CHAP. XI. Of the cure of a Convulsion, by sympathy and pain.
A Convulsion which is caused both by consent of pain and Communication of the affect,* 1.1 is cured by remedies which are contrary to the dolorifick cause. For thus if it proceed from a puncture or venemous bite, the wound must be dilated and inlarged by cutting the skin, that so the venenate matter may flow forth more freely, for which purpose also medi∣cines which are of a thin and liquid consistence, but of a drying and digestive faculty shall be powred in, to call forth and dissolve the virulency, as Treacle and Mithridate, dissolved in A∣qua vitae, with a little of some mercurial powder: for this is a noble antidote.* 1.2 Also cupping glasses and scarifications will be good. Lastly, the condition of all dolorifick causes, shall be op∣pugned by the opposition of contrary remedies; as, if pain by reason of a pricked nerve or ten∣don, shall cause a Convulsion, it must presently be resisted by proper remedies, as oyl of Tur∣pentine, of Euphorbium, mixt with Aquae vitae, and also with other remedies appropriated to pun∣ctures of the nerves. If the pain proceed from excess of cold, because cold is hurtful to the brain, the spinall marrow, and nerves; the patient shall be placed in a hot air, such as that of a hot-house, or stoave; all the spine of his back and convulsed parts, must be anointed with the hot liniments above mentioned: for that is much better, than suddenly to expose him from the conceived convulsifick cause to a most hot fire or warm Bath. In the mean time the Chirurgion must take diligent heed, that as soon as the signs of the Covulsion to come, or already present,* 1.3 or at hand, do shew themselves, that he put a stick between the patients teeth, lest they be fast locked by the pertinacious contraction of the Jaws: for many in such a case have bit off their tongues, for which purpose he shall be provided of an instrument called Speculum Oris, which may be dilated and contracted according to your mind by the means of a screw, as the figures underneath demonstrate; the one presenting it open and somewhat twined up, and the other as it is shut.