The English midwife enlarged containing directions to midwives; wherein is laid down whatever is most requisite for the safe practising her art. Also instructions for women in their conceiving, bearing and nursing of children. With two new treatises, one of the cure of diseases and symptoms happening to women before and after child-birth. And another of the diseases, &c. of little children, and the conditions necessary to be considered in the choice of their nurses and milk. The whole fitted for the meanest capacities. Illustrated with near 40 copper-cuts.

PART. II.

SECT. I. Of Barrenness and the several kinds thereof.

MId. BArrenness is, 1. Natural, 2. Ʋnna∣tural, 3. Accidental.

Natural is when the instrument of Gene∣ration being perfect in both Sexes, no un∣lawful or unskilful means used to cause it, yet the Woman remains naturally Barren, nei∣ther Age or Diseases, or natural defect hin∣dring, yet she Conceives not.

The reason of this may be 1. When both Sexes are of a Complexion; 2. Want of Love, a 3d may be the letting Virgins blood i'th Arm, before their Courses come down; or other ill administration of internal and external remedies. 4. A loss of carnal Copu∣lation; when Sexes come to the School of Venus, either not at all, or so coldly, that as

good never a whit, as nere the better; and this is from a cold Distemper, and is cured by such things as heat and nourish.

2. Unnatural, that is diabolical, to pre∣vent which Authors have left several ways, as to carry the Herb St. Johns wort about them, which is call'd a driver away of Devils, or a Plaister thereof applied to the Reins, with many others.

3. Accidental, which comes by some casu∣al infirmity upon the body of either Sex at a time, the which being taken away the ef∣fect ceaseth: 'tis sometimes from the Man, but most commonly from the Woman; for Mans instruments of Generation being per∣fect, and he in health, I know no accidental cause in him; And the chief cause in Wo∣men lyes in her Womb; as the stopping of the flowers, or overflowing; the Flux of the Womb, its falling down, inflamation, windi∣ness, heat and dryness; in all which I shall be brief, because if there be difficulty, you are to have recourse to the learned Physi∣tian.

1. Then the Terms stop, 1. Naturally, 2. Ʋnnaturally; they stop naturally in some about the 50th year, in some before, rarely

till 55. the unnatural cause is, 1. much ex∣ercise, 2. in fat Women the Veins are nar∣row and blood turns to fat, 3. by long sick∣ness, 4. when they have the piles in lieu of their Terms, 5. a hot or cold distemper of the Womb, 6. care, fear, grief, &c. I shall speak here only of the 5th for causes of the last being taken away the effect ceases; and the rest the ingenious Midwife will remedy. Now seeing these stoppings come usually from default of the Womb, the best way to help it is by strengthening the Womb, first then you shall prepare your way; if there be occasion let blood i'th the foot, if she be not full of humors, if she be, then in the Arm first, which I have most commonly known to do a∣lone: then if need be give her a draught of White-wine wherein an handful of Centaury or stinking Arach hath been boiled; and if there be a pain in the head add an handful of Verven; or some Parcely roots, Fennel, or Lowage, &c. not forgetting in fulness of hu∣mors to purge with half a dram of Extractum Rudii, and as much Pil. Mastichinae mixt, made into 12 Pills, whereof take 3 at Night going to bed, or after her first sleep.

2. The Terms overflow, 1. when they con∣tinue longer then their usual time, which is 2 or 3 days, in Women that use no exercise

4 or 5 days, 2. when they come oftner then once a month, the cause is 1. a Rupture of some Vessel, 2. immoderate purgation, 3. some corroding humor, 4. hard Labor in Child∣bed, or unkind handing the Womb: if the Vessels be broken, blood gusheth out in heaps, and if from some knawing humor, they are few but very painful; the rest are easily known. Let them abstain from exercise; then 1. anoint the reins with Oil of Roses, Myrtles or Quinces; then boil the roots of Tormentil, Cinquefoil, Yarrow, Knot-grass, Comfrey, dead Nettles, Solomon's Seal, Pur∣slan, Shepherds-purse, red Roses, acorn Cups, bark of Oak Trees, some of these, in her or∣dinary drink; or the juices of what can be had taken alone, and this above all, take Comfrey leaves or roots and Clowns alheal, of each an handful; bruise and boil them well in Ale, and drink of it now and then, this will do though the Vessels were open.

3. Flux of the Womb, is a continual drop∣ing from that part of the body; if it be red like putrified blood it comes from that hu∣mor; if white and pale, 'tis from Phlegm. if yellow, 'tis from Choler; if pure blood; as if a vein were opened either a knawing of the Womb, or tearing in delivery is feared. The cure differs as the cause, if pure blood

flow, let blood i'th arm, then use the Medi∣cine last mentioned, of Comfrey roots and Woundworth; if flegm be the cause, use Cinnamon in all meats and drinks, and Me∣thridate and Treacle for Antidotes, a little every Morning; take a scruple of Pills of Amber going to Bed for divers Nights; if from Choler, purge with syrup of Violets, and Cassia Fistularis of each an ounce; after take powder of Ivory and Missleto of the oak, of each one scruple, mixt with half an ounce of conserve of Roses; every Morning for a Week; if from putrified blood having first let blood i'th Foot, then strengthen the Womb, as before: always forbearing vio∣lent motions and passions, and sharp and salt meats; and provokers of Urine: for dead Nettles there are three sorts, white, red, and yellow, the flowers of that colour, the white help the white, the red, the red, the yellow the yellow flux.

4. The Womb fallen out is cured; if it be swell'd by bathing it with a decoction of Mallows, Linseed and Fennigreek boil'd in water, 2 or 3 times; and when 'tis got up let her keep her Legs close, or else tye them with a swath; apply stinking things to the Womb, as Assa Foetida, oil of Amber, her own Hair burnt; and let her smell of Civet,

&c. the rest is before and after.

5. The Womb is inflamed by many causes, a blow, stopping of the Terms, Abortion, Ulceration, Immoderate Lechery, overmuch walking; cold. For cure, strengthen the Womb first; then first clarifie Whey and boil Plantain leaves or roots in it; and drink it, then inject the juice of Plantain into the Womb with a Syringe; if in Winter, when you cannot get the juice make a strong de∣coction of the leaves and roots in water; if the body be costive use a Clyster: and here note that in all Inflammations blood-letting is the chiefest remedy, first i'th Arm, then if need i'th Foot; if it be near the Neck of the Womb, make a pessary of wool and anoint it with unguent. album, or populeon, or mixt.

6. The Womb is sometimes troubled with wind, which is cured as the fits of the Mo∣ther: and moistness of the Womb is cured as a flux of flegm.

7. Heat and dryness of the Womb is in∣cident to Women of a Cholerick complexion, is cured by cool and moistning herbs, of which stinking Arach is chief, neither are Plantan and Mallows much behind; milk is good for such to drink, first purging with an

ounce of Cassia Fistula new drawn going to bed, and follow your business the next day.

Dr. Thus far good, Mrs. Eutrap. but now hear me a little concerning this matter.

All rational men know, that the generati∣on of mankind, as also of other irrational Animals, is the most perfect, excellent and exquisite work of God's Vicegerent Nature; the which is most excellently, and elegantly demonstrated, and set forth by Aristotle, that great Secretary of Nature, in his second Book which he hath written of the Generati∣on of living Creatures; for whereas it is im∣possible, by the decree of Nature, that any humane Creature should live always, or have an immortal Being in this World; much less should we imagine that should be granted to Bruits and other Souls of an inferior rank; therefore, for the continuance and propaga∣tion of each sort, it hath otherwise ordain∣ed, that during the continuance of this World, there should be likewise maintained a successive generation of both Sexes, by the Action of procreation; and from hence, af∣ter him, Galen the greatest Luminary of Phy∣sick next Hippocrates, says, that it comes to pass that Creatures are furnished with Instru∣ments of Generation, proper for the quality

of their Sex; and are consequently indued with natural Instincts prompting them to the use thereof: Therefore we shall at this time discourse of this wonderful operation of Na∣ture; and endeavour, as far forth as our Ta∣lent will afford us, to seek out the causes that may hinder, and from thence prescribe means to remove them, and so consequently assist and further her in so miraculous a concern: and this partly upon our Dame nature's ac∣count, whose Servants only we are; and in the next place for the sakes of those Ladies, Gentlewomen and others, who are often dis∣consolate and dejected, upon their being ac∣counted barren.

Now then you must note that as concep∣tion hath some alliance with every part of the Body, as being undoubtedly concern'd therein, so the same Conception may be quite abolished, diminished, or deprived as it happens in all other actions and motions of the body; so that if Conception be quite a∣bolish'd in a Woman, in such sort that she can never be able to conceive; this affection is then called Barrenness; or such a Woman may be called a barren Woman, which you please. But if she Conceive sometimes, though seldome, here the Conceptive faculties may be said to be diminished; or weakened by

some cause or other; and to this kind of di∣minished Conception may be referr'd untime∣ly births, called Abortion; And lastly a de∣praved Conception is when in the Womb is contained some unnatural Conception, such as Monsters and Mola's, &c. The causes and remedies of all which it hath and shall be our duty to lay open to the Females Sex, accord∣ing to the best of our skil and knowledge: first to the end we may further the propaga∣tion of humane kind, and secondly, that we make if possibly remove the reproaches laid upon Barrenness, which hath been in all ages, and continues to this day and will do to end of the World; and than which there can hardly happen a greater defamation to the Female Sex. Insomuch as some like Rachel have cry'd out to their Husbands for Chil∣dren; or else their Lives will lye on't, ra∣ther than endure the reproach of Barrenness, and some Women have preferr'd their maids to their Husbands, so that their Child might be reputed theirs, to take away the blemish of Barrenness; But you shall find but few Women of their minds now a days: so then we shall in the first place speak of the causes of this so odious and distateful a Disease, and then of their removing; for you know 'tis an old saying and true, take away the cause and the effect will consequently cease.

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Now the chief method of finding out all causes which do or may bring damage, to the faculties of the body, is no other then the knowledge of the means whereby these facul∣ties perform their Actions, in the time of health and soundness of body. And whereas to the producing of any natural Conception there is a necessity of distinction of both Sexes and a conjunction and carnal Copulati∣on of the Man and Woman, without which no Generation can be effected. As for that story of a certain Maids conceiving with Child by standing in a Bath, where some Mans seed had been cast, the Womb draw∣ing it to it, as the Load-stone doth Iron, or Jet straw, it was either a miracle in Nature, or she so gave out to save her bacon; and so no ways belongs to our purpose, and having before declared the manner in other Sect. Therefore we shall here lay down the mani∣fest causes of Barrenness from either Sex, so that neither may be unjustly blamed where they happen; for since the Women have, in this case a great interest, and damage too if the fault be in the Man; because they may often help their Husbands defect, and in so doing pleasure themselves, we shall not there∣fore omit to treat of the causes thereof which may happen to men; and moreover

there being a necessity that both Sexes be furnished with fit and proper Instruments for the work of Generation, as the man with a Yard, &c. and a Woman with a Womb, &c. Then even reason will tell you, that if there chance to be any defect or dissaffection in nature in any of the Members, of either Sex, belonging to this work of Generation, the fruitfulness or Conception must necessarily be hindred, impaired, or quite and clear abo∣lished.

To begin then first with what belongs to the Mans side; one cause of Barrenness laid down by many Authors is the over-much length of the Yard; by reason whereof the Seed is too much cooled in the passage before it can be injected home into the Womb. But though this be a somewhat probable and plau∣sable reason; yet I am of opinion that it is but weak and will not hold water with those of greater reason; (for all Souls are not en∣dued with a like proportion of reason;) for the Seed passing through the pipe of the Yard is kept hot enough, the generative Spi∣rits at that time oft flocking to the Yard to assist it in so great a work; and the like be∣ing performed on the Woman's part, I can∣not see how it can be any ways possible it should take cold in its journey; but on the

contrary side it may be rationally imagin'd that the long Yard is most fit and commodi∣ous for Conception, by sending Seed to the inmost and furthermost parts of the Womb, and so most likely to be there retained, its due time.

And now others on the contrary side will have the short Yard the cause of rendring Men unfruitful; and these I think have more reason on their side, because it cannot so well inject the Seed into the Womb, as you heard before; But indeed neither can this be a firm reason, for unfruitfulness in Man; since 'tis confirmed by experience that such an one hath begot Children likewise. But a greater reason of unfruitfulness in the man may be some vitiousness or defect in his Yard; as if it be crooked, or if any of its Ligaments be writhed, or broken or bruised; whereby the passages through which the seed should flow be corrupt, stop'd or vitiated; or some Disease or imperfection be either in the proper or Neighbor parts thereof.

Another cause of Barrenness by defect of the Yard, is a too much weakness and ten∣derness thereof, it being not strongly enough erected to inject the Seed into the Womb.

Then another cause in Men may be some vice in the Stones, as if they be oppressed with any Inflammation, or swelling, or wound, or ulcer.

Also the Man may be Barren from his want of Seed, or if it be nought; as in the Running of the Reins or Venereal Disease, Glutony or Drunkenness, &c. and then too frequent Carnal Copulation, is a cause of Barrenness, because it attracteth the Seedy moisture from the Stones before 'tis sufficiently pre∣pared; and concocted, as all other members of the body, by institution of nature, use to draw their accustomed juice to themselves, so now if any one by daily Copulation draws out all the moisture of his Seed, then do the Stones draw the moist humors from the up∣per Veins to themselves, and so having but a little blood in them they are forced, of ne∣cessity to cast it out raw; and thus the stones being deprived of the moisture of their veins, draw the same from the upper veins, and the upper veins from all the parts of the body, for their proper nutriment, to the great damage of the body, robbing the same of the vital Spirits.

It is therefore no wonder if those that use immoderate Copulation are very weak in

their bodies, seeing the whole body is there∣by depriv'd of its best and purest blood and vital Spirits; insomuch as those that have been too much addicted to that pleasure, have killed themselves in the Act; can it then be a wonder that such Seed is not fit for Generation?

And having now shewn the causes of Bar∣renness in Men, we shall now discourse of those in Women; Now the causes of Bar∣renness in Women proceed either from the Age, or evil temper of the Womb, and its vicious conformation, and parts depending on it, or the indisposition of the whole ha∣bit of the body; The evil form of the womb renders Women barren, according to the great Hippocrates, the Prince of all Physitians, as if the mouth or neck of the Womb be turned backwards towards the great Gut, or a side out of its place, contrary from the Privities; if it appear too big, or if it be fallen down before the Privities; to which may be added when 'tis so narrow that it cannot admit the Yard to enter, and when 'tis wholly, or in part closed by some inward or outward skin, which is very rare, if at all; or by a swelling collosity, or cicatrice, &c.

But then it is not sufficient that the Mans Yard enter the Neck, which is the Anti-Chamber to the Womb, for if in the act of Copulation, he knock at the door which is the inward orifice, and it be not opened, all is to no purpose; and this may likewise be hindred from opening, by some callosity pro∣ceeding from abundance of ill humors, which usually flow from the Matrix, or from some swelling which may happen to it, or also by some part which may so press it, that it can∣not open to receive the Seed as the cawl doth in fat Women; according to Hippocrates, who says they cannot conceive till they grow lean.

But the most frequent reason why this ori∣fice opens not in this Act, to receive the seed, is the insensibility of some Women, who take no pleasure in the Venereal Act; but when they have an appetite, the Womb being covetuous of the Seed opens it self to re∣ceive it.

The same Hippocrates seems to have noted all the signs and causes of Barrenness from the evil temper of the Womb, when he saith in his 62th Aphorism, book 5. that all such Women whose Womb is cold and close, can∣not conceive, nor they who have it too moist,

because the Seed is extinguished in it; and likewise such who have it too dry and hot, because for want of aliment the seed cor∣rupts; but such as are of a moderate temper are fruitful. Of all which in my opinion the most common is the cortinual moisture of the Womb fed by an abundance of the whites with which many are much inconvenienced, the humors of the whole dody being ac∣customed to stear their course this way, which can very hardly be turned away when invete∣rate, and the Womb being imbued with these vicious moistures, becomes inwardly so unctious and slippery, that the seed though glutinous, cannot cleave to it; nor be retain∣ed within it, and that's the cause it slips away immediately, or shortly after 'tis received.

Barrenness may also proceed from the whole habit, as when a Woman is too old, or too young; for the Seed of the young is not prolific, neither have they menstruous blood, both which are requisite to fruitful∣ness, and that of the aged is in small quanti∣ty and too cold, who likewise want menstru∣ous blood; then, an universal distemper, though of convenient years, renders them Barren, as when they are Hectick, Dropsical, Sickly, &c. and especially so much the more as the whole parts are fallen from their tem∣per

and natural constitution. There are how∣ever many Women, which seem Barren for a long time, by reason of some of the afore∣mentioned reasons, yea till 35 or 40 years old, and sometimes longer who yet at last conceive being cured of the distempers which hindered them, and having changed their temperament by their Age.

Now some of these Barrennesses may be cured by removing their causes, and procur∣ing the dispositions needful to fertility; yea of those proceeding from an universal intem∣perament by reducing their body, by a con∣venient regiment, to a good order, according to their respective dispositions. Wherefore if one have the Neck of the Womb narrow, and not from some of the causes abovesaid, she ought to be joyned to a Man whose Yard is proportionable; and if that will not do, which happens very seldom, she must relax it, and open it with softning oils, and ointments; If it be compressed by any humor it must be resolved and suppurated, according to its nature and situation, having always a care to prevent the corruption of these parts which are very subject to it, being hot and moist; because the Womb serves, as a sink by which all the bad humors of the body are purged; so that you must take great care

that these swellings turn not to a Cancer.

When the Neck is not clear by reason of any scar, after a rent, caused by some violence, or hard labor, or after an Ulcer which caused the two sides to be agglutinated, whether in∣wardly or outwardly it must be seperated, which being the Chirurgeon's work, I here omit it.

If the inward orifice of the Womb be dis∣plac'd, it may be in some sort remedied by making the Woman observe a convenient posture in the act of Generation; and if the whites or other impurities of the Womb, cause Barrenness, they must be helped by eva∣cuations, purgations, and a regular dyet, con∣cerning which the learned Physitian is to be consulted.

Mid. Thus far Sir, having heard your ac∣count of the signs and causes of Fertility and Sterility; I having heard learned men dis∣course of Superfetation; I would humbly in∣treat you Sir that you would please to let me hear your opinion about that matter.

Dr. That you shall willingly good Mrs. Eutrapelia, and therefore I shall begin first to tell you what it is.

SECT. II. Of Superfaetation.

Dr. SƲperfaetation according to the discrip∣tion of Hippocrates, is a repeated con∣ception, that is when a Woman being alrea∣dy with Child, conceives again the 2 d time, now there is a great dispute about this; for we see daily Bitches, Sows and Rabits, have divers young but with one Copulation, which may make us judge the same of a Woman; some will have this to be by Superfetation, but there are signs by which we may know the difference, whether both Children were be∣got at once, or one after the other. That which makes many believe there can be no such thing as superfetation, is because as soon as a Woman hath conceived, her Womb closeth firmly so that the Man's seed, abso∣lutely necessary to conception, finding no place nor entry, cannot be received, nor con∣tained in it, so as to cause this 2d concepti∣on. To this may be added, That a bearing Woman dischargeth her seed, which is as necessary as a Mans, by a Vessel which ter∣minates on the side of the outward part of

the inward Orifice; which seed by this means is shed into the Neck of the Womb, and not into the bottom; as it ought, for this purpose. However it may be said in an∣swer, to these objections, which are very strong; that though the Womb be clos'd, &c. yet this general rule may have some ex∣ception; so that it may be sometimes open∣ed to let pass some slimy excrements which by their stay offend it; or chiefly when a Woman is animated with an earnest desire of Copulation, in the heat of which action she sometimes dischargeth by the passage that terminates in the bottom of the Womb, which being opened by the impetuous endea∣vor of the seed, more then ordinarily over∣heated, and this Orifice being at the same time a little opened, if the Man's seed be darted into it at the same moment, 'tis thought a Woman may then conceive again. This may be confirmed by a story of a Ser∣vant related by Pliny, who having the same day copulated with two several Persons, brought forth two Children, the one resem∣bling her Master, the other his Proctor: and also by a story of another Woman, who had two Children, one like her Husband and the other like her Galant; but this different resemblance doth not always prove super∣fetation, because sometimes different ima∣ginations

may cause the like effect.

The 2d Conception is effectively as sure, as we find the decision thereof uncertain; nor must we imagine that always when a Wo∣man brings forth two Children, or more at once, there is a superfetation; because they are always almost begot in the same Act, by the abundance of both Seeds received into the Womb; neither must we believe that it may be at all times of a Womans being with Child; for it cannot be either the first or se∣cond day of Conception; because if the last Seed be received into the Womb, it would make confusion with the first, which is not yet enwrapt with this little skin, that might otherwise separate it, nor is formed perfect∣ly till the sixth or seventh day; as Hippocrates saw in a Woman, who about that time ex∣pelled this geniture: Besides the Matrix open∣ing it self again could not hinder the first Seed from slipping out; being not as yet in∣vellopt with this little skin, which could pre∣serve it. This may make one not to believe Pliny's story; that it happened for his rea∣sons, to wit, that she used Copulation with two several Persons the same day; for the last would certainly have caused this confusi∣on of Seeds, and also have destroyed the work begun: But I rather believe that this super∣fetation

may happen from the 6th day of Con∣ception, till the 30th or 40th at most; be∣cause then the Seeds are covered with Skins, and that which is contained in the Womb, is not of a considerable bigness: but after this time it is impossible, or yet at least very diffi∣cult, because the Womb being extended more and more by the growth of the Child can hardly receive new Seed & as hardly retain it; but casts it forth by reason of its fulness; and 'tis a true Maxim, intus existens prohibet alie∣num.

Now when a Woman brings forth one or more Children at a Birth, begotten at once which usually are called Twins, (and differs from superfetation) 'tis known by their be∣ing almost of an equal thickness and bigness, and having but one only and common after∣birth; not separated the one from the other, but by their Skins, which wrap each a part with their waters, and not both in the same waters and skin; as some have believed; but if there be several Children and a superfeta∣tion, they will also be separated by their Skins, but not have a common burthen, but each a part; neither will they be of an equal bigness, for that which is the superfetation is always lesser and weaker, then that which was first engendred; who because of its force

and vigor draws to it self the greatest and best part of the nourishment; just as we find in fair and great fruit, that have often near them very little ones; which happens be∣cause those that are first knotted and fastned to the Tree, take away all their nourishment from their Neighbours, which did but blos∣som when the first had acquir'd ground and bigness: and sometimes Twins are not of an equal bigness, which happens as the one or other hath more strength to draw to it in greater abundance the best part of the com∣mon nourishment.

Now I am not willing to say that there is never any superfetation; but I say that it hap∣pens very rarely; for of an hundred Women that have Twins, ninety have but one bur∣then common to both, which is a very cer∣tain sign they had no superfetation, and much more certain then the observations taken from the greatness, or strength of the Child, which is but conjectural.

And thus have I given you Mrs. my full sentiments concerning this so much disputed and intricate matter: Now I pray you pro∣ceed to the other distempers accompany∣ing Women before Child-Birth.

Mid. That I shall Sir, and the next shall be concerning their vomitings.

SECT. III. Of Vomitings of Women with Child.

Mid. VOmitting with suppression of the Terms, are for the most part the first accident, and the means by which they perceive they have conceived. 'Tis not al∣ways caused from ill humors in the stomach, because of the stopping of the courses; for these corrupted humors cause rather a depra∣ved appetite then this vomiting, which hap∣pens immediately after Conception, and comes by succession; but these first vomit∣ings proceed from the Sympathy between the stomach and the Womb, because of the like∣ness of their substance, and by means of the Nerves inserted in the upper Orifice of the Stomach, which have communication, by continuity, with those that pass to the Womb, being portions of the 6th pair of those of the brain. Now the Womb, being a ve∣ry sensible part beginning to grow bigger, feels some pain, which being communicated by this continuity of Nerves to the upper Orifice of the Stomach, causes these loathings and vomitings. And to prove that it is thus,

and not by the pretended ill humors, it ap∣pears in that many Women begin to vomit from the first day of their being with Child, who were in perfect health before they con∣ceived, which the suppression of the Courses could not cause.

Now loathing, or nauseousness, is a desire to vomit, and a motion by which the stomach is drawn towards its upper orifice, without casting up any thing; and vomiting is a more violent motion, by which is cast forth of the mouth whatsoever is contained in it.

At first vomiting is but a single symptome, not to be feared, but continuing long it weak∣ens the Stomach very much; and hindring digestion corrupts the food in lieu of con∣cocting it; whence succeed ill humors which require purging. These vomitings common∣ly continue till the 3d or 4th month of being with Child; which is the time the Child ap∣pears manifestly to be quick; then they begin to cease, and Women recover the appetite they had lost; because the Infant in growing hath need of more nourishment: and so con∣sumes those humors which flew to the Sto∣mach; and besides the Womb is then ac∣customed to its extension; these continue in some till they are delivered, which often en∣dangers

miscarriages; and the rather, the nearer they are to their full time; and others are tormented more towards the end of their reckoning, then at first; because then the Stomach cannot be widened enough easily to contain the food, being pressed by the big∣ness of the Womb: such a vomiting to Wo∣men whose Children lye high seldom ceases before they are deliver'd.

Be not troubled at vomitings, in the begin∣ning, if they be gentle, without straining, for they are beneficial, but if they continue lon∣ger then the 3d or 4th month, they are to be remedied; because for want of nourishment the Mother and Child will both grow weak; and the continued subversion of the Stomach causing great motion of the belly, will force the Child before its time.

Now to hinder this vomiting from afflict∣ing the Woman long, for 'tis very hard to stop it quite, let her use good dyet, but little at a time, that she may keep it without pain, and not be forced to vomit it; and to strengthen it let her eat it with juice of Oran∣ges or Lemons, Verjuice or rose vinegar, or eat after Meals a little Marmelade of Quinces; and she must forbear fat meat and sauces, for they soften the Skins of the Stomach,

which are weak and loose by vomitings, and also sweet sauces.

But if for all this that it continues, al∣though the Woman be above half gone; 'tis a clear sign there are cleave corrupt humors to the inward sides of the Stomach, which must be purged by stool; to effect which, give half a dram of Rhubard, a dram or two at most of Sena, infuss'd in posset-Ale, to which streined add an ounce of Syrup of Suc∣cory: which dissolves the humors, and in voiding them comforts the parts: or you may give her Cassia and Tamarinds; always add∣ing a little Rhubarb, or syrup of Succory compound: If once be not enough, repeat it, some few days respite between; If it con∣tinues for all this, you must rest here, lest some worse thing happen, for she is then in great danger of miscarrying; and if the Hic∣coup takes them from too much emptiness, by vomiting and purging, 'tis very bad, as Hippocrates Prince and oracle of Physick teacheth us.

As for great Cupping-glasses which some advice to be applied to the Stomach to keep it in its place; I believe it's a chip in Potage; because the Stomach is loose, and no way cleaving to this upper part of

the Belly. But since these vomitings cool and weaken it, I should advise them to wear a piece of Scarlet or Flannel, or Lamb-skin, which would help digestion.

SECT. IV. Of the pains of the Back, Loins, Reins and Hips.

ALL these Accidents are but the effects of the widening of the Womb, and the compression it makes on the Neighboring parts by its weight. These are greater the first time she is with Child, for afterwards the Womb only receives the same dimensi∣ons it had before; and the cords which hold it in its natural place, as well round as large, suffer a greater stress, being much drawn and streightned by the bigness and weight of the Womb; to wit the large ones those of the Back and Loins, which answer to the Reins, because these two strings are strong∣ly fast'ned towards these parts; and the round ones cause those of the Groins, Share and Thighs where they end. These are sometimes so much stretch'd by this weight and higness of the Womb that they are torn, chiefly if the Woman chance to have a false step, which causes very great pains, and o∣ther worse accidents; as it happened to a certain Woman, being six months gone of

her first Child, who felt the like after she had stumbled, and perceived at the same time something crack towards her Reins and Loins, which was one of the large cords, made a noise by the suddain jolt she receiv'd; at the same instant she felt extream pains in her Reins and Loins, and all one side of her belly, which caused her immediately to vo∣mit, very often with much violence, and the next day was taken with a great continued Feaver, which lasted seven or eight days, without being able to sleep or rest one hour, all that time she vomited all she took, with a strong and frequent Hiccoup, and great pains, which seem'd as if they would hasten her La∣bor, which I was very apprehensive of, as al∣so of her death: but by the help of God, causing her immediately to be put to Bed, where she rested 12 whole days, she was thrice let blood in her Arm on several days, and took a grain of Laudanum at twice in the yelk of an Egg, a little to ease her violent pains, by giving her rest; taking also from time to time good strengthening Cordials; so that all these Symptoms, which at first seemed desperate, ceased by little and little, and she went out her full time, and then was happily delivered of a Son, which lived 15 months, notwithstanding all those mischie∣vours accidents befel her, which were enough

to have kil'd half a dozen others; but God sometimes is pleased to work Miracles by na∣ture, assisted with remedies fit for the pur∣pose, as well as by his Grace. And also the Womb causeth the pains of the Hips by its weight, in bearing too much upon them. And assure your selves there is nothing will ease all these pains better then to rest in Bed, and bleed i'th Arm, if there be any great exten∣sion, or breaking of any cord of the Womb, as was in this case; and when the Womb bears too much upon the Hips, if she cannot keep her Bed, she must support her Belly with a broad swaith.

SECT. V. Of the pains of the Breasts.

AS soon as a Woman conceives, her monthly blood wanting ordinary eva∣tuation, and she daily breeding blood, there is a necessity, she consuming but little whilst first with Child, that the Vessels being too full, should discharge part, as it doth, upon the parts dispos'd to receive it, such as the kernelly parts, especially the Breasts, which suck up a great quantity of it, which swelling them causes this pain which she feels, and happens also to those whose Terms are only stop'd.

To ease her we ought, in the beginning, to leave it to Nature, the chief Physitian, and she must only have a care she receive no blows thereon, nor be streight laced; but after the third or fourth month the blood being still sent to the Breasts in great store, 'tis much better to evacuate it by bleeding in the Arm, then to turn it back upon some other part by repercussive or binding Medicines, because it cannot flow to any part where it can do less

hurt than these; and to shun the accident o•• which Hippocrates speaks in his 40th Apho∣rism, of the 5th book; If Blood be carried in too great abundance to the Breasts, it shews th•• Woman is in danger of being Frantick; be∣cause of the transport which may be mad•• thence of the brain; whcih is voided by mo¦derate bleeding i'th Arm, and a regular cool¦ing dyet, moderately nourishing.

SECT. VI. Of involuntary voiding, and stop∣ing of Urine.

THE seat of the Bladder which is just up∣on the Womb, is sufficient to instruct us, why Women with Child, are sometimes troubled with difficulty of Urine; and why often they cannot hold their water; which is caused 2 ways, 1. because the Womb by its bigness and weight presses the bladder, so that 'tis hindred from its ordinary extension, and so incapable of containing a reasonable quantity of Urine; which is the cause the big∣ger she grows, and the nearer her time, the oftner she's compelled to make water, 2. if the weighty burthen of the Womb doth ve∣ry much press the bottom of the bladder, it forceth the Woman to make water every mo∣ment, but if the neck of it be pressed it is fil'd full with Urine, being not able to expel it, because the Sphincter Muscle, in this compres∣sion, cannot be opened to let it out, which causes great pain. Sometimes by its sharp∣ness, stirs up the bladder often by pricking it, to discharge it self; and sometimes by its

heat it makes an inflammation in the neck of the bladder, which causes its stopping: and if it be from a stone in the bladder 'tis more in supportable and dangerous to a Woman with Child then one that is not; because the Womb, by its swelling causeth the stone per∣petually to press against the bladder, and the pains are violenter, if it be greater, or of an unequal or sharp shape.

'Tis of great moment to hinder these vio∣lent endeavors to make water, and to remedy them, if possible, in all indispositions, because by long continuance of forcing downwards to make water, the Womb is loosened and bears down, and is sometimes forced to dis∣charge its self of its burthen before its time: which we must endeavour to hinder, having respect to its different causes; as when it comes from the weight of the Womb, pres∣sing the bladder, as for the most part; now she may remedy it, if with both her hands when she would make water, she lift up the bottom of her belly; or wear a large swath or keep her bed.

If it be sharpness of Urine that makes an inflammation i'th neck oth' bladder, appease it by a cooling dyet, forbearing strong drinks, using emulsions made of the 4 cold seeds, or

whey with syrup of Violets; use not purging because its heat augments the inflammation; these are proper to cleanse the Urinary passa∣ges, without either prejuding Mother or Child, taken Morning and Evening. If all this prevail not let her blood a little i'th Arm; and bath the outward entry of the neck of the bladder with a decoction of Mallows, Marsh-mallows, Pellitory and Violets, with a little Linfeed; and inject some of the same into the bladder, to which you may add Hony of Violets, or luke warm Milk: abstaining from all diuretics, for fear they provoke Abortion. And when all fails she must send for a Physitian or Chyrurgeon to make use of his Catheter; And also if it arise from the stone in the neck of the bladder, they may thrust it back with it; but if small draw it forth; for a great one cannot be drawn forth before she be delivered; being better to leave her so then endanger her life or the Childs.

SECT. VII. Of a Cough and difficult breathing.

THey whose Infants lye low, are more troubled with difficulty of Urine, then they whose lye higher, who are free from that and the like distemper, but are more subject to a Cough and difficult breathing.

If a Cough be violent, to vomiting, 'tis one of the chiefest things which cause Abortion; because 'tis an essay whereby the Lungs en∣deavour to cast forth of the Breast that which offends them by a compression of all its Mus∣cles, which pressing all the inclosed air in∣wards, wherewith the Lungs are much stretch∣ed, thrusts also downwards by the same means, the midriff, and consequently all the parts of the lower belly, but particularly the Womb, which continuing long and violent, often causeth Abortion.

Sometimes it proceeds from sharp rheums, which distil from the brain upon the Artery and Lungs; and sometimes from such blood, which flows towards the Breast; upon stop∣ping

the Terms; also from too cold air breathing which stirs up the parts to motion; but being begun by these causes 'tis often aug∣mented by the compression the Womb makes upon the Midriff, which cannot have its li∣berty in those that bear their Children high; because by its great extension it bears up al∣most all the parts of the lower belly, towards the Breast, and chiefly the Stomach and Li∣ver, forcing them against the Midriff.

You must remedy this by keeping good dyet somewhat cooling, if from sharp humors, avoiding all Salt and Spice meats, Oranges, Lemons, Vinegar, &c. but she may use juice of Liquorice, Sugar-candy, syrup of Violets, or Mulberries, which she may mix with a Ptysan made with Jujubs, Sebestens, French Barley, and a little Liquorice; and it may not be amiss to divert and draw down these humors by a gentle Clyster. If these prevail not, and there appears signs of fulness of blood, bleed her in the Arm, at what time soever of going with Child; and though it be not usually practis'd when they are young with Child, yet here it must; for a continual Cough is much more dangerous then a mo∣derate bleeding. If it come of cold keep in a close Room with a napkin doubled about her Neck, or a Lamb-Skin; and going to

bed take 3 or 4 spoonfuls of this syrup of burnt wine following, which is very Pecto∣ral and causeth good digestion.

Take half a pint of French wine, 2 drams of Cinnamon bruised, half a dozen cloves, 4 ounces of white Sugar or Sugar-candy; put them together in a Porrenger, and boil them upon a Chaffing dish of Coals, burn it, and then boil it to the consistence of a Syrup.

You must not from whatever cause it pro∣ceeds, that she must go loose in her cloaths; and because sleep is proper to stay fluxions, it may be procured by the Physitian: using no strong stupefactives of opium, which are dan∣gerous, if there be not very great necessity; as in the patient mentioned in the Section of the pain of Back, Loins, Reins and Hips.

Some Women carry their first Child chief∣ly so high, because the cords which support the Womb are not stretch'd, that they think them to be in their Breasts, which causes a difficult breathing, as soon as they have eaten a little, walked or gone up the stairs; so that they fear they shall be choaked; which comes from the Wombs being enlarged and pressing the Stomach and the Liver, which forces the Midriff upward, leaving it no room

to be moved: sometimes their Lungs are so full of blood, driven thither from all parts that it hardly leaves passage for the air; if so they will breath more easily as soon as a little blood is taken from the Arm; but if it comes from a compression made by the womb against the Midriff, the best remedy is to wear her clothes loose, and eat little and of∣ten; eating no windy meats as pease, and avoiding all grief and fear, because they drive the blood to the Heart and Lungs in too great quantity, so that she having her Breast already stuffed, and hardly breathing, will be in danger of being choak'd; for the abun∣dance of blood filling the Ventricles of the Heart above measure and at once, hinders its motion, without which she cannot live.

SECT. VIII. Of the swelling and pains of the Thighs and Legs.

MAny think, which is in part true, that the Woman having more blood then the Infant needs to nourish it, nature by vir∣tue of the expulsive faculty of the upper parts which are always strongest, drives the super∣fluity upon the lower, as the Legs, &c. as most feeble and apt to receive it; and so are caused their swelling and pain and sometimes red spots, from the swelling of the Veins, along the inside, which extreamly hinders her going: but the doctrine of the circula∣tion of the blood, invented by our Country∣man the immortal Dr. Harvey, the English Hippocrates, will teach us better how this comes, then that we need have have recourse to this expulsive faculty; but because 'tis fitter for Physitians and Chyrurgeons that are learned in Anatomy then Midwifes, be∣ing they may help them without such curious knowledge; I shall omit it, and if you would

be satisfied, see what the learned and expert French Chirurgeon Moricean, hath written on this Subject, 'tis put into English by Dr. Chamberlain.

Now to remedy these let her only use a palliative cure, in swathing the parts with a rowler 3 or 4 fingers broad; beginning at the bottom, and she should most keep her bed, if she can; and if there be signs of abundance of blood in other parts she may bleed without danger.

Some Womens Legs swell only from weakness, and are so Flegmatick that when you press them with your finger the print remains; because they want Natural heat sufficient to concoct all the nourishment sent to them, and expel its superfluities, which remaining makes them so Hydropi∣cal. To resolve these swellings, make a Lee made with the ashes of Vines, or other wood ashes, and Melilote, Camomil, and Lavender boild in it; if that do not foment them with this. Take Rosemary, Bays, Time, Merjoram, Sage and Lavender, of each a handful, Province Roses half a hand∣ful, Pomgranat flowers and Alum, each an ounce, boil them in 3 pints of strong

red wine, to the wasting of a 3d part and use it. But these swellings commonly cease when she brought to Bed, because she purg∣eth the superfluity of her whole habit, by her Lochia.

SECT. IX. Of the Hemorrhoids.

THese are swellings and painful Inflam∣mations caused by a flux of humors up∣on the extremities of the Hemorrhoid veins and Arteries, caused by a bundance of blood cast upon these parts because the body is not purged as before; and sometimes by endea∣vors they have to go to stool when costive; If they be small and without pain, either in∣ward or outward, 'tis easie to prevent their farther growth, by remedies which hinder and turn the flux from those parts, but the great ones are cured by first easing the pain; so that if she have other signs of fulness in the rest of her body she may safely be once let blood i'th Arm, and if great necessity twice, if she be costive let her take a Cly∣ster, of Violets, Mallows, Marsh-mallows, and hony of Violets, with some fresh Butter or Oil of Almonds; adding no sharp thing, especially in inward Piles; after let her keep a moderate and cooling dyet, and rest in her Bed, if she may, till the flux be past; in that

while anointing them with strokings from the Cow, and foment them with the decoc∣tion of her Clyster, adding some Linseed: your Oil of sweet Almonds, Oil of Poppies, and Oil of water Lillies well beaten together with the yelk of an Egg, in a leaden morter, are very good to ease pain; and if that In∣flammation be great anoint a little with Ʋn∣guentum refrigerens Galeni, or anguentum album, & populeon equally mixed.

After all this if the swelling abates not, apply Leeches, or if soft, or any kind of in∣undation use a Lancet; but Leeches are properer for hard Piles, because they pain not so much. Women are not here eased by Piles as Men are, because 'tis contrary to nature, for this evacuation ought always to be made by the Womb; if not with Child; but if she be, it may in some mea∣sure, if full of blood, supply the natural; if they bleed moderately, and without pain she may be eased, but if they flow too much there's danger of both Mother and Child being weakned; to avoid which make bind∣ing fomentations with the decoction of Pomgranate flowers, and Vines, and Pro∣vince Roses, made in Smiths water and a little Allum; or this pultis made of Bole-Armenac,

Dragons-blood, and sealed earth, with the white of an Egg: and to turn the blood by bleeding i'th Arm, and Cup∣ping-Glasses to the Reins, &c. as you may consult the Physitian.

SECT. X. Of the several Fluxes happening to Women with Child.

SHE is Subject to three sorts of Fluxes, the Flux of the Belly, of the Terms and Fludings.

Of the Belly are three kinds, the first Lien∣teria, when the Stomach and Guts not digest∣ing the nourishments received let it pass a∣way raw. 2. Diarrhea, when they simply dis∣charge the humours and excrements which they contain. The 3d and worst is a Dysente∣ria, when with the humors and excrements she voids blood, with violent pains, caus'd by an ulceration of the Guts.

Any of these if they continue long put her in great danger of Aborting; if the first, the Stomach letting the food pass before it be turned into juice, whereof blood is made to nourish Mother and Child, they must both be weakened; if the 2d it will cause the same accident; because of voiding the Spirits with the humors; but most danger's i'th last,

because she hath then great pains and Gripes i'th Guts from their Ulcer; which excites them continually, by constant prickings, to discharge themselves of the sharp humors which causes a violent motion of the Womb, being pla••ed upon the right gut, and to the Child, and, by the compression the Muscles of the belly make on all sides, as also those that are made by them of the Midriff, which force themselves downwards in the endeavors she makes with pain so often to go to stool, the Child is constrained to come before its time, and the oft'ner by how much the prickings are greater: for according to Hippocrates; Aphorism 27 book 7. If a tenasm happen to one with Child, it makes her Miscarry. Now this tenasm is a great passion of the right Gut, which forceth it to make those violent en∣deavours to discharge it self without being a∣ble to avoid any thing but Cholerick humors mixt with blood, by which 'tis perpetually pricked.

This Flux happens to her commonly from a weak digestion of the Stomach, because of her bad dyet, which her strange appetite causes her often to long for, by the constant use whereof at last being weakened it suffers the food to pass without digestion, or if it stay longer 'tis turn'd into a corrupt juice,

which descending into the Guts iritates them by its sharpness to discharge themselves as soon as they can.

To proceed safely in the cure of these Fluxes, their nature must be consider'd, that the cause that maintains them may be re∣mov'd. If it be a Lienteria following Vo∣mitings, as is usual, which have so weakn'd the Stomach, and loosn'd its Skins, that have∣ing no longer strength to vomit up the food, it suffers it to pass downward without dige∣stion; then she must refrain all irregular appetites, and eat food of good digestion and little at a time, she may drink a little deep Claret wine, in which Iron hath been quench∣ed, if she have not a strong Feaver, for in a small one wine is to be prefer'd, because her Feaver is but symptomatick, from the weak∣ness of her Stomach, and will vanish as soon as it is fortified; which may be promoted if she take before and after meals, some of that burnt wine spoke of before for the Cough, or a little good Hippocras, or right Canary, or eat a little Marmalade of quinces before meals; and wear a Lamb-skin upon the pit of her Stomach; be sure to give no purge, for this is only caused by weakness.

If it be a Diarrhea simply voiding such ex∣crements as are in the Guts, and some super∣fluous humors, which nature hath sent to be expelled, and it be gentle and continue not long, she will feel no damage by it, and so 'tis good to leave it to nature without inter∣rupting it in the beginning; but if it conti∣nue above 4 or 5 days 'tis a sign there are ill humors cleaven to the inside of the Guts, and ought to be expell'd by some light purge after which it will certainly cease.

But if for all fit purges, it changes into a Dysentery, she is then in danger of miscar∣rying; which must be prevented if possible; therefore having purged the ill humor, and hindering, that no more be engendred, by Chicken or Veal broths, &c. with cooling herbs, pap with the yelk of an Egg well boild, let her quench Iron or Steel in her drink which must be small beer or water, with a little strong, or wine, if she be not Feaverish, for then half a spoonful of syrup of Quinces, or Pomgranates is better; and she may eat a little Marmalade of Quince, or other strengtheners, if she was purg'd be∣fore; and because there is always great gripes, they must be appeas'd, by Clysters made of the broth of a Calves or Sheeps head well boild, with 2 ounces of oil of Violets;

or good Milk and the yelk of an Egg; after the use of these as long as is judged neces∣sary, which she must keep as long as she can; you must proceed to clensers made with Mal∣lows and Marsh-mallows with hony of Roses, and then binding ones, in which must be nei∣ther oil nor hony, beginning first with gent∣lest made of Rose-water, with Lettice and Plantain water, then to stronger, of the roots and leaves of Plantain, tapsus barbatus, horse-tail, province Roses, rind of Pomgranates in Smiths water, adding of sealed earth and Dragons blood of each 2 drams; you may also foment the Fundament.

Of the monthly blood before, and if it be from to much blood 'twil do her a kindness.

SECT. XI. Of Fluddings.

THe Courses come at accustomed times, without pain, distilling by little and little from the Wombs Neck, during preg∣nancy and then wholly ceaseth; but these come with pain, from the Wombs bottom, and almost on a sudden in great abundance, and continue without intermission, except some clods, formed there, seem sometimes to lessen the accident, by stopping for a small time the place whence they flow; but it soon returns with greater violence, and after fol∣lows death to the Mother and Child, if not prevented by delivering the Woman.

If the Fludding happen when young with Child it's usually because of some false Con∣ception, or Mole, of which the Womb en∣deavours to discharge it self, by which it opens some of the Vessels in its bottom, whence the blood ceases not to flow, till it hath cast out the strange bodies it contain'd, & the subtiller the blood is the more it flows; but when this happens to one truely Con∣ceiv'd,

at whatever time, it proceeds likewise from the opening of the Vessels of the Womb's fund, caused by some blow, slip, &c. and chiefly because the secundine, separating in part if not wholly from the inside of the Wombs bottom, to which it ought to stick, to receive the Mothers blood, for the Childs nouriture, leaves open all the Orifices of the Vessels where it joyned, and so follows a great flux of blood, which never ceases till she be brought a Bed; yet I do not intend it should be done as soon as perceiv'd, for some small fluddings have been stop'd by lying quietly in Bed, bleeding i'th Arm and the use of Remedies mention'd in the menstru∣ous Flux; and it may be but an ordinary monthly Flux; and then 'tis good leaving the Labor to nature, provided she hath strength, and accompanied with no other ill accident; but when she falls into Convulsions and Faintings, 'tis absolutely necessary she be deliver'd, whether she be at her count or no, pains or throws or no, for there is no o∣ther way to save both their Lives.

You must not always expect pains and throws to force and forward Labor, in these dangerous accidents, for though they come at the beginning, they usually cease as soon as it comes to Faintings and Convulsions;

neither must it be put off till the Womb be opened enough, for this Flux moistens, and the weakness loosens it, so that it may then be as easily widen'd as if there had been a∣bundance of strong throws. Wherefore let the Midwife introduce her Fingers anointed with Oil or Butter, 2 or 3 at a time, and all by degrees, and at last her whole Hand, and if she find the waters not broke, break them, and then whatever part of the Child pre∣sents, though the head (provided it be not i'th Birth) let her search for the Feet, and draw it forth by them; observing the circum∣stances in delivery of a Child with the Feet first, because there's better hold; so that if the Feet lye not ready seek for them, which is easier done at that time then another; be∣cause the Fluddings make the Womb slip∣pery: then fetch the after-burthen, which in these cases cleaves but little, being care∣ful not to leave so much as a clod i'th Womb, lest it continue the Fludding.

In this case many Women and Children have perished for want of this operation, and many escaped death by being timely succor'd. Guilemeau a Famous French Chirurgion men∣tions 6 or 7 Histories to confirm this; and Moriceau by his experience avers it, and in

the case of his own Sister too long here to relate.

You are always here to give good strengthning broths, gellies and a little good Wine, and smell to rose Vinegar; and to prevent the blood Fludding in great quanti∣ty, open a vein i'th Arm, or bind her Arm with fillets above her Elbow, and lay cloaths upon her Reins wet in water and Vinegar: but if this proceeds from the parting of the after-burden, she must be delivered as soon as may be, though she were but 3 or 4 months gone, because all must be brough•• away whether false Conception, Mole, or Child.

SECT. XII. Of the Weight of the Womb, &c.

THis is often caused by the stretching of the large Cords of the Womb, and this will cause an hinderance of Copulation, and a numness in her Hips, sleepiness in her Thighs, and difficulty of Urine and going to stool; chiefly towards her latter reckonings, because it presseth down the Bladder and great Gut, being seated between both. But she may be easier cur'd of this bearing down after she's layd, than before; for then the Cords will be easier strengthen'd, and she may then use pessaries which she cannot so well with Child.

The help for this from any cause is to keep her Bed, or swaith her; and if she have difficulty in urining, help her self by lifting up her belly with both hands; but if humors cause this, let her keep a drying dyet; as Rost-meat, &c. and refrain Copulation; streight lacing; and above all when in La∣bor, take care that neither by throws, nor birth of the Child, nor violent drawing the

burthen, that she get not a falling out of the Womb, instead of a bearing down or weight, which is soon done, if the method taught in the birth of a Child, when its Head thrusts the Neck of the Womb forth before it, be not well observed.

SECT. XIII. Of the Dropsie of the Womb, &c.

THese waters are either bred in the Womb, or brought thither from some other parts, as in the Dropsie of the belly it passes by tra••sudation through the porous substance of the Skins of the Womb; and these have deceived the Midwifes as well as patients, who having along time hoped and been made to hope for a Child, at length find nothing but waters; whereof some have voided a pailful, of which are many relations by Physitians and Chirurgeons; These are bred i'th Womb when 'tis too cold or weak∣ned by a violent Labor before, or from sup∣pression of filthy humors. When these are sent to the Womb from other parts they are never wrapt in a particular skin, but retain'd only by its exact closure, and flow away as soon as it begins to open; but when bred in the Womb, which is for the most part after Copulation, if the seed be too cold, waterish, or corrupt, they are then sometimes contain∣ed within the Skin, which hinder the pati∣ents from a speedy discharge of them. She

going with it almost as long as with a Child; and this is it perswades them they are with Child.

But 'tis easie to avoid being deceiv'd, if you take notice of the Signs of a true Con∣ception; for in a Dropsie her brests are fall∣en, have no Milk, nor finds her self quicken at the usual time, but a bubling of moved waters; a greater weight in her Belly, and more equal, the Womb, Hips, Thighs and Legs swell, and worse Colour in her Face; and as it may come alone, so it may accom∣pany a true Conception, the waters being contained in the Womb without the Childs Skin. Some have voided 3 or 4 quarts above 2 months before they were brought to Bed, and then they are contained in the Womb without the Skins, or else the Child would be forc'd to be born presently after they are voided.

The best Remedy is to wait patiently the time of delivery, observing a dry dy∣et; but if 'tis only contained in the Womb, use diuretics, and endeavour to procure her Courses, and to destroy by purges the cau∣se of the Generation of such superfluities: of which the Womb is so full sometimes that it dischargeth some on the outward

parts and chiefly the nearest; as the Lips of the Privities, which are so swell'd that they are quite blown up, and in some are so big, that they can't close their Thighs, and hinders walking; now because this may be inconvenient to her during La∣bor, it will be requisite to remedy it be∣fore, which must be done by a Lancet, all along the Lips, then applying compresses dipt in astringent wine; Leeches though less painful are not so proper, because their small Orifices close again as soon as re∣mov'd, but the other may be made as big or little as one will, and kept open by ointment as long as is fit.

SECT. XIV. Of Abortion and its causes.

WHen a Woman Sir i'th beginning casts forth what she had retain'd by Conception, 'tis an Effiuxion of the Seed; if a false Conception, 'tis an Expulsion, but when the infant's form'd and begins to live, if it come before time ordain'd by Nature 'tis an Abortion; and we say in general that every sharp Disease easily causes it; in parti∣cular all the accidents before mentioned: as also a great noise, as Cannon, of Thunder claps, watching, fasting, stinks, &c. if she Miscarries without any of these accidents. Hippocrates says, any Woman indifferently corpulent miscarrying the 2d or 3d month without manifest cause, 'tis because the in∣ward closers of the Womb's Vessels are full of viscous filth, whereby they cant retain the weight of the fetus, which is loosned from it; to this are Phlegmatic Women Subject, and who have the whites much which make the Womb slippery, and loose.

Likewise the passions of the mind, cause great hurt, chiefly Choler, but above all sud∣den fear; There are other causes which may be said to proceed from the Infant, as when its monstrous, or hath an unnatural Situa∣tion.

If we find one or more of the said acci∣dents, and she hath a great heaviness in her belly, falling like a ball on that side she turns, and there comes stinking humors from her, 'tis a sign she will miscarry of a dead Child; Now she is in more danger of her Life when she miscarries then at full time; and in dan∣ger of miscarrying always, if she miscarry at first; because of the violent motion caused by frequent Copulation; but they may pre∣serve their fruit when their love is a little moderated. We have taught before to pre∣vent each accident. Who are subject to Abor∣tion, must rest or keep in Bed, refrein Co∣pulation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soon as she thinks she's with Child, avoiding diuretics and openers; and be loose drest, wear low-heel'd Shoos with broad Soals. Her rest must be 5 or 6 or 9 or 15 days, during which time may be applied to her belly compresses steep'd in Aromatic and Astringent Wine. Some Midwifes giving Crimson silk minc'd small in the yelk of an Egg, or Scarlet grains,

and Treddles of several Eggs put into a yelk, is superstitious, as if entring the Sto∣mach it were able to fortifie the Womb, and Child and keep it there.