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. 6. Of the Mother-Fits, or Womb-sickness.

WHen Seed and Menstrual Blood, are retained in Women besides the intent of Nature, they putrefie and are corrupted, and attain a malignant and venemous quality: from whence vene∣mous Vapors are elevated and carried to divers parts of the Body, from whence divers Symptomes do arise, and those so divers, that Democri••us might justly say in his Letter to Hippocrates, That the VVomb is Author of a thousand sad Sorrows, and innumerable Calamities. And Hippocrates himself saies in his Book of Virgins Diseases, That miserable VVoman-kind is commonly laded with incomprehensible and manifold Diseases. All which Infirmities we intend to explain in this Chap∣ter, under the name of Mother-Fits: herein imitating Galen, who in his sixt Book of Parts Affected, and the fift Chapter, saies that the Mother, or Hysterical Passion, is but one name indeed, yet com∣prehending under it divers and innumerable Accidents. Notwithstanding all late Writers in a man∣ner, do handle ••he Suffocation of the Womb, under the Title of Hysterical Passion, calling a particu∣lar Symptome by such a name as is common to many others, because it, of al the rest, is most frequent, and most troublesom. But herein the very best Authors seem to have been superfluous in their Trea∣tises of Womens Diseases, while in different Chapters they describe several Diseases springing from the Womb, viz. Suffocation of the Womb, Head-ach, Epileptical fits, Palpitations of the Heart, Pulsation of the Arteries about the short Ribs, and in the Back, the Diseases of the Stomach, Liver, and Spleen arising from the Womb, and divers pains in sundry parts of the Body arising therefrom; seeing all these Infirmities do arise from one and the same cause, and are to be cured by the self same Medicines; so that the aforesaid Authors, are fain to repeat the same things over and over, in several Chapters, not without much weariness to the Reader.

We therefore, That we may more briefly, and methodically set down the Nature of all these in∣firmities, think it worth our labor, first to set down the universal Causes of them all; and afterwards to declare how those Diseases arise from the said Causes.

We have shewed in the beginning of this Chapter, that there are two special Causes of all these Symptoms, viz. the Womans Seed, and the Menstrual Blood, being retained beside the intent of Nature, and corrupted, and possessed of a malignant, and venemous quality; out of which malig∣nant Vapors, do arise, and afflict divers parts of the Body. Unto which Doctrine generally pro∣pounded, two other things of greatest moment must be added, viz. First, That not only the Seed and menstrual Blood, do produce Hysterical, or Womb-sicknesses; but divers Humors also of an excrementitious Nature flowing into the VVomb, and by a long abiding, growing putrefied, and sending out filthy Vapors. This is verfied by many Ancient VVomen, who being destitute of menstrual Blood and of Seed, are yet very much subject to these VVomb-sicknesses or Hysterical passions. Secondly, that not only vapors arising out of the aforesaid substances, are causes of these distempers, but the very Humors themselves are a cause, which finding no free vent by

the Veins of the Womb (into which as a Common-shore Nature disburthens superfluous Humors) by reason of the stoppage of the Monthly Courses or of the Whites; they flow back again into the superior parts of the Body, and doe infect the said parts with that vitious quality, which they have contracted by their long abiding in the Vessels of the Womb, or by their mixture with Seed, or Menstrual Blood corrupted.

These Foundations being thus laid down, let us see how Hysterical Symptomes are stirred up by the Causes aforesaid, beginning with the Suffocation, or strangling fits of the Mother, which is the most frequent and principal Sickness of these kind of Women, being accompanied with very many, and those most grievous Symptomes. For besides their breathing impaired, and somtimes abolished, their whol Body becomes cold, their Speech and Pulse is intercepted, so that they lie like dead Wo∣men; and some have been accounted dead, and laid out for Burial, and yet afterward Revived.

Now this Sickness comes by fits, which makes their returns somtimes sooner, somtimes later; and endure somtimes a longer, somtimes a shorter time, according to the quantity of the Humor of∣fending, which is somtimes quickly collected, and somtimes long in gathering; somtimes soon dis∣cussed, and somtimes long before it can be discust: For such like Causes of Diseases in the Body of Man, have their times of digestion and exaltation; which having arrived unto, they do suddenly, and as it were in a moment, break forth into action. Yea, and such Humors being already collected in the Body, may for a season lie hid, until being stirred by some internal or external Cause, they shed forth their poysonous blasts and vapors into other parts of the Body. Now the most frequent and noted Caused of this Commotion and Agitation of these Humors, are sweet smelling things coming neer the Patients Nose, or sweet Meats taken in, which quickly bring Women subject to this Insir∣mity, into their fits; also vehement Anger, Terror, and other grievous Passions of the Mind.

Now there are divers Degrees of this Sickness, according as the Matter offending differs in Quanti∣ty, or Malignity. For somtimes the Choaking-fits, with want of breathing, are light and soon go over; somtimes it is extream, so that the Patient breaths not at all, and is attended with other Hysterical or Womb-sicknesses, such as Vomitings, Ravings, Convulsions, and Swoonings, or Faintings away.

And for the most part, more grievous Symptomes do arise from corrupted Seed, than from Men∣strual Blood, or other corrupted Humors. For look how much Seed retaining its Natural Disposi∣tion, is of a more excellent Nature than Menstrual Blood, by so much does it degenerate when corrup∣ted, into a greater or worser kind of Venom or Poyson.

There are likewise other Differences of this Choaking Mother-sickness, to be observed, viz. That somtimes the Patients have their Breath stopt as it were, somtimes they complain that they are choa∣ked, as it were with a Rope that strangled them; and somtimes their breathing is much abated, or a∣bolished, without any pain or sence of strangling. The Reason of which diversity is this; That the simple Suffocation, and difficulty of breathing, do arise from abundance of Vapors, which do som∣times very much abound in Hysterical or Womb-sick Women, especially when the Hysterical Passi∣on, and Hypochondriacal Melancholly are joyned together. Which Vapors or Winds, do compress the Midrif and Lungs, as it is wont to fall out in the windy Asthma; but the sence of choaking, in which the Patient feels her self as it were strangled in her Throat, depends upon a special property of the venemous Vapor; as there are other Poysons in the greater World, which have such a proper∣ty of throatleing and choaking, as is known of one sort of Mushroms. And, that the venemous qua∣lities bred in Hysterical Women are divers, Galen does sufficiently hint in his sixt Book of the parts affected, Chap. 5. where he compares the malignity of this Vapor, to the venom of the Fish Torpe∣do, and to the sting of a Sco••pion; which Poysons, though in quantity they are smal, in operation they are mighty, and being received into mans Body, they do in a short space of time, grievously af∣flict the same, and produce therein most vehement Symptomes. As for Respiration diminished or abolished, it is caused by the said Vapors being endued with a Narcotick or Stupefactive power, which being mighty contrary unto the Heart and Vital Spirits, their action is thereby hindered, whence follows a cooling of the whol Body through defect of that Spirit which should flow from the Heart, and a cessation of Respiration, because there is now no need thereof. For seeing that draw∣ing of Breath is necessary to cool our Hearts, when the Heart is extreamly cooled by the venemous Vapors aforesaid, it needs none of that cooling which is caused by drawing in the Air, and so brea∣thing ceases, because there is no use thereof. We may also say, That the said venemous and stupe∣fying vapor, does assault the Brain, and hinder the Influx of the Animal Spirits, whereby the motion of the Midrif, and the Muscles serving for respiration, is hindered; ad hereunto, That the Vital Spirits being destroyed, the Animal Spirits, which are made of the Vital, must needs be destroyed like∣wise.

In the place before alleaged, Galen resolves a Doubt, which is this: That seeing it is generally held that a man cannot live without breathing, therefore it is impossible that Hysterical persons should in their fits be quite deprived of breathing. To which he answers, That in an extream cooling of the

Heart there is no need of respiration, which if it were stopped, and the Heart vigorous and hot, pre∣sent death would follow; but that little warmth which is yet remaining in the Heart, is cherished on∣ly by transpiration, or ventilation through the Pores of the Body; even as Creatures lying all the Winter in holes do live only by transpiration, because they are exceeding cold, and that little heat they have, needs no ventilation by way of drawing in Air into their mouths.

Besides, The fore mentioned cause of Womb-suffocation, viz. A malignant and venemous vapor, some ad another, namely, The ascending or rising of the Womb into the superior parts of the Body, whereby the Stomach and Midrif are compressed; from whence, not only Hysterical Suffocations, but other sicknesses also do arise. This ascending of the Womb, Hippocrates propounded in his Book of the Nature of Women, in these words: The Wombs of Women being turned from their Natural posture, do strive towards the Liver, and bear violently upon the Midrif; for they are carried upwards, seeking moisture to refresh them, being over dried with Labor; and the Liver is the fountain of pleasing moisture. And Fernelius in his sixt Book of Pathology, that is, of Disea∣ses and their causes, Chap. 16. saies, he had often felt the Womb thus ascending, bearing up against the Stomach like a round Globe, and grievously oppressing the same, from whence it hath been often thrust down by force of hand, and manifestly driven back into its own proper place. Eustachius Rudius in the Second Book of his Practice, in the 51. Chapter, saies the same thing, viz. That he with his own hands hath selt the Womb raised as high as the Navel, and somtimes above the same, and hath by little and little thrust the same down into its proper place. But Galen in his sixt Book of Parts affected, Chap. 5. opposes this Opinion, and teaches that although the Womb may in some sort be moved, and ascend, yet that motion and ascention is very little, neither is it any waies possi∣ble, That the Womb should ascend unto the Stomach, so far is it from being able to transcend the same so far as to reach unto the Midrif. A very strong Reason hereof is brought from Anatomy, seeing the VVomb is so fastened in its proper place by four very strong Ligaments, that cannot be lifted up so high. VVhereunto the Defenders of this Opinion do make answer, That in the falling out of the VVomb, those Ligaments are so relaxed that it is wont to come without the VVarer-gate, and therefore it may ascend as far up as it can go down, when those Ligaments are relaxed or slacke∣ned. To this we reply, That the falling out of the VVomb comes to pass by little and little through length of time, by the moistening and softening of the Ligaments, caused by a defluxion of Flegm thereupon; but that which they call the Ascent or Rising of the VVomb or Mother, happens in a mo∣ment, and is as soon restored; and it is requisite that the Ligaments should have been first relaxed, and consequently all VVomen should be troubled with the falling out of their VVombs, who are subject to this Ascent or rising we speak of, because the occasions of this Ascent being ceased, the VVomb would of its own accord, and by its own proper weight fall down wards, and lie continually without the Body.

It is harder to make Answer to the Experience of Fernelius, Rudius, and others; of which they testifie themselves eye witnesses, who profess they have with their own proper hands per∣ceived the Womb to ascend like a Globe or Bowl to the Navel and higher, being after wards by them thrust down into its own proper, place. Sennertus makes answer to this, that the round body which was by them so felt, was not the Womb, but the Stones, with that blind Vessel, which from Fallopius the finder or first Observer thereof is called Fallopious his Trumpet, becavse he likened the same to the broad end of a Trumpet. For the Stones appertaining to the Womb being pendulous (that is, Hang dangling movable as on strings) and the Body of the Trumpet afore∣said being hollow as a pipe, lax and apt to move this way, and that way; when they are filled with corrupt Seed, with vitious Humoes, and with windy Vapors, and swell and strout again, they may move this way and that way in the lower Region of the Belly, and ascend as high as the Navel. And that such a round swelling may happen in the Stones and Trumpet, as is somtimes felt in hystericall Women. The observations of Riolanus may teach (propounded in his Book called Anthropographia, where he relates) that in hysterical Virgins such as have had the Womb-sickness, He had found their Stones greater than his Fist, strouting with wheyish seed; also the Trumpet of the womb amplefied or inlarged and very much widened. And salius observed some such thing in a certain noble yong Damsel troubled with suffocations or strang∣ling of the womb, in whom one stone was swelled to the greatness of a large hand-bal, being filled with a saffron-color'd humor, very stinking, and sending forth a filthy and poysonsom kind of vapor: Which humor dyed the adjacent parts yellow, just as we see the Gut Colon where it is carried under the Liver, is by the Bladder of Gall rendered of a clay-like yellowish Colour

Yet is not Sennertus very far from the judgment of the Authors aforesaid; for granting, as he saies, that the Stones and Trumpet of the Womb, being filled with corrupt sperm, vitious Hu∣mors, and vaporous winds, do strout again, move to and fro in the lower Region of the Belly, and can ascend as high as the Navel; seeing those parts are contiguous with the Womb, they cannot be moved in the Region of the lower Belly, nor ascend unto the Navel, unless the Womb be moved with

them: so that this motion may be ascribed to the whol Womb very well, as it consists of its owne perfect parts together with such parts as are knit there unto. Againe if the Stones and Trum∣pet being filled with vitious Seed, Humors or vapours, may be diversly moued to and fro: Why may not the Womb being filled with like Humors and vapors, be moved with the same motion. Thereason indeed of Sennertus, which he borrowed from Galen does convince, that the VVomb tied with four ligaments, cannot ascend so high as the Midrif, no not as high as the Stomach; but it must not be denied, that it may be carried as high as the Navel, where the Authors aforesaid per∣ceived that Globe, both becavse those Ligaments may be somwhat stretched by matter working in them like yest, and like-wise becavse the womb whiles it is blowne up, sils a greater space, and may be perceived towards the Navel; so that whether the whole womb, or the parts fastened there unto. viz. The Stones and the Trumpet be moved upwards, we may still call it the Rising of the VVomb or Mother and cleave to the Doctrin of Hippocrates.

Head-ach from the womb, comes divers waies; for somtime it possesses the whol Head, other∣whiles the forepart, and then again the hinder part thereof, and sometimes it is felt about the Eyes, in such manner as if the Patients Eyes would leap out of her Head.

Now these pains are caused by the aforesaid sharp and malignant Vapors mounting into the Head, and twitching as it were, or grating upon these Membranous parts: Also evil humors brought from the womb to the Head, may cause the said pains. For vitious Blood; especially the more thin and wheyish part thereof, ascends from the womb into the Head, and being shed into the Membranous parts, bre••ds those pains. VVhich pains are somtimes, pricking, smarting, and sore as an Ulcer, by reason of the sharpness of the Vapors, or Humors ascending: Sometimes they are stretching, as it were, and swelling, because of the plenty and multiplicity which discend and stretch: Somtimes they are pulsatory pain, beating like the Pulse; when the Vapors or Humors are carried thither in the Arteries, or when the Arteries of some peculiar part of the Head are filled with over hot Blood.

The Falling-sickness springs from the womb, being caused by the aforesaid sharp and malignant Vapors, which being possessed with a very great Acrimony and malignity, do vehemently, and sharply smite the Nervous parts, whereby they come to be contracted, and whilst they endeavor to expel what offends them, they draw themselves together, and express these convulsive mocions.

Palpitation of the Heart, is often caused by the said Vapors, being carried from the womb to the Heart. and provoking the expulsive faculty to the Heart.

Also a Pulsation is caused in the Arteries of the Back, and about the short Ribs, by reason of an over hot Blood, carried from the womb into those Arteries, and distending them, whereby their Pul∣sation becomes greater, which smiting the adjacent parts, causes a feeling of the said Pulsation in them: Yet, somtimes such Pulsations are caused in Hypochondriacal melancholly, which when we come to the Signs of this Disease, we shal distinguish.

Divers disorders are likewise raised from the womb in the stomach, liver, and splee••; from the sto∣mach disorders arise, as appetite lost, or more than is fit, or desirous of absurd things; or Hiccoughs, Vo∣mitings, Belchings, & Heart-burnings: al which Symptoms do spring from the aforesaid vapors sent in∣to the stomach by the Hypogastrick, and Caeliack arteries, or other blind passages; & those vapors do stir up this variety of Symptoms, according to the diversity of their Nature, and the different degrees of their putrefaction, and malignity. For by their heat they cause want of appetite, and thirst; but if they be cold they hurt digestion. And the coveting of absurd things (as Chalk, Oat-meal, Smal∣coles, Linsey-Wol••ey cloth, &c.) is caused by the malignant quality of the Humors, and Vapors; as we have shewed in our Discouse touching that Symptom: and according to the different kind of ma∣lignity it comes to pass that the Patients appetite inclines her too long, for this, or that od thing; as some for Coales, others for Clay, or Morter, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, &c. And from a certain kind of malignity springs likewise, the loathing of some certain meats; and which is more wonderful, in some hath been observed an universal loathing of al kind of Drink; as Ludovicus Mercatus relates concerning a noble Gentlewoman, which would not away with any Drink, and of another, who though she desired Drink, yet did she Vomit it al up again, being likewise vexed with other grievous Symptoms. Where we may conjecture, that the evil Humors in that Gentlewoman, had attained such a kind of malignity, as that is which causes Water-Fear in such as have been bitten with a Mad-dog. It is, notwithstanding, undeniable, that the diversity of parts into which these Hu∣mors, and malignant Vapors are carried, conduce not a little to the variety of the Symptoms. For, If they are carried unto the mouth of the Stomach, they stir up Belchings, and Vomitings; if they stick to the Coates of the Stomach, they induce perpetual inclinations to Vomit; if they are endued with any singular Acrimony, they cause Hiccoughs, or pains of the Stomach; which pains may also a∣rise from the plenty of Humors, weighing heavy upon, and stretching the parts containing.

The Liver is easily offended by menstrual Blood retained, and by the Veins ••lowing back therein∣to; hence springs the Green-sickness, by reason of bad Blood flowing from the Womb into the Li∣ver,

and from the Liver shed abroad into the whol Body. Hence come Swellings, Feavers, and o∣ther Diseases very many, in the whol Body, and several parts thereof, forasmuch as all of them are nourished by the Liver.

But if the vitious Blood aforesaid do flow back from the Womb unto the Spleen, Swellings, Stop∣pings, and melanchollick, and Hypochondriacal Diseases are wont to be raised.

And, To conclude, Women feel divers kinds of pains in their Loyns, Thighs, and other parts, which arise from filthy Humors, and Vapors conveighed from the Womb into the said parts: Al which Symptoms, taking rise from the Womb, shal be distinguished from others which arise from other parts, and are like them, but produced from different causes; in our following Description of the Signes of this Disease.

In the first place therefore, Womb-sickness is known for the most part by what hath already been said of it. For the fore recited Symptoms do appear therein, not al in every one, but some in one Patient, some in another, according to the differing condition of the Causes. Now these Sym∣toms are, Breathing, depraved so, as, sometimes the Patient seems to be choaked; other whiles her brea∣thing is lessened▪ or wholly taken away, without any trouble or Sence of Suffocation; Refrigerati∣on, or cooling of the whol Body, and stopping or Interception of the Pulse; somtimes also a ta∣king away of Sence and motion; somtimes Ravings, Convulsions, Swoonings, Vomitings, and Hic∣coughs are joyned together.

But for a more clear Discovery of this Disease, those Signs are first to be propounded, which shew the Disease approaching, such as have a noyse in their lower Belly (first from the Navel downwards) with belching or inclination to Vomit; Wearinesses, Yawnings, and stretchings, proceeding from a flatulent matter, which begins to mount from the Womb into divers parts of the Body; a sad Look pale Face▪ caused by the drawing back of the Natural heat, from those Parts, to it's Foun∣tains.

When the Disease gathers strength, a sence of strangling begins to trouble the Patient, as if they had swallowed some great morsel which stuck in their Throat. Afterward their breathing stops, and their Suffocation is increased. And in conclusion al▪ their Vital, and Animal actions, are depraved, diminished, or abolished. Hence spring Ravings, Convulsions, and other grievous Symptoms. In some the Womb is sensibly tossed and tumbled, and gathered round like a Foot-bal; and felt after that manner in divers parts of the lower part of the Body. And when the Hysterical, or Womb-Fit begins to go over, a certain moisture flows out of the Water-gate, their Guts rumble, they lift up their Eyes, redness springs up in their Cheeks, Sence and motion is restored, their Body grows warm, they fetch deep Sighs, and so the Sick-Party by little and little, is freed from her Fit.

By the Signs propounded, Womb-sickness may easily be distinguished from such infirmities as are of kin, or otherwise like the same, viz. the Syncope (Swooning-sickness) Apoplexie (blasting Pla∣ne••-striking)) and the Falling-sickness: howbeit the difference between Womb-sickness, and those diseases aforesaid is peculiarly to be noted.

And in the first place, by three general Signs we may conjecture that these Symptoms which are common to Womb-sickness, and the aforesaid maladies, do proceed rather from the Womb, than from any primary misaffection of the Heart or Brain. The first whereof is, that if the sick Patient be sub∣ject to Womb-sickness, and hath been often anoyed with aforesaid Symptoms; when they come a∣fresh, we may conclude the Disease to be no other than Womb-sickness. The second is, That when Women begin to feel those Symptoms, they complain that their Womb is out of order. A third is, That in Womb-sickness Women do feel great ease when stinking things are put to their Noses, and sweet smelling things are put in by the Water-gate, which in those other infirmities falls not out.

And the Hysterical, or womb-sickness is more peculiarly distinguished from that which we cal Syn∣cope, or the Swooning-Fits, because in the Syncope, the breathing and Pulse do wholly cease; but in the VVomb-sickness, it remaines in a small measure, til they come into the very height of the Fit, wherein is most danger. Secondly, The Swooning Fits come more quickly, and seaze upon the Patient, as it were on a sudden. But in the VVomb-Fit, there proceed evident tokens of the ap∣proaching Fit. Thirdly, The Patients Face is paler in the Swooning-fits, than in the Womb-fits; yea verily, some Women have a ruddy countenance in their Fits of the Mother, and than the Disease is sufficiently known by that Sign alone. Fourthly, In the Swooning Fits, we find commonly cold, and Diaphoretick Sweats, which in the Womb-fits appear not. Fiftly, The Swooning Fits a••e shorter, and the Patient is soon either wel or dead; but the strangling Fits of the Mother last lon∣ger, continuing a whol day, or divers daies together sometimes. But it is to be remembred, that the Swooning-sickness, and the Womb-fits are somtimes joyned together, when the Heart is more grie∣vously afflicted than ordinary, or when the Patients strength hath been much weakned by protra∣ction of the Disease; and then the Symptoms of both Diseases may be mixed one with ano∣ther.

The Womb-Fit is distinguished from the Apoplexie; First because that in the Wombs-Choa∣king-Fits,

the Joynts are not so loosened, neither is the Sence of feeling wholly gone, as in the Apo∣plexie; but if they be pricked, or have their hairs puld off, they give a sufficient Sign with their Hands that they feel the pain. Secondly, In persons Apoplectical, Planet-struck (as the simpler sort do phrase it) there is a perpetual snorting of the Patient, but in the Womb-stranglings, not. Thirdly, Womb-strangled Patients when their Fit is over, remember what was done and said, du∣ring their extremity; but in the Apoplexie it is not so.

It is distinguished from the Falling-sickness; First, Because convulsive motions are not alwaies ••••yned with Hysterical Suffocations; and those that do accompany the womb-Fits, are not so Uni∣versal as in the Falling sickness, but molest only one or two members. Secondly. The Pulse is grea∣ter in the Fits of the Falling-sickness, than it uses to be when the Patient is wel; but in the Mother-Fits it is quite contrary. Thirdly, In the Falling-sickness, the Patient fomes at the mouth, but in the Mother-Fits there is no such foming. Fourthly, In the Falling-sickness, the Patient remem∣bers not what was done to her during the Fit, but in the Mother-sickness she remembers al, as we shewed before. Fiftly, Those that have Fits of the Mother, do in the end of the Fit come to them∣selves like persons awaked from sleep, with a noyse in the lower part of the Belly, the Womb as it were becoming quiet, and returning to it's Natural place, and sometime much humor flows from the Womb, which doth not befal such as have the Falling-sickness.

We must also enquire how such as are in the Fits of the Mother, may be distinguished from those that are quite dead; seeing many Histories relate that some Women in that Case have been accoun∣ted dead, appointed to buryal; yea, and some buryed. The waies which Authors prescribe to make this tryal, are divers: For either they lay teazed wool, or light Feathers upon the Patients mouth, and if they stir not she is given over for dead; or they apply a bright looking Glass to her mouth, which will be dulled with her breath, if she be yet alive; or they set a cup full of water upon her breast, and if the water stir not, they account the party dead. These Signs do for the most part hold good, but they are not perpetual, neither do they put the matter past dispute; seeing as was said before, some VVomen in these Fits do live only by Transpiration, as those live-wights which live in holes al the winter, and fetch no breath at al by their mouths. VVhich though it very sel∣dom fals out, yet it is a very good Caution, not to suffer women which die of this Disease, to be bu∣ried til the third day after their death, or at least til they begin to stink.

The Signs of the Causes are likewise to be declared; which Causes we have shewed to be three, viz. Seed retained and corrupted; Menstrual Blood in like manner retained and corrupted; and vile humors contained in the vessels, or in the Cavitie of the womb.

If this Disease arise from Seed retained, or corrupted, there have preceeded al those Causes, which might encrease, gather together, and corrupt the Seed in the vessels; as flourishing age, ripe for Ge∣neration, or formerly accustomed to the actions thereof, which of late it hath left off; Sanguine complexion, an idle life, and given to pleasures; a rich and plentiful table, with the use of such meates as are easily corrupted. In such persons if the womb-Fits happen, they having their Cour∣ses wel, we may guesse they come from Seed retained.

If these womb-Fits depend upon the Menstrual Blood retained and corrupted, as their cause; the Patients Courses are either wholly stopt, or flow very little, and to no purpose; and she her self is not to seek for carnal Embracements: but wel provided; And some Symptoms do attend this sup∣pression, as Melancholly, Waspishness, Sluggishness, Drowsiness, Head-ach, swelling of the Dugs heaviness of the Loyns and Thighs.

That this Disease comes from evil Humors is known, by the Patient having her Courses well, be∣ing exercised sufficiently with actions of Generation, by her being stept into years, or being very sull of evil Humors, or being troubled with some other Disease in her womb.

We must also set down these Signs of those other Symptoms which we formerly described, as springing from the womb.

Head-ach coming from the womb is known, because the Patient hath not her Courses right, the pain does chiefly trouble her, or is most increased, at, or neer the time of her Courses flowing, and her womb is out of order. Also we may distinguish whether an Humor, or a Vapor cause this pain; for if the pain be not great, heavy, and pressing, and come by fits; it comes certainly from a Vapor: but if the pain be continual, joyned with heaviness, it shews an Humor contained in the part; which if it be Chollerick, the pain is biting, pricking, and acute or sharp; if it be Flegmatick, it causes sleepiness; if Melancholly, Sadness.

Pantings of the Heart, and beatings of the Arteries about the short Ribs and Back; Diseases of the Stomach, Liver, and Spleen; and divers pains may be conceived to arise from the womb, if these other Signs and Symptoms of the womb affected, before recited, be likewise present. As also, if by putting sweet smelling things to the water-gate, and stinking things to the Nose, the Patient do find some kind of ease.

What concerns the Prognostick, or Predictions of this Disease; It it is a malady which seldom

kiils the Patients, but use; to stick a long time by them. But somtimes they are in danger of death by reason of swooning fits that happen, or by some extraordinary Convulsion. Likewise if the fits are frequent and hard to be removed, it is to be feared, lest Respiration being so often hurt, the Native heat should be suffocated, and the Patient come to die.

The Womb-paision is worst, in which more parts are drawn into consent; and that is bad which springs from corrupted Seed, or from a long suppression of the monthly Courses.

In Elderly persons, this Disease is hardly curable, because of that plenty of Corruption wherewith they are wont to abound. In yonger VVomen, it commonly ceases when they begin to bring forth Children.

In VVomen with Child, and that lie in Child-bed, it is a dangerous Disease; in the former, for fear of Miscarriage; in the latter, because of their weakness after Child-bearing.

For a VVoman troubled with these VVomb-fits, to sneeze is good, for it signifies strength of Brain; and by the motion of sneezing, the Malignant Vapors which besiege the Brain, are discussed; and likewise the vitious Humors contained in the VVomb evacuated.

A twofold Cure belongs to this Infirmity: one in the fit, another out of the fit. In the fit, those vapors which cause it are to be discussed and drawn back from the part affected; the Humors con∣tained in the VVomb which send up those Vapors, must be voided; and the VVomb when it is re∣moved out of its proper place (which often happens according to Hippocrates) must be re∣stored to the same again.

First therefore, The sick party must be laid upon a bed in such a posture, that her Neck and Shoulders lie high and sloaping, but her Thighs and Privy parts lie low and shooting downwards, for so the VVomb is more easily reduced.

Then must her lower parts be tied very hard, so as to cause pain; likewise they must be well rub∣bed and chased; also Cupping-glasses are to be set upon her Hips; and a very large Cupping-glass set upon her Share is very profitable. But take heed that you do not apply a Cupping-glass upon the Patients Navel, which many ignorantly are wont to do, for by that means the VVomb is drawn upwards again. VVhen Convulsions happen, or swooning fits, hard rubbings with course cloaths are good upon the soals of the Feet, also with Vinegar and Salt; it is good likewise to pluck off some Hairs from the Head and Share, to cramp the fingers or the Patient, whoop aloud in her ears, and such like.

It is also good to lay unto the soals of her Feet, this Epispastick, or drawing Cataplasm or Pultis.

Take Leaves of Artemisia (Mugwort) Feaverfew, Rhue, of each a handful: Sage, half a handful: Pidgeons dung poudered three ounces: Black Soap an ounce and an half: Amber, Frankinsence, Masticb poudered, of each a dram and an half: Juyce of Rue, and Vinegar, allay∣ed with Water, as much as sufficeth to make all into a Cataplasm.

At the same time, stinking and strong smelling things are to be put unto her Nose; as Partridg fea∣thers burnt, old Leather burnt, and Brimstone fired, Jeat or Agate Oyl, a Pomander of Assafoetida, Castoreum, Galbanum, Rue, moistened with Syrup of Artemisia, or with Vinegar; Garlands of Rue, Tanzy, Wormwood. But if the VVoman be Epileptick, or subject to the Falling-sickness, we must abstain from the stronger things before mentioned, because the Brain being therewith offended, is put into a Commotion, by which means the Humors are tumbled suddenly into the Ventricles thereof, and the Syptomes are made more grievous.

The smoak of Tobacco blown into the Mouth and Nostrils of the Patient, does quickly free her from the fit.

Contrarywise, sweet smelling things must be put unto the VVomb, as some grains of Musk or Ci∣vet wrapped in Cotton-wool.

The following Pouder may be blown up her Nostrils.

Take white Pepper, Mustard seed, Pellitory, Castoreum, of each one scruple; make it into a ve∣ry fine Pouder.

If the Patient be very much oppressed with her fit, let her be provoked to sneeze, according to that Aphorism of Hippocrates, his 5. Section, 35. To a Woman troubled with Womb-fits, or hard Labor, if she happen to neeze it is good. Neezing is many times provoked by the foresaid Pouder; and if that alone will not do it, a little white Hellebore, or Euphorbium may be added.

Also Oyl of Amber or Agates, may be anointed upon her Nostrils.

But laxative and wind-expelling Clysters do exceed all other Medicaments, in discussing such filthy Vapors as cause the fit: which may be made after this manner:

Take Mercury Leaves, Pellitory of the wall, Mugwort, Penyroyal, Rue, Calaminth, of each one handful: Caraway seeds, Cummin seeds, and Bayberries, of each two drams: Boyl all to a pint and an half. In the straining dissolve Hiera Picra, and Benedicta laxativa, of each six drams: Oyl of Rue three ounces: Camphire half a scruple. Mix all into a Clyster.

If the first Clyster be not sufficient, another must be given of the same or such like Decoction, dissolving therein, Diaphoenicon ten drams: Turpentine dissolved with the white of an Egg one ounce: the aforesaid Oyl, and half a scruple of Camphire dissolved in Oyl of Water lillies.

And in a word, The Disease continuing, a third Clyster must be given meerly Hysterical and dis∣cussing, but not purging, which will be very effectual, compounded after this manner:

Take Oyl of Rue four ounces: Aqua vitae one ounce: Canary Sack three quarters of a pint: Galbanum two drams: Mix all, and make a Clyster, and administer the same after a Laxative Clyster.

A Clyster of Vinegar, tempered with Water, does presently asswage the Mother-sit, by compres∣sing and coagulating the vapors, which cause the same.

The same does a draught of Vinegar allaied with water, being taken in at the mouth. Authors do likewise counsel that the Patients belly above the Navel, be strongly girt with a swath∣band, that the womb may be thereby reduced, and the vapors hindred from ascending.

Concerning letting blood, it is a great question, Whether it be convenient in the sit, or no? For seeing there is at that time a great weakness in the Patient and somtimes despair of life, and the bo∣dy is cooled all over by malignant vapors which infest the Brain and Heart, which can no waies be expelled by blood-letting; no question the use thereof is very dangerous during the fits. And of this Opinion are Varandaeus and Sennertus. But Mercatus and Rodericus a Castro, do determine contrarily, That a Vein ought to be opened in the Patients Ankle or Instep, when the Disease springs from an abundance of Menstrual blood retained; and that the Patients strength oppressed with the burden, the passages obstructed with too much blood, and the danger of suffocation hence arising, can be remedied by no other means but bleeding; seeing in this case, neither stinking smels, nor sweet smels, nor Cupping-Glasses, can bring the Patient out of her fit. Philippus Hoechstetterus in the second part of his Observations, makes it appear by certain Histories, that bleeding in the Foot hath done much good: Insomuch, as a certain Nun, which had been speechless, and in Convulsion fits for two daies together, two hours after she had bled began to speak, and to eat and drink. Iam of O∣pinion, a Vein may be opened, if the Pulse be strong, and there be evident tokens that blood doth su∣per-abound: But if the Pulse be weak, we must forbear, and stay till the fit is over for a more con∣venient season, in which blood may be safely taken away.

Plaisters are profitably applied under the Navel of the Mass of Emplastrum Ceroneum, which mollifies and discusseth, and so is better than the vulgar Womb-Plaister, which doth somwhat bind, and therefore may retain the vapors and malignant humors. Plaisters are likewise made of Galba∣num and Assafoetida, or of Caranna, and Tacamahaca, either alone, or with some Spices mingled with them. As for Example:

Take Gum Caranna half an ounce: Pouder of Nutmegs, and Cloves, of each half a dram: Oyl of Amber four drops: Turpentine two drams. Make all into a Plaister. Such Plaisters are to be in fashion of a Shield or Scutcheon. and in the pointed part of the Plaister, which must be laid towards the Water-gate, some of Musk or Civet are to be put, that they may send forth a sweet smell, and thereby allure the Womb back again. Three grains of Musk may be put in a little Cotton, moistened with Oyl, and thrust into the hole of the Navel: then lay on a sinal Plaister of dissolved Galbanum. This some Women for a Secret.

Or four grains of Camphire may be dissolved in Oyl of sweet Almonds, and put into the Navel, and a Diapalma Plaister laid over it.

If the Disease seem to be fostered by plenty of wind and vapors, Fomentations and Baths will be good, of the Decoction of Rue, Mugwort, Time, and Calaminth, Fennel seed, Annis seed Cummin seed, Bay-berries, Chamomel Flowers, Dill flowers, &c.

Also little bags may be prepared with Cummin seed, Annis seed, Carrot seed, Salt, Rue, Bran, in them, and applied very hot, and often renewed Or,

Take Oyl of Rue four ounces: Spirit of Turpentine half an ounce: Mingle them, and dip therein a piece of Bread hot out of the Oven, and lay it upon the Navel.

Also it will be good to anoint the lower part of the belly, the Region of the womb, Share, and Loyns; because such anointings do dilate the Passages, attenuate the Vapors, and discuss them. They may be made of Nard Oyl, Spike Oyl, Oyl of Dill, Sesamine, Saffron, Lillies, and Sweet Al∣monds.

Authors do very much commend a fume of the warts which grow upon Horses Legs; which being dried in an Oven, and beaten to Pouder, they are burnt under the Noses of women in these fits as a present Remedy, whereby women are wont to be in an instant delivered of their fits, to the admirati∣on of the by-standers.

If the Disease spring from Retention of Seed, nothing is better than carnal Conjunction, as soon as the Patient is out of her fit, if she be married.

Instead of carnal Conjunction, where that cannot he had, many advise that the Patient be rubbed

and tickled by a Midwife in the Neck of her womb, into which the Midwife must put her fingers a∣nointed with Oyls of Spices, that so the offensive Sperm may be voided. But seeing that cannot be done without wickedness (understand by a silly superstitious Papist, that counts it a meritorious good work to burn Mother and Child in her womb alive, as at Jersey, and a wickedness to free a sick body of a little offensive humor) a Christian Physitian must never prescribe the same.

To Discuss those malignant Vapors which cause the womb-fit, many Medicines are wont to be given down the Throat, among which is a dram of old Venice Treacle, with water of Mugwort, Peny∣royal, and Balme; Troches of myrrh, to the quantity of two scruples: or Oyl of Amber to five or six drops, with the said Liquors.

Pills are frequently used; the best are made after this manner.

Take Castorium, Myrrh, Assa-foetida, of each one scruple: faecula Brioniae half a scruple: seeds of Rue and Saffron, of each seven grains: with Syrup of Mugwo••t make twelve pills. Let her take three or four; if she cannot swallow them, let them be dissolved in Water of Mugwort.

These following Pills are good in a violent fit, which they are wont to remedy without fail.

Take Assafaetida one scruple: Castoreum six grains: Laudanum three grains; make all into three or four Pills. Let her take them presently.

Pilulae Faetidae majores, although they be purging, yet are they given to good purpose in the Fit, to half a dram. For they gently evacuate, and are not wont to work till the fit be over; so that there is no danger in their working.

Also many waters are wont to be given in the fit, viz. Aqua vitae, Cinnamon water, or Treacle water.

Or a specifical water may be made after this manner.

Take Zedoary roots, Carrot seeds▪ Lovage roots, of each two ounces: red Myrrh, Castoreum of each half an ounce: Piony roots four ounces: Misleto of the Oak gathered at the wain of the Moon, three ounces: powr upon all these being prepared, four pints and an half of Feaver-few∣water. Spirit of Wine half a pint; let them digest three daies, and afterward still them. The dose is a spoonful, by it self, or with some other convenient liquor.

A more easie water to make, more pleasant to taste, and no less effectual is this following.

Take of the juyces of Bawm, and Borrage clarified, of each two pints▪ the best Saffron one dram. Let them be infused, and distilled in Balneo. The Dose is a spoonful with Broth. This following potion is vulgarly used.

Take of Cinnamon Water half an ounce: Turnep Water four ounces: Castoreum four grains. Make all into a potion, or draught.

Oyl of Amber given to three or four drops, in Orenge-flower-water, or some other specifical, doth quickly rid away the womb-fit.

The following potion is wont to do very much good, as it is to be seen in our observations.

Take Water of Mugwort, Roses, and Orenge-flowers, of each one ounce: ••••nnamon Wa∣ter three drams: Conjection of Hyacinth stone one dram: Diamargaritum frigidum (that is the cooler perled pouder) half a scruple: Saffron four grains. Make them all into a potion.

Orange flower water doth good alone, given three or four ounces; but mingled with Musk, and Dra∣gons blood, it doth wonders: witness Solenander in these words. A certain Woman was vexed with ••nost cruel Symptoms, Head-ach, Belchings, contraction of the Body, pain ••••her Groin, grin∣ding of her Teeth; somtimes falling to the ground speechless, with her mouth shut, so as she could not open it; and all this through disorder of her Womb. Many remedies being used in vain, a certain old Woman comes, and gives her thirteen grains of Musk, and as many of common Dragons blood, in four ounces of Orenge-flower Water; she was cured, and never felt the like griefs any more. I have in the like case given the same Medicine divers times, and alwaies with good effect.

An Elks Claw is also very good in these fits, according to the experiment of Appollonius Menabeus in his Treatise of the Elk, Chap. 10▪ in these words. I confess I have both heard from others, and found by my own Experience, that an Elks Claw is a present remedy for the Suffocation of the Mother. For being called to help a Woman in those Fits, I gave her the raspings of the Elks Claw with Zedo∣ary, with which, and with other remedies administred according to the rule of Art, I did the Cure with Honor. And when I understood, that she was wont to be troubled with those Fits oftentimes, I injoyned her to wear a piece of Elks Claw continually about her Neck: Which when she diligent∣ly observed, for the space of three months that I was in the place, she was ever free from those Fits, and gave me often times thanks for my advice.

Camphire fired, and cast into the water, and there abiding till it be quenched, is an excellent Remedy, given to the quantity of a dram.

The Cats-tails of the walnut, in the Epistles collected by Laurence Scholtzius, in the Letter written from Thomas Mouset to Peter Monavius, are extolled with this Commedation. In Srangulation▪ of the Womb, the Cats-tails of the Walnut tree, are a singular Medicine being dryed, and poudered.

You may give two scruples with two drops of Oyl of Amber. I never knew any thing more excel∣lent in that Disease.

Two most excellent Remedies may be made in the form of Pouders, which I have oftentimes tried.

The one is of the After-birth of a woman that lies in of her first Child, dried in the Chimney, and beaten to pouder. The Dose is a dram in some convenient liquor. It presently takes away the fit.

The other is made of two parts of Brimstone, and one of Nutmeg. Pouder them and give a dram.

Pouder of Jeat given to half a dram, or one dram, will do much.

The Pouder of Elder-berries of Quercetanus taken a dram in Wine, cures the Eplilepsie, or Fal∣ling-sickness, by consent of the Womb, and being taken the second time, makes that the fits return not.

Where that Pouder cannot be had, the same quantity of Soot from the Chimney, may be given in an Egg soft boiled.

And because the Womb is oftentimes filled with evil, and Excrementious Humors, from whence ug∣ly Vapors are raised up; we must be careful to purge the same, which may be most conveniently done by this following Pessarie.

Take Diaphoenicon one dram: pouder of Hiera picra half a dram: Turpentine three drams: mix all, and with Tow make a Pessary.

For her ordinary drink let the Patient drink a thin weak Decoction of Cinnamon, Caraway, or Annis seeds.

Touching Wine, It is a question whether it may be given a Woman in these fits. Hippocrates in his first Book of the Nature of Women seems to commend the same: and there is much reason to back his opinion. For an extream refrigeration of the Body, and Languishment of natural strength, cannot be better holpen, than by giving the Patient a Cup of rich Canary. But Avicenna wholly forbids it. And indeed, Because this Disease depends for the most part upon Seed retained, or of Blood and foul Vapors carried up from the Womb: Wine by it's thinness, and exceeding piercing faculty, doth more exagitate and vex the morbifical matter. Whence we see by common Experi∣ence, that Women troubled with this Disease, are worse if Wine be given in their fits. To Com∣pose this Contention, we say; that Wine ordinarily is not to be given during the fit, but upon ex∣traordinary occasion: Namely when the Patients strength is extreamly decai'd, she hath Swooning fits joyned with the Mother fits, or seems to be at the last gasp: all other Remedies tried in vain, we make use of Wine as our last Refuge, and present help.

In this Cure we must be very careful, if the Patient be with Child, and prudent in our administra∣tion of Medicaments; neither must we use those more vehement and stinking ones, least we cause miscarriage; and we must perform the Cure rather by outward than inward Medicaments.

In the Course of the Cure, care must be taken of the Heart and Brain, and if they seem much op∣pressed, they must be releived by such Medicines as are proper unto them. To the Heart, Wine, and Orange-flower-water, or Imperial water, or Treacle of Andromachus dissolved in Wine, must be applied by wetting things therein, and laying them upon the Region thereof; or hot living Creatures are to be applied thereunto. For to strengthen the Head, those Remedies must be used, which are set down in our Chapter of sleepy Diseases.

When the fit is over, Care must be taken to prevent the return thereof, either wholly, or at least for a long time: which is done by a removal of the Causes, and by strengthening the Womb.

In the first place therefore at a convenient season; but especially in the Spring and Fall, the Pati∣ent must be yeerly evacuated, beginning with a purging Potion, or some other Medicament sui∣table to the nature of the Patient; alwaies adding Hysterical things.

And then, If Blood seem superfluous, it must be drawn first out of the Arm, and then out of the Foot; choosing as neer as possibly the middle space between the Patients monthly purgations.

Afterwards, That the redundancy of evil Humors may be sufficiently prepared and purged out, an Apozeme must be compounded, altering, opening, and purging, to be given at four or five times.

If Nature seem to incline to the opening of the Hemorrhoids, they must be opened by applicati∣on of Leeches. And Mercatus doth witness in his 13. and 14. Counsel, that they have much profi∣ted in these fits.

After general purgation, to discuss the remainders of the morbifical matter, a sweating Decoction will be good to give divers daies together; made of Sassafras, Guajacum, with seeds of Fennel, Rue, and Agnus Castus.

To the same intent Sulphurous, and Bitumenous Baths will be very good, such as we have at Ba∣leruca, by whose use many are holpen, as daily experience shews.

In this Disease being of long continuance, besides the remedies aforesaid, it will be good to purg the Patient frequently, by usual Pills, Syrups or Potions. VVhich may be made after this man∣ner.

Take Troches of Agarick one dram and an half: Hiera of Coloquintida one dram: Carrot seed, Agnus Castus seed of each one scruple: mirrh, Costoreum, Diagrydium of each half a scruple: Turpentine, as much as shall suffice to make all into a Mass. Let her take hereof half a dram, or two scruples twice or thrice in a month.

The following Syrup is mightily extolled by Mercatus, as a wonderful Syrup, and very pro∣sitable for all womb-sick women. in his 13. Counsel.

Take Juice of Herb Mercury and the Cream of Carthamus seeds of each six ounces: Scor∣zonera water seven ounces Sugar as much as shall suffice to make it into a Syrup. Add hereunto while it boyls, Confection of the Hyacinth stone, Confection of Rermes Berries, and Pouder of the Electuary de Gemmis [that is, made of precious Stones] of each two drams: Let the Dose be two or three ounces.

Take Briony Roots three drams, Senna Leaves half an ounce: Agarick two scruples: Ginger one scruple: Cinnamon one dram: Let them steep all night in Fountain water. In the straining mix one ounce: of syrup of Damask Roses. Make hereof a potion to be taken twice or thrice in a month.

Pilulae foetidae majores [that is strong smelling Pils made of Gums] taken twice in a month to half a dram, are very profitable.

In such as easily vomit, it is good to provok to cast, once or twice in a month, after this manner:

Take Agarick cakes [troches of Agarick] one dram and an half: Oxymel one ounce: Bawm water, and Mugwort water, of each three ounces: Mix all into a vomiting Potion.

Chymists give salt of Vitriol in some appropriate water, from half a dram to one dram, and cry it up for a specifick remedie in womb-fits.

After all particular evacuations are ended (that is after each evacuation) some strengtheners are to be administred, such as this following Electuary.

Take Conserve of Rosemary flowers Betony, and Bawm, of each one ounce and an half: Species of the musked Electuary, and of Electuary of Calaminth of each half a dram: With syrup of Mugwort Make all into an Electuary.

Treacle by it self is very proper for this occasion, which for hotter constitutions may be tempered by the mixture of Conserve of water Lillies, Maiden-haire &c.

But the following pouder is far more effectual, which heales old and stubborn womb-fits, if it be frequently taken one dram at a time, in Wine, in a bolus or morsell made up with syrup of Mugwort.

Take Gentian Roots, white Dictamnus, tormentill, pellitorie, Rhaponticum, Bistort, Ari∣stolochia, or Birthwort the rounder, Chamelion thistle, Bay-berries, Angelica, Master-wort, Coriander seeds prepared, annis seed, juniper berries, Mastich, Bole armoniack, Terra Sigillata, of each two drams and an half: Orientall Saffron three ounces and an half. Make all into a fine pouder, and keep it in a close vessel.

Neither must we omit such Medicaments, which are wont to help these fits by a peculiar property thought to be in them: An Example whereof may be this that follows, made in Pills, because of the ungrateful taste of the Simples.

Take Assafoetida half a scruple: Castoreum, Mirrh, Galbanum, Sagapenum, of each one scru∣ple. With Honey of Mercury make a Mass; of which give the Patient half a scruple, or a scruple frequently.

Platerus makes Pills of extreamly odoriferous Ingredients, after this manner:

Take of Musk six grains: Benjamin half a dram: Sugar one dram: With Cinnamon Wa∣ter make them into a Mass for Pills. The Dose is half a scruple.

Those Hysterical Waters before set down to be given in the fits, may likewise be profitably used out of the fits, a spoonful or two in a morning, when the Patient is free, by way of prevention.

Mathiolus extreamly commends the Briony Root, in these words: Briony doth wonderfully help Women subject to strangulations of the Womb, so as to free them from their choaking fits, and cure them. Truly I knew a Woman, dayly almost vexed with these fits for a yeer together, who being at last taught by an ordinary Herb-man, to drink white Wine, wherein an ounce of Briony Root had been boyled, once in a week, when she was going to bed: when she had used this Medicine for a yeer together, she was perfectly recovered of that Disease.

The Liver of a Wolf dried, and one dram taken, may prevent the fits of the Falling-sickness pro∣ceeding from the Mother, if it be given three or four times after an ordinary Purgation.

The Chymists do commend Vitriolum Martis [that is, Vitriolated Steel, or chalybeated Vitriol, or Salt of Steel] whereof they give a grain or two, with a double quantity of Sugar, many daies to∣gether, in Wine or other fitting Liquor.

And the Truth is, it may be given to twelve, fifteen, and twenty grains in some convenient Con∣serve; or it may be made into Pills, with Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth.

Cream of Tartar frequently taken, is also very good in the Cure of this Disease.

These two Medicines do good, not only by opening, but also by cooling; for oftentimes an hot di∣stemper is rooted in the womb of VVomen subject to this Disease, arising from Blood retained with∣in its Veins, and over-heated; as Galen saies in Hypochondriacal Melancholly, That there is a bur∣ning distemper in the Parts under the short Ribs, by reason of blood retained in them by obstructions, and there over-heated. Those things therefore which have power to cool the Womb, are very proper in this case, such as are Baths to sit in, Vinegar and Water mingled and drunk down, or injected, and such like. Unto which we may add the History related by Dr. Harvey, touching the Childing of a woman long afflicted with womb-fits, not curable by all that could be done; who at length, after many yeers, was cured by means of the falling out of her womb: Because her Womb exposed to the Air was cooled, and so its Inflamation and hot distemper was repressed.

Also the use of Steel it self is much commended by some Practitioners, as very convenient for all Infirmities of the VVomb. VVhose Preparations look for in our Cure of Obstructions of the Liver.

Issues made in the Thighs, are likewise very good. For they derive and turn aside evil Humors from the womb, by reason of those Veins which are common to the womb and Thighs.

Neither are Amulets to be neglected, fastened about the Patients Neck, and hanging down upon her Navel, as we formerly mentioned touching the Elks Claw, good in this case.

Some commend Peucedanum, or Hog-fennel root, hung in a string about the Neck. And our women do with good success, wear a piece of Assafoetida in a thin rag of cloth. I have known some that have worn a Foxes Pizzle and Stones dried, tied about their Neck in a string, and resting upon their Navel, and by that means preserved themselves from the womb-fits.

Some wear a piece of Wolfs flesh dried, or of the Liver of a Wolf, not without profit.

As for external Remedies after every Purge, or at least once in a month, eight or ten daies before the monthly Purgations of blood, Fomentations or Baths to sit in will be good, that the Humor cau∣sing this Disease being resolved, may more easily find its way by the opened Passages of the Courses, and flow out with them. They may be made of the Roots of Marsh-mallows, Briony Roots, Orris Roots, Madder, Valerian, Angelica, Mugwort Leaves, Nep, Feverfew, Bawm, Bayberries, and such like.

To discuss the remainders of the Matter causing the Disease, and to strengthen the Womb after Fo∣mentation, or fitting in a Bath, as aforesaid, the following Plaister may be said on under the Navel.

Take Gum Tacamahacca and Caranna, of each two drams: Alipta Moschata half an ounce: Agnus Castus seeds, one dram and an half: of each of the Sanders half a dram: Turpentine, Lab∣danum, Wax, of each as much as shall suffice to make a Plaister.

If this Disease arise from the Seed retained, use those Remedies which we have formerly set down to quench and discuss Seed in our Cure of Womb-Fury.