Chap. 10. Of Fistulae's in the Neck of the Womb.

MAny times there are ulcers in these parts, because they are soft, and easily corroded, and •re hard to be cured.

Some of them are ••rait, others crooked; some 〈◊〉 others hollow.

If matter stay there, it corrodes and makes* burroughs, and divides the parts, and makes a Callus, and when the matter is voided, the parts divided cannot unite.

It is known by the •igure of the ulcer, there is* a callous lip, and thin evil matter, when it is pres∣sed, flows out: there is no pain, except it reach a sensible part. Somtimes it reacheth the blad∣der, and then the urin comes forth at the fistula: somtimes the fundament, and then the dung ap∣pears in the Fistula.

A new Fistula is easier cured then an old and a* strait then a crooked: it is scarce to be cured in a cacochymical old body, and when it pierceth into the parts adjacent.

First use Universals, and good diet, then see* if it may be cured by Medicines, or better left to Nature to evacuate exc•ements thereby.

I• the last is best, use a palliative Cure, by often purging and sweating twice in a year, and inje∣ctions an• strengtheners, and lay on a Plai••er of 〈◊〉.

Page  16 If you hope for a Cure, after Universals, giv• drying vulnerary Drinks, of male Fern roots, Centaury, Agrimony, Bettony, Ladies-mantle, &c.

Then use Topicks; fi•st dilate the orisice (i• it be strait) with a Spunge or Gentian •oots, the• consume the Callus, but first make it soft wi•• Oyl of Lillies, Deer's Marrow, Tu•pentine and Wax.

Three things consume a Callus: Medicines, cutting and burning, there in a new strait Fistula, use Gentian, black H•llebore, Aegyptiacum, o•Vigo's Pouder with a Pencil. Or, Take Subli∣mate half a scruple, Rose or Plantane water six oun∣ces, set it upon embers. If it be towards the womb, take heed of strong Medicines.

If it be callous and •oul, burn it either by a Caustick or hot iron. These are good in the ou•∣ward part of the neck: then clense and heal.