CHAP. XXIIII. Of the flatulent convulsion, or convulsive contraction, which is commonly called by the French, Gout Crampe, and by the English, The Crampe.
THat which the French call Goute Crampe; we here intend to treat of,* 1.1 induced thereto rather by the affinity of the name, then of the thing; for if one speak truly, it is a cer∣tain kind of convulsion generated by a flatulent matter, by the violence of whose run∣ning down or motion, oftimes the neck, arms, and legs are either extended, or contracted into themselves with great pain, but that for a short time. The cause thereof is a gross and tough va∣por, insinuating it self into the branches of the nerves, and the membranes of the muscles.* 1.2 It takes one on the night, rather then on the day, for that then the heat and spirits usually retire themselves into the entrails and centre of the body; whence it is that flatulencies may be gene∣rated, which will fill up, distend and pull the part whereinto they run, just as we see lute-strings are extended. This affect often takes such as swim in cold water, and causeth many to be drow∣ned, though excellent swimmers, their members by this means being so straightly contracted,* 1.3 that they cannot by any means be extended: For the skin, by the coldness of the water is contracted and condensed, and the pores thereof shut, so that the engendred flatulencies have no passage forth. Such as give themselves to drunkenness and gluttony, or sloth and idleness, are usually more frequently troubled with this disease, by reason of their heaping up of crudities.* 1.4 Therefore it is cured by moderate diet, and ordering of the body, and exercise of each part thereof; for thus they gather strength, and the generation of the flatulent matter is hindred. In the very time when it takes one, the patient shall be cured by long rubbing with warm clothes, and aquâ vitae, where∣in the leaves of sage, rosemary, thyme, savory, lavender, cloves, ginger, and the like discussing and resolving things have been infused. The extension and flexion of the members or joints, and walking, are also good.