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. IV. Of the Diseases of the Watery Humor, and especially of a Suffusion.

THe Watery Humor is out of its Natural Condition, when it is distempered in quantity or quality. When the Distemper is in quantity; it is enlarged or diminished, and makes the Pupilla be dilated or contracted, which Diseases shall be mentioned in their places. When the distemper is in quality, it becomes thicker, and that comes from another Humor mixed with it, and that is called Suffusion, which we here speak of. For although Galen 1. de Symp. caus. cap. 2. sheweth that a Suffusion may come from the condensation of the watery humor without the access of an excrementitious Humor: yet because it happens seldom, and is known rather by imagination than art, and is altogether incurable: omitting that, we shall speak of that Suffusion only which cometh from the afflux of another excrement or humor. This is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Latin Suffusio, by the Arabians, Water, vulgarly a Cataract. Some Authors would distinguish these names, and make them signifie divers sorts of this Disease: They call it in the beginning (when the sight is only a little darkened) a Suffusion; but when it is grown older, and somthing gathered into the Pupil appears like water, then they call it only Aqua, Water: but when the matter is grown thick in the Pupilla, and the sight almost gone, then they call it a Cataract. A Suffusion comes from a serous Watery Humor spread in the space between the Cornea and the Crystalline: and since a Watery Humor is contained in that space, it may well be reckoned among the Diseases of the Watery Humor.

This is the Cause of a true Suffusion: There is another Bastard Suffusion which comes from va∣pors sent from the Stomach and other parts into the Eyes. Galen 4. de loc. aff. cap. 2. taught that vapors may be sent from the Head to the Eyes, and make a bastard Suffusion; but although Au∣thors speak of two sorts of Suffusions, yet they are for the most part united, and a spurious or false pleuresie is complicated or joyned with a true one; because vapors sent from the lower parts to the Brain, are easily carried to those parts of the Head which are weakened with any Disease, and this appears in that all troubled with Suffusions are less troubled, and see better in the morning than at noon or night, because after dinner or supper many vapors are sent up from the Stomach to the Eyes which disturb the sight. And Experience teacheth, That men so diseased have their sight more dull and dark presently after meat, than a few hours after. Moreover, all that have a Suffusion relate that they see in the Air little bodies, as Gnats, Flyes, Hairs, Cobwebs, and the like; which could not be but by the gross vapors which are sent to the Eye, and there move: for although Authors suppose that these representations depend upon some thick Humors contained in the Eye, which make a Suf∣fusion: yet this is not credible, Because then it should alwaies move in the Eye, to represent those little Bodies which fly in the ayr, which is contrary to reason. But rather without question, the vapors are in perpetual motion, and so can represent those flying fancies.

A Watery Humor is the chief and most ordinary cause of a Suffusion, yet other Humors at least in a smal quantity may be mixed therewith: and if Choller be mixed, then it is citrine or yellowish; if Melancholly, then it is a black Suffusion.

And those Humors use to slow to the Eyes when they are weak, either Naturally, or by Acci∣dent.

From a Natural debility comes a thrusting forth of the Eyes, for they who have such Eyes, are very subject to a Suffusion; for such Eyes use to be great, and therefore the vertue spread abroad is less in them: as also by reason of their largeness they do more easily receive humors and vapors. External causes make an accidental or adventitious debility, as a stroak, contusion, baths, a Southern and rainy habitation or season, heat of the Sun, smoak, continual reading, especially by candle light, and the like: All which may also cause a flux of humors to the Eyes.

Now the Humors flow from the Brain to the Eyes by the Veins, by the Tunicle called Ʋvea, and by the Optick Nerve. The Veins by which they flow are divers: either those which come from the Pericranium to the Conjunctiva, thence to the Cornea and Ʋvea: or those which come from the Men••nges, from which some branches come to the Membranes of the Eye, from which Membranes, especially from the Ʋvea, the excrementitious humors may easily fall into the watery humor being so neer.

Finally, Humors may easily be carried by the Optick from the Brain; by the Tunica Retifor∣mis and Aranea, to the Crystalline; and then the matter of the Suffusion sticks upon the superfi∣cies of the Crystalline. Although a Suffusion for the most part comes by a defluxion, yet somtimes

it may come by congestion or gathering, when that nourishment of the Eye is not well changed, and the expulsive Faculty is so weak that it cannot expel sufficiently the remaining excrements, so that they are by degrees gathered together about the Pupilla, and so make a Suffusion, in which case o∣ther humors are ordinarily disturbed, and difficult diseases are produced.

The Differences of a Suffusion are taken from the thickness and quantity of the humor causing it, and from the place in which the humor resideth.

In regard of thickness more or less, the sight is more or less offended, for if the humor be thin and serous, of which the Suffusion is made, which is cured by pricking, as Galen taught 14. Meth. cap. ult. The sight is little worse, and it is called a Suffusion only begun, if it be somwhat thic∣ker the sight is darker; if very thick blindness followeth.

In respect of the quantity and the place, Either the humor possesseth the whol Eye, and the sight is equally hindered which way soever it be directed; or it possesseth one part of the Pupil more than another, and so the objects are not seen wholly at one direct view, nor can many objects be seen at one time: but if the humor be very little, and possess the middle of the Pupilla, the objects appear with holes through them. But if the matter be divided into divers parts, possessing divers parts of the Pupilla, the forms of Gnats shall seem to be before the eyes: All these differences are exactly di∣stinguished by Galen, 1. de symp. causis, c. 2.

Moreover, In respect of the place or Scituation of the matter, other differences may be made, as somtimes the matter is in the very hole or cavity of the Ʋvea about the Cornea; somtimes about the Ʋvea, and between that and the watery humor; sometimes it is mixed with the Watery Humor; and finally, somtimes it is between the Crystalline and Watery Humor.▪

Some Differences may be taken from the figure or shape of the matter, which Galen relates 1. de sympt. causis cap. 2. and 4. de loc. affect. cap. 2. for as the figure of the humor adjacent to the Pupil∣la is various, so divers objects are present thereunto, as Gnats, Hairs, Cobwebs, Circles about Can∣dles, and other things.

The knowledg of this Disease, is first in distinguishing a true from a bastard Suffusion, and then in the discovery of the differences of true and right Suffusions.

A true Suffusion doth for the most part affect only one Eye; but if both be affected, they are not at one time, or alike affected, as in a spurious Suffusion.

Secondly, In a true Suffusion, some dark matter appeareth in the Pupilla, which doth not in a Spurious or Bastard Suffusion. But this is not alwaies a true sign; for if the Suffusion cometh of a thin and serous humor, because it is no thicker than the Watery humor, there appeareth no change in the Eye, by which Physitians are somtimes deceived, not knowing that kind of Suffusion, take it▪ for Gutta serena, perceiving no change in the Pupilla: but this kind is easily distinguished from Gutta serena. First, in Gutta serena the sight is quite gone, or much diminished, no hurt appea∣ring in the Eye: On the contrary, In a Suffusion which we cannot see, there is only a smal decay of sight, because the serous humor from whence it proceeds, is thin, and transparent, so that it may be pierced by the species of objects like Glass. Secondly, They differ in this, For the most part in a Suffusion, the Sight is not equally hindered in all parts of the Pupilla; but the objects somtimes are seen better when they are direct before the Eye, somtimes when they are opposite to the corner of the Eye, because the humor is thicker or thinner in one part of the Pupilla than the other.

Thirdly, In a true Suffusion the Symptomes are continual, and have no intermission: in a bastard Suffusion, they are somtimes encreased and remitted, as the vapors are more or less which are sent un∣to the Brain. So they are fewer when the Stomach is empty, than when it is full, especially present∣ly after meat, for then a greater company of vapors do ascend, which sent to the Eyes, represent to the sight, Flies, Gnats, Cobwebs, and such like smal bodies, not alwaies, but at some times only. Which little bodies represented in the Air, depend upon the Vapors as aforesaid: but in regard the Eyes are weakned by a true Suffusion there is almost a continual sending up of vapors unto them, and therfore there is a continual appearance of these little bodies flying in the Air. Moreover, there is a constant darkness of sight in a true Suffusion, being alwaies after the same manner, as if all the objects were seen through a cloud or thick glass, which is the proper sign of this Disease: but in a bastard Suffu∣sion, there is somtimes a greater, somtimes a less, and somtimes almost no dimness at al of the Sight, even as the vapors are many, or few, or none that are sent to the Eyes.

Lastly, A true Suffusion grows in a short time, and is confirmed for the most part in six Months, and somtimes it encreaseth in a few daies: and Fernelius saith, 5. Pathol. cap. 5. that a Suffusion was perfect in one day, which we also have often seen: but a bastard Suffusion continueth many yeers without encrease.

The Differences among true Suffusions are these:

In a Suffusion beginning certain smal Bodies, as Hairs, Gnats, Flyes, pieces of Wool and Cob∣webs, fly before the Eyes.

But when it is far gone, the Air appears cloudy, and the objects are seen thicker, as through a

glass; the colour of the Pupilla is changed, and it appears either troubled or cloudy, or like filthy Glass, or of a sky colour when a suffusion is perfect, the sight totally perisheth: the Pupilla is ei∣ther white, or of some other colour is mixed with white.

Some signes are taken from the Colour: for when it is like a Pearl in colour, it signifies that the flegm is still fluid and transparent: when it is white as Chalk, then it signifies a thick and compacted matter: when yellow, then flegm and choller are mixed: when black, it shews Melan∣cholly.

The Place in which the Suffusion grows, is thus known; For if the matter be placed between the Uuea and Cornea, the Pupil appeareth more dark, because the matter is neerer to the beholder▪ Moreover the Pupilla is dilated by the Humor contained therein; and when the Disease is confir∣med, white or red veins, or swellings are perceived to be about the Iris, or circle of the Eye; or cer∣tain white spots appear about the Pupilla.

If the Matter be contained between the Crystalline and the Uuea, contrary symptoms wil appear▪ as also the Pupilla wil be contracted if the matter lie deep, and enlarged if the matter lie higher.

The Prognostick of this Disease, is to be diversly made, according to divers seasons: For when a Suffusion is only begun, when the Patient can perceive an object as through a cloud, it is curable as Galen saith, 14. Meth. Cap. ult. and Celsus lib. 6. cap. 6. which Opinion wants a restriction: Namely, if the Patient be yong, but in old it is incurable: and if the eyes be not naturally of a weak constitution. We also have seen some that have been cured in fifteen dayes space, of a Suffusion new∣ly began; who have been above fifty years of age, only by universal Purging, sweating Diet, and a Vesicatory, without any other application of Topicks.

This Cure is better wrought in a warm air and in summer time, because the Pores are then open, the matter of the Di••ea••e •••• more moveable and obedient; so that oftentimes it dischargeth it self by seege; which, is very much to the Cure of this Disease: as Hippocrates sheweth, Aph. 16. Sect. 6. in these words, It is a good sign, when men with sore Eyes, have a loose 〈◊〉〈◊〉

If a Suffusion come from an acute Feaver, a Peripneumonia, a Phrenzy, or from a violent pain of the Head, it is hard to be Cured.

A Cataract or Suffusion confirmed when the matter is grown thick, cannot be discussed with Me∣dicines, but must be couched with a Needle.

This Operation is not safe; and often hath ill success: For either the Tunicle Uuea is torn, or by the pain and inflamation, a new flux of Humors is brought to the Eye, which hath been long before weak: and many other inconveniences by which the sight is for ever lost. But since this Operation hath been sometime succesful, it may be tryed by those who have no other hopes of Cure; For it is better, as Celsus saith, to try a Doubtful Medicine, or Remedy, than None at all.

In a confirmed Cataract, if when the other Eye is shut the Pupilla appeareth larger in the Eye affected, there is hope of Cure by Couching; but if it be no larger, it is uncurable; as Galen tea∣cheth, 1. desymp. caus. cap. 2. because the optick Nerve is obstructed, and the spirits cannot come to the Pupilla, though it be open.

But if the Patient perceive no light when the Pupilla is enlarged by the shutting of the other Eye, he cannot be recovered by the Needle, because the visive spirit is troubled and obscure, and therefore unfit for sight.

A black Cataract, free from al brightness, can neither be Cured by Physick, nor Chirurgery; because the Visive Spirits are destroyed; but a cleer Cataract that hath some splendor, is Cure∣able.

These also are uncurable for the most part, a green, dark, very yellow, and hard Cataract; and that which moveth and is colored like quicksilver.

A Cataract which representeth objects ful of holes, is not to be tampered with: For since the matter is in the Center of the Pupilla, it is to be feared, lest when the Needle is thrust in, the whol Pupilla be filled with the matter, and so the fight be utterly lost.

The Operation of the Needle, is more succesful, in a ful Eye; and that which keeps its natural greatness: But if the Eye be smal and decayed, it is less succesful.

In Old men, this Operation is not to be tryed; nor in Children, in them the Disease is incurable; in these the Humor is too soft being not ripe; there is most hope of success in yong persons.

If this Operation be, when some part of the Suffusion floweth down (if the eye be compressed) and appeareth more large, and after returneth to its former station and figure, it is not succesful; be∣cause the Cataract is not yet ripe, but thin and crude: But if by a compressing with the finger there is no change of the shape and figure of it; it is then ripe, and may be couched with a Needle. But we must take notice, That the ripeness or thickness of the Cataract ought to be moderate and not too much compacted, that it may be easily couched: for it ought to be like a thin skin which may be row∣led about the Needle and so couched down; for if it be too thick and solid, it cannot be couched,

which you may perceive when it is like Chalk or Hail. Contrarily that which is fit for couching u∣seth to be Sky-colored, and Sea-green, of the color of Iron or Lead not black.

The Cure of a Cataract must be directed not only to the Conjunct, but to the Antecedent cause. And therefore you must purge the whol Body, and especially the Brain very exactly. After you must discuss that humor which obstructeth the Pupilla, and some way soften it.

Which intentions, when they are almost the same which were propounded in the Cure of Gutta serena, we may use the same Remedies for Diet, evacuation or purging of the whol Body, for revul∣sion of the humor offending, and for the strengthening of the Head and the Eyes, so we shall not in vain repeat them.

Having therefore first used all that Method which was laid down for the Cure of Gutta serena, we will declare unto you those Medicines, which belong properly to the taking away of the matter about the Pupilla. And though Topical Medicines are counted little worth according to Galens Opinion, 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who saith that they promise more than they can perform: yet their Lawful use is not to be rejected: and Experience hath taught, by very good Authors confirmed, that Cataracts in their beginning, after universal Medicines used, have been cured with Topicks, that is, Medicines applied to the Eye.

First therefore begin with mild dissolvers, and such as dry not overmuch lest the matter grow hard, and be made unfit to be dissolved: then use mollifiers with your dissolvers, that induration may be hin∣dered, and it may more easily be dissolved. For this purpose the following Fornentation may be first used.

Take of the Leaves of Rue, Fennel, Eyebright, the greater Celondine▪ of each one handful: Foenugreek seeds one ounce: Chamomel and Melilot flowers, of each one pugil: Boyl them in three parts of spring Water, and one part of white Wine added towards the end of the Decoction. Foment the Eyes with a soft spunge dipt in the strained Liquor, morning and evening.

Of the same Decoction you may make a Fumigation, covering the head that it may be received in∣to the Eyes.

In the beginning of the Disease, while the defluxion is new, and that revelling Medicines are used, it is good to wash the Eyes with only red Wine, which by its astriction hinders the defluxion, and by its spirits discusseth and dissolveth it.

In the progress of the Disease, a Fomentation of white Wine, in which Crocus Metallorum hath been infused, is most profitable.

It is no less profitable to let a child eat sweet Fennel Seeds in a morning, and afterwards breath in∣to the Eyes.

As also to let him lick them, or to let a Dog lick them.

Also Bread hot from the Oven, in which is sweet Fennel seed cut in the middle, may be so placed to the Eyes that they may behold it when they are wet with the vapor.

These Medicines are to be used in the morning.

At night you may apply this Cataplasm:

Take of Fenugreek seed beaten one ounce: Aloes half an ounce: Saffron one dram: Make them into fine pouder, put it into white Wine wherein Crocus Metallorum hath been infused, and make a Cataplasm to be applied to the Eyes at night.

Many commend Pidgeons blood, put hot into the Eyes, for with the Natural heat of that Creature the part will be much strengthened, and the excrementitious matter dissolved: but because the heat will quickly depart from the blood, it is better to take a yong callow Pidgeon, and slit it in the back, and apply it to the Eye.

With these Medicines you may discuss the matter if it be possible.

Topical Medicines called Collyria, which are dropped into the Eyes, are of little force, and those are they which Galen said did promise more than they perform; for all their vertue is spent in the Cornea; neither can they reach to the internal parts, except they be made very sharp, by which, pain would be caused, and a greater defluxion: hence many that have used them immoderately, have from a light infirmity become stark blind. But because many of those Collyriaes are found in Au∣thors which have good report by them, lest we should seem defective, we will shew some of the choy∣cest, that they who please may try them.

Take of the best Honey two pints: Fennel Roots, and the Roots of long and round Birthwort, of each one pound: the leaves of Rue, Eyebright, Celondine the greater, and the tops of Fennel, of each six handfuls: Centaury the less three handfuls: Roses four pugils: the Ʋrine of a Boy two pints. Mix them all in a glass Vessel and distill them in Balneo Mariae. Drop this Water often into the Eyes.

Or you may make Bread with the Bran in it, with the Pouder of Rue, Celondine, Eyebright, Betto∣ny, and Fennel with a little Honey, which as soon as it is drawn and cut in pieces, must be put between two Pewter or Silver Dishes; from whence will come a Water, which Zechius affirmeth, dropped

into the Eyes, doth wonders. Also this following is highly commended.

Take of white Violet Leaves, one handful: Radish seed, one dram: Amoniacum, half a dram: mix them, and pouder them; then steep them twenty four hours in one pint of Fennel water: then let them boyl a little space: ad to the straining one ounce of the clarified juyce of Fennel: the Bal∣som of Peru, two drams: make a Collyrium: which Zechius saith, Dropt into the Eyes morning and evening, after the Body is sufficiently Purged, doth so clense the Eyes, that it takes away a Cataract wonderfully, without Couching.

Hollerius Describes a Water, that he saith, Cured one that was Nine yeers blind: Which is this.

Take of the juyce of Smallage, Vervain, Germander, Burnet, Avens, Sage, Celondine, Rue, Knot-grass, Chickweed, the pouder of Cloves, of each one ounce: gross Pepper, Nutmeg, Lignum Aloes, of each three drams: steep them all in the Ʋrin of a Boy, and the sixth part of Sack: Let them boyl a little, then strain them, and press them, put it in a Glass close stopt; drop e∣very night some of it into each Eye.

The juyce of Brooklime only, being often dropt into the eyes, hath somtimes Cured a yong Suf∣fusion, when a Cautery also hath been applied to the Coronal Suture.

The Juyce of Celondine and Calcitrap mixed together, are as good.

Quercetan, in his Dispensatory doth much commend▪ Water in which Crocus Metallorum hath been infused, which is thus made.

Take of the Water of the greater Celondine, six ounces: Crocus Metallorum, one dram: in∣fuse them, and drop three or four drops of this Water warmed into the Eyes for three or four times a day for a long continuance.

Fonseca saith, That he knew one Cured by this Water, who was very dim sighted many months: This is the excellency of it, which few other Medicines have; It clenseth very powerfully without a∣ny sharpness.

The same Fonseca sayes the Water following is admirable.

Take many Swallows, beat them with their feathers in a Morter: put to every pound of them four ounces of bread crums: of white wine, four pints: infuse them six dayes, and distil them in Balneo till they are dry: then set that Water in a Glass in the Sun for twenty dayes, and drop it into the eyes morning and evening.

There is a Water made of Rosemary flowers, which discusseth Films in the Eyes after this man∣ner.

Take of Rosemary-flowers as many as are sufficient to fill a Glass which must be well stopt, and set it in the Wall against the South Sun, thence will an Oyl come, which with a feather anoint the Eyes with.

Some Authors commend the Galls of Beasts because they clense and discuss strongly, but they cause pain with their sharpness, and therefore are seldom used.

Forrestus, Obs. 35. Lib. 1••. commends a certain Fish in his Country, out of whose Liver there comes a moisture, by which he saith Cataracts are presently, as by a miracle, Cured. See in the place cited the use of it. William Lozellus saith, That he hath Cured many stark blind, after universal Medicines have been used, with this Water.

Take of the Liver of a sound Goat, two pound: Calamus Aromaticus, and Honey, of each half an ounce: the juyce of Rue, three drams: the Waters of Celondine, Vervain, Fennet, Eye¦bright, of each three ounces: Long Pepper, Nutmeg, and Cloves, of each two drams: Saffron, one scruple: Rosemary-flowers bruised, half an handful: Sarcocol, and Aloes, of each three drams: the Gall of Ravenous Birds, Capons, or Partridges, one ounce: let those that are to be sliced be sliced, and that are to be bruised be bruised; then mixed altogether, with two ounces of white Sugar and six drams of Honey of Roses, cast them into an Alembick of Glass, and distil them in Balneo Mariae with a gentle fire, keep this Water in a Glass close stopt, for precious; which you may drop twice or thrice in a day into the eye affected.

Zacutus Lusitanus commends the Water following, in these words, For an old Disease in the Eyes, called Ophtalmia, or any other which cometh of overmuch moisture, and gross humors and mists; as in thickness, whiteness, the Haw, and Suffusion; this Water is the best in his Experi∣ence; if after sufficient Purging, you drop six drops cold every night three hours after meat into the Eyes, then about two hours after you shall have Water flow out of them in abun∣dance.

Take of Aloes, three drams: Rue, Fennel, and Pettony, of each two handfuls: Vervain and Tormentil, of each one handful: Sarcocol, three drams: the froth of Nitre, two drams and a half: Sugar Candy, three ounces: syrup of Roses, four ounces: the Ʋrin of a yong Boy, half a pint: Lizzards dung, three drams: Horehound, three handfuls: Eyebright, one handful and a half: Ginger, Spicknard, long Pepper, Cloves, and Tutty, of each two drams; Balsom, three

drams: Honey of Roses, two ounces: Verdegreese, one dram: Licium, two scruples▪ Radish leaves, one handful: powder those which are to be powdered, mix them, and infuse them in the best white wine, in a Still, putting to a fourth part of the best Honey, for ten dayes, and stir them daily, then Distill them, and keep the Water.

The same Zacutus commends the Oyntment following, in these words: For the drying up of moisture flowing from the Head into the Eyes, and for Purging them by the Corners very strongly; this Magistral Oyntment is excellent; being applied after universal Evacuations from the Head and the whole Body; let the upper Eye-brows be anointed lightly therewith morning and evening twice in a day three hours after meat: one hour after there will slow plentiful Water from the cor∣ners of the Eye, especially from the great corner.

Take of the Oyl of Roses, three ounces: Rose-water, nine ounces: Camphire, one dram: Tut∣ty, one scruple: Honey, two ounces: the Gall of a Goat, half an ounce: Lupin meal, half a dram: Aloes, Succotrine, one dram: Sugar candy, half a dram: the juyce of Horebound, Fennel, and Rue, of each half an ounce: Mirrh, one scruple: Ammoniacum, half a dram: Sarcocol one dram and a half: Pouder them that may, mix them, and boyl them a little with a gentle fire▪ and the grease of a Goat or Sheep, and a little wax: make an Oyntment according to art.

Finally, when al Medicines fail, when the Disease is almost desperate, it were good to try an ex∣perience with the Oyntment of Quicksilver; which Fonseca saith was his invention, yet seldom used; for in his 19. Consultat. lib. 1. he thus saith: I have thought sometimes that the Ʋnction used for the Cure of the French Pox, hath power to take away Cataracts in their beginning and in∣crease; by the same reason that it takes away the Humors remaining in the Eyes from the French Pox; for by it the Head may be so Purged, that a Cataract may be Cured; and I have determined to make tryal of it. Fonseca had much commended his Judgment if he had seen Skenkius his Obser∣vation, 309. Lib. 1. which is taken out of the 5. Book of Alexander Trajanus Petronus, of the French Pox, Cap. 1. One (saith he) before he had the French Pox was blind of one Eye with a Cataract or thick Suffusion; by the Ʋnction with Quick-silver was freed wonderfully from his Pox and Cataract both at once: Neither is it without reason that Cataracts may be dissolved with that Ʋnction, when we see by Experience that very hard Tumors of thick and gross Flegm are po∣werfully dissolved by the Ʋnction of Quick-silver.

When a Cataract can be dissolved with no other Medicines, the last Remedy is the Chirurgical Operation, which with a Needle put into the Eye, after the matter of the Cataract being thick, and turned to a little skin, thrusteth it to the lower part of the Eye, so that the sight is restored as if a window were opened. This Operation is successful sometimes; but often not: But when the case is so that no hope remains of other wayes, it is better according to the Opinion of Celsus, formerly Commended, to try an uncertain Medicine than none: But it useth not to be tryed by reason of its uncertainty by ordinary Chirurgions; but of Quacksalvers, who go to and fro practising, and there∣fore the time and manner of the Operation is to be left only to them.

But because those things ought not to be hid from a Physitian, you may find them exactly treated on in divers Practical Authors, when the Cataract is Cured.

Whether it be with dissolving Medicines or manual Operation you must use a course of Physick long after, because there is a great fear of a Relapse. For the Eyes having been much weakned by a long Disease, are very ready to receive any Defluxion again from the brain. Therefore you must fol∣low the usual Purging; you must have Issues continually for diversion; and use often strengtheners of the Eyes, such as are prescribed in Gutta serena: to which you may ad a washing of the Eyes, which must be done every day thus:

In the morning first chew sweet Fennel seeds some space of time, then fill the mouth with Wine, and after it is warm in the mouth, wash the Eyes therewith till they begin to smart, which wil cease when you leave washing.

Moreover Spectacles are very good to preserve sight which do make the Objects neither bigger nor less than they naturally are. And it is profitable to refresh the sight with green or sky coloured Spectales.

And Lastly, You must avoid al things which hurt the sight, and use those things which help it, as is declared in the Diet for the Cure of Gutta serena.