The workes of that famous chirurgion Ambrose Parey translated out of Latin and compared with the French. by Tho: Johnson. Whereunto are added three tractates our of Adrianus Spigelius of the veines, arteries, & nerves, with large figures. Also a table of the bookes and chapters.

CHAP. XV. Of Delirium (i.e.) Raving, Talking idly, or Doting.

DOting or Talking idlely, here is used for a symptom which commonly happeneth in Fea∣vers caused by a wound, and inflammation; and it is perturbation of the phantasie, and function of the mind, not long induring. Wherefore such a doting happens upon wounds, by reason of vehement pain, and a feavour, when as the nervous parts, as the joynts, stomach, and midriffe, shall be violated.

For the Ancients did therefore call the Midriffe Phrena, because when this is hurt, as if the mind it self were hurt, a certain phrensie ensues; that is, a perturbation of the animal faculty, which is imployed in ratiocination, by reason of the community which the Diaphragma hath with the Brain, by the nerves sent from the sixth conjugation, which are carryed to the stomach. There∣fore doting happens by too much bleeding, which causeth a dissipation of the spirits, whereby it happens that the motions and thoughts of the mind err, as we see it happens to those who have bled much in the amputation of a member. And it happens by the puncture of a venemous beast,

or from seed retained or corrupted in the womb, or from a Gangrene or Sphacel, from a ve∣nenate and putrid air carryed up to the Brain, or from a sodain tumult and fear. Lastly, what things soever with any distemper, especially hot, do hurt and debilitate the mind. These may cause do∣ting by the afflux of humors, specially cholerick, by dissipation, oppression or corruption of the spirits. Therefore if it shall proceed from the inflammation of the Brain, and Meninges or Mem∣branes thereof; after purging and bloud-letting by the prescription of a Physitian, the hair be∣ing shaved or cut off, the head shall be fomented with Rose-Vinegar, and then an Emplaister of Diacalcitheos, dissolved in Oyl and Vinegar of Roses, shall be laid thereupon. Sleep shall be pro∣cured with Barly creams, wherein the seeds of white Poppy have been boyled, with broths made of the decoction of the cold seeds of Lettuce, Purslain, Sorrel, and such like. Cold things shall be applyed to his Nostrils, as the seeds of Poppy gently beaten with Rose-water and a little Vi∣negar. Let him have merry and pleasant companions that may divert his mind from all cogitati∣on of sorrowful things, and may ease and free him of cares, and with their sweet intreaties may bring him to himself again. But if it happen by default of the spirits, you must seek remedy from those things which have been set down in the Chapter of Swooning.

Notes

• What a symp∣tomatical De∣lirium is. The causes thereof.
• Why the Brain suffers with the mid••iffe.
• The Cure.