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 ...

Chap. 3. Of Obstruction, Tumor, or Puffing up of the Spleen.

THe Spleen is no less subject to Obstructions than the Liver, but more, because it receiveth thicker and fouler blood, which is more easily contained in its Veins, or insensible Passages, by reason of the softness and loosness of the part, which is more fit to receive thick Humors. And when thick Humors stick in the substance of the Spleen, it makes a Tumor, and an Inflamation in the part. And if the Humor by long continuance grow thick and hard, it breeds a Scirrhus; but as long as it is moist with Flegm, it is like an Oedema or flegmatick Tumor, which is most usual with them who live in Marshy moist places, or who live upon cold Diet. But if this Tumor be soft and loose, it is called simply an Inflamation, or puffing up, the cause whereof, is partly flegm, and partly wind. They are commonly called Splenitick people who are thus afflicted.

The Causes of the Obstruction of the Spleen, are the same with them of the Liver, and this or that part is, as it is more or less disposed to receive them: Somtimes both Liver and Spleen are affe∣cted together; for a gross Humor can hardly be in one part, but some of it must be carried to the other.

The Obstruction of the Spleen is distinguished from the Obstruction of the Liver, from the Sci∣tuation of the part; for there is a heaviness in the left Hypochondrion, and somtimes pain, especially after running o•• great walking or riding: and when you handle the Hypochondrion, there is a stretching and resistance; Besides, the Face is blewish, and there are other Signs of Me∣lancholly.

This Disease is stubborn and of long continuance, by reason of the softness and loosness of the part, which cannot therefore easily discharge the humor; and if it last long and be not Cured spee∣dily, it turns into a Scirrhus.

The Cure is the same with that of the Obstruction of the Liver, by adding some things which do more properly respect the Spleen, and are fitter to prepare and purge Melancholly.

The Pills of Ammoniacum which follow, are to be added as most excellent, and to be used often,

Take of the best Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar of Squills one ounce: the extract of Aloes half an ounce: Crystal of Tartar one dram: Myrrh and Saffron, of each half a dram: Mastich, Benjamine, Salt of Ash, and Wormwood, of each one scruple: with Oxymel of Squills make a mass of Pills. The Dose is half a dram twice in a Week, with Purging between.

In Apozemes and other Opening Drinks, Oxymel simple, and of Squills, or Sea Onyons may be very wel dissolved, to cut and dissolve powerfully the gross and earthy humors.

Of all other Medicines those which are made of Steel are the best to open the Obstructions of the Spleen.

Also you may give Steeled or Ironed Waters for ordinary Drink, which are known to lessen the Spleen (as Celsus saith) by this, because Beasts that are brought up at Smiths houses have little Spleens.

To the Fomentation put Vinegar instead of white Wine, which wil make them peirce better, which is requisite in a gross humor.

Moreover Galen Commends Vinegar exceedingly in the Diseases of the Spleen, used both inward∣ly and outwardly.

Put Hemlock to the Cataplasms; as being most Powerful to Soften, and Discuss Hu∣mors.

There is an Excellent Cataplasm made of Green Tobacco; boyled in Oyl, and White Wine.

Of which also boyled to the Consumption of the Wine, you may make a Rare Lini∣ment.

Amatus Lusitanus, curat. 6. cent. 5. mentioneth a Cure of an Obstruction of the Spleen remain∣ing after a Quartan Ague, That it was taken away with a Decoction of China used twenty dayes after convenient Purging.