Chap. 10. Of the magnitude of the Womb increased, and first of the inflation of the Womb.

IN•lation is a stretching of the womb with wind, it called by some a windy Mole. See*Mathew de gradibus: And Thadeus Dun lib. mis∣•el. c. 8.

This wind is from a cold matter, either thick* or thin, contained in the veins of the womb, which overcom•s the weak heat of the womb; it is gather•d there by cold meats and drinks, or flows from other parts. Cold air may be the cause also, if women that lie in, expose themselves to it. This wind is contained either in the cavity of the vessels of the womb, or between the tuni∣cl••.

There is a swelling in the region of the womb,* somtimes reaching to the navel, loyns and Dia∣phragma; & as wind increaseth or decreaseth, it a•iseth or abateth, it is different from a Dropsie, because it is never ••ollen so high.

And least a Phy•itian be deceived, and take it for a conception, observe the signs of women with child, for if one sign be wanting, you may suspect an in•lation; also in in•lation the tumor in•reaseth and decreaseth, but in conception it Page  36 still increaseth. Moreover if you strike upon 〈◊〉 belly, there is a noise, but not in conception.

It differs from a dropsie in the womb, for the• is not such heaviness, they move more easily ar• the belly is not so swelled, there were causes th•• bred wind, and things against wind do good.

It differs from a mole, for there is in that 〈◊〉 weight and hardness in the belly, and when the• move from one side to a•other, they feel a wei••* that moveth which is not in this, of which Hip∣pocrates. The feet and the face swells in the ho•∣low parts, the •olor is bad, the terms stopt, the•• is short wind, &c.

If •he wind is without the cavity of the womb• there is more pain and larger, nor is there a noi••* because the wind is in a straighter place.

It is neither a lasting nor a deadly disease, i• well lo•k• after: if it be in the cavity of the* womb, it is ea•ier discussed.

Give Hiera, Diaphoenicon, with a little Ca∣stor• sharp Clysters that also expel wind: if it b• in travel, purge not till she be delivered.

Bleed not, because it is from a cold matter: i• it come after childbearing, and the terms were not sufficient after, and there is fulness of blood, open the Saphena.

After these, give things mentioned in Tympa∣ny, that respect the womb. As, Take Conser•• of Bettony, Ros•mary, each an ounce and half; can∣died Eryngus, C•tron p••ls candied, ••ch half 〈◊〉 ou•c•; Di••yminum, •Diagalangal, •a•h a d••m; Oyl o• Anis•eds six d••ps, with Syrup of Citrons, ma•e an El•c••ary.

Or, Take Conserve of Ros•mary, •alm, each three oun••s; candied Cit•ons and Oranges, each an ounce; Diacyminum a dram• with Syrup o• Citr••• make an El•c•u•ry.

Page  37Or give the Womans Aqua vitae, or this Take Angelica roots two ounces, Masterwort, Elicampane, Orange peels, each six drams, Calamints, Pennyroy∣al, R•e, Sage, Ros•mary, each a handful; Cum∣min, Fennel, Aniseed, each half an ounce; Juniper berries a handful, Zed•ary, •alangal, Cubebs, each half an ounce; with good wine distit them, give a spoonful or two. Apply outwardly a Cataplasm o• R•e• Mugwort. 〈◊〉 Dill, Calamints, Nip, Penn•r•yal, 〈◊〉 with Oyl of Rue• Cheir, Cha∣mo•il, a•d make Ba•hs of the same, and baggs of Milium, S•lt• Chamomil •••wers, Melilot, Bayber∣ri•s, Cum••n, Fennel seed, or lay on a Plaister of Bayberries

Let •l•sters to expel wind be put into the wom•. As• Take Calamints, Agnus castus, Rue, each h•l• a handful; Aniseeds, Costus, Cinnamon, each two drams; boyl them in wine for h•lf a pin•.

Apply a Cupping-glass with much flame to the breast, and over against the womb.

Use Sulphur-baths and Spaw-waters inward and outward, for they expel wind.

If it come from cold after childbearing, and she is not well purged by her terms, heat the womb, and purge, and give strong wine

Let the diet be hot, cutting and attenuating,* with things that expel wind, and little at a time.