Nine books of physick and chirurgery written by that great and learned physitian, Dr Sennertus. The first five being his Institutions of the whole body of physick: the other four of fevers and agues: with their differences, signs, and cures.

CHAP. 2. Of the simple differences of Pulses.

THe differences of Pulses are either absolute, or relative; * 1.1 absolute differences are when a Pulse hath any difference absolute, and in its own nature, when we consider it with∣out comparing it with any other. Respective are those which a∣rise from comparing of the Pulses amongst themselves. Absolute again are twofold, simple and compound.

But seeing to the Pulse, as also to every local motion, * 1.2 five things are required. 1. The thing moving. 2. The space through which the motion is made. 3. Time. 4. The rest between the two opposite motions. 5. The instrument: according to these also the simple differences of Pulses are constituted, and every simple dif∣ference regards one of these, and so there are ten simple Pulses, a great and smal in respect of space, swift and slow in respect of time, thick and thin in respect of rest between, vehement and weak in respect of moving, hard and soft in respect of the instru∣ment. And if amongst the opposit motions we account a medio∣crity, or moderate in every kind, there will arise 15. simple Pulses And if there may be added to these other differences, either they are not comprehensible by the touch, or they are unprofitable.

A great Pulse is that which exceeds the space, * 1.3 which by na∣ture is granted for the motion of the Artery. A little Pulse is that which doth not wholly keep that space. A moderate Pulse is that which doth observe its definite space for its motion; but where∣as in space, longitude, latitude, profunditude may be consider∣ed, some divide a great and small Pulse into other differences, to

wit, long and short, high and deep, narrow and broad, to which if a moderate Pulse be added, then there will be made five kinds, all which kinds if they are joined together, amongst themselves make twenty seven differences, which comprehend eighty one Pulses; of which Galen in the first of the differences of Pulses, Cap. 5.

A swift Pulse is when an Artery runs through his space in a short time, * 1.4 a slow when in a long time moderate, when in an indifferent time.

A thick, * 1.5 or frequent Pulse is performed, little rest interpo∣sing between. A thin when long; an indifferent is performed in the middle of those extreams; but that a frequent and thin Pulse may be rightly perceived, The Pulses are to be divided into the stroak, and the intervall; the stroak is the motion of the Artery resisting the touch; but the interval is the time in∣terposed betwixt two stroaks, whereby the Artery is contracted and dilated, which by how much the shorter or longer it is by so much the Pulse is said to be more frequent or thin.

A vehement pulse is that which strikes the hand of him that feels it, * 1.6 and resists it: and as it were reverberates. Weak is that which gently strikes the hand. Moderate is the middle betwixt these two.

A hard Pulse is when the Artery is hard, * 1.7 and resisteth the touch. A soft is when the Artery is soft and fainty, and gives way to the touch.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The diffe∣rences of Pulses. Absolute. Respective.
• * 1.2

  Simple.
• * 1.3

  A great and a small Pulse.
• * 1.4

  A swift and slow.
• * 1.5

  Frequent and thin.
• * 1.6

  Vehement weak.
• * 1.7

  Hard. Soft.