are these, viz. A motion in the bottom of the Belly, and an ascention of the same, as it were a certain round thing, then a belching, or a striving to Vomit, a distention, and murmur of the Hypochondria, with a breaking forth of blasts of wind, an unequal breathing, and very much hin∣dred, a choaking in the throat, a Vertigo, an inversion, or rolling about of the eyes, oftentimes laughing, or weeping, absurd talking, sometimes want of speech, and mo∣tionless, with an obscure or no pulse, and deadish aspect, sometime Convulsive moti∣ons in the Face and Limbs, and sometimes in the whole Body, are excited: But uni∣versal Convulsions rarely happen, and not unless this Disease be in the very worst state: because, for the most part, the Tragedy of the Fit is acted without contraction of the members, only in the inferior Belly, Thorax, and Head, to wit, in some of them, or successively in all: Women of every age, and condition, are obnoxious to these kind of Distempers, to wit, Rich and Poor, Virgins, Wives, and Widows: I have obser∣ved those symptoms in Maids before ripe age, also in old Women after their flowers have left them; yea, sometimes the fame kind of Passions infest Men; as plainly ap∣peared by the example already shewed.

As to the causes of those symptoms, most ancient, and indeed modern Physitians, * 1.183 refer them to the ascent of the Womb, and vapours elevated from it: The former opinion, although it plead antiquity, seems the less probable, for that the body of the Womb is of so small bulk in Virgins, and Widows, and is so strictly tied by the neigh∣bouring parts round about, that it cannot of it self be moved, or ascend from its place; nor could its motion be felt, if there were any: as to that vulgar opinion, or reason taken from the vapours, we have often rejected it as wholly vain, and light, for just reasons elsewhere: But we judg, the Passions but now described, do neither always, nor at all proceed from the ascent or the vapours of the Womb: and that indeed, other very famous Physitians have already determined: For in times past, Charles Piso, and of late the most learned Highmore, have vindicated the Womb from all fault; and the Passions, which are commonly call'd Hysterical, are thought by this latter to arise from the blood, most impetuously rushing on the Lungs; and by the other, from a serous colluvives heaped together near the origin of the Nerves. How probable this latter opinion doth seem, shall appear from what follows: But as to the opinion deliver'd by Doctor Highmore, concerning this thing, though it be far from our custom to contradict any ones opinion, and that it is almost unlawful for me

to dssent from this famous man: yet, because our Pathologie standing on a contrary basis, (viz. the cause of the Hysterical Distemper being imputed more immediately to the nervous stock, than to the blood) will seem to be only asserted, unless we shew the reasons which combat against that hypothesis; and for ours, therefore taking leave, here we will try more exactly either opinion, put as it were in a ballance.

In the fit therefore commonly called Hysterical, this famous man supposes the * 1.184 blood, for that it is thin, flatulent, and with a certain effervescency, to rush too much in heaps, into the pneumonic vessels, and the vessels of the heart, and in them to broil up impetuously, and so to stuff up the Lungs, and very much to aggravate them, that neither they can exercise their motion, nor that the blood can be drained from the bo∣som of the heart: Hence, from the blood stagnating in the Praecordia, a great oppres∣sion, difficult breathing, and often none, with a melting of the vital spirits, were wont to be inferred: then the diaphragma, that it might give place to the Lungs, more and more distended; and that breathing at least might be some way made, is carried downward, with a mighty and long continued Diastole, and so by pressing down the Intestines, it lifts up the abdomen, and hypochondria, and feigns a motion as it were the ari∣sing of a Globe: But afterwards, the vital function labouring after this manner, the ani∣mal faculty arises in its aid; wherefore, a necessity of motions in various parts urging the animal spirits, being driven impetuously into the beginnings of the nerves, produce divers manners of Convulsions, running here and there. The Author endeavours to confirm this Opinion, by the great help in this Disease had by taking away the bloody excretion, both from things helpful, and things hurtful in this Passion.

But though I cannot but praise this Doctrine of the suffocation of the Womb, as very ingenious and cunningly wrought; yet that I do not consent to it in all things, some reasons of great moment clearly hinder me. Truly I confess, that I do not un∣derstand, how in some Hysterical persons, to wit, who are of a more frigid tempera∣ment, and are often troubled with the Pica, and longing Disease, the blood should so immoderately boil up in the Lungs, without any conspicuous notes of its growing hot, in some other place. I have known young maids, by reason of the green sick∣ness, as it were without blood, to wit, whose blood indeed being without life, did re∣main without any exercise in the heart, and was from thence difficultly enough drawn forth into the Lungs, who yet were grievously obnoxious to the Passions called Hyste∣rical: Certainly it is not probable, that the blood of these persons growing immode∣rately hot, should rush impetuously into the Pneumonick vessels, and should stuff up their pores and passages very thickly, when in the mean time such become short∣breath'd, by reason of the absence of the blood from the Lungs, or its difficult ad∣mission to them: Besides, by what means comes it to pass, that this violent course of the blood into the Lungs, which is supposed to be made in this Fit, brings forth no In∣flamation in them? For that the blood, being too much heaped, or rapidly put into any part, is easily extravasated, and is wont to excite an Inflammation hardly to be shaken off. From whence is it therefore, in the Hysterical Distemper, the blood entring vio∣lently into the Lungs, and distending them, does not cause a peripneumonie or Impo∣stume of the Lungs? Or wherefore the Distempers, as it were Hysterical, come not on an inflammation of the Lungs, otherwise caused? Wherefore it seems improbable, that the blood swelling up, with its proper anger or heat, should rush into the Lungs, and by stuffing them, renders them too immovable, and so secondarily and consequently induce Convulsions of the Diaphragma, and other parts: but it may rather seem, that by reason of the Diaphragma, and other organs of breathing, being first affected with a Convulsion, the blood should be forced to stagnate in the Praecordia: Besides, it may be observ'd, that the Lungs are not always afflicted before other parts; for of∣tentimes the Convulsive symptoms begin elsewhere, and not rarely bear the region of the breast wholly untouch'd: Because in some, the Vertigo, and Corruscations or spark∣lings of the eyes, begin the fit; to which succeed either weeping, or laughing, or con∣vulsive motions of the Limbs, without any straitness of the breath, or oppression of the heart: In others, before respiration troubles them any way, a swelling in the bottom of the belly, with a vomiting and rumbling of the belly, begins and often ends the fit; so that the difficulty of breathing oftentimes follows these symptoms at a great distance, and is wont to be prevented by the tying strictly of swathing-bands about the Hypochondria. Moreover, it seems, that this ascent as it were of a certain round thing, from the Hypogastrium or lower part of the belly, can never proceed from the depression of the Diaphragma; because in the Hysterical fit, this part is not always persled down towards the lower parts, but oftentimes drawn up to the higher parts, and drives the Lungs upwards, so that the spirit or breath being almost shut forth, threatens the danger of Choaking. By these, and other reasons, we are at length

perswaded to that opinion, that the Distemper named from the Womb, is chiefly and * 1.185 primarily Convulsive, and chiefly depends on the brain and the nervous stock being affected, and whatever inordination, or irregularity from thence happens, about the motion of the blood, is only secondary, and is made dependingly by the Convulsions of the Bowels.

But that this doth consist within the bounds of the head, both the comparing of the symptoms, which happen in the living, and the Anatomical observations of the dead, clearly shew; because we may observe, that this Distemper often takes its rise from a sudden fear, great sadness, or anger, or other violent Passion, in which the spirits in∣habiting the brain are chiefly affected besides, to some an ill manner of Diet, and vari∣ous accidents whereby the humors being vitiated, are headed more plentifully within the head, at first brings this evil. Yea, the manner of the fits clearly evinces the same, forasmuch, as a fulness of the head, a Vertigo, a sparkling of the eyes, a ringing noise of the ears, begin in many the Hysterical fit, and often conclude it: Besides I have opened some Women dead of other Diseases, tho while they were sick, very obnoxi∣ous to Hysterical Passions, in whom the Womb being very well, I have found in the hinder part of the head, the beginnings of the nerves, moistned and wholly drowned with a sharp serum, as shall be more largely declared anon.

Having weighed these, and other reasons, we doubt not to affert the Passions com∣monly called Hysterical, to arise most often, for that the animal spirits possessing the beginning of the Nerves within the head, are infected with some taint; to wit, they being either acted or brought into Confusion, or being tincted with vitious humors, get to themselves an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, which they carry far away with themselves, into the Channels of the Nerves: and when the same spirits are filled * 1.186 to a plenitude, with that Copula, thorow all their series or orders, either of their own accord, or being occasionally moved, they enter into explosions, and so stir up Con∣vulsive motions: But that such a Copula adhering to the spirits, is chiefly derived toge∣ther with them into the interior nerves; the reason is, because in this passage towards the Praecordia and Visc•…•…a, the animal spirits, by reason of the Distemper of the mind, are very much disturbed: wherefore, they more easily admit any evils brought from another place, and more readily conceive irregularities. For the animal spirits, chief∣ly for this occasion, contract a Convulsive disposition: forasmuch as they, from a vio∣lent impression, are perverted out of their courses, and their wonted manner of influ∣ence, and acting; hence they not only repeat their inordinations, but also receive the heterogeneou particles into their embraces, and more easily combine with them: Wheresore, forasmuch as the animal spirits, running thorow the nerves of the wan∣dring pair, and intercostals, are continually entangled with all perturbations both of the concupiscible, and irascible Appetite, it is no wonder, if they acquire a Convulsive disposition before the rest.

It being supposed (which indeed ought to be supposed) that the animal spirits have contracted an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, now the nervous origines, and car∣ried * 1.187 it together with it self into the interior nerves, and spread it thorow all their pas∣sages, it will not be hard to assign the reasons of the hysterical fit, and of all its sym∣ptoms. For first of all, the Disease being ready to fall upon one, oftentimes the Vertigo, a rolling about the eyes, and a certain inflation of the brain, as it were previous skir∣mishing are stirred up, because the whole band of the spirits, being in readiness for ex∣plosions, the more light companies of them leaping back towards the brain, are first struck off; then presently a perturbation succeeds in the bottom of the belly or hypo∣chondria, for that the spirits within the enfoldings here and there, are next disturbed: For we have elsewhere shown, if at any time the animal spirits are exploded, in a cer∣tain whole Series, those which abode in the extream parts, first of all enter into that assertion: Wherefore the beginnings of this Disease, are found to be, for the most part, in the Head and Bowels: but that the Convulsions are first perceived, now in the bottom of the Belly, now in the Hypochondria, the reason is, because the morbific mat∣ter is sometimes carried by the passage of the intercostal nerve, into the utmost me∣senteric enfoldings; but sometimes the same, being slid down, not beyond the ends of the wandring pair, subsists much nearer, to wit, about the enfoldings of the spleen or stomach.

When therefore the animal spirits (as hath been shown) within the nerves of the wandring pair, and intercostals, are imbued from their origine, even to their utmost ends, * 1.188 with an heterogeneous and explosive Copula; they at length, either from meer fulness, or by an irritation somewhere made, are stirred up to explosions; in which affection, if any spirits leap forth towards the middle of the brain, they induce the Vertigo, the Inflation and other praevious Accidents of the Head: but the Spirits inhabiting the

other Extremity of the Nervous Trunk, viz. the Mesenteric Enfoldings begin chiefly to be Exploded, which presently by their letting off, compel the lower parts of the Hypogastrum to be lifted up, and contracted upwards, and so induce the Ascention of a certain bulk, as it were of the Womb: then, when the upper parts of the Enfoldings of the Mesentory, are by degrees intangled with the same Distemper, and the Bowels annexed to the same are Elevated, and drawn forcibly towards the upper parts, the violent swelling of the Abdomen, as it were with a certain leaping forth, succeeds: Fur∣ther, the Ventricle is not onely Elevated, by changing its place; all its Fibers, to wit, the Direct, Oblique, and Transverse, being affected at once with the Convulsion, is of∣ten distended like a blown Bladder: hence very often Vomiting, or at least a rumbling and murmur of the Hypochondria, are excited: but as soon as the Spirits being Exploded with a certain series, it comes to the Region of the Thorax, the Diaphragma being drawn together, with an huge Diastole is sometimes depressed, and so meeting with the As∣cention of the Viscera, causes an Inflation, and high Intumescency or swelling up, with a mighty strugling: so that the laces of those in this Distemper must be forth with loosned, or else they are in danger of falling into a Trance: In the mean time, the Diaphragma being so depressed, and its Diastole continued, the Blood remains almost immovable in the Praecordia; and so by its Stagnation, causes a great Oppression and very often a failing of the Vital Function: Further, the Convulsion of the Diaphragma happens sometimes towards the upper parts, and so that driving the Lungs upwards, induces a violent Systole, and protracted longer than it should be; and when by this means the Blood is driven forward into the Pneumonic Vessels and is not at last received from the bosom of the Heart, it Stagnates there, and besides in the who's Body; from whence the oppression of the Heart, and oftentimes a swooning, yea sometimes a want of Speech, and Motion, now with a blewness of the Face, and now with a dead Aspect follow: Af∣ter these things are acted in the lower, and middle Region, at length the Distemper reaches to the Head, by the Passage of the Nerves, as it were a fiery inkindling, and the Spirits being there Exploded, leaping now towards the middle of the Brain, produce a swim∣ming in the Head, and often symptoms very like the Epilepsy; sometimes the Spirits there Exploded rush into the beginnings of the other Nerves, and there stir up the like Explo∣sions; wherefore Hysterical people, towards the end of the Fit often Laugh, or Weep, or talk idly; sometimes the parts of the Face and Mouth, yea sometimes the Arms, and other Members are troubled with Convulsive Motions; and so when at length all the Spirits which had contracted an Heterogeneous Copula are Exploded, the Fit ends; but presently after, matter for another Fit begins to be gathered together.

It sometimes happens, that the Convulsive Disposition is not drawn out so long and largely; for besides that, oftentimes the Nerves onely of the wandring Pair, and the In∣tercostals * 1.189 are troubled with it, that neither the Brain, nor the outward Members are at all molested; yea sometime, neither the Interior Nerves themselves are possessed with the Morbific Cause thorow their whole Processes: for the Convulsive Disposition (as we but now intimated) oftentimes arrives not beyond the Enfoldings of the Spleen or Stomach, and then the Fit beginning from the Inflation of the Ventricle, or lest Hy∣pochondrium, is thought to arise not from the fault of the Womb, but of the Spleen: which kind of Distemper by and by being brought to the Thorax, and there involving the Diaphragma and Lungs with a Convulsion, stops Respiration, and the motion of the Heart, or in some manner preverts it: but then from thence the Fit passes over; now with, and now without a great Perturbation of the Head. These things happen indeed after a various manner, according as it happens that the Morbific Matter, or Explosive Copula descending from the Head is gathered together, as it were heaps of Gunpowder, more or less, now in this, now in that part. But concerning which matter by what means the same being brought forth in the Head, first Affects the beginnings of the Nerves and so constitutes the Procatartick, or more remote cause of the passion called Hysterical, now remains next to be inquired into.

As to the Morbific Matter, or Explosive Copula which cleaving to the Spirits, flowing * 1.190 within the Head, and with them derived into the Nervous Passages, is often the cause of the Distempers commonly termed of the Womb; we say, that this, as in other kinds of Convulsions, is the Heterogeneous Particles poured forth from the Blood, which yet are wont to be affixed to the Spirits, flowing into the beginnings of the Nerves, chiefly for two Causes: to wit, either by the fault of the Spirits themselves, or by the force of the matter it self, instances of either kind are ordinarily met with. It sometimes hap∣pens, that the Animal Spirits, planted within the Brain, and in the passage leading from it, to the praecordia, are very much disturbed by a sudden Passion, as of Fear, Anger, Sadness, &c. and forced into disorders, and that by that means they being driven out of their orders, do acquire to themselves Heterogeneous Particles, where ever met with;

and combine with these, that by and by for that reason, they acquire an explosive dis∣position, as we have already declared. Further, in the Second place, sometimes the Morbific matter it self, being made more fierce and strong, in spite of the succour of the Animal Aeconomie or rule, is poured forth into the Brain, and its Appendix, from the Bloody Mass, which cleaving fast to the Spirits, presently disposes them into Ex∣plosions: This is ordinarily discerned in the Evil Crises of Fevers, also in some Malig∣nant Distempers; also in Scorbutic and other Cronical Diseases ill cured. An ill or weak Constitution of the Brain, or Nervous Stock, whether it be Hereditary, or acqui∣red, by reason of an ill manner of living, very much cherishes these causes. For in bo∣dies so disposed, both the Animal Spirits, from every light occasion, are moved in Confusion; and the passages of the Brain and Nervous System, more easily lye open, for the running in of the Heterogeneous and Explosive Matter. In truth, for this rea∣son Women are more obnoxious to Convulsive Distempers than Men, and some Women than others, as we will shew more largely hereafter.

But although these kind of Passions of Women, called Hysterical, most often proceed from the fault of the Head, or from the Morbific Cause arising within the Encephalon; * 1.191 yet sometimes such Distempers are stirred up by reason of a Cause beginning some∣where else, viz. Now in the Womb, now in the other Bowels: and of this Convulsive Pathologie, there are chiefly Two Heads, viz.

1st. Sometimes it happens, that a Tumour, or an Ulcer, or a Congestion of sharp Humours, arises in the Membranous parts about the Womb, or planted about the other * 1.192 Viscera, and often irritates the parts so Distemper'd, by reason of the breaking of the Union into painful Convulsions: then forasmuch as the Animal Spirits placed round about, and those inflowing are moved into frequent disorders, they at length getting to * 1.193 themselves Heterogeneous Particles, sent either from the Distemper'd part, or from some other place, are disposed to Convulsive Assaults; and when first of all the Convul∣sive Motions happen onely in the Neighbourhood of the Affected Place, to wit. that the Bulk ascending in the lower part of the Belly, or its swelling up be onely perceived; afterwards they are propagated by the passage of the Nervous Bodies, and by the con∣sent of the Convulsion there begun, leasurely into the other Viscera, of the lower Belly, then to the Praecordia; and lastly, into the Head it self: and the Distemper be∣ing thus by little and little dilated to the Spirits inhabiting the Brain: they moreover, having gotten in their proper Sphear, an Heterogeneous Copula, retort the same back to the Visccra, and so the Morbific Cause being made reciprocal, is begun at either end of the Nervous Trunk. Some time past I have seen a Noble Virgin, in whom a small Tumour arising, with most cruel pain below the Os pubis, did stir up huge Convulsions, first in the lower Belly, and afterwards ascending to the Praecordia and Head, were at length stretch'd to the outward Members: for once or twice in a day, after that great Pains did Torment her in the Affected part, the Abdomen, and by and by the Hypocon∣dria, were wont to be lifted up: then difficulty of Breathing, on an Insensibility suc∣ceeded, and presently the Distemper being brought outwardly, most horrid Convulsi∣ons and Contractions of the Members and Limbs followed. Sometimes it also hap∣pens, that Convulsive Symptoms are induced in Child-bearing Women, by reason of some hurt or evil brought to the Womb: Harvie relates, That wonderful Convulsions were caused by the injection of some sharp thing into the Womb: So sometimes, though rarely it happens, that a Morbific Matter, or Explosive Copula is fixed to the Spirits dwel∣ling about the Extremities of the Nerves, and near the Womb, immediately, from the place there Affected, and without fault of the Brain.

There yet remains another case, or manner of Affecting, by which the Convulsive dis∣position is produced from the fault of the parts, lodg'd at a great distance from the * 1.194 Brain (though in the mean time, the Taint, which is the cause of this Distemper, is often mediately Communicated to the Brain it self) to wit, when at any time the Nervous Juice is hindred somewhere in its Motion or Circulation, from thence stag∣nating in the Nervous parts, and loading them, does often bring in a Convulsive Dispo∣sition: So, when some usual Evacuation, whereby the Superfluities of the Nervous Liquor, were wont to be sifted forth, is stopp'd, as from Issues suddenly shut up, or old Ulcers dryed up without a Purge, many fall into Convulsive Distempers: Yea, it may obtain here some place, what is wont commonly to be noted for a Cause of the Hysterical Passions in Maids and Widows, to wit, the untimely restraint of the Semi∣nal Humour, which ought to be bestowed about the Pleasure of Venus; at least, if they receive help from the •…•…tate of a Conjugal Life, it therefore happens, because the Restagnations of the Nervous Humour, which often fix a Taint to the Brain and Ner∣vous stock, by this means are prevented: Moreover, the Nervous Juice flows back to∣wards its beginning, because its Passage is somewhat shut up, by a swelling or Cancrous

Tumor. Lasty in this City, a notable instance of this kind of Distemper hapned, viz. A certain Maid of Twelve years of age, had contracted an •…•…ernia or b•…•…rstness, hence by the order of her Mother, she wore a Truss ill fitted, for a •…•…ortnight, not without great pain and torment, a little hard knot much pressing upon the glandula's of the Groin: within this space (when before she was perfectly well) she began to complain of a giddiness and heavy dulness of her head; and so a little after she felt Convulsive, and as it were Hysterical Distempers, frequently falling upon her; together with it great swellings arose behind her ears, and in her neck of the same side, to which she was never before obnoxious in all her life. It is not to be doubted in this case, but that from those Glandula's, which are the emunctuaries, or sinks of the nervous Liquor, be∣ing too much pressed together, the superfluities of that humor, wont to be sent away from thence by the Lymphatic Vessels, restagnating in the head, brought forth those evils; because the arising of the aforesaid symptoms so suddenly and manifesly followed upon the wearing of that Truss upon the Groin, that even her Mother laid the cause of the Disease upon that occasion. Besides, also I have observed in others, the recre∣ments of the nervous humour, being somewhere stopp'd in their course, restagnating towards the head, have not only brought in Convulsive symptoms, but from thence the Kings Evil.

So much for the formal reason of the different original of the Distemper called Hysterical; as also of the genuine causes of its symptoms: Out of which, it seems to * 1.195 appear plainly, that those passions do not depend always on the Womb, but much more often on the fault of the brain, and of other parts of the nervous stock: But many things are objected against these; which according to the old opinion, cast all the blame on the Womb: to wit, it seems so to be done because the assault of this Di∣sease invades almost only Women, yea and Women that are not well about their Womb, viz. Child-bearing Women, or such who have their Courses stopt, are chiefly obnoxious to it: Besides it may be argued from things helpful for it, because a Plaister worn upon the lower part of the belly, also a strict girding of the belly and Hypochon∣dria, by which the ascent of the Womb may be hindred, do not seldom drive away the fit, just falling on them; this also shews it, that sweet things held to the Nose brings on the fit, and stinking things drive the s•…•…me away, it is said to happen quite contrary, if the same things be laid to the belly or privy member.

That we may wipe off these objections, we say first, that the symptoms, which seem hysterical, do not only happen to Women: for we have shown already, by the History brought by us, that a certain man has been obnoxious to those kind of fits, with the ascention of a bulk in the bottom of the belly: but that Women are much more often troubled with those Convulsive Diseases than men, two reasons may be shown, viz. First, for that their animal constitution is much weaker: to wit, they have the brain and nerves fofter, and of a less firm texture, that they are not able to suffer any thing strongly, or to resist every injury; also the animal spirits in them, being more prone to flight and distraction, more easily admit an heterogeneous and explosive Copula: from hence Women, from any su•…•…den terror or great sadness, fall into mighty disorder of spirits, when men from the same occasion are scarcely disturb'd at all. Secondly, Women more readily receive the Convulsive disposition, because they gather a more plentiful heap of the morbific matter: for that, whilst they lead for the most part a sedentary Life, the blood, for want of ventilation, becomes more impure; besides in this sex it originally abounds with heterogeneous and fermentative Particles: wherefore it is convenient for it to be more often purged by the flux of their Courses; by which notwithstanding, not always what is extraneous and incongruous, is wholly cast forth from the bloody mass, but that there remains that which being poured on the brain and its appendix, as occasion is given, becomes the cause of the Convulsive Distemper: Moreover, when the menstrual flux, being stop'd, a Convulsive disposition is occasioned; it is not therefore to be thought that such a Distemper is rais'd up from the Womb, but that the bloody mass, being more than usually imbued with heterogeneous Parti∣cles, carries them, together with the nervous juice, to the head: yea, chiefly for this rea∣son also, Child bearing Women are found obnoxious to the Passions, as it were Hyste∣cal; for besides, that the membranes of the Womb being hurt, a Convulsion there be∣gun, by reason of the felt trouble, creeps upwards, and is at last communicated to the head; it most often happens, that the blood being infected, by the terms being retain∣ed, grows hot with a Feverish burning, and then instead of a crisis, the malignant in∣fection is carried to the brain, from whence Convulsive, and not seldom soporiserous or sleepy Distempers are excited.

But that it is argued, that this Disease seems to be Hysterical; because Remedies amplied about the Abdomen, often bring help; it will be easie to shew, that the mor∣bific cause planted in the mesentery, oftner than in the Womb, is sometimes either ta∣ken away by that means, or restrained from its influence: besides, the same kind of ap∣plications, about the hypogastrium, are no less profitable, altho the original of the Di∣stemper, be derived from the head it self: for we have shewn before, that when the he∣terogeneous and explosive matter, descending from the head, brings a Convulsive di∣sposition to the spirits disposed within the whole processes of the interior nerves; the Convulsive motions therefore excited, begin from the extremities of the nerves, and so creep upwards towards their beginnings; so that first of all the Viscera of the lower Belly, then the Praecordia, and lastly the Brain it self are affected; but if the outmost spirits. viz. those dwelling in the enfoldings of the mesentery, be restrained from en∣tring into explosions, all the rest, in the remaining nervous passage, continue in their orders: and this, Plaisters worn upon the Navel, do often effect: for they repress, and compel into order with their odour, the spirits from leaping forth; yea also, not seldom, they shake off and drive away, the Copula cleaving to them: wheresore, when the ex∣plosions there about to be made, are restrained, the Convulsive fit is wholly prevented: which yet is more apparent, for that, if the Convulsion begun in the lower belly, and from thence ascending like a Globe, be presently suppressed, and by a strong binding together of those parts, it be hindred that it creep not upwards, oftentimes the Con∣vulsive Passion is broken off, the Praecordia and the Brain being untouch'd: wherefore it is a common custom for sick Women, to bind strictly the Epigastrium, with swathes or rolers, and so to stop the progress of the symptoms towards the upper parts: For when the animal spirits enter into Convulsions successively, as it were a fiery enkind∣ling, wherever the tinder or cherishing matter is cut off, or intercepted, the Distemper is there restrained.

As to the various effects of odors, to wit, that sweet things bring on the fit, but stinking things drive the same away, it may be said, that the former do loosen the ani∣mal spirits, by pleasing them, and too much release them from their wonted tasks of in∣fluence, and so provoke them ready to be exploded, in such disorders, yea and as a flame put to them, do somewhat inkindle them: but on the contrary, stinking things repress the spirits, drive them back from excursions and exorbitances, and compel them into order, yea like Sulphur, mixt with aur•…•…m fulminans, take away from them their ex∣plosive force.

What we have hitherto said, of the Passions called from the Womb Hysterical, will yet more clearly appear, if for the confirmation of our Hypothesis, we shall add argu∣ments taken from Anatomical observations; I will therefore lay before you a notable case, by which the former reason, and causes of the Convulsive Distempers, may be ve∣ry much illustrated.

A very Noble Lady, of a most curious shape, and highly indued with a virtuous di∣sposition * 1.196 of mind and manners, of late lived near to this place, who being for many years obnoxious to Convulsive Distempers, for that she had originally, or hereditarily contracted this sickly disposition, and had experienc'd the fruits of this morbid seed, al∣most every lustre of her age, but chiefly as often as she was with Child, (for the very frequently miscarried) was wont to be tormented above measure, with convulsive pas∣sions, as it were hysterical; because, presently after the restraint of her monthly flow∣ers, the heterogeneous Particles being translated to the brain and nervous stock, caused fits of this most cruel Distemper,

After she had newly conceived, in the first months, according to her old custom, she was presently molested with Convulsive Distempers; about the ninth week of her big belly, from taking cold, she fell into a dangerous Fever, in which very acute pains tormenting her in her loins and bottom of her belly, for many days, seem'd to threaten an abortion: but these pains, as the event shew'd, rather to be termed Colical, proceed∣ed from a sharp humor falling down into those parts, from the brain, by the pipes of the nerves: for towards the declining of the Fever, this matter being somewhere else translated, a great loosness or Diarrhaea, pains of the feet, and as it were an Ulcerous disposition succeeded.

As soon as this Lady became well from her Fever, and those pains, the Convulsive Distemper returned; for every morning, wakening from sleep, she was wont to suffer Convulsions, and cruel contractions, about the parts of her face and mouth, as also in her arms and thighs; which symptoms, without doubt, did arise from a serous heap or gathering, laid up in the head, about the beginnings of the nerves; and by them im∣bibed, together with the nervous juice, more deeply in sleep; and when afterwards the same matter was carried by the pipe of the interior nerves, into the foldings of the

Mesentery and Loins, most cruel pains of those parts, and also fits as it were Hysteri∣cal, did most grievously infect her.

But these Convulsive motions her face and members, after a little time ceased; but yet she still remained weak, and without strength, with a pale countenance, an in∣firm and trembling gate, and desirous only of congruous food, and hot Liquors: about the end of the third month, at which time she was wont continually to mis∣carry, her menstrua broke forth, which coming away for two or three days together, with little pieces of broken membranes, she expected to miscarry: But that flux ceasing, pains as it were of one in labour, in her abdomen and loins, as before arose, and for the space of a week, tormented her day and night; at length, having used a bath of Emollient herbs, and afterwards put to bed to sweat, she brought forth the burthen of her womb: the conception so coming away with mighty pain, was about the bigness, and like the figure of a Turkie egg: the exterior coat of it was torn and broken, the interior remaining whole, contained about half a pint of clear water, and nothing else besides; there appeared no shape of a Child, or any rudiments that it would ever be one: Afterwards for 4 or 5 days, her flowers flowed forth, with some pieces of broken membranes: in the mean time, pains with their wonted fierceness tormented her; and when the space of a week being elapsed, they left not off of themselves, remedies at length were sought to allay them.

To this end, first Liniments, Fomentations, Baths, and Clisters, were often admini∣stred: also Medicines purging the filth of the womb, on which the cause of all the evil was cast, were taken inwardly: Short intermissions of her tortures followed upon the use of the former; but then the Distemper returned, with great trouble; yea the Disease much increasing, in three weeks time, got many other horrid symptoms: for besides the pains in her belly and loins, which became more cruel every day, also she was shortly after tormented in her back, neck, shoulders, as also in her arms and thighs, with most cruel pain; and that more bitterly, as soon as she was warm in her bed; besides, she was afflicted with a frequent giddiness, vomiting, and nauseousness, and often in a day, with most grievous Convulsive fits, viz. First a bulk was seen to ascend in the bottom of her belly, and presently it lifted up her whole belly forceably, by and by respiration being restrained, an insensibility, with a dead countenance succeeded: after that she had thus lain as one dead, for three or four minutes of an hour, she was wont suddenly to leap up, that she could hardly be held down, or kept by those stand∣ing by; then followed cruel contractions, and distortions in all the parts of the mouth, and face, as also in all the members of the body: These symptoms were indeed judg'd to be Hysterical, because this Noble Lady so lately had miscarried.

But weighing every one of these, I was at last of this opinion, that the cause of ei∣ther fit, viz. Both the dolorifick, and the Convulsive, did depend wholly on the evil asfection of the brain and nervous stock, and that without any fault of the womb; for that a sharp humor being heaped up within the head, did from thence descend thorow the passages of the Nerves, into parts at a great distance; which lodging upon the membranes and Fibres, and fermenting with the humor, flowing in from the bloody mass, did irritate them very much, and so stir'd up most cruel pains: Then after∣wards, when the heterogeneous and explosive particles, being admitted with what humor within the head, and entring into the nervous passages, did cleave to the spirits: therefore the Convulsive disposition, then breaking forth into grievous fits, was induced, as shall be by and by more largely laid open.

Instituting Curatory intentions, according tot his kind of Aetiology, I order'd to have blood taken from this sick Lady, at what time she most grievously laboured, out of the Saphena vein, and within two days, to be given her a gentle Cathartick, and that to be reiterated, once or twice in a week: Also on other days, Morning and Evening, I gave her spirits of Harts-horn, and at other hours, twice or thrice in a day, of the Powder of Pearls, and Crabs-eyes, with a Dose of the following Julup: Take of the water of Snails, and of Worms magisterial each three Ounces, of Saxifrage, and black-Cher∣ries each four Ounces, of Hysterical water two Ounces, of the syrrop of Corrals an Ounce and a half, of the tincture of Costor one Dram, mingle them: The bath of sweet herbs was frequently used; when necessity urged, she took Opiats always with good success: Vesicatories were applied to the inward part of either thigh, also to the hin∣der part of her neck; also Fomentations, Oyntments, Clisters, Cupping-glasses, Sneezing-Powders, with many other manner of administrations were prescribed, according to the exigences of the symptoms.

By this method observed for about 14 days, the Noble Lady having received very much ease, was wholly rid of her Convulsive fits. Yea, the torments of her bowels and members, and the other symptoms being very much lessen'd, she hoped quickly to

recover her health: But after this, partly by reason of an ill order of Diet, which the fick Lady always indulg'd her self in, or taking little, but chiefly, by reason of a sud∣den passion of fear and sadness, which an unlucky accident hapning within her own House, had caused, she fell into a relaps, by and by the Disease growing into a much worse condition, for both the Convulsions and Pains did infest her more bitterly; yea, and her stomach being almost tired out with continual Vomiting, would not admit ei∣ther of Food or Medicines. She took Asses milk for some days, with some success; which notwithstanding, forasmuch as breeding Choller in her stomach, she found it troublesome, she shortly omitted: at length in spite of all Remedies, prescribed care∣fully by the consultation of many Physitians, my noble Patient from day to day grew worse, and by degrees death approached: Two days before her death the torments of her belly and loins very much abated, and she became more than usually chearful, and conceived some hope of Recovery; But in the mean time she complained of a pain and great heaviness in her head; and about the beginning of the night she slept soundly, but being awakened she fell into a very horrid convulsive fit, which present∣ly pass'd into a quick deadly Apoplexie, for being made insensible and speechless, she left this life within twelve hours.

When various judgments had passed about the cause of the sickness, of which this * 1.197 illustrious Lady died, most flinging all the evils on the Distemper of the Womb; others on an Ulcer or Imposthum, which they suspected lay hid somewhere about the Viscera of the Abdomen: it pleased her Friends, that her dead Carcase, kept long opened for the Funeral, should be dilligently inspected, and so the genuine causes of the Disease, and her Death, might be investigated: which task being left to my care, I executed with all the dilligence I was able.

Therefore in the first place, it was worth Observation, about the habit of the body, that the members and lower parts, nigh and beyond the seats of the pains, were very much wasted: as her thighs, quite worn away, appeared like a Skelliton: In the mean time her face, neck, and arms, remained full and plump enough: from whence it ap∣pears, that the nervous Liquor does help no less to the business of nourishment, than to the exercise of the animal faculty: wherefore, when that Liquor, being much hin∣dred in its passage, the loins and belly taken up with the continual Convulsions, did not descend, with a due influx, to the inferior parts, they for that reason became pre∣sently both without strength, and lean, and wasted. This kind of Atrophie differs in this from other Hectical wasting, which happens from the vice of the blood, be∣cause in this latter, an hippocratick or wanish face, is the chief sign of the Di∣sease: in that first mention'd, the countenance, and aspect, show little or nothing of evil.

The dead body of this Noble Lady, tho very lean, and that her bowels were all emptied, yet quickly putrified, for within 40 hours all the skin was discolour'd, and appeared in this part livid, in that green, and in others blackish: and her Corps so sud∣denly putrisying, yielded a most horrid smell; the reason of which without doubt was, that by reason the muscles were exercised with perpetual Convulsions, the principles of their mixture were so much loosned, that they being in a readiness for dissolution, quickly after death, fell asunder one from another, after the like manner, as we may observe of the flesh of wild Beasts, which being tired with a long course, or beaten to death with Clubs, for this much sooner putrifies, than the flesh of those which are kill'd quickly, and peaceably.

Her belly being opened, the Intestines and Ventricle appeared whole enough, viz. Intire and well-colour'd, but they were empty, and as it were blown up, forasmuch as they were troubled, almost with perpetual evacuations, viz. Those placed above or below: in all this cavity, no foot-steps of an Ulcer or Imposthum were perceived. Whilst we were searching the cause of the Disease, and rolling the inwards here and there, there was something met within the mesentery worthy notice, to wit, about its middle, where it is fixed to the back, and contained the greater folds of the Nerves, a substance somewhat loose, and inflated, as it were with many little bladders, equalling an hands breadth, was seen after that manner; as when in a shoulder of Veal the in∣ter-space of the Muscles are blown up by the Butchers, that those parts might swell up, and seem fuller and fatter: In this place of the Mesentery, because it was more tumid and softer, we thought some humor the cause of the pain to lodg there; but opening it, I found only the Membranes to have been loosned one from another; and to conclude, nothing but wind within its inter-spaces: which separation of the Mem∣branes, and devulsion one from another, was without doubt induced by the frequent Convulsions or Explosions of the spirits, which within the enfoldings and nervous fibres, there thickly planted, were almost continually provoked; and those Convulsions hap∣ned

by reason of the Heterogeneous and Explosive Particles being derived thither from the head, by the pipe of the Nerves.

But as to those torments of the belly, and as it were an ascent of a bulk or substance in the Convulsive Distempers, and the inflation of the Abdomen, it is not to be doubted, but that the seat of the morbific cause did lie hid in that part of the Mesentery: but because so much suspition was had of the Womb, being chiefly affected, we did next in∣quire how much this inward deserv'd it: Therefore having dilligently searched the tunnel, placed within the Ospubis, I found the womb in its due place, and as to all parts sound, and well-furnished: its body was drawn to its just proportion, altho it was but five weeks since she had miscarried, viz. It was like a small pear in figure and magnitude; the Glandulas on either side of the bottom of it, which are called the Testicles, appear∣ed very small and flaggy, without any superfluous or virulent humor contained in them; the body of the womb, wherever it was dissected, equall'd a Thumbs breadth in thickness, its inward cavity was no bigger than what would hold a Bean: within this hollowness, as use to be in the Caverns of other inwards, was included a mu∣cous or dreggy matter, in a very small quantity: but in truth, about the Womb, or its Appendix, there was nothing, to which might be imputed as a morbific cause of the symptoms but now described: From whence therefore it may be demonstra∣tively concluded, as I at first thought, that the Passions termed from the Womb Hysterical, are most often excited from some other cause than the fault of the womb.

The Intestines being removed, we found also the reins sound enough, but one of them was of an unusual figure, viz. It was cleft into many Lobes, like the Kidney of a Calf.

The Milt, Pancreas, and Caul without fault: the Ventricle was much blown up, and its inward Coat was plain without folds, or wrincles, which certainly hapned, by rea∣son of its frequent Vomiting, this inward being almost continually troubled with Con∣vulsions: Besides, for this reason, the tone of the stomach being broken, it did neither rightly desire, or concoct the food, or aliment.

The Liver very much differ'd from a sound constitution, for it was tumid and some∣what hard, of a pale colour, like rotten wood, wholly dry and without blood, and this without doubt, the frequent use of Cordial, and highly hot Liquors had ef∣fected.

The Lungs were of a blewish colour, and every where obstructed, and stuffed with a stinking and frothy matter: certainly this inward and the Liver had been vitiated of a long time, wherefore as the blood being degenerate, and very much depraved of a long time, from its right temper, had yielded the first seeds of this sickness, so also it afforded a constant cherishment of it.

But indeed, we sought, and that not in vain, for the chief, and as it were original cause of the Disease in the head; therefore the skull being taken off, the Vessels of the Meninge, and those creeping about the Brain appeared full, and distended with blood, when in the rest of the Body, scarce any Blood had flowed forth, in the cutting of it: the thicker meninge being removed thorow the other thin and pellucid one, was discern∣ed a clear water, filling the enfoldings and crevices of the Brain, and as it were over∣flowing its whole substance: In truth, the serous heap of waters, had filled sull all the cavities, and inward places of the Brain: the enfoldings of the choroides, or net-like membranes of the Brain, being a long while immersed in water, and as it were boi∣led, were become discolour'd and half rotten: nigh to the beginning of the Splanch∣nick nerves, or belonging to the Spleen, the water insinuating it self very much, had separated the pia mater from the trunk of the oblong marrow or pith, for two fingers breadth: without doubt, the morbifick matter descending from the head, by the passage of these nerves, into the enfolding of the Mesentery, was the cause of the pains and Convulsions: Further, the same matter also afflicting the heads of other Nerves, and passing thorow their Pipes, produced afterwards, these most cruel Distempers in other parts, to wit, almost every where of the whole body.

As to the Cure or means of healing used in the Passions commonly called Hysteri∣cal: forasmuch as the symptoms of this Disease are very much Convulsive, therefore it * 1.198 is fit, that anti-spasmodic or anti-convulsive Remedies, such as were before described, should be chiefly indicated; but when these Distempers most often happen to the Fe∣male Sex, in whom for the most part, the menstrual flux, and other accidents of the Womb, do challenge a part in the morbific cause; therefore Medicines respecting the various dispositions of the Womb, are to be added to the former, and many ways to be compounded with them. The Therapeutic or Curatory Indications, are either Curatory, to be administer'd in the fit; or preservatory, which are instituted

out of the fit, that take away the cause of the Disease, and prevent its comings or ac∣cessions.

1. As to the first, if the fit is wont to be light, and without other perturbation of * 1.199 the spirits, it may be permitted to pass away of it self; but if it being more heavily troublesome, there will be need to bring some help to nature much oppressed, this only thing is to be done, that the spirits being freed from the Embraces of an Heterogene∣ous Copula, they may remit their inordinations and explosions: For this purpose, it is grown into use, to put to the nose stinking and ill-smelling things, the scents of which compel and repress the too fierce spirits, ready to leap forth into their orders, and also shake off from them the heterogeneous Copula, and often drive it quite away: Asafoe∣tida, Castor, Galhanum, being put into fine Linen, and applied to the Nostrils, are con∣venient; also burning of Partridg feathers, old skins, and sulphur. Besides the spirits and oil of sut, or of Harts-horn, do not seldom help: yet I have known these kind of sumigations, being very troublesome to some Women, to increase the fit; it is proba∣ble that the same sometimes may too much irritate the spirits, and drive them into greater disorders; and as stinking things put to the Nose, so the like poured into the mouth, do often bring help: wherefore we give often with good success to Hyste∣rical people, Tinctures of Castor, Solutions of Assafoetida, and Galbanum, spirits of Harts-horn, and Sut, with proper waters. Take of the spirits of Harts-horn, from 12 to 15. and 20 drops, let them be taken in a little draught of the following Julup: Take of the waters of Penny-royal, and Mugwort, each three Ounces, of the water of Briony compound two Ounces, of Castor tied in a knot and hung in the Glass, half a Dram, of the whitest Sugar one Ounce, mix them. Take of the Tincture of Castor one Scru∣ple to half a Dram: let it be taken in a little draught of small Beer. Take of Assa∣foetida, and Galhanum two Drams, let it be dissolved in spirit of Wine to the extraction of a red tincture. The Dose one Scruple, in two or three spoonsuls of featherfew∣water. Riverius very much crys up that of Solenander. Take of Musk, and of Dragons∣blood, each one Scruple; take more or less of it in water of the Lilies of the Valley, three or four Ounces. John Anglicus commends Parsnip-seeds, or the seeds of Penny-royal, in Wine, or other proper Liquor, as a most certain Remedy. If the fit persisting a long time, should cause want of speech, or motion, the more sharp Clisters, as of Briony-Roots, and Carminatives boiled in water, are to be administred, and frictions of the thighs and feet are to be order'd; and if they shall yet grow stronger, Cupping-glasses are to be applied to the belly and groin, •…•…ea also, let them be often provoked to snee∣zing: it is convenient to give some in the middle of the fit, a draught of simple cold water, or in which Champhir had been dissolved.

2. The preservatory Indication comprehends these three intentions, viz. In the first * 1.200 place to take away, or to derive to some other place the impurities of the blood, apt to be poured forth on the brain and nervous stock. Secondly, to fortifie the Brain, and so to strengthen the indwelling spirits, that they may either not at all receive, or may easily shake off the Heterogeneous Copula. Thirdly, to amend whatsoever is enormous in the womb, and contributes to the Convulsive disposition.

1. The first intention is performed by purging, and phlebotomy, and other common ways of purifying and purging the blood and humors. If there be opportunity for an emetic, I judg it best always to begin with it, especially in Cacochymicks, or bo∣dies full of evil humors, in the longing Disease, and Pica, and in such whose great load of viscous phlegm, stuffed within the folds and coats of the Ventricle, hinders the virtues of other Medicines: The next day after the Vomit, unless any thing bids the contrary, let blood be taken, in women of a hotter temper, presently from the Arm, and afterwards if need be, from the Foot, or from the sedal Veins with Leeches; but in bodies troubled with obstructions, and less hot, let blood be taken more sparingly, and more rarely, and only in places scituate below the womb: After these Evacuations (if they are to be ordered) rightly performed, once within six or seven days, a Purge is to be prescribed according to the following forms: Take of Pill-fetida major, one Dram and a half, of the resine of Julup xii. grains, of Tartar Vitriolat, and Castor, each one Scruple, of Ammoniac dissolved in Hysterical water, what will suffice to make xii Pills, for iii Doses. Or take of the resine of Julup gr. xviii. of Calomelaus one Dram, of Castor one Scruple, make a Powder, let it be divided into iii. parts, for iii Doses, let it be given in the pap of a roasted Apple, or in Conserves of Borage: so those indued with a more hot temperament, a Dose of extract, or our solutive Syrrop may conve∣nienty be administred: for the revulsion of the morbific matter from the head, lssues made in the calf of the leg, or thigh, and sometimes vesicatories, legatures, and pain∣ful rubbings, are wont to be administred: But not only a purging of the blood, and a revulsion of its recrements from the head, but an alteration of its Liquor, and reducti∣on

of it to its due temperament, have here a place: Wherefore in some hysterical people, steel Medicines help, in others the use of Spaw water, or whay, in others the baths are wont to be signally profitable.

The second intention, to wit, the rectification of the brain and animal spitits, is per∣formed with Cephalic, and properly anti convulsive Medicines: which indeed are to be diligently exhibited almost every day, when they do not Purge or Bleed: since there are various Species of such like Remedies, and several manner of administrations, we will here add some of the more choice forms:

Take of the Lees of Bryony, Assafoetida, Castor, each one Dram; of the Salt of Coral, Amber, Tin, each half a Dram; of Galbanum disiolved in Hysterical water, what will suffice to make a mass: Dose half a Scruple to a Scruple, Morning and Evening, drink∣ing after it a Dose of proper Liquors.

Or, Take of the Seeds of Wild parsnips, of Nettles, each two Drams, of Vitriol of Steel one Dram, of the extract of Gentium, Featherfew, each a Dram and a half, with what will suffice of the Syrrop of Mugwort, make a mass, let half a Dram be taken after the same manner.

If the form of a Powder pleases better; Take of the Roots of Virginian Snakeweed, and Contrayerva, each one Dram and a half, of Coral prepared, of Pearls, of white-Amber, each one Dram, mingle them, make a Powder: Dose one Scruple to half a Dram, Morning and Evening, with an appropriate Liquor.

Opiats are composed after this manner: Take of the Conserves of the flowers of the Lilie Convallis, of the male-Paeony, of Betony, each two Ounces of the Seeds of Paeony, of red Coral prepared, each two Drams, of the powder of Cretic Dittany one Dram and a half, of the Salt of Wormwood two Drams, with what will suffice of the Syrrop of the rinds of Citrons, make an Electuary. The Dose Morning and Evening the quantity of a Nutmeg. After the same manner may be given to poor people Conserves of the Tree of Life, or of the leaves of Rue, twice in a day.

The Liquors appropriate against the Hysterical affections, and to be drunk after the aforesaid Medicines, are, either distilled waters, which are to be taken by themselves, or with other things, in form of a Julup; or Decoctions, or Tinctures and Infusions.

Take of the water of Mugwort, and of Penny-royal, each half a pint; of Histerical water four Ounces, of the Tincture of Castor half an Ounce, of the Syrrop of Corals one Ounce and a half, mix them. The Dose from an Ounce to an Ounce and a half, with any of the Medicines afore described.

Take of the leaves of Penny-royal, of Featherfew, of either Southernwood, of Cala∣minth, of Nep, and of either Horebound, each one handful, of the Roots of Briony four Ounces, of the Seeds of Parsnips two Ounces, cut and bruised, put them into White∣wine or Cider, six pints, and so distil them according to art.

Take of the Root of the Male-Paeony, Angelica, Valerian, each half an Ounce, of the leaves of Mugwort, ground-Pine, Calaminth, Penny royol, and Misletoe of the Oak, each one handful, of the Seeds of either wild-Parsnips, each three Ounces, of Raisins one hand∣ful; let them be boiled in four pints of Spring-water, to the half: add to it of White∣wine, one lib. i. ss, strain it, and keep it in close Vessels: The •…•…ose three or four Ounces, twice in a day.

Take of the wild-Parsnip Seeds bruised, two Ounces, of Castor one Ounce; let them be put into a Glass, with one quart of white-wine. The Dose two Ounces twice in a day.

3. As to the third intention, which inhibiting the disorders of the womb, doth pro∣mote the cure of the passion called Hysterical; I say, first of all what in times past was believed, concerning the cause and scope of curing the Disease, that the womb did ascend, therefore that it ought to be reduced into its right place, is altogether fictitious, as we have elsewhere shown: The falling down of the womb, or its coming forth, of∣tentimes happens; but rarely or never produces the Hysterical Distempers: Besides, the dislocation of the womb in child-bearing Women, sometimes happens presently af∣ter their bringing forth, to wit, when the body of the womb being made capacious, and newly emptied, doth not sink down or fall within the Tunnel in its right place, but upwards, inclines now to the right side, now to the left; and there being drawn together like a purse, is folded into a great bulk, which kind of bulk remaining long nigh the side of the Groin, is wont to give a suspition of another Child, or the secondine or af∣ter-birth to be left behind, or also of some hard swelling tumor there increasing; but afterwards, when the menstruum coming plentifully away, the womb is reduced to its due magnitude, that tumor by degrees vanishes: but while it there remaineth, unless for that reason, the Lochia or Menstrua were stop'd, it doth not produce the Hysterical Passions. For the reducing of this part the sooner into its due position, Fomentations,

Liniments, and Plaisters are convenient. But most times that symptom passes over of it self, without any further harm. To what other distempers the womb is obnoxious in child-bearing, and by what method to be helped, we have fully shown in another place. As to the other vices of that part, which happen to some women, not bearing Children, we declare that they chiefly are either a disease of the womb, made by the breaking of the unity, viz. which is either some Ulcer, or Tumor; or an inhibition of some wonted excretion, or putting forth, to wit, a suppression either of the menstru∣ous blood, or the whites, or the seminal humor: Moreover, because of the Menstrua be∣ing retained, the heterogeneous particles being often poured forth into the head, bring the Convulsive passions: in like manner, when the whites are stopped, the excrementi∣tious matter being supped up by the blood, is deliver'd to the brain and nervous stock: yea, when an usual evacuation of the Seed is hindred, the superfluities of the ner∣vous humor flow back upon the brain, and infect its indwelling spirits with an ex∣plosive and morbific tincture: There is no need here, to discourse more largely or parti∣cularly of those Peculiar distempers of the womb, but to compound medicines, and intricate administrations, proper for womens diseases, with anticonvulsive Remedies.

CHAPTER XI. Of the Distempers commonly called Hypochondriack, which is shown to be for the most part Convulsive: briefly also of Cha∣lybeats or Steel Medicines.

IN the foregoing Chapters we have clearly shown, that the Passions called Hysterical, do not always proceed from the womb, yea, more often from the head being di∣stemper'd: next, we shall inquire concerning the Hypochondriacal Distempers, of what original and nature they are, and upon the fault of what parts they chiefly de∣pend. The vulgar opinion is, That the symptoms wont to accompany this Disease are wholly produced from the Spleen; wherefore, they are ascribed very much to vapours arising from this inward, and variously running up and down here and there; when in truth, these sicknesses for the most part are convulsions and contractions of the ner∣vous parts: but that it might appear by what causes they are wont to be excited, we ought to consider first the symptoms themselves, and to place them into some order or rank.

As to the Distempers therefore which are vulgarly termed Hypochondriac, it is ob∣servable, that they happen chiefly to men of a melancholly temperament, with a dark * 1.201 aspect, and more lean habit of body: it is rarely that this Disease troubles fair peo∣ple with a fresh countenance, or also those indued with a too Phlegmatic complection: It betrays it self in manifest signs, about the height or midst of their Age; men are found to be more frequently obnoxious to this, than women; being made habitual in either; it is very hardly, or not at all to be cured in women, by reason of their weaker Constitution; it is accompanied with a great many more Convulsive Distempers; where∣fore commonly it is said in this Sex, the Hysterical to be joyned with the Hypochondria∣cal Passion.

The symptoms which are imputed to this Disease, are commonly very manifold, and are of a divers nature; neither do they observe in all the like beginning, or the same mutual dependency among themselves: for they seem in these most to affect the In∣wards of the lower belly, in those the Praecordia, in others the confines of the brain: and in most, though not in all, the ventricle labours much; concerning the appetite it is often too much, but presently burthened with what it hath taken in; and when the food, staying longer in it, by reason of slowness of concoction, their Saline particles being carried forth into a flux, pervert the whole mass of the Chyle into a pulse or pottage, now sour or austere, now salt or sharp: from hence pains in the heart, great breakings forth of blasts, rumbling of wind, and often vomiting succeed; and be∣cause of a pneumatick defect, or of spirits, the chyme or juice is not wholly made volatile, and carried forth of doors, but that the ballast of the viscous or slimy matter, sticking to the coats of the ventricle, is left behind; an almost continual spitting infests

them; a distention in the Hypochondrium, and often there, and under the ventricle, a cruel pulsation is felt: also there pains ordinarily arise, which run about here and there, and for many hours miserably torment with a certain lancing: in the mean time, from the contractures of the Membranes, and from the fluctuation of winds, stirred up by that means, rumbling and murmurs are produced: Also in the Thorax, oftentimes there is a great constriction and straitness, that the respiration becomes difficult and trouble∣some upon any motion: also, most grievous asthmatical fits fall upon some: moreover, the sick are wont to complain of a trembling and palpitation of the heart, with a no∣ted oppression of the same: also a sinking down or melting away of the spirits, and fre∣quent sear of a trance comes upon them, that the sick think Death is always seising them: In this Region, about the membranes, and chiefly the mediastinum, or that di∣vides the middle of the belly, an acute pain, which is now circumscrib'd to one part, now extended to the shoulders, is a familiar symptom of this Disease. But indeed in the head an iliad of evils doth for the most part disturb Hypochondriacal people, to wit, most cruel pains returning at set times do arise; also the swimming of the head, and frequent Vertigoes, long watchings, a Sea, and most troublesome fluctuation of thoughts, an uncertainty of mind, a disturbed fancy, a fear and suspition of every thing, an ima∣ginary possession of Diseases, from which they are free; also very many other distracti∣ons of spirits, yea, sometimes melancholly and madness accompany this sickness: be∣sides these interior Regions of the Body beseiged by this Disease, wandring pains, also Convulsions, and numbness, with a sense of pricking, invade almost all the outward parts; nightly sweats, flushings of the blood in the face, and the palms of the hands, eratick Fevers, and many other symptoms of an uncertain original, do every where arise; concerning which, forasmuch as the genuine causes, and the manner of their coming to pass, could not be readily determined, presently all the fault is caft upon the Spleen, and Physitians accuse that, as if it were the chief Author of every irregu∣lar Distemper: but by what right or authority, by and by shall be sought into: In the mean time, it is to be observed, that the chief symptoms of this sickness, are Convul∣sive, * 1.202 and depend immediately upon the irregularities of the animal spirits, and the ner∣vous juice, rather than on the evil disposition of the Viscera, serving for concoction. But indeed, from whence the first rise of this most complicated Disease proceeds, and by what means it brings forth the divers manners of Distempers in so many places, will not be so easie to determine.

It would be a tedious thing to shew here, what the ancient and modern Physitians * 1.203 thought of the Hypochondriac Passion, and of its essence, and causes; we will only take notice, that most of them do ascribe this sickly Disposition to the only fault of the Spleen; In the mean time some contend that the whole confines of this Inward, par∣taking of part of the fault, the blood flowing every where in the Splenetic and Epi∣gastric Vessels (or those belonging to the Spleen and belly) for that it being guilty of an hot and dry intemperature, and so obnoxious to too much fermentation, brings forth the original, or gives a beginning to this manifold evil: But the famous High∣more affording relief as well to the Spleen as the Womb, hath cast the chief cause of this Disease wholly on the vitious constitution of the Ventricle; and from thence he would have the reasons of the aforesaid symptoms to be originally sought: But in∣deed, that he might frame a fit Hypothesis for the solving the Phaenomena of this sick∣ness, he first supposes the tone of the stomach to become too loose and weak, that for that reason it hardly and very imperfectly concocts the aliments: so that the thin and more spirituous part of the Chyle, being sent from thence, sooner than it ought, to the blood, perverts its disposition to a hot and sour temper; then the residue of the food, by a longer stay within the Ventricle, degenerates into a ponderous, and viscous or clammy Phlegm; which also, by its stagnation (even as it is observable in things to be eaten, being longer kept) becomes very sour, or sharp: But from hence that learn∣ed Man argues, that from the blood made too serous and thin, its effervescencies quick∣ly passing thorow it, are induced: and from the stomach, loaded with ballast of ropy or viscous matter, the wind and distentions of the Ventricle and Hypochondria, as also the belching, and troublesome spitting do arise: whereby indeed, he wholly exempts the Spleen from this fault; he contends, that it doth neither draw to it self the melan∣cholly dregs of the blood, nor serves for any office whatsoever, about the sanguificati∣on or the making of blood; but that its use almost only consists in this, that this In∣ward swelling up, or growing turgid with very hot blood, it administers heat to the adjacent Ventricle, and cherishes it with gentle warmth.

Altho I may so far assent to this famous Author, concerning this opinion, that I yield, * 1.204 the ventricle doth often grievously labour in this Distemper, forasmuch as the tone of which, being made lax, and its strength broken, by reason of the indigestion of the ali∣ment,

a load of viscous Phlegm, or Petuitous matter, is begotten even in its bosom, to which, by reason of the Saline Particles being brought into a flux, by their long stay, oftentimes a notable soarness and austereness happen; then because the fault in the first concoction is not mended, the dyscrasies and disorders of the blood receive that want of digestion in the second: But yet he cannot draw me into that opinion, that the ventricle is always chiefly in the fault, or that the other symptoms of the Hypo∣chondriacal Disease, depend only on its vitious constitution: For I have known many cruelly afflicted with this sickness, who have been well enough in their stomach: al∣though they have very much complained of the pulsation in the left Hypochon∣drium, of the straitness of the breast, and a wandering pain excited in it; also of the trembling and oppression of the heart, with a continual fear, and disturbed Imagination; in the mean time, they were wont to desire food greatly, and to digest whatsoever was eaten, without any trouble of the ventricle, or heaviness, and also without any spitting or acid belching: yea, I have observed others, great drinkers, and using an evil manner of living, to have contracted a loosness of the stomach, with an ill digestion, windiness, and frequent vomiting, who sound enough about their Praecordia and animal faculties, were not at all accounted for Hypochondriacks: Besides, in this Distemper, the ventricle is often rather sick from the vitiousness of other parts, or of the blood, than from its own de∣fault; because, it is usual for those sort of sick people to be well in their stomach, so long as they may lie a bed, and breathe it forth; but when they are raised up, the pores be∣ing shut up, and the dregginess of the bloody mass stagnating within, presently to be afflicted with the pain of the heart, an aggestion of wind, and frequent endeavours to vomit.

For these and other considerable Reasons, I judg the original of the Hypochondriacal Disease, to be derived from some other Fountain than the weakness of the Ventricle: but forasmuch, as among the parts here primarily suspected to be affected, great com∣plaints are made against the Spleen; it will be worth our while to enquire, what of∣fice this Inward doth discharge; then, as often as it fails in it, whether it contributes to this Disease.

Though I may grant with Doctor Highmore, that the Spleen doth cherish the Ven∣tricle * 1.205 with its warmth, and so perhaps in some measure help Concoction; yet I do not conclude this part to be framed chiefly for that end, but for some more noble uses; because, there seems to be need for the digesting of the food in the stomach, not so much of heat, as of an active ferment: For Fishes being actually cold, devour their food whole, and without the help of heat, easily concoct the same, being resolved as it were by a certain menstrum: besides, it is observed of the Spleen, that though in man its whole substance lyes near to the Ventricle; in most other Creatures, who are indued with a longish form, as to the greatest part of it, it is removed from the Ventricle: Further, if the Spleen be the only Chimny, in which the Blood warming the Ventricle is contained, what is the reason that it, rather than the Liver or Lungs, becomes of a li∣vid or blewish colour, and is stuffed with a black blood, and that less hot?

When I consider these things, which sometime since I have observed concerning the use of the Spleen; it seems far more probable, that a certain dreggy portion, viz. a * 1.206 matter consisting of an earthly and fixed Salt, is laid up in this Inward, by the Blood carried to it; by the Arteries, which being exalted there as it were by digestion, and into the nature of a ferment, is lastly committed to the blood, flowing from it by the Veins, which inspires or quicknes it with a certain leven or fermentation, and performs the same thing about its Spirit, or making it Spirituous, as our ferment commonly cal∣led Leven, doth, being put into a batch of bread or dough; for as a certain portion of the unbak'd bread or dough, being kept to a sourness, preserves the same nature that it doth ferment or leven other bread or dough, and stirs up in it the otherwise sluggish Particles into motion; so it seems, that the Blood being laid up in the Milt or Spleen, and there getting a sourness, as it were by stagnation, puts on the na∣ture of a fermeut, whereby indeed the rest of the mass of blood, and perhaps the other humours, are actuated, and as it were Spiritualised into a more lively motion. What hath been ingeniously wrote by a late Author, viz. the most learned Velthusius, concerning the use of the Spleen, may have relation to this: for the hath determined as highly probable, a ferment to be contained in this inward, whereby the sluggish Parti∣cles of the blood are brought into a state of activity: Because, taking notice that in children, and others indued with a sanguine temperament, and more fat or dull habit of body, even as their manners and disposition of mind were inclined to idleness, soft∣ness, and dulness, so their Spleen was ever of a reddish colour, and full of florid blood, like the Liver: from hence he concludes, that the Spleen doth but little perform its of∣fice in these, as the gential parts before ripe age, or in those of weak Loyns; but on

the contrary, forasmuch as men of a middle age, and chiefly in those who are of a se∣vere Countenance, and of a lean Body, as in them appear marks of cunning, sagacity, fortitude, and constancy; so their Spleen is found to be of a livid or blewish colour, and imbued with blood as it were muddy: further he argues from hence, that the blood being kept long in the Spleen, as in a conduit or receptacle, turns plainly into ferment, by which its remaining mass being from thence inspired, is made more subtil, and be∣gets more acute Spirits, both in the vital and in the animal Kingdom or Government: For he supposes our bodies naturally to abound with too much humidity, by which indeed the function of the parts, and many of the Viscera, are very much dull'd: but that the Spleen doth communicate to the mass of blood, solid, firm, and constant parts, and not easily to be dissipated; and that those do wipe away that moistness, and with it carry away in some measure that softness from the Blood and Spirits, which is predominate in tender Age, almost after the same manner as the North∣wind, or eastern gales, fanning and intimately penetrating the air with the dry∣ness and strength of their parts, breathe health or strength to the Air, and to our Bo∣dies.

But since I have in another place, declared what I have formerly thought concern∣ing the Spleen, there will be no need to repeat it in this: yet I shall further note, that in bodies of living Creatures, compacted out of a quinarie of Elements, as the Spirits ought to be more strong then the rest: so indeed they being intangled with a viscous humidity of Sulphur and Water, are so hindred, that oftentimes they are not able to exercise their strength or powers lively enough; hence saline Particles, for that they are very much fermenting, are required for this, that the spirituous little bo∣dies, almost overwhelmed by the embrace of the others, and stupifyed, might lie awakened, and set at liberty, and into motion. Wherefore we experience in our selves, when the Spirits are dull'd, by the Blood being too much exhal'd, that notable help is brought by sharp Liquors, as chiefly small Wines, and Cider: for these kind of Remedies sharpen the Spirits, and shake off all heaviness. Such a kind of fermenting virtue we easily believe to be continually exercised by the Spleen being in right or∣der, towards the Blood and nervous Liquor.

For as this inward is formed with a threefold sort of Vessels, viz. with Arteries and Veins, and besides with great enfoldings of the Nerves, and a most thick contexture of nervous Fibres; we think the use of each of them, to be set apart for this end: to wit, by the Arteries the blood is carried to the Spleen, hence it lays up its dregs, compo∣sed of a fixed Salt, and an earthly matter, in its passages and porosities, and these there laid up, as it were by a certain digestion, are brought into a juice very fermentive: A portion also of which, being carried back to the Blood, by the Veins, is continually mix∣ed with it: and so its whole mass is inspired with those kind of fermentive Particles from the Spleen; by which a certain austerity and sharpness, with vigour of motion, is given unto it; so that for that reason, the Blood it self is carried more lively in the Vessels; also from thence, the nervous juice procreated from the blood, being more active, supplies the animal regiment; But truly, the Spleen doth not only by this means mediately, and by the intervention of the blood, inspire the Brain and nervous stock with a fermentive virtue; but it may be lawfully believed, that this is done somewhat more immediately by the passage of the Nerves, dispersed in the Spleen: For, because in this part Anatomy discovers a great company of Nerves and nervous enfoldings, and of Fibres springing from them; it may well be doubted for what use they should serve: Concerning this, it is first to be observed, that the Ventricle and the Spleen have a most intimate commerce with the Brain; insomuch, that Helmont did place the seat of the Soul in those inwards; but this is possible to be done by no more commodious way, than by the aforesaid Nerves: Wherefore we may here deservedly suspect, That not only the animal Spirits, are the Messengers between the one part and the other; but also, that the nervous Liquor, which is both the Food and the Ventricle of these Spirits, doth descend now from the Brain towards these inwards, and now being received from these Visce∣ra's by the Nerves, doth creep thorow towards the Head; which kind of spleeny Juyce being dilated to the Brain, sharpens the animal Spirits, and raises them up being slothful, and irritates them into quick motions: from whence it is commonly said, the sharpness and sagacity of the mind doth proceed from the Spleen; and splenetick people are ac∣counted ingenious: But it is probable, that the rage and force of the Passions, being be∣gun by the Spirits inhabiting the Brain, are carried to the Spleen by the passage of the Nerves; and so the Spirits there dwelling are pathetically troubled, and the Blood flow∣ing thither is moved into a multitude of perturbations: For from hence it in some mea∣sure falls out, that in anger, sadness, and other distempers of the mind, according as the ferment, if the Spleen being more or less moved, is inspired to the blood, its liquor

diversly boyls up: Further, for this reason it happens, that great Inflations and Com∣motions of the left Hypochondrium, come upon splenetick people from every violent passion.

These things being thus premised concerning the use of the Spleen, it will be easie accord∣ing * 1.207 to our Hypothesis, to lay open very many of the Symptoms belonging to the hypochon∣driack distemper, and to give reasons for each of them: For when the Spleen is want∣ing in its office; that is, when it doth not strain forth the melancholy Recrements of the Blood, nor Cook them into a fermentative matter, as we but now observed in Children, and others of a sangnine Complexion, or too Phlegmatick, to happen often; the disposition of the mind is made duller, the body grows fat with idleness; yea and the blood being more sluggish than it ought to be, is apt to stand still within its Vessels, or at least to be less lively circulated: But on the contrary, where the fermenting power of the Spleen is too much exalted or perverted, the blood by that means being more sharp than usual, or made more sower, it runs about rapidly here and there, and con∣ceives irregular motions; yea, and the nervous juice, falling away from its right tem∣per, imbues the animal Spirits with an heterogeneous and an explosive Copula, and so irritates them, as it were with goads into frequent Convulsions: as that not wholly unde∣servedly, many kinds of Diseases may be imputed to the Spleen being out of order: But the ways or means of affecting, whereby the Spleen being evilly disposed, doth pro∣duce the Symptoms of the hypochondriack passion, or at least contributes to the rise of them, are chiefly these following.

First, It sometimes happens, that the spongy substance of the Spleen from the faeces of the blood, being too much impacted in its Pores, and stagnating, is very much stuffed * 1.208 and obstructed: That from thence, it doth not sufficiently receive the Recrements of the bloody mass: But the same being carried thither, but not received, do flow back into the neighbouring branches of the Caeliack Artery, from whence they are presently carried into the Membranes of the Ventricle, the Caul, the Mesentery, and other nigh parts, and are wont to be affixed to them; hence the tone of those Viscera are so much spoiled, that they do not rightly perform their due offices about the Concoction of the Chyle, and the Membranes planted every way about, being much imbued with heterogeneous and irritative Particles, for that they are almost continually pulled by Convulsions here and there stirred up; they are grievously obnoxious to wandring pains, contractions, di∣stentions, and the encrease of Winds, by reason of this kind of regurgitation of the blood from the Spleen being obstructed; it is likely, that the pulsation which is felt by hypo∣chondriacks under the Ventricle, is excited.

2. When the faeculencies of the Blood are excluded from the Spleens being obstructed, being fixed (as was said) to its neighbouring parts, they bring forth the sickly distemper of the left hypochondrium: But though indeed, that inward sufficiently receives the me∣lancholy or atrabilious juice carried to it from the Blood by the Arteries; yet oftentimes it doth not rightly Cook it, but the Salt being too much excited, it changes it into a too sharp, or acid, austere, or sower, or some other kind of vitious humour; whereby when as the whole mass of blood, and the nourishable juice contained in its bosome, are almost wholly infected; the fruits of the hypochondriack Seeds bud forth thorow the whole body; the blood grows unduly hot, is in some places impetuously moved, and again in others is apt to stagnate or stand still: from hence, it is familiar with splenetick people presently after eating to grow red in the Face, to have the Palms of their Hands hot, their Hypochondria to swell; oppressions of the Heart, and noted variations of the Pulse to succeed: But these fermentative Particles being translated from the Blood every where into the solid parts, wandring pains, running up and down here and there, and a sense of pricking are stirred up in many Members of the Body: Moreover, from this infection of the blood, for that its mass is changed from a benign and balsamick temper, into a salt and tartareous, a lean habit of Body, with a black and dark Countenance is in∣duced.

3. From the Blood being so depraved by the fault of the Spleen, oftentimes the taint is carried to the animal Government; for heterogeneous and convulsive Particles are poured frequently into the Brain, and from thence into the nervous stock; so that the animal Spirits dwelling in either Province, conceive various irregularities; by reason of the evil being impressed on the Head, hypochondriacksuse to be troubled with various Phantasms, with an heap and fluctuations of thoughts: besides to them happen frequent Vertigoes, Scotomies, Head-aches, and often paralytical Distempers: Then, forasmuch as the morbifick matter slides down from the Head into the nervous stock, convulsive Diseases are excited in very many parts of the body, but chiefly about the Praecordia and Viscera of the lower Belly; for when the Spirits flowing within the Nerves which respect those parts, are greatly disturbed by reason of the distemper of the mind, the

Convulsive Particles the more readily enter into those Pipes, and more easily impress on those Spirits a convulsive Disposition: Therefore partly by reason of the infection mediately transmitted to the Brain, and partly by reason of the hurt (as hath been shown) immediately communicated from the Spleen, the Palpitation of the heart, trem∣bling and frequent swooning, constrictions of the Breast, impediments of Breathing, pains of the Stomach, Belching, Vomiting, and many other accidents in those inwards happen to hypochondriacks.

4. Besides these inordinations which are wont to be derived by the passage of the blood from the Spleen, into the humours and solid parts, and to the brain it self, and nervous stock; there are other farther evils which seem to arise from this inward, also by the passage of the Nerves: Because, as we have shown, their extream branches, and the nervous Fibres themselves, interwoven in the Viscera, do drink in with their out∣wardmost little mouths a certain humour, and convey it sometimes upwards; it is highly probable, that the nervous Fibres distributed to the Spleen, (of which as we but now hinted, there is a mighty guard) do receive its most sharp juice, which creeping higher thorow the nervous Pipes, becomes a Cause of convulsive Motions: In truth, that there may be those intimate Commerces between the brain and the Spleen, to wit, far sooner than what can be made, by the compassing about of the blood; it may be law∣ful to believe, that the nerves of the wandring pair, and the intercostal, to be the nearest means of the passage, whereby these parts Communicate one with the other, and mutually affect themselves. For it seems that when the black bile or melanchollic tumour in the Spleen, grows turgid, or swells up of its own accord, or is moved by some evident cause, its particles enter the nervous fibers, thickly distributed to the same, which disturb the animal Spirits flowing in them, into explosions, or at least into some disorder: then the Spirits being so disturbed, infect those next to them, and they others, till by their continued series, the passion begun within the Spleen, is propagated even to the brain, and there produces inordinate Phantasms, such as happen to hypochondriacks; also on the other side, when a grievous distemper of the mind, occasionally excited within the brain, doth disturb the Spirits inhabiting it, the impression being carried to the Phantasie, by the series of the Spirits, planted within the nerves of the wandring pair, and the intercostals, and successive affection, it is brought even to the Spleen; hence its ferment being put more into commotion, stirs up Convlsions, both in that Inward, and in the whole neighbourhood of Fibres and membranes; and besides, forces the blood into ebbings and flowings, and into various aestuations or vehement motions, yea and reflects the perturbations of the Spirits, upon the brain. From this kind of reciprocal affections of the brain and Spleen, it comes to pass, that hypochondriacks are so unquiet, unstable, and fluctuating, at every thing that's proposed, as if, according to the Poet, Ten minds strove in them at once.

A certain noble Gentleman, of a melanchollick temper, and always accounted for a Splenetic man, very much complained of a pain and inflation of his left hypochondri∣um, * 1.209 with a frequeut rumbling noise, and four belching, also of a trembling of the heart; of an assiduous vertigo, too much waking, and a disturbed phancy: About the 35th year of his age, the disease growing worse, he began hardly to sleep, and yet more rarely to get it at night, and to be molested in the day-time with a world of fluctuating thoughts, to have in suspition all things and persons, and greatly to be afraid of eve∣ry object: His Praecordia seemed to be very much bound and straitned, and to sink down to the bottom, as if the heart it self were depressed even into the belly; which Symptom troubling him, he became very sad, and dejected in mind: yet afterwards, those distempers of the mind remitting, he felt with it his heart to be a little lifted up, and also his Praecordia to be loosendi, and stretched forth; besides, he very often sustained Pains and Contractions, variously excited, about the Muscles of the Viscera and Members, and running up and down here and there.

As to the nature of the disease, it is plain, that it is this kind of Distemper which is commonly called hypochondriacal: but as to what respects the causes of these to be admired Symptoms, we may suppose the mass of blood being degenerate, and stuffed with melancholick or atrabilary faeculencies, to administer or continually to suggest its adust recrements to the head; from whence the Liquor watering the Brain and Nerves, being made sharp, and improportionate to the Spirits, did stir up the containing Bodies, into painful Corrugations, or Wrinklings, and Contra∣ctures: Further, when this Infection is chiefly derived from the Head, into the Nerves of the wandering pair, and the intercostal, the Brain and the Praecordia are very much punished by the malady from thence raised up. But that the Blood is depraved by that means, it seems to be imputed to the vice of the Spleen, forasmuch as this inward, being amiss, it did not rightly strain forth the atrabilarie dregs from the blood, but

rather did more pervert whatsoever recrements it received from it, and the same being exalted into an hurtful ferment, sent it back to the blood, and so very much infected its mass, and imbued it with a plainly acetous and vitriolick evil Disposition.

It is plain to be understood, that those symptoms troubling the Head, viz. too much waking, the Vertigo, a disturbed Phantasy, with many others, did proceed from the he∣terogeneous Particles poured forth from the Blood into the Brain: As to that straitness of the Breast, and falling down of the heart with great fear and sadness; it may be thought that the nervous fibres, inserting to the heart, and chiefly to the Pericordium, being moved into Convulsions and wrinklings, do bind hard those parts, and pull them downwards; wherefore, there is perceived in the whole breast, as it were a certain constriction, and the heart it self seems to be depressed: Further, forasmuch as the Praecordia being so straitned and depressed, the blood within the bosom of the heart is stop'd and compell'd, as it were, to stagnate, both the vital and the sensitive Soul is much hindred from its wonted expansion and irradiation, and for that Cause being lessened and shortned in its constitution, those Cruel distempers of fear and sadness arise; but when the Convulsions remitting that constriction of the heart, and its ap∣pendix is released, the Soul also, as a flame more expansed or enlarged, endeavours by little and little to shake off the Chains of these Passions. For the Cure of these Distempers, he had for a long time tried very many remedies, and medical Ad∣ministrations, but without much benefit; at last he was somewhat eased by the use of Spaw-waters, and from thence by degrees finding himself better, he became free from those grievous Symptoms; however, he still liv'd obnoxious to the hypochon∣driack Distemper.

A certain young Academic, orginally of a Sanguine temper, fair, of a flourishing Countenance, excellent Disposition, and Mild, by reason of immoderate and untime∣ly * 1.210 Studies, in the mean time exercise and good order of dyet being wholly neg∣lected, had contracted an obstruction of the Spleen, or some other morbid distemper of that Inward: For he had almost continually infesting him an inflation, and tumor of the left hypochondrium, with a most heavy Pain. After he had laboured with this sort of Distemper about half a year, he began to complain of a frequent giddiness, a blindness of his eyes, an unquietness of his mind, and of disturbed sleeps: Which Symptoms were then plainly imputed to vapours arising from the Spleen: but after that followed a trembling of the heart, with a frequent deliquium of the Spirits, a pulsation of the hypochondrium, and at length Pains and Contractions in the outward members, with a frequent stupor, and a sense of pricking, running up and down here and there: and last of all, being broken with a world of evils, contrary to his genius and native Disposition, he became greatly hypochondriacal.

That I may dispatch the Pathologie of this Case in a word, it appears here plain enough, that the Spleen was first of all in fault; by whose fault, when the bloody mass was depraved, the taint creeping from thence into the humour watring the brain and nervous stock, and infecting it, did induce the aforesaid Convulsive Symp∣toms.

The Curatory Method to be used against the hypochondriacal Distempers, requires chiefly these four general Indications, viz. In the first place, that the Impediments * 1.211 of the Cure may be taken away, the Intention of which chiefly respects the purging and preserving the first passages. Secondly, it must be endeavour'd that the obstru∣ctions of the Spleen may be corrected. Thirdly, that both the recrements of the bloody mass may be purged forth, and that its due disposition may be restored. Fourthly, and lastly, that the enormities of the brain and nervous stock, and also of the watering humour, and the inhabiting Spirits, contracted by the fault of the Blood and Spleen, may be amended, or taken away: when any of these In∣tentions, or all of them together, shall be endeavoured at, fit times should be chosen, in which each being singly proposed, may be performed without any neglect or hin∣drance of the rest.

1. As to the first Indication, when a great load of crude or adust matter is wont to be laid up in the first passages, and when the tone of the Ventricle us'd to be spoiled, and its ferment variously perverted against every one of these kinds of evils, you must bring timely help with fit remedies; therefore, gentle and moderate eva∣cuations, both by Vomit, if it prospers well, and by Stool, ought to be administred: For such whose stomach easily casts forth its contents upwards, I perswade, that once in a month Vomiting should be several times provoked by taking Liquor of Squils, or Salt of Vitriol, or by drinking plentifully small beer posset-drink, or warm water; in the time between, a gentle purge, and only a little moving is to be ordered often: For this end, The Pills Tartareous of Bontius, or Stomach-pills with Gums, or our solutive ex∣tract

may be of use. Take of the best Senna one Ounce; of Rhubarb ʒvi, of Epithim ʒiii, of yellow-Sanders ʒii, of the Salt of wormwood ʒii, of Celtic Spike ʒi, being cut and bruised, let them be digested in x ounces of White wine, and as much of fumitory water, for 48 hours, let the clear straining be evaporated with the heat of a gentle bath, to the consistency of an extract, adding towards the end, of the powders of Senna, of Rhubarb, and cream of Tartar each ʒii, let them be bruised together in a glass mortar, and reduced to the consistency of Pills. The Dose ʒss, ℈ii, or ʒi, the Remedies respecting the tone, and ferment of the ventricle, as they are manifold and divers, out of them the most fit or commodious for the Disposition of the Ventricle, are to be chosen; for to this bitter things, to that Saltish, to another sharp and perhaps biting things, are desirable. Among the number of these kinds of Medicines, (which are commonly called Digestives) are Elixir Proprietatis, Tinctura Sacra, powder of Aron Compound, Salt of Wormwood, Cream of Tartar, Tartar vitriolat, Vitriol of Steel, with many others. Besides these in∣ward Remedies, also external applications do often bring help: Because the Stomach being ill affected, a fomentation of white-wine, with wormwood, century, and other bit∣ter plants boyled therein, also oyntments or plaisters, often bring help: Concerning which, there will be no need here to discourse particularly, and to prescribe forms of the Medicines themselves.

2. The second Indication, for the mending the vices of the Spleen, (to wit, if, there shall be in the same any obstruction, Tumor or Pain, or simple Dyscrasie or Intem∣perament) is wont to be performed, or at least attempted by Remedies both inter∣nal and external: Those which are of the former sort, fall in with those indicated in the 3d place, (to wit, with such, as for the purifying the Blood is intended) because, when chiefly, or almost all that which is carried or born to the Spleen, is done by the passage of the blood, the irregularities of the Latex of this, as well as of that In∣ward, by a Social labour, ought to be cured with the joynt strength of Medicines; by what means is shown by and by. In the mean time some external Applications, under the form of a plaister, or an oyntment, or a fomentation, more nearly and im∣mediately respect the body of the Spleen, and often bring notable help, forasmuch as they discuss tumors, and allay the Convulsive Distempers, and quiet them. Great plenty of these kind of outward Medicines, are every where extant among Authors, the choice of which ought to be made, according to the various passions of the Spleen, or the divers Constitutions of the Patient, so that there will be no need here to shew their particular forms.

3. The Remedies indicated in the 3d place, to wit, which take away the dyscrasies or evil temper of the blood, contracted from the vice of the Spleen, and also clear the primary fault of the Spleen, are of a manifold and divers kind and manner, the choice of which ought to be administred, according to the various infection of this or that: of these, some are compounded and prepared according to the prescription of Phy∣sitians, as Electuaries, Powders, Apozems, Tinctures, Infusions, and the like; others more simple, as whey, asses milk, Spaw-waters, and Baths.

There are two chief Cases of sick people, in which magisterial Remedies ought to be all accommodated, according to their strength and qualities: to wit, either the blood is thick, coldish, and earthy, with the Spleen being obstructed, which requires more hot fermenting, and chiefly Chalybiate Medicines; or the blood being clearly adust, and hot, ferments too much, and together greatly troubles the hypochondria, and in them the blood and humours boyl up; in which state, Remedies only temperate, and allay∣ing the fermenting, and immoderate boyling of the humours, are to be chosen, where Chalybiates are wholly to be avoided.

When therefore to a cold ventricle, cold dyscrasies or evil temperaments of the Blood and Spleen also happen, I am wont to prescribe according to the following forms.

Take of the Troches of Rubarb, of the Powder of the root of Aron, of winteran Bark, each ʒii, of the root of virginian Snakeweed, Centrayerva, Diatrion Santulon, of Crabs eyes, each ʒi, of the extract of Gentian, of Century, each ʒiss, of ammonia, dissolved in the water of Earth-worms, what will suffice to make a mass of Pills: let them take 4 pills in the morning, and at 4 a clock in the afternoon, drinking after them a little draught of wormwood wine, or chalybiate wine, with moderate exercise.

Take of the Conserves of the yellow of Oranges, and of Lemons, each three Ounces, of preserved mirabolans, n. ii, of the Species of aromaticum Rosatum, of winteran Bark, each ʒii, of the Salt of wormwood ʒii, of the vitriol of Steel ʒi, (or Steel prepared ʒiii.) with what will suffice of the Syrrop of Citron rinds, make an Electuary, to be taken twice a day, drinking after it a draught of wormwood-wine, or of the infusion of the herb or flowers of Tamarisk.

For those who are not pleas'd, but with medicines in an elegant form, and in a very little quantity, the tinctures of Antimony, and of Corrall, also of Steel, with the Spi∣rit of wine, (the body being first dissolved by a proper menstrum, and reduced to a Calx) are convenient: as also the Spirits of Sut, of blood, or of harts-horn, to be taken twice a day, with a proper liquor to 12. drops, more or less, are of known benefit, a∣bove any other medicine that I know of: moreover the often drinking of C•…•…ffee, also that made of the Infusion of the leaves of Thea gives ease to some.

If that the fervor of the blood, and too fermenting, with the trouble of the Spleen, and unquietness of the mind, be joyned to the hypocondriac Distemper:

Take of the Conserves of hyps or Conaradine, six Ounces (or of the flowers of Tamarisk, and the leaves of wood-Sorrel, each three Ounces) of the Species of Diarrhodon Abbatis, of the confection of Alkirmis, each ʒi. of the powder of Iv•…•…ry ʒiss, of Pearls ʒss. of the Salt of Tamarisk, and Wormwood, each ʒi. with what will suffice of the Syrrop of green Citrons, or Clove-Gilliflowers, make an Opiate, to be taken twice in a day, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Take of the Powder of Ivory, ʒii. of the Powder of Pearls, ʒi. of the Species of Di∣arrhodon Abbatis, of Diamagarit frigida, each ʒiss. make a fine powder, add of white Sugar, dissolved in Baume-water, and boyled to the consistency of Tablets, Six Oun∣ces; make thereof, according to Art, Lozenges, or little cakes: take ʒiss or ʒii twice a day. To these, and other medicines of this nature, may be joyned the use of Spaw∣waters, which indeed in either, yea, in all cases of hypochondriac Melancholly, are almost always taken with good success: For want of those waters, our artificial Spaw∣waters may be conveniently ordered, yea, and whey; and if any notable atrophie be, let Asses milk be daily taken.

Besides, these inward Remedies, and other outward Applications before-recited, Phlebotomie, or the taking away of blood with Leeches from the sedal veins, may be of use frequently: yea, sometimes it may be convenient to open the Salvatella Vein, according to the prescript of the Ancients: Besides Cauteries, or Issues, which may continually carry forth the adust recrements of the blood, and by degrees excern them, are wont to be beneficial almost to all.

4. The fourth Indication, respecting the affections of the brain, and nervous stock, or the Convulsive Symptoms, having relation to, or coming upon the former, is rarely in use of it self, and apart from the others, but that Remedies destinated to this end, are complicated with those abovesaid. Liquors indued with a volatile Salt, or an armo∣niac, as Spirits of Harts-horn, and Sut, are highly necessary for this intention, as also the rest but now recited; wherefore such Remedies, unless any thing shall shew the contrary, may be daily given at fit hours. Further, when Spaw-waters are drunk, let tablets or pills, such as are above prescribed for the Convulsive distempers, be taken, at least twice in a day. In the frequent turning and giddiness, also in the passions of the heart, the sinking down of the Spirits, with dread, and as it were a fear of Death just seizing on one, I have known very often great help to be had by the use of Chali∣beat, or steel Medicines.

Since we have made mention so often of Chalibeat, or steel-medicines, it will be * 1.212 worth our while to enquire into their various preparations, and for that Reason their di∣vers manners of effects, which they are wont to produce in the humane body, that it may from hence appear by what means, and for what respects these or those prepara∣tions of Iron are greatly profitable to some hypochondriacks, and to others as much hurtful.

The virtue and operation of Chalybeat, or steel'd medicines, depends upon the par∣ticles of the concerts, being after a various manner dissolved, unfolded, and brought forth into act: For Steel, or Iron, consists chiefly of a Salt, Sulphur, and Earth; and but slenderly indued with Spirits and Water: But the particles of the former Elements, chiefly the sulphureous and saline, being in their mixture combined together, with the Earth, remain altogether fixed and sluggish; but being soluted, and pulled one from another, they come to be of a very efficacious Energy.

The aforesaid particles are dissolved in a twofold manner, and set into the Liberty of acting; viz. either by Art, whilst Medicines are prepared, or by Nature, after they are taken inwardly; for the metallic Body is wont to be dissolved and eaten by the ferment of the ventricle, just like a Chymical menstrum: We will consider the several Species of either, and their manner of being made, that it may appear what alteration is impressed on the steeled Medicine in the preparation, and what effects every preparation of it doth impress on man's Body.

The most simple way of preparing Iron, is a division of its body into little integral parts with a file, which resemble the nature of the whole mixture, and contain both

little sulphureous bodies and saline, combined among themselves, and with other ter∣restrial. The filings of Iron being inwardly taken, is dissolved by the ferment of the ventricle, as it were by an acid menstrum; the signs of which are both a sulphureous and unsavory belching, as from the eating of hard Egs, also the blackness of the ordure, from steel being dissolved within the Viscera of Concoction, active particles, both sul∣phureous and saline, plentifully sally forth, and being involved with the nutricious juice, are carried into the blood; which as they excel in a divers virtue, do often conspire, as it were, with the joynt forces of either, to bring benefit to the sick. The sulphureous little bodies being brought to the blood, add to it a new and more plentiful Provision of Sulphur; wherefore its mass, if before it was poor and liveless, doth nimbly ferment within its vessels, and being inkindled farther in the heart, acquires a more intense heat, yea, and a deeper colour; for it is so observed in many affected with the Dropsie, arising from white Phlegm, the Pica or evil longings, or green-sickness, to have a pale coun∣tenance, cold blood and waterish; but by the use of steel, the countenance soon to be more florid, and the blood to be imbued with a more intense tincture and heat: more∣over, from the filing of Iron dissolved in the ventricle, also saline particles are brought forth, and often they bestow a more plentiful fruit or increase both on the solid parts, and on the humors; for since their natures are vitriolick, and stiptick or binding, they bind together and, strengthen the too lax and weakned fibres of the Viscera, and so restore the broken tone: Besides, these saline particles inhibit the force of the blood, repress it from too much heat and boyling up, and froth, and retain it in an equal circulation: Besides (which is their chief virtue) they contract and straiten the too loose, open and gaping little mouths of the Arteries, that, for that Reason, neither the Serum, nor the bloody Latex may sweat out, or be broke off from the file of its circuit: Wherefore in the Dropsie, and great bleedings, Remedies, imbued with the saline particles of Iron, are of famous and efficacious use; for very many Diseases proceed from this cause; forasmuch as the little mouths of the Arteries being too open, and the interspaces of the vessels above measure loosened, the serum, or bloody latex breaks forth; which kind of Affections the Vitriolic Particles of Steel do often help, by binding and corroborating the sanguiferous Vessels, and nervous fibres.

After this manner the filings of Steel being taken inwardly, seems at once to add to the blood both spurs and a bridle. But forasmuch as from this Medicine an incitation, much more than a restriction, doth arise, therefore it ought to be given only to them whose blood is very thick and cold, as countrey people and strong persons; in very hot and spirituous blood, and in hot inwards 'tis no ways convenient: moreover in delicate persons, and men of a more tender constitution, 'tis dangerous, lest the little portions of the steel, when they cannot be sufficiently dissolved, should like fragments of glass, be driven into the membranes of the Viscera, and there pertinaciously sticking, produce some Ulcer, or deadly torments, which indeed I have known sometimes to happen.

2. After the filing of Iron, the next way of preparing it, is calcining it with Sulphur, to wit, let thin pieces of steel, being strongly fired, be laid upon a Roler of Sulphur, that the metal may melt into little round balls, which are to be calcined to the con∣sumption of the Sulphur, and pounded in a mortar, are to be reduced into a subtle powder, which is of choice use. In this preparation of Iron, some salphureous parti∣cles are exhaled, the sign of which is, That this powder, an acid liquor being poured upon it, much less boyls up, or grows hot, than the limature or filing of Iron: but being taken by the same mouth, it excites a sulphureous savour. In the mean time in this preparation the saline particles seem to be somewhat augmented by new ones stick∣ing to them, from the metal burning with sulphur; so that active particles of either kind, to wit, sulphureous and saline, come almost to an Aequilibrium: and when by this means this medicine, the substance of the metal being loosned, may be finely poudered, it becomes of far more excellent use than the filings of Iron: In most Cases where steel ought to be given in substance, as in a Cachexie, or a fulness of evil humors, the longings of maids, or the green-sickness, and such like, this medicine is convenient to be used.

3. In the third place follows the preparation of steel with vinegar; to wit, the filings of the whole steel is moisten'd with vinegar, and dried, till it may be reduced into an impalpable powder: In this preparation the sulphureous particles are yet much more; yea, as to the greatest part evapourated, only a few being left in the mean time, the saline, by reason of others sticking to them from the vinegar, are much encreased, which are mingled with the terrene particles: This chalibiated powder very little or nothing froths or boyls up, a sharp liquor being sprinkled upon it, also being taken at the mouth, has with it scarce any sulphureous savour: wherefore it conduces less to the taking away of the obstructions of the Bowels, or to the restoring the ferment of

the blood: nevertheless in a more hot Constitution, in hemorrages, or fluxes of blood, and the hypochondriac distemper, it is wont to be administred with greater success than the former preparations.

4. Follows the Rust of Iron, which being an extract of the metallic body, seems to be, as it were, a fifth Essence; because in this excrescency some particles of every kind, to wit, sulphureous, saline, and terrene, being loosned from the whole substance, are combined among themselves, and constitute, as it were, a new mixture, more subtle and defaecated, or clearer from dregs: For that in this concrete there remains less par∣ticles of sulphur; therefore it doth not so potently ferment the blood, or take away the obstructions of the Viscera, as steel prepared with sulphur, but in more hot distem∣pers of the parts or humours, it egregiously performs the requisite intentions of a steeled Medicine.

To this Class may be referred by right, our preparation of steel, to wit, in which all the particles of the metal being loosned from the bond of mixture, are contained to∣gether; which notwithstanding (the concrete being first reduced into powder) and im∣mediately dissolved in any Water or Menstruum: This powder being inwardly taken, hath the like vertue as steel prepared with sulphur; but to the liquor or menstruum in which it is dissolved, it imparts almost only saline, or chiefly vitriolick particles, the sul∣phureous flying away, and the terrene sinking to the bottom. I am wont to give in great quantity, and not seldom with excellent success, common water impregnated with the dissolution of this, instead of the natural acidulous or spawish waters: moreover I make thereof medicated wine, beer, cyder, whey, or other Liquors, this powder being dissolved in them; and prescribe them to be taken for several intricate intentions. So much for the preparations of iron, in which the elementary particles of every kind are comprehended in a various proportion: There remain others in which the particles almost only of one kind, to wit, the saline or earthy are left; the rest, as to the greatest part, being driven forth; of which sort are chiefly vitriol, or the Salt of steel.

5. For the making the vitriol of steel, first, the metal is wont to be eaten thorow with a very sharp and corrosive Liquor, and to be dissolved into elementary parts: In the dissolving, the saline particles of the menstruum are joyned to the other salines of the Iron, and are with them intimately combined; in the mean time, the remaining sulphureous and terrene being laid aside, and excluded from their company; then common water being poured to this solution, the salts of either kind being combined, are imbibed by the Liquor, and that being lastly filtrated and evaporated, they are re∣duced into christals. This kind of making of salt or salification, succeeds, if you do it either with the Spirit of vitriol, the oyl of sulphur, or stygian water, or any others distilled from the stagmas of minerals: Yea, Sal Armoniac only, being soluted by melt∣ing, dissolves Iron after the same manner, and causes it to chrystalize.

Salt of Steel thus prepared, hath a sweetish taste, with a certain sharp stipticity or binding, and participates much of the Nature of vitriol, that it seems not to differ much from Verdigrease. Taken inwardly for a medicine, it somewhat ferments the humors and powerfully binds the nervous fibres: for cold Cachecical and Phlegmatic people this medicine is not convenient, because there are in it no particles of Sulphur; but it is often administred with success in hot distempers of the bowels, where there is a predominancy of adust Sulphur, and in wandring effervescencies, in scorbutical and unequal heats both of the blood and nervous stock by it self, or mixed with other me∣dicines as an enforcement: but yet in more tender Constitutions 'tis dangerous, lest the tone and fibres of the ventricle should be hurt by its acrimony, and too great constri∣ction or astringency.

6. In the last place follows the astringent Crocus Martis, or the Crocus of Steel prepa∣red by fire through a long Calcination; viz. The filings, the off-scourings, or thin plates of Iron, should be so placed in a reverberating furnace, that they may be con∣tinually heated by a most strong flame: The filing being thus exposed to the naked fire, first of all it grows reddish, and runs together into little hard round balls; but after Three or Four days, swelling up suddenly into an higher heap, it becomes extream light, impalpable, and of a most curious purple colour: In this preparation the sul∣phureous and saline particles, whilst by the force of the fire they begin to come away from the concrete, do mutually take hold one of another, and so being combined to∣gether, grow into little balls; but afterwards those particles, both saline and sulphure∣ous, being wholly profligated, and fiery particles succeeding in their place, the whole mass swelling up into a bulk, and made, as it were spungy, becomes most light.

A Medicine thus prepared in some cases is of most excellent use, and second to none of the Chalybeats; to wit, almost in all extravasations, or too great eruptions of the Serum and blood, as in outward haemorrages, or in inward bleedings, in the Diarrhaea,

the Diabatis, and in a vehement Catarrh; also I have known no Remedy better than this in the Ascitis, or in the beginning of a Dropsie: and this also I have heard to be highly approved of lately by a most famous and expert Physitian of our own Country: Concerning which medicine notwithstanding since it is wholly destitute both of saline and sulphureous particles, and consists only of earthly and fiery particles, it is very ambiguous by what faculty it operates, and produces so praise worthy an effect in man's body: for there seems to be in this left no more caput mortuum, or dead head, or terra damnata, than in vitriol, or in any of the other metals distilled by a most intense fire. As to this, if I may conjecture, it seems first, that to this preparation some acti∣vity is due, whereby it exerts it self, and unfolds its verrues, either by shutting up ob∣structions, or by binding together the vessels or nervous fibres of the Viscera, from the fiery particles shut up in the most fixed earth, and from them breaking forth within the body: But the chiefest Reason of helping, consists in this, That the earthy particles, the saline (by which they were strictly held) being wholly gone, desire greedily to be re∣united to them, or such like: Wherefore this Crocus martis being immersed in our bodies, snatches to it self whatsoever Salts it meets with, and intimately binds them; and so while it sucks up like a spunge, very many saline particles, it takes away many enormities arising chiefly from the flux of the Salts. By this means burnt Harts-horn, Spodium and Antimony Diaphoretic, when they bring help, exert or put forth their Vir∣tues.

CHAPTER XII. Of the Convulsive Cough and Asthma.

THE History before related, doth clearly manifest, That sometimes a Cough may be caused without any great fault of the Lungs, by reason of the sliding * 1.213 down of the morbifick matter upon the pneumonick Nerves, or those belonging to Re∣spiration; to wit, where it was shown in the Case of the Noble Virgin labouring with Convulsive fits, and also with a grievous and continual giddiness, that when by the prescript of the Physitian, a fomentation of Cephalic Decoction was applied to her head, presently the Giddiness ceas'd, and in its place follow'd a great Cough without any spitting, but night and day, almost, perpetually troubling her; which without doubt hapned by reason of the Convulsive matter being driven from the brain into the beginnings of the nerves: This kind of example of a Cough meerly Convulsive, more rarely happens in persons of ripe years, as the like distemper I have not often seen: But * 1.214 in children 'tis usual (also sometimes I have known it in men) for a Cough to arise from a serous Colluvies overflowing the Lungs; which when at first it was simple and mo∣derate, afterwards it became vehement and convulsive; so that in coughing, the Dia∣phragma being drawn upwards, and held in a long Systole, or frequently repeated, the Lungs being greatly straitned, were much hindred in their motion. In the mean time, by Reason of the breathing being hindred, and the blood being restrained within the Praecordia, and for that cause stagnating in other places, the sick were in danger of be∣ing choaked, and often acquired a livid or dead countenance. But in this Case, besides the Convulsions raised up about the Praecordia, by the force of coughing, the Ventri∣cle also being oft brought into a consent, cast forth by vomit whatever it contained in its bosom: yea, and I know in some tender ones after this manner affected, the Dis∣ease wandring from thence into other parts, did raise up Convulsive motions in the face, eyes and limbs, and at length became deadly. This kind of Convulsive Cough is very frequent among children, and some years lays hold on so many, that it seems to be plainly Epidemical; when it roots it self, it is very difficult to be cured by Remedies; yea, often being long protracted, it is hardly otherwise to be cured, but by the state of the year being changed.

If the causes of the aforesoid Case be enquired into, it will be so plain to refer the procatartic or more remote cause to the redundancy of the serous humour in the bloo∣dy * 1.215 mass, and in some sort in the whole body; a portion of which matter dropping forth from the little mouths of the Arteries on the Lungs, creates the ordinary Cough; afterwards when the serous Colluvies, or heap of waters yet exuberating in the blood, and stuffed with Convulsive particles, is also heaped up within the head, the same en∣tring

the pneumonic nerves, increases the simple into a Convulsive Cough: For when those nerves, being irritated first about their extremities, are exercised above measure, for that Reason they more easily imbibe the convulsive matter laid up nigh their begin∣nings: and so when at length they are driven into irregular motions in two places, to wit, in the head and at the tale, and that for two distinct causes, viz. from the irrita∣tion of the Spirits, and from their explosion, it is no wonder if the Cough at first com∣mon, being afterward brought into this evil state, becomes so cruel and convulsive: Moreover when it sometimes happens that the same matter heaped up in the head, does enter some other nerve, therefore Convulsive passions of another manner, often come upon the Convulsive Cough.

Having shown after this manner, That a Cough doth arise not only nor always by * 1.216 the fault of the Lungs, but sometimes from a solitary Convulsive cause, but oftener superinduced by this on a pneumatic Distemper: also we do not doubt to determine al∣most the same thing concerning another certain Distemper of the Thorax, to wit, the Asthma: For whether this Disease be continual or periodical in either case, the Symp∣tom chiefly urging, is difficult breathing; which indeed seems to be excited for this * 1.217 Reason, because the Lungs being too much inflated and distended, extreamly fills the Cavity of the Thorax; neither do they fall down as they should do by turns: hence the spirit or breath remaining within, is not sent forth freely enough, neither indeed can fresh air be easily induced, by reason the space is before filled: whilst the Lungs are so longer contained in a continual or very little remiss Diastole, oftentimes the Dia∣phragma is urged contrary to its manner, into a violent Systole, and being drawn up∣wards, is wont more and more to lift up the Lungs, and to hinder their falling down; whereby it comes to pass, that Respiration becomes yet more difficult and more labo∣rious.

We easily believe, that this kind of hard breathing Distemper, doth sometimes hap∣pen by the fault of the Lungs, because anatomical Inspection hath plainly detected it: For if a great serous Colluvies being laid up in the Thorax, very much stuffs the Lungs, and so much obstructs their pores and passages, that the blood being hindred in its Cir∣cuit, cannot freely pass thorow the Pneumonic Vessels; for that Reason indeed such like anhelous Distempers are sometimes made: Then as often as the blood growing more hot and rarified, by exercise, or the heat of the bed, requires a larger space for its Circulation within the Lungs; then presently from such an occasion a more frequent Respiration, or an asthmatical fit is stirred up: If beside this morbid Disposition of the Breast, the Sanguineous mass also abounding with a serous water, should be apt to sud∣den fluxions and effervescencies of the Serum, from hence also, by reason of the violent course of the Serum growing hot into the Lungs, being before obstructed and greatly filled, very often most grievous assaults of this Disease, and almost suffocating do hap∣pen. Moreover, sometimes beside the Roots of the Asthma (as it is said) being fixed about the Praecordia, certain shoots of the same Disease budding forth from the head, meet with the former, and being complicated with them, produce the more cruel fruits of the Dyspnaea, or want of Breath. For because the Lungs being stuffed with S•…•…rum, another quantity of the same, more largely redounding in the blood, being imbued with Convulsive particles, is poured on the head, the same more readily entring the pneumonic Nerves than others, causes the Asthma of the Thorax, at first simple and moderate, to become periodically vehement and convulsive.

Of these kind of Distempers, viz. the Dyspnaea, being excited by the singular fault of the Lungs, and with a Companion, very many instances and examples have fallen under our Observation, and do almost daily happen. For there is nothing more usual than for those that are sick of an inveterate Cough, or any other evil disposition of the Lungs, at length the Dropsy or Scurvy hapning to become Asthmatick, to wit, when the Blood being made much more impure, lays up also its serous dregs in the head, these more readily, and indeed more easily enter than others, the pneumonic Nerves, as be∣ing weaker and often irritated near their extremities, and in them do heap up matter for a Convulsive Dyspnaea.

Further, sometimes I have observed most grievous fits of an Asthma to have hapned * 1.218 without any notable fault of the Lungs; so that truly I did think that this disease was some∣times meerly Convulsive, and its fits only excited, because the serous Colluvies or watery heap, being stufft with explosive particles entring into the Nerves, performing the Dia∣stole of the Lungs, grows to the Spirits therein flowing, which being afterwards struck off together, and for a long while, by reason of plentitude or irritation, the Lungs are detained, as it were, inflated and stiff, so that they can perform neither the Offices of drawing in, or of breathing out: But the fit being finished, a free and equal Respirati∣on follow'd, as before the fit began, and no Cough, or signs of a sickly disposition of

the Lungs did appear. As I have observed this kind of Dyspnaea or difficult breathing meerly Convulsive, to have hapned in many, I will here shew you one or two histories of it.

A certain strong and fat Gentleman having used for some time a more full and inor∣dinate Diet, without any exercise, began to be ill about the beginning of the Winter: at first he was troubled with a pain and heaviness of his head, with a great giddiness and fear of •…•…woonding, and believing himself just about to die, being otherways health∣ful; within a few days these Symptoms pass'd into an apparent Stupor, or rather Le∣thargy: he being let blood in his Arm, I caused carefully to be applied Cupping glasses, Vesicatories and sharp Clysters, with many other Remedies: In the space of 42. hours coming to himself, he was sensible, and shook off all torpor or drousiness. But altho his brain was cleared, yet he was taken with a great weakness and numbness in his members, which distempers however were shortly cured with antiparyletic and anti∣scorbutic Remedies: But after a fortnight he began again to complain of an heaviness and giddiness in his head; then the next day after he fell into an horrid Asthma; that the Lungs being suddenly inflated, and endeavouring to come upwards, the Breath, which was very quick and laborious, was hindrod, and not being able to come forth, he was in danger every minute of an hour to be choaked. This fit, as it was cruel, so it pass'd over within Twelve hours, without any spitting, cough or vomit; and then, within a weeks space, he lost all the trouble of his breast; but then the like fit of the Dyspnaea, or difficult breathing, returning, exercis'd him somewhat more gently; and afterwards he was wont to be troubled with such a fit of the Asthma, nigh to the great mutations of the Air, chiefly in great cold, or falling of Snow.

I knew another Gentleman, sick of an inveterate Scurvy, who having no manner of * 1.219 Cough, was troubled now with a great head-ach, and for many days with a giddiness or Vertigo; then at another time, being free from those Symptoms, he was taken with a most cruel fit of the Asthma; and he endured these Distempers, now this, now that, frequently, but especially about the greater tropicks of the year.

It is not to be doubted, but in the aforesaid Cases, those fits of the Asthma did wholly * 1.220 depend on the convulsive matter being fallen into the Nerves, serving to the stretching forth of the Lungs, which cleaving to the Spirits, and being by them struck off, or e•…•…posed, by reason of plentitude and irritation, caused the Praecordia to be lifted up∣wards, and, as it were, inflated, and by that means hindred from its reciprocal mo∣tion.

Moreover we suppose, that such a kind of Convulsive Dyspnaea, or difficult breath∣ing, * 1.221 is sometimes excited by reason of the Bronchia of the Trachea (or the sharp Arteries of the Throat) being too much much streightned, and often almost drawn together: We have shown in our disconrse of the Nerves, that very many branches of nervous fibres, and of the Nerves, do every where embrace all the tamification of the asper Artery, and bind them about; which Nerves, if it happen that they being possessed by the morbifick matter, should be irritated into frequent Convulsions: for that Reason it follows, that the channels or passages which they compass about, must be greatly bound together, and in some places wholly shut up.

There was a very choice Virgin, of a tender constitution, and of a flourishing * 1.222 countenance, scarce past the second lustre of her Age (i. e. about Twelve years old), that began to be grievously tormented with Asthma fits; and before she was entrusted to my cure, she had liv'd obnoxious to them at least Four years: some∣times she remained free from any fit of this disease for two or three months: yet of∣tentimes, by reason of errors in Diet, or the great mutations of the year, or the air, she fell into most cruel fits of the Dyspnaea, or difficult breathing: So that the Lungs being inflated, and carried upwards towards her Throat, and there held almost in a continual Diastole, she could hardly, nay, not at all breathe: in the mean time, for that Respiration might be somehow made, the Diaphragma, and the muscles of the breast were exercised with repeated endeavours of motions. This kind of fit by de∣grees remitting within Seven or Eight hours, at length gave over; but then after a week or two it was wont to come again, either of it self, or from any the least occasion; after that the force of the Disease, its matter being bestow'd on very many of these kind of fits, pass'd away, this excellent Virgin was well enough for many weeks, yea, sometimes months after, and breath'd freely, without any fault of the Thorax: For this person I instituted this following method, Spring and Fall, and now it is more than two years since she has had any fit of this Distemper.

Take of our Sulphur of Antimony, gr. vi. of Cream of Tartar, vi grains, mix them: Let it be given in the pap of a roasted Apple; with this medicine she was wont to vomit Four or Five times: Four days after she took this Cathartic, which was wont to be re∣peated

twice, after Six or Seven days between: Take Calomelun xii. grains, of the Re∣sin of •…•…olop v. grains, of Castor gr. iiii. with what will suffice of Ammoniac dissolved, make iii. pills: Every day besides, she took morning and evening of the tincture of An∣timony, grains xii. in a Spoonful of the following Julap, drinking after it Six or Seven Spoonfuls of the same. Take of the water of Snails, Ounces vi. of Earth-worms, Ounces iiii. of water of Penny-royal and Rue, each Ounces iii. of hysterical water, Ounces iii. of Castor tied in a knot, and hung in the glass, ʒ ss. of white-sugar, Ounce i. mix them in the glass, and make a Julap.

About the Autumn of the last year, another noble Virgin, being sick after the same * 1.223 manner, viz. with a Periodical Asthma, I was sent for to cure her, who received great help by the aforesaid Remedies, being used in a little lesser dose, and the same repeated at the first of the Spring.

In these Cases also nothing seems to appear more clearly, than that the cause of the Disease, without any phlegm or viscous humour, being impacted in the Lungs, as is commonly believed, doth subsist within the nervous stock; and that this kind of Dysp∣naea, or difficult breathing, meerly convulsive, is excited, by reason of the pneumonic Nerves, being possessed by the Convulsive Distemper. The verity of this may be yet * 1.224 more clearly evinced by an anatomical Observation, lately communicated to me by the learned Physitian Doctor Walter Needham: That most famous man told me, That he knew a Butcher of Wallsullen, in the County of Stafford, who when he had been long sick of a periodical Asthma, returning within 14, or 20. days at farthest, at length he died in a fit: The body being opne•…•…, all his Viscera appeared sound, chiefly his Lungs; neither were there to be seen any signs either of Excrement gathered together in the Bronchia, or of the blood restagnating in the Veins; this only hapned besides Nature, that the bladder of the gall contained in it many stones. But (added he) the causes un∣known to us, certainly not conspicuous to our eyes, were to be attributed to the nervous stock, being affected.

Sometime past I was consulted with about about a noble child, who being about 12. * 1.225 months old, was grievously afflicted with Convulsive fits, and as it were Epileptic, of which he quickly died. I often observed, that whilest the Convulsion of the outward parts intermitted, he was taken with a cruel sobbing, or hooping Cough; from whence I suspected, that the morbific matter was no less fixed in the breast than in the brain. But after its death, the Body being opened, the Lungs well furnished, appeared clear from any fault, that it clearly appeared, that this Cough meerly Convulsive, was exci∣ted by reason of the Distemper of the nervous stock.

As to what respects the Remedies, and curatory means, which ought to be used in the aforesaid cases, when that convulsive Symptoms come upon the Cough, or diffi∣culty of breathing, first excited from the default of the Lungs, and so by reason of the taint, communicated to the brain; it must be carefully heeded, that Convulsive Medi∣cines be aptly compounded, with those respecting all the intentions of the Thorax. Yea, that sometimes these, sometimes those, being given by themselves, may between whiles fill up the times of curing; it will not be needful in this place to bring the bechic, or pneumonic medicines, and forms of them, since an immense company of them are extant every where among Physical Authors. It will be sufficient for our purpose, to add a method of Medicine, also some more select Remedies convenient for the Cough and Asthma, meerly Convulsive.

As to the former Distemper, which is most familiar to children, the cure is difficult, * 1.226 and for the most part not to be performed but of a long time. The chief Indications will be to purge forth both the serous and sharp humours from the Blood and Viscera, that their inclination and falling down in the brain, and perhaps also within the breast, may be sometimes prevented; then to corroborate those parts, that they may not ea∣sily admit the superfluities of the boyling Serum. For thess ends, Vomits and more gentle Purges for the most part are useful, and in some measure ought to be repeated: Vesecatories are often profitable; yea, if the Disease be contumacious, Issues are to be made in the nape of the neck, or the arm, or about the armpirs: Drink and liquid aliments are to be taken in a lesser quantity than usual, and instead of them a Bochet is to be used of Sarsa, China, Sanders, Shavings of Ivory, and Harts-horn, with diu∣retic and anticonvulsive Ingredients: In this case, some Remedies, as it were special, are greatly commended, of which sort are pixed musk given in powder, or boyled in milk, and so given daily in a frequent dose: a decoction or Syrrop of Castor and Saffron; decoctions of the Root of Paeony, Misletow of the Oak, also of Hyssop, help many; the waters of Black-cherries, of Saxifrage, and of Snails, distilled with Whey, and appro∣priate Ingredients, are often taken with success.

2. By what method, and with what Remedies I have cured the periodical Asthma * 1.227 in some young ones, hath been already shown; but in most distempered with this Dis∣ease, the most famous Riverius hath observed, a Vomit is chiefly helpful, alto he hath not rightly shown the Reason: which indeed seems to consist in this, to wit, That this medicine greatly shaking and irritating the Emunctories planted about the first Passa∣ges, strongly presses out from them, and carries forth of doors the recrements of the blood and nervous juice, apt to be troublesome, and to restagnate on the brain and nervous stock. Zacutus, the Lusitanian, highly extols, and not without Reason, a cautery to be made, sometimes in the hinder part of the head, sometimes in the nape of the neck, or about the Armpits: A preparation of milipedes, viz. in form of a dry powder, or a distilled liquor, seldom wants success. For by such like Remedies the superfluities of the Serum are deduced from the head and nervous stock, and carried away thorow the urinary passages: For the same Reason a gentle purge, evacuating the ill juice, is often us'd: for this end the decoction of an old Cock, with altering medi∣cines, and gently purging, being stowed in its belly, is praised by many: Besides the Remedies hitherto cited, some others are said to be appropriate, and as it were specifi∣cal to the Asthma, of which sort are, the bassom of Sulphur, Turpentine, also Spirits of Harrts-horn, or of Sut, impregnated with the same, Syrrop of Tobacco, of Ammoniack, our diasulphur Lohoch of Garlick, pills of the Roots of Eluna Campane, made up with the milk of Sulphur, with the flowers of Benzoin, with liquid pitch, or liquid amber, with many others, which would be too tedious here to enumerate.

And now the chief Species, and manner of Convulsions, together with the Causes of the Symptoms, and the means of curing, being sufficiently explicated, it is time to put an end to this our Pathology of the Brain and Nervous stock, and to our Discourse of Convulsive Diseases.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  How the regu∣lar Motion is Effected.
• * 1.2

  Its beginning two fold.
• * 1.3

  The Subject also twofold.
• * 1.4

  The Motion of a Muscle is a certain explo∣sion of the spi∣rits.
• * 1.5

  The Conjunct Cause of Spasms.
• * 1.6

  Not repletion or fulness, or inanition or Emptiness.
• * 1.7

  There is a dou∣ble Cause, and two kinds of Spasms.
• * 1.8

  Irritation.
• * 1.9

  A preternatu∣ral explosive Copula.
• * 1.10

  The explosive Spasmodic Copula, not immediately from the Blood, but from the Brain.
• * 1.11

  Sometimes re∣ceived from the ends of the Nerves.
• * 1.12

  The more re∣mote causes of Spasms.
• * 1.13

  1. The morbi∣fick matter is heaped up within the Head, by the default both of the blood sending.
• * 1.14

  And also of the Brain re∣ceiving it.
• * 1.15

  The evil dispo∣sition of the brain is either hereditary,
• * 1.16

  Or acquired.
• * 1.17

  2. How the Morbific mat∣ter being ad∣mitted within the head is disposed.
• * 1.18

  Sometimes it is carried back again from the brain.
• * 1.19

  Sometimes it is thrust out into the Ner∣vous stock.
• * 1.20

  Remaining in the brain causes the fal∣ling-sickness.
• * 1.21

  The Spasmodic matter being fallen on the nervous stock
• * 1.22

  Afflict the fore-parts of the Nerves in Children.
• * 1.23

  Otherwise in those of riper years.
• * 1.24

  After what manner it di∣sturbs the spi∣rits, whilst it stays near the beginning of the Nerves, or being fallen more deeply into their pas∣sages.
• * 1.25

  The spirits en∣ter into explo∣sions, by reason of plenitude or irritation.
• * 1.26

  The Spasmodic matter causes Convulsions, either conti∣nued, or perio∣dical, or by fits.
• * 1.27

  The evident causes of Spasms.
• * 1.28

  The Evident Cause twofold viz. Filling and Irritate∣ing.
• * 1.29

  The irritating cause stirs up Spasms, direct, or reflected.
• * 1.30

  The irritaiing Cause distin∣guished, as to the places af∣fected, as to the subjects.
• * 1.31

  The places af∣fected are the beginnings the extremi∣ties, and the middle proces∣ses, and fol∣dings of the Nerves.
• * 1.32

  How the irri∣tating Cause affects the ori∣gine of the Nerves.
• * 1.33

  How the ex∣tremities of the Nerves.
• * 1.34

  How the mid∣dle processes and foldings.
• * 1.35

  The differened of Spasms in respect of their origine.
• * 1.36

  Of their causes.
• * 1.37

  Of the extent of the Disease.
• * 1.38

  Of the dur ati∣on of the Fit.
• * 1.39

  The descripti∣on of the Epi∣lepsie, or the history of the Disease.
• * 1.40

  The subject or the seat of the Disease is in∣quired into.
• * 1.41

  Some affirm it the meninges or thin skins of the Brain; other the pith or middle part of the Brain.
• * 1.42

  It is affirmed, that the me∣ninges are not sirst of all ef∣fected.
• * 1.43

  The spirits in∣habiting the middle of the brain are the primary Sub∣ject of the di∣sease.
• * 1.44

  The disease af∣fects seconda∣rily very many parts of the Nervous Sy∣stem.
• * 1.45

  The Reason of the Epilepsie which is said to be excited by consent.
• * 1.46

  Other diffe∣rences of the Epilepsie.
• * 1.47

  Why Epilep∣ticks fall down with violence.
• * 1.48

  From whence the Foam at the mouth of these troubled with the fal∣ling sickness comes.
• * 1.49

  Why some in the falling knock their Breasts.
• * 1.50

  The prognosti∣cation of the Disease.
• * 1.51

  The Epilepsie is changed into other Diseases.
• * 1.52

  Of the Cura∣tory part of the Epilepsie.
• * 1.53

  In what the Virtue of the specificks con∣sists in the Epilepsie.
• * 1.54

  1. Observation.
• * 1.55

  2. Observation.
• * 1.56

  Vomitaries.
• * 1.57

  Purges.
• * 1.58

  Specisicks.
• * 1.59

  Powders.
• * 1.60

  Electuaries.
• * 1.61

  Pills.
• * 1.62

  Elixir.
• * 1.63

  Emperical Remedies.
• * 1.64

  Amulets.
• * 1.65

  Plaisters.
• * 1.66

  Sternutories or sneezing powders.
• * 1.67

  Distill'd Wa∣ter.
• * 1.68

  Julups.
• * 1.69

  Apozems.
• * 1.70

  Great Reme∣diet.
• * 1.71

  The Preserva∣tion of Infants from Convul∣sions.
• * 1.72

  The Method of Curing to be used to the Nurses.
• * 1.73

  The Cure of Infants sick with Convulsi∣ons.
• * 1.74

  Oyntments.
• * 1.75

  Powders.
• * 1.76

  Liquors.
• * 1.77

  Convulsions by reason of breeding of Teeth.
• * 1.78

  Spasms or Con∣vulsions cau∣sed from other occasions.
• * 1.79

  By reason of worms.
• * 1.80

  Three kinds of Convulsions hapning to those of riper years.
• * 1.81

  Distempers arising from the Nervous origine distin∣guished.
• * 1.82

  1 According to the various Nerves being affected.
• * 1.83

  2. According to the various places of the same Nerves being affected.
• * 1.84

  By what means the Convulsive matter flows into the Nerves.
• * 1.85

  1. Observation.
• * 1.86

  2. Observati∣on.
• * 1.87

  3. Observati∣on.
• * 1.88

  4. Observati∣on.
• * 1.89

  The reason of the aforesaid Case.
• * 1.90

  1. Observation.
• * 1.91

  An Observati∣on of a distem∣per as it were hysterical in a man.
• * 1.92

  The reason of the aforesaid Case.
• * 1.93

  Wherefore the Convulsions begin from the extremities of the Nerves.
• * 1.94

  Wherefore the blood is soon congealed in Convulsive di∣flempers.
• * 1.95

  Emeticks:
• * 1.96

  Purges.
• * 1.97

  Remedies for a more hot tem∣perament.
• * 1.98

  Coroborating medicines and specisicks.
• * 1.99

  Powders.
• * 1.100

  Distilled wa∣ters and Ju∣lups.
• * 1.101

  Remedies in a more cold tem∣perament. Electuaries.
• * 1.102

  Tablets.
• * 1.103

  Pills.
• * 1.104

  Spirits.
• * 1.105

  Distillrd wa∣ters.
• * 1.106

  Convulsions begin from the ends of the Nerves, both by reason of ir∣ritation.
• * 1.107

  And by reason of an explosive Copula.
• * 1.108

  1. Observation.
• * 1.109

  The reason of this.
• * 1.110

  2. Observation.
• * 1.111

  The reason of it.
• * 1.112

  That the ner∣vous foldings is the seat of Convulsive matter.
• * 1.113

  Chiefly three kinds of causes of universal Convulsions.
• * 1.114

  From poysons and sorceries.
• * 1.115

  From poysons of the rank of vegitables.
• * 1.116

  From a mad Dog.
• * 1.117

  The reason of the symptoms of those bitten by a Tarantu∣la.
• * 1.118

  In what the reason of the Musicks allay∣ing the symp∣toms con∣sists.
• * 1.119

  A description of the dance of St. Vitus.
• * 1.120

  The reason of it.
• * 1.121

  Universal Con∣vulsions from Witchcraft.
• * 1.122

  Which are ommonly buf calsly so thought.
• * 1.123

  The reason of them.
• * 1.124

  Which argue witcheraft.
• * 1.125

  Universal Convulsions hapning in Fevers.
• * 1.126

  The reason of the symptoms.
• * 1.127

  A description of a convulsive disease of Has∣sia, sometime•…•… epidemical.
• * 1.128

  The reason of the symptoms.
• * 1.129

  The Hostory of an Epidemi∣cal Fever raging in the year 1661.
• * 1.130

  Its procatar∣tick or more remote cause.
• * 1.131

  The symptoms.
• * 1.132

  The reason of them.
• * 1.133

  Why this di∣sease chiefly invaded chil∣dren, women, and phlegma∣tick men.
• * 1.134

  The reason of the Atrophie coming upon the fever.
• * 1.135

  Why this Fe∣ver was hard∣ly curable.
• * 1.136

  1. Observation.
• * 1.137

  The reason of it.
• * 1.138

  2. Observation.
• * 1.139

  3. Observation.
• * 1.140

  The knowledg of the disease found out by dissecting the Carcase.
• * 1.141

  The Pathologie of the afore∣said Fever.
• * 1.142

  The Curatory Method.
• * 1.143

  Bleod to be taken away at the beginning of the disease.
• * 1.144

  Vomits and Purges are to be admini∣stred.
• * 1.145

  Blistering plasters.
• * 1.146

  Diureticks.
• * 1.147

  A diuretick Apozem.
• * 1.148

  An Emulsion.
• * 1.149

  Julup.
• * 1.150

  A Powder.
• * 1.151

  Gentle Dia∣phoreticks.
• * 1.152

  Clisters.
• * 1.153

  Diet.
• * 1.154

  The Curatory method in the unsensibleness and madness.
• * 1.155

  In the Cough.
• * 1.156

  A very rare Observation.
• * 1.157

  The reason of it.
• * 1.158

  Universal Convulsions by reason of the Scorbutic dis∣position of the nervous juice.
• * 1.159

  Two kinds of these, viz. Separate, and connex or joyned toge∣ther.
• * 1.160

  The nature of the broken Convulsive di∣stemper.
• * 1.161

  An Obser∣vation.
• * 1.162

  The reasons of the symptoms chiefly tormen∣ting.
• * 1.163

  The growing worse presently after sleep, whence it pro∣ceeded.
• * 1.164

  Why allayed by motion.
• * 1.165

  The spitting.
• * 1.166

  Why this sick man obtained some truce from pains.
• * 1.167

  The secret leading cause of the afore∣said distemper.
• * 1.168

  Why this Di∣stemper grew worse by the use of the Baths.
• * 1.169

  Things worthy to be noted in the body being dissected.
• * 1.170

  The nature and the man∣ner of the continued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 di∣stemper being made.
• * 1.171

  1. Observation
• * 1.172

  The reason of the aforesaid cause.
• * 1.173

  The Curatory Method Ob∣served in this case.
• * 1.174

  2. Observation.
• * 1.175

  The nature and cause of the described case.
• * 1.176

  3. Observation.
• * 1.177

  The Curatory Method.
• * 1.178

  The reasons of aforesaid case.
• * 1.179

  4. Observation.
• * 1.180

  The reasons of the aforesaid Distemper.
• * 1.181

  The Curatory Method.
• * 1.182

  A description of tht Hyste∣rical Passion.
• * 1.183

  The cause of the symptoms inquired into
• * 1.184

  Doctor High∣mores Opini∣on Examined.
• * 1.185

  The Hysterical Distemper chiefly belongs to the Brain and nervous stock.
• * 1.186

  The cause of the Disease most often be∣gins about the beginnings of the nerves.
• * 1.187

  The same cause afterwards disposed, tho∣row the whole passage of the Nerves.
• * 1.188

  The reason of the Hysterical symptoms un∣folded.
• * 1.189

  From whence the diversity of the symptoms happens.
• * 1.190

  The more re∣mote cause of the disease, sub∣sists, either nigh the be∣ginnings of the Nerves.
• * 1.191

  Or near the Womb, or other Inwards.
• * 1.192

  This last hap∣pens after a twofold man∣ner.
• * 1.193

  Either by rea∣son of the dis∣solution of the union.
• * 1.194

  2. Or by reason of an obstru∣ction of the Nervous juice.
• * 1.195

  Objections a∣gainst the a∣foresaid hypo∣thesis answer∣ed.
• * 1.196

  Observation.
• * 1.197

  The rational account of the Disease taken from Anato∣mical Obser∣vations.
• * 1.198

  The method of Curing the Hysterical Distempers.
• * 1.199

  Curatory.
• * 1.200

  Preservatory.
• * 1.201

  A description of the hypo∣chondriacal affections.
• * 1.202

  The hypochon∣driacal Di∣stempers be∣long to the nervous kind.
• * 1.203

  The causes of the Hypochon∣driac passion is inquired into.
• * 1.204

  The Hypothe∣sis of Dr. Highmore sifted.
• * 1.205

  The use of the Spleen is in∣quired into.
• * 1.206

  See his dis∣course of fer∣mentation. Chap. 5th.
• * 1.207

  The reasons of the hypochon∣driacal symp∣toms laid open.
• * 1.208

  The Influences of the Spleen in producing the symptomes, unfolded.
• * 1.209

  1. Observation.
• * 1.210

  2. Observation.
• * 1.211

  The Method of Curing the Hypochondriac Distempers.
• * 1.212

  The prepara∣tions and ef∣fects of Steel Medicines un∣folded.
• * 1.213

  An example of a Cough meerly Convulsive.
• * 1.214

  This distemper frequent e∣nough in chil∣dren.
• * 1.215

  The reason of it.
• * 1.216

  The Convulsi∣on Asthma.
• * 1.217

  Sometimes it depends of the Lungs, toge∣ther with the nerves being affected.
• * 1.218

  An Asthma sometimes meerly convul∣sive, proceeds from the nerves only be∣ing affected.
• * 1.219

  2. Observation.
• * 1.220

  The Reason.
• * 1.221

  An Asthma sometimes ex∣cited by reason of the Bron∣chia being con∣vulsively affe∣cted.
• * 1.222

  3. Observation.
• * 1.223

  4. Observation.
• * 1.224

  An anatomical Observation.
• * 1.225

  Another Ana∣tomical Obser∣vation.
• * 1.226

  The cure of the Convulsive Cough.
• * 1.227

  The cure of the Convulsive Asthma.