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.

CHAP. VII. Of the Vertigo, or a turning round in the Head.

HAving viewed the exterior compass of either part of the Head, and detected * 1.1 the Diseases which beset the sensitive soul, about the first beginnings, and last springs of the Animal Spirits; we shall next descend to the middle part of the Brain, where the phantasie and common sense reside, and behold what kind of passions these parts are obnoxious to. Concerning this in the first place we shall note, that sometimes troops or rather mighty armies of Spirits, inhabiting these places, are affected, and sometimes also small handfuls or bands: then again many of them are affected together, or else only a few at a time; or they become Elastick from an heterogeneous Copula, and so are compelled into inordinate motions, or as it were explosive or shooting off, as in the Epileptick fit; or suffering an eclipse, as in the Apoplexy, are deprived of all motion. Concerning the former disposition of the Spirits, we have formerly treated largely enough, and the astonishing Disease we shall han∣dle afterwards. But in this place, we shall speak of a certain Passion or distemper belonging to these parts, viz. the Vertigo, in which a certain band or handful of the Spirits are affected, and their motions are seen to be partly perverted, and partly suppressed.

Being but little solicitous about the names by which the Vertigo is wont to be known, * 1.2 we shall describe the nature, or formal reason of it after this manner, viz.

The Vertigo is an Affection or Distemper, in which the visible objects seem to turn round, and the sick feel a perturbation, or confusion of the Animal Spirits in the Brain that they do not rightly flow into the Nerves: Wherefore the visive, and the loco-motive faculties, do often in some measure fail, that those labouring with it fall, and oftentimes are covered with darkness.

In this fit it is observed, that the imagination and the common sense are in a manner deceived, whilst they believe, the quiet objects to be moved, but the rational judgment remains; for we understand our error, and we presently ascribe this fallacy to the inordination of the Animal Spirits; for that we plainly know that the spirits flowing within the Brain do decline from their wonted irradiation or beaming forth, and do not rightly perform the offices of motion and sensation, during the fit.

That we may find out the Morbific Cause, and the preternatural manner of the * 1.3 Vertigo, we shall inquire after what manner this same affection or Distemper, how ex∣tempory or sudden soever it be, is wont to be excited from non-natural things; for men ordinarily become Vertiginous (or have a turning in their head) with a long turning round of the body, looking down from an high place, passing over Bridges, Sail∣ing, and by Drunkenness, and many other ways. It will be worth our while to con∣sider a little further, the means of affecting, by which these exterior actions stir up this turning or rolling about, from whence it will the better appear, what kind of in∣trinsick causes may be able to excite this passion. In the first place therefore, when men are for some time turned about, both in that motion all things seem to be turned a∣bout, and also they ceasing from turning about, that still continues in the phantasie; so that the affected oftentimes fall to the ground; further, though they shut their eyes, they still perceive as it were a turning round, like the turning about of a Mill, in the Brain.

The reason of these is not, that the deception of the sight is first brought to the eyes, * 1.4 and afterwards continued for some time; because this affection is caused by the turning round of the body, whether they look with, or shut their eyes: But indeed the cause of this apparition wholly depends upon the fluid substance of the animal spirits. For that the spirits flowing within the Brain, are even like to water, or a thick heap of Vapors, inclu∣ded in a Phial, which being shaken round about, together with the Vessel, and made so to turn about, continues for a time that motion, though the Vessel stands still; in like manner also, when the body of a man is turned round about, the spirits inhabiting the Brain, from that turning about of the Head, like the containing Vessel, are agitated in∣to spiral or round motions; and when therefore they cannot irradiate the Nerves with their wonted influx and direct beams, from hence oftentimes a Scotomy or dizzness, and a failing of the feet, together with a rotation or whirling about of visible objects, are induced. The visible Hemisphere seems to turn round, because as the sensible impres∣sion 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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is received by the means of the recipient, so the objects, as the spirits, seem to be moved round about.

Secondly, looking from on high, and passing over Bridges, stir up a Vertigo or * 1.5 giddiness in the Head, for that there is a terror cast on the imagination from unac∣customed objects, as also from the site of the body, or going in danger, whence that be∣ing very solicitous, how it should rightly order and more firmly direct the spirits into the bodies of the Nerves, calls them back into the middle part of the Brain, and so perverts them from their wonted afflux and irradiation; and whilst it indeavours to set their •…•…attel in better a•…•…ray, and to direct them more surely, by too great a care, drives them into a certain con•…•…usion and irregular motion. Wherefore 'tis observed, that drunken men, and very bold, because they are not careful or •…•…olicitous concern∣ing the guiding of the animal spirits, suffer no such thing. Sailing, or riding in a Coach, causes a turning in the Head by the like reason, as the tu•…•…ing round of the Body; because, the very fluid spirits being too much agitated, like water shaken in a Glass, leap hither and thither disorderly. Further, it is wholly for the same rea∣son, why many going by Ship, or by Coach, are subject also to cruel Vomiting; to wit, because the spirits being snatched into disorder, by too great a motion, and confused fluctuation, run inordinately into the heads of the Nerves of the wan∣dring pair, and for that reason stir up Convulsions and Convulsive motions in the Bowels.

Thirdly, 'Tis observed, that the Vertigo comes upon Drunkenness, as a known * 1.6 symptom; and that to those unaccustomed, the drinking, though moderately, of Wine or strong Ale, also the taking of Tabaco, easily induces the same affection; the rea∣son of which is, because from the Liquor, or vapour so taken, certain fierce particles, and untameable, are carried into the Brain, by the passages of the Blood and nervous Juice; which being improportionate, and incongruous to the Animal Spirits, drive them hither and thither from their wonted tracks of flowing and reflowing or eb∣bing, and so move them into whirlings, and turnings about.

These are the chief occasions, or solitary evident causes, which do use to bring the Vertigo, or turning round in the Head to some men, how found of constitution soever they be: which kind of effect, these occasions produce, forasmuch as the Ani∣mal Spirits, being disturbed beyond their set courses, and orders, are moved inor∣dinately, fluctuating here and there, both within the passages of the Brain, and also some of them, like a thred broken off, from their wonted irradiation, into the ner∣vous Stock. For these being always reciprocal, depend mutually one of another, to wit, a p•…•…rturbation of the Spirits within the middle part of the Brain, and their * 1.7 flowing forth into the nervous Stock being hindered; for from what ever cause either effect is induced, the other immediately follows. A turning round of the body, going in a Coach, or in a Boat or Ship, also Drunkenness, and the unaccustomed fume of Tobaco, compel the spirits in the Brain to fluctuate and shake disorderly, which, for that cause, are presently inhibited from their wonted flowing into the Nerves, that those so affected, can hardly go or stand; in like manner, on the contrary, looking from on high, passing over Bridges, a languishment or syncope falling on them, re∣cal the spirits from their wonted emanation, who, for that cause tumultuating with∣in the Brain, or being moved inordinately, cause a Scotomy or dizziness, or a turn∣ing round of the objects.

These things being thus premised, concerning the Vertigo, raised up by reason of * 1.8 an outward accident, or from a solitary evident and non-natural cause; we shall next inquire, how and by what means, it is wont to be induced, from an intrinsick and preternatural cause.

Concerning these take notice, that the Vertigo is sometimes a symptom depending upon some other Distemper, placed sometimes within the Brain, and sometimes without it: but sometimes this is a Disease of it self, which being raised up within the middle part of the Brain, becomes very troublesome, and often terrible, and ve∣ry hard to be Cured.

As to the former, many Cephalick Diseases (or such as belong to the Head) viz. * 1.9 Acute pain, the Lethargy, Epilepsie, Carus, Apoplexy, with many others, do often ac∣company the Vertigo; to wit, because the equal expansion of the Spirits in the Brain, and therefore their irradiation into the nervous Stock, from such like various Mor∣bific causes, are easily hindred or disturbed; as shall hereafter appear, when we de∣liver the Aetiology or reason of the Vertigo, as it is a Disease of the Brain.

But sometimes this symptom is wont to be produced, by reason of other Distempers, * 1.10 placed a long way from the Brain, and that chiefly by two ways or means. For first it is usual for a dizzin•…•…ss to arise, by reason of the flowing of the Blood being sud∣denly

called away from the Brain, as in a Syncope or Swooning, great want coming near it, wicked hard labour great Haemorrhagies or expence of blood, long fasting, in passions of violent sadness and fear; yea by reason of other occasions, when the motion of the blood is deficient or fails in the heart; so that the affected are proclive to faint∣ings and swooning away; presently, because the tribute of the vital liquor is with∣drawn, the animal Spirits growing deficient in the Brain, withdraw their radiation from the nervous Stock; for when their spring is cut off, those that remain, leaping back from their emanation, wander about confusedly in the Brain, and very often stir up the Vertiginous Distemper.

Secondly, an inordinate recourse or flowing back of the Animal Spirits, from * 1.11 some inward, or from some outward member, often causes the Vertigo: forasmuch as the Spirits being disturbed from the affected part, by a long series, thorow the pas∣sages of the Nerves, at length disturb others inhabiting the middle part of the Brain, and drive them into the like disorders; for this cause it is, that sharp humors gnawing or pulling the Fibres of the Ventricle, because the infestous and irritative matter being moved in the Spleen, Pancreas, or Intestines, causes light dizzinesses in the Brain. I have known from an accute pain, an Ulcer, or a mortified Inflammation in the Foot or Arm, frequent tremblings and failings, though short, in the Brain, to have been in∣duced. Whilst that the conceived inordination of the spirits, is transferred from the distemper'd part, thorow the Nerves into the Brain, a certain Formication or tingling, or as it were the ascent of a cold air, is seen and perceived; wherefore the cause of this Distemper is commonly ascribed to Vapours, arising up to the Head: which error we have elsewhere sufficiently confuted. Further, many are wont, when they have fasted, or stayed long beyond their hour of dineing, to have a dimness before their eyes, and their heads to have a turning, and then afterwards those clouds vanish, having eaten a little; this does not so happen (according to the vogue of the people) for that wind or vapours ascend to the Head, from the empty Stomach, which the aliments being taken: in, do immediately suppress; but because the Fibres of the Ventricle, and the nervous Filaments or little strings, being destitute of the nervous * 1.12 Juice, with which they desire to be watered, are wont to enter into corrugations or wrinklings, and light Convulsions, which kind of Convulsions and disorders of Spirits, for that they are continued thorow the passages of the Nerves, into the Brain, produce the Vertiginous Distemper; which, as soon as the Fibres of the Stomach remit their wrinklings, ceases of its own accord. For this reason I have known some, by a Vomit being given, tearing the coats of the Ventricle, to have been taken with a cruel Vertigo: yea I do suspect, that this Distemper does sometimes arise from meats of ill digestion, and ungrateful to the stomach.

But the Vertigo is not only a symptom, but sometimes a primary Disease of it self; whose nature, that we may the better search into, we ought to inquire into its subject, the formal reasons, and causes of it; and then these being found out, and truly un∣folded, we will proceed to its prognostick and Cure.

Without doubt the immediate subject of the Vertigo are the Animal Spirits, which * 1.13 every one labouring with this Disease finds to be greatly disturbed, and wandring up and down; but the mediate subject are those parts of the Brain, in which the Ima∣gination and common sense reside, and whence the next way lies into the nervous Stock. These are the Callous and streaked bodies.

For indeed, the Animal Spirits love to expatiate themselves, and to he expanded or * 1.14 stretched forth on every side, within these medullary places, as in a most ample Field, and pleasant Ganden; wherefore like beams of light, with a full and streight ray, they pass thorow all the Pores and most thick pas•…•…ages of the marrow: hence it is, that whilst they gently flow in one line, from the outmost border of the Callous body (to wit, from the streaked bodies, and turnings and windings of the Brain) towards its middle part, they represent pleasant imaginations and phantafies; and whilst in another line they flow forth, perhaps thorow other passages from the middle of the Callous body, into the infoldings or windings about of the Brain, they transferr thi∣ther signets or marks of notions for the Memory; and then, whilst they tend into the streaked bodies, and the beginnings of the Nerves, they actuate all the moving parts, and carry to them, as often as there is occasion, the instincts of the motions they are to perform.

But in the Ver•…•…igo, these equal emanations of the Spirits, as it were rays of light, * 1.15 seem to be intercepted, and diversly perverted in various places; because some bands or handfuls of the Spirits are obscured, others are bended another way, and moved hither and thither into turnings round and whirling about, and oftentimes snatched trans∣verse, or cross one another. Wherefore, confused phantasms, wandring and incon∣stant

images, or actions of sensible things are represented, in the Brain, by reason of the Spirits so disturbed: Then forasmuch as the irradiation into the nervous stock is lessened or hindred, a dizziness and failing of the motive function follows.

If that we should yet further inquire into what hinders or obstructs the ways, whereby the Spirits are compelled thus to go aside, or tumultuate within the Brain; it seems prob•…•…ble, that these inordinations of theirs do depend upon a two fold cause, viz. first, that certain fierce and extraneous Particles, being entred deeply into the * 1.16 Brain, together with the nervous Juice, stick close to the spirits, and move them in∣to enormous motions; but this, as appears from common experience, happens to eve∣ry one, on the immoderate drinking of Wine or Strong-waters, or the unaccustomed taking of Tobacco, by the eating of some Vegetables, or being anointed with Mercury; for that some Heterogeneous bodies and infestous to the Spirits, follow them, and are snatched with them, even to the middle part of the Brain: why may not such * 1.17 kind of Morbific particles and Vertiginous be supplied from the Blood, and other humors very much vitiated, and insin•…•…ated into the inmost conclave of the Brain? Then secondly, we may suspect, that when the serous foulness doth by degrees creep * 1.18 forward with the nervous Juice, and at length penetrated deeply, that it doth contaminate these pure marrows, and greatly stuff up its Pores, so that the Animal Spirits do not shine or beam forth with a clear and full light, but with a weak, broken, and as it were with many shadows mingled or interspersed with it.

In an habitual Vertigo, and inveterate, it seems to be plain, that the Conjunct Cause * 1.19 doth contain both these, from the proof, and that not light, taken from things that are hurtful and helpful: For I have observed in many, that this affection or Distem∣per hath been altered, much for the worse or for the better, upon two occasions; for whatsoever things being inwardly taken, that beget turgid particles, and apt to grow too hot and rageing, as Wine, Strong-waters, spiced, pepper'd, and flatulous or windy food, always hurt those troubled with the Vertigo: and for the same occa∣sions, no less hurtful are those things, by which the brain is filled, and more stuffed, as Surfeits, sleeping at Noon, or overlong in the Morning, the Southern wind, a cloudy, thick, and moist air, a low and watry habitation; on the contrary, the same persons are much helped, as they easily perceive, by a stender and light dyet, also by a clear air, and an open soil, where the wind has a thorow passage.

Thus much concerning the subject, the formal reason, and the conjunct cause of the * 1.20 Vertigo; now in the next place, let us inquire into its Procatartick, or more remote leading cause; by reason of whose morbid provision or predisposition, these two evils are wont to be induced on the spirits inhabiting the middle part of the Brain: But here we apprehend both the Brain it self, with the watering Liquor, and also the Blood with its infected humors to be in fault.

The vice of this is most often, that it turns from its right temper, into a four, * 1.21 acid, and otherways vicious disposition, and being degenerate, perverts the nourish∣ing Juice; and also gathers in its bosom a Serum, and filthiness of diverse kinds, which it is ready to pour forth into the Head. But there are many evident causes, to wit, an evil dyet, and errors in the non-naturals, also the Scurvy, a long or ma∣lignant Feavour, and other Diseases going before, by reason of which the Blood be∣comes so full of ill humors, and so hurtful to the Head.

In the mean time, the crime of the Brain is, for that its temper is humid and * 1.22 weak, its frame loose and infirm, with its Pores too much open and gapeing, more than they ought, so that all the heterogeneous, strange, and elastick Particles, toge∣ther with the serous, or otherways diseased recrements, being poured forth from the Blood into the Head, are easily admitted into the Brain, together with the nervous Juice; and because of its more open Pores, fall down without any let or stop into the middle part, viz. the C•…•…llous and streaked Bodies. This kind of too dissolute or loose habit of the brain, is in some inna•…•…e and originally; further, those who are of a tender constitution, to wit, delicate, soft, and luxurious Men and Women, whose spirits are not able to suffer any thing strongly, easily contract a Vertiginous Distem∣per, or rather increase it; to wit, because when the spirits of the Brain cannot resist the incursions of strangers, they give way to every matter that is drove to them: but in others, though strong, inordinate feeding, a sedentary life, frequent sur∣•…•…eiting, also intemperate sleep, and study, an inveterate Sourvey, evil gross humors, a long Feavour, and other diseases of the Head, do very often cause this kind of evil disposition of the Brain.

From what hath been said, the d•…•…ferences of this Disease are easily gathered; * 1.23 for that I may pass by what we but now mentioned, that it was either a primary Di∣stemper

of it self, or secondary arising or depending upon others: further we noted, that the primary Vertigo, so it were light and not deeply rooted, was only trouble∣some with fits, excited from an evident cause; so that oftentimes the distemper'd are well enough, but by reason of their evil manner of living, or other accidents they become Vertiginous; but sometimes this Distemper becoming habitual, they are found to be obnoxious to it almost at all times. Secondly, As to the seat of this Disease there is a notable difference; for this is sometimes more outward as is seen happening in the Callous body, and hath almost only the tumults and failings of the Spirits, and the wandring, inconstant, and often confused acts of notions and sense, in the forepart of the Head; but sometimes the Morbific matter falling down more backward, about the streaked bodies, stirs up the Scotomy, or turning of the Head, and a loss or failing of the motive function, that oftentimes the Eyes are darkened, and they reel or stumble, and their Legs fail them.

As to the prognostick of this Disease, the symptomatick or accidental Vertigo, yea almost all the others, while fresh, are free from much danger, and are easily to be * 1.24 Cured.

But the habitual, and almost continual, although great danger and suddenly to fall is rarely threatned; yet because it admits of only a difficult and long Cure, it so tires out both the Patient and the Physician, that before the Disease can be Cured, they both become weary of one another.

The primary Vertigo being placed before, or more outward, which hath scarce a dark∣ness or falling accompanying it, is more safe, and healable, but is often changed in∣to an inveterate Headach, and sometimes also it is cured of it self, by an Haemorrhage, or bleeding at the nose, or by a flowing down of the H•…•…morrhoids; it is also often∣times taken away by Medicine.

The Vertiginous Distemper, arising behind, and intercepting the beamings forth of the Spirits into the Nerves, is far more dangerous, and oftentimes passes into an Apoplexy, or a Palsie, or into Convulsive Diseases.

There does not properly belong to the symptomatick Vertigo any Curatory Method. * 1.25 There it is only needful to joyn some Cephalick Remedies, discussing the clouds of the Brain, and quieting the disorders of the Spirits, to those other primary indica∣tions; or rather that we may speak to the capacity of the vulgar (which ought to be done sometimes, though feignedly) let some Medicines contrary to Vapors be added.

The accidental Vertigo, or any other fresh or newly taken, may be healed with Phlebotomy, and a gentle Purge, and sometimes iterated: but that the Disease may be more certainly extirpated, let there be besides administer'd carefully Cephalick Re∣medies, such as are anon described.

For the Cure of an habitual Vertigo, and become inveterate, there ought to be in∣stituted * 1.26 almost the like method, as is against most other Cephalick Diseases, which suggests these three chief intentions of healing, viz. in the first place must be endeavour∣ed that the root or nest of the Disease may be cut off, and that the brain may remain free from any new flowings in of the Morbific matter; for which end a right order of dyet be∣ing commanded, sometimes letting of blood, and most often a gentle Purge in the inter∣vals are convenient. Let a dry and open air be chosen, let immoderate and untime∣ly * 1.27 sleep and study be shunned, let morning and evening draughts be wholly abstained from; in the place of the former, let a draught of Tea or Coffee, with Sage leaves boiled in it, be given. Let an Issue be made in the Leg or Arm, and sometimes let the Hemorrhoidal Vessels be kept open with Leeches; let the distemper'd rise early in the morning, and wash every day the fore-part of his Head with water, and also his Temples, and rub them with a course cloth.

Secondly, The second curatory intention is, to take away the Procatartick or more * 1.28 remote foregoing causes; wherefore, endeavour that both the Dyscras•…•…e or evil dispo∣sition of the Blood may be removed, and also that the weak and too loose constitution of the Brain may be mended: For the former, altering remedies chiefly are conveni∣ent, as temperate Antiscor•…•…uticks, and sometimes Spa•…•… Waters, or Whey. To which always may be added for the latter indication, Cephalick Medicines, to wit, such as are prepared of Coral, Amber, humane Skull, the root of the male Poeony, Mi•…•…eto, the dung of a Peacock, and the like, the forms of which we shall shew, you by and by.

The third Intention, which is properly curatory, endeavours to take away the * 1.29 Conjunct Cause of this Disease; which however the Procatartick Causes being re∣moved, for the most part ceases of it self; for if the coming of every extraneous Matter into the Brain be cut off, there will remain nothing but pure and clear Spirits, and they having gotten open and free spaces, wit•…•…n the Callous Body, will from

thence flow forth on every side: However, for the scope of healing this, you must prosecute it with the former; with Medicines indued with a volatile salt, whose par∣ticles being very subtil and active, do refresh the Animal Spirits, of which sort are chiefly Spirits of Harts-Horn, Sut, of Sal Armoniack, &c. impregnated with Amber, and humane Skull, Tinctures of Coral, Amber, Antimony, Elixir of Poeony, &c.

These things being premised, concerning the Vertigo in general, it will seem to * 1.30 the purpose, to draw or shadow forth the Curatory Method particularly, and as it were to direct you by a thred: and in the first place is shewn what is to be done for the Cure in the fit, and what out of it, for prevention.

1. As to the first, although the invasion of the Vertigo seem cruel, it is for the most part without danger, and easily passes over of its own accord; In such a case, if the Pulse shews it, let Phlebotomy be made use of, after having given a Glyster; but because the sick think themselves dying, and expect medicinal help, in that case let there be Blisters made in the Neck, and stinking things held to the Nose, as Ca∣stor, the Spirits or Salt of Harts-horn, or Urine, or of Sal Armoniack. Further, let these Spirits be given twice or thrice a day with a convenient Dose of Cephalick Ju∣lep: goint to sleep, let them take a Bolus of Mithridate, with the Powder of Castor: let them take the next day, if the Distemper doth not yet vanish, a light Purge, or if the sick be prone or easie to Vomit, an Emetick, than which a better Remedy can scarce be taken.

Take Pills of Amber twenty five grains, of the Resine of Jalap six grains, of Tartar Vi∣triolated seven grains, of the Balsom of Peru what will suffice to make four Pills, to be taken going to bed, or early in the morning.

Or Take of the Sulphur of Antimony five grains, of the Cream of Tartar half a scru∣ple, of Castor seven grains; make a Powder: Let it be taken with •…•…are, expecting to Vomit.

That Vomiting Medicines do oftenest help in the Vertigo, besides the testimony of * 1.31 Authors, appears plain enough also from common observation; and besides, since those troubled with the Vertigo do often Vomit of their own accord, many have been of the opinion, that the cause of this Disease most commonly lyes hid in the stomach; but it is much otherways, and as we have elsewhere shewed; Vomiting frequently fol∣lows upon the Spirits being distrubed in the Brain: But that Vomits help much in this Disease, the reason is, because this kind of Physick causes a great revulsion of the humors from the Brain, and very much restrains the Spirits tumultuating in it. When the Membranes and Fibres of the Ventricle, and Viscera planted nigh them, are pul∣led; various humors, viz. the nervous, serous, watery, pancratick, and cholerick are drawn into those parts, and so squeesed forth, so that the Head being freed from their flowing to it, doth easily shake off from it many impacted there before: then as to the Animal Spirits, we have shewed somewhere, that there i•…•… a most intimate commerce, and agreement between those inhabiting the stomach, and those dwelling in the Brain; to wit, that therefore the grateful or ingrateful affection of the Ven∣tricle, from things taken into it, might bring rejoycing or dejection to the Spirits dwelling in the Brain. Opiates whilst they Iye in the stomach cause sleep; in like manner, it doth not a little help in the Vertigo, and other Cephalick Diseases, where∣by the Spirits of the Brain wandring up and down, and agitated enormously may be repressed, and returned into order;' if their Companions or Kindred he striken down, by the working of the Medicine; because whilsb many are called forth from the Brain, to their assistance; the others remaining; remitting their disorders, resume their wonted offices or functions: without doubt it is for this reason chiefly, Emeticks bring so often help in the Distemper of madness; so that Empiricks do almost only use them.

2. But to return from our digression, let us consider: what is to be done for the * 1.32 Curing of an inveterate and almost continual Vertigo, out of the fit•…•… Therefore, first a method being instituted concerning bleeding, and purging, according to the constitution and strength of the Patient, and after rest, to be repeated; let a Vomit also, by my advice, be taken once a month (if nothing to the contrary hinders it) for which end let there be given to the weaker, after the stomach is filled with slippery Meats, Wine, and Oxymel of Squils, to about two or three (ounces, and after it let a great quantity of Posset-drink be drunk, with Cardum boiled in it, that the Patient may vomit of himself, or by provocation. To others may be given an Emetick of the Salt of Vitriol, or the Sulphur of Antimony, or of the infusion of Crocus Metal∣lorum:

as concerning Issues, Blisterings, the bleeding at the Hemorrhoidal Veins, Pla∣sters, or quilted Caps to be worn upon the Head, or other Topicks to be applied to the soals of the Feet, or to the wrists, for revulsion or derivation sake, let the Phy∣sician deliberate.

Take of the Conserve of the Flowers f•…•…the male Poeony six ounces, of the Powder of * 1.33 its Root one ounce, of the Seeds of Poeony powder'd two drams, of Amber, Coral, Pearls powder'd, of each two drams and a half; of the Salt of Coral one dram, of the Syrup of Coral, wha•…•… will suffice to make an Electuary: the Dose is one dram and an half, or two drams, Evening and Morning; drinking after it of the following di∣stilled water three ounces.

Take of the fresh leaves of Misleto six handfuls, of the root of the male Poeony, and of * 1.34 Angellico, each one pound and an half; of the whitest dung of the Peacock two pound, of Cardamoms bruised two 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of Caster three drams; all being cut small and mixt together, p•…•…ur to them sight pints either of White Wine, or Whey, made of it: Let them be distilled in fit Stills, and the whole liquor mixed together.

Take of the Powder of the Root of the male Poeony half an ounce, of red Coral prepared, * 1.35 of Species Diambrae, each one dram and a half; of the Powder of the Flowers of the male Poeony, fresh bruised and dryed in the Sun, one dram: make a Powder, to which add of the whitest Sugar, dissolved in the water of Poeony, and boiled to the consist∣ence of Tables ten ounces: of this make Lozenges according to art, each weighing half a dram; eat one or two of them often in a day.

Because all things are not convenient to all Men, and that the Physician ought to try diverse Medicines, and institute various methods, and to try now this, now that, therefore we shall here add some other forms of another kind.

Take of our Syrup of Steel six ounces, and drink a spoonful of it in the Morning, and * 1.36 as five in the Evening, with the distilled water, but now described, or any other Ce∣phalick, to the quantity of three ounces; or take of our Tincture of Steel, from fifteen to twenty drops, in a draught of the same distilled water, twice in a day. I have known this to have given notable help to many.

Let there be given daily after the same manner, Doses, sometimes of the Spirit of Sut, Harts-horn, or of Sal Armoniack, impregnated with Coral, Amber, or the Skull of * 1.37 a Man: or of the Tincture of Antimony, Amber or Coral.

Take of the Powder of the Root of the male Poeony one ounce and an half, of the Seeds of Poeony, Coral prepared, and of the whitest Amber, each three drams; of Pearls * 1.38 prepared, of the Powder of the Flowers of the male Poeony, fresh bruised and dryed in the Sun, of each two drams; of Sugar-Candy one ounce: make a Powder, and take one dram twice in a day with a draught of Tea or Coffee, or a Decoction of Sage or Rosemary.

For poor people may be prescribed, Powder of the leaves of the Apple-tree, Misleto, dryed in the Sun, and powder'd, to the quantity of a dram, to be taken twice in a day. Or take of the whitest Peacocks dung six ounces, of the Powder of the Flowers of the male Poeony one ounce, of Sugar two ounces: make a Powder, of which let them take a spoonful twice in a day, in some convenient liquor.

Let those troubled with the Vertigo drink for their ordinary drink, small Ale, with leaves of the Orchard Misleto boiled in it instead of Hops, and in the Vessel holding about four gallons, let a little bag be hanged, in which put half a pint of Peacocks dung, and three drams of Cloves bruised.

Examples of those labouring with the Vertigo are fo frequently met withal and almost daily, that there seems no need to add here any; but however, that the image or type * 1.39 of this Disease may be known, I shall only mention some few and more rare cases.

A Divine about sixty years of age, after he had been troubled for about three months with a light Vertigo, or as it were a frequent coruscation or brandishing of * 1.40 the Spirits, in the fore part of the Head, at length the Disease growing worse, he became ready to fall, and with a darkness before his eyes; in fo much, that in walk∣ing he sometimes would fall flat on the ground. Being sent for to Cure him, I pre∣scribed Phlebotomy, with a gentle Purge, and after a little respite, to be repeated a∣gain; further, I took care to have the Electuary, and mixtures given him, such as we noted above, with Blistering Plasters, and other administrations not to be neglected: A fortnight after, no ease following from these, I gave him a Vomit of the Salt of Vi∣triol, and the infusion of Crocus Metallorum, by which when he had easily vomited ten times, he began to find himself better, and by using further altering Cephalicks, for

about a fortnight more, he became perfectly well, and from that time, for six years, he took yearly spring and fall a Vomit, with some other Medicines; though he conti∣nued in perfect health.

A certain Gentleman about sixty six years of Age, when he had lived for a long time obnoxious to a light Vertigo, and that was wont to be excited only occasionally, * 1.41 about the end of the last Autumn, labouring more grievously with this Distemper, he also became forgetful. Being sent for to visit this Man, after he had been sick about three weeks, I found him very much changed in his looks and countenance, the vigor of both being diminished. Seeing that he was daily distemper'd towards evening with a small Feavour, his Pulse beating high and vehemently: I first caused blood to be taken out of his Arm, and after six or seven days, out of the Haemorrhoidal Veins; and then I took care for Blisters to be made behind the Ears and hind part of the Neck, and two large Issues between the shoulders: Inwardly, at physical hours, he took dai∣ly Cephalick Medicines, almost of every kind. Within a months space he seem'd to recover, and began to walk abroad, and to take care of his houshold affairs, and other businesses: but in the beginning of the Winter, taking cold by going daily a∣broad, he fell into a little Feavour, with a greater perturbation of the spirits within his Head: for becoming every evening delirous, he hardly knew what he said or did. But within seven or eight days, blood being taken away, and a slender dyet used, the Feavour vanished, but the distemper of the Brain was changed from its former state. For the Vertigo wholly ceasing, he became very forgetful, and Paraly∣tick, in all his right side. As to his Head, being asked, whether it was clear, and free from the dizziness and confused Phantasms; he answered, that as to those things, he never was better in his life: For he well understood his infirmity, knew his Friends and Relations, and others who came to visit him, but could hardly remember the names of any of them; and when he began to talk of any thing, he wanted words to express his mind: Then as to his Distemper in his side, in his right Arm and Leg; there was not only a Ioosning wholly, and a want of motion, but in either there grew a great white waterish Tumor, in so much that not only the Cure, but his life was despaired of, to be long prolonged; yea, the Magistracy and Offices which he held, were sought for by others.

However I did not desist from my curatory work, the most skilful Physician Doctor Wharton being called to my assistance. Carefully administring to the sick by our joint counsels, we prescribed solutive Pills to be taken at times, and in Medicinal hours on other days Cephalick, Antiscorbutick, and Antiparalytick Remedies: His head be∣ing shaven, we ordered a Plaster of Gumms and Balsoms to be laid upon it, and the loosened parts to be anointed with Oyls and Balsoms, and to be strongly rubbed. Whilst these things were doing, with some success as to the greater clearness of his intellect, I know not from what cause, he fell into a Feavour, in the midst of the Winter, so that for several days and nights, he grew extreamly hot, with burning, great thirst, and interrupted sleep; his tongue being scorch'd, and having a white scurf, his Pulse was high, his Urine red, and full of contents. We abstained from Phlebotomy, by reason of his Age and Palsie, and especially because of the Dropsie begun in the distemper'd side: but with a slender dyet prepared of Barly Broths, and Grewel, we order'd him day by day Juleps, Apozems, and other Remedies moving Sweat and Urine; and when about this time the Issues between his shoulders flowed very much, the sick man began to grow better as to his Memory, and Palsie, and from thence pro∣fiting daily, and by degrees growing well, of both his distempers, together with his Feavour, he was restored to perfect health within a fortnight, and is still living in health.

In this sick man there was a notable motion, and a various change or translation * 1.42 of the Morbifick matter; for what was at first in the middle part of the Brain, viz. sitting on the Callous Body, stirred up the cruel Vertigo; the same afterwards increas∣ed, and (as it is probable) being further diffused into the infoldings of the Brain, brought forgetfulness or oblivion to the former Distemper: Then forasmuch as the same mat∣ter being moved by the Feavour, and a little discussed, falling partly on one of the streaked bodies, brought the Palsie of one side, and being partly expulsed into the compass of the Brain, almost took away the Memory, the Callous Body in the mean time obtaining a clearness; and lastly, it was not without the help of the other Fea∣vour, that the Morbifick matter being discussed from these two last nests, was wholly carried away, the sick being restored to health.

Lately being tired out with the continual complaints of a certain man, troubled * 1.43 with the Vertigo, after many other Remedies tried in vain, I prescribed at length, that for the space of a month, he should take daily, twice a day, about a spoonful of

the following Powder, drinking after it a draught of the Decoction of Sage or Rosemary, impregnated with the Tincture of Coffee.

Take of the Powder of the Roots of the male Poeony two ounces, of the Flowers of the same bruised and dryed in the Sun one ounce, of the whitest dung of the Peacock half a pound, of white Sugar two ounces; make a Powder.

It is scarce credible how much help he received from this Remedy; visiting me after a month, he seem'd a new and another man; being freed of the Vertigo, he not only confidently walked about, but was able to take care of his houshold affairs, and to meddle with any hard business, which he was not able to do before.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Seat of the Vertigo.
• * 1.2

  A Description of it.
• * 1.3

  The Causes and the Manner of the non-natural Vertigo.
• * 1.4

  The Reasons of them shewn.
• * 1.5

  Why looking down from on high, and p•…•…s∣sing over Brid∣ges, cause a turning round in the Head.
• * 1.6

  How Dr•…•…nken∣ness.
• * 1.7

  A perturbation of the Spirits in the Brain, and a revocation of them from their flowing into the Nerves, depend mutually on one another.
• * 1.8

  From what cau∣ses the pr•…•…terna∣tural Vertigo is wont to be excited.
• * 1.9

  Sometimes the Vertigo is a symptom of other Cephalick Dis∣•…•…ases.
• * 1.10

  Sometimes it is excited by rea∣son of the Di∣s•…•…emper of other distant parts, viz. from the stomach, spleen, &c. and so by two means: 1. Either by rea∣son of the Flood of the Blood be∣ing kept back.
• * 1.11

  2. Or by reason of an inordi∣nate recourse, or flowing back of the Spirits to∣wards the Brain.
• * 1.12

  Not by reason of v•…•…pours, eleva∣ted from these parts is it ex∣cited.
• * 1.13

  The immediate Subject of the Vertigo is the Animal Spirits.
• * 1.14

  The mediate the Callous Body.
• * 1.15

  Its formal rea∣son.
• * 1.16

  Its Conjunct Cause.
• * 1.17

  1. From the per∣turhation of the Spirits.
• * 1.18

  2. From their ways or passages being obstructed.
• * 1.19

  This is seen by things helpful and hurtful.
• * 1.20

  The more remote foregoing cause of the Vertigo consists both in the vice of the Bloud, and of the Brain.
• * 1.21

  The Reason of the sormer explain∣ed.
• * 1.22

  The vices of the Brain noted.
• * 1.23

  The differences of this Disease.
• * 1.24

  Its Prognostick,
• * 1.25

  The Cure of the Vertigo.
• * 1.26

  There are three chief intentions of healing;
• * 1.27

  1. To take a∣way the root or feeding of the Disease.
• * 1.28

  2. To remove the procatartick causes.
• * 1.29

  3. To take a∣way the Con∣junct Cause.
• * 1.30

  The Curatory Method is shewn.
• * 1.31

  Why vomiting Medicines are so much noted in this, and other Diseases of the Head.
• * 1.32

  What is to be done out of the Fit, for preven∣tion sake.
• * 1.33

  Electuary.
• * 1.34

  A distilled Wa∣ter.
• * 1.35

  Tablets.
• * 1.36

  Chalybeats or Steel-Medicines
• * 1.37

  Spirits.
• * 1.38

  Powders.
• * 1.39

  Cases and Ex∣amples of the Sick.
• * 1.40

  The first History.
• * 1.41

  The second Hi∣story.
• * 1.42

  The Reason of the Case described.
• * 1.43

  The third Hi∣story.