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. XLIII. A memorable history of the membrane called Hymen.

JOhn Wierus writeth that there was a Maid at Camburge,* 1.1 who in the midst of the neck of the womb, had a thick and strong membrane growing overthwart, so that when the monethly terms should come out, it would not permit them, so that there∣by the menstrual matter was stopped and flowed back again, which caused a great tu∣mor and distention in the belly, with great torment, as if she had been in travail with childe: the midwives being called, and having seen and considered all that had been done, and did appear, did all with one voice affirm, that she sustained the pains of childe-birth, al∣though that the maid her self denied that she ever dealt with man. Therefore then this foresaid Author was called, who, when the Midwives were void of counsel, might help this wretch∣ed maid, having already had her urine stopped now three whole weeks, and perplexed with great watchings, loss of appetite, and loathing: and when he had seen the grieved place,

and marked the orifice of the neck of the womb, he saw it stopped with a thick membrane; he knew also that that sudden breaking out of blood into the womb and the vessels thereof, and the passage for those matters that was stopped, was the cause of her grievous and tormenting pain. And there∣fore he called a Chyrurgeon presently, and willed him to divide the membrane that was in the midst, that did stop the flux of blood; which being done, there came forth as much black con∣gealed and putrified blood as weighed some eight pounds. In three dayes after she was well and void of all disease and pain. I have thought it good to set down this example here, because it is worthy to be noted, and profitable to be imitated, as the like occasion shall happen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Lib. de prost. damon cap. 3••.