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. XVI. Of the Head-ach.

THe word Cephalalgia is used generally for every pain of the Head: but more especially it signifieth a new Head-ach: But the word Cephalaea signifieth an old Head-ach; and He∣micranea signifieth that pain which only is in one side of the Head.

There are other differences of Head-aches: they are divided into Internal, and External; Pains by consent, and by propriety: and of these, one is called a pricking pain; another a stretching, or extending pain; another a heavy; another a beating or shooting pain.

The internal pain of the head is in the Meninges or Membranes, that is very deep, and reacheth to the roots of the Eyes: But an external pain is in the Pericranium or Membrane without the Skull, and will not endure the roots of the hairs to be combed back, and is made greater by the least com∣pression of the Head. This is the Doctrine of Galen, which he teacheth 3. de loc. aff. cap. 1. and lib. 2. de comp. med. secundum loc. cap. 3. saying very solidly, That the internal Head-ach is distin∣guished from the external by this peculiar sign, That in the internal the pain comes to the roots of

the eyes, not in an external, and he gives this Reason, Because the coats of the Eyes come from the Meninges of the Brain, whence it comes that the grief is conveighed to the Eyes. But Fernelius contradicts this Doctrine, lib. 5. Pathalogiae cap. 1. and affirmeth, that external pains do reach to the roots of the Eyes, because the Pericranium or Skin of the Skul wherein those pains are, doth reach to the cavity of the Eyes: to whom Rondoletius answers, lib. 1. meth. med. cap. 5. that the Cavity of the Eye doth not suffer with the Pericranium, although it reach to it, by reason that the pain of the Pericranium comes for the most part of external cold; for a cold part will easily suffer from the like quality. But that cold cannot reach to the hollow of the Eye, because it is preserved by the heat, blood, and spirits of the Eyes; but if at any time a headach cometh of external heat, or the like, the Skin of the head is only affected, not the Pericranium which lieth deep. But this Doctrine of Ron∣deletius doth not altogether take away all difficulty; for although all things which he alledgeth should be granted, yet if a pain arise from a tumor gathered upon the Pericranium, or of some other cause that dissolveth continuity, and divideth, there is no reason why the grief should not reach to the hollow of the Eye. We can say this in defence of Galen, that this sign was given by him for two Reasons: First, Because the Membrane which reacheth to the hollow of the Eye from the Pericrani∣um, is not so sensible, and therefore cannot suffer but obtusely: but the coats of the Eyes which come from the Meninges are very sensible, and therefore have great pain: Moreover, that Membrane which cometh from the Pericranium doth not touch the Eye so inwardly and deeply towards the optick Nerves, as the coats which come from the Meninges, whence it is that the external pain cannot extend it self to the roots of the Eyes as Galen saith.

A pain by propriety is constant and permanent, nor doth it follow the disease of other parts: But a pain by consent or sympathy, depends upon the infirmity of another part, so that as that encreaseth or diminisheth, the Headach encreaseth or diminisheth. Now this pain by sympathy, is either by consent from the whol Body, as in Feavers; or from some peculiar part as the Stomach, Liver, Spleen, or Mother.

But we may know what part is affected when a pain is communicated to the head by its proper signs.

A pricking pain comes from a sharp chollerick humor or vapor which toucheth the Membranes of the Brain. A heavy pain comes from much thick, and cold matter, namely, flegm or melancholly compressing the sensible parts. An extending pain comes from wind or mild humors which work themselves into the Membranes and distend them. A beating or pulsative pain, comes of thin cholle∣rick blood or spirits abounding, by which the Arteries being stretched and swoln, do beat more vehe∣hemently, and shake the Membranes, and so striking the adjoyning parts, cause in them a sence of Pul∣sation, as Galen teacheth more at large, 2. de loc. aff. c. 3.

From what is said, the chief causes of a Headach are sufficiently declared, which in general are re∣ferred to the solution of continuity, as to the immediate cause: For whatsoever doth bring a mani∣fest or hidden solution of continuity, is like to bring a headach.

The signs of the kinds of Head-ach, and of the causes that produce them, may be learned from what is said, and therefore we come to the Prognosticks.

An external headach is alwaies less dangerous and easier cured than an internal.

A Headach in a sharp Feaver with thin and white urine is dangerous, for it signifies the chollerick matter is sent into the Brain, whence there is fear of a Phrenzy.

A strong pain of the Head suddenly seizing without evacuation following, or mitigation of the disease, is deadly: for it signifies the destruction of the animal faculty, which no more feeleth that object which caused the grief.

In a great Headach it is evil to have the outward parts cold; for by the vehemency of the pain there is a strong attraction of heat to the part affected, which wil cause inflamation.

They that recover of a disease in the inferior parts, and have after a vehement Headach, if a mani∣fest evacuation went not before, will have an imposthume in their Brain, for it signifies a translation of the matter which caused the disease into the Brain.

They who vomit green in a headach, and are deaf being awake, are suddenly very mad, 1. Porrh. for it signifieth a collection of choller into the Brain, which maketh the Stomach consent therewith and suffer.

Headach and noise in the Ears without a Feaver, or a giddiness, or deafness, or numbness of the hands, signifieth an Apoplexy or Epilepsie to be at hand, Hipp. in Coacis: For those symptomes come from abundance of thick flegm in the Brain.

To women with child sleepy and heavy headaches are evil, 1. Porrh. for they signifie the flux of hu∣mors to the head, which when they are many in women with child by reason they have not their cour∣ses, do threaten danger.

A Headach which was not from the beginning of the Disease, but rose from the disturbance of the body, shews that there will be a crisis by bleeding at the nose, or by vomit.

Since then the pain of the head cometh either of a cold or hot cause, we must direct the Cure for the taking away of both.

For the Cure of a cold Head-ach the flegmy matter is first to be evacuated being prepared, as is shewed in the ••hapter afore going. Then we must correct the cold distemper of the Brain, and the reliques of the humor are to be discussed with Bags, mentioned in the former Chapter, or in the Chapter of the cold distemper of the Brain: With which being warmed, let the head, being shaven, be rubbed for an hour and an half every morning till the cause of the pain be spent and exhausted.

After the head is well rubbed, sprinkle upon it this following Pouder, having upon it Cotton or Wool.

Take of Nutmegs, Cloves, Pepper, Pellitory, of each half an ounce: the Leaves of Sage, Bay∣berries, of each two drams: Mustard seed, and Water-cress seeds bruised, of each six drams: Make a pouder of these, sprinkle it upon the Head as aforesaid; and comb it in the morning before the use of the little Bags, that the pouder laid on the day before may be taken off.

Errhin••s are also pro••itable, Neesings, and Apophlegmatisms or things to chew, which were de∣scribed formerly.

A Magistral Syrup also made as followeth is very profitable.

Take of Guajacum wood, and Roots of China sliced, of each one ounce and an half: Infuse them twelve hours in four pints of spring Water: Boyl them till half be consumed, adding in the end, the Leaves of Vervain one handful; the flowers of French Lavender and Marjoram, of each a smal handful: dissolve in it being strained half a pound of white Sugar. Boyl it up to a Sy∣rup; but before it be perfectly boyled cast in two ounces of Senna tyed in a clout; the best Agrick two ounces; Rhubarb three ounces: let him take two or three ounces, once a week.

These Pills also following are very good which in times past were of great esteem in Italy in the daies of Eustachius Rudius chief Professor in the University of Padua, who was reported to be the Inventor of them, and accounted them a great Secret; and therefore gave them to one Apotheca∣ry only to be made by him, lest others should know the Receipt which indeed he borrowed out of Wickerus, who propoundeth it from Andernacus: and it is thus:

Take of Coloquintida six drams: Agarick trochiscated, Diagridium, black Hellebore, and Turbith, of each half an ounce: Aloes one ounce: Diarrhodon Abbatis half an ounce: Let the purging things be bruised and beaten together, and put in a glass with the spirit of Wine, so much as is sufficient, and let them be digested for eight daies in a warm place, and then ad the pouder of Diar∣rhodon, and infuse them four daies longer, then strain them and press them, and let the Liquor so pressed forth be distilled in Balneo, so long till the extract in the bottom of the Alembick grow so thick that it may make Pills, the dose whereof is one scruple.

But the following Pills are ascribed to Fernelius, of which he affirmed he found by experience such excellency, that he never met with a Cephalalgia, or Hemicrania, that is, half Headach, but he cured it.

Take of the best Aloes half an ounce: the Pouder of the Electuary of Pearls, the three Sanders, and red Roses, of each three grains: With Syrup of Wormwood, and Violets, make a Mass. Give a dram thereof twice in a week one hour or two before Supper.

And finally, in a stubborn pain that is old, all those Medicines are convenient, which were before mentioned in the Cure of the cold distemper of the Brain; among which, Epispasticks, or blister∣drawing Plaisters are not the meanest. Which also not prevailing some are so bold as to apply Vigo's Emplaister with Mercury, which they say hath cured old headaches somtimes, by causing them to spit much.

Baths of Brimstone and Bitumen are very efficacious in this case, used both to the Head, and the whol Body.

Also in an old Headach, sweating Decoctions are very good, and famous Authors declare that ma∣ny have been cured thereby,

Which not prevailing, Mercatus is bold to fly to the use of Stibium, and commends it highly in his first Book of the Cure of internal Diseases, and the eighth Chapter. But in an old grief, it is better to strengthen the head often, than to use too many Evacuations: Therefore Pouders and Caps, and other topick or external Medicines are very necessary before mentioned in the Cure of the cold Di∣stemper of the Brain.

But Pouders are more commendible, because the vertue of a Cap is not so much communicated to the Brain, and the pain may be encreased by the filth which is contracted by the long wearing of them.

Moreover, An Oyntment may be applied of the Oyl of Almonds, in which wild Bettony, Bay leaves, Mastich, Lavender, Mints, Marjoram, Thyme, Penyroyal, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Cinnamon, or some of these have been boyled, adding in the time of the boyling a little red Wine.

Or this following Chymical Oyl.

Take of Turpentine one pound: Mastich, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, of each one dram: Cloves, Ze∣doary, Galangal, Ladanum, of each one ounce and an half: the juyce of Ebulus or Dwarf-Elder, and of the wild Cowcumber, of each one dram: the Oyl of Chamomel and Lillies, of each half a pint: red Wine one pint and an half: wild Marjoram green one handful: Pouder those that are to be poudered, and put them into a Glass Retort, and extract an Oyl; with which anoint the head after it is shaved.

Oyl of Amber is very good, and it will be sufficient only to anoint the Head therewith.

While you use the afore mentioned Remedies, you may also use from the beginning of the Cure specifical Medicines, such as this Epitheme.

Take of the pouder of Zedoary one dram: the Water of Bettony, Vervain, and Elder, of each one ounce: Mix them and apply them hot to the part grieved with Scarlet cloth.

Among the proper Medicines for the Head-ach, from what cause soever it ariseth, Vervain is the chief; whose Water distilled, you may both apply externally, and give of it internally to the quan∣tity of ounces, with three drops of the spirit of Salt. Green Vervain alone only hung about the Neck, hath cured two Pat••••••••s when many other Medicines failed, as Forestus reports.

Zacutus Lucitanus it 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. Praxis Med. mirab. observat. 7. 8. 9. & 10. propounds four Re∣medies, confirmed by Experience; namely, An Issue in the back of the hand, Hors-leeches to the Temples, opening of the Vein in the Forehead and the corner of the Eye, which you may read in the place cited.

These things are to be noted concerning those Observations:

First, That the ••••sue between the Thumb and fore Finger is approved by other Experiments, and hath cured great Headaches.

Secondly, In the Cure by Hors-leeches, Zacutus is not content to apply two or three as ordinarily is done, but ten or twelve round about the Temples; whence comes a great attraction of Blood, which may draw forth the whol matter of the Disease.

Thirdly, In the Curing by opening the Veins in the Forehead, we must observe, That that Vein was twice opened, whence it appears that the first was not sufficient; when ordinarily our Practi∣tioners do seldom open it the second time, if the first hath been to little benefit.

The hot Cause of a Primary and Essential Headach, is Blood or Choller. And the like Remedies are proper for both, though they must be made stronger or weaker according to the strength of the Disease.

First then (after a Clyster is administred) begin with Blood-letting, drawing forth more when the grief proceeds of blood, than when it proceeds of choller.

Then give a Medicine to purge Choller, not only when Choller is the Principal Cause, but when blood aboundeth whose thinner part is easily turned into Choller.

If the matter offending is not sufficiently taken away by one purge, you must purge again at a due distance.

After apply Repelling Medicines to the Head, and Vinegar of Roses, such as were propounded in the Cure of the Phrenzy, making choice of the mildest.

And after it will be very profitable to apply Creatures newly killed, or parts of them, to discuss the reliques of the Disease, and to asswage the pain.

In an Headach which goeth with a continual Feaver, a Sheeps Lungs applied hot do much asswage the pain.

Also a Cataplasm of bruised Guords, and Housleek to the feet.

The opening of the Saphena after sufficient bleeding in the Arm, cures often times a Headach with a Feaver very suddenly.

You must use Cupping-glasses with, and without Scarification and Frictions of the extream Parts.

And in the whol time of the Disease, if the Belly be not loose, you must every day give an Emolli∣ent and cooling Clyster, and which do gently purge.

After general Evacuations and Revulsions, you may rightly, and with profit derive the matter by opening the Head Vein, or with Hors-Leeches to the Forehead, or with Vesicatories to the Neck.

In the mean while let the whol mass of Humors be qualified with Juleps, Emulsions, and Broths, as was mentioned in the Cure of the Phrenzy.

Lastly, If the pain be very violent you must apply Narcoticks both externally and internally, as they are set down in the said Cure of the Phrenzy.

Here also may avail the opening of the Forehead Veins, and Leeches to the Temples, commended from Zacutus Lusitanus.

Paraeus lib. 16. cap. 4. reports that a desperate half Headach was cured by opening the Arteries

in the Temples, and saies there is no danger in doing it. The Artery is opened as a Vein, and six ounces of blood forcibly leaping forth are to be taken: After apply a convenient Ligature, and open it not in four daies.

Botallus also saies, That it doth miraculously cure old Head-aches; and we also have cured despe∣rate ones the same way, and never found any danger in the opening of the Artery.

You must apply a Plaister to the Orifice, of Frankinsence, Mastich, Bole armenick, and Hares Hair, with the white of an Eg, and then make your Ligature as you use to do in Wounds of the Head.

In all pains of the Head, of what cause soever, if other means fail, and the greatness of the pain, make thee run to extremities; a Vesicatory applied over all the Head, after it is shaven, will cure it.

A Cautery upon the Coronal Suture somtimes hath perfectly cured a violent Head-ach.

But it is more powerful if it be applied to the Temples, of which see Poterius, observat. centur. 3. cap. 8. and our Observations thereon.