The expert midwife, or An excellent and most necessary treatise of the generation and birth of man. Wherein is contained many very notable and necessary particulars requisite to be knovvne and practised: with diuers apt and usefull figures appropriated to this worke. Also the causes, signes, and various cures, of the most principall maladies and infirmities incident to women. Six bookes compiled in Latine by the industry of Iames Rueff, a learned and expert chirurgion: and now translated into English for the generall good and benefit of this nation.

The third Booke. Of the birth, and all manner of re∣medies, which may concerne women in time of child-birth, and also their Infants. (Book 3)

CHAP. I. Of the due and lawfull time of the birth, and of the forme and manner of it: and also of the paines and dolours of women in time of their travell and labour.

NOw the ninth Month being instant, the nourishment of the Infant be∣ginneth to faile in the wombe, and not to be sufficient,* 1.1 because of the greatnesse of the Infant, to which he is growne unto. For now being great, hee needeth much nutriment and food; which, because he cannot sufficiently attract and draw unto him by the

small veines, and likewise by the Navell, he is moved with great force and violence in the womb:* 1.2 so that he breaketh asunder the Liga∣ments

[illustration]

or binders, the small veines with the coats or caule, in which he is wrapped & infold∣ed, I say, the Secun∣dine with the other two coats or wrap∣pers, of w^ch it hath been spoken before; and doth prepare & unloose himselfe to the birth, after the maner of this figure.

* 1.3By this declaration & appearance, Midwives and other women which are present with preg∣nant and laboring women, may marke and ob∣serve the true and proper paines, passions and throngs of child birth: which indeed are no o∣ther thing, but the violence and strugglings of the Infant being come to perfection, with which he is driven, tossed and rolled hither

and thither, and striveth downeward to the lower parts, that he might have passage to come forth into the light. For the membranes or caules being broken by his striving & violence, and the Matrix being disclosed and opened, the humours doe begin to flow abroad, from which the Infant being freed and delivered; by and by feeleth the aire, and through desire of this life is rolled towards the out-passage of the Ma∣trix,* 1.4 his head turned towards the mouth and en∣trance of the Matrix. And this is the forme and manner of a legiti∣mate

[illustration]

and most na∣turall birth, if first the head proceede forth, the hands stretched downe∣wards by the sides, and laid upon the hips, as the present Figure adjoyned doth shew and ex∣presse. But the birth is said to be unna∣turall, if any of these conditions and properties

shall be wanting.* 1.5 Wherefore the Midwife shall have a diligent care, that shee be furnished and provided timely and speedily to receive any birth, with a convenient Stoole or Chaire, with a Knife, Sponge, binders, and with oile of Lillies warmed, with which shee may profitably an∣noint both the wombe of the labouring wo∣man, and her owne hands.

CHAP. II. Of the Office of Midwives, and of the apt and fit forme and fashion of their Stoole or Chaire.

* 1.6BVt what the Office of Midwives is, in the time of birth, and how the action may proceed, we will now declare. First, let the Midwife know the time, and observe the true paines and dolours, also let her comfort and cheare up the labouring woman, and let her chearefully exhort her to obey her Precepts and admonitions. Likewise let her give good exhor∣tations to other women being present, especi∣ally to poure forth devout prayers to God, after∣ward to doe their duties at once, as well as they are able. Which done, let her bring the labou∣ring

woman to her Stoole, which ought to be prepared in this fashion.

[illustration]

Let the Stoole be made compasse-wise,* 1.7 un∣derpropped with foure feet, the stay of it behind bending backeward, hollow in the midst, cove∣red with a blacke cloth underneath, hanging downe to the ground, by that meanes that the

labouring woman may be covered, and other women sometimes apply their hands in any place if necessity require.* 1.8 Let the Stoole be fur∣nished and covered with many cloths & clouts at the back & other parts, that the laboring wo∣man receive no hurt, or the Infant any where, strongly kicking and striving because of the ••••••ines, stirrings, and motions of the mother. And after the labouring woman shall be set in her Chaire about to be delivered, the Midwife shall place one woman behind her back which may gently hold the labouring woman, taking her by both the armes, and if need be, the paines waxing grievous, and the woman labouring, may stroke and presse downe the wombe, and may somewhat drive and depresse the Infant downward. But let her place other two by her sides, which may both with good words en∣courage and comfort the labouring-woman, and also may be ready to helpe and put to their hand at any time. This being done, let the Midwife her selfe sit stooping forward before the lobouring-woman, and let her annoint her owne hands, and the womb of the labouring-woman, with oile of Lillies, of sweet Almonds,

and the grease of an Hen, mingled and tempe∣red together. For to doe this, doth profit and helpe them very much which are grosse and fat, and them, whose secret parts are strict and nar∣row, and likewise them which have the mouth of the Matrix dry, and such women as are in la∣bor of their first child. It will also be profitable to commixe and temper with those things the white of an Egge. Lastly, all these things thus prepared, let the Midwife instruct and encou∣rage the party to her labour, to abide her paines with patience, and then gently apply her hands to the worke as she ought, by feeling and sear∣ching with her fingers how the child lieth, and by relaxing and opening the way and passage conveniently for him, while the mother is in paine, and also where there is need by enlarging and stretching out the neck of the Matrix wari∣ly, and if the Infant stay from proceeding forth, and be stopped any where, with her fingers ten∣derly to direct the Infant to lie & proceed forth directly and naturally, when hee lieth crooked and overthwart, and to further him to an easie birth. Let her conveniently receive the Infant proceeding forth to birth, and let her presently

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cut the Navell,* 1.9 about the length of foure fingers being left, and let her binde it hard with a double thread, as neere to the belly of the child as may be; which being done, let her have a care of the Secundne or after-birth; let her move and stirre it, the Matrix as yet being stretched out and open, before being shut it be closed together againe. But that a diligent care may be used in cutting the Navell, wee were willing to set forth all the coats, called by one name the Secundine, to be viewed in this Figure, how they doe cleave together in the womb, and doe mutually draw one another.* 1.10 For the Se∣cundine

[illustration]

is a Pannicle or skinne of three coats, involving & wrapping the whole Infant round about, affixed and fastned to the Matrix, with

Veines and Arteries, by which it attracteth and draweth blood for the nourishment of the Fea∣ture, and sendeth and conveyeth it being at∣tracted to the Infant by his Navell.

The Navell being cut, and the childe washed,* 1.11 his Navell being dry must be strewed and sprinckled with powder compounded of Bole-Armeniacke, Sanguis Draconis and Myrrh, and to be pressed downe with a double cloth laid upon it. For this doth remedy a Flux of blood, and other chances.

CHAP. III. Of certaine naturall Precepts and Medicines, fur∣thering and easing the flownesse and difficultie of the birth.

BEcause here we will discourse of removing the impediments of the birth: wee must consider first of all, that the birth is hindred two manner of waies,* 1.12 naturally and unnatu∣rally. When it shall happen to be hindred un∣naturally, wee must proceed according to the Precepts and Rules delivered in the fourth Booke following. But when it is hindred na∣turally,

we must use the Precepts delivered and set downe in this Chapter. Before all things, let the Midwife be so skilfull of the matter, that so much as lieth in her power, she may conveni∣ently and readily decline and avoyd all impedi∣ments and hindrances of the birth.* 1.13 But if it shall happen that the birth is hindred by siceity, drinesse, or straitnesse of the necke or privie pas∣sages of the Matrix, a little quantity of sneesing-powder and Pepper is to be blowne into the nostrills of the labourig-woman with a quill; also her mouth is to be kept close, and her breath to be kept in, and sternutation or sneefing is to be provoked, whereby the breath being driven downward, may thrust and depresse the Infant to the nether most parts. Which effect is also caused by these things following: The herbe Bursa pastoris beaten to powder, and taken in Wine or broth of Cicers, will greatly pre∣vaile. Also a spoonfull of Hony taken with twice as much warme water: Also the milke of another woman mixed and tempered with the leaves of Mugwoort or Mother woort laid warme upon the Navell: Also oile of Bay taken in warme water, or broth of Cicers: Also two

graines of Pepper being taken, doe both force and drive forward the birth, and also the Se∣cundine. Our medicine, which we most espe∣cially use, the birth being hindred, and paines of travelling failing and slaking, is this: Take of the Trochiskes of Myrrh one ounce, Saffron ten graines, Cinamome one scruple, mingle them with two ounces of the water of Mugwoort or Peniroyall, and make one draught of it.

Let the labouring-woman take this draught warme, which being taken,* 1.14 let her returne to bed againe about the space of an houre, untill feeling the force of this Potion her pangs and paines stirred up againe, shee rising up re∣turne to her labour and travell. But if this will not profit nor doe any good, and the Infant having put forth his head to the birth first, doe as yet sticke and doe not proceed forward: by and by seven of these Pills are to be given her, which being taken, let her rest againe a little.

Take of the Gum Bdellium, Myrrh,* 1.15 of the seed of Savine, Storax liquida, that is, Stactes, Castoreum, Agaricum, of each halfe a scruple, Diagridion sixe graines, temper them with the pulpe of Cassia newly extracted as much as may

suffice and make Pills of them as big as a Pease. Both these medicines procuring a speedy birth, are approved almost of all skilfull Physicians, and are in use:* 1.16 Also wee shall use this Pessary, which you shall make the length and bredth of a finger of pure wooll, and shall cover it over with silke, which you shall orderly use dipped in the juyce of Rue, or herbe. Grace, in which Scamonie is dissolved. There are some which hang the Iasper-stone, or the stone called lapis Aquilinus on the left hip. If these things after triall take no effect, let the child bearing wo∣man exercise her selfe by going a little; after∣ward let her use this bath or fomentation,* 1.17 the bath, I say, reaching up so high, that it may come over her belly: Take Marish-Mallowes, the herbe and root, sixe handfulls of other Mal∣lowes, Camomile, Melilot, Parsley, of each foure handfulls, Lineseed, Fenegreke, of each two pound, Bay-leaves, Lavender-leaves, of each two handfulls; let all these things be boiled in water, in which let the labouring woman sit, or sometimes apply Sponges dipped in the same warme to her belly and backe. The which be∣ing done sufficiently, let her be cherrished with

warme clothes, and being brought to her bed, let her be annointed with this ointment: Take of the oile of sweet Almonds, Hens grease,* 1.18 oile of Lillies, of Muscilage, of Marish-Mallowes, of each halfe an ounce; temper them with a suf∣ficient quantity of wax, and make an ointment. These things will prevaile to expell and drive forth the Secundines, as wee will teach in the Chapter following; This being done, you shall give her a sop or morsell sodden with the yolke of two Egges in old wine; these sorts of things commixed and tempered with them. Take Ci∣namome halfe an ounce, the rindes of Cassia (or rather so much the more Cinamome in stead of Cassia, because the Druggists often sell that which is not good) Saffron halfe a scruple, Sa∣vine, Betony, Maiden haire, Dittany, Fenegreke, Bay-berries, Mints, of each one ounce, of the bone found in the heart of a Hart, Pearles pre∣pared, of each halfe a scruple, mix them with Su∣gar,* 1.19 and make a powder of them somewhat grosse. But if the Secundine or after-birth come forth before the child, and hinder and let the passage of the Infant, that shall be cut off, but the Navell must be bound up, and this Pessary

following must be conveyed into the necke or privie passage of the Matrix. Take of Marish-Mallowes with the roots two handfuls, of Mo∣ther, or Mugwoort on handfull, of Rue, or herb-grace one ounce & a halfe, Fenegreke, Lineseed, of each one ounce, ten Figs; temper them toge∣ther, and make a decoction with a sufficient quantity of water, to which being throughly strained, adde these things: oile of Lillies, oile of Lineseede, of both two ounces, Muske one graine.

Let the Pessary being moistned in the decocti∣on, be conveyed into the necke of the Matrix: Let her also by and by use this Electuary:* 1.20 Take Myrrh, Castoreum, Calamus aromaticus two ounces, Cinamome one ounce, of Saffron halfe a scruple, Mace, Savine, of each one scruple, of clarified Hony halfe a pound. Confect and make the Electuary with the water of Baulme and Mugwoort, in which are decocted Fene∣greke, Lineseed, Iuniper-berries, of each one spoonfull.

Further, when the labouring woman shall be weakned & effeeblished by these impediments, you must give her in her broth to comfort and

strengthen her, the Species or sorts of the Electuary, named Laetificans, or Manus Christi Pearled, or Diamargariton.

CHAP. IIII. How the Secundines, or after-burden may have an easie passage, if it stay behinde.

THe Secundines, or after-birth,* 1.21 the Infant being borne, may be stopped and hin∣dred by many meanes. First, by the de∣bility [ 1] and weaknesse of the Matrix, which hap∣peneth by the violence of the child, and by his frequent and often moving: also by the diffi∣culty and hardnesse of the birth: and also by the continuall stretching and restriction or closing together of the Matrix, by which it is so weak∣ned and feeblished, that her strength and power (which otherwise by nature it is wont) it can∣not expell the Secundines. Next if the Secun∣dines [ 2] being intangled, tied, or remaine affixed within the Matrix, which thing often com∣meth to passe through abundance of super∣fluous humour detained in the wombe, by

which abundance, the Secundines or after-birth are easily glewed and cleave to the Matrix, mo∣lested and grieved with these humours. These Secundines or infolders of the infant, shall be by no other meanes unloosed and expulsed, than by the hand of the Midwife, being con∣veyed [ 3] inwardly. Thirdly, they are stopped, if, the child being borne, by and by all the waters are flowne away which are in the Matrix, of which the Secundines being destitute are exic∣cated and dried; and also the Matrix, the necke or privie passage thereof are made more rough, because of that siccity and drinesse. For those waters must make the way slippery both for the Infant, and the Secundines. Wherefore these waters being slipped away, the wombe shall be annointed with oiles and juyces within and [ 4] without. Fourthly, they are hindred when the mouth of the Matrix doth swell because of the anguish & paines of the birth, as it often falleth out, unlesse this evill be declined and prevented [ 5] by diligent and provident care. Fifthly, when in the first birth the mouth or port-passage of the Matrix, is as yet over-straight and nar∣row. And for that same cause, when the wo∣men

shall be grosse and fat,* 1.22 they are more pain∣fully and hardly delivered of the child and Se∣cundines. Therefore whensoever they shall be stopped, and linger somewhat behinde by any cause whatsoever, the Midwife shall imploy all her labour and diligence that she may procure them to proceed forth, and to have a free pas∣sage.* 1.23 For the retention of them doth cause suf∣focation and choking of the Matrix, and ingen∣dreth many evills. For when as the second-birth shall be detained and kept within, it be∣ginneth soone to putrefie and rot, whereby an evill, stincking, pestiferous fume, and vapour, will ascend upward to the stomacke, heart, and Midriffe, and consequently to the braine: by which paines of the head, and of the parts about the heart, fainting of the spirits, many swoonings and cold sweats doe ensue, so that danger of death, also the two deadly diseases, named the Apoplexie (which is a sudden be∣numming of the senses) and the Epilepsie or Falling sicknesse, are continually to be feared.* 1.24 For the Matrix cannot corrupt in the body without most dangerous evill. But the while the Secundine is retained and stopped, the

women are to be refreshed and cherrished with convenient meate and drinke,* 1.25 and strength is to be added to them, I say, with sops, decocted with the yolkes onely of Egges and old wine, with Sugar, sprinckled with Saffron and Cina∣mome; or with brothes made of Capons, or Hens, in like manner seasoned with Cinamon and Saffron.* 1.26 Afterward let there be made fumes to be received into the wombe over the coales, of Saffron not beaten, Castoreum, Myrrh, Cina∣mome, of every one of them the waight of one or two Beanes. But let the labouring-woman be closely covered underneath, that the per∣fume may come onely to the Matrix. Let this thing be done untill the fume doe faile made of those particulars.* 1.27 Afterward a little of Ellebo∣rus, or some other powder, causing sneesing, is to be blowne into her nostrills, her mouth is to be kept close, her breath to be held in, and snee∣sing and sternutation to be provoked, as wee have before declared. But if neither these things doe drive it forth, you shall give her Cassia (or Cinamome rather) the waight of a nut, Saffron, and the Cinamome, the bignesse of two Beanes beaten to powder, to be drunke in broth made

of red Cicers. But this not succeeding, nor ta∣king effect, give to her the draught warme de∣scribed before in the third Chapter, after the taking of the which,* 1.28 when shee hath rested a little, let a little of Elleborus and Opoponax wrapped in pure wooll, be conveyed into the necke or prive passage of the Matrix, and with∣out all doubt shee shall be speedily delivered of the after-birth.* 1.29 For this is of so great vertue and efficacie, that it forcibly expelleth dead chil∣dren also, with the Secundines. In this case al∣so it will not a little profit to annoint the Matrix, for expelling and driving forth the Secundines, or second-birth, with the ointment named Vn∣guentum Basilicum. If none of these things shall expell it, and there shall be such great danger that it is to be despaired of the life of the labou∣ring woman,* 1.30 her husband or kinsfolkes con∣senting, give her seven Pills of this description following, which being taken, let her lie downe on her bed, untill the vertue of them shall pro∣voke and stirre up fresh paines and labours, and shall begin to expell and send forth the Secun∣dine. For these are of such great power and vertue, that they are able to expell a dead child

and the Secundines also at once.* 1.31 Yet for all that, let nothing be done without the counsell of a skilfull Physician. Take Castoreum, Myrrhe, Storax liquida, of each one scruple, the rinde of Cassia (or rather Cinamome) Aristolochia ro∣tunda, sent from Lions, of each halfe a scruple, A∣garicum, halfe an ounce, Diagridion six graines, Saffron, Siler montanum, Savine, of each three graines, Opium Thebaicum, Assa foetida, of each one graine; Commixe and temper them with Cassia extracted, so much as sufficeth, and make it into the forme of Pills like unto Pease. And let her take seven of these with the water of Peniroyall or Mugwoort:* 1.32 Also this plai∣ster, if there shall be need, may be laid upon her Navell, to be prepared in this manner. Take of Colocynthis decocted in water one part, and as much of the juyce of Rue, or herbe-Grace, to which you shall mingle Myrrh, Lineseed, Fenegreke, Barley-meale, of each a spoonefull, let them all be sodden and decocted together. And let the Plaister confected and compoun∣ded of these things, be laid upon the whole belly, from the Navell even to the Secrets. This hath beene sometime tried and proved, yet it

shall not rashly be used without the counsell of an expert and skilfull Physician;* 1.33 And let these things be spoken, concerning the bringing forth of the Secundine, or after-birth.

CHAP. V. Of the usage and ordering of the woman in child-bed, and of the Infant being newly borne.

THe mother being delivered of her childe,* 1.34 and after-birth, let the Midwife take a cleane Sponge dipped in warme water, and gently bathe and wash her, as yet sitting on her stoole, where there is neede, and if any of the Matrix doth hang and appeare outwardly, let her annoint it with warme oiles, of Roses, Violets, or Camomile, and let her direct and re∣duce it againe being cherrished with warme clothes into her proper place, which being done, let the child-delivered-woman be brought to her bed, where the place and roome may be temperate, there let her lie on her backe, let her stretch out her legs, and hold them wide abroad, so much as shall be convenient, the other part

of her body being so upright, that shee may ra∣ther seeme to sit, than to lie downe, because by that meanes, if any superfluous matter doth remaine, it may more commodiously passe away. But if in the first daies the issuing of her Flowers shall cease oversoone, as it often chanceth,* 1.35 then powder of Elleborus or Peper, shall be blowne into her nostrills, every day once or twice, for to move and provoke the flux of the Flowers, as necessity shall seeme to require.* 1.36 But if the flux be too vehement, and more abundant than it should, and that the childe-bringing-woman is weakned and feebli∣shed by it, let her rest much, and use dry meats, to wit, Hens and Capons boiled and rosted, and also any meates fryed in a Frying-pan: Let her abstaine from all liquid and moist meats, for by these the Termes will issue forth more abun∣dantly: Let her also use the confection named Diatriasandalon, for that doth both comfort and bind, a little morsell of it taken now and then: Or if you thinke good, let her use this com∣mixtion of powders, with bread tosted upon the coales, and steeped in sweet wine. Take of the species Dianthos, Diapliris, Diamargariton,

Diacarophylon, Diagalanga, Diatriasandalon, of each halfe an ounce, Diamuscum, Diambra, of each halfe a scruple, Sugar so much as suffi∣ceth; mixe them and make a powder (or as the Apothecaries name it) Tragema, and let it be kept in a little box or pot.

Now many say, that the child being washed and wrapped in his swadling-clothes, before he sucke the brests, or take any meate, must be laid by his mother, lying in her bed,* 1.37 on the left side, neere the heart first of all: For they thinke (as they are perswaded) that the mother doth attract and draw to her all the diseases from the child, and that she doth expell and void againe by the flux and issue of her wombe, what evill soever she hath attracted, without any hurt to her selfe; for they thinke this thing doth pre∣serve the childe from the Falling-sicknesse and the Leprosie, through his whole life. They would have this to be done every day one houre, while hee abstaineth from meate and milke.* 1.38 But at that time often-times red Coralls prepared, mixed with Sugar and fresh Butter are to be put into the mouth of the child, be∣cause they also doe preserve the Infant from

the aforesaid diseases continually.* 1.39 Let also red Corall, and the seeds of Pionie be hanged upon his necke and armes, for they doe strengthen, comfort, and also make the childe merry and lively. And so much also concerning the first care and usage of a woman lately delivered, and her child after the birth.

CHAP. VI. How, and with what instruments children sticking in the wombe, and being dead, are to be brought forth.

FOrasmuch as the parts of the Matrix are two, of which both do consist of sinewes, wrinckled flesh, and grosse thicknesse (as wee have mentioned in the third Chapter be∣fore) we must know, that the inward part of it (whose port or entrance, is almost unsensible and most streight, neither is opened at any time, but in the act of Generation, issuing of the Termes, and in the birth) is able to abide and admit so great a dilatation and enlargement, that it sufficeth to afford free passage to an In∣fant

to come forth out of the wombe, if the birth shall be naturall, without any detriment or hurt to the child or mother. But when the Infant of himselfe can neither finde nor open this way (as at other times by Nature hee is wont) because of the restriction and straitnesse of the privie-passage, and because the vaults and caves of the same are stopped: then let the Midwife convey her fingers in, her hands being annointed, and let her dilate, amplifie, and en∣large that strictnesse and narrownesse, as con∣veniently as she can, in bredth only, but not in length at all, lest the ligaments and holders of the Matrix be broken,* 1.40 and the precipitation and sudden falling downe of the Matrix doe follow, being a disease uncurable, I say, the perverting and disordering of the same, with the processe and comming forth of the necke of the Matrix. Therefore let the Midwife in dilating and ope∣ning the inward part, move it forward, that the head of the Infant which is neerest, may put it selfe forth from thence, and may proceed and come forth into the utter part, to wit, the necke of the Matrix. For the dilatation and opening of the inward part, now spoken of, can neither

hurt or indammage the mother nor the babe, because Nature her selfe, doth in an easie birth amplifie and extend the same, and also after the birth shut and close the same together againe. But if the child cannot proceed forth for the straightnesse and narrownesse of the other part, that is to say, of the necke, but sticke there with his head, the other part of his body remaining as yet in the inward receptacle, or seede-plot (which thing seldome hapneth, when he com∣meth forth rightly) then wee must know, that the port-passage, or outward gate, that is to say, the secrets may be more extended, dilated & en∣larged, and that they may better endure all the difficulties of the birth, than the inward recep∣tacle or vault, and therefore let the midwife al∣so amplifie & open that gate or entrance againe according to the quality of the matter, that the whole Infant may come forth to the birth.

And if these aforesaid things shall afford no succour, so that the Infant remaineth as yet fixed and unmovable, and all the paines and pangs of the birth shall cease, then the labou∣ring-woman shall be brought to her bed againe and be holpen with these medicines following,

which are such,* 1.41 that they are able to expell and drive forth both dead children, the Secundines retained behind, and also abortives, and the false conceptions, named Molae. First of all, as soone as she shall be brought to her bed, let her take this potion warme, and that being taken, let her abstaine from all other meat, and let her rest quietly the space of one or two houres, untill she thoroughly feele the force and efficacy of it. Take figs sliced seven, Fenegreke,* 1.42 Mugwoort-seed, Rue-seed, of each, two drams, the water of Peniroyall and Mugwoort, of each sixe ounces; Make a decoction of them and seethe them till the halfe part be wasted and consu∣med, let the residue be strained, and put to that which is strained, of the Trochiskes of Myrrhe one dram, of Saffron three graines, of Sugar a sufficient quantity; make one draught of it, and let it be spiced with Cinamome so much as suf∣ficeth. After the aforesaid time of rest, she may be brought againe to the travell and labour of the birth,* 1.43 where suffumigations and perfumes shalbe made underneath with Trochiskes com∣posed of these kindes cast by little and little up∣on the coales, so that all the fume and vapour

may attaine onely to the Matrix. Take Casto∣reum, Brimstone, Galbanum, Opoponacum, Culver-dung, Assa Foetida, of each halfe a dram; temper them with the juyce of Rue or Herbe-grace, and make Trochiskes like unto a Filbert-nut. It will profit much to make fumes and vapours with them.

But if she finde no helpe by them, she may use this Emplaister laid upon her belly.* 1.44 Take Galbanum one ounce and a halfe, Colocyn∣this without the seeds two drams, the juyces of Rue, Mugwoort, new waxe so much as fufficeth; make a Plaister of them. Let a Lin∣nen-cloth be spread with this being decocted, made according to the breadth of the belly, that it may reach from the Navell to the privie parts, and to both the sides, which thee may retaine and keepe on the place, the space of one or two houres, if there shall be need.* 1.45 Or a Pessary made of Wooll, the big∣nesse and length of a finger, and covered with Silke, dipped and moistened in the de∣coction follollowing, is to be conveyed in∣to the necke or privie passage of the Ma∣trix, and to remaine there two houres. Take

Aristolochia rotunda, brought out of France, Savine, Colocynthis without seeds, Stavesacre, Elleborus niger, of each halfe a dram. With these beaten to powder, with the juyce of Rue, as much as sufficeth, make a Pessary.

But after all these things being used,* 1.46 but especially, if the Midwife shall not be able to make way and passage for the Infant, the parts of the Matrix being enlarged and amplified as they should, Instruments wholly fit and profi∣table for those uses shall be used. And when as necessity shall require the use of them, the poore and distressed labouring-woman must be en∣couraged before hand with comfortable and cheerefull words, then the Instruments are to be prepared, and devout prayer to be poured forth to God: and that done, let her so sit upon the Stoole, that shee may turne her Fundament as much as shee can to the backe of the Stoole, and draw her legges to her as shee may, and spread and separate them as wide as shee can, the other women standing by, helping and furthering her, that the Mid∣wife may conveniently performe and execute that which is to be done with the Instruments.

But if another way shall please, and seeme more commodious to the Midwife, let her bring the woman to her bed, in which let her lie, her head declining and bending backeward a little, but her buttockes lifted somewhat higher than all the rest, and her legges drawne unto her so much as may be. Then with either of these In∣struments, which shall please best, being annoin∣ted, let the Midwife begin to worke, and to pro∣ceed forward. For both these hereafter described and set forth are prepared to open, enlarge, and bring forth.

Let the Midwife gently direct and convey one of these Instruments,* 1.47 that is, the Instrument na∣med in Latine, Apertorium, the opening Instru∣ment, being annointed and closed together by the necke of the Matrix into the inward port or gate, which being sufficiently done, let her close together the Instrument with both her hands at the lower end of it, untill she have enlarged the mouth of the Matrix as much as sufficeth. Or if it please,* 1.48 let her use the other Instrument, named in Latine, Speculum Matricis, the Looking-glasse of the Matrix after the same manner as was said even now of the other Instrument called Aper∣torium.

[illustration]

[illustration]

Speculum Matricis.

[illustration]

Apertorium.

But in this Instrument named Speculum Matricis, the turning joynt must be turned so of∣ten about, till you shall understand it sufficeth for dilatation and enlarging of those parts. And the Orifice or entrance of the Matrix being en∣larged by that meanes, let the Midwife take hold of the Infant gently with her hands, and if it be possible, bring him forth with the Secundines. After let her wash and annoint the womb of the delivered woman, and let her bring her to her bed, being delivered of the birth, and refresh and comfort her with sweet spices, and also with convenient meat and drinke, as we have coun∣selled before in the third Chapter. Also we must use the same maner of proceeding with all dead children, and the false conceptions named Molae, and also with the Secundines, when they are o∣vermuch intangled & hindred, when as necessi∣ty it selfe shall require such a proceeding & cure.

* 1.49But if it come to passe, that the dead child, be∣cause of his bignesse cannot be drawn out by the manner aforesaid, or the Secundines cannot be taken hold of with the hands, and be brought forth, then must we have a care that it be taken hold of with the Instruments following what∣soever

[illustration]

Rostrum anatis.

[illustration]

Forceps langa & tersa.

it shall be without the hurt of the mo∣ther, and be pulled forth with a discreet and prudent care.

Therefore with one of these Instruments, I meane that which is named in Latine,* 1.50 Rostrum anatis, the Ducke or Drakes-bil, let her take hold of the dead child, and let her draw him out with her right hand, having taken hold of him, but with her left hand let her drive forward both the ports, or gates, lest the Ligaments or holders be broken, and the falling downe of the Matrix doe insue. In this case, if necessity shall require, you may adde to this instrument, the paire of Pinsers, with which teeth are pulled out, or else this Instrument here pictured out,* 1.51 named in La∣tin Forceps longa, & tersa, the long and smooth Pinsers or Tongs, the which let her use so con∣venient, that if it be possible, she may easily pull out that which is to be drawne forth.

But if it shall happen that some swelling, or congealed blood doe appeare in the fore-skins of the Matrix under the skinne, arising from the paines and difficulty of the birth, the Veines or Fibraes being broken because of overmuch di∣latation, opening and enlargement, as it falleth

out: or some inward swelling or tumour of blood shall be bred, by which both the childe and Secundines, or after-birth are wont to be hindred very much before the birth, let the Midwife make incision of that tumour, and open it with a cleane knife,* 1.52 when the matter shall be perceived to be digested and ripe, whe∣ther it shall appeare before or after the birth, let her squeise out the clotted blood, and let her presse downe the swelling, wipe and cleanse those things which are defiled, and let her bring forth the childe as she may, if it shall be unborne as yet. After let her convey a Pessary into the place, oftentimes let her annoint it with the oile of Roses, and bind it up daily, untill she shall be whole: For after the same manner we our selves have also oftentimes proceeded in these acci∣dents and chances.

The end of the third Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Infant be∣ing great, and wanting nou∣rishment, mo∣veth with great violence in the wombe.
• * 1.2

  He breaketh the ligaments.
• * 1.3

  What the paines of the birth are.
• * 1.4

  A naturall birth.
• * 1.5

  The Midwife to be provided of convenient things.
• * 1.6

  The office of Midwives.
• * 1.7

  The forme or fashion of the stoole.
• * 1.8

  The Stoole to be furnished with clothes.
• * 1.9

  The cutting of the Navell.
• * 1.10

  Secundine.
• * 1.11

  The Navell to be sprinckled with powder.
• * 1.12

  The birth hin∣dred two waies.
• * 1.13

  If the birth be hindred by the drinesse or straitnesse of the necke of the Matrix, what to doe.
• * 1.14

  A Potion.
• * 1.15

  Pills.
• * 1.16

  A Pessary.
• * 1.17

  A Bathe.
• * 1.18

  An Vnguent.
• * 1.19

  If the Secun∣dine come forth first and hinder the pas∣sage of the In∣fant, what to doe.
• * 1.20

  An Electuary.
• * 1.21

  The causes of the secundines being hindred.
• * 1.22

  Women grosse and fat delive∣red with more paine.
• * 1.23

  Suffocation of the Matrix.
• * 1.24

  The Apoplexy and Epilepsie to be feared.
• * 1.25

  How the Se∣cundines are to be expelled.
• * 1.26

  Fumes.
• * 1.27

  Elleborus, or sneesing pow∣der to be blowne into the nostrills,
• * 1.28

  Elleborus and Opoponax to be used.
• * 1.29

  It expelleth dead children.
• * 1.30

  Pills.
• * 1.31

  Nothing to be done without the counsell of a skilfull Phy∣sician.
• * 1.32

  A Plaister.
• * 1.33

  Not to be rashly used.
• * 1.34

  The care that ought to be had of the mother by and by after her deliverance.
• * 1.35

  The flux of the Flowers to be provoked.
• * 1.36

  If too abun∣dant to be stayed.
• * 1.37

  The childe to be laid on the left side of the mother neere the heart; whereby the diseases of the child may be attracted to the mother.
• * 1.38

  Red Coralls prepared, to be used.
• * 1.39

  Red Corall & the seeds of Pi∣ony to be han∣ged about the necke and armes.
• * 1.40

  The precipita∣tion or falling downe of the Matrix.
• * 1.41

  Medicines able to expell dead children, the Secundines, abortives, the false concep∣tions Molae.
• * 1.42

  A Potion.
• * 1.43

  Suffumiga∣tions.
• * 1.44

  An Emplaister
• * 1.45

  A Pessary.
• * 1.46

  When & how we must use Instruments.
• * 1.47

  Apertorium the opening In∣strument.
• * 1.48

  ••••••culum Ma∣••••••••is the look-glasse of Matrix.
• * 1.49

  How dead chil∣dren are to be drawne out.
• * 1.50

  Rostrum anatis the Ducke or Drakes bill.
• * 1.51

  Forceps longa & tersa, the long and smooth Pinsers or tongs.
• * 1.52

  Incision to be made of such swelling or tu∣mour which hindreth the birth.