A Distemper of the Stomach without mat∣ter, is a preternatural disposition of the simi∣lar Parts of the Stomach in its qualities, pro∣duced by external and Internal Causes with∣out the presence of any Humor.
Its SIGNS and Causes shal be explained in the differences, the Cure relies only on al∣teration, and removing the Causes.
'Tis divided according to the qualities.
I. One is Hot, which is known from the want of appetite to meat, indorous Belchings, clamminess of Spittle, dryness of the jaws and Tongue; it ariseth externally from the six non Natural things encreasing its heat; internally from internal Diseases, burning Feavers, In∣flamation of the Liver, Spleen, &c. 'Tis Cured,
- 1. With cooling things, but lightly and not too long applied.
- 2. With cooling Diet where Barley Water takes place, and Emulsions of the four greater cold seeds.
II. Another is cold, which it known from the greatness of appetite, unless it be too cold, by sour belchings, if neither much nor cold meats have been eaten, nor flegm do abound, by wind and two much spitting. It ariseth ex∣ternally from the six non Natural things, inter∣nally from the parts incumbent, as the Liver, Spleen, and Muscls of the Belly which induce a coldness. 'Tis Cured,
- 1. By appropriate heaters, but not too much, inwardly and outwardly moist, lest driness be caused.
- 2. By Diet, where Wormwood Wine takes place; it is distinguished into a positive, of which we have now treated, and a privative, which is conjoin∣ed with driness.
III. Another moist, which is known by want of thirst, by abundance of spittle, &c. it ariseth from external Causes inducing moi∣sture, it is Cured.
- 1. With dryers without eminent heat or cold, as are the ashes of Hens Guts, of Swallows, burnt harts horn, red Coral, troschiskes of Vipers, Galangal, burnt Salt.
- 2. By a contrary Diet.
IV. Another dry, which is known by the extenuation and Contraction of the Region of the Stomach, which is accompanied with a slenderness of the whol body. It ariseth ex∣ternally from a drying Diet, too much emp∣tying and fumes of mettals; internally from the dryness of the incumbent parts. The cure is the more difficult, because with the Feaver∣ish heat it induceth a consumption; if vomiting happen it argues a great want of innate heat; the Cure is performed.
- 1. By moistening which is best of al accomplisht by nourishments that are medicinal,
- 2. by Diet, where Milk takes place, beginning with a smal dose, new layed Eggs, Almonds, Raisons, Pine Nuts, &c.
There is another compound, the Nature of which may be collected from the simple: those that labor of a hot and dry distemper, have lit∣tle blood, unfit for nourishment, are lean, bound in body, with Veins eminent, subject to the dry Scab.