The practice of physick in seventeen several books wherein is plainly set forth the nature, cause, differences, and several sorts of signs : together with the cure of all diseases in the body of man / by Nicholas Culpeper ... Abdiah Cole ... and William Rowland ; being chiefly a translation of the works of that learned and renowned doctor, Lazarus Riverius ...

THE TENTH BOOK OF THE PRACTICE OF PHYSICK. Of the Diseases of the Intestines, or Guts. (Book 10)

The PREFACE.

THE Perfection of all Nourishment consists in these Three Operations, to Ingest, Digest, and Egest; that is, To take in, Concoct, and send forth: The first re∣spects the Appetite: The second the Concoction, & belongs to the Stomach: But the third respects the Intestines, whose office of Egestion or sending forth being moderate, and according to the rules of Nature brings great benefit to the whol Body: On the contrary, if it be defective as in the binding of the Belly, or a∣bound as in divers Fluxes, there arise divers greivous Diseases: Moreover, the reteining of superfluous things doth cause Chollicks, Iliacks, and Hemor∣rhoids: And finally putrifactions in the Guts doth not only produce Fluxes, but Worms: That all these may be severally Explained, this Book shall contain Eleven Chapters: The First is of the Chollick: The Second of the Iliack Passion: The Third of binding of the Belly: The Fourth of Lienterla or Coeliack Diseases: The Fift of Diarrhoea: The Sixth of Dysentery: The Seventh of Tenesmus: The Eight of the Hepatick Flux: The Ninth of the Worms: The Tenth of the Flux of the Hemorrhoids: The Eleventh of the pain of the Hemorrhoids.

Chap. 1. Of the Chollick.

THe Chollick takes its Name from the part affected which is the Gut called Colon: which is long and winding, and ordained for receiving the Excrements of almost al the Body; these Excre∣ments retained too long, use to cause this pain.

Therefore the Causes of the Chollick are excrementitious Matter, which by distending, pricking or corroding can make a Solution of Continuity, and these are either Winds or Humors.

Winds are bred of Crudities, or a cold Distemper of the Stomach or Intestines; and if they be

not sent forth by reason of the hard excrements or other things that obstruct the Intestines, they are in great plenty shut up in the Guts, especially the Colon; and make a very violent pain.

Also gross Humors, Cold and Flegmatick, being fastened upon the Tunicles of the Guts cause the same pain both by gnawing, if they are sharp or salt; as also by cooling the part, which by con••e∣quence must suffer Constriction and Divulsion, as Galen speaks of himself, That having had a great Fit of the Chollick did void glassy Flegm that was actually cold; and by producing Wind which is easily raised from a gross, slimy, and slow Humor, by a weak heat.

Lastly, Chollerick and sharp Humors; as also Melanchollick and sowr by pricking and twiching the Guts, make these pains: but we may doubt in the action of these Causes how the Chollick should be somtimes more violent, somtimes more remiss, since the same matter remaineth in the Intestines? To which Doubt we thus Answer, That the matter doth somtimes lie quiet, and then it causeth none or very little pain; but somtimes it is moved and stirred up by divers Fermentations which happen a∣mong the Humors, as in an Epilepsy, the sits of the Mother and Agues.

But you must observe diligently that those Winds or Humors do not only remain in the Cavity of the Guts, for then were they easily excluded by evacuating, clensing, and carminative Medicines, but for the most part they are fixed to the very Coates of the Guts, whence it comes that they are not so easily taken off; but they make a long and a stubborn Disease which wil not easily be cured: So thick Flegmatick and Melanchollick humors to flow by degrees through the veins of the Cuts into their substance, and do not presently cause pain; but til they so encrea••e that they provoke nature to ex∣pel them, and so being moved they cause pain; or send out Vapors which being included in the Tu∣nicles of the Intestines, do stretch and extend them, and finding no passage, cause a long pain. And Choller being after the same manner spread and sucked into the veins of the Guts and the Tunicles thereof doth stir up sharp pains which use to be long, because the Choller is very hard to be pulled from the substance of the Guts.

There is another kind of Chollerick Chollick, which turns into a Palsie, not known to the Anti∣ents, which comes of a Chollerick Humor, not in the Gut Colon as the former, but suddenly sent in∣to the Membranes of the Abdomen, and it is carried thither from the Cystis, or bladder of Gall, or the Mesentery in the Crisis of continual Feavers, or from great anger, or some other external Cause, when by reason of Obstructions it cannot be sent by the common passages, but by a preposterous mo∣tion it is presently sent to the aforesaid Membranes of the Abdomen, hence comes a cruel pain like that of the Chollick, which neither by Clysters, Formentations, or other Medicines can be Cured; but continueth many Months, by which means the body consumeth, somtimes it is like an intermitting Feaver, somtimes and often like a continual lingring Feaver: and at length when the pain begins to cease, there is a Palsie, by reason the Humor gets by degrees into the back by the Membranes of the Abdomen: This Palsie doth trouble the upper parts most; but the Thighs and Legs commonly are pained, in some they are wholly resolved and made numb, because the Choller being light flyeth to the upper parts: Somtimes it gets into the Brain, and begets Epileptick Convulsions, from whence death commonly ensueth.

There are other Causes of the Chollick, but less usual; namely, Stones bred in the Guts, and knots of Worms which stop them: The compression of the Guts from Tumors in the adjoyning parts, or narrowness by reason of Inflamation, and other Tumors of the Intestines, or Contorsion, or twisting of them by reason of Wind which is the way to the Iliack Passion; somtimes also the Matter causing the Chollick is Poysonous and Malignant, and makes a Pestilent Chollick; as Paulus Aegineta reports, That a Pestilent Chollick in Italy infected most of the Roman Provinces. Finally al hard Bodies by Obstructing and Distending the Guts may make a Chollick, as stones bred there, many Cherry-stones swallowed, hard Cheese, and the like: Platerus reports, That a certain Governor long laboring of the Chollick with Convulsions, after the use of Clysters, voided a great quantity of hard Cheese which had a long time stuck in his Guts, because before his Sickness he had eaten immoderately thereof.

The External Causes are Cold Air, which constringe and indurate the Belly; or too Hot Air, by which the Excrements grow hard, and loose their moisture; the use of meat and drink not agreeing with the Constitution; as raw Fruits, and binding; gross meats, and hard of digestion; too much rest, and immoderate sleep; unseasonable exercises, immoderate venery; and other External Causes which disturbe the Concoction of the Stomach.

The Knowledge of this Disease generally is easie: For first the pain is very sharp, for if it be light it cannot be called a true Chollick from the Opinion of Galen, lib. 6. de loc. aff. cap. 2. And it is som∣times moveable, somtimes more in one place than in another: somtimes in the region of the Liver, somtimes of the Spleen, Stomach, Reins; somtimes above, somtimes beneath the Navel, and often∣times it is most upon the left side; in which, as Bauhinus first observ'd, there is a little streightness; for when the Excrements in the upper and widest part of the Colon grow into hard lumps according to its Capacity great, and then by Wind are driven into a streighter part, they must needs pass with

much pain, in which Symptome the Chollick, and the Spleen, and the Stone, are not distinguished but by comparison of other signs; for somtimes the pain is like an Auger boring, or a Stick fastened, more fixed in some part. When the Stomach consenteth, there is vomiting of Flegm, Choller, that is green or the like. After Meat the pain is greater, because the Stomach being filled compresseth the Intestines. The Belly for the most part is bound, so that the Patient cannot so much as break wind, and if any thing be voided either naturally or by art, it is for the most part windy, and like Cow∣dung, with water at the top, because it is most Flegm which useth to be so. Somtimes the Belly is so bound that in the heigth of Pain, Purging Medicines that are very strong, will not work.

The Signs of the Causes are thus to be distinguished:

If the Pain come of Flegm, it is not so great, unless it be mixed with wind which cannot get forth of the places wherein it is contained: for then the pain is very great; somtimes in one part, as if it were bored through with a wimble or stick; somtimes in many, if the wind do remove, the Patient is better for hot, and worse for cold things. He used a Diet formerly which bred flegm, his water is somtimes more crude and white, not alwaies, which deceiveth yong unexperienced Physitians, and somtimes in a flegmatick and flatulent Chollick, the Urine will be yellow and reddish by reason of the extraordinary pain which doth inflame the Sp••ri••s and Humors contained in the Veins and Arte∣ries. Which Avicen wisely observed, Fen. 13. Lib. 3. Tract. 3. Cap. 11. Let no man be deceived (saith he) to think by the foulness, inflamation, and redness of the Ʋrine, that therefore the Disease is hot; for that is common to all Ʋrines.

If the Chollick proceed of wind, there will be a stretching pain, and a swelling of the Belly: the Patient perceiveth a rumbling of the Belly, and much wind, and he is better when he breaketh it: he used a Diet to breed it, as unreasonable drinking of cold water, often use of Pease, Rapes, Chesnuts, Sallets, Fruits, and the like. And if the wind be contained in the Cavity of the Guts, the pain is mo∣vable, not in one place, and is somtimes greater. But if it be in the ••oats and Tunicles of the Guts, the pain is fixed because the wind cannot move, and it is constant because it cannot get forth.

If the Chollick come from a sharp and Chollerick Humor, it is most grievous, pulling, and pricking, there is heat, thirst, and often a Feaver, the Urine is very Chollerick. It is worse for hot Meats and Medicines, and better for cold. By sending forth of Choller the disease is diminished, and there went before, a Diet breeding Choller.

The pains of other parts under the Navil, are easily distinguished from the Chollick by their pro∣per signs, except the Stone, whose signs are so like with those of the Chollick, that very skilful Phy∣sitians have been deceived by them: As Galen himself was, as he confesseth 2. de loc. aff. cap. 5. when he was troubled with the Chollick, he thought that he had the Nephritis, and that a stone was faste∣ned in one of the Ureters till the Humor was purged away, and the pain ceased; after which he found it to be the Chollick.

But by these following signs these two Diseases may be plainly distinguished, if they be well ob∣served.

First, The Nephritis▪ or pain of the stone, is fixed in the Reins, and comes from thence to the Te∣sticles, according to the length of the Ureter: But the Chollick is movable, and girts about the mid∣dle of the Belly like a girdle.

Secondly, The Chollick encreaseth after Meat by reason of the compression of the Intestines from the full Belly: but the Nephritis encreaseth not, but rather decreaseth, because some of the Nourish∣ment is carried to the Reins, which doth somthing asswage the pain.

Thirdly, In the Chollick, the vomiting is more vehement, and the Body is more bound, because the Colon lieth in the bottom of the Stomach, and the Intestines being stretched, or much provoked, do constringe themselves that they may expel what is noxious. But both the Symptomes are common to▪ both Diseases, so that you can hardly know their intension and remission, because a strong Nephri∣tick pain, may cause a greater vomiting and astriction of the Belly, then a weak Chollick.

Fourthly, In a Chollick there is more ease found after Evacuation than in a Nephritis.

Fifthly, In a Nephritis or the stone, the Urine ••s••first clear and thin; afterwards there is a sedi∣ment, and at length sand and little stones are voided. But in the Chollick the Urine is thick from the beginning.

As to the Prognostick: The Chollick for the most part, if it be gentle and little, and not long, nor in one place constantly, but intermitting and not binding the Belly, is curable, and without danger. But if the pain is very great and fixed in one place, not intermitting, and if the Belly be bound that nothing can get forth, with great watchings, and if vomiting follow, hiccoughs, doting, and coldness of extream parts, with cold sweats, it is deadly.

A stubborn Chollick coming of sharp and Chollerick Matter degenerateth into other grievous Dis∣eases, as Arthritis, Epilepsie, or Paralysis, which is most usual.

An Epidemical Chollick, which is contagious and pestilent, is commonly deadly.

The Cure of this Diseale is divers according to the variety of the Causes.

And first, there is the same Cure of a flatulent and pituitous Chollick, which begins with an E∣mollient Clyster, after which followeth one Carminative and discussing, as was prescribed in the Dolor Ventriculi, from the like Cause, which must be repeated twice, thrice, or four times in a day, till the pain be gone; and if he go not to stool in one or two Clysters, as somtimes happeneth, you must give a sharp Suppository. In one of the aforesaid Clysters, you may do well to ad four ounces of the Aqua Benedicta Rulandi.

Or two or three drams of Coloquintida boyled in an Emollient and Carminative Deco∣ction.

If Clysters will not give ease, you must not stay too long upon them, but use some gentle Medicine. It hath been observed that when a sick man had taken three Clysters without benefit, that another Physitian came and gave but one ounce and an half of Manna, with two ounces of the Oyl of sweet Almonds in the fat Broth of a Hen, and cured the Patient. But in a pain that comes from grofs flegm you must give stronger Medicines.

Afterwards, Fomentations, Oyntments, Baths, Emplaisters, and the like, are good, which were declared in the Cure of the Dolor Ventriculi of the same Cause, to which you may ad some specifical things, which are fit for this Disease.

Wash the Guts of a Wolf in white Wine, then dry them in an Oven in an Earthen pot, till they may be poundered. Let the Patient take a dram thereof in white Wine, and he will be presently cured.

Boyl fair Water, and ad to it the fourth part of Oyl, and some gross Pepper; let him take three or four spoonfuls as hot as he can endure it, and the pain will be instantly gone.

Take of the best Aloes one dram: Laudanum four grains: Diagridium six grains: Mix them and make six Pills gilded: Let him take them at a convenient time. They take away the pain as∣ter one hour, and then purge out the noxious humor.

Instead of these you may give Diaphoenicon, and Philonium Romanum, as is prescribed in the Cure of the pain of the Stomach. Hipp. Lib. de intern. aff. propoundeth a Purge of Purslain, and Juyce of Poppies.

Six ounces of Oyl of sweet or bitter Almonds, do asswage pain, and cast the Matter cleaving to the Intestines downwards.

If you mix it with these things following, it will be better:

Take of Oyl of sweet Almonds, or Sallat Oyl for poor people, four ounces: Spanish Wine one ounce and an half: Syrup of Poppies one ounce: Mix them for a Potion.

Also Oyl of sweet Almonds mixed with Manna in fat Broth as beforesaid, doth ease pain, and eva∣cuate the Matter offending.

One dram of Annis seeds poudered and given in Wine, doth first asswage, and the second time it is given, quite take away the pain; applying at the same time a Cataplasm of Turpentine three ounces, laid on with Stuphes sprinkled with Pepper and Sanguis Draconis finely poudered, of each one dram.

Galbanetum Paracelsi is good to discuss the Humor if the whol Belly be anointed therewith. The description is in Crato thus:

Take of Gum Elemi, lvy, Galbanum, Oly of Bayes, of each equal parts: distil them in Sand with a Retort; keep the Liquors asunder, first the Water, then the cleer Oly, then the thick Oyl like Honey, which you must use first.

Take of Calamus Aromatious one ounce: Galangal three drams: the outward yellow of the Orange peel four ounces: Cinnamon, Annis, and Fennel seeds, of each three drams: Cummin seeds six drams: Juniper berries green half an ounce: Bay berries three drams. Pouder them finely, and infuse them in six pints of the best Spanish Wine in a bot place six dayes; then distil them in Balneo Mariae. The Dose is one ounce after Evacuations.

You may with good snccess apply to the Belly Gum Caragna, and Tacamahacha; but first let a great Cupping-glass be applied to the Navil.

Although you apply not the Plaisters, yet you must not forget to cup; which as Galen, saith, doth discuss pain that comes of wind like an Enchantment.

If the Disease last long, you may cure it with a Decoction of Guajacum continued for many daies, Purging somtimes, and giving often Clysters. And if it come of glassy flegm, let Guajacum be boy∣led in Wine, as Amatus Lusitanus used it with good success, Curat. 32. Cent. 1.

After the pain is allayed, use an Apozeme to purge flegm for the carrying away of the reliques, or instead thereof, the Decoction of an old Cock made with incising, attenuating, and purging things. Or that excellent Julep prescribed in the Chollick of the Stomach.

A Chollerick Chollick is cured by Emollient Clysters, and such as temper the acrimony of the Humors.

Let the Belly be Fomented with an Emollient Decoction, which is Anodine; or which is better, make a Bath of the same.

Also Cataplasms made of Barley and Linseed Flower, boyled in Oyl of Chamomil, applied to the bottom of the Belly are good.

As also a Cooling Epithem to the Liver, made thus:

Take of the Juyce of Endive and Succory, of each half a pint: the Juyce of Lettice, and Rose-Vinegar, of each two ounces: mix them and make and Epitheme.

Give Juleps of Poppy, Lettice, Endive, and Sorrel Water, with Syrup of Violets, Apples, and Lemons.

If the Pain be urgent, come to Narcoticks.

When the pain is mitigated, give the infusion and expression of Rhubarb in Succory Water with Syrup of Roses, often, til al the filth be evacuated.

If this be too gentle to eradicate the Disease, give Mercurius Dulcis, which being somtimes given with some Purging Diagrediats, doth finish the Cure.

They who are not to take Diagredium, may take Mercurius dulcis alone made into a Pill with con∣serve of Roses, drinking after it the infusion of Senna with Rhubarb, adding a little Manna and syrup of Roses.

After this you may give your sharp Vitriolated Waters.

When the pain is violent, fly to Baths and Laudanum, to which you may somtimes mix Purgers, but in a great quantity; because their force wil be hindered by the Laudanum.

Galbanetum Paracelsi, although hot, is fit to discuss the Humor if al the Belly be anointed there∣with: it is described formerly.

Somtimes Blood-letting is good where there is fear of a Feaver by the heat of the blood: and if the Feaver be begun, do it presently.

When there is a great Thirst, give cold Water. as Galen teacheth, lib. 12. meth. cap. 7. And Ama∣tus Lusitanus saith, That he Cured one presently with it: And Septalius shews in Two Stories in the Seventh Book of his Practical Animadversions, That he hath given the same, and taken it with very good success.

For the Cure of that Chollick which turneth into a Palsie, after the Belly is loosened with many Clysters, and the first wayes being made open by a Purge, put the Patient into a warm Bath made of an Emollient Decoction, twice, thrice, four, or five times in a day, that the sharpness of the humors may be allaied, and the pores of the Membranes opened.

The day after let the Humor be Purged with a fit Medicine; then let him be bathed again, and if his strength wil endure it, let him do it every other day, til the humors are Purged and the pain gone, and the Patient Cured.

In the mean time let the Clysters be continued, especially those made of Milk are best to asswage pain, to which you may put Cassia, Oyl of Violets and Lillies.

Let the Belly be often anointed with Oyl of Chamomil, Dill, sweet Almonds, Lillies, or with fresh butter,

Then let him use Whey and sharp Waters.

And Lastly, When the Disease is of long continuance, you may use those things which were pre∣scribed for the Cure of Hypochondriak Melancholly.

Nor must you omit Phlebotomy from the beginning of the Disease before Purging, and it must be often repeated if the Blood be evil, or the pain come of a Catarrh any wayes.

Finally, Al the Medicines mentioned in Chollerick Chollick may here be applied, which if it a∣vail not, some Physitians use this following Potion, which though it be sorbid and not sit fot men wel educated, yet they say it Cureth presently.

Take of Horse-dung one ounce: break it in pieces, and infuse it in one pint of Poppy-Water with eight or ten drops of spirit of Vitriol: strain it gently, and divide the Liquor into three Doses, for the time of the violent pain.

But if it turn into a Palsie, you must anoint the Spina or back Bone and the Paralytike parts with a Resolving and a Nerve Corroborating Balsom if there be no Feaver; but if there be, bind Wool dipt in Oyl, or some digesting Oyntment, to the Paralytike parts, taking heed of Cold, by which the hu∣mor wil be fastned to the parts, and the breathing forth of it hindered.

Galbanetum Paracelsi is best, if it be applied to the parts aforesaid, and the Navel.

Chap. 2. Of the Iliack Passion.

ILEOS, or Iliack Passion, took its name (as some say) from the Gut Ileum, which chiefly is Af∣fected in this Disease; although the other thin and somtimes thick Guts are capable of the same: Or, rather from Eilesthai, which signifieth to be rowled and girt about; therefore the Latins call it Volvulus, or Convolvulus, because the Guts in this Disease seem manifestly to be rowled about, and to be moved upwards: it is also called Rordapsos, because the Guts, if you lay your hand on them, seem to be like a stretched or twisted cord.

The Barbarians cal it Miserere mei, because it is a miserable Disease and commonly deadly, and therefore needs divine Commiseration.

This Iliack Passion is a preposterous motion of the Intestines, in which the Belly is alwayes bound; and the Excrements which should be carried downwards, are brought to the Stomach, and cast out by vomiting.

It is known that the Intestines have a natural motion by which the Chylus and Faeces are by de∣grees carried downwards, which is called Peristalticus; this motion is by the Orbicular and Trans∣verse Fibres which contract the Intestines, and is compared to the motion of Earth-worms which move the parts of their bodies successively. And this motion is somtimes inverted by preternatural Causes, as when the Fibres of the Intestines which ought to be contracted from above down-wards, are contracted upwards; and whatsoever is in the Guts is not sent towards the Belly but towards the Stomach, and then is this Iliack Passion: We observe somthing like this in Vomiting; for when the Fibres of the Oesophagus contract themselves from the upper part towards the Stomach, the meat is swallowed down; but when by an inverted order they contract themselves from the part beneath up wards, there is vomiting. This Peristaltick inverted motion comes from the vehement stirring up of the Expulsive Faculty of the Guts, which when it cannot throw down-wards the superfluous Ex∣crementitious matter, doth by a violent motion cast it upwards. This motion is somtimes so violent, that not only Chyle, and Wind, and Excrementitious Humors, but the Faeces also, and Excrements which should be sent out by the Anus are thrown forth by vomiting; So that Clysters and Supposito∣ries also are snatcht up and vomited out: So Matthew de Gradi reports of a Girle of twelve yeers old, who in this Disease for three dayes together, did not only vomit up Dung and Clysters, but also along Suppository a short time after it was administred unto her; and when another Suppository was tyed to her Thigh, that was presently broken off and vomited up with a piece of the Thred at it: And when Thirdly, a Suppository was tyed with four strong Threds as before, that also was bro∣ken off and Vomited up with part of the Threds: And at length when the Mother, as desired by the Physitian, to administer another, it was drawn upward with so much violence, that she was constrai∣ned suddenly to draw it out least it should be again Vomited up. There are the like stories in Au∣thors, which for brevity sake we omit.

This stirring up of the Expulsive Faculty of the Guts comes from divers Causes: The chief is Ob∣struction; therefore whatsoever doth so violently obstruct the Guts that nothing can descend, doth beget this Disease: for after the Faculty hath long labored to throw out superfluities the ordinary way, and is frustrate of her intention; desiring to satisfie the necessity of exclusion, she takes another Course, and by a preposterous motion drives them upwards, and vomiteth them out.

The Causes obstructing are hard Dung long retained, gross vapors gathered in abundance into the Guts and violently distending them; Inflamation, and other great Tumors, which wholly shut up the internal Cavities of the Gut, and the circumvolution of it, so that it is as it were tied in a knot, which often happeneth in a Hernia or rupture, and also in the Chollick, after which often follows this Ileos, because the Intestines being stretched with wind, do rowl together, and somtimes knit a knot.

The more unusual causes which do so provoke the expulsive faculty that are constrained to alter their motion, are great Ulcers, or sharp Humors which twitch the Guts; for when the faeces or o∣ther Humors going downwards, do touch the ulcerated part, they so prick it that the faculty is pro∣voked not to suffer so noxious a thing to pass, but driveth it upwards with violence; which motion the other Intestines stirred up by sympathy, do follow till the noxious Matter goes to the Stomach, which following the same Motion, by the help of the aforesaid faculty, drives it forth by vomit.

The Signs of the Iliack Passion are partly Common to those of the Chollick, and partly pro∣per.

The Common Signs are, pain in the Abdomen, swelling and pussing up of the Belly, a bound Bel∣ly, loathing of Meat, Nausea, Vomiting, want of Rest, difficulty of Breathing, and Pissing.

Those which are Proper and peculiar to this Disease, are a sharp pain and most violent, pussing up

and very violent distension, an eminent hard tumor in the Hypogastrium, a total suppression of seege, so that nothing is voided that way. In progress of the Disease, there is irregular vomiting, first of Choller, then of Flegm, and Chylous Matter, and at length of dung, or rather of a Matter like it, of corrupt and stinking Meat, for the faeces are seldom sent upwards, when they are neer death, there is abundance of cold sweat, refrigeration of the extream parts, trembling of the Heart, distur∣bance and fainting.

Galen in Comment. Aph. 10. Sect. 7. affirms that the proper and inseparable sign of this Disease is not to go to stool at all. But Hippocrates seems to affirm the contrary, 3. Epid. Sect. 2. Text. 7. in an History of a Woman thus affected, which dwelt at Tisamen, saying there were thin, few, and crude dejections. To which difficulty we answer, That in the beginning of the disease, some stools may be from the faeces contained beneath the Gut affected, which by Nature or Art may be excluded be∣fore all the Intestines consent and lose their proper and Natural faculty. But when the Disease is confirmed, and the motion of all the Guts is peristal like and inverted wholly, there is nothing more sent downward.

The signs of the Causes are these: If Ileos come from Inflamation (which often happeneth) the Disease is most acute, and comes quickly to the heighth, there is an intense feaver, a most vehement pain, Chollerick Vomitings and flegmatick do soon appear, and faeces and dung do presently, and other deadly signs before mentioned.

If it come from the faeces endurable there went before it a constriction of the Belly for many daies, and in the beginning there is no pain, but afterwards there is, the Disease is of longer continuance, nor is it so acute as that which comes from Inflamation, neither is the pain so great, nor the Feaver so strong, and somtimes there is none.

If it come from wind or flegm, it followeth for the most part the Chollick, and signs of the Chollick, of flegm and wind went before, which are laid down in the Chapter afore going.

As for the Prognostick. Every Ileos is dangerous, but one more than another. That is most dead∣ly, in which first there is chollerick, then flegmatick, and after stinking vomiting; and Galen, 6. de loc. aff. cap. 2. saith none of these escape; but Experience teacheth that some do, as when the dis∣ease comes from retention of the faeces, or Hernia Intestinalis, or Rupture in the Guts.

They who have this Disease with the Strangury, die within seven daies, except a Feaver coming, the Urine be more plentifully voided. Hipp. Aph. 44. Sect. 6. if the Strangury come of thick and and flegmatick Humors which are plentiful in the Veins and Guts, a Feaver coming thereupon, they may be concocted, melted, and attenuated, and pissed forth, by which means the Ileos is cured. Al∣though Galen in his Comment upon this Aphorism, saith that he is ignorant of what Hippocrates saith here, and that it cannot be confirmed by Reason and Experience.

If Symptomes be remitted, and either Medicines or meat taken at the Mouth, pass through, there is hope of recovery.

The Cure of this Disease, is to be varied according to the difference of the Causes. And first, if the obstruction comes from the Faeces indurate, or from gross and slimy flegm, you must use Emol∣lient and Laxative Medicines, both internally and externally.

First then, give Clysters of the Decoction of Althaea, Mallows, Violets, Chamomel, and Melilot, with Lin-seed and Foenugreek seed, or of common Oyl to a pint, in which you may dissolve the third part of Butter, or of the Broth of a Sheeps Paunch, in which dissolve Butter, Honey, and Sal gem. To which Decoction, if there be wind (as commonly there is) it is good to put Carminatives and Discussers.

After the Matter is somwhat mollified with these Clysters, you must give first some gentle Purges, then stronger, and last the strongest.

In the mean while you must apply Fomentations and Liniments that are Emollient, to the whol Belly, and continue them long. The Paunch of a Gelding warmed in hot Water, applied to the Belly, is good; but mollifying Baths are better, especially if they be made of Air only.

Also you may give inwardly the Oyl of sweet Almonds either alone with white Wine. To which if the pain be great, you may ad the Syrup of Poppies, as was shewed in the Cure of the Chollick.

And lastly, If there be vehement pain, and much flatus, you may give those other Medicines which are prescribed in the Cure of the Chollick, not omitting Purges, which being opportunely given, take away the Cause.

That which comes from Inflaruation of the Intestines, is to be cured by often Blood-letting, if strength permit, both in the Arm and Foot, and by applying of Cupping-glasses with Scarrification to the Groins. Also Emollient Clysters and cooling, are to be given, made thus:

Take of Althaea Roots two ounces: Mallows and Violets, of each one handful: Guord seeds half an ounce: Line and Fleabane seeds, of each two drams: Water Lillies and Roses, of each one pugil: Chamomel Flowers half a pugil: make a Decoction, in a pint whereof dissolve two ounces of Oyl of Roses; Cassia one ounce: make a Clyster, and in progress of time ad Oyl of Violets and Chamomel.

The aforesaid Emollients must be boyled in Oxycrate.

Or give new Milk with a little Sugar, and the white of an Egg, or the Mucilage of Fleabane seeds one ounce, to asswage pain.

Or you may make a Clyster of Oyl of sweet Almonds, Barley Cream, strained from the Decoction of it, adding a little fresh Butter and Sugar.

A Clyster may be made of simple Oxycrate, and be every day given, which is excellent against the Inflamation of the Guts.

Anoint with Oyl of Violets, sweet Almonds, and Chamomel, with Mucilage of Linseed, Faenu∣greek seed, and Quinces, with Axungia of Hens and Ducks, and sweet Butter.

Also make a Fomentation of the Decoction of those Simples which were prescribed for a Cly∣ster.

Also Foment in the beginning with Oxycrate, and after let the Simples aforesaid, be boyled in Oxycrate.

And make a Catataplasm of the residence of those things in the Decoction with Barley Meal, Foenugreek, Lin-seed, and Butter, with Axungia's and Oyls aforesaid.

Also a Bath of warm Water, in which cold and Emollient things have been boyled, is most con∣venient.

After bleeding, give two ounces of Oyl of sweet Almonds to appease pain, and if it be very great use Narcoticks.

If there be no vomiting, you must provoke it with a draught of warm Water with Oyl of Violets, for so the upper parts will be purged, and the Humors will be revelled from the part affected. In the whol time of Cure, you must give Juleps and Emulsions prescribed in the Inflamation of the Stomach.

Let his Drink be Barley Water: and in the beginning let him abstain from all Nourishment for twenty four hours, that some of the Matter may be consumed; then give him Chicken Broth. This Disease is to be attended with diligence, for it is for the most part deadly.

The chief business in the Cure, is by abstinency; and this is taken from the example of those that are wounded in the Guts, for they are almost famished for forty daies. Therfore let men in this disease for four or five daies, take only three spoonfuls of Broth every day, that vomit may be hindered which doth encrease the Disease.

Moreover, Food bringeth no comfort to the sick, for it turneth not to nourishment, but is plain∣ly corrupted, and the▪ Chyle which goes from the Stomach into the Guts, is mingled with the ex∣crements retained, and encreaseth vomiting.

He may drink more freely, because it goes more easily to the Liver, and it may be fit to oppose the Disease, if it be well tempered Oxycrate, and in a smal quantity.

Lastly, It comes somtimes but seldom, from the circumvolution of the Intestines; and this is either from Wind, which tottureth them; or from a Hernia called Interocele, or Rupture.

That which comes from Wind, is cured by the same Medicines which Cure the flatulent Chollick. But if after long use of these Medicines, the belly will not be opened, but all things taken are vomited up, that there is little hope of health, the last Remedy must be used, which Hippocrates propounds 3. de morbis, namely, That a pair of Smiths Bellows be applied to the Anus, and that they blow into his Belly. Then give an Emollient Clyster with Troches of Alhandal to bring out the faeces. This is good not only against the Ileos from contorsion of the Intestines, but in that which comes from a grievous obstruction, for by dilating the Guts it takes away the obstruction. Amatus Lusi∣tanus, Curat. ult. Cent. 1. testifieth that he cured one desperate by this means: as also Epiphanius Ferdinandus in his Physical Histories, Hist. 74. reports that the son of John Altimar of Naples, a most expert Physitian, was ready to die of this Disease, and taken as it were from the Graves mouth by this means. But Aurelian disalloweth it, because the wind coming from the Bellows may much hurt with its cold. But this may be avoided if the Bellows be filled with wind by the fire.

Paraeus also propounds another unusual Medicine, by which he boasteth that he cured many at deaths door, namely, by drinking three pound of Quick-silver in Water alone, for with its weight it doth untie the Gut, and open, and sends down the hard excrements, which Remedy is commended by others, who say that it may be taken without harm.

But we may wel fear so great a quantity, lest it extinguish the Native heat with its coldness, and coa∣gulate the Blood in the Veins; therefore in a desperate case it is better to give a less quantity. Some give two ounces in a rear Egg, and think good to repeat it if the first Dose do not succeed well, but you may see in our Observations, that one ounce hath done well.

But when the Illiack Passion comes from the Guts falling into the Cods, all the care is to place them right, which must be done by the gentle hand of a Chirurgion, long fomenting the part affected, first with an Emollient Decoction, and Relaxing Oyls, giving often Emollient and Carminative

Glysters, so placing the Patient that his Head be low, and his Thighs high, for some having been hung by the Heels, were quickly cured.

If the Hernia comes with Inflamation of the Intestine, it is cured with a fomentation of cold water. If wind stretch the Gut, discuss with a Fomentation of Spirit of Wine. See the examples of both Cures in our Observations.

Chap. 3. Of Astriction, or binding of the Belly.

BY Astriction of the Belly, we do not understand all kind of supression, by which nothing is ••et forth downwards, as in the Ileos. But only a dull and slow dejection, by which the faeces and reliques of Meat are seldom and not according to the quantity of Food thrown forth; therefore they are necessarily indurated, because of their long continuance being dried with heat, and some moisture is alwaies drawn from them by the Meseraick, which reach not only to the thin, but thick Guts. It is a Symptome of the Expulsive faculty diminished, or the retentive encreased, and it is the cause of many diseases; therfore the Excreta and Retenta are reckoned among the six things not Natural, which not keeping the Law of Nature, produce divers Diseases, so it being bound, sends vapors to the Head, and produceth Catarrhs, and other Diseases of the Brain, disturbs the Concoction of the Stomach, and the actions of other parts.

The Causes of this Symptome are many: And first, hardness of the faeces, and driness, are not on∣ly Effects, but also Causes of them, because being hard, they are more difficult to be voided, and do less provoke the expulsive Faculty. They become dryer and harder chiefly, and oftenest from the excessive heat of the Liver, which powerfully draws away all the moisture contained in the Inte∣stines, and leaves the faeces dry. This is also caused by violent motion, especially riding: also by few Excrements through want of food, or because they have no actimony to prick the Intestines, as it happens in cold Meats; and when the Choller doth not go to the Guts, as we observe in the Jaun∣dice. And lastly, Many diseases of the Guts may cause this constriction, as a cold and dry Distem∣per, Tumors, Obstructions, Numbness of the Anus, and Palsey, and many others.

The Signs depend upon the knowledg of the Causes, which must be taken from their proper Fountains.

The hot distemper of the Liver is to be taken out of its proper Chapter. Also Tumors, and other Diseases of the Guts, have their proper Diagnosis, or signs, and so the external Causes, as little Meat, or coldness thereof, riding, and the like, are known by relation of the Patient.

As for the Prognostick: The Constriction of the Belly is more or less dangerous, according as the Cause is greater o••less. For if it come of Inflamation, or other Tumor of the Intestines, it is very dangerous: but from other Causes less. It useth to be contumacious and long when it comes from the faeces indurate; and thence come often Chollicks, which return after they have been cured, by reason of the new dryness of the faeces; as also because though the Belly seems to have been made sufficiently soluble by purging, and many liquid Excrements are discharged, yet there remains som∣times many hard Excrements in the Guts, which breed new pains, and cannot be taken out, but by many Clysters given after Purging.

The Cure of this Disease depends upon taking away the Causes, which are to be taken from their proper Chapters. But because it is commonly long, especially when it depends upon a hot distem∣per of the Liver, and dryness of the Guts; and in the mean time the Belly bound brings many incon∣veniences. We will speak of its Cure by its self, which is generally done by Emollients, and Laxa∣tives made thus:

Take of Althaea, or Marsh-mallow, and Lilly Roots, of each two ounces: Mallows, Marsh∣mallows, Mercury, Violets, and Brank Ʋrsine, of each one handful: Lin-seed and Foenugreek of each half an ounce: Annis seed one dram and an half: sweet Prunes three pair: Chamomel and Meltlot flowers, of each one pugil: boyl them to a pint and an half. Dissolve in the straining Oyl of Lillies and Lin-seed, of each two ounces: fresh Butter one ounce and an half: Diacatho∣licon, and Diaprunis simple, of each six drams. Make a Clyster to be given as often as need requi∣reth.

Somtimes instead of this use the following:

Take of the Deco••tion of Sheeps entrals one pint: fresh Butter two ounces: Cassia, Diacatho∣licon and Diaprunis simple, of each half an ounce: red Sugar one ounce: Make a Clyster.

Also twice in a month, or thrice, you may give one pint of common Oyl alone for a Clyster.

And because Nature will grow dull by too much use of Clysters, and at length will never officiate that way; but when she is provoked by one, you must endeavor to mollifie the Belly with other means.

For this end, sweet Prunes and roasted Apples with Sugar, may be taken one hour before dinner, as Galen sheweth 2. defacult. alim. cap. 31. For if they be taken immediately before dinner, they will not work. Or take Chicken Broth, or other Broth, in which have been bovled, beets, Bor∣rage, and some Apples, or one spoonful of Oyl of sweet Almonds newly drawn without fire, with as much Syrup of Maiden-hair, or two spoonfuls of this Syrup following:

Take of the Mucilage of Fleabane seeds, and of Quinces drawn with Mallows Water, one pound and an half: white Sugar one pound. Make a Syrup according to art.

That the Prunes may work better, let him drink half a glass of Vinum Lymphatum, or Wine and Water, before and after he taketh them, fresh Butter taken an hour before Dinner the bigness of a great ••ut, and drink Wine and Water will do the same thing.

Once in a week let him use one of these following Medicines:

Take of Cassia new drawn one ounce: Cream of Tartar one dram: Make a Bolus.

Take of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one ounce, or an ounce and an half: Mix it with Broth, and take it in the mor∣ning. Or,

Take of Oyl of sweet Almonds, and Manna, of each one ounce: Dissolve them in Broth to be taken two hours before dinner.

Take of pulp of Cassia two ounces: Tamarinds and Manna, of each one ounce: the pouder of Senna half an ounce: Cremor Tartari two drams: With Syrup of Roses solutive make an Opiate. Let him take half an ounce or an ounce.

Or dissolve in the Decoction of Prunes half an ounce, or an ounce of Manna: let him take it one hour before dinner as all the aforesaid, for so they will work better.

Ptisans of Succory, Agrimony, and Sorrel, cast into Water that begins to warm, and infused one night, either drunk alone, or with Wine, for ordinary Drink doth keep the Body loose.

This following Broth doth most certainly loosen the Belly, and keeps it so.

Take of Beets and Mercury, of each one handful: Boyl them in Broth, and take it one hour be∣fore dinner. Or,

Take of Conserve of Damask Roses with Manna and Sugar, of each equal parts, one ounce for adose.

Lastly, A Bath, or Tub with a Decoction of Emollient Herbs is very profitable to moisten all the parts Natural and mollifie the Belly.

Chap. 4. Of Lientery, and Coeliack Passion.

LIentery is a kind of Flux of the Belly, in which the Meat is quickly sent through the Belly, as it was taken unchanged. But in the Coeliack Passion the Meat comes forth crude, and imperfectly concocted, whence it appears that these two Diseases differ only in degrees, so that Lientery is re∣ferred to the act abolished, and Coeliack Passion to the act diminished. For although the Meat is sent forth, either altogether unconcocted, or imperfectly concocted, yet these Diseases are not to be referred to concoction hurt, but rather to the retention; for they are either il concocted, or not at al, because they are quickly sent forth, and are not long enough retained to be concocted. Hence it is collected, that though this Disease bereckoned among the Diseases of the Guts, yet the Stomach is much affected, and somtimes more than the Intestines: Hence Galen 6. de loc. aff. cap. 2. saith that a Lientery and Coeliack Passion come both by fault of the Stomach and Guts.

Many Causes of these Diseases are propounded by Authors; all which we may refer to three Heads; the cold distemper of the Stomach and Liver, the provocation of those same parts; and a great debility of the retentive faculty from some deadly disease.

The cold distemper generateth great plenty of flegmatick and glutionous humors, which covers and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 over the wrinkles of the Stomach, so that it cannot retain the food. Hence we may ad∣mire why Galen 6. Aph. 1. doth speak against the old Greeks, who called this Disease Lienteriam, or smoothness of the Intestines therefore, because the internal superficies, or the Stomach being made smoother, doth not retain the Meat; whereas the Stomach doth not retain the Meat til a perfect con∣coction be made so much by the roughness of the inward coat, as by an innate propriety of a••••ringing. For as we must confess that the principal cause of retent on is the faculty; so also must we acknow∣ledg that the faculty doth want instruments fitly disposed, without which it cannot act: and therfore since the in ward Tunicle of the Stomach is made rough and wrinkled, that the Meat may be retained in the Stomach, it is no doubt but if that roughness be taken away while the wrinkles are filled up with flegm, the retention of the Stomach wil be hurt, so that the Food wil slip away unconcocted. The like is in the Womb whole inward Tunicle is rough and wrinkled, that it may the better retain the Seed for Conception; but if it be covered with glutinous Humors, it doth not retain, and the Seed presently comes forth, whence many Women are barren.

But let us note, That if any wil strictly exmine this word, he shal find that this Symptome is ra∣ther to be called the Smoothness of the Stomach than of the Intestines: neither doth it comprehend al its sorts, but only that which comes from Flegm, which because it is most usual, the rest have their denomination from it.

The provocation of the Stomach and Guts is by sharp Humors which by twiching those parts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to send them forth too soon, as it is in the Bladder, which being pricked by Acrimony, doth of∣ten piss: Hence comes the Strangury, Galen 6. Aph. 1. saith, That by those sharp humors there is an Ulcerous Disposition in the Stomach, as the Aphthae, or Thrush is in the mouth of Chil∣dren.

The great imbecillity of the Retentive Faculty in great and deadly Diseases often causeth a Lien∣tery, as you may see in a Dysentery, which when nature is conquered degenerateth into a Lientery; the Stomach being drawn to consent with the Guts which are so grievously affected, and its Faculties being overthrown; so also in Malignant Feavers there happeneth often a Lientery wherby the broth as soon almost as taken is cast forth unconcocted; and the same is when Poysonous and Hurtful things are taken.

There is also another Cause different from the former, which peculiarly makes a Coeliake Passion, namely, The Obstruction of the Mesaraike Veins which hinder the paslage of the Chylus to the Li∣ver; whence it must needs be cast forth by the Belly, but that this may be, it is necessary that al the Mesaraick Veins, or the greatest part of them be stopped, as in Children who have the Struma, or Kings Evil, whose Mesentery is found ful of Glandles, by which the Mesaraike Veins are stopped: and these continually have a Chylous and Coeliake Flux: They eat much and grow leaner til they fal into a Marasmus.

Aetius and Celsus, and many of their followers, do propound another Cause of the Lientery, name∣ly, A Smooth and Thick Scar in the Guts remaining after a long Dysentery, by which the mouths of the Veins being stopped, the distribution of Nourishment is hindered, and thence comes a Lientery, which Cause we cannot entertain for then al the Guts should have been Ulcerated, and the Scar in them al should stop al the meseraiks which is not agreeable co reason: because it is impossible that al the Guts should be ulcerated, and the man not die.

The chief Signs of these Symptomes do appear by what is said, for if crude meat and unchanged descend quickly and often through the Guts signifieth a Lientery; but if it be somewhat changed and seem like Chylus; it shews a Coeliack Passion.

The Signs of the Causes are thus gathered,

If Lientery or Coeliake Passion come of a cold distemper and Flegmatick humors, there wil be sowr belchings, the excrements of the belly are Flegmatick, there wil be thirst and want of pain: if the Flegm come from the Head, as it often doth, the excrements are frothy, and the Flux is greater after sleep; And there are other Causes which alter the Head, and other Signs of a Catarrh.

If it come from Irritation, or provocation, there is somtimes a gnawing in the Stomach, a heat in the Hypochondria, there is great thirst, sharp excrements and chollerick.

As for the Prognostick, Thus,

Lientery and Coeliack Passion lasting long is dangerous, because it catcheth a way the nourishment from the whol body, from whence comes an Atrophy, or a Dropsie: and if it follow great and acute Diseases, it useth to be deadly.

The Cure of this Disease is to be altered according to the variety of the Causes that produce it.

And First,

That which cometh from Flegm may be Cured by those Remedies which were propounded for the Cure of Want of Appetite coming of a cold Cause; Chusing those things which are most Astringent to stay the Fux of the Belly.

Therefore you must begin with Purging of the peccant humor with Medicines made of Aloes, Rhu∣barb, and Myrobalans.

Clysters are here of little force, while the Stomach is chiefly distempered; except an immoderate Flux do require them: and then they must be Astringent and strengthening according to the Forms which shal be propounded in the following Cures.

After Purging sufficiently you must strengthen the Stomach with Opiats, Pouders, Fomentations, Plaisters, and other Remedies mentioned in the place above quoted, in which (as I said) you must not omit Astringents, as Mastich, Citron peels, Coriander seeds, Snake-weed Roots, Tormentil, Coral, &c.

And besides others, the Opiate following which is greatly Commended by Amatus Lusitanus is Convenient, by which he saith he Cured an Old man, after many other Medicines failed.

Take of Conserve of old Roses six ounces: of the best Treacle six drams: Syrup of Quinces as much as will make an Opiate, of which let him take half an ounce in the morning, not drinking pre∣sently after.

That which comes of Choller is to be cured by those Remedies which were laid down against Chollerick Vomiting; as also by those which shal be described in the Cure of a Chollerick Diar∣rhoea.

That which comes from the imbecillity of the Retentive Faculty in a deadly, or at least dangerous Disease, is to be cured first with Fomentations applied to the Region of the Stomach, thus made:

Take of the Roots of Snakeweed, Tormentil, and dried Citron peels, of each two ounces: the Leaves of Mints, Plantane, and Sea Wormwood, of each one handful: Nu••meg, Cloves, and Cinnamon, of each three drams: red Roses four pugils, beat them and cut them according to art, and fill two bags pinked therewith, and steep them in equal parts of Iron Water, and red astringent Wine; or in Wine alone, if there be no great Feaver, and let them be applied to the Stomach warm one after another.

After wards use this Oyntment, or some Emplaister made of those which are prescribed for Chol∣lerick Vomiting.

Also anoint the whol Belly with Oyls, or astringent Liniments.

Give Clysters of Broth in which red Roses have been boyled, dissolving therein Sugar and Yolks of Eggs, and somtimes Confectio de Hyacintho, if the Patient be very weak.

And finally, You may give at the Mouth, strengthening and astringent things, as in the Cure of Vomiting before mentioned; as also thus, which shal be shewed for the flux of the Belly.

In a Coeliack Passion the Food is sent forth crude and imperfectly concocted. It only differs from Lientery in degree, and is cured with the same Remedios.

But if the stools be altogether Chylous, this Disease doth not depend upon the fault of the Sto∣mach, but upon the obstruction of the Meseraick Veins, which is usual, especially in Children. And therefore it is to be cured by Remedies which open obstructions and strengthen the Liver, because that is commonly also weak; but you must use no astringents, least another kind of flux should sol∣low. These Medicines are at large set down in the Cure of the Diseases of the Liver.

Chap. 5. Of Diarrhoea.

Dlarrhoea is that kind of flux of the Belly, by which the excrementitious Humors are sent forth without Blood or Food, and without the Ulceration of the Intestines.

By the Conditions of Diarrhoea properly so called, is distinguished from other kinds of fluxes, be∣cause in Lientery and Coeliack Passion, the Food is cast forth unconcocted, or half concocted; in a Dysentery and Tenesmus, Blood is mixed with the Excrements, as in the flux of the Liver, called Hepaticus, and in the Haemorrhoidal.

Many are the Differences thereof; which that they may be cleerly explained, are to be referred to three Heads: The first whereof respects the Matter which is voided; the second the place from whence it comes; the third, the Manner, and efficient Cause which produceth the flux of the Belly.

In respect of the Matter voided, this flux is divided into a Chollerick, Flegmatick, Melanchollick, and serous, or watery.

In respect of the place from whence it comes; either it comes from the whol Body, or some peculiar Part, as the Brain, Stomach, Guts, Liver, Spleen, Mesentery, Womb, and other Parts.

Thirdly, In respect of the Manner and Efficient Cause; one Diarrhoea is Critical, another Symp∣tomatical; one comes from an internal Cause, as a distemper, or evil disposition of the internal parts; another from an external, as from some Medicine or Poyson.

These Differences are seldom found single, but they are often complicated in one and the same flux. So a Chollerick flux is from the Liver or the whol Body, a Flegmatick from the Brain or Sto∣mach, a Melanchollick from the Spleen, and a Serous from the whol Body.

Also these Differences are complicated from a divers mixture of Humors, so that somtimes Chol∣ler, Flegm, and Water, are sent forth by the same flux.

There is another kind of Diarrhoea different from the rest, which is called Syntectice, or Colliquati∣va, coming from the melting away of the substance of the Body, and Humors by the violent hot di∣stemper of the solid parts: such as happeneth somtimes in the Inflamation of the Bowels, in a strong burning Feaver, hectick, or pestilential; in which a fat Matter as it were mixed with Oyl or Grease is voided.

Lastly, Fluxus stercorosus, or a dungy flux, is another kind, in which much liquid excrement is often voided, which comes from excrementitious Meats corrupted in the Stomach, or a great plenty of Excrements heaped up in the Intestines.

The Knowledg in general is manifest, namely, when more liquid Excrements are voided, and of∣tener than usually Nature doth allow.

The Signs of these Differences which are taken from the matter are manifest to the Senses, namely, Whether they be Flegmatick, Melanchollick, Chollerick, or Serous.

The Parts Sending have a more difficult Diagnosis or way of Knowledg, yet they are thus Di∣stinguished:

If the Humors flow from the whol body, there either is, or hath lately been, a continual Feaver, or some other disease of the whol body, as Cachexia, evil Habit, or Leucophlegmatia, or white Dropsie; or there hath been over-eating or drinking, and there is no sign of any Disease of any pe∣culiar part.

If it be Critical, it is a benefit to the Patient, and is easily endured; and thence the Disease is ei∣ther Cured, or Diminished.

Somtimes there hapneth a Critical Diarrhoea without a Disease in some bodies which use to lay up evil Humors; and being strong, do throw them forth at times when they abound and burden nature as Galen taught, 7. meth. Cap. 11. of which Flux Celsus maketh mention, lib. 4. cap. 19. in these words, It is healthful for to go often to the Stool in one day, and in many dayes together if there be a Feaver, and if it cease before the seventh day; for the Body is purged, and that which inwardly would have hurt, is now sent forth.

Among Critical Fluxes, the Serous is one; which comes without a Disease aforegoing; in them who have much Water in their Veins, and that chiefly in the Harvest time, or Autumne: namely, when the night and morning cold of Autumne, finding the passages external and pores of the skin o∣pen, by reason of the heat of Summer aforegoing doth therefore insinuate it self deeper into the bo∣dy, pressing forth internally the Serous Humors contained in the Veins, which Nature afterwards being over-burdened with, sends by the Meseraick Veins into the Intestines, and many times into the Uriters.

Hence it is that many in the beginning of Autumne, and in the first cold weather, do make abun∣dance of Urine for many dayes together.

But if a Diarrhoea be Symptomatical, it troubles the patient much, and weakeneth him; and the Disease upon which it comes, is encreased; or at least is in the same state.

This Symptomatical Flux in burning Feavers and Malignant, is often melting; and hence it is known, because the Excrements appear unctious, and the body forthwith becomes lean, and consu∣med, and almost in a Marasmus.

If the Diarrhoea comes from the Brain, the Stools are frothy, as Hippocrates taught, Aphor. 30. Sect. 7. which is not alwaies so; For Flegm may flow from the brain without Wind, which is the only cause of froth: as also Wind may be mixed with Humors that are bred or contained in the sto∣mach or intestines, from whence the Excrements may be frothy, though they come not from the Head.

Therefore we must joyn other Signs to this, namely, If the Brain have any manifest Disease, as a Catarrh, Deafness, Lethargy, Apoplexy, or great Heaviness, Pain, or Sleepiness; and if the Flux be more at night than day.

If it come from the fault of the Stomach, there wil be the Signs of the Concoction of the Stomach Hurt: As if the Food be corrupted, and have a sharp and stinking quality, by which the Expulsive Faculty is stirred up to expel them.

Also there wil then be the Signs of a Hot Distemper of the Stomach: So, if the Stools be Crude and Flegmatick, and if Concoction be slow and diminished, we argue that the Concoction of the Stomach is hurt by a cold Distemper: and lastly we know that the fault is in the Stomach, if the Patient did before fill himself with evil Food which would easily corrupt.

The Flux of the Belly comes from the Guts, when they are ful of Worms, and then there wil be signs of Worms which you may take from their proper Chapters.

If from the Liver, The Stools wil be Chollerick, because Choller is bred there; and there wil be Signs of a Hot Distemper, Inflamation, Obstruction, and other Diseases of the Liver.

If from the Spleen, The Stools wil be commonly black or blackish, a distention in the left Hypo∣chondrion, a heaviness also or pain there, and other signs of the Spleen Distempered wil ap∣pear.

If from the Mesentery, There wil be extension, stretching, or pain in that part: But Humors gathered in the Mesentery, come commonly from the Liver and Spleen.

If from the Womb, There wil be stoppage of the Courses, or the Symptomes of the Womb af∣fected, which use to be more violent, and the Flux also at that time when the Terms ought to flow.

The Prognostick of a Diarrhoea is made thus,

A Flux of the Belly which is easily endured, and in which the Patient finds refreshment, is good: On the contrary, that which is painful and weakneth, is evil: The first is to be accounted Critical, the last Symptomatical.

When the Liquid Excrements grow thicker, it is good: For it signifieth, That the Facul∣ty Worketh well by Concocting of evil Humors: which is done by making them thick.

Thin Excrements with pain often voided are evil, for they signifie great sharpness of Humors which do violently pul, stimulate, prick, and gnaw the Guts.

Liquid Stools without Feeling when they are voided, are evil: For they either signifie Distur∣bance of Mind, or Doting, or Dissolution of the Natural Heat, which is followed by the loss of Sense.

Liquid Stools beginning with an acute Disease, and continuing with the same, is evil: for it sig∣nifies great plenty of Matter, or an evil quality therein, which forceth Nature to so sudden a flux.

If a strong Diarrhoea comes upon him who hath the Leucophlegmatia, it causeth recovery, Hipp. Aph. 29. Sect. 7. For there is an Evacuation of the Matter, which was in the whol Body. But this wants a limitation. The Aphorism is true, if this flux happen in the beginning of a Disease while the strength is good; otherwise it doth not take away the disease, but the Patient.

If a Woman with Child have a flux of the Belly, she is in danger to miscarry; Hipp. Aph. 34. Sect. 5. For the food which should nourish the Infant, is for the most part carried away, and the strength is abated; as also the Ligaments of the Womb are relaxed by a continual flux of Humors thither; as also the Child and the Womb are infected by the vapor of those excrements which are continually voided.

Yellow Stools like Yolks of Eggs; green, like Verdegreece; livid, black, of divers colors, or very stinking, are evil: For the reason which we gave in the Chapter of Vomiting.

As to the Cure: Since a Symptomatical Diarrhoea comes commonly from corrupt Humors, Chol∣lerick, Flegmatick, Melanchollick, or Serous, and especially from Chollerick, which provoke the expulsive faculty of the Intestines by their sharpness. You must begin the Cure by Evacuation of the Humor offending, which must be done by a Medicine which doth astringe by purging, lest that flux should be encreased by motion of the Humors; and you may make it thus:

Take of the best Rhubarb one dram: Citrine Myrobalans half a dram: Yellow Sanders half a scruple: Infuse them in Plantane Water, dissolve in the Liquor strained half a dram: the pouder of Rhubarb, and one ounce of Syrup of Roses. Make a Potion.

You may ad Diacatholicon, or other Medicines, according to the condition of the Humor to be purged.

Also Vomiting is somtimes good, because it Revelleth and Evacuateth the Matter of the Dis∣ease.

If there be signs of blood abounding, and strength, you must first let blood. And if there be a Fea∣ver, you must open a Vein, though there appear no Plethory, or fulness.

Before and after Purging, give clensing Clysters, such as these:

Take of whol Barley two pugils: Bran and red Roses, of each one pugil: Liquoris scraped, and Raisons whol, of each one ounce: boyl them to a pint: Dissolve in the straining of white Su∣gar one ounce; Yolks of Eggs two. Make a Clyster.

After the Body is sufficiently emptyed, you must give astringents, and strengtheners, both at the Mouth, and by Clysters, as also to the Belly; the Forms whereof you may take out of the Cure of Dysentery.

Besides, You may conveniently use these that follow:

Take of Chalybeat Vinegar one part: Chalybeat Water two parts: the Leaves and Fruit of Myrtles, Quinces, Medlars, Cervices, of each two handfuls: Cypress Nuts six pair, boyl to halfs. Foment the Belly warm with the strained Liquor often.

Take of Oyl of Mastich, Quinces, and Myrtles, of each one ounce: Sanguis Draconis, Fran∣kinsence, and Gum Traganth, of each one dram: Wax as much as will make an Ʋnguent to anoint after the Fomentation. Or,

Take Crums of toasted Bread infused in Chalybeat Water▪ and Quinces roasted in the Embers, or Marmalade, of each three ounces: Frankinsence, Mastich, Sanguis Draconis, of each two drams: With Syrup of Quinces and Wormwood, make a Cataplasm.

Take of Mastich two drams: Boyl it in three pints of Water for ordinary drink, Iron Water is also good; but in a hot Disease, it is good to use the Tincture of Roses, or Conserve of Roses mixed with Spring Water, or Water wherein Gold hath been quenched, mixed with Syrup of Quin∣ces.

Amatus Lusitanus reports of one that was cured of a Chollerick Diarrhoea by taking much cold

Water in the Summer time. We also once prescribed to a Sanguine man who was troubled with a Chollerick Diarrhoea in the midst of Summer with great thirst, Sal Prunella in his ordinary drink, and Juleps made of Lettice and Purslain Water to be taken thrice in a day, and he was cured in twenty four hours.

If the Humor be very sharp, and adust or burnt, the Patient must be purged sparingly with mild Medicines, otherwise the Disease will encrease, and he is to be cooled and moistened; as also to be blooded a little.

In the same case a warm Bath is very good; the Example whereof is in our Observations.

Plantane boyled in Broth, is excellent.

And least a Diarrhoea turn into a Dysentery, you must give Clysters of Chalybeate Milk, and E∣mulsions of the cold Seeds, and of white Poppy Seeds, to asswage the sharpness of the Humor.

As also this Syrup following.

Take of the Juyce of Quinces six ounces: the Juyce of Endive and Sorrel, of each three ounces: Sorrel and Plantane Seeds, of each two drams: red Coral one dram: Plantane Water four oun∣ces: Boyl them to the Consumption of half: strain and press them well; put to it as much Sugar to make a Syrup to be taken two drams first and last.

In al Diarrhoea's, after universal Medicines, this following Bolus is good.

Take of Conserve of old Roses half an ounce: Candied Quinces one dram: the pouder of Tor∣mentil one scruple: With Sugar make a Bolus to be often repeated. Or if the Disease be old you may make an Opiate of the same, or the like, in a greater quantity to be taken at many times.

Or to astringe more powerfully give this Pouder:

Take of Sanguis Draconis, Frankinsence, Mastich, Mummy, Terra Sigillata, Lapis Haematitis, or Blood-stone, Troches of Amber, of each one dram: true Bole three drams: make a Pouder, of which give two drams inconvenient Liquor.

Rhubarb twice infused, and then twice or thrice washed in Rose Water and dried, is good.

The Lozenges of the three Sanders, with four times the quantity of Rhubarb given twice in a day, the weight of two drams, do take away the Matter, and strengthen the Bowels.

The Leaves of Fleabane laid upon fire so that the smoak may be taken through a hollow Chair, do stop the flux of the Belly by a specifical quality. As also if the same Herb be beaten with Vinegar, and applied to the Stomach.

Also the smoak of Mullin taken through a hollow Chair, is excellent; the example of which is in our Observations.

Syrup of Coral is excellent, and much more the Tincture or Magistery of the same.

The Conserve of the wild Rose, or sweet Bryar Rose, is good against a Chollerick flux, especially if it be mixed in astringent Opiates.

But when there is danger of weakness through a long and often flux, you may give Laudanum with Mastich and Terra Sigillata.

When it is very violent, a Clyster of Broth and new Treacle is excellent.

Pils of Bdellium taken twice or thrice in a week, or every other day, are good against al old fluxes.

For the same is the often use of Medlars; as Forestus confirms by experience, obs. 1. lib. 22. in these words: One that had a constant Flux, and spent all he had upon Physitians, came to me for coun∣sel, whom I advised to eat Medlars, though green, as many as he could, by which he was speedily cured. As it was with a Zeland Merchant that came to John Spirinchius, a Physitian of Lovan, who having been long sick, and of a Dysentery at last, and could not be cured by any, was at length by his advice cured only with Medlars, and gave the Physitian three hundred Crowns for his ad∣vice. Thus Forestus.

But we must observe that the Body before the use of Medlars be clensed from Excrements.

In an old Diarrhoea, the following Medicines are excellent:

Take of the shavings of Ivory three drams: Confection Alkermes one dram: Sugar dissolved in Rose Water four ounces. Make Lozenges.

Take of Crocus Martis six grains: Bezoard Mineral half a scruple: Conserve of Roses two drams: Spirit of Vitriol three drops: Mix them in a Bolus to be given twice a day, long after and before Meat.

Take of the Juyce of Persicaria Maculata, and of the great Housleek, of each three ounces: boyl them till the third part be consumed, and give them in the morning, they do certainly cure any flux though very old.

Mercurius Diaphoreticus given some daies together, twelve grains at a time, taketh away all the impurities of the Body, which use to beget fluxes.

The Decoction of Juniper Berries in Wine given three daies together, is good; and also one dram of the Pouder of Grashoppers given in white Wine. These two by deriving the Matter of the flux to the Ureters.

The Decoction of Juniper is thus made:

Take of Juniper Berries one handful: red Wine one pint and an half: boyl them to the con∣sumption of two thirds. Let him take the straining three daies together.

The Water of Brimstone Mines cure an old Diarrhoea by purging the whol Body, and by streng∣thening the Stomach. Of which ther is an example in our observations.

If a Diarrhoea come from a Catarrh, you must look to the Brain, as the part that sends it, with the Medicines prescribed in the Cure of a Catarrh. But if it depend upon the Obstruction or weak∣ness of the Liver or Spleen, you must cure them as shal be shewed in their proper places; and then there is little or no use of astringents. Platerus in the Cure of the Hemorrhoids, saith that hot blood given as a Clyster, doth wonderfully cure a flux.

Chap. 6. Of Dysenteria, or Dysentery.

A Dysentery is an often and bloody loosness of the Belly, with pain and torment depending upon the ulceration of the Intestines.

The word Dysenteria is taken commonly among the Antients for every bloody flux of the Belly: but strictly and properly it is taken only for the bloody flux, which comes from an Ulcer in the In∣testines.

Gal. 3. de symp. caus. cap. 2. nameth four kinds of bloody fluxes, which he commonly calls Dy∣senteries.

The first is when any part of the Body is cut, or when any exercise is omitted, or any bleeding is omitted, as usual bleeding at the Nose and Haemorrhoids, that by reason whereof the blood aboun∣ding is sent by the Meseraick Veins to the Intestines, and so evacuated by the Belly.

The second is, when by reason of the weakness of the Liver, Watery blood like that water wherein flesh hath been washed, is voided; as it is in the Hepatick or flux of the Liver, of which we shal hereafter speak.

The third is when Melanchollick and shining blood is cast forth, which by reason of the long conti∣nuance in the Liver or Spleen is burnt, and mixed with Melancholly. Shining signifieth burning, be∣cause blood which groweth black by cold doth not shine, but loseth that brightness or splendor which it had before.

The fourth Difference, is when the Patient at some short distance voids blood with Humors or Ex∣crements, with which somtimes there is mixed Pus or Matter, and that with pain and torment, by which we may conclude that there is an Ulcer of the Guts. And this is properly called a Dysentery, of which only we here discourse.

The Internal Causes of a Dysentery, are sharp and ulcerating Humors, as yellow Choller, green like Leeks or Verdegreece, and black; as also salt flegm bred in the Head from great heat, or in the Belly by putrefaction, and so brought to the Intestines, where cleaving a long time, it doth ul∣cerate.

Here is a great Doubt propounded by Authors; How yellow Choller in a short time should cause a Dysentery? When green Choller in a long time maketh only a Diarrhoea, which never turneth into a Dysentery, since the green is made of the yellow by adustion, and hath more sharpness.

Mercatus answereth, That there must be a clamminess, by which it may remain long in the Guts to corrode and gnaw them, as wel as a sharpness. And therefore if yellow Choller be such, it causeth a Dysentery; on the contrary, if green Choller be more fluid, and stay less while in the Guts, it makes but a simple Diarrhoea.

Sennertus saith that this answer is probable; but it doth not satisfie, because oftentimes there are fluxes, in which there is clamminess with sharpness, and yet there is no Dysentery. And contrary∣wise, often times there is no clamminess in Chollerick Humors which cause a Dysentery, and there∣fore he thinks that the Humors which produce a Dysentery have a peculiar occult quality, with which the Intestines are offended and ulcerated, as the Lungs are with the fish Lepus, and the Bladder with Cantharides, and no other part. And he proveth that malignant quality in that a Dysentery is conta∣gious for the most part, so that the infections which come from the vapors rising from the excrements of those that have a Dysentery, do only infect the Guts of them that are infected, and not upon other parts. The same happeneth in other Epidemical and infectious Diseases, in which the poyson doth go only to some peculiar part; so their Pleuresies, Peripneumonia's, or Imposthumes in the Lungs, and Squinzies which are infectious. So the Poyson of a mad Dog doth only infect the Head. This is more cleer to be seen in Purging Medicines, which have a peculiar vertue to move the Humors in the Body, and bring them to the Guts, which wil not only, being taken at the Mouth, purge by stool, but laid to the Navil are taken by vapor at the Nose; it is probable that they piercing into the Veins and

Arteries by the Pores of the Skin and extremities of the Vessels, do stir up motion, and Fermentati∣on or working in the Humors, because the bad Humors are separated from the good, and by pricking or stimulating of Nature, they are driven to the Intestines by the force of the Medicine, directing the expulsive faculty to those parts. By the same reason, but after another manner, do Sudorisicks, or Sweating Medicines, and Diureticks, or such as provoke Urine work; the former forcing the Hu∣mors to the Skin, the latter to the Bladder. From which we may collect that the insection of a Dysentery, by what manner or part soever it is admitted into the Body, doth cause a certain fer∣mentation or working in the Humors by giving them a Disposition like it self; which being an ene∣my to the Guts, doth provoke the flux of the Humors to them, by which they are ulcerated; and they being infected with the like disposition, do infect the Humors and Nourishment; from whence comes a true and proper Dysentery.

It is demanded of divers Authors, What is that snotty and white Matter which is voided in such great plenty in Dysenteries, mixed with Blood and other Humors? Some think that it is the fat of the Guts; others that it is that with which the Intestines are lined for the better passage of the excre∣ments; others, that it is flegm from the Head or other parts; others, that it is Pus or Matter from the Ulcers. But we conclude, That it is nothing else but a preternatural excrement of the Guts; for they being decayed from their Natural Constitution, cannot convert their proper Nourishment into their own substance, but by an imperfect way change it into that Matter; which when it is unfit for nourishment of those parts, is expelled forth, and then the parts wanting again Nourishment, at∣tracteth or draweth new, which is changed as the former, and there must needs be a great encrease thereof, because the part affected continually draweth Blood from the Veins, which is changed into this slimy substance, by which it is deceived of its expectation, and therefore again draweth new for its Nourishment, which it continually aimeth at, but cannot turn into its own substance, but into th•• slimy Matter, of which there is so great an encrease. The same thing is done in other parts, and espe∣cially in great and profound or deep Ulcers. For the part Ulcerated when by reason of its evil dis∣position, it cannot be wel nourished, draws blood continually from the Veins, which is changed into Pus or Quittor, by which means the whol body by degrees consumeth. Nor doth this befal only parts ulcerated, but others that have no Ulcer or Imposthume; so that although the aforesaid Ex∣crement be like Quitt r, yet is not true Pus or Quittor; for that comes only from an Ulcer or Im∣posthume. This chiefly appears in an Ophthalmy or Inflamation of the Eyes, in which when there is no Ulcer or Imposthume, there is a continual Excrement like Quittor, which comes only from the distemper of the part, and the depravation of the Homiosis, or quality by which it makes Nourish∣ment like it self. The same befals men in Asthma or Ptisick, and other Diseases of the Lungs, for their Lungs being distempered, do il concoct their own Nourishment, but turn it into an Excrement like Quittor, which is expelled by coughing, and yet they have no Ulcer in their Lungs; as many learned Physitians wil conclude when they see the Matter.

The External Causes of a Dysentery, are al things that produce sharp and evil Humors, or give them being produced, a disposition to cause a Dysentery. The Principal are, sharp Meats, or very subject to putrefaction, as Fruits soon rotten, and al unripe things, Waters that are drunk ordina∣rily, wherein there is Crudity or a Mineral, and Medicines which are deadly qualified, and evil Air, as Hipp. Aph. 11. Sect. 3. when the Winter is too cold or dry, the Spring too wet, and too full of South winds, then there wil be Dysenteries in the Summer. And Aph. 12. Sect. 3. If the South wind blow much in Winter, and it rain much: but if it be dry, and the North wind blow much, in the Spring, those seasons produce Dysenteries.

But the proper Distemper of the Air to produce a Dysentery is known in a contagious or Epidemi∣cal Dysentery, which somtimes is more dangerous then others. As also there is an Infection in the Excrements of those that have this Disease to them that smel them, and if th••y be cast into the Privy they infect most of the Family that sit over them.

The Signs of a Dysentery are taken out of the Definition mentioned, an often bloody Evacuati∣on with pain and torments of the Belly, and somtimes a Feaver, watching, thirst, loathing of Meat and other Signs common to many Diseases.

But it is hard to know whether the thick or thin Guts are ulcerated. Usually if the pain be above the Navil, they say it is in the thin Guts, and if below, in the thick; but this is contrary to reason, because both the thin and thick Guts are carried both to the superior and inferior parts. Therefore this sign is rather to be taken from the quality of the pain, and the excrements. For if the thin Guts are affected, there is vehement pain, like pins pricking, because they are more Membranous, and of more exquisite sence. As also they go not to stool presently after the pain, and there is blood in e∣very stool; for because the Blood and purulent Matter comes far before it be voided, it is more mixed with the Dung; but if the thick Guts are affected, the pain is less vehement and lasting, there is presently after a going to stool, the Blood and Matter swim upon the excrement, or are very little mixed, and in a great Ulceration there are as it were little pieces of flesh.

The Signs of the Causes are taken especially from the Colour of the Excrements, when they are yellow, green, white, or black, to which you may ad the Signs of Humors abounding from the Age, Temperament, time of the yeer, and course of Life.

The Prognostick is thus made,

If the Thin Guts are Ulcerated there is more danger, for they are more Nervous, and being neerer the Liver they receive more pure Choller.

Dysenteries coming from black Choller, or Melancholly, are deadly; Hippocrates, aph. 24. sect. 4. because the Ulcer grows Cancerous, which is seldom Cured outwardly in the body. But if this Me∣lancholly comes by Crisis, of Judgement, it is not so dangerous. But you must beware least you take Congealed blood for Melancholly.

A Dysentery from Choller or sharp Diet is easily Cured: from salt Flegm it is worse than from Choller, because by reason of the Clamminess it stayes longer in the Guts to ulcerate.

In long Diseases of the Guts, Loathing of Meat is evil, and worse with a Feaver: Hippocrates, Aph. 3. Sect. 6.

If in a Dysentery there be as it were little pieces of Flesh voided, it is deadly: Aphor. 26. Sect. 4. for it signifieth a deep Ulcer which takes away pieces of the guts.

Much Watching, Stools without mixture of Humors, black, stinking, much blood, a Lientery coming after, Hickets, Chollerick Vomits, pain of the Liver, Midriff, great thirst, do commonly de∣clare that it is deadly.

A Dysentery coming to those which have the Gout or a Disease in the Spleen, is good: Hippo∣crates, 2. progn. & aph. 46. sect. 6. but this is rather a simple Diarrhoea which sends forth the matter of those Diseases.

Old Men and Children more commonly in this Disease than Men of middle Age, Hipp. 2. progn Children because of their tenderness, and their not observing rules: Old Men because their strength is spent, and because there is a great overthrow of their natural state thereby: for they do not easily produce excrements that are fit to cause a Dysentery.

The Cure of this Disease is wrought by Medicines that asswage, clense, and evacuate sharp humors that Consolidate and dry Ulcers and stop the flux.

At first you must evacuate the Humor offending least it do more mischief, and you must Purge often; and it you think it not safe to purge every day or every other day, do it every third or fourth day: Rhubarb is the best for purpose, either given in substance with Broth, or made into a Po∣tion, as in Diarrhoea, Or thus,

Take of Plantane half an handful: Liquoris scraped, and whole Raisons, of each three drams▪ Red Roses one pugil: Tamarinds six drams: yellow Myrobalans rub'd with Oyl of sweet Al∣monds, two drams: boyl them to three ounces: Dissolve in the straining, of Rhubarb infused with Lavender in Plantane Water one dram: Syrup of Quinces one ounce: Make a Potion: Or,

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce: Citron Myrobalans, two drams: boyl them in Barley and Plantane Water, infuse in the straining, of Rhubarb one dram and an half: yellow Saunders half a scruple: to four ounces of the straining ad one ounce of the syrup of Roses solutive: make a Potion.

The Decoction of Myrobalans made thus, and given in many Draughts, is Commended of many.

Take of the rinds of Myrobalans Chebs, ten drams: Citron Myrobalans five drams: Cur∣rans two ounces: boyl them in twenty six Pints of Water, to the Consumption of the third part: strain them, and adde ten drams of Sugar, clarifie it, and put to it half an ounce of Cinna∣mon.

Penotus Commends the following Potion as good against both Dysentery and Diarrhoea.

Take of the Bark of Guajacum beaten two ounces: boyl them to halfs in a sufficient quantity of Water, adding of red Roses, Pomegranate Flowers, and Plantane, of each two drams: boyl them for an hour, and then adde to the straining of poudered Rhubarb one dram: Diacatholicon, three drams: make a Potion.

Many give Parched or Torrified Rhubarb, that the Purging Quality may partly be taken away: But Amatus Lusitanus takes the second Infusion of Rhubarb, and saith, That in the first Infusion al his sharpness is taken away, and it is better so than Parched, for by so doing it is burnt.

The Preparation is thus made:

Take of Rhubarb one dram and an half: infuse it in three ounces of Plantane Water some few hours, strain it, press it gently, and then infuse it again in three ounces of new Plantane Water, and dissolve in the straining half an ounce of Cassia: make a Potion.

If you desire, by reason of the abundance of crude Humors, to Purge more, then you may make Syrup of Roses, or Diacatholicon, or other mild things, but beware of strong.

Somtimes a Vomit is very good, if the Patient be inclinable, and the Humors stand in the Sto∣mach; for it makes a revulsion of the Humors from the part affected. Which Amatus Lusitanus wisely mentioned, Curat. 44. Cent. 2. in these words: If the Physitian can draw upwards, and cast out by Vomit a Humor that is Chollerick and sharp, flowing to the Guts to make a Dysentery, it would be contrary to the Precepts of Galen, in his Book of Medicinal Art, and Method of Cure, to carry the matter by the Guts which are full of Ʋlcers. But when the Physitian cannot do it, al∣though he ought to try his best skill, he must then use Purges, and especially Rhubarb. This Hippo∣crates taught, Aph. 15. Sect. 6. After a long flux of the Belly, if Vomiting come of it self, the disease is cured. But Galen in his Comment upon this Aphorism, saith, That this is the example of those things which are done rightly by Nature, which a Physitian ought to imitate. And Mercatus con∣firms the same in these words: Divert the Humors another way by bleeding if thou canst; also purge, and Vomit, especially in salt flegm, for thus we have seen old Dysenteries cured.

Angelus sala prescribeth this following Vomit in a Dysentery:

Take of Salt of Vitriol half a dram, or a dram: Syrup of Quinces, and Bettony Water, of each one ounce: Cinnamon Water ten drams: Mix them and drink it off.

There is great Dissention among Authors concerning Blood-letting in this Disease. And it is the Opinion of the wisest, that in a Feaver and Inflamation of the Intestines (which is commonly joyned with an Ulcer) that it ought to be in the beginning of the Disease, before the strength be decayed by it: for so there is a revulsion of Blood, and sharp Humors flowing to the Guts. And Valescus de Taranta, and Amatus Lusitanus in an old Dysentery drew Blood. Valescus saith, That a very old man had a Dysentery three months; I being sent for, when other Physitians opposed it, com∣manded a Vein to be opened, he presently amended. And Amatus saith thus; That an honest Phy∣sitian went to a man, who had a Dysentery thirty daies with a great Feaver, and after the use of divers Medicines was brought very low, and lean, his flux continuing with much Blood, and drew Blood from the Liver Vein of his right Arm: and observe with what success; Presently, miracu∣lously the blood stopped, though his flux continued. But by Clysters with Sugar, and astringent Medicines, both internal and external, his belly was bound, and he cured.

In the mean while give many Clysters, first asswaging, mild, and clensing; then glutinous and a∣stringent; and somtimes in one Clyster all together, or most of them.

Mild, gently, and anodine Clysters that asswage pain, are made of Milk, either alone, or with two or three yolks of Eggs, or with the Mucilage of Fleabane Seeds and Quinces, of each four ounces; with Sugar or Honey of Roses one ounce; Goats Suet one ounce; or with Milk wherein Gold, Iron, or Flints have been quenched, that the serous part may be consumed, and so it may be more glutinous.

In want of Milk, you may give Almond Milk, or Barley Cream, or Rice Milk, alone or together; as also the Broth of Mutton, Chicken, Capon, or a Sheeps Head, and mix the former things there∣with. It is usual to boyl Roses, and the Herb Hors-tail with a Sheeps Head. Or this fol∣lowing:

Take of Marsh-mallow Roots one ounce: clensed Barley, or Rice one Pugil: Lin-seed and Quince seed, of each one ounce: Fleabane seed half a dram: Chamomel flowers one pugil: Boyl them in Milk or Broth, adding the Suet and Yolks of Eggs, and other things before men∣tioned.

Or you may make it of Milk alone, boyled with Marsh-mallow Roots at the first, to clense and as∣swage the pain.

If the Pain be great, you must mix Narcoticks; as Philonium Persicum, one or two drams: Pils of Hounds-tongue one or two scruples: Syrup of Poppies one ounce and an half: Laudanum five or six grains, in your Clysters.

If there be an Inflamation in the Guts, which may be known by constant pain, and increasing when it is touched, also by a Feaver and dryness of the Tongue; let blood again, give Clysters of Rose Water, with Salt of Lead, and foment the Belly with Oxycrate, or Wine and Water.

Also you may give Salt of Lead at the Mouth to ten grains, with Conserve of Roses.

Clensing Clysters are made of Barley Water, Bran, red Roses, Sugar or Honey of Roses.

But for the greater clensing and glutinating the Ulcer, ad one dram of Turpentine dissolved with the Yolk of an Egg. When the Ulcer is more foul, you must use greater clensers, as Beets, Pellitory of the wal in the aforesaid Decoction. The strongest Clensers are, Centaury, Wormwood, Gentian, Brine or Pickle, from Galen 12. Meth. Cap. 1. and the like; the use of which is now very rare.

Zacutus Lucitanus durst use Arsenick, and yet with good success; as you may see Obs. 18. Lib. 2. of his Admirable Practice of Physick.

Some Chymicks use of the Oyl of Wax in Clysters one dram; and anoint the Belly with the same.

To glutinate or heal up the Ulcer, first use gently Dryers in Clysters, and a little astringent; then

such as are more drying and binding. Therefore make them first of Chalybeat Milk, in which Roses have been boyled, or of Barley Water, or Water of parched Rice, and red Roses one pugil, adding to both Clysters two Yolks of roasted Eggs, somtimes Honey of Roses; and when you will have it work better, one ounce of the Juyce of Plantane.

To bind and glutinate more, make it thus:

Take of the Roots of Com••bry and Mullein, of each one ounce: Plantane and Com••bry leaves, of each one handful: red Roses, and parched Barley, of each one pugil: Myrtles two drams: Make a Decoction in Cistern Water; in one pint of the straining, dissolve of Honey of Roses one ounce; one white of an Egg, or one ounce of the Mucilage of Gum Traganth, Goats Suet two ounces: the Juyce of Yarrow and Knot-grass one ounce. Make a Clyster.

Take of Snakeweed Roots, or Tormentil, one ounce and an half: Shepheards-purse, Knot-grass, Horstail, and Mousear, of each one handful: Pomegranate flowers, Acorn cups, Cypress Nuts, of each two drams: parched Rice one pugil: make a Dcoction in Forge Water: in a pint of the straining dissolve two ounces of the Juyce of Plantane, and two Yolks of roasted Eggs. Make a Clyster.

Angelus sala wonderfully commends the following Clyster:

Boyl a Sheeps Head cloven in two, till the flesh come from the bones, add to the Broth strained of the tops of St. Johns Wort two or three handfuls; Tormentil Roots grosly bruised two ounces: Infuse them three or four hours upon the Embers. Let the straining be twice or thrice given as a Clyster.

The Juyce of Plantane alone, or with the Milk or Barley Water, is good.

Gum Traganth two drams, or the Infusion of it in Rose or Plantane Water, is good to put in Cly∣sters; or it makes a very good one if it be mixed with Juyce of Plantane and Goats Suet instead of Gum Traganth. Or with it you may with profit use Gum Arabick, Frankinsence, Mastich, and Sarcocol. All which being dissolved in the aforesaid Liquors, do work by glewing, neither do they exasperate the Ulcer as the strong Astringents. Ama••us Lucitanus doth much approve Clysters made of them, because they do cover, as with a Plaister, the internal Superficies of the Guts against the gnawing of the Matter; he makes them thus:

Take of Barley Water ten ounces: one white of an Egg well beaten: Gum Arabick and Goats Grease, of each half an ounce: Oyl of Roses two ounces: Bole-Armenick and Gum Traganth, of each one dram: mix them for a Clyster.

But lest those Emplastick Clysters should fasten the sharp Matter, and shut it up by their clammi∣ness, you must use clensing Clysters also, which must not be long retained; and you must somtimes use clensing Clysters intermixed with astringent.

In the astringent you may put Acacia, Hypocistis, or Conserve of Sloes, Sanguis Draconis, Blood∣stone, the Juyce of Maddir taken out with Rose or Plantane Water, Bole Armenick, Terra Sigillata, or sealed Earth, the Troches of Amber, and the white Troches of Rhasis to one or two drams. Other Pouders are hurtful, because they settle in the Liquor, and provoke the part to pain.

And it is better to infuse the aforesaid Pouders in Liquor, or in a Decoction, and to give them strained.

While you give Clysters, you must give at the Mouth, Medicines of the same Nature, and that of∣tener when the upper Guts are ulcerated, to which the Clysters cannot reach.

If there be no Feaver, you may profitably, when you intend to clense, give Goats Milk; and when you intend to glurinate, Cows Milk, both with Sugar of Roses. But Chalybeat Milk, that is, Steel infused, doth knit or glutinate better; three ounces thereof with Juyce of Plantane, and Sugar of Roses, of each one ounce, make an excellent Medicine. Or boyl Comphry Roots in Steeled Milk.

Or make Bread of the finest Barley with Yolks of Eggs, and set it into the Oven after the Bread is drawn: Crum Milk and Sugar there with til it is as thick as a Pultis; of which let him take five or six spoonfuls twice or thrice in a day.

Veal broth boyled very long doth asswage pain in the Ulcers.

And Cream of Rice doth heal them up.

Lerius reports in his History, That many troubled with Dysenterles, in a long voyage almost starved, and were cured with Rice boyled in Milk with Yolks of Eggs, and Juyce of Ground Ivy.

Also you may boyl Rice in Almond Milk, in which Gold hath been quenched.

Cream of Barley with Sugar doth clese and cool.

Broth made of Burnet with Butter, given three daies together morning and evening, doth much further the Cure, and the more if the Decoction of Burnet at the same time be given for ordinary Drink.

The Rinds of two greenish Oranges boyled in eight pints of Water for ordinary Drink, doth half the Cure.

Of the Pouder of a dead-mans Skul one dram twice or thrice given in Broth or other convenient Liquor doth quickly cure perfectly.

Two spoonfuls of the Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth drawn with Rose Water or Gum Arabick half a dram, may be dissolved in al his Broths; as also one spoonful of the Gelly of Harts-horn is good.

After the Body is wel Clensed, give astringent Decoction to compleat the Cure; which must be made of the Roots of Snake-weed, Tormentil, Comfry, Plantane Leaves, Yarrow, Shepherds-Purse, Horse-tail, Mouse-ear, Agrimony, Plantane and Sorrel Seeds, Sumach, Grape-stones, Red Roses, &c. in Cystern Water; dissolving therein the Syrup of Quinces, Myrtles, or of dried Roses, as also somtimes Acacia Hypocistis, Conserve of Sloes, Bole Armenick, Spodium or burnt Ivory.

The Juyce of Quinces boyled to the consistence of a Syrup or Rob, without an addition given a spoonful or two often is very profitable.

The like Juyces may be made of Pears, Cornel, or Dog-tree Berries, and other sharp Fruits.

Take the Fat Guts of a Sheep, boyl them till the Liquor come to half a Porringer, then put a little sweet Oyl thereto and let him drink it; if the Dysentery be not very stubborn it cureth it at the first or second draught.

Oyl and Rose Water given in equal parts do the same.

Let two yolks of hard Egs, and mixed with Rose Water, be taken with Sugar and a little Nutmeg twice or thrice.

The Juyce of Plantane only given, three or four ounces at a time, or mixed with other proper things, is excellent; and if there be an inflamation it allayeth it.

Hollerius saith, That the Juyce of Ground-lvy taken, hath saved many a mans life.

Juleps of Waters or Decoctions and Astringent Syrups are to be often given.

Syrup of Coral, as also the Tincture and Magistery thereof are very good, which must be taken of∣ten in a spoon; Or these following,

Take of syrup of Grapes, Myriles, and of Juyce of Plantane, Quinces, and dried Roses, and syrup of the Juyce of Purslain, of each one ounce: mix them for the use aforesaid.

In the end of a Dysentery the suyce of Wormwood and Mints wel purified, and made into a Sy∣rup with Sugar, is very available: For Mints mixed with Wormwood hath great force to strengthen the Stomach.

And it the Dysentery came by eating much Fruit, in the beginning Syrup of Wormwood with Cinnamon or Treacle Water is excellent, if you at the same time use Fomentations and Emplaisters to strengthen the Stomach.

A Quince made hollow and filled with the shavings of Virgins Wax, roasted under the Embers, given for some few days together, is a most proper Remedy.

Quercetanus makes the same Medicine of pomum Curtipendulum made hollow and filled with Gum Arabick and Wax, of each one dram, then roasted, and after'tis eaten let him drink a draught of astringent Decoction.

Others roast a yong Pidgeon stuft with Wax, and give it for a dinner.

The use of Medlers, according to Forestus, cures old Dysenteries, lib. 22. obs. 1. which we menti∣oned in Diarrhoca.

Bruyerinus, lib. 8. de recibaria, cap. 12. writes that he was Cured of a desperate Dysentery by eating raw Service-berries, by the advice of an Old Woman.

Nor let us omit the Oak Grape mentioned by Martin Ruland, which he saith is under the Earth upon the Roots of an Oak in Spring time, of a binding taste outwardly like Purple, inwardly white and like Milk, which dieth in Summer and turns to a stick, and therefore must be dried in the shade, poudered in the Spring: He saith, That there is no more excellent Pouder to stanch Blood and Dysenteries than this. Also Encelius, Bauhinus, and Skenkius mention the same.

In every Flux of putrid Humors let the Guts be strengthened with bread twice baked, first boyled in Vinegar and then dried; after it is twice or thrice thus prepared, pouder it, and thicken Broth therewith.

Also there are many Pouders for this: As,

Take of Snake-weea and Tormentil Roots, of each one dram: Red Coral and Pearl prepared of each half a dram: make a Pouder to be taken one dram at a time in Broth, or the like: You may make it more Astringent with Red Roses, Myrtles, Pomegranat Flowers, Harts-born burnt, or Ivory burnt, or Troches of Spodium: Or for more Binding, with Sanguis Draconis, Acacia, Galls, Bole Armenick, sealed Earth, Blood-stone: And if you desire to glutinate, also ad Flea∣bane-seeds, Starch, and Gum Tragacanth.

The Eastern Bole, given one dram in Broth, doth cure the Dysentery if sufficient Purging went before. Or,

Take Pouder of Tragacanth one dram: Nutmegs, Coral prepared, of each half a dram: mix them, and let it be given at twice or thrice with a rear Egg, or Broth. Or,

Take of Gum Arabick one dram: Coral and Bole prepared, of each half a dram: mix and use it as the former. Or,

Take of burnt Harts-born, Bole armonick, both Corals, all the Saunders and Mastich, of each half a dram: Frankinsence and Tragacanth, of each half a scruple: mix them for a pouder of which take half a dram often.

Forestus doth highly Commend the following Pouder,

Take of Citrin Myrobalans and Rhubarb a little parched, of each scruple: make a Pouder for one Dose.

Hercules Saxonia saith, That al new Dysenteries are presently, and surely Cured by this Pouder:

Take of Cuttle-bone burnt two drams: spunge dipt in Pitch and burnt in a Pot, and of Egg∣shels the inward skins taken away, of each one dram: make a Pouder, the Dose is one dram in a convenient Liquor.

The Pouder of Elder-Berries is by Experience approved, it is prescribed by Quercetanus in his Dispensatory, and there you may see the use of it.

You may give Opiates made after this manner,

Take of conserve of old Roses and Quinces, of each one ounce: conserve of Comfry Roots half an ounce: Coral prepared one dram and an half: Crocus Martis, Bole Armonick, sealed Earth and Plantane seeds, of each one dram: Spodium two scruples: with syrup of dried Roses or Myrtles make an Opiate; of which give the bigness of a Chessnut twice or thrice in a day; Or with an equal weight of Sugar you may make a Compound to be used often.

Mycleta Nicolai is good for the same.

Crato wisely admonisheth, That before the seventh day, before the Ulcers of the Guts are wel clensed, you give no astringents at the mouth, nor externally, but after the seventh day you may be∣gin with gentle astringents.

Montanus doth wholly forbid them, and useth only Clensers Asswagers of pain and thickners: But when the matter of the Disease is wel evacuated, the weakness of the retentive Faculty by which the Flux is nourished, may be wel taken away with astringents.

Therefore it wil be profitable, after sufficient Purging to give for many days Bole, Terra Lemnia, pouder of Elder-berries, or other astringents and dryers with Sugar, till the patient be wel: but if too much binding seem to hurt, you must purge again, then bind and after purge; and you must ob∣serve that those Earths do avail too wayes, namely by Binding, and by Opposing the evil quality which is in the Disease: And the Obstruction which is feared by their use is taken away by Sugar mixed with them.

To allay Pain, and healthe the Ulcer, this Electuary is best.

Take of the mucilage of Quince-seeds, Comfry Roots, and Gum Tragacanth, all extracted with Rose Water, of each one ounce: Starch one dram; Red Coral two drams: Bole Armonick prepared one dram; Pomegranate Flowers half a dram: Rob, or conserve of Services, or Quinces two ounces: Sugar of Roses one ounce: make it like an Electuary: the Dose is two dram.

Narcoticks, or things that bring rest given at the mouth do wonders, for they take away pain, stop the Flux, provoke sleep, and refresh the strength: but they are better when they are mixed with Astringents and Strengthners. As,

Take of old conserve of Roses two drams: Laudarum three grains: Confectio Alkermes, half a scruple: make a Bolus.

In a Malignant, and Epidemical, or Common Dysentery, Medicines of Bezoar and Sudorifick, or Sweating Medicines, are powerful; for it is observed that by these Remedies, that the matter hath been discharged, and the Dysentery cured: Therefore observe at first the nature of the Humor; for if it be Malignant, as in a Common Epidemical Disease it is, you shal in vain try other Medicines, except at the same time, and in the beginning you give Antidotes or Cordials. Here you may use al things proper to a Malignant Feaver: And besides those things that provoke Sweat, as Bezoar and Aqua Theriacalis, or Treacle water; Harts-horn, sealed Earth, Bole Armonick, Unicorns-horn, Coral, Amber, Scordium, St. Johns-wort, Plantane, Tormentil, Burnet, and many others are very good.

Outwardly to the whol Belly apply Oyl of Quinces and Roses; or if you wil have it more astringent Oyl of unripe Olives, or put the third part of Vinegar to them, and boyl them to the Consumption of the Vinegar: If the Stomach be Affected also, adde Oyl of Mastich, and Wormwood.

After Anointing, Sprinkle the part with some Astringent pouder, made of Myrtles, Pomegranate peels, Galls, Cypress Nuts, Acron Cups, Red Roses, Pomegranate flowers, Frankinsence and Ma∣stich; to which for the more binding, ad Bole Armenick and Terra Sigillata, or Sealed Earth.

Of the same Pouders without the Oyls, you may make an Ointment for the same Use, with a little Wax: Or, You may use Unguentum Comitissae alone, or with other Oynt∣ments.

The Cataplasm prescribed before for Diarrhoea, and this following, if you will Bind strongly, may be used:

Take of Bole six drams: Frankinsence six ounces: Sanguis Draconis, Mastich, and Mummy, of each two drams: make a Pouder, which you may apply to the Belly beneath the Navel if you mix it with Vinegar and the white of an Egg and lay it upon a Cloth. Or,

Take three ounces of Spiders Webs, and one white of an Egg well beaten: fry them in a pan, and apply them hot to the Navil.

A Cataplasm of Treacle and sealed Earth to the Belly, is good in an Epidemical or contagious Dysentery.

This following Cataplasm to strengthen the Liver, is much commended of Solenander in every flux, both of the Liver, called Hepaticus, and in a Dysentery, and old Diarrhoea. Nor must you fear Astringents, saith he, because they are tempered with things to strengthen the Liver.

Take of Liver-wort and Schaenanth, of each one handful: Indian Spike half a pugil: Mastich, and Mace, of each half an ounce: Lignum Aloes three drams: Myrobalans Chebs, and Em∣blicks parched, of each one ounce: Bole, sealed Earth, and Blood-stone, of each six drams: Co∣riander seeds prepared one ounce and an haly: Spodium or burnt Ivory, two drams: Roses one ounce: the Species of three Sanders without Camphire half an ounce: Rust of Iron prepared one ounce: Barley flower two ounces: Oyl of Mastich and Myrtles of each as much as is sufficient: make an Emplaister to cover the whol Belly, from the Cartilage called Ensiformis or Xiphoides, to the Os Pectinis, or the Bone at the bottom of the Belly.

You may also make a Fomentation for the whol Belly of a Decoction of astringent things made in Iron Water, with a little red Wine and Vinegar. Or,

Take of red Roses two handfuls: Wormwood and Mints, of each one handful: Nutmeg and Cypress Roots, Mastich and Galangal▪ of each one dram: With a linnen cloth make a bag as big as the belly, which being warmed in red Wine, or Vinegar, may be laid upon the belly. Or,

Take of Wormwood, Mints, Plantane, Oak Leaves, and tops of Brambles, Horstail, and Knot-grass, of each one handful: Chamomel flowers two pugils: red Roses half a handful: Myrtles one dram: Seeds of Sumach, Plantane, and Coriander, of each six drams: Nutmegs three: make a Decoction in steeled Water, and red Wine for to foment the Belly.

Rulandus doth apply a bag of Bran boyled in Vinegar▪

If the pain be great, apply a linnen cloth wet in steeled Milk that is warm.

But if Fomentations wil not Cure, you may use Waters to sit in called Insessus. These are com∣mended by Matthew de Gradi, Savanarola, and Jachinus, who saith that they are a great secret for the Cure of Children, for by their actual heat they do drive the Humors somwhat towards the Skin; and by their a••••ringent quality stop the flux. But you must not use them if the Body be very full of evil Humors; or if the Dysentery be malignant, and joyned with a Feaver. They are made of Oak buds, green Cypress Berries, green Pine-nuts, or Leaves, Barks, and other such like boyled in Water, of the aforesaid Decoctions for Fomentations.

You may make Fumigations that the Patient may receive the vapor of them through a hollow Chair.

Especially a Decoction made of Mullein, and the Fume thereof received, is commended in this Disease, and also for a Diarrhoea.

Faventinus commends a Fumigation made of Turpentine cast upon a hot Iron, taken up into the Body twice a day.

And he commends also this Fomentation:

Take of Balm one pound: Mullein one handful: Put them in a long bag; boyl it well in red Wine and strong Vinegar, and apply it to the Fundament.

Rulandus useth a Decoction of Acorns in Vinegar for a Fomentation.

And Faventinus propoundeth this following Lotion as a secret to stop the Dysentery:

Take of the dross of Iron, and filings of Steel, both prepared in Vinegar, of each one pound: then boyl them in two pints of very strong Vinegar to the consumption of half. Let the Patient put his fee•• and his hands half an hour every morning and evening therein.

In a long Disease, and when there are Ulcers in the Guts, Quick-silver is good, if it be mixed with

Oyntment of Roses, and the belly anointed therewith. As also the Clysters afore mentioned for fil∣thy Ulcers.

At the same time, you may give Milk, and Syrup of Myrtles.

Also one dram of true Balsom given in a Wafer doth wonderfully heal al inward Ulcers.

For asswaging pain, apply the Caul of a new killed Sheep to the belly, and bind it on, especially to Children, and repeat it often.

If the Liver, Stomach, or Brain, cause this flux, you must use proper Medicines to them, alwaies making choice of those that do astringe and strengthen.

For his ordinary Drink, give him Spring Water with Conserve of Roses, the Tincture of Roses, a Decoction of Oaken Leaves, or Water wherein Terra sigillata is infused, or wherein red hot Gold hath been quenched with Syrup of Quinces, Myrtles, or dried Roses. Or when there is no Feaver use a weak Decoction of Mastich with the Syrups aforesaid. According to Crato's Judgment, you must not use any chaly beat or steeled Drink; for it doth not astringe, as commonly they suppose, but trou∣bleth the belly. Others commend the Decoction of Gramen or Dogs Tooth, because▪ it is good to dry and divert by Urine.

Lastly, 'Tis worth the Observation, which Aetius speaks, Lib. 3. Cap. 8. and Paulus, Lib. 1. Cap. 35. that old fluxes are dryed up by Venery. Which Hippocrates said formerly, 7. Epid▪ in the end: Excessive Venery doth cure fluxes of the belly. Amatus Lusitanus learned this Truth by Experience, Curat. 41. Cent▪ 2. One troubled with a Dysentery (saith he) very violently, was mar∣ried, and the first night he lay with his Wife, was cured.

Let this be added for a Conclusion, which is related in the Cure of Diarrhoea, out of Platerus in his Cure of the flux of the Hemorrhoids; Hot Blood of either Man or Beast given in a Clyster, doth wonderfully stop and cure the flux.

Chap. 7. Of Tenesmus.

TEnesmus, is a continual desire to go to stool, and voiding of nothing but Slime or bloody Matter.

The immediate Cause of this Disease, is an Ulcer in the streight Gut called Intestinum rectum; from which, Quittor or filthy Matter continually floweth, and stirreth up the expulsive Faculty, by which means there is a continual desire of going to stool. Moreover, there is voided a slimy Matter mixed with blood, from the depravation of the Homoiosis (or quality that converts things into its likeness) of the ulcerated part, because it cannot wel concoct its proper Nourishment, and make it like it self, but turns it into another slimy substance; as we shewed more at large in Dysenteries, and other Ulcers of the Guts.

But in regard we said in the Chapter of Dysentery, That al the Intestines might be ulcerated in that disease; thence it seems to follow, That the Ulcers of the straight Gut called Rectum belong to a Dysentery. Yet Custom hath so prevailed, that when the Rectum is only hurt, it is called by the name of Tenesmus: And because when other Guts are affected, if the Rectum suffer, there is also Tenesmus or needing, although the disease be then called a Dysentery; therefore Dysentery and Tenesmus are of the same Nature, and have the same Cause, and differ only in respect of the part af∣fected: And therefore we need not repeat the Causes, because they are the same with those that pro∣duce a Dysentery.

For the Knowledg of this Disease, there is no more required but to distinguish it from a Dysen∣tery, which you may learn from the definition. For in a Tenesmus, there is a continual needing; but in a Dysentery it is by fits: besides, in that, after great straining, there is voided only a little slime, bloody or mattery; but in a Dysentery, both Excrements and Humors are continually voided.

The Signs of the Causes are the same with a Dysentery.

As for the Prognostick, Celsus Lib. 4. Cap. 19. saith that a Tenesmus is easily cured, and that of it self it never kils any, yet Galen, 5. de usu partium, cap. 4. reckons it among the chiefest Diseases of the Belly; and truly it may very wel be accounted grievous in respect of its troublesomness and long continuance; yet it is not dangerous except it come of Melancholly, for then it tends to a Can∣cer ulcerated: besides, it brings great inconveniences, as Miscarriage or Abortion to Women. So Hipp. Aph. 27. Sect. 7. saith, If a Woman with Child have a Tenesmus, she wil miscarry. For the continual straining at stool doth much disturb the Womb, which is so neer to the straight Gut. Be∣sides, the same Muscles which serve to throw out the Excrements, are imployed for delivery; there∣fore when they daily compress the lower Belly, they cause Abortion. Lastly, the Ulcers of the Rectum Intestinum being neer the Anus or Fundament, if they contitue long, turn to an incurable Fistula.

The Cure of a Tenesmus, little differs from the Cure of a Dysentery. And therefore first, the sharp Humors that come from the Liver and other parts, are to be purged with Medicines that leave an Astringent quality, as chiefly Rhubarb, which must be so often given till the Humor seem to be spent.

If there be an Inflamation (which is chiefly known by a Feaver) or if much blood, you must open a Vein. And in case it continue after bleeding, and cause a strangury or difficulty of Urine (as it often doth) it is very good to open the Hemorrhoids with Hors-leeches.

Also you must use asswaging Clysters when there is much pain; and clensing, glutinating, and astringent, according as the Ulcer requireth; the Forms whereof are to be found in the Cure of Dysentery.

But in the use of Clysters, observe first, that you give them often, and in a smal quantity, only half a pint, because they wil be hardly kept any time, by reason of the continual needing. And the pipe must be warily conveyed in, lest the pain be encreased.

And you must diligently apply Fomentations, Insessions or Baths to sit in, Fumigations, Sup∣positories, and Oyntments.

You may make a Fomentation thus,

Take of Mullein & Wormwood, of each six handfuls: boyl them in new Milk and put them into two Bags, which apply to the Anus and whol belly one after another very warm. Or,

Take of Chamomel Flowers, and Roses, of each one handful: Red Wine two Pints: infuse them two hours upon hot Embers: Foment the Fundament as hot as can be suffered with four times doubled cloathes: After let the Patient sit upon a spunge dipped and stra••ned from the same Liquor.

Or, Fill two Bags with Barley Bran and boyl them in Vinegar: Let the Patient sit one while up∣on one, another while upon another as hot as he can.

If he void much Blood, make the Fomentation thus,

Take of Mullein Leaves and Roots two handfuls: Red Roses one pugil: Pomegranate peels, and Galls, of each half an ounce: boyl them in two parts of Iron-Water, and one of Red Wine for a Fomentation: which you may make stronger if you ad half an ounce of Allum.

Insessus, or Baths to sit in to asswage Pain, are made of Emollients boyled in Water, or Broth of Sheeps Heads and Feet, to which you may ad Violets, Nightshade, Gourds, and Mellons sliced, but for healing of Ulcers you must make them of Astringents afore-mentioned.

Fumigations are good to dry the Ulcer made of Frankinsence burnt, or the Decoction of Savin made in Oxycrate, or other things mentioned in the Cure of a Dysentery, the Fume whereof must be taken sitting in a hollow Chair. But this following is Commended by Forestus.

Take of Mastich one dram: Frankinsence one scruple: Myrtles one dram and an half: Red Roses two scruples: make a Pouder for a Fumigation.

Suppositories are good in this Disease, they must be gentle and mild, least they exasperate the part which is so sensible: They are fitly made of Goats Suet cut into the form of a Suppository; for they appease the pain & heal the Ulcer: but they wil be better against Pain if you mix the seed finely poudered of Poppies or Henbane, & tye them in a knot in Paper like a Suppository: But far best if you instead of these things put three drops of the Oyl pressed out of these Seeds to every Supposi∣tory: or one grain of Opium dissolved in half a scruple of Oyl of sweet Almonds.

The Ulcer wil be sooner healed, if you first dissolve the Suet, either alone, or with white Starch, Gum Tragacanth beaten, and first steeped in Plantane Water, or else with some Narcoticks: Or, thus,

Take of Gum Tragacanth as much as is sufficient, sprinkle it with Plantane Water that it may only swel and not dissolve; then ad as much of the mucilage of Fleabane seeds, or Quince seeds, and mix them with the white of an Egg roasted; then with melted Wax make them into a Supposi∣tory: You may also ad Narcoticks: as likewise to Cure the Ʋcer better, the Pouders of Ceruss, Tutty, Bole, Pomegranate Flowers, and the like which dry without Acrimony, and sharp∣ness; And these must be very finely Poudered and sifted, least the Part be Exasperated.

You may apply Oyls and Oyntments as in a Dysentery, to the Belly and Fundament: As Oynt∣ment of Roses, Populeon, or of the Mucilages, of the whites of Eggs, Oyl of Roses, and the like, to take away Pain and Inflamation: and other things that shal be mentioned in the Chapter of Hae∣morrhoids, or to Cure the Ulcer, the white Oyntment of Rhasis or Pompholygos, melted in Hydro∣mel, or in Honey and Water.

Lastly, In a more desperate Condition, use Narcoticks both inwardly and outwardly; but three or four grains of Laudanum is best given with Mastich and Terra Sigillata, or mixed in a Clyster made or a Decoction of the Flowers of Chamomel.

Chap. 8. Of Fluxus Hepaticus, or Flux of the Liver.

A Flux of the Liver, is that in which serous and bloody Humors like water wherein flesh hath been washed, are voided

This Disease is produced from the Liver being weak and out of tune; by reason whereof it cannot breed good blood, but turneth the Chylous Matter into thin and ferous blood, which because it is not fit to nourish, is sent by Nature into the Intestines, from whence comes this flux of the Liver.

This weakness and disorder may come from any distemper: For by the excess of any of the first qualities, the native heat, and its power to make blood, is dejected. Yet this hath a doubt rising from Experience, because we see often, that great distempers of the Liver, and excess in the first qualities, do produce other diseases, and not this. And again, this flux is many times without the excess of the first qualities. That therefore the Nature of this Disease may be declared, we must say with wise Varandaeus my Master, There is somthing more than an ordinary distemper for produ∣cing of this disease. And it is occult or hidden, consuming the radical moisture in the Liver, which also destroyeth the Natural heat.

This evil disposition, and occult distemper may come by burning and swooning Feavers by a hot distemper of the Bowels, which melteth the Oyly substance by occult corruption, and corruption of Humors, by a great coldness from flegm and Melancholly abounding, which doth oppress and cor∣rupt the Natural heat; and it may come by outward Causes, as great draughts of cold Water, Snow, or Ice, extraordinary eating of raw Sallets, Poyson, and Medicines that purge too vehemently. By drinking of too much new Wine, salt, sharp, and peppered Meats, and strong things which parch the substance of the Liver. To these you may add al other Causes which by too much cooling or hea∣ting do dissolve the strength and tone or order of the Liver.

Hitherto is declared a true and proper flux of the Liver which hath this sign, there are Liquid and ferous stools, like washings of flesh, from the weakness of the Liver, which cannot sanguifie or make blood well, or from a malignant distemper which spoileth the Natural heat and moisture.

There is also a bastard flux of the Liver, which comes of a simple distemper without any fault of the radical moisture; by which distemper the faculty is not hurt, but the work hindered, so that instead of pure blood, there comes impure and corrupt, or the good turns into evil, when in a true of the Liver there is never any good blood in the Liver.

The Blood is corrupted, either by the mixture of Choller, or Melancholly, or some other impure Matter, or from its too long staying in the Liver, and the parts adjacent, by which it is made thicker or burnt, or rotteth; or from the fault of the Spleen, which doth not suck away the drossie blood; and in this bastard flux, somtimes thick, somtimes black, and somtimes blood is voided mixed with Humors of divers colors.

The signs of this Disease may be gathered from what hath been said. For in a true flux there ap∣pear moist stools like washings of flesh, which is not in other bloody fluxes, if in a Dysentery at any time, it is seldom, and then there is choller, flegm, and excrements of divers colors voided: and in a Dysentery there is pain and torment of the belly, but in this none.

The Signs of the Causes are known by their proper Characters: For if the weakness of the Liver come from a hot distemper, there went a burning and consuming Feaver before, or there is green vo∣mits or stools, thirst, and a Feaver, foulness of Body, and want of appetite, and stinking Evacuations; but if it come from a cold cause, the stools are less stinking, neither is there thirst or consumption; the whol Body is colder and blewish.

Somtimes there comes a Feaver from the putrefaction of Humors, which changeth the said symp∣tomes; but you must examine the Causes afore going, which will declare both distempers. Also in this cold distemper the Patients desire much strong Wine.

A moist and dry distemper are known by the contrary effects. A moist causeth more and oftener stools, very thin; but a dry, little and thicker stools, but there is also great thirst.

Lastly, The external Causes are known by the relation of the Patient, and those that are with him.

A bastard flux of the Liver hath almost all signs of a Dysentery, only there is no pain of the belly, nor pieces of flesh in the stools as in a Dysentery.

The Prognostick of this Disease useth to be evil and deadly; for when a principal part is very ill, by consumption of the radical moisture, whose reparation is scarce to be hoped for, we can expect for the most part nothing but destruction, especially when the Disease comes of heat.

When this disease comes in Feavers, there presently follows a melting of the Body, and great pu∣trefaction, which presently kils the party: For in malignant and pestilent Feavers the danger is en∣creased according to the evil condition of the Cause. But when this Disease comes of a cold distem∣per, it useth to last longer, and turn into an incurable Dropsie.

Lastly, A bastard flux of the Liver, although it be dangerous, yet is it less than a true, because it comes only from a simple distemper and evil disposition of the Humors, the tone and strength of the Liver remaining sound, and may be cured by taking away the Causes that defile the Blood▪

The Cure of this Disease is wrought by Medicines that strengthen the Liver, correct its distemper, and stay the flux. And because it comes oftenest of a hot distemper, therefore we wil first speak of the Cure of that distemper, because it comes seldom of a cold Cause, and is to be cured as a Dropsie.

First therefore (although Evacuations seem to be needless by reason of the greatn••ss of the flux) you may give Rhubarb either alone, or with Myrobalans, as in the Cure of Dysentery, because it doth strengthen the Liver, and the rather if you sind any filth in the stools: for many Patients have been cured by only one scruple of Rhubarb given many daies together in Conserve of Roses.

Clysters are here of little worth, because the Liver is affected; yet somtimes you may give one of chaly beat or steeled Milk, or of a gentle astringent Decoction, lest the Guts should be too much re∣laxed.

But you may make Juleps to strengthen the Liver, and correct its distemper, thus:

Take of Succory, Graminis (or Dogs Teeth) and Sorrel Roots, of each one ounce: Endive, Succory, Plantane, and Dodder, of each one handful: Sea-wormwood half a handful: red San∣ders one dram and an half: the shavings of Ivory and Spodium, of each two scruples: Cor••ander seeds prepared one dram: red Roses one pugil: boyl them to ••••e pint and an half; dissolve in the straining Syrup of Quinces, and simple Syrup of Vinegar, of each two ounces: Make a Julep for four Doses to be taken morning and evening. Or,

Take of Plantane Water four ounces: Syrup of dried Roses one ounce: Spirit of Vitriol a•• much as will make it moderately sharp: make a Julep to be repeated often.

He may also take of these Syrups following, often in a spoon:

Take of Syrup of Myrtles, Quinces, and dried Roses, of each one ounce: the Syrup of Succ•••••• simple or compound with Rhubarb, one ounce and an half: mix them.

There is an excellent Syrup made of the Tincture of Roses, made in Rose Water, and with Sugar of Roses brought into a Syrup.

Also this following Pouder given to the quantity of half a dram or a dram once or twice in a day in a rear Egg, Broth, or other fit Liquor may be used with profit.

Take of Plantane and So••rel seeds, of each one dram: Endive, Purslane, Dodder, and Corian∣der seeds, of each one scruple: red Roses, and Troches of Spodium, Gum Tragacanth torrefied, of each half a dram: the inward skins of Hens Gizzards dried, half a scruple: make a very fine Pouder.

Or the Lozenges made of the three Sanders, with a double quantity of Rhubarb given to two drams at a time, are good to strengthen the Liver; as also this following Opiate:

Take of Conserve of Succory Roots one ounce: Conserve of old Roses half an ounce: the pulp of Currans six drams: Crocus Martis one dram: prepared Coral, shavings of Ivory, and Harts∣horn, of each one scruple: with the Syrup of dried Roses make an Opiate, adding half a scruple of Spirit of Vitriol, of which let him take the bigness of a Chesnut three hours before meat. You may also add the Liver of a Wolf prepared, which is a specifical proper Medicine according to divers Authors.

Raisons of the Sun, because they are good for the Liver, are commended in this disease, therefore you may eat them in great plenty with their stones: which that they may be better taken, may be beaten first in a Marble Mortar.

Or make a Rob or Syrup of Raisons, boyling them in red Wine, if it be not too hot, and then straining out the Juyce, and boyling it again til it is thick: which you may use alone, or in some of an Opiate, with these following:

Take of Currans half a pound, boyl them to the thickness of a Pultis in old Wine; pass them through a sieve, and mix with the straining, candied Citron peels half an ounce: the pouder of the three Sanders, and Diamargariton frigid, of each one dram: Coral prepared, and red Roses of each four scruples: the Liver of a Wolf prepared three drams: make an Opiate.

The Syrup of Coral is very excellent to strengthen the Liver, and stay the flux thereof: but the Tincture thereof is far better: As also the Extract or Magistery given in Plantane Water.

The Juyce of yong Nettle tops given either by it self to two ounces, or with Water and Vinegar every morning for three daies together, stops the flux, and purifieth the corrupt blood.

But because in this Disease the Body is much consumed, a restoring distilled Water that wil also stay a flux, either must be given often by it self, or with all other Drinks.

Take a fat Capon▪ and a Partridg, and pulling of the Feathers and the Guts ou••▪ ••ill their Bellies with Succory, Agrimony, and Snails, of each one handful: Conserve of Ro••es three ounces: Plantane and Coriander seeds prepared, of each two drams: Citron Myrobalans one dram: Blood-wort half a handful: the Troches of Amber and of Spodium, of each four scruples: the pou∣der of the Electuary de Gemmis (or precious Stones) the three Sanders, and D••amargariton frigid, of each one dram: Sprinkle them all with astringent Wine, and putting them into the bellies of the Fowls: boyl them in a close vessel in four pints of Water til half be consumed: then put them al in∣to a glass Limbeck with three ounces of good Wine; distil them in Balneo Mariae for the use afore∣said.

For Drink, let the Patient take the Tincture of Roses, or the Decoction of Succory, and Dogs∣tooth, with Syrup of Quinces, and some few drops of Spirit of Vitriol.

Things made of Barley, Almonds, and Rice, are best in his Meats.

Outwardly to his Belly apply those things which were prescribed in the Cure of Dysentery, with some things for the Liver, as Wormwood, Roses, all the Sanders, Spodium or burnt Ivory, &c. Which anointings of the Belly must reach to the region of the Liver.

You may al o apply the following Epitheme to the Liver:

Take of Endive and Succory, of each one handful: Dodder, and both sorts of Wormwood, of each half a handful: red Roses one pugil: red Sanders one dram and an half: Spodium two scruples: boyl them to one pint and an half, and dissolve in the straining two ounces of Rose Vine∣gar: boyl them again gently, and make an Epitheme.

Let the same part be anointed with the following Oyntment:

Take of Cerat of Sanders two ounces: Oyl of Quinces▪ and of Wormwood, of each three drams. Mix them for a Liniment.

Lastly, If the Patient be troubled for want of sleep, as is usual, because this kind of flux is most in the night, you must use Narcoticks, such as were propounded for the former fluxes.

Chap. 9. Of the Worms.

ALthough Worms breed in divers parts of the Body, yet because they are more usual in the Gut than in other parts, therefore we wil speak only of those.

By some it is questioned, to what kind of Disease that is preternatural the Worms are to be refer∣red? But we can take away al occasion of doubting, by saying that after a divers consideration they may refer to all kinds of Diseases; for as they prick and pull the Guts, or obstruct them, and pro∣duce other diseases, they may be said to be causes of diseases. But as they are substances added to those which ought naturally to be contained in the Guts, they are reckoned by Galen in the number of those Diseases which are in the number encreased wholly against Nature, as the stone also. And lastly, as they are sent out preternaturally by the belly, or the mouth, they are to be referred to the fault in Excretion, or sending forth.

Galen in his Comment upon the Aphorisms, Aph. 26. Sect. 3. propounds three kinds of Worms: The round Worms, which are often bred in the Guts, and get often up into the Stomach; the Asca∣rides, or little Worms like smal thrids, which use to lie in the inferior part of the thick Intestines, and over against the Sphincter Muscle; and the broad Worms, called Fascia, because they are long and broad like Childrens Swathing bands. This kind is more rare to be seen than the rest, and a Physitian shall scarce see them in his practice twice or thrice in a yeer, yet there are great Controversies among Authors about them; some say it is one Worm only; some that it is made of many united, which they call Cucurbitinos, or Gourd Worms, and say that they are parts of the broad Worm; others make a fourth kind, containing the Gourd Worms; but we do not intend here to shew their Reasons and several Experiences they have so much boasted of: the curious Reader may search for his better satisfaction, Rondoletius, Platerus, Sennertus, and many others.

Moreover, There is a great Controversie of the Causes of Worms: some say they come of putrid heat, others from the Natural, others say that both concur for the production of them.

The first say, That all Infects or Vermine come from corruption, according to Aristotle. The second say, That putriu heat is strong, ••iery, and destructive, and therefore is not fit to produce a live body. The third ••ort, to reconcile the former, say that the Matter is disposed by the putrid heat to generate Worms and the Natural heat doth turn it so prepared into worms by way of Concoction.

But this Reconciliation wil not hold, because according to the axiome in Physicks it is the pro∣perty of the same thing to dispose the matter and bring in the form, and therefore the preparation of

the matter, and the introduction of the form, ought to be from the same agent; besides, Worms breed in Carkasses where there is no native heat, we may say that the heat which is putrid, in respect of the matter putrifying, is native in respect of the Worms, because the natural and putredinal heat differ but in degree, but divers degrees of heat are required for the generation of divers Creatures; and ther∣fore heat which is putrid in respect of us may be natural in respect of another Creature: So the heat which is natural to a Lyon, would cause Feavers in us; and by consequence is putrefactive: Many flie to the heat of the Sun which is the universal Cause of al generation; but we must alwayes ac∣knowledge a particular Cause from whence the effect is immediately produced, by the Concurrence and Co-operation of the universal Cause: but here is a greater difficulty, because it is a common axi∣ome or theoreme, That nothing can beget a thing more Noble than it self; and therefore heat is not the chief agent in breeding of Worms which are in the praedicament of substance, and heat is but an accident; and whatsoever is spoken of the Sun, the form of a Worm is more Noble than the form of the Sun, because it is the form of a living Creature; and that of the Sun is Forma mixta, or the form of a mixed body only: This Doubt brings us into that large and weighty Disputation of an Aequi∣vocal Generation, in the Circuit whereof very excellent Philosophers have Writ whol Volumns, to which we send our Reade••, and chiefly to Fortunius Licetus his Book of the Spontaneous Genera∣tion of Living Creatures: Let it ••uffice in this place to say that many of their Opinions are brought to this, They believe Seeds of many things to be in divers Substances, which according to their divers Changings, come to light; even as the matter is more or less disposed by putrefaction, or other alteration to receive this or that form: and the Seed which is more agreeable to that Disposition is brought into act, and bringeth into the matter a form proper to its self. This Opinion doth not much differ from the old Philosophy, which teacheth, That Forms proceed from the power in the Matter: but they think it safer to hide the Seeds of things in their Matter, which are truly efficient, than to ac∣knowledge only the power of the Matter, which hath no power to be an efficient, for we must find out some efficient with the power in the ••atter which may raise a Form from it, or rather introduce, or bring a Form into it.

The material Cause of Worms is commonly sweet Flegm which groweth putrid, by which it gets a Disposition to be turned into Worms; but we think it no wayes necessary, that food which wil breed Worms, should be first turned into Flegm: For Worms may breed of their immediately being putrified, as we see in Flesh, ••hee••e, Che••••nuts, Apples, Pears, Cherries, and other Fruits which bring forth Worms by being putrified: So it is in our bodies, especially in Children which are given to Glutt••ny and eat the aforesaid things, and take new commonly before the old is Concocted. Hence is it that they putrifie and breed Worms.

But let yong Physitians observe this, It is daily observed in Practice, That Sucking Children, that eat meat are most troubled with Worms, and because their Stomachs are not able to digest it, there∣fore it is corruption and turned into Worms; moreover, Milk is quickly digested in the Stomach, and presently sent to the Guts; and if it hath meat mixed with it which could not so suddenly be dige∣sted, it wil be sent into the intestines with the Milk, and therefore corrupt and breed Worms. And observe, That Worms never breed of Milk only, so that as often as you consider the Disease of an In∣fant, take notice, Whether it have the Worms or no, which Women alwayes proclaim and say al their Diseases came from thence, as they ascribe al the Diseases of Women to the Mother; and the Physi∣tian may certainly pronounce that the ••hild hath not the Worms, if it live only upon Milk, and have eat neither meat nor Broth: Galen •••• his com. aph. 26. sect. 3. taught this, saying, That in Children that Suck milk only no Worms do breed; the Reason whereof is not plain. Many say, That in suck∣ing Children the Heat is not strong enough to breed Worms. And this is confirmed by Galen in the place cited; where he saith, That strong Heat is required for the Generation of Worms; and thence he saith it comes that Worms are more in Youth, than Infancy; which also Hippocrates teacheth in the Aphorism aforesaid; and which he seems to gain-say in lib. 4. de morbis, where he saith, That Worms breed in Children before they are born; but these have not stronger heat than they that suck: And Hippocrates gives another Reason why Children in the Womb should have Worms, because their Excrements are reteined; but when they are born they do not breed Worms, because then their Excrements are not reteined. But this wil not satisfie, because oftentimes in Children that Suck the Excrements are reteined, and yet they have no Worms while they live only upon milk; therefore since the aforesaid Reasons do not content solid wits, we expect the new Thoughts of Wise men touching this matter; and in the mean while, we wil briefly declare our Opinion, and leave to the Judgment of the Learned: We say then, That Milk putrifying doth grow sowr, and then is unfit for to breed VVorms, but rather hindereth them; for it is known that al sowr things do kill VVorms: Hence it is that the Juyce of Lemons is so ordinarily given against them, and in ordinary drink a little Spirit of Vitriol to sharpen it doth wonders.

It is Commonly thought, That among the Material Causes of Worms, Sweet things are the chief; wh••ch is to be doubted or, because it is confirmed by a Common Axiome, That Sweet things do easily

turn into Choller and Choller by its bitterness doth kil Worms: but we can easily answer this doubt thus; In Chollerick Bodies, and such as are sharp with heat, sweet things do easily breed Choller, because by over Concoction, they grow bitter, as we see dayly in artificial Concoction: but in other Constitutions that are not Chollerick, sweet things do not breed Choller, but rather flegm, when they are sent too soon from the Stomach into the Guts, and so being crude, and only half concocted, they putrifie, and become a fit Matter to breed Worms.

But there is yet a difficulty concerning Sugar and Honey, which since they have a substance not subject to Putrefaction, but rather that doth preserve other things from it, cannot breed Worms. This Reason convincing, we say that Sugar and Honey will not breed Worms, because their substance is incorruptible; but being once bred, they do feed and maintain them, because the Worms loving sweet things, do stir themselves at the approach of Honey and Sugar, and get into the Stomach, where they grow with speed; from whence those Symptomes do arise which are proper to Worms.

The signs of Worms in the Guts are divers; not all in all people alike. The usual and most or∣dinary signs, A••••••inking Breath somwhat sowr, as the women call it, and stools like Cow dung, of a gray color like Potters Earth dissolved. Other signs are less usual, as a continual Feaver, which is often in a day, more violent from the motion of the Worms, with heaviness, cold sweat somtimes, and fainting, loathing, vomiting, and unquenchable thirst. The Pulse is unequal, the Cheeks are by turns red or blew, the Eyes shine, the Nose it••heth, the Teeth gnash, and somtimes chatter, there is a smal dry Cough, much Spittle: somtimes there is heaviness of head, and sleepiness; somtimes doting, and Epileptick Convulsions. There is often a pain in the Belly, by gnawing, somtimes by inflamation and distension or stretching forth like men in dropsies: somtimes there is starting in the sleep, and some tremble, and rise up, and fall asleep again; somtimes all the body pineth, and the Patient hath a Dogs Appetite, insatiable, which is most usual in the flat worms, which eat up all the Food. Moreover, If Gourd Worms, called Cucurbitini, be voided, they are a sign of flat. The Ascarides are known by the itching of the Anus, or Fundament, and the Excrements are many times filled with them.

For a Conclusion, The consuming, putrefaction, and eating away of the Gums, is to be reckoned among the signs of the Worms, which is confirmed by this following Observation: A certain Boy was a long time troubled with eating away of his Gums, many Medicines both internally and externally were applied, and all in vain; at length he died:- The body being opened, there were found so many Worms, that in some places the bowels were eaten through, and many were found in the empty pla∣ces of his Belly.

As for the Prognostick: Many Worms are worse than few, great than little. Many times they are dangerous, and bring great Diseases; as a strong Feaver by fits, swooning, speechlessness, doting, epilepsie, chollick, and dogs appetite.

In the beginning of a disease, it is evil for VVorms to come forth, either alive or dead, especially if they come forth alone, and without dung; for when they are alive, and come forth, they signifie great crudity, or want of nourishment; but dead, they signifie great putrefaction, by which they are killed.

VVorms in the declining of a Disease, coming forth with the Excrements, signifie Health, if con∣coction appear; for it appears then, that Nature ruleth and mastereth the Excrements.

The Cure of the Worms is by driving them out, because they are wholly against Nature. And this is done by purging Medicines, which kill VVorms, and evacuate the Matter that breedeth them.

Rhubarb is the best, which you may give in a Flux or Feaver. But you must first give things that kill them, or at least that drive them to the inferior Intestines by things taken at the Mouth, or those things that draw them down by Clysters.

The usual forms whereof, are these:

Take of Dogs-tooth, and Purslane Water, of each one ounce and an half: Syrup of Lemmons one ounce: Confectio de Hyacintho one dram: the Pouder against Worms, one scruple. Make a Potion; give it presently, and then this Clyster:

Take of whol Barley, Bran, and red Roses, of each one pugil: Liquoris and Raisons, scraped and stoned, of each half an ounce: Boyl them to half a pint, or three quarters of a pint: Dissolve in it strained, red Sugar one ounce, and one Yolk of an Egg. Make a Clyster.

You may ad Cassia, or Diacatholicon, if you desire it stronger.

After those Medicines have been given once or twice, give this Potion:

Take of Rhubarb one dram: yellow Sanders half a scruple: infuse them in Water of Dogs∣tooth or Purslain, two or three ounces: strain them, and dissolve in it, the pouder of Rhubarb, and pouder against the Worms, of each one scruple: Syrup of Roses one ounce: Mix them for a Potion. Or,

Take of the pouder of Rhubarb and Coralline, of each half a dram, more or less, according to the age: Dogs-tooth Water two ounces: Syrup of Violets one ounce. Make a Potion.

If the Feaver be not great, two drams of Hiera Picra more or less, are to be mixed in a Potion: for by its bitterness it killeth and expeileth Worms excellently.

If these things will not Cure them, use these following:

Take of Dogs-tooth, and Sorrel Water, of each one ounce: Endive, Succory, Sorrel, and Pur∣slane, of each one handful: the tops of St. Johns-wort, Scordium (or Water Germander) and Centaury the less, of each one pugi•••• Coralline three drams: boyl them to a pint; dissolve in the straining three ounces of Syrup of Lemmons. Make a Julep for three or four Doses, to be taken twice in a day.

Take of the Oyntment de Artanita, or (Soubread) three ounces: Quick-silver one dram: mix them, and anoint the whol belly.

Then purge again, and often, till the body be clensed.

And you may ad to the former Decoction, Senna, Agarick, Rhubarb, &c. and give it but once in a day.

Rondoletius highly commends the Electuary Diacarthamum, as an excellent Remedy to expel Worms, and to purge Flegm and corrupted Chyle, of which worms breed and are nourished; as al∣so he commends the infusion of Agarick in Oxymel. Which Remedies are proper, if there be no Feaver.

But because often times the diseases of the worms in some Children cannot be cured without much labor and time, there are many Remedies found out by Authors, both internal and external.

Among the Internal, first we will treat of Pouders, whereof there are divers Forms in Au∣thors.

The chief are these following; the dose whereof, is from one scruple to a dram, according to the age of the Patient in some convenient Liquor.

Take of Worm-seed half an ounce, Coralline three drams: Harts-horn two drams. Make a Pouder. Or,

Take of Worm-seeds, Coralline, and Harts-horn burnt, of each equal parts. Or,

Take of Hiera simplex two drams: Worm-seed, Scordium, the lesser Centaury, and Coralline, of each one dram. Make a Pouder.

Take of Rhubarb and Agarick, of each one dram: Troches of Alhandal one scruple: Diagri∣dium half a scruple: Coralline and burnt Harts-horn, of each half an ounce: Myrrh, Zedoary, and Tansie flowers, of each one scruple: Salt of Wormwood and Tartar, of each half a dram. Make a fine Pouder.

In the use of these Pouders, observe that they which are made of hot things, are to be given seldom, and in smal quantities to hot Natures, and in Feavers.

VVomen use to give to Children troubled with the worms, VVorm-seed made up with Sugar, or mixed with Honey; which is an excellent Medicine, because the worms desiring sweet things, take in the Honey, and withal the VVorm-seed, whereby they are destroyed.

But because VVorm-seed is very hot, it may be made temperate by infusing it two hours in Vine∣gar, and after mixing it with boyled Honey into the form of an Opiate, which Amatus Lusitanus doth praise as a principal Medicine against VVorms.

Burnt Harts-horn is commended by Forestus, given with Raisons, or otherwise, and some have been cured with that alone. But it is chiefly good for them who have the worms, and a flux withal. In which diseases coming together, he commends also the Juyce of Plantane, and the Decoction of Knot-grass given to drink. To which may be added Topicks applied to the Belly, partly astringent, and partly having vertue to kill worms.

Women do use common Oyl given with Wine, for that Oyl stops the pores of the Worms, and so choak them for want of breath, and VVine kills them by its sharpness. But when there is a Feaver, it is better to give Oyl with the Juyce of Lemmons or Pomegranates; or which is better, Oyl of bit∣ter Almonds with the said Juyces, or Orange flower water.

Stocherus in his Empirical Medicines, commends the Oyl that is taken out of a d••ied Hazel stick, if it be given but a drop or two at a time to a child; or to a youth, three or four in a crum of Bread; For (saith he) it doth immediately kill them, and cast them forth by stool; also by but touching of Worms or Lice out of the Body, it killeth them. The best Authors will have this Oyl of Hazel to be the Oleum Heraclinum, by which Martin Ruland did cure Children of the VVorms in a moment, by anointing only their Lips and Navils, as you may see in his Centuries.

But we have found by Experience that the Oyl of Juniper given but a drop at a time in Broth, to be excellent for children so troubled, if they have not a Feaver.

But Quick-silver would exceed all, if we durst give it in wardly; which great Doctors say may be done. Some of whom I wil mention, so that they who please to try it, may have Authority for it.

Mathiolus in his fourth Epistle to Stephanus Laureus, the Emperors Physitian, saith, Because Quick-silver (as Dioscorides saith) doth no otherwise kill, but by tearing the Guts with its great

weight: we fear not that it will do it in a smal quantity, especially because its weight and roundness will easily carry it through the Body. Therefore let us not wonder why Brassavolus that famous Physitian of our Age, hath written that he gave Quick-silver to Children without any inconveni∣ence. And also a padua Physitian used it with good success, but never would tell us the way of giving and preparing of it. And I, though I never gave it, have seen Midwives give a scruple, or half a dram to Women that had hard labor, without inconvenience, and alwaies with good success. Thus Mathiolus.

Fallopius in his Tractate of the French Pox, Cap. 76. If (saith he) Quick-silver be drunk down, it doth not so much as when it is used with an Oyntment; I have seen Women to cause Abortion take a pound thereof without hurt. I give it to Children for the Worms, and it doth bring no symptome, but only kill the Worms.

Platerus in the Cure of the Worms, saith the same; Give a drop or two, or half a scruple of Quick-silver, and it kills the Worms, or makes them crawl out of the Body, and it may be done with∣out hurt, as we shewed elswhere.

Fabricius Hildanus in his 71. Observation, Cent. 2. saith, of a woman troubled with the Worms, sent to him by Gilbert Saracenus, thus: Having reckoned up many Medicines to these (saith he) I added the excellent Medicine of Quick-silver, a dram and an half strained through Leather, and yet she was not freed of them.

John Baptista Zappata, in his Book of Womens Secrets, Chap. 5. tells many famous Stories of the Cure of Worms by Quick-silver, when Aloes and VVormwood would not do it. He shews two waies of giving it.

The first is this:

Take of Quick-silver one dram, but a scruple or two for little Children: Benjamin half a scru∣ple: four or five drops of Aqua vitae, mix them in a glass mortar with a glass pestle; then put to it a little Conserve of Roses or Violets for a Bolus, which let the Patient take in the morning by it self, or with a little Bread.

The second way is this:

Take a little course Sugar, and three or four drops of Spring Water: mix them in a glass mortar till they are like Honey: then put to it as much Quick-silver as was aforesaid: mix them together, with six or seven drops of Oyl of sweet Almonds, which will keep the Quick-silver from coming a∣gain to its body: And with a little Conserve of Roses, make a Bolus.

Baricellus in his Book called the Genial Garden, saith thus: Quick-silver, which some account poyson, is safely given against worms, and it is accounted so certain a Medicine in Spain, that the Women there give three grains thereof to children which pewk up their milk. I cured a Widdow which vomited nine daies together by reason of Worms, and scarce eat in three daies, neither could retain any thing she took; to whom I gave two scruples of Quick-silver, with a little Conserve of Quinces, and she voided downwards above an hundred Worms, and was cured the same day, and went about her business, to the great admiration of her Parents, being formerly weak and lean. I have given it also to others, and with good success alwaies; and I keep continually at home, Quick∣silver infused Water, which Water I give to children for Worms; nor did I ever receive any dis∣credit thereby. Mathiolus used the same, Horatus Angenius, and many other famous men, who all do extol the benefit of this Medicine. You may give it to Children in substance, one scruple, and to youths two scruples or a dram. It is mortified and corrected with red Sugar, in a glass, mor∣tar, wherein it must be so long stirred that it be invisible, and least it should return to its former condition, you may add thereto two of the Oyl of sweet Almonds. Give it with Sugar of Roses Violets, or Quinces, fasting. Thus Baricellus.

Sanctorius in meth. vitand. error. lib. 5. cap. 11. saith, That except we use strong Medicines to kill worms, as washed aloes, or a scruple of Quick-silver, with a little Turpentine and Aloes made into a smal Pill, we do nothing.

They who fear to use Quick-silver crude, may give it prepared, as Mercurius dulcis, not only thrice, but six times calcined (for by often preparation the malignity of it is abated) with some few grains of Diagridium, to carry it sooner out of the Body, and expel both the Worms, and the Matter of which they breed.

You must enlarge or diminish the quantity, according to the Age of the Patient. As for example, to a Boy of eight or ten yeers old, it may be thus given:

Take of Mercurius dulcis twelve grains: Diagridium six grains: Make Pouder to be given with a roasted Apple and Sugar, or the like.

For ordinary drink, the Water made of Quick-silver, which was formerly mentioned, is very pro∣fitable, or that in which Quick-silver hath been shaken in a glass half full, for the space of one hour.

Also VVater wherein melted Tin hath been often quenched. But if you will rather use

Quick silver, it is better to let the Water boyl with it, and so it wil be stronger.

Also Spring Water made sharp with some few drops of the Spirit of Virriol or Sulphur, is of no less force. For sharp things do properly kill VVorms, and the Water is to be made more or less sharp according to the age of the Party.

The Decoction of Dog-tooth with Coriander seed prepared, is used vulgarly for ordinary drink, mixed with Syrup of Lemons or of pomegranats; Or you may put Sugar and a little Vinegar in the Decoction.

While the aforesaid Remedies are used, you must give Clysters often the whol time of the Disease, first made of sweet things to attract and draw down the VVorms, as at first we said: which may be made not only of a Decoction of Liquoris, Raisons, and Figs, but also of Chicken-broth and Su∣gar, and Honey of Roses, or of Milk if there be no Feaver, otherwise it wil be easily Cor∣rupted.

But if we conjecture that the VVorms are already in the thick Guts, because then they can scarce∣ly ascend into thin Guts you may give Clysters to kil them, made thus:

Take of Dog-Tooth Roots, one ounce: Beets, Mallows Pot Mercury, and Purslain, of each half an handful: Coralline one pugil: Coriander seeds prepared. and Wormseed, of each two drams: boyl them in a Quart of Water, in one Pint of the straining dissolve two ounces of Oyl of Roses, Cassia newly drawn, six drams: Hiera Picra, two drams: Honey of Violets one ounce: make a Clyster.

If you wil have stronger,

Take of Gentian Roots one ounce: common Wormwood and Southernwood, of each one hand∣ful: the lesser Centaury half an handful: Lup••nes half an ounce: Wormseed two drams: make a Decoction: In as much of the straining as you think fit, dissolve the Oyl of Wormwood one ounce and an half: Salt one dram and an half: ••••ake a Clyster which must be repeated, and in the last that the Worms may be brough forth after they are killed, d••ssolve of Benedicta Laxativa, and Hie∣ra Picra, of each three dram••, or half an ounce.

If there be a Flux of the Belly, give this following Clyster:

Take of Tormen••l Roots, and of Round Buth-wort, of each one ounce and and an half: Pome∣granate Peels and Myrcha ans, of each one ounce: Pease a smal handful: Myrtle berries one dram: Red Roses one pugil: make a Decoction and dissolve in the straining of Oyl of Mints or of Wormwood, one ounce: make a Cryster.

Outwardly may divers Topicks be applied, not only those that were mentioned, but these fol∣lowing.

Take of Gentian Roots one ounce: Birth-wort Roots six drams: Orange Peels one ounce: Coloquintida one dram: burnt Harts-horn two drams: Saffron half a dram: make a Pou∣der, which mix with Oyl of Wormwood, or Bitter Almonds, and with a little Wax make an Ʋnguent.

Also common Oyl boyled with the Pulp of Coloquintida is powerful.

Also Oyl of Wormwood, and St. Johns-wort, must be applied to the whol Belly, morning and evening.

Take of Oyl of Wormwood, Mints, and bitter Almonds, of each half an ounce: the Juyce of Wormwood and Rue, of each two ounces: Tormentil, white Dittany, and Zedoary, of each half a dram: Ox Gall three drams: Aloes one scruple: Pouder them, and with a little Wax make an Oynment: Or,

Take of Coloquintida six drams: Pouder it, and with an Ox Gall lay it to the Navel, by which both the Worms are killed, and the belly kept loose.

Take of Murrh seven drams: Mast ch eight ounces: Aloes eighteen ounces: common Salt one pound: bruise them all and Distil them by a Retort with a gentle Fire, and great diligence; first you will have a Water, than an Oyl; with which if you anoint the Navel of a Child, all putre∣faction will be clensed which is in the Mysentery.

Also you may make a Cataplasm thus,

Take of the meal of Lupines two ounces: Myrrh and Aloes, of each two drams: Ox Gall as much as is sitting: Oyl of Wormwood two ounces: make a Cataplasm for the Belly.

If a Loosness hath Continued long, apply this following Cataplasm:

Take of Oyl of Quinces and Wormwood, of each one ounce: the Juyce of Purslain extracted with Vinegar, one ounce and an half: Peaseflowr an ounce: Lupine flowr half an ounce: Red Coral and burnt Harts-horn, of each three drams: mix them together with as much Turpentine as wil make a Cataplasm.

A Cataplasm also made of only Hiera Picra, is most powerful.

Somtimes you may use Fomentations, when there is a great stretching and puffing up of the Belly.

Made thus:

Take of Wormwood, Southernwood, Tansie, Scordium, Mallows, and Violets, of each one handful: beaten Lupines half an ounce: Centaury one pugil: boyl them in Vinegar and Water, and Foment the whol Belly hot therewith very often.

Finally, For Flat VVorms and Ascarides, or Ars-Worms, Clysters made of bitter things are good; to which you may ad the Purging things aforesaid, while the filth of which they breed be pur∣ged away.

Chap.10. Of the Immoderate Flux of the Hoemorrhoids.

ALthough the moderate Flux of the Hoemorrhoids be healthful, and preserveth a man from many and grievous Diseases, as Hippocrates taught in epidemii, and in his Aphorisms, as from a Pleurisie, Peripneumonia, or Inflamation of the Lungs; nephritis, or the Stone in the Kidneys; Madness, Melancholly, and innumerable other: Yet the immoderate Flux is most dangerous, and brings other pernicious Diseases, as Weakness of the whol Body, Coolness of the Bowels, and espe∣cially of the Liver; an Atrophy or want of nourishment, an evil Habit, and Dropsie by the loss of Natural Heat, by spending too much Blood which is the treasure of Life, and the cheerisher of the whol Body.

And this Immoderate Flux hath the same Causes which use to provoke other sorts of Bleeding: namely, Blood offending in Quantity or Quality; when it offendeth in Quantity, and is brought in great plenty to the Haemorrhoid Veins, it doth violently dilate them and open their Orifices, by the strength of the Expulsive Faculty: but somtimes too much Blood coming thither, doth oppress the Retentive Faculty.

Hence it comes that she being Defective in her duty, there is a great Flux which must be restrain∣ed by art.

But while Blood off ends in Quality, as sharpness, it stirs up the Expulsive Faculty, to cast forth by those Veins not only the unprofitable but profitable Blood, the Blood Causing this Flux is made sharper by a mixture of Choller, or sharp Water.

This immoderate Flux is known by the loss of Strength, and a Sense of Weakness coming from a long Flux and loss of Blood: As also from an evil yellowish colour of the whol Body, as if it were the Jaundice.

If the Disease come from Quantity of Blood, there went before Causes of increase of Blood, and the Patient bears it wel in the beginning, and is more cheerful; but afterwards the Flux continuing, he grows weak, and dejected.

But if it comes from sharpness and thinness of the Blood, there went before Causes that breed cho∣let or sharp Water, the body is of a Chollerick Constitution and burnt: the blood floweth violent∣ly, and it is very red, shining, and as it were flaming, when otherwise offending only in Quantity it useth to be black and Melancholly.

The Prognostick is gathered easily from what hath been said, when we reckon up those grievous Diseases which come from this.

For the Cure, The Blood must be stanched, or moderated at least, which must be done by Revul∣sives, Derivatives, Thickners, and Astringents.

And first, Phlebotomy is a Revulsive Remedy in every Flux of blood, therefore in the Hae∣morrhoids thus flowing, draw blood from the Arm; and more plentifully if there be signs of fulness and much hath not been lost, otherwise take but little, and at divers times.

Also Frictions and Ligatures of the Superior parts do revel the blood, as also Cupping Glasses ap∣plied to the Shoulders, Breasts, and Hypochondria, which for the better Revulsion may have Scar∣rification in the Shoulders, but they must be often applied to the places afore-mentioned.

Also a Gentle Purge doth derive the Chollerick Humors which make the blood so violent in the Guts; and this must be made of Purging things that have an Astringent Quality, as Rhubarb, My∣robalans, and Tamarinds, such as were prescribed against Vomiting of Blood: And Mercurialis teacheth, That Tamarinds have an especial power to stop this kind of bleeding, whether they be ta∣ken boyled or in substance.

Also sharp French Pruens which are somwhat like Tamarinds being often eaten afore meat, are good: and their use is convenient to keep the body loose, and if these wil not suffice you may ad o∣ther things which were propounded for the Cure of a Belly bound, because by use of Astringents the belly wil be bound, and by straining to discharge the Excrements that are hard, the Veins wil be more open and bleed more.

Afterwards you must use those things that thicken the Blood, and astringe the loose Veins, such as were prescribed for vomiting and spitting of blood, in form of a Julep Pouder, Opiate, and the rest; coming to Narcoticks, as is there said, if great need require.

And besides those Remedies, the Pills of Bdellium are much commended by Authors; which Rondeletius rejecteth, because the Apothecaries have not true Bdellium, and use Mirrh instead there∣of, which causeth bleeding. But Solenander opposeth him, saying by Experience, that he hath found these Pills make of ordinary Bdellium, so cleerly to produce their effect, that he wil not doubt of the composition. Except some should think that the Myrrh is made dull by drying things, and a∣stringents that are mixed therewith. To this we may add what Bauderon in his Dispensatory, and other Modern Writers say, That we have true Bdellium brought from India at this day, which is hard to be distinguished from Myrrh.

The use of these Pills, is after this manner:

Take of Pills of Bdellium one dram: the Troches of Amber, and Terra sigillata, of each one scruple▪ With the Mucilage of Quince seeds extracted with Rose Water. Make a mass of Pills, of which let him take a scruple twice a day, before Dinner and Supper.

At the same time you must use Topicks made after divers forms.

A Fomentation of Mullein boyled in Smiths VVater, or astringent VVine, is best; for that Plant is proper for the pain and bleeding of the Hemorrhoids. But you must diligently observe in the use of Fomentations, that they be either cold, or moderately hot.

A more compound Decoction may be made thus:

Take of Snakeweed Roots half a pound: Plantane, Mullein, Bramble and Oak buds, of each two handfuls and an half: Sumach berries, Pomegranate flowers, green Galls, and Pomegranate peels, of each one handful: Myrtles half a dram: red Roses two pugils: Allum one ounce: boyl these in three parts of Forge water, and one of old red Wine, for a Fomentation.

Martin Ruland commends a Fomentation made of two bags, applied hot by times, made of red cloth, and filled with beaten Acorns and Oak Leaves, and boyled long in strong Vinegar.

Of the Decoction before mentioned, with a greater quantity of every Simple, you may make a Bath to sit in, which the ••ick man must use somwhat cold, as is said of a Fomentation.

Ʋnguentum Comitissae is very good, if you anoint the Back and Hemorrhoids therewith: or you may make for the present this following:

Take of Oyl of Roses, Olives, and Myrtles, of each two ounces: the Juyce of Plantane and Mullein, of each one ounce and an half: red Wine Vinegar one ounce: boyl them till the juyces are consumed: then add of Bole, Sanguis Draconis, Frankinsence, and dross of Iron finely poudered, of each one dram: Wax as much as will make an Ʋnguent.

Rondoletius approves rather of those Oyntments which are made without Oyl, because they are more astringent▪ and they are thus made:

Take of the Juyce of Plantane, Shepheards-purse, and Mullein, of each two ounces: the simple Syrup of Vinegar three ounces: boyl them gently; then add of Bole, Terra sigillata, and Snake∣weed Roots poudered, of each one dram and an half: Sanguis Draconis one ounce: Ceruss wa∣shed two scruples: mix them into the form of a Liniment.

If the Hemorrhoids be ulcerated, you may make this following:

Take of Oyl of Roses two ounces: Frankinsence and Aloes, of each one dram: Sarcocol, Sanguis Draconis, and Bole, of each half a dram: Spodium, and Carabe, of each one scruple: white Starch three drams: Juyce of Plantane one ounce. Make an Ʋnguent.

The Fat of an Eel, which comes out when it is roasted, put to the Oyntments, makes them better by a proper Vertue.

Also you may with profit apply a Cataplasm to the said parts, made thus:

Take of Bole, Aloes, Mastich, Frankinsence, and Sanguis Draconis, of each half an ounce: the stones of Myrobalans, and Galls, of each one dram: mix them with the white of an Egg, and Juyce of Plantane. Make a Cataplasm.

Or the Hairs of an Hare burnt, and Spiders webs mixed with the white of an Egg, will make a Cataplasm, which you must apply to the Vein where it is open, if it appears, or put it gently in.

Suppositories are good for this use, because they are put up into the part.

The Form of them is,

Take of Colophony, and Frankinsence, of each three drams. Bole half an ounce: Ceruss and burnt Lead, of each one dram: Acacia half a dram: pouder them finely, and make them into a Suppository with Goats Suet.

Make Injections into the part by a Syringe of the Juyce of Plantane, and other things mentioned for a Fomentation. The blood of any Creature newly drawn, and injected whi••e it is hot, doth wonderfully restrain any flux of blood from the belly.

The Lungs of a Sheep being hot and bloody, being sat upon, have great power to stop this Blood.

Also Fumigations made of the Decoctions of the Fomentations aforesaid, are good for the same end. To which you may ad those things mentioned in a Dysentery. As also this following:

Take of Frankinsence, Aloes, Mastich, red Roses, Myrtles, and Wormwood, of each half a dram: Troches of Carabe one dram & Make a grass Pouder to be cast upon the hot coals; and let the fume thereof be received in a large funnel by a hollow chair, tying a wooden or silver pipe to the narrow hole, and putting it into the Fundament.

A Fumigation made of Mullein is the best of all.

If you can apply Remedies to the Veins that bleed, it is best therefore that they may appear And therefore let the Patient be laid upon a Table, and strain as if he were at stool till they appear; using an Instrument if there be need. And then apply the afore mentioned Cataplasm of the Hair of an Hare and Spiders Webs, or other very drying Remedies; Bole, Allum, or burnt Vitriol. Al∣so to touch the Vein with Oyl of Vitriol, is good; or in extream danger with Aqua fortis.

Which things, if they prevail not, Hippocrates in his Book of Diet, in acute Diseases, and of the Hemorrhoids, shews the way of tying, cutting, and burning of them; which operation is out of fa∣shion now, as being most painful and perilous. Although Massaria saith that he once saw it, the story whereof will be prositable to be related; for by that you may learn the way of working, and the event. The History is this: Frederick Corsicus of Vincentia, first had the pain, then the im∣moderate flux of the Hemorrboids: And when he had in vain tried many things, went to Padua; where the Physitians by a common consent, concluded that the blood must be stopped. But when many means inwardly and outwardly, were in vain used, in the end finding no Remedy, they con∣cluded to try this Manual Operation: But having no fit Chyrurgion, they sent for a Neapolitan, who professed this Art, and he cut, tied, and burnt the Hemorrhoids of Fabricius thus: First he bound him so that he could no waies move; then he separates the Hemorrhoids from the Intestine; then with a Needle, he passeth throw, and seweth them, and tieth all about strongly: then cutting off the part of the Vein which is above the sewing, he burns it with a hot Iron. It was a painful Opera∣tion from the Ligature, Section, and Burning: So that Frederick had a Feaver, and great pain. But the Chyrurgion gave him a few Medicines by which he was freed both from feaver and pain in a few daies to the admiration of all men there, and recovered from bleeding. But it is not to be o∣mitted, how he being too confident, and neglecting bleeding and purging, which he stood after in need of, keeping no orderly diet; the next yeer he was taken with a pestilent Feaver, and died. From whence we may observe the Precept of Hippocrates, Aph. 12. Sect. 6. That one Hemorrhoid must be kept open. Except the Patient, as Aetius observeth, had rather prevent the danger that comes by stopping of it by a good diet, exercise, bleeding, and purging.

But in an ordinary Cure by Medicines, you must consider the Liver and Spleen, because the Mese∣raick Veins are inserted into them, especially if they be hot or weak. And therefore not unprofitably do we apply Epithems, or cooling and strengthening Oyntments, such as we prescribed in the flux of the Liver, and shal more at large be laid down in the hot distemper, and inflamation of those parts. Somtimes the Obstruction of the Bowels, and Meseraick Veins do cause this Disease; which are to be taken away for the Cure of the Patient. And we have somtimes done it with Pills of Steel, which are prescribed in the Obstruction of the Liver.

The whol time of Cure, let the Patient drink ordinarily Iron Water, or the Decoction of Yar∣row.

At the same time, above all things you must rectifie the blood, which is the chief cause of this flux. Therefore if it be sharp and Chollerick, it is often to be corrected with the infusion of Rhubarb and Tamarinds. If it be hot and thin, with thickening and cooling Medicines: if watery, with dry∣ers: if much, with a slender Diet. For it is vain to think of stopping of the blood, except the origi∣nal of the evil be first taken away. Which Solenander observed, Cons. 22. Sect. 4. in this following History. I remember (saith he) that I had one Ann, a Dukes Daughter, of a great flux of the He∣morrhoids; and because she was far spent, I took much pains to stop the flux. But when I perceived that the first day after they were stopped, she began to swel about the Heart. Being sent for again, the seventh day I opened the Veins again; nor could I safely stop them before I had given gentle Evacutions, and alte••••ng and strengthening things for the Liver.

After you have cured the flux of the Hemorrhoids, you must prevent their return: which is done by good Diet, and bleeding twice or thrice in a yeer, and with an ordinary Purge of a Magistral Syrup, or other Medicine, with an issue made in the Leg, and the like; which are to be altered according to the divers dispositions of Bodies. Moreover, Mineral Waters of Vitriol, Allum, and Iron, are very convenient.

Fonseca commends the Decoction of the Mastich Tree, or the Infusion of it in VVine, for a Pre∣vention, thus made:

Take of the shavings of Mastich wood two ounces: infuse them in twelve Pints of Wine twen∣ty four hours in a warm place, then strain it and drink of it a whol month for ordinary drink: for it hath strength to stop the Haemorrhoids, and strengthen the Stomach.

Chap. 11. Of the Pain of the Haemorrhoids.

THe Haemorrhoid Veins that are in the end of the Rectum Intestinum, or streight Gut, somtimes do swel and cause very great pain.

This swelling comes of the same Cause with the Flux or bleeding of the Haemorrhoids; namely, Of blood offending in Quantity or Quality, which if it findeth not away, and cannot open the ends of the Veins, there it settleth, and by filling of the Veins causeth a Tumor with Inflamation, and pain. The principal Cause why Blood cannot get out of the Veins, is the thickness of it, because it is Melancholly: for commonly the Hemorrhoid Veins, especially internal, are said to receive Me∣lancholly from the Spleen, and somtimes to purge it forth.

Authors give many differences of Hemorrhoids, from their greatness, number, figure, and place: whence some are called great, others little; some more, some less; some are like Grapes, Mulber∣ries, Warts, or Bladders; thence termed Uval, Moral, Verrucal, or Vesical. Some are External, some Internal.

From these things the knowledg of them is easie; for from a Tumor in the outside of the Funda∣ment, from its greatness, color, and consistence, the differences are known. And they are to be di∣stinguished from other Diseases which use to be in the Fundament, as Rhagades, Clefts; Condy∣lomata, Swellings with Inflamation; Thymi, Kernels; Fici, Piles, and the rest.

Rhagades are certain Ulcers like Clefts in the Hands and Lips, from vehement cold. They have no likeness with the Hemorrhoids; but we will explain them with the rest, although they are pro∣perly to be referred to external Diseases, that you may with the knowledg of the Hemorrhoids know all diseases of the Fundament.

Condylomata are certain Tumors of the Skin, which being wrinkled, if it swel by Humors, it is called Condyloma. It is distinguished from a Hemorrhoid, because a Hemorrhoid is greater, black, and round in a Vein; but this is long, of the same color, and not in the Veins.

Thymi are carnous swellings, which are not only in the Fundament, but Privities of Men and Wo∣men, like Warts, and like the flowers of Thyme, from whence they have their name. These are lit∣tle, white, or reddish, without pain; but the Hemorrhoids are greater, black, for the most part painful.

Fici are also fleshy Swellings, but greater than Thymi; also they are blew and painful, and therefore more like Hemorrhoids: but they are distinguished from them, because they are all flesh; but the Hemorrhoids shew the Veins full, and enlarged at the ends. Moreover, Fici for the most part ulcerate, and are malignant, so that they are like a Cancer.

Those Caruncles, or pieces of flesh which grow in the Fundament, are like these Fici, called Cristae, or Tufts, usual in Italy, but unusual among us, because they come from an impure and un∣natural Lechery: they look like the Combs of Cocks, and thence they have their name: Because they are nothing like the Hemorrhoids they need no distinction. But let this be for a Conclusion, All the aforesaid Diseases are cured only by Chyrurgery, so that a peculiar way is not to be layed down here.

As for the Prognostick, The Swelling Hemorrhoids, they are seldom dangerous; but somtimes so inflamed, that you may fear a Gangrene; or else they extreamly torment the Patient.

Hemorrhoids, if they come to Suppuration, or an Ulcer, often times leave a Fistula, which is ma∣ny times incurable, by reason of the tenderness of the part, and the great moisture which hindereth the healing of it.

For the Cure hereof, first let blood in the Arm, and make a Revulsion from the part affected. Which being sufficiently done, you may also open the Vein in the Ancle for revulsion.

The same is done by Cupping of the Hypochondria for Revulsion, and the Hipps for Deriva∣tion.

Strong Purges are not good in this case, because they draw the Humors to the part, and encrease the Tumor. But you must constantly keep the Body open, because hard Excrements, and voided with straning, encrease pain. An Infusion of Cassia given morning and evening, is good for this, thus made:

Take of Lettice, Bugloss tops, Mallows, of each one handful: Liquoris scraped, and Raisons sioned, of each half an ounce: Bugloss, Borrage, and Violet flowers, of each one pugil. Boyl them to eight ounces. In the straining infuse Cassia new drawn one ounce; strain it, and clarifie

it; and then put thereto one ounce of Syrup of Violets. Give it twice a day as aforesaid.

Somtimes to asswage the sharpness of the Humor you may give the Emulsions of the cold Seeds, made with the aforesaid Decoction.

In the mean while, divers Topicks are to be used to appease pain, take away Inflamation, and dis∣cuss the Humor. Or Oyl of sweet Almonds newly drawn, and which is better, the Oyl of Peach Kernels, or Gourd Seeds, Poppy, or Henbane Seeds.

Oyl of Box-tree is best, because it is stupifying: And as it cures all Tooth-ach miraculously, so doth it mitigate all other: and this, if you lay but a drop with a little Lint upon the Hemorrhoids; or if you mix it with Lin-seed Oyl, in this proportion, that there be half an ounce of that, and one scruple of Oyl of Box.

Quercetan highly commends the Oyl of Nuts in which Sows or Hog-lice have been boyled. You may also boyl Hog-lice in common Oyl, and it will much asswage pain.

Plain Oyl of Eggs, or made in a Leaden Mortar, doth the same.

Divers Liniments and Oyntments may be prescribed for the same: Some whereof do only appease pain; some discuss the Tumor, and dry; others heat the Ulcers. And you may apply them with Lint.

Take one Yolk of an Egg; as much Oyl of Roses, or Violets as will make a Liniment: To which if you put Populeon, it will asswage pain better; and when the pain is very violent, you may add a little Opium. Or,

Take of Hens Grease half an ounce: the pap of an Apple roasted in the Embers one ounce: Saffron half a dram: Populeon half an ounce: With the Yolk of one Egg make a Lini∣ment. Or,

Take of Oyl of Violets two ounces: Populeon half an ounce: With one whol Egg make an Oyntment: or let the white of an Egg be beaten with Breast-milk, and applied to the part, with clouts dipped therein. Or,

Take of the Mucilage of Fleabane seeds two ounces: Oyl of Violets three ounces. Make a Liniment. Or,

Take of the Mucilage of Fleabane and Foenugreek seeds extracted with Wine, of each two drams: Fresh Butter three ounces: Goats Suet one ounce. Mix them in a Leaden Mortar for a Liniment.

Or Butter alone, set in a Leaden Mortar in the Sun till it wax black, is an excellent Medicine.

Also fresh Pomatum is very Anodine.

Take of the Juyce of Purslain and Honey, of each four ounces. Mix them in a Leaden Mortar into the form of a Liniment.

Take of Ʋnguent of Roses two ounces: Quick-silver two drams. Mix them into a Lini∣ment. Or,

Take of white Diachylon mollified with the Oyl of Chamomel two ounces: Saffron one scruple: Opium three grains. Make an Ʋnguent.

Horstius much commends an Oyntment made of wild Flax, with its flowers boyled in Hogs grease. To which being strained, and a little cooled, you must add the Yolk of an Egg, and apply it to the part with Lint. He saith that it asswageth these kind of pains miraculously, and that he had from John Wolf that famous Physitian of Hesse, who refused to discover it to his Prince, the Landgrave of Hesse, till he promised him every yeer a fatted Ox.

These Liniments following are good to discuss the Tumor, and asswage pain.

Take Leeks and roast them in a wet cloth in the embers, and beat them with fresh Butter, and they will take away pain and swelling.

A red Onion doth the same boyled with the pap of a Lilly, and beaten with Oyl of Myrtles.

Take the Oyl of Peach Kernels, and bitter Almonds, of each two ounces: Liquid Storax and Bdellium, of each two drams. Dissolve them in Oleo, and mix them for a Liniment.

The Balsom of Sulphur made of the Flower of Brimstone, and Spirit of Turpentine, is good to asswage pain and swelling, and to clense the Ulcers of those parts. And better, if instead of Oyl of Turpentine you use the Oyl of St, Johns-wort, and of Eggs. Also when there is great swelling with Inflamation, you may use Oyl of Roses, or of Violets instead of the Oyls aforesaid.

Also Cataplasms are good for the same purpose. Of which the most common for taking away all pains, is that of white Bread and Milk boyled, adding Oyl of Roses, and Yolks of Eggs.

Aquapendens commends a Cataplasm of Plantane, Pellitory of the wall, and Mallows boyled in Water, and after with Oyl of Roses; to which, when he would have it more drying, he adds Barley Meal, and Millet Meal: And if the pain be great, he makes it of Milk. He commends also the Cata∣plasm of Leek Heads, boyled in Common Oyl or Oyl of Myrtles, or made of Pilewort boyled in Water.

Green Elder Leaves boyled to slime in Water, and then spread upon a cloth as big as the Palm of your Hand, and applied hot to the Patient lying upon his Belly; if it be often renewed for many hours, and the part first anointed with common Oyl, or the Decoction of the same, is very excel∣lent.

The Leaves also of Elder stamped and applied cold, do take away the pain the third dressing.

Also Purslain stamped and applied, asswageth pain and swelling, heats the Ulcers, and consumeth proud flesh.

A white Onion roasted in the Embers, and made with fresh Butter into a Cataplasm, doth asswage pain, and discuss the Tumor.

Let Fomentations be applied to the part to take away pain, made of the Decoction of Mullein, Mallows, Holyhocks, Pellitory, Lin-seed, Foenugreek seed, Marsh-mallows, Chamomel flowers, and Dill boyled in Milk, or in the want of Milk, in Water and Oyl, or Tripe Broth.

You may make a Bath with a greater quantity of the same Ingredients.

Cold Water alone, is a good Fomentation, and a Bath also. But in Winter warm it.

Also foment in Rose Water in which Salt of Lead hath been dissolved, especially if the part be in∣flamed.

To take away swelling, it is good to foment with red Wine wherein Allum is boyled.

Polypody of the Oak, and St. Johns-wort boyled in equal parts of Wine and Water, doth sensibly abate the swelling of the Hemorrhoids, if the Decoction be squeezed in by degrees with a spunge, the Waters of hot Baths applied with Spunges, or to sit in, are also good.

Aquapendens applieth a Spunge dipped in Time Water and squeezed, and after bound upon the part; a Fumigation of the aforesaid Decoction while it is hot, or of Mullein boyled in Milk with Rye Flower, doth also appease pain. Or,

Take of Housleek two handfuls: boyl them in white Wine, and let the Patient receive the Fume through an hollow Chair.

To consume and dry up the Piles, a Fumigation made of the Pouder of Darnel, Mullein, Pilewort, cast upon hot coals, is good, and better if you mix Brimstone therewith. Also it is made of Brim∣stone only, which taken in with a Funnel, drieth up the blind Hemorrhoids. Also a Fumigation made of a Fire-stone quenched in Vinegar.

And this following Injection is marvelous good for the same, if often used.

Take of Juyce of Plantane, and Oyl of Violets, of each four ounces: Natural Balsom half an ounce. Make an Injection into the Anus.

Amatus Lusitanus in the 91. Cure, Cent. 2. doth praise this following Suppository, in these words: A Roman Lady which lived at St. Angelo's Bridg, having her Womb forth, complained also of the pain of the Hemorrhoids: And after we had used many choyce Medicines, by which she received no benefit, we gave her a Suppository of Goats Suet and Opium, by which she was cured perfectly. But we washed the part afterwards with strengthening things warm, as ought to be af∣ter stupefying Medicines have been applied.

The same Amatus, Curat. 6. Cent. 3. commends this following Topick in these words: A Re∣verend man was grievously troubled with the Hemorrhoids; and after divers means used by Phy∣sitians, was cured by us with this Medicine immediately.

Take an Orange, and make it hollow, and fill it with Oyl of Roses, and of Spike: then roast it, and apply it hot, repeated often, it is wonderful.

The Lungs of a Goat are used commonly, applied hot to the part, or some slices made hot be∣tween two Dishes with a little VVater, to asswage pain.

Both the aforesaid Ealsom of Sulphur, and these following Oyntments, are good for the Piles ulcerated.

Take of new Oyl of Eggs two ounces: Stir them in a Leaden Mortar, and apply them.

Take four ounces of Oyl of Roses, and one ounce of Ceruss: With half an ounce of Litharge, and six drams of new Wax, and four grains of Opium. Make an Oyntment. Or,

Take of Frankinsence, Myrrh, and Saffron, of each one dram: Opium two grains: One Yolk of an Egg; Oyl of Roses, and Mucilage of Fleabane seeds, of each as much as will make an Oyntment.

If they will not easily be dissolved, you must open them after convenient Revulsions, rubbing them with a rough cloth dipped in the Juyce of Onions, in which there was dissolved one dram of Aloes. This is Hartmans Secret. But they are soon opened, and with less pain, with a Pen-knife, or Hors-leeches.

Some special things are taken by the Mouth to asswage pain, and consume the Hemorrhoids. The chief are these:

The Decoction of Yarrow taken three daies as ordinary Drink, and the seed of three Leaved Grass given many daies together with the Yolk of an Egg, is also excellent.

The Pouder of Mullein given in Milk, or otherwise, is much approved against the Swelling of the Piles.

The Pouder of Yarrow and Tormentil, are commended to do the same.

The Juyce of Mullein by its self, or mixed with Sugar of Roses, or Penedies; or made into a Sy∣rup with Sugar, is also excellent.

Finally, Pills of Bdellium taken often, do consume the Piles, and take away the cause of them insensibly.

An Issue made in the Legg, is very good for them who are subject to this Disease.

The End of the Tenth Book.