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.

SECT. VI. (Book 6)

CHAP. I. Of Cordials and Antidotes.

IN the ancient way of Practice among Physicians, and even to this day, according to the vulgar and empirical Method, which Women and Quacks take, the Medi∣cins * 1.1 called Cordials and Antidotes have been almost of the most common use and greatest esteem. The Simples of them are very numerous, their Compositions add bulk to all the Dispensatories both Ancient and Modern, and fill almost every page: But as to the reasons of their effects and manner of operation, to wit, upon what kind of particles their virtue depends, and how they exert their power upon the heart or bloud, or spirits, or other humours; upon this subject, I say, I find nothing said any where, either by Physicians or Philosophers, that may satisfie a mind desirous to know the truth. For the explication of the virtues of Cordials, they do not insist, as in other parts of practical Physick, upon their manifest and sensible qualities, but have recourse to occult and specifick actions, yea to those of the whole substance: When in the mean time, if you consider the thing aright, and dive into the genuine and true rea∣son of it, it will be very evident, that the very notion of Cordial remedy goes altoge∣ther upon false ground, and is a Vulgar Errour.

Such Remedies are called Cordials, as by any means relieve the Heart [which in Latine is Cor] when it is out of order; wherefore they are said, by many Authors, one * 1.2 extraordinarily to comfort the heart, another to preserve the heart from all putrefa∣ction, and others also to support the heart when it is weak or oppressed, to heal the trembling or faintness thereof, and to keep it from corruption. Moreover because in the Plague, the small Pox, and malignant Fevers, the heart is supposed to be seized or beset with poison or malignity, the remedies therefore that are usually good in those Distempers, a•…•…e not onely called Cordials, but Antidotes also.

This opinion concerning both Cordials and Antidotes, seems to have sprung from that ancient supposition, which even to this day obtains among the Vulgar, to wit, * 1.3 that the heart is the fountain of all life and heat, and consequently that our health or death depends upon the immediate well or ill being thereof: and hence it is that whatsoever refreshes the soul, and makes us vivid and chearful, are believed to do so by being benign and kind to the heart; and on the contrary, other things are thought to cause sadness and melancholy, so far as they are enemies and disagreable to it.

But indeed, seeing I have elsewhere shewn at large, that the subject of Life is not the heart by any means, but chiefly, and almost only the Bloud, and that the very Soul it self (upon whose existence and action in the Body the Life depends) is founded partly in the Bloud, and partly in the animal Spirits, it will easily follow, that the Remedies which preserve the Life entire, or restore it when decaying, respect these parts of the Soul, to wit, the Bloud and animal Spirits, rather and more immediately than the Heart. For this is not so noble and principal an Entral as it is commonly said to be; but a meer muscle, consisting onely of Flesh and Tendons, as the rest do, and serving * 1.4 for the driving of the Bloud about: but as often as it is defective, or fails in the right performance of this duty, this doth not happen properly through its own fault, but the irregularity either of the Bloud or animal Spirits whereby it is actuated.

Wherefore that the reasons and manner of operation of those Medicins, which are called Cordials, may appear to us, we must consider these two things; to wit, First * 1.5 how many, and what ways most chiefly, the Bloud, when it is disordered either in its heat, or mixture, and oftentimes in great danger, requires medicinal supplies to pre∣serve or mend its constitution. Secondly, How either through defect or errour in the vital functions the Heart is hindered, or perverted from its due motion, and there∣fore such Medicins are proper, as may augment the quantity of Spirits, and put them into a better temper.

As to the first, The Bloud, in respect of its heat, is either desicient or ex∣cessive; and in both cases different sorts of Medicins, to wit, hot or cold ones, (which * 1.6 are like Oil or Water) are required; and therefore they are commonly called Cor∣dials,

though they do not at all affect the Heart. For though, after taking of them, the motion of the Heart is oftentimes altered, and therefore the Pulse immediately grows more swift or slow, more strong or weak; yet this is because the motion of the Heart, depending altogether upon the influx of the animal spirits (by a wonderful consent and sympathy between both parts of the Soul) is exactly proportioned to the heat of the Bloud: wherefore as the Bloud increases or remits its effervefcence or boyling, by Medicins taken in, immediately the animal Spirits that agitate the Heart, submitting very readily to the condition of it, make the Heart beat faster or slower; and then if the train of animal spirits be affected by the same Medicin, the Pulse thereby is made more or less strong or vehement; when in the mean time the virtue of that Medicin comes to the heart it self, no more than to the hands or feet, or any other muscle. Wherefore that we may rightly settle the first rank of Cordials, where∣by the enormities or irregularities of the Bloud are healed, we must consider how ma∣ny, and which ways the liquor of it, both as to its heat and temperature, is usually per∣verted * 1.7 or depraved, and after that, what kind of Remedies, commonly accounted Cor∣dials, are requisit for the several Distempers thereof.

First therefore, the Bloud sometimes is not hot enough, nor doth it circulate vigo∣rously, as you may observe in many languishing People; that is to say, such as have been long sick, or suffered any great loss of Bloud, or other immoderate evacuations, or are worn out with age, whose Pulse is weak, their limbs infirm, and their extreme parts cold and pale: the reason of all which is, because the Bloud, when the sulphu∣reous * 1.8 particles are too much consumed, and depressed, is become almost vapid and spiritless; and consequently it is heated in the Lungs very sparingly and weakly; to which oftentimes as an addition, it happens that the vital functions growing weak, the heart which wants a more full influence of the animal spirits, doth not suffi∣ciently exagitate the Bloud so as to put it into a more vegete effervescence or brisk heat.

The Remedies that are to be used in this case, are generous Wines, hot Waters, or * 1.9 gentler liquors distilled with Spices, Powders, Species, and Aromatical Confections; Oils and Spirits chymically prepared; Tinctures, Elixirs, and other things impregna∣ted with sulphureous and spirituous particles, such as may put the Bloud into a greater motion, and render it more inflamable and turgid or swelling: and seeing the same things do at the same time exsuscitate or rouze and comfort the animal spirits, they therefore make the heart beat more vegete and strongly. The Receipts of these shall be added in the end of this Chapter.

Secondly, Oftentimes the Bloud, by reason that the sulphureous particles of it are * 1.10 too loose, and put into an effervescence, is kindled more than it should be, and scat∣tereth an extraordinary and very offensive heat over the whole Body: wherefore to the end, that being so very much rarefied and inflamed, it may be kept within its vessels, and at the same time cooled, the heart beating vehemently and swiftly, drives about the bloud with great labour and pains: and therefore in this case Cordials which are cold and attemperative (to reduce and allay the fervour of the Bloud, and at the same time gently to refresh the animal spirits, that they may perform the task of life which is now more difficult) are most proper; to which ends Distilled Waters of Burrage, Balm, Cowslip-flowers, Marigolds, the rind of a whole Citron, and likewise Syrups and Conserves made of the Flowers and Leaves of such vegetables, the juice of Sorrel, a Citron, Oranges, Chrystal Mineral, and the •…•…ke, use to be looked upon as good for it; to which Opiates oftentimes are added with success; for when the vio∣lence of the hearts motion is somewhat rebated, the bloud more easily and the sooner remits its effervescence or boyling heat.

These are the more simple Cordials, which are designed onely for one intention, * 1.11 to wit, the increasing or diminishing of the blouds heat. But besides this, the bloud uses also to be depraved, and divers ways perverted not onely in its heat, but also in its temper or mixture: Though Cordials are not presently requisit upon every disorder of it, but onely in those which being caused by Fevers, and also very sudden and vio∣lent, threaten the corruption of the whole mass of bloud.

1. The Bloud, when it boils up in a feverish indisposition, is in danger, as to its tem∣per * 1.12 these two ways: that is to say, either the bond of mixture is too strict, and con∣sequently all the particles are so complicated among themselves, and mutually fastened, that the nourishment cannot by any means be disintangled, or separated from the ex∣crement, and the thin part from the thick; as it happens in some continued and putrid Fevers; which though they are little or not at all malignant, yet because they can have no judgment made upon them by Sweat or Transpiration, they sometimes end in death. Wherefore in this case you must use such Cordials as loosen and open the Constitu∣tion

of the Bloud, so that the serous liquor with the other recrements, may separate and be carried off from the body of the rest.

2. The temper of the Bloud is in danger also another, and that a quite contrary way, to be subverted in Fevers, and consequently Cordial Remedies of another na∣ture, * 1.13 to wit, Antidotes [or Medicins given against corruption, or venom] are most proper. For it often happens that the constitution thereof is too much loosened, and divided as to its temperature, by heterogeneous or foreign particles, which are either generated within it self, or flow into it from other parts, in so much that when the com∣mon bond of mixture is dissolved, it all disunites into several parcels; and then the portions of coagulated, or extravasated, and stagnant Bloud which are setled here and there, putrifie and are corrupted; and at length the whole mass of Bloud is so far vi∣tiated, that it is no longer fit to keep in the vital flame, or to convey the animal spi∣rits gently into the Brain: whereupon at that time all the vital functions must of ne∣cessity decay, and at last life it self be extinguished.

In this case the Cordials, which are most requisit, must consist of such particles, * 1.14 as being transmitted into the Bloud, and circulating along with it, may be untameable all the way, but at the same time, benign: upon which account, whilest they get into all the pores and passages of the Bloud, they do in all places disturb the other malignant particles, force them from their combinations, and at last either subdue or drive them out. And when by that means the Bloud being delivered from that venomous mixture, and also freed from all private coagulations, is again divided into small elementary particles, it recovers its former, and in a short time, an healthful mixture.

Now that you may the better understand how Antidotes preserve the Bloud and other juices of our Bodies from pestilent Infections, and recover them from corruption * 1.15 when they are already touched therewith; you must consider how other liquors that are subject to putrefaction, may be long preserved, or being seized by it, may be again restored. To which end you may observe of Ale, that though in its own na∣ture it be apt quickly to grow sower, yet by boyling of Hops in it, you may make it keep a great while: yea, that common Water, though it would otherwise putrefie in a short time, yet by boyling or infusing of bitter Vegetables in it (such as Anti∣dotes also are) it continues for a long time untainted: again, that some juices of herbs, and several other liquors, which are already corrupted, if they are smoaked with burn∣ing of sulphur over them, recover their former vigour: so also that Wines, Ale, and other sorts of Drink, which are almost vapid and spiritless, do oftentimes revive again by a fermentation newly put into them. The reason of all which is, because, seeing the corruption of every thing consists in the dissolution of the elementary particles, and their mutual departure from each other, what ever keeps them still in motion and perfect mixture, when they tend toward flight and confusion, keeps that body yet tite and whole. Moreover, whatever forces the Elements when they are dissolved from each other, and would mutually depart, to a fresh union, and stirs them up to a new fermentation, drives away all putrefaction from the body, though it were begun in it, and gives it again a firm constitution. All the Vulgar know that such alterations as these, and such recoveries from corruption are caused with liquors prepared by Art. And indeed Antidotes seem to have the same effect in the Plague as in malignant Diseases. For they being often taken, in as much as they continually stir the Bloud and force it to an higher fermentation (notwithstanding the influence of the noxious corruptive particles) keep the mixture of it entire; yea after the malignity is impressed upon it, and that the temper of the Bloud, in manner aforesaid, begins to be relaxed and dissolved, those kind of Remedies, being given till they promote Sweating, do of∣tentimes deaden the force or impressions of the pestilential malignity, in as much as they digest the putrefactions of the contagion received, and introduce a fermentation opposite to that other corruptive quality. The sorts and forms of these Antidotal Medicins shall be laid down hereafter.

In the mean time, as to those other Cordials, by which the constitution of the * 1.16 Bloud when it boyls up, is relaxed from its extraordinary closeness, and opened to free the feverish matter and other recrements thereof; to give you a more satisfactory ac∣count of their virtues and the manner of their operations, we should refer to this head what formerly hath been said concerning the effects of Diureticks and Diaphoreticks. For those Medicins are very nearly related to some Cordials, yea they are sometimes of common and mutual use; in as much as the crasis or mixture of the Bloud, when vi∣tiated, cannot sometimes be relieved, unless you first loosen the temper of it, and make way for the serous liquor to be carried off through the reins or pores of the skin. All these ends of Physick are chiefly obtained by salt Medicins. For, as I have formerly

often observed, the opening of all bodies, whether liquid or solid, is for the most part performed by a saline Key.

How the curdling of Milk and reducing it from that state, or the hindering of it is brought to pass by the various infusions of salt bodies, and how much resemblance it bears to the bloud, I have declared by Experiments in the Chapter of Pissing, or con∣cerning Diuretick Medicins: and as it is in Milk or fluid Bloud, so also it is with the most fixed Metals and other Minerals. For almost all concretions or combinations in Bodies proceed from a Salt of one kind, as the dissolution of them doth from some * 1.17 one of another kind, which forces the first Salt into its embraces, and then the preci∣pitation is caused by a Salt of a different nature, which destroys the union of the two former; all which I have so clearly and fully explained above, that there is no need in this place to repeat it. Wherefore, that we reckon saline Medicins among Cor∣dials as well as Diureticks and Diaphoreticks, the reason is the same in all: all that I have now to do, is briefly to lay down the chiefest sorts of this kind, that belong to that Head, together with the manner and reason of their operations.

1. Now therefore in the first rank, such Cordials as are impregnated with volatile Salt * 1.18 present themselves, and easily bear the Bell away from most others, as Spirit of Harts horn, Bloud, Sal Armoniack compounded, to wit, with distilled Amber, Treacle, Roots of Virginia Creeper, and other Antidotes; as also (that which was the onely and uni∣versal Medicin of a Doctor of Physick that turned Quack) the Spirit of Sculls dug out of Graves. Hither also we ought to refer the Salt of Vipers, and likewise Powder of Toads close calcined (which I formerly, in a pestilential Fever which was Epide∣mical at Oxford, in the Year 1643. knew to be famous and very good) with many other things. This kind of Remedies have recalled many people from the very jaws of death, and indeed do often afford help upon a different and manifold account; that is to say, first of all, in that they meet with either a fixed or acid Salt, which they force into their embraces, and thereby open the mass of Bloud which is too much thickened and bound together by the feverish effervescence thereof, in so much that they promote the separation and expulsion of the morbifick matter; and then again, in regard that they relieve and comfort the animal spirits, and rouze them, when they are sluggish, to the discharging of their duty; to which you may add as a third vir∣tue of them, that in malignant Fevers these Medicins subdue the venomous particles of the morbifick matter, and very frequently destroy them.

2. The second place among saline Cordials is justly due to Remedies that are im∣pregnated with Alchalisate or petrifying Salt; for these are commonly reckoned the * 1.19 most famous of that kind. Among which you may count Lapis Bezoar or the Bezoar Stone, Pearls, Corals, the Bone in a Stags heart, and horn of the same Creature, Pow∣der of Ivory, Eyes and Claws of Crabs, and other Powders both of Stones and Shells, which common experience tells us, are oftentimes given to sick folks with good suc∣cess, and the reason why they are an help in such cases, seems to consist in this, that the particles in the Alchali Salt in the Medicin meet with the particles of acid Salt in our bodies, and forthwith mixing very intimately with them, must consequently de∣stroy their violent motions, and all other hurtful combinations. To this Class of Cordials are duly referred Bole Armeniack, Terra Sigillata of Lemnos, and other Chalky substances also; but yet not for that reason, because they succour the heart when it is oppressed (as it is commonly believed) but for as much as they destroy the predomi∣nancies of acid or fixed Salts, either in the Bowels or the mass of Bloud, and imme∣diately allay or correct the enormities by them produced.

3. If I should exclude sowrish Medicins, or such as are impregnated with a fluid * 1.20 Salt, from this rank of Cordial Medicins, the Authority of almost all Physicians, but especially the Ancients, would rise up against me. For these are by many Doctors reckoned extraordinary Antidotes against the Plague or pestilential Distempers. For the Cure of malignant Fevers, Vinegar of Treacle and of Bezoar are mightily com∣mended; yea they put either Vinegar or something like it, into Waters which they distil for that use. For the same reason Spirit of Vitriol, Juice of Citron, of Allelujah, or Wood Sorrel, of Pomegranates, with many other things of the same sort, are rec∣koned among the number of Cordials; and indeed there is great reason they should be so, because they are the best dissolvers of fixed Salt and adust Sulphur when they combine together and subdue their violent qualities, which is the reason that in ma∣lignant Fevers the coagulations and extravasations of the bloud that use then to hap∣pen, are oftentimes prevented or cured by this kind of Remedies.

4. For the same or the like reasons that the aforesaid Salt Bodies are numbred among Cordials, or Ingredients of such Compositions, you may add to that kind of * 1.21 Medicins such also as have a fixed Salt for their basis or foundation. For seeing there

are several sorts of Salts generated in our bodies, and that they frequently pass from one state to another; hence it is, that upon what occasion soever we ought not to give salt Medicins of any one, but of several kinds. How, and by what means such things as are impregnated with a fixed or lixivial Salt, do either destroy or correct the enormities of the acid Salt which is in our Bowels or our Bloud, I have shewed you before.

5. The nitrous Salt is very justly reckoned among the number of Cordials, as be∣ing * 1.22 such a thing, that unless the particles thereof are breathed in along with the com∣mon air, the life of Animals cannot subsist: but this taken in at the mouth is looked upon as a famous Antipyreuticon, or Antidote against heat, in that it quenches thirst, and mightily asswageth the feverish heat; which notwithstanding it doth, not onely by preserving the mixture of the Bloud, but also by promoting the accension or kin∣dling thereof. I have elsewhere shown you, that nitrous particles as well as sulphu∣reous ones, are requisit for the production of flame, and that the more plentifully they are administred so much the clearer and brisker it burns. Wherefore when the matter, which for the most part consisteth of Sulphur mingled with Salt and Earth, is kindled and gives but a glimmering shine obscured with Smoak and Soot, if you put nitre to it, it will immediately grow bright and clear. So I am of opinion it is in Fevers, when the Bloud being filled with adust feculencies smoaks with a suffocating heat rather than burns out, if you take nitrous particles into your mouth and transmit them into your Bloud, they will presently make it burn clearer, and consequently more kindly; in so much that when the constitution thereof is more open, not onely the serous, but also the fuliginous recrements thereof do more freely make their passage out. Where∣fore my Lord Bacon rightly observes that the particles of Nitre not onely that are taken into the stomach, but such also as are breathed in with the common air, do very much conduce not onely to preserve but to prolong our lives.

These are the chief sorts of Cordial Medicins, whose operation is designed most peculiarly upon the mass of Bloud, the constitution of which (when it is either too close, and thickened with long concoction) they do somewhat dissolve and open, to make way for the morbifick matter; or they recover the Bloud from putrefaction, when it is dissolved by any heterogeneous or malignant mixture, and divided into portions that are envenomed, and consequently obnoxious to corruptive stagnations and coagulations; in as much as the particles of those antidotal Cordials, being trans∣mitted into the Bloud, and confounded with it in the circulation thereof, (yet seeing they are not assimilated or subdued by it) do set upon the venomous particles on every side, and either subdue them or drive them forth; so that the mass of Bloud be∣ing freed from all malignity, and extricated from every kind of coagulation, doth in a short time recover its former temper. Both these sorts of Medicins (in as much as they preserve the Bloud from corruption or extinction) are commonly called Cardiaca, i. e. Cordials, but are more properly named Vitalia, Vitals, or the Preservers of Life. * 1.23

But if it be further inquired, how either these or those, when taken into the sto∣mach, transfer their operations so suddenly, and almost entirely into the Bloud, with∣out any notable action or passion caused in that same part; I say first of all, that such Medicins do not at all oppose, but very well agree with the animal spirits; wherefore * 1.24 they do not irritate or provoke the nervous fibres of the stomach either to a sense of pain, or any expulsive motion; but they rather excite the spirits that are in them to a kind of exultation and complacency, by the propagation of which, the whole soul is presently expanded into a greater breadth. And then again secondly, The passage out of the stomach into the bloud is not, as it was formerly supposed, so long, or ex∣tended through so many turnings, as that we need fear lest the virtue of the Medicin should be lost by the way, but immediately it is transmitted from these into those quar∣ters. For as I formerly observed, there are an innumerable company of bloud vessels which cover the inner coat of the stomach, in so much that not onely purging Physick, but any other Medicins that are designed to work upon the heart, or brain, yea upon the outmost part or surface of the body, begin their operation upon the bloud, even before they are got out of the stomach.

So much of Cordials, as they are commonly called, so far as they restore or reduce the bloud to a better temper, when either in its heat or mixture (the one or both to∣gether) * 1.25 it is depraved. Whose operation and virtue since it affords comfort to the life of man when it is in danger, they may (as I intimated to you) be more properly called Vitals. But besides this, there are some Medicins that go by the name of Cor∣dials, in as much as they first and more immediately exert their operations upon the animal Spirits, and thereby raise, invigorate and compose either some portion of the sensitive soul, and the whole substance of it, when it is too much contracted, depressed,

or otherwise put into disorder. And indeed such Remedies as these do in some mea∣sure affect even the heart it self, though more remotely. For when by giving of them the whole sensitive Soul is raised, and expanded into a greater breadth, the spirits also which are designed for the heart, flow into it more copiously, and put it into a brisker motion; and consequently the Pulse, which was before but weak and languishing, immediately beats stronger, and the Bloud is driven about with greater force. These kind of Medicins, which are not without some good reason taken for Cordials, do not much differ, as to their matter, from those other Vital Compositions which chiefly respect the Bloud; yea, somethings are common to both kinds. As to the ways of * 1.26 their working, these last may be well enough reduced to two Heads, and in as much as they are either smooth, or rough and harsh, they attain the same end; that is, they either raise and comfort the animal Spirits by soothing, and as it were gently and softly touching or stroaking of them, or by vexing and provoking them as it were with Spurs and Goads, they force them into more rapid, and sometimes more regular motions.

The Cordials of the first sort, as soon as they are down in the stomach, yea some∣times * 1.27 by then they are got into the mouth, exert their operations, and with a grateful influence refresh and recruit the spirits that inhabit in the first passages, and as it were in the Portico of the Body; and so by the continuity of them, the same exultation is successively propagated into other spirits, and then into others, till in a short time it * 1.28 passes through the whole substance of the sensitive Soul; in so much as not onely the Brain, but the Heart being refreshed with a fuller influx of Spirits that do as it were leap for joy, perform their several functions and offi•…•…es much more vegete and chear∣fully. To this end (if you take care not to put the bloud into too violent a motion) the Waters commonly called Cordials, do conduce, being distilled with Wine, or Vinous spirits, and with Spices; as likewise Preparations made with Musk and Amber∣grise. So also Aromatick Powders mixed with them. Moreover to this place belong Magisteries and Tinctures of Coral and Pearl, together with Elixirs, and a great many more of the same sort, that have a grateful taste or smell. Hence also all sweet smel∣ling things, and things that are pleasant to the sight, are numbred among Cordials, in that they refresh the animal spirits: for whatsoever kindly affects and delights the spirits that rule in any organ of sense, immediately raise and enlarge the whole Soul. In the mean time other Cordials of this rank seem first to work upon the Brain, * 1.29 without any great disturbance to the spirits that are planted in the entrance of the body, yea without scarce so much as making the first passages and the mass of bloud in any manner sensible of their presence. Of which sort are some of those Medicins that are called Cephalicks, which though they are not so grateful to the palate or stomach, and scarce put the bloud upon a fermentation, or into any violent motion; yet they clear the Brain, and sharpen and corroborate the animal Spirits which are the Inhabi∣tants of it. Of this nature seem to be Sage, Betony, Rosemary, Vervene, and many other things.

2. Some other Medicins and kinds of Administrations (which may very well be * 1.30 reckoned among Cordials) work after a manner very different, and do a man good upon a quite contrary reason; that is, they do not kindly treat the animal spirits, and make them expand themselves equally, but they rather provoke them, and force them to run out extravagantly, and throw themselves to and fro; and that upon this score, to wit, that whereas before they were out of order, and being dispersed unequally, did flow in some places thicker and in others thinner, and consequently intermitted some part of their functions, and especially within the Brain or Heart, or performed them very irregularly, at that time the best remedy is to disturb and put them into a greater commotion by an ungrateful Medicin: for by that means they, (as if they * 1.31 were rouzed up by lashing, or being whipt, forsake their former disorders, and return of their own accord into their regular motions. For so it is usual in Faintings, Swoonings, oppression of the Heart, or Convulsions, yea in almost all other failuers, languishments, or irregularities, to give the Parties concerned either Spirit of Harts horn, Soot, Sal Armoniack, Tincture of Castor, or Asa Foetida, with other liquors; to hold these things and the like, as especially volatile Salts, and chymical Oils that will burn; and in sudden faintings of the Soul, it may be convenient to sprinkle cold water in the Parties face, to pluck him by the nose, to shake him violently, and some∣times to hit him a cuff on the ear. Such Administrations as these give the Patient ease, in as much as they rouze the animal Spirits when they are oppessed or distracted, or doing ought that is foreign to their proper office, and command them when they are thereby expanded, and as it were set in Battalia to return to their several former du∣ties. But whereas some People think that help proceeds from this, that the Bloud

being hindered somewhere in its course, and especially when it stagnates in the heart, begets the aforesaid maladies, and is by those Remedies and manners of Administra∣tions restored to its proper motion; I say, that the cause and cure of all those indis∣positions, depends but secondarily and not immediately upon the Bloud, but that ori∣ginally not onely the stagnation of the bloud proceeds from the hearts animal mo∣tions being hindered, but also that the impediments of the former, are not to be re∣moved but by the restitution of the latter. Having now recounted to you the se∣veral sorts of Medicins that are commonly taken for Cordials, and the ways and rea∣sons of their operating upon the Bloud or Spirits, or upon both together, which (I sup∣pose) I have rightly laid down, I must in the next place subjoin some select Forms or Receipts of them, appropriated to the several ends of Physick aforesaid.

CHAP. II. The several Sorts and Receipts of Cordials.

SInce the Medicins that are commonly taken for Cordials have been distinguished into two kinds, to wit, one sort, that chiefly and more immediately work upon * 1.32 the Bloud, and others that do the same upon the animal Spirits; in the first rank of them that are designed for regulating the heat of the Bloud, I have placed such as force the liquor thereof, when it is too cold, or slow in its motion, to run higher, and by increa∣sing or exalting the sulphureous particles to a greater quantity and degree, make it burn, as it were, and flame, such as are generous Wines, hot Distilled-compound Waters, Spi∣rit and Tincture of Saftron, Elixir Vitae of Quercetan, Tincture of Salt of Tartar, of Steel, and other things that are filled chiefly with Spirit and Sulphur in great quan∣tity; of which People may take sometimes one sort, and sometimes another, even as the Patient pleases. Whenever a languishment and fainting of the Spirits, with great oppression of the Heart afflicts a man, by reason that the Bloud is too much inflamed, and consequently is excessively crowded, and almost stagnates in the Heart, in this case Aqua Mirabilis, Cinamon, Clove and Wormwood Water compound. and like∣wise such as is distilled from Orange Peel with Wine, is very good; to which some∣times you may add a Dose of some Spirit, Elixir, or Tincture. * 1.33

But here you must use great care and caution, lest you indulge your self too often to these kinds of Cordials. For I have known a great many men and women of good fashion, who by the too frequent use of them, have contracted such an ill habit, that they have been forced several times in a day to drink a small draught or a dram either of generous Wine, some Spirits or strong Waters; and then daily to increase, and often to repeat the Doses of the same liquors (for Nature having been used a little while to extraordinaries, doth not continue long satisfied with the same quan∣tity) in so much that at last their stomach can endure or digest nothing of a moderate nature, but still desires things that are stronger and hotter. But their other entrals, and especially their Liver are so dried and roasted with it, that there is a diminution in their stock of Bloud which is depraved in its temper also, and a distempered ill ha∣bit of body, or shortness of Life hath been the consequence of it.

Divers and sundry are the occasions upon which many People are induced to this ill habit of sipping Cordial Liquors. For besides sudden languishments, proceeding perchance from great sorrow, hard labour, excessive sweatings, or acute pains; if at any time such food as is disagreable, creates a disturbance or nauseousness in the sto∣mach, or that through a convulsive indisposition, a man seems to be in danger of Swooning, or having his senses taken from him (and for many other reasons) it is usual for the Party to drink Vinous Spirits, or Aqua Vitae [i. e. Water of Life] though it is improperly so called. And then after those sorts of Cordials having been for some time taken, begin to be agreable and delightful, the mass of Bloud being somewhat more largely expanded and put into a greater heat, causes the substance of the whole Soul to be extended and excited into a kind of joy and triumph; which when it sinks again, the Soul being mindful of that complacency which it received, and not content with its present state or condition, longs for the same again, and imme∣diately covers once more to take the like pleasure. Wherefore upon every disorder of the body or mind, as soon as the spirits begin a little to faint, forthwith, for the raising of them, a draught of Cordial must be had, and if it be at hand, is certainly

swallowed; and so through the frequent and useless spreading or hoisting of the Souls Sails, the Fabrick of the Body, like that of a Ship, is weakened. Nor doth this evil custom prevail upon Gluttons and Drunkards onely, but sometimes Learned men, and very pretty ingenious women, to improve their fansie, and put themselves in a chearful humour, do, by frequent sipping of Spirits and hot Waters, impair and often∣times totally destroy their own health. I shall not need to add in this place the com∣mon and vulgar Receipts of this kind of Cordials; it seems sufficient that I have hin∣ted to you the abuses of them.

In the second Class of Cordials I placed such as do somewhat allay the excessive * 1.34 effervescence of the bloud, and do a little restrain and temper the immoderate heat thereof, as Distilled Waters, acid and nitrous Medicins, &c.

Take of Water of Wood Sorrel, a whole Citron, and Strawberries, each ℥ iv. of Syrup of * 1.35 the Juice of Citron ℥ j. of Pearl pulverized ʒ j. make a Julap. The Dose is ℥ ij. thrice or four times a day.

Take of Water of Sweet Apples, and of Raspberries, each ℥ vj. of Syrup of Violets ℥ j. Spi∣rit of Vitriol xij. drops, and make a Julap.

Take of Spring Water a pint and an half, of Limon juice ℥ ij. of Sugar ℥ j. ss. make a Po∣tion, of which you may take, when you please ℥ iij.

Take of Grass Roots ℥ iij. of Candied Ringo ℥ vj. two Apples sliced (or of Corins ℥ ij. of * 1.36 the shavings of Ivory and Harts horn, each ʒ ij. of the Leaves of Wood Sorrel one hand∣ful; boyl them in Spring water, three pints to two. To the straining thereof, when it is clarified add of Sal Prunella ʒ j. ss. of Syrup of Violets ℥ j. ss. make an Apozeme; of which the Dose is ℥ iij. or iv. thrice a day.

Take of Conserve of Red Roses vitriolated ℥ iv. of Sprint water ij. pints, dissolve it close and hot, and then strain it. The Dose is ℥ iij. when you please.

Take of the Conserve of Barberies, and of the rob of Raspberries, each ℥ j. ss. of Pearl pre∣pared ʒ ss. of the Confection of Jacinth ʒ j. of Syrup of Citron juice a convenient quan∣tity. * 1.37 Make a Confection, of which the Dose is ʒ ss. thrice a day.

The third sort of Cordials affords us such kind of Medicins, as being designed against the disorders of the bloud when it is very hot, do unlock and open the con∣stitution * 1.38 of it when it is strict and close, in order to the separating and carrying off of its recrements or dreggy parts. Now as these are chiefly and almost onely saline, so also, according to the manifold state of those saline particles of which they consist, they are of several sorts; though for the most part the ground or basis of them is either a volatile or alchalized, or acid, fixed or nitrous Salt. Of each of these kinds I will give you some Receipts.

In the first place Cordials that are impregnated with volatile Salt, are usually given not onely in Fevers with respect to the Bloud, but also in fainting Fits and sudden lan∣guishings * 1.39 in respect to the animal spirits, and that with success according to the Pre∣scriptions following.

Take of Spirit of Harts horn xv. or xx. drops, of Treacle water ʒ ij. and give it in a spoon, * 1.40 drinking thereupon a small draught of proper liquor. In the same manner you must give Spirit of Bloud, of Dead mens Skull, Soot, or Spirit of Sal Armoniack com∣pounded.

Take of Salt of Vipers ʒ j. of Chrystal Mineral ʒ ij. of Powder of Claws. compound. ʒ j. ss. * 1.41 mingle them and make a Powder, of which the Dose is ʒ ss. to ℈ ij. in a spoonful of Cor∣dial Julap, drinking upon it a small draught of the same.

Take of the Flower of Sal Armoniack ℈ ss. of Bezoar Mineral ℈ j. make a Powder and give it in a spoonful of proper liquor.

Secondly, Those are looked upon by the Vulgar to be the best Cordials that are, * 1.42 whose ground is an Alchalized or a petrifying Salt; as first of all, Eastern Bezoar, Pearl, Coral, and other Powders of Shells and Stones.

Take of Gascoign Powder, or of Claws compounded ℈ j. to ʒ ss. and give it in a spoonful of Cordial Julap, drinking upon it of the same liquor ℥ ij.

Take of Eastern Bezoar gr. vj. to XX. and give it the same way.

Take of the Powder of Claws and Eyes of Crabs, each ʒ j. of Pearl and Coral, both prepared, each ℈ iv. of both sorts of Bezoar, each ʒ ss. of the best Bole Armeniack, of Aurum Diaphoreticum, each ℈ ij. of Bezoar Mineral ʒ j. mingle it and make a Cordial Pow∣der. The Dose is ℈ j. to ℈ ij. or ʒ j. in a convenient vehicle.

In Pleurisies the following preparations are looked upon as the most proper Cor∣dials, in as much as by destroying the predominancies of the acid Salt they take off, or * 1.43 prevent the coagulations and extravasations of the Bloud.

Take of the Powder of Boars Tusk ʒ ss. to ʒ j. of Chrystal Mineral ℈ j. of Powder of the Flower of Rhead Poppy ℈ ss. make a Powder to be taken in any sort of Liquor. In the same manner you may give Powder of Crabs Eyes and of the jaw of the Pike Fish.

3. To this place belong also Preparations of Nitre, which are often given with suc∣cess * 1.44 in Fevers, according to the Receipts following.

Take of Chrystal Mineral ℈ j. of the volatile Salt of Harts horn from gr. iij. to vj. mingle them and make a Powder; which you may give in a spoonful of Cordial Julap.

Take of Chrystal Mineral, and Antimonium Diaphoreticum, or Sweat-causing Antimony each ℈ j. of Bezoar Powder ℈ ss. make a Powder, and give it the same way.

4. Medicins whose basis is a fluid or sowerish Sal, is given in Fevers to open or loosen the constitution of the Bloud, according to the Forms following. * 1.45

Take of Spirit of Vitriol drops, from iv. to vj. of Carduus Water ℥ iij. of Treacle Water ʒ ij. of Syrup of Citron juice ℥ iij. of Pearl ℈ ss. make a draught, to be taken twice or thrice a day. After the same manner take Spirit of Salt or Nitre. To the same end you may take Cherbet made of Limons dissolved in Spring Water, and likewise that divine Drink, called Potus divinus Palmarii.

Take of the Powder of Harts horn calcined, or Antimony Diaphoretick ʒ iij. of spirit of Vitriol or of Salt ʒ j. pound them in a Mortar of Glass and dry them. The Dose is ℈ j. to ʒ ss. in a spoonful of Cordial Julap.

5. The fixed or lixivial Salts of Herbs are oftentimes ingredients in the Composi∣tions of Antidotes. And so likewise Medicins whose Bases or Grounds they are, in * 1.46 as much as they are reckoned great enemies to Fevers, ought also to be numbered among Cordials. For example sake I propose to you that common Medicin;

Take of the Salt of Wormwood ℈ j. of Carduus water ℥ iij. of spirit of Vitriol or Oil of Sulphur ℈ j. of Syrup of Violets ʒ iij. make a draught to be taken two or three hours be∣fore the Fit.

Take of the Water of a whole Citron and of Wood Sorrel, each half a pound, of the Salt of Tartar ʒ j. ss. of Limon juice ʒ ij. of Sugar ℥ ss. mingle them and make a Julap, which you make use of in continued Fevers, that make no remissions. The Dose is ℥ iij. twice a day.

The last Class of Cordials, and truly in some respect the chiefest, is due to Anti∣dotes, in as much as they are most vital. Of these there are so many sorts and Re∣ceipts abroad in the World, that if I should recount them every one, or but the best of them onely, this Work would grow to a vast Volume. Of such Medicins as these there are many and great Treatises extant, and therefore we ought to be somewhat more brief upon this subject. Since therefore Antidotes are either Preservatives or Curers, I will give you in the first place such select Remedies as are to be used whilest a man is yet in health against the contagion of any Pestilence or Malignity whatever, omitting in the mean while what is usually prescribed concerning the Cures and alte∣teration

caused by the ambient or common Air; and then in the second place I will lay before you choice Forms of Prescriptions, which are to be used after the Contagion hath seized you.

1. Antidotes for preserving of Health. * 1.47

Take of the Conserve of the Leaves of Rue ℥ iv. of Mithridate, and Confectio liberans, * 1.48 each ℥ j. of Confection of Jacinth ʒ ij. of Salt of Wormwood ʒ ij. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. of red Pulvis Pan∣nonicus ℥ ss. of Bezoar Vinegar a convenient quantity. Make an Electuary. The Dose is the quantity of a Chesnut thrice a day.

Take of the Powder of the Roots of Virginy Creeper, of Contrayerva, choice Zedoary and Species Liberans,, each ʒ ij. of Camphire ℈ ij. of Sugar dissolved in Bezoar Vinegar, and made into Tablets ℥ vj. according to Art, and make the weight of each Tablet to be ʒ 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Let the Patient eat one or two several times in a day.

Take of the Roots of Virginy Creeper ℥ iij. and boyl them in three pints of Spring Water till * 1.49 half be consumed; to the straining of which add of the best Honey ℥ ij. of Treacle of Andromachus ℥ j. dissolve it hot and close and strain it. The Dose is two or three spoon∣fuls three or four times in a day.

Take of the Flower of Brimstone ℥ iv. and let it melt in an earthen Pot, then put into it * 1.50 by spoonfuls ℥ iv. of the Salt of Wormwood, stirring them together, till such time as the whole mass grows red. Then add of the Powder of Aloes, Myrrhe, and Olibanum, each ʒ j. of Saffron ʒ ss. and stir them again for a quarter of an hour, till they are incorporated. Then when the mass is cold, and you have put it into a Glass Vessel, let it melt into an Oil that will shine and be as pleasant to the sight as a Ruby. The Dose is X. or XX. drops in ℥ j. ss. or ℥ ij. of Bezoar Water twice a day.

Or else to the aforesaid Powder pour spirit of Wine (rectified upon the Roots of Contrayerva, or Drakes Root and Virginy Creeper) to the depth of iij. fingers, and take out a Tincture, of which the Dose is XX. or XXX. drops in a convenient vehicle.

Or take of the same Powder ℥ ss. and pour to it two pints of generous Wine, dissolve it close and hot. The Dose is a spoonful twice or thrice a day.

2. After the Party is infected and the temper is vitiated and begins to corrupt, you * 1.51 must use the same sort of Remedies still, though in a greater Dose, and oftener; yea, many times not onely Vinegars, but the fixed Salts of Herbs are joined with Antidotes to good purpose; in that by them the curdlings of the Bloud are dissolved, and then, when the heterogeneous particles are evaporated, and the rest forced back into their due mixture, the liquor of it at last recovers and retaineth its former condition. To these ends, though there are an innumerable company of Medicins in many Physick Books, yet I shall propose but onely one or two in this place.

Curing Antidotes.

Take of Bezoar Water ℥ ij. ss. of Bezoar Vinegar ℥ ss. of Treacle of Andromachus ʒ j. * 1.52 mingle them by shaking them together in a Glass, and make a draught, which let the Party take and sweat upon it.

Take of Gascoign Powder, Roots of Contrayerva, and Virginy Creeper, each ℈ j. to XXV. gr. * 1.53 make a Powder, and give it in a spoonful of Treacle Water, drinking thereupon a small draught of the same, or of Cordial Julap.

Take of the Powder of Toads prepared, of Powder of Claws compound. each ʒ ss. and make a Powder, to be given in the same manner.

Take of Bezoar Mineral ʒ ss. of Treacle of Andromachus ʒ j. of Camphire gr. vj. of Bezoar * 1.54 Vinegar as much as you think fit, and make a Bolus, to be taken the same way.

Take of Water of Wood Sorrel, and Dragons wort, each ℥ iv. of Scordium compounded ℥ ij. * 1.55 of Treacle and Bezoar Water, •…•…ach ℥ j. of Pearl pulverized ʒ j. of Syrup of Clove∣gilliflowers

(or made of t•…•…e juice of Citron) ℥ ij. of Spirit of Vitriol xij. drops, and make a Julap. The Dose is ℥ iij. several times a day, sometimes by it self, and sometimes with other Medicins.

CHAP. III. Of Indispositions in the Heart, and their Cures.

NOw I have given you an account of Cordial Medicins, as they are vulgar•…•…y, * 1.56 though improperly called, I come next in order to treat of Indispositions in the Heart, whereby that part is really and truly afflicted, and consequently requires true Cordial Remedies or Hearts-ease. And first you must understand, that under that name of Passio Cardiaca [or an Indisposition in the Heart] two Distempers, some∣what different one from another, are usually signified; that is to say, a Tremour or Trembling of the Heart, and the Palpitation or Beating thereof: in both which Dis∣eases * 1.57 the motion of the Heart, or the Pulse seems to be inordinate, and in some mea∣sure convulsive; but the inordinacy of the former consisteth in the quickness of its vibrations or pulsings, and of the latter in the vehemency or violence of them. I shall inquire first into the reason of this latter, and then endeavour to lay down the Theory of the other, and at length the Cure of them both.

The Palpitation of the Heart is sometimes so vehement and excessive, that it may not * 1.58 only be very plainly perceived by the touch, but also seen by the Eyes, yea, often heard at some distance. Besides which, it is reported by very credible Authors, that by the violent beating of the Heart, and its knocking against them, the ribs have been some∣times broken; or (in younger people) that they have been driven outward, and re∣mained protuberant, or in a Bump.

But this motion, though it be perceptible to so many senses, yet it is not yet mani∣fest * 1.59 to reason, what part is so moved, that by each pulse thereof it makes the left side of the breast to start out. I suppose all men, as well learned as unlearned, do unani∣mously agree, that the part so moved and strongly beaten, is the very Heart it self; but I ask them, whether the whole Body of the Heart, or onely some part of it throbs in that nature, transgressing the usual sphere of its vibration? If they say, the whole body of it is so moved, I would have them assign, whether this be performed in the Systole or Diastole, that is, the Contraction or Dilatation of it. Surely not the for∣mer; because whilest the Heart is contracted, it is plain to the very eye-sight, that the bulk of it is diminished in all its parts; nor can it be any more in its Diastole, be∣cause in that state the Heart returns onely to its natural and ordinary situation and bigness, and remains therein for some small time. Hence, seeing the Heart, accor∣ding to the Laws of its own vibration, though never so much increased or heightned, cannot beat and throb so outwardly (which appe•…•…s farther also, because in a fit of the Fever, when it beats most vehemently it doth not leap outward and knock against the ribs) I formerly suspected that, during this disturbance, it was in a convulsive mo∣tion, quite contrary to the ordinary pulsation, whereby the Heart, like a member that is in a convulsive agitation, is totally raised altogether and moved out of its place. But when I understood the doctrine of the Nerves more fully, I presently receded from that opinion, because it is certain that the Heart cannot be raised or carried any way whatever, by any other muscle besides its own proper moving fibres. Wherefore when I considered of this matter more seriously, at last it came into my mind, that whilest the heart is contracted, to exclude or press the bloud out of its cavities, and the point as well as sides thereof fall in and are drawn nearer to each other, yet if all the bloud cannot immediately at every systole or contraction be clearly thrown out and discharged, it must of necessity follow, that the roots of the vessels, being filled to the heighth, and very much extended, will leap up and throb with some kind of violence, and then, through the reverberation which is here made, that the whole frame of the Heart will be very much shaken.

And indeed, that this Distemper arises sometimes from such a cause, I saw it lately * 1.60 confirmed from an Anatomical observation. A famous and pious Divine, when he had lived a good while subject to the Palpitation of the Heart for several fits which came sometimes of themselves, and sometimes occasionally, at l•…•…st began to be afflicted

with it continually, day and night, and had a difficulty of breathing besides; and after that in a few Moneths, being as it were worn away by the constancy of so very trou∣blesome a Distemper, he died. When his body was opened, the right side of his Heart appeared immediately swelled with congealed bloud, the auricle [or ear] where∣of being likewise augmented to a vast extent, contained in it a great quantity of gru∣mous or thick gore. The reason why these things were so, appeared presently; to wit, because the Lungs being very much obstructed, and stuffed with black, extrava∣saated, and every way stagnant bloud, could not admit all that bloud which was conti∣nually to be discharged out of that ventricle or cavity; whereupon, whilest the Heart, which endeavoured all that it could to make a total exclusion of it, at every systole or contraction, is drawn together inwardly at the cone or tip, and in the middle, and is di∣minished in its bigness, the basis or bottom of it being very full, struts out by reason of the bloud which is gathered there, or sticks, or is reverberated [i. e. beaten back] in its passage, and being more tumid [or swollen] through the bulk of the auricle, beats more strongly, and raises it self outward.

But to say the truth, it is not onely from this cause that the Palpitation of the Heart * 1.61 proceeds, because that Distemper is not always constant and perpetual, but for the most part wandering and uncertain, infesting the Heart by fits, and then again either of its own accord or by the use of Remedies it ceases. Moreover it often invades some persons, whose Lungs are sound enough and free from all consumptiveness.

And yet, although this Disease may arise from divers causes, yet in all of them I am of opinion that it takes the same way still in affecting the parts. For it seems to me that the heart onely beats, in as much as upon the systole or contraction thereof, whilest the cone [or point] and sides are drawn together and straitned, the base [or bottom] of it, together with the roots of the vessels, is enlarged and swells, by reason that the bloud is gathered there, and sticks, or is repurcussed [i. e. beaten back] in some measure. Now that the course of the bloud in this place is somewhat hindered or rebated, is manifest from this, that whilest the heart beats vehemently and very strongly in the side, the Artery in the Wrist most commonly pulseth very languidly and weakly, as conveying but a very small rivelet or stream of bloud. Since therefore the conjunct or immediate cause and true reason of this Disease, consists altogether in a stoppage and gathering of the bloud about the base or bottom of the heart and the roots of the vessels, our business is next to enquire how many ways, and by what other causes that kind of Disease is usually produced.

Upon this occasion, that we may not much blame the fleshy part of the heart, nor * 1.62 the proper moving fibres thereof, this defect seems chiefly and for the most part to be imputed to the bloud, or the vessels joined to the heart. The reason of the former is sufficiently manifest, for as much as those who have watery bloud, that is less apt to boyl up and be inflamed, as Virgins that are troubled with the Greensickness, and Men or Women that have an ill habit of body, are for the most part found to be subject to this Disease, and are almost constantly used to feel the shock of it from any ex∣traordinary quick motion of the body. The reason of which is, because the bloud, when it consists of dull and unactive particles, is not freely and nimbly thrown out of * 1.63 the cavities of the heart, but oftentimes stays and stagnates in them; and therefore whensoever the heart through any motion of the body is filled more plentifully with them, so that the whole quantity that is in it cannot be discharged at every systole or contraction, it labours with the greatest force imaginable, till it casts it into its own base, and the roots of the vessels, and scarce any farther; where when it is gathered together, and making some little stay, causeth the containing parts to swell, it produ∣ceth the Passio Cardiaca [or Indisposition of the heart] with difficulty of breathing besides.

But furthermore, this Disease of the Heart doth many times happen to some per∣sons that have very hot bloud, which is apt enough to be heated or put into a ferment. * 1.64 For to a great many people that are very subject to the Hypochondriack Distemper, Fits of the Mother, or other convulsive Maladies, this evil is frequent and familiar; wherefore in these cases, we may justly suspect that the Arteries joining to the heart are in the fault. By what means the obstruction of them, hindering the free flowing of the bloud out of the heart, produces the palpitation thereof, the Story just now cited, doth manifestly declare: and besides that, the shutting or filling of those vessels, caused several other ways, may produce the same effect. I knew an old man that was used for many years to drink strong, old Beer, as also Wine, and oftentimes un∣derwent * 1.65 the pain of the aforesaid Distemper: which person afterward dying of a mortification in his Stomach, with continual vomiting, languishment of his spirits, and other symptoms; I opened his body, and found the body or trunk of the great Ar∣tery

just without the heart as hard as any bone, or rather any stone, and the sides of it very much compressed, in so much that there being onely a crevice left, the bloud could hardly flow forth with half the torrent that it should have done. And therefore justly ascribed the palpitation of his heart, wherewith he was frequently troubled, to this cause. But it is probable that this indisposition doth sometimes proceed from the * 1.66 bloud that thickneth in the cavities of the heart and the vessels thereunto appertaining, and hardeneth, as it were into fleshy bits.

But besides all this, seeing the palpitation of the heart is oftentimes accompanied * 1.67 with other convulsive Distempers, as I just now hinted, we may likewise suspect that the cause thereof is sometimes meerly convulsive. I formerly (in my Book called Neurologia, [or a Treatise of the Nerves]) demonstrated from Anatomical Observa∣tions, that a vast number of Nerves and nervous fibres did embrace and encompass the trunks of the arteries in many places, and especially about the bottom of the heart; the use and actions whereof I thought were of that nature, that the different boylings, fluxes, and refluxes of the bloud, yea sometimes also the stagnations of it, which are usually caused by the vehement passions of anger, fear, joy, sadness, and other indis∣positions, may thereby be brought to pass, so far forth as those small lines or cords of Nerves do variously streighten, compress, or it may be, sometimes quite shut these bloud-carrying vessels. Moreover it is not very improbable that the fits of Palpita∣tion in the heart do sometimes arise from those vessels being in a convulsion, and some∣what too long streightned, so that they hinder the free discharge of the bloud out of the heart. Indeed I impute (and that upon good ground too) not onely this but also those other diseases of the heart to such a cause: but as to the manner of bringing it to pass, I think I ought a little to recede from that opinion. For when I had more exactly weighed the uses and actions of the Nerves, I found at last that neither they, * 1.68 nor their branches did either draw or streighten the parts one jot, but that this whole affair was performed altogether by the fleshy fibres, and that the nerves did onely con∣vey fresh supplies of spirits and instincts or inclinations to the performing of new mo∣tions, into these moving parts: in the same manner as they do to the membranous fi∣bres, in order to the perception which is in them.

Whilest therefore I seriously inquired for what uses so many nerves as are dissemi∣nated through the coats of the vessels, should serve; at last I found that those Arte∣ries * 1.69 contract and extend themselves by their own strength, as well as other parts about the heart, and that for the performing of their motion both natural and forced, not onely supplies of spirits, but the causes of their inclinations to move, were brought in∣to them by those nerves. For it is plain from Anatomical Observations, that the middlemost coat of every Artery, is manifestly muscular, and consists throughout of fleshy fibres, such as those are in the Stomach, Guts, and some other entrals. Which annular fibres, encompassing the body or trunk of the Artery on every side, as it were, with a thick row of small hairs, have, without question, their Systole and Diastole, or Contractions and Extensions, as much as the heart it self. Wherefore it is altogether ne∣cessary, that whilst the fibres of the Heart, and then these of the Arteries are successively * 1.70 and regularly contracted, the bloud be rapidly driven from one part into another. Where fore it is not for nothing that some Physicians have attributed to the Arteries also a pul∣sifick faculty, or power to cause a pulse: for it is very improbable that the circulation of the bloud is performed by the mere impulse of the heart, as it were from a Syringe. How much more likely is it that an artery, being in some measure contracted after every wave of bloud, doth through its whole passage, push it still onward through lesser rivelets, and more contracted spaces? According to this ordinary way of driving the bloud about in equal proportion, the Arteries seem to have their constant turns of Systole and Diastole, or Contractions and Dilatations. Which though they are very swift and quicker than the twinkling of ones eye, yet they are performed successively through all the parts of the arterial Pipe or Conduit. But seeing that we observe the equal * 1.71 course of the bloud to be diversly interrupted and disturbed according to the force of such and such indispositions, it must necessarily follow, that it proceeds from this alone, that the Arteries (by reason of the instinct which is conveyed into the moving fibres through the nerves) being suddenly in several places streightned, do either stop and restrain the current of the bloud, or push it forward more impetuously. In fear, sudden grief, shame, love, and other Passions, which cause a great consternation or confusion in the mind, it is probable that the trunk of the Aorta is so contracted and streightned by those fibres which are suddenly and long compressed, that the bloud gushes out of the cavity of the heart with great difficulty, and that but in small por∣tions. * 1.72 Wherefore from the gathering and stagnation of it therein, great disturbance and oppression doth presently proceed; and then after that, if upon this stoppage of

the bloud there succeed a strong and vehement pulsation of the heart to throw it out, it will of necessity follow, that by reason of the bloud which at every systole or con∣traction is cast out into the basis of the heart, and there repelled, those parts must be very much distended, and consequently must cause the palpitation of the heart.

But as vehement passions of the Mind produce this distemper in most people, so Hypochondriacal persons, and such as are inclined to convulsions, feel the torment of * 1.73 it upon every light occasion, yea sometimes without any manifest cause. For those in whom the Bowel nerves, and those of the heart, are usually beset with morbifick [or diseased matter] in so much that such matter being moved through fulness or irri∣tation, puts the spirits that inhabit those parts and the parts adjacent very commonly into convulsions and inordinate contractions, it frequently happens, by reason that the nerves which are inserted into the roots of the Heart-arteries, are affected by such a cause, that the fibres also of these vessels being put into convulsions and contracted, as I have told you, produce the palpitation of the heart. How the nerves of the heart are irritated or disturbed by a near or remote cause, or by the morbifick matter that settles either in the head, near the original of the nerves, or in the parts about the heart or Hypochondria, and are put in several kinds of convulsions, I have elsewhere shewn; from whence the causes of the palpitation thereof, as often as it is convulsive, may be deduced.

As to the Cure of this Disease, seeing the Causes of it are many and various, the * 1.74 Cure thereof ought likewise to be performed different ways. For as to what some people say, that those kinds of Remedies which being vulgarly called Cordials, are said to refresh the heart, and to afford strength to it when it is out of order, are good in all these cases, is not onely contrary to reason, but common experience also. Since therefore I have formerly declared, that the palpitation of the heart proceedeth either from the ill temper of the bloud, or indisposition of the arteries belonging thereunto, and that I have touched upon both the several ways of their affecting the parts, it now remains, that I accommodate or apply to every sort of this Distemper a proper Method of Physick, together with select Receipts of Medicins.

1. First therefore, if at any time this Disease proceeds from the illness of the bloud, * 1.75 the way to cure it will be chiefly to exalt or raise the bloud, which is too watery, and unapt to be heated, or put into a ferment, to a better temper, and to relieve or aug∣ment the active principles of it, which are depressed or weakened; to which end spi∣rituous and salt Medicins of all sorts, as also sulphureous and especially chalybeate ones, do conduce. Besides which you may refer to this place such remedies as are usually prescribed in the Greensickness, Leucophlegmatia [or a Dropsie, caused by abundance of white phlegm] and the colder sort of Scurvey.

Take of Conserve of Roman Wormwood, of the yellow rind of Oranges and Limons, each * 1.76 ℥ ij. of Winters Bark pulverized ʒ ij. of Species Diacurcumae ʒ j. of Steel prepared with Sulphur ʒ iij. of Salt of Wormwood ʒ i. ss. with a convenient quantity of Syrup of Citron rind, and make an Electuary. The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg in the morning and at 5 of the Clock in the afternoon, drinking thereupon of the following Julap ℥ iij. and walk about.

Take of the Water of Cuckow-pintle Leaves one pint, and of Penny-royal, and Hyssop, each * 1.77 ℥ iv. of Water of Worms and of Snails, and of Aqua Mirabilis, each ℥ j. of Sugar ℥ j. mingle them and make a Julap.

Take of the Tincture of Antimony ℥ j. The Dose is from 20 to 25 drops twice a day, with * 1.78 the same Julap.

To this place also may be referred the Tincture or Syrup of Steel, as likewise the Elixir Proprietatis, with many other Medicins.

Secondly, The palpitation of the Heart ariseth more frequent and much stronger * 1.79 from the Arteries thereunto belonging, which are indisposed; and then their fault is either an Obstruction or Convulsiveness.

The former of these two Distempers is most commonly continual, and many times incurable; but especially if it be caused by a consumption in the Lungs, or from the roots of the Arteries being half filled up or compressed by a small bony swelling or excrescence. Which sort of causes, if at any time they happen to be such, and can be perfectly extinguished, it would be in vain to endeavour the removal of them;

but rather take care onely that ease be given to the Patient by sleepy Medicins, and his life preserved, though in misery, a little longer.

But it is not improbable (as I just now hinted) that the Arteries may be for a great part filled up sometimes by a polypous or corrupt matter that settles there, and is usual∣ly generated within the cavity of the heart, and consequently the free and total dis∣charge of the bloud out of it hindered. But as I think the way to distinguish when it is so, is very difficult, so the cure of it is no less rare and unusual. When you have any suspition of such a thing, saline Medicins seem to be of most use, and among them, such chiefly as are impregnated with volatile or acid Salt: but you must not use them both together, but some time before try the latter, and then (if they do not do the business) apply the former.

Take of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack compounded, viz. distilled with Woodlice, or other * 1.80 things that are good against an Asthma [a Disease in the Lungs that stops the breath] ʒ iij. The Dose is from 15 to 20 Drops thrice a day, with a Julap or Distilled Wa∣ter that is proper. In the same manner you may try Spirit of Harts horn, Soot, Bloud, and Sculls.

Take of Sea Salt or Vitriol distilled, and often cohobated or redistilled with spirit of Wine * 1.81 impregnated with Pneumonick herbs [or herbs good for the Lungs] ʒ iij. The Dose is from 15 to 20 drops the same way. For these uses Spirit of Tartar, of Guiacum, and of Box, are usually prepared.

3. The Palpitation of the Heart is oftentimes a convulsive Indisposition, and is * 1.82 usually produced from the like cause and manner of illness as other hypochondriacal or asthmatical maladies are. The Cure whereof ought also to be attempted by Re∣medies that are good against Convulsions: but you must take care to make choice of them with some distinction, according as the Disease happens, either in an hot or a cold temperament of body.

In respect to the former, the following Medicins may be taken.

Take of Spirit of Amber Armoniack ʒ iij. The Dose is from 15 to 20 drops twice a day, * 1.83 in the Julap, or distilled Water that is appropriated to it. In the same manner you may give Tincture of Tartar, Steel, or Antimony, at several times.

Of the trembling of the Heart.

The trembling of the Heart (which goes also under the name of the Passio Cardiaca [or Indisposition of the Heart] is a distinct, nay a quite different Disease from the * 1.84 Palpitation of it. For in that, the fleshy or moving fibres of the heart it self onely seem to be affected, nor doth the cause of the Disease lie in the Bloud or the Arteries belonging to the Heart, as in this other Malady [of the Palpitation] it doth.

The trembling of the heart may be very well described to be a Convulsive twin∣ging, * 1.85 or rather trepidation of the flesh thereof; whereby the motive fibres make very quick, but abrupt, and as it were half turns of their systoles and diastoles, or contra∣ctions and dilatations, with great speed, but contracted onely half way; so that the Bloud cannot be brought into the cavities of the heart, or carried out of them, but by exceeding small portions.

Seeing this Disease is a convulsive motion of a certain muscle, to wit, the Heart, * 1.86 for the more full understanding of it we should refer to this place all that I have else∣where discoursed concerning the Motion of Muscles, and likewise what I have said of Convulsive Distempers. Nor will I be tedious in repetitions; onely observe in one word, that every muscle consists of two tendons and a fleshy belly; and that the * 1.87 contraction there of is performed by the animal spirits leaping forth from the fibres of both those tendons into the fleshy ones, which whilest they blow up, or inflate, and tumifie [or make to swell] they thereby shorten and contract them; but when that motion is over, the spirits return into the tendons, and the fleshy fibres are relaxed, or slackened again.

Since the moving faculty is twofold, to wit, either voluntary, or meerly natural, in the former I observe that the spirits are called forth out of the tendons into the fleshy fibres by the command of the Appetite, and that they remain within them in action, till by its order they are dismissed; and then that they return into the tendons and are at quiet, till they are again commanded forth; so that the times of their motion

and rest are unequal, uncertain, and variously determined, according to our plea∣sure.

In the mere natural way it is quite otherwise; for the animal Spirits are discharged out of the tendons into the fleshy parts with a perpetual or constant reciprocation [or motion to and fro] and having made a short contraction in them flow back immediately out of these into those, and so on the contrary: after which manner the heart it self, the Arteries and Organs [or instruments] of respiration, yea the fleshy fibres of the Stomach and the Guts also, (unless their objects are otherwise determined) are agitated [or moved] by perpetual Systoles and Diastoles [or Contractions and Di∣latations.]

According to these ordinary courses are the actions of both those moving faculties performed. Which notwithstanding, according as the animal Spirits, that are execu∣tors of such motions, stand variously affected, are usually perverted or disturbed in se∣veral manners. For it is sufficiently evident, that the instinct of every contractive motion, which is to be performed by any muscle, is conveyed by the nerves from the Brain in general, or the Cerebellum [the hinder part of the Brain] according to the command of the appetite, or the necessity of nature; that is to say, the animal Spirits that are within the passages of the nerves, being excited according to the impression made upon them from the head, and moved in their whole train, do presently rouze up the others that inhabit in the tendons, and put them into the like motion; after the same manner almost, as if a man should set fire to several heaps of Gunpowder at a distance with a lighted match. As long therefore as those spirits, both at their origi∣nal, to wit, within the Brain, and also in their conveyances, to wit, in the passages of the nerves, as likewise at the end, where they are planted within the tendons, are re∣gular and orderly; the first of them form the instinct of [or inclination to] each motion; the second convey it, and the third at last put it in execution: but if the spi∣rits * 1.88 that are designed for motion, are preternaturally [or unusually] affected in any part, and forced into disorders, immediately thereupon convulsive motions are raised in the respective members or muscles. After what manner through any morbifick cause, Convulsions happen near the original of the nerves in the head; and in what manner also, through its being setled within the nervous passages, they are caused elsewhere, I have at large declared in another place; that is to say, in as much as the * 1.89 spirits that flow within the nerves being irritated or disturbed by some preternatural and vehement cause (and pierced as it were, or stung by a Breez or Gadfly, whilest they run swiftly into these or those parts) carry unnatural and false signals of such motions, as are to be performed, it must of necessity follow, that there will happen con∣tractions, or violent and convulsive distentions in some or others of the muscles, or membranes. I have clearly laid down the several sorts and true natures of these kinds of Indispositions in my Book called Spasmologia [or a Treatise of Convulsions]; but yet, having there permitted something that makes for our present purpose, I do here * 1.90 further observe, that there are other sorts of Convulsions, which without any present or great indisposition of the Brain or Nerves, arise chiefly and almost onely from the faultiness of the animal spirits that are inhabitants in the very tendons them∣selves.

Of this singular, and as it were private Indisposition, there are, two sorts that offer * 1.91 themselves to our observation. The one is commonly known, wherein the spirits often∣times without any command [from the appetite] gush out of the tendons, and blowing up the fleshy fibres strongly, and with some disturbance, do not quickly or easily retire. The other, though less notable, yet is frequently seen; that is to say, that in which the spirits of the muscles cannot remain long either within the tendons or within the flesh, but being excessively disquieted, make excursions and incursions to and fro out of the one into the others, and contrariwise, very frequently, but weakly still, and in disorder, even against the inclination of the Appetite, or of Nature. Concerning these Con∣vulsive Indispositions (because as yet they remain almost untouched by most other Physicians, and the knowledge of them conduces very much to the explication of the Nature and Causes of the Passio Cardiaca [or Indisposition of the Heart], I think it worth while here to subjoin some few words, though it be foreign to my design, and as it were, a digression [i. e. going out of the way.]

The first Indisposition of these two, which in Greek is properly called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (and is usually both in ours and the French Tongue, known by the name of the Cramp) arises most commonly from this, that the animal Spirits without any bidding, as it were, flow out of the tendons (one or both together) of their own accord into the belly of the muscle; whence they do not commonly with any speed return, but staying a long time with∣in the flesh, blow up [or inflate] them very excessively, and make them extraordinary

contractive; and then seeing the other muscles do not either give way to these, or conspire with them in their contraction, the part grows stiff, strained with the greatest pain that can be. The cause of this is a certain heterogeneous or strange flatulent kind of matter, which descending through the nervous passages, together with the juice thereof, into the muscles, and sticking to the spirits, makes them elastical or springy, and at the same time obstinate too; in so much that they cannot be contained within the tendinous fibres, but desiring greater space to move, run out into the flesh, and re∣main there till the tumour or swelling of them is allayed.

2. To that latter sort of Convulsive Motion properly belongs the Passion or Trem∣bling * 1.92 of the Heart. And to this place you may refer that Indisposition which is vul∣garly known, and familiar to a great many People; to wit, that sometimes they feel very frequent and equal shootings or trepidations of any muscle, suppose in the Lip, Cheek, Eyes, and other members: which when they have lasted perchance for two or three minutes, cease of themselves. It is not long ago since I was advised with, by Letters sent hither cut of France, in the case of a certain person of quality, whose Muscles were all almost perpetually throughout his whole body in such a trembling condition; in so much that the outward part of his flesh leaped up, as it were, on every side, and did exactly imitate the vibrations or pulses of the heart.

The true nature of these Indispositions as well as of the Trembling in the heart, seemeth to consist in this, that the animal Spirits belonging to any muscle, being di∣sturbed, * 1.93 and as it were, set on gadding, gush forth continually out of the tendons into the flesh, and then return, perpetually repeating their excursions and incursions to and fro; in the mean time when they go forth with onely small forces, so as not fully to blow up the fibres, and that they stay but a very small while in them, they cause en∣deavours to move, which though they are extraordinary frequent, yet they are but weak and very little; in so much that the members and limbs are not moved from place to place, but the muscles being so perpetually agitated, and the heart, whilest the trembling thereof remains, though it be swiftly concussed or shaken, yet can scarcely or not at all drive about the bloud; as plainly appears from the smalness, and as it were, trembling of the Pulse, and a faintness in all the parts.

As to the causes of these Distempers, that is to say, the conjunct or immediate and * 1.94 the original causes from whence the spirits in the muscles grow so unsteddy, or gain that desultory [or unconstant] quality, it seems, that some heterogeneous and elastical matter that is transmitted through the Brain and the nervous passages, is at last dischar∣ged into the muscles and their rendinous extremities; where, growing or sticking pre∣sently to the spirits, it irritates them exceedingly, and sets them as it were a madding, so that they cannot rest in any one place, but run to and fro continually, and in the mean time either omit, or do not strenuously perform their due offices.

The cause of the Trembling in the Heart, is commonly imputed to the Spleen; * 1.95 for it is commonly supposed, that from this the Entrals being obstructed, or otherwise out of order, ill vapours are raised to the Heart; which smiting of it, compel it to shake and tremble in that manner, yea make it stiff, as it were, with cold. The belief, or at least the probability of this opinion is built upon this, that hypochondriacal (or which is almost the same thing, splenetick) persons are very subject to this Disease of the Heart. What and how great the influence of the Spleen is upon the Heart, I have formerly and largely declared. From which, and partly from what I have just now said, it sufficiently appears, that that opinion, though never so commonly recei∣yed, * 1.96 concerning the Hearts being affected or disturbed by vapours, is a trifling one, and altogether erroneous. But whereas those that are taken commonly for splenetick and likewise hysterical people, are so commonly troubled with the trembling of the Heart, the cause is from that great affinity and intimate communication which there is between the bowel nerves and those of the Heart; in so much that not onely the disturbance of one part makes the other sympathize or consent with it, but if at any time the convulsive matter gets into the branches of the nerves that belong to the Spleen or Bowels of the lowest Belly, it seldom happens but that it seizes also upon the nerves belonging to the Heart.

As to the way of curing this Trembling in the Heart, since it is a Distemper meerly * 1.97 convulsive, for that reason, not cordial Remedies, but rather cephalick ones (or such as affect the head and nerves) are most proper; which notwithstanding ought to be either hotter or colder, or sometimes of one and sometimes of another nature, according to the temper and constitution of the Patient. To make short of the matter, seeing three sorts of Remedies are usually most beneficial in this Distemper, to wit, such as are made of Shells, of Steel, or impregnated with volatile Salt, I will lay down in this place some Receipts, and the ways to use each of them.

First therefore when you have made provision by such things as purge the whole body, and made a choice of such Physick as seems of most use to you, prescribe in manner following.

Take of Coral prepared and of Pearl, each ʒij. of both sorts of Bezoar, each ʒ ss. of the * 1.98 whitest Amber ℈ ij. of Ambergrise ℈ j. make a Powder. The Dose is ʒ ss. twice or thrice a day, with Distilled Water, or the Julap appropriated for it.

Take of Powder of Claws compounded ʒ ij. of Powder of the roots of the male Paeony, and of dead mans Scull prepared, each ʒ j. of the Flowers of the male Peony and of Lilly of the Valley, each ʒ ss. make a Powder, to be taken the same way.

Take of Ivory and red Coral pulverized, each ʒ iij. of Species Diambrae ʒ j. of the whitest * 1.99 Sugar dissolved in a convenient quantity of Orange-flower Water, and baked into Tablets ℥ vij. Make, according to Art, the weight of each Tablet ʒ ss. and let the Party eat one or two several times in a day, when he will.

Take of the Conserve of Flowers of Lilly of the Valley ℥ vj. of Powder of Coral prepared, * 1.100 of Pearl, Ivory, and Crabs eyes, each ʒ j. ss. of Vitriol of Mars ʒ j. a convenient quantity of Syrup of Coral, and make an Electuary. The Dose is from ʒ j. to ʒ ij. twice a day, drinking thereupon a draught of the following Julap.

Take of Orange-flower Water, and of a whole Citron, each ℥ vj. of the rinds of Oranges, di∣stilled * 1.101 with Wine ℥ ij. of Sugar ℥ ss. and make a Julap.

Take of my Syrup of Steel ℥ vj. The Dose is one spoonful in the morning, and at five of * 1.102 the Clock in the afternoon, with ℥ ij. of the prescribed Julap, without the Sugar, or with distilled Water.

Take of the Powder of Ivory and Coral, each ʒ ij. ss. of Species Diambrae ʒ j. of Salt of * 1.103 Steel ʒ ij. of Sugar ℥ viij. of Ambergrise dissolved ℈ ss. and make the weight of each Tablet ʒ ss. The Dose is ʒ iij. or iv. twice a day.

Take of fresh Strawberries viij. pints, the outward rinds of 12 Oranges, of the filing of new * 1.104 Iron lb ss. and when you have bruised them together, pour to them of white Wine viij. pints. Let them ferment in a close pot for 24 hours, and then distil them with the com∣mon instruments.

Take of spirit of Harts horn, or Bloud, or the like, ʒ iij. The Dose is 20 drops twice a day, * 1.105 with a convenient vehicle.

Take of the Flower of Sal Armoniack, and of Coral prepared, each ʒ ij. The Dose i•…•… * 1.106 ℈ j. twice a day.

Take of Chrystal Mineral ʒ ij. of Salt of Amber ʒ j. of Salt of Harts horn ℈ j. mingle them. The Dose is from xv. to xx. gr. twice a day with Distilled Water.

Of an intermitting Pulse, or such a Pulse as beats sometimes, and then leaves off.

Among the Distempers of the Heart may be reckoned also an Intermitting Pulse, and that very reasonably; because in this Malady, or at least in some sort of it, the Heart it self is put into a disorder, though in a manner somewhat different from what it is in the palpitation or trembling of it: for in these it is ill and irregular in re∣spect of its motion, but in that it labours even in its rest: for this sometimes is twice as long, as according to its ordinary course it uses to be.

Concerning this Distemper we must first distinguish; because there are (if I am * 1.107 not much mistaken) too different reasons of it. For though sometimes the Pulse in∣termitteth, because the Heart, for that time, ceases to move; yet furthermore you may perceive by your feeling that the Pulse seems sometimes in the wrist to intermit, whilest the Heart may be felt to beat very swiftly and incessantly in the Breast; as is evident in the trembling of it. The reason of which I take to be, because when * 1.108 that Distemper of the Heart comes upon it, there is but a very small portion of the Bloud is thrown forth into the Aorta at every Systole or Contraction. Wherefore when that is emptied and grows lank, as wanting its due measure which it should drive

forward, left it should trouble it self too often to no purpose, it sometimes intermits its contraction. This seems just like the disburdening, or (as the Seamen say) unlivering of a Ship; for when the Commodities in the Cargo are with difficulty and very hardly unloaded, the Porters that are to carry them away, escape some turns of going to and fro. Moreover in malignant or mortal Fevers, if the Pulse at any time be thick and weak, it likewise now and then intermits. The reason of which is, not that the heart sometimes ceases to move, (for even at that time especially it labours continually) but for as much as the bloud is not poured forth in a sufficient quantity into the Aorta, that Artery wanting work enough to imploy it, is sometimes idle.

But besides this, the Pulse sometimes intermits, because the contraction of the heart it self is for such a time suspended, and the pause or rest of it is twice as long as it * 1.109 should be; which any man may easily perceive either in himself or any other person, by laying his hand upon his own or their Breast, yea those that are troubled with it, are very sensible in themselves, by the pain and oppression of their breast, how often the heart ceases to move. Besides, this Distemper doth not commonly invade your lan∣guishing, dying, or dangerously sick People, so much as it does those that are very hearty, and for the most part well in health: wherefore it ought not always (according to * 1.110 the vulgar opinion) to be taken for a Disease, or a very dangerous and fatal Symptom. Those that are subject to this Distemper are usually troubled also with a Dizziness, Headach, or Convulsions. But this defect of the Heart is in its nature very various; for the periods of its intermissions are sometimes certain, and determined to some one * 1.111 beat of the Pulse (suppose) the third, fourth, fifth, or any other, sooner or later; and sometimes they are uncertain and fleeting, so that the cessation happens one while after fewer, and another time after more pulsations. The vibrations of the Artery whilest they are continued, are strong and brisk enough, and are for the most part equal; but sometimes the first beat after the intermission is the greateft, that which is next, a little lesser, and so they grow less and less insensibly, till the intermission comes again; and then afterwards, a great beat at the beginning descends, as it were, by steps into a cessation again.

I have known some People that (as far as I could perceive by my observation) had an intermitting Pulse continually, in so much that whensoever I touched the Artery, I found it so, and yet in the mean time they seemed healthful enough, and complained of no other ailment: but I have observed some others that had a Pulse, more slow than usual, and intermitting, onely when a grievous Headach or some great pain in that part was either upon them or a coming.

From hence I suppose it is manifest, that the cause or true reason of the Distem∣per * 1.112 just described, depends not upon the mixture or temper of the bloud, but onely upon the irregular conveyance of the animal Spirits out of the Brain into the Nerves belonging to the Heart, and thence into the tendons thereof. For we may well sup∣pose, when those nerves are somewhat obstructed, that the animal Spirits do not come down with so full a tide or stream as they should do, into the tendons of this Muscle; wherefore when the stock of them is somewhat deficient, the motion of the heart ceases ever and anon for one beat, till the supplies of spirits being reinforced, its action may be renewed: so I have seen a Mill that was driven about with a small stream, when the Water falls sometimes and is almost exhausted, stop for a little while; and then again, when the stream rises, immediately repeat its rounds, and go again.

Those whose pulse, though in it self great and strong enough, is used to intermit, * 1.113 are not onely subject to Headachs and Dizziness, but most commonly to the Incubus or Nightmare [a Disease so called] and sometimes also to the Apoplexy. For if it hap∣pen, that the Nerves belonging to the Heart, which before hand are not open and free enough, are afterward wholly obstructed or stopped up, it follows of consequence, that the heart (which is the chief agent) being rendered immoveable, that the fabrick of an animate Body must wholly cease to move, and for that reason, to live.

Though this Distemper hath oftentimes no present inconvenience or danger in it, * 1.114 and therefore doth stand in need of too speedy a Cure; yet for preservations sake, and to prevent worse Distempers, some Remedies and a Method ought to be used in order to its Cure, at leaft it will be convenient that in all the remaining part of a mans life, he take a care to keep a regular way of Diet: and besides that, some small course of Physick, which must be constantly observed in the Autumn, is very requisit: that is to say, that as much as is possible, all the Seeds of Diseases that are sown in the Brain, or apt to be generated there, must be removed or prevented. To this end I refer you to that cautionary Method, with the Remedies against the assaults of an Apoplexy, which I have elsewhere prescribed.

The Anatomical Description of an Artery.

Because I have formerly told you that some Distempers, commonly taken for In∣dispositions of the Heart, proceed rather from the Arteries than the Hearts being af∣fected; and that the disorders of the bloud, which are usually caused upon the distur∣bances of mind, arise from the irregular contraction of those vessels; I therefore in this place think it suitable and worth the while to give you a brief Anatomical Descri∣ption not onely of Arteries in general, but especially of those that belong more im∣mediately to the Heart, together with their uses and offices; and that the rather, be∣cause though the Ancient Physicians have discoursed very largely upon these vessels, yet the New or Modern Doctors, attributing the whole circulation of the Bloud in a manner onely to the heart, have been very little concerned about the Arteries.

First therefore, to recount to you what the Ancients have said, Galen in his Seventh * 1.115 Book of Anatomy Chap. 5. says that every Artery consists of two coats, to which (says he) we may add a third and a fourth. Again in his Third Book of Natural Faculties, Chap. 11. he saith, that Arteries have coats, as the Stomach hath, and that the inner coat hath long and oblique fibres, but the outward coat transverse ones. How and with what agreement to his words the thing appears to my observation, I shall now briefly shew you.

To perform this enterprize aright, take out a portion of the great Artery or the * 1.116 Aorta either of a Man or an Ox, which when you have drawn upon a stick (upon which it may be kept at full stretch) dip it several times in boyling hot water, so the tunicks or coats and fibres being somewhat contracted and more swollen, may be the better distinguished and plucked asunder; then, when you have made a separation of * 1.117 them with a knife, you will see four several coats. The outmost of them being thin and nervous serves for a covering to the whole vessel, and hath on its outside many * 1.118 nervy branches, that creep about it every way; but in the inner surface it is covered with a texture or web, as it were, of all sorts, but especially bloud-vessels, resembling a Net, and very thick all over. The Arteries ascending originally from the Vasa Corona∣ria, and then on every side from the trunk of the Aorta and the branches thereof, are ramified [or branched] in this coat, together with the veins that are sent forth from the Vena Cava, and the arms or branches of it. Moreover the sprouts of the Nerves which meet with them both are variously complicated; and by that means, being all woven, one in another, they make a kind of Net, which covers the Pipe of the Artery all over; out of which exceeding small sprouts, of each kind of Vessels, are propagated into the other coats of the great Arteries that lie under.

2. After this Net-like coat comes another, which is glandulous, or rather that other sticks close to this which lies upon it. This membrane being all over full of small * 1.119 white glandules, is just of the same nature as the inner glandulous coat of the Stomach and Guts, which lies under the hairy veil, on the backside of which there is also a plat or complication of Nerves in form of a Net.

3. In the third place there is a muscular or fibrous Coat; that is to say, which is * 1.120 made of transverse or annular fibres joined very close together. These fibres being fleshy and designed for motion, encompass the body of the Artery, not in a single and thin row, as they are laid in the Vein-coat, but in a kind of heap, placed one upon another, they make a very thick skin. The heaps or ranks of them, in a par-boyled Artery, may be very easily separated, and plucked from each other; and they seem (just like those of the Stomach and Guts, that I formerly described) fleshy and designed for motion.

The fourth and inner coat of an Artery, which investeth the hollow of it, and co∣vers * 1.121 the coat that lies under it, is thin and almost onely membranous. The small fi∣bres of it being nervous and stretched out lengthwise, cut the annular fibres at right angles, and I suppose that these are the straight fibres, of which Galen and other Ana∣tomists so often make mention: but those that they call oblique ones, I am of opinion were onely imaginary, because we cannot find them any where in this vessel. But it is evident that this errour is very common among some Physicians, to assign, in most of the Viscera or Entrals and membranous parts, strait, transverse, and oblique fibres, out of a false supposition, that in every one of them there was an attractive, retentive, and expulsive faculty, and that the fibres of those three several sorts did perform these three offices; all which, to any one, that narrowly looks into it, will appear to be falsly concluded and said gratis. In the mean time I so far agree with Galen, that I ac∣knowledge, there are four coats in an Artery, and that they are in this vessel just as they are in the stomach; except onely that in the Viscera or Entrals, the Net-like

complication of Vessels, together with the glandulous coat, is placed under the fibrous or muscular coat, but in the artery above it.

So much for the make of an Artery in general and the constitutive parts thereof: as to their offices, it seems to me, that the muscular coat, which is furnished with fleshy, * 1.122 round fibres, is of most principal use and operation. For this, as I hinted before, obeying the motion of the heart, in driving the bloud about, observes its constant turns of Systole and Diastole, or Contraction and Dilatation; for whilest the fleshy * 1.123 fibres of it are successively and with wonderful celerity compressed behind the stream of the Bloud, the course thereof must of necessity be most rapidly performed, from the heart to the ends of the Arteries.

As for the other coats and the vessels distributed about them, they seem all to be de∣signed * 1.124 for the sole convenience and use of the muscular coat. For first the nerves and their branches, being disseminated all over the trunk of the Aorta and the greater arms thereof, appear on the outside, and according to their usual manner, carry supplies of spirits into the fleshy and moving fibres that are under, whereby to make them able to undergo the task of their Contractions or Systoles; and likewise convey to them the instincts or impressions of sympathetical contractions, as I before demonstrated. Then the lesser arteries (which are the next in order) that cover the inner surface of the out∣most coat very thick, perform a double duty toward the muscular coat that lies under them, as other arteries do to other muscles and solid parts: that is to say, they convey and bring the nutritive juice wherewith they are nourished and grow, and the elasti∣cal particles for the continual supply of the spirits; and then the veins, which are yoke-fellows to the arteries, carry back all the bloud that is not bestowed another way.

But whereas these bloud vessels which are planted without the muscular coat, and complicated one among another, make up a net-like Plat or Web, from which there go only very small and slender sprouts (as it is also in the Stomach and Guts) though in most other muscles these vessels are interwoven with the fleshy fibres, and therefore make them look red; the reason of this difference seems to be, because it is convenient that the bloud-vessels should be placed a little apart from the moving fibres of the Aorta and the Viscera, at some small distance, lest peradventure the bloud running through them too copiously, should be sometime or other obstructed, and thereby cause an inflamma∣tion, or an abscess, which is present death. Wherefore for the greater security against such an accident, the glandulous coat sticks always fast to the net-like complication * 1.125 of those vessels; to the end, that the superfluous serosities [or serous, wheyish parts] which come out of the Nerves as well as Arteries, and are not immediately carried back by the veins, may be presently received in those innumerable glandules, and kept there till they are returned into the bloud, lest they should run into the moving fibres and put them into convulsions.

But whereas the net-like Plat or complication of the vessels and the glandulous coat that sticks to it, is in the Aorta, placed above the muscular coat, and in the Viscera, be∣low * 1.126 it; the reason, if I mistake not, is this, to wit, that those little vessels which ought to supply bloud and juice very gently and moderately, may be removed to a distance from the heat and violence of that bloudy torrent within the Aorta, as much as pos∣sible. But in the Stomach and the Guts, there is a necessity for the aforesaid heat of the bloud, in order to the right performance of the offices of concoction.

The inward coat of the Aorta that investeth the cavity thereof, seems chiefly to be designed for these uses, to wit, to cover the channel of bloud on the inside, and * 1.127 bound the other parts of this vessel: but besides that, it will be necessary to grant that it hath something of sense, and perchance of motion too. For being furnished with nervous fibres, it is affected like the cavity of the heart, by the bloud that passeth through it; and therefore according to the perception of this part, the muscular coat is put upon quicker or slower, equal or unequal motions of systole and diastole. More∣over this coat hath, near the heart, for the space of about two inches strait or larger fibres that run lengthwise, and are as it were fleshy, in so much that I suppose, in this place, the Artery (in order to a greater impulse or forcing of the bloud) is com∣pressed and streightned behind the stream of bloud, not onely in breadth, but (as it is in the heart) that at every systole it is somewhat contracted and shortened in its length too.

I could add in this place a great deal more, no less profitable than pleasant, concer∣ning the structure and uses of this Vessel; for every part or portion of an animate bo∣dy, though never so little, affords such fruitful and copious contemplation, that the Theory or Speculation of any one of them, if fully attended unto, would fill many pages, yea a whole volume. If I should go on in this Digression, I should Treat in

the next place concerning a Vein; but omitting the consideration of that (seeing it makes little or nothing toward the explication of the reason of Physick or Pharmacy) let us pass on to the other sort of Medicins; called Hypnoticks, [or sleepy Me∣dicins.]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cordials and Antidotes have be•…•…n always of the most com∣mon use.
• * 1.2

  Their common Attributes.
• * 1.3

  Whence Reme∣dies that pre∣serve Life are called Cordials.
• * 1.4

  They do not act properly upon the Heart;
• * 1.5

  But upon the Bloud and ani∣mal Spirits.
• * 1.6

  Flow upon the Bloud.
• * 1.7

  The Bloud is faulty in its heat and tempe∣rature.
• * 1.8

  1. How it be∣comes less hot than it should be.
• * 1.9

  What Remedies are proper.
• * 1.10

  2. And what also when it is too hot.
• * 1.11

  2. The Bloud being vitiated in its temper or mixture re∣quires Cordials onely in Fevers, and then,
• * 1.12

  It is either too strict and close in its constitu∣tion,
• * 1.13

  Or too loose.
• * 1.14

  What remedies this latter fault requires.
• * 1.15

  To wit, Anti∣dotes.
• * 1.16

  What Cordials are most proper when the temper of the bloud is too close.
• * 1.17

  They are most commonly salt ones, and that of different sorts.
• * 1.18

  1. Cordials impregnated with volatile Salt.
• * 1.19

  2. Such as are impregnated with an Alcha∣li, or petrifying Salt.
• * 1.20

  3. Such as have in them a fluid or a sower Salt.
• * 1.21

  4. Such as have fixed Salt in them.
• * 1.22

  5 Such as have a Nitrous Salt in them.
• * 1.23

  The aforesaid Remed•…•…es are more properly called Vitals.
• * 1.24

  How, when they are taken into the stomach, they presently operate upon the Bloud.
• * 1.25

  The second sort of Cordials that respect the animal spirits.
• * 1.26

  They are of two kinds.
• * 1.27

  1. Such as are smooth, and gen∣tle to the spi∣rits.
• * 1.28

  How they work upon the Bowels or Senses.
• * 1.29

  Or lastly on the Brain.
• * 1.30

  2. Or these Cordials are rough and pro∣vocative.
• * 1.31

  Which reduce the spirits to order, by, as it were lashing of them.
• * 1.32

  Such Cordials as increase the heat of the bloud.
• * 1.33

  A notable abuse of these Medi∣cins.
• * 1.34

  2. Such as al∣lay the excessive heat of the Bloud.
• * 1.35

  Julaps.
• * 1.36

  An Apozem•…•….
• * 1.37

  A Confection.
• * 1.38

  3. Cordials that open the consti∣tution of the Bloud whilest it boyls up and is too close.
• * 1.39

  1. Of that sort whose ground is a volatile Salt.
• * 1.40

  Spirits.
• * 1.41

  Powders.
• * 1.42

  2. Those whose ground is an Alchali Salt.
• * 1.43

  Which are most proper in Pleu∣risies,
• * 1.44

  3. Nitrous Cordials.
• * 1.45

  4. Cordials whose ground is an acid Salt.
• * 1.46

  Such as have fixed Salt in them.
• * 1.47

  1. Preserva∣tives.
• * 1.48

  An Electuary.
• * 1.49

  An Apozeme.
• * 1.50

  Elixir•…•….
• * 1.51

  2. Curers.
• * 1.52

  A Draught.
• * 1.53

  Powders.
• * 1.54

  A Bolu•…•….
• * 1.55

  A Jul•…•….
• * 1.56

  Indispositions in the Heart are,
• * 1.57

  Either a trem∣bling, or the beating of it.
• * 1.58

  The Description of the latter.
• * 1.59

  The cause of it is inquired into.
• * 1.60

  It proceeds sometimes from the hindrance of the bloud, flowing into the Arteri•…•….
• * 1.61

  It arises also from other cau∣ses.
• * 1.62

  This Distemper depends often∣times upon the indisposition of the Bloud and the Vessels be∣longing to the Heart.
• * 1.63

  The reason of the former.
• * 1.64

  2. In the other case, either the vessels are ob∣structed, or convulsions.
• * 1.65

  An Example of the former.
• * 1.66

  And the divers kinds of it are noted.
• * 1.67

  How the Palpi∣tation of the Heart is a con∣vulsive.
• * 1.68

  To what end so many nerves are inserted in∣to the coats of the Arteries.
• * 1.69

  An Artery is endued with moving fibres.
• * 1.70

  And is moved like other mu∣scles, or the heart it self.
• * 1.71

  And is often troubled with convulsions.
• * 1.72

  Whence the Palpitation of the Heart often a••ises.
• * 1.73

  why this Disease is familiar to hypochondriacal People.
• * 1.74

  The Cure of it.
• * 1.75

  By what means it is performed when the bloud is in fault.
• * 1.76

  An Electuary.
• * 1.77

  A Jalap.
• * 1.78

  A Tincture.
• * 1.79

  How this Di∣stemper, when it ariseth from an obstruction, ought to be dealt withal.
• * 1.80

  Me•…•…icins made •…•…ith volatile 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.81

  Such as have acid Salt for their ground or basis.
• * 1.82

  The Cure of this Disease when it arises from con∣vulsio•…•…s in the Arteries.
• * 1.83

  A Spirit.
• * 1.84

  How the trem∣bling of the Heart differs from the Palpi∣tation of it.
• * 1.85

  The Description of it.
• * 1.86

  The reason of this depends upon the doctrin of the Muscles.
• * 1.87

  •…•…he sum of it.
• * 1.88

  The convulsive motions of Mu∣scles are ex∣plained,
• * 1.89

  And distingui∣shed.
• * 1.90

  Some private convulsions be∣longing to the Muscles onely.
• * 1.91

  Two sorts of them.
• * 1.92

  The latter is a kind of Tr•…•…pi∣dation in a Muscle.
• * 1.93

  The true reason of it.
• * 1.94

  Their Causes.
• * 1.95

  It is not right∣ly imputed to the Spleen.
• * 1.96

  The Heart is not disturbed by Vapours.
• * 1.97

  The Cure.
• * 1.98

  Powders.
• * 1.99

  Tabl•…•…ts.
• * 1.100

  An Electuary.
• * 1.101

  A Julap.
• * 1.102

  Syrup.
• * 1.103

  Tablets.
• * 1.104

  A distilled wa∣ter.
• * 1.105

  A Spirit.
• * 1.106

  Powders.
• * 1.107

  Two sorts of in∣termitting Pul∣ses.
• * 1.108

  The first, which happens by de∣fault of the Aorta.
• * 1.109

  The second, which proceeds from the heart it self.
• * 1.110

  But is not al∣ways an ill to∣ken.
• * 1.111

  Several sorts of it.
• * 1.112

  The cause of it.
• * 1.113

  The way to know, when it is coming.
• * 1.114

  Thi Cure of it.
• * 1.115

  The coats of an Artery accor∣ding to Gallen.
• * 1.116

  The way to go about it.
• * 1.117

  It hath four coats.
• * 1.118

  The description of the outmost and inmost.
• * 1.119

  The second is glandulous.
• * 1.120

  The third is fi∣brous and mus∣cular.
• * 1.121

  The fourth is nervous and hath strait fi∣bres.
• * 1.122

  The use of the Coats.
• * 1.123

  It is fibrous, that it may make its Sy∣stole and Dia∣stole.
• * 1.124

  The other coats are made for the use of this.
• * 1.125

  The use of the glandulous coat.
• * 1.126

  In an artery the Plat of Vessels above the mus∣cular coat is otherwise than in the Viscera or Entrals; and the reason of it.
• * 1.127

  The use of the inward coat.