Ars chirurgica a compendium of the theory and practice of chirurgery in seven books ... shewing the names, causes, signs, differences, prognosticks, and various intentions of curing all kinds of chirurgick diseases ... : to which is added Pharmacopoeia chirurgica, or, The medical store, Latin and English ... / by William Salmon ...

CHAP. XIV. Of a BƲNCHED, or CROOKED BONE.

I. IF the Vertebrae stand forth and make a Bunching out, it is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. in Latin, Dor∣sum vel Tergum recurvam: and in English, A Hunch'd or Bunch'd Back.

II. If the Vertebrae are depres∣sed, and make a cavity or hollow∣ness, it is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (Incurvatio Spinae dorsi in anteriora:) in Latin, Dor∣sum vel Tergum Subsidens: and in English, A Saddle-back.

III. If the Vertebrae are luxa∣ted to the Right or Left side, it is called in Greek; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (i. e. Vermem imitans:) and in English, A Crooked-back.

IV. The Causes. It is gene∣rally from an inward cause; ei∣ther from a natural Imbecillity of the Parts, principally of the Ner∣vous Ligaments, by which all the Vertebrae are bound each to other on their outsides, but not coming to the Spinal Marrow, which Ligaments are encompas∣sed with a tough and gluti∣nous Humor, for the freer mo∣tion of the Vertebrae.

V. Or, from Cold, Crude, Gross and Viscous Humors, mix'd with the Aliment, which by great De∣fluxions and Catarrhs, beget a Tumor, which distends the Nerves proceeding out of the holes of the Vertebrae, and also stretches the Ligaments by which they are bound together; by which means they draw toge∣ther with them the Vertebrae, either inwards or outwards, or to the Right or Left side, and so moving them out of their seats, do dislocate them.

VI. Or, from a fluidness and softness of Body, (which is only in Children) being hurt by Nurses, by their too straightly Lacing of them, to make them slender; where by the Brest, Sides, and Inwards, are disturbed in performance of their Actions.

VII. Or, from the Rickets in Children, in whom sometimes the Rickety Humor sometimes settles upon the Spina Dorsi, and the Nerves and Ligaments belonging to the same, stretching and swel∣ling them, and so forces the Verte∣brae out of their places: and in∣deed upon such Children, it for the most part steals by de∣grees, and is many times here∣ditary

from the Parents.

VIII. Or, from a Strumous Humor, in such as have the Kings-Evil; which Humor, almost by a Sympathetick quality, does many times seize upon the Back-Bone, and its Nerves and Liga∣ments: and in such, it many times happens to such as are of full stature, which I have three or four times seen:

IX. The Signs. It is known both by Sight and Feeling. The Ribs grow nothing, or but little in breadth, but run outwards before: the Brest loses its natu∣ral latitude, and stands out as it were sharp, or with a point: it is a Defect so well known, that it needs no other Signs.

X. The Prognosticks. These Bunches, having their Original from an Inward Cause, are utterly uncu∣rable; unless they be withstood at first, with care and industry.

XI. Such as have had them from their Ancestors, are never cured: only Infants, and such as are young and growing, a e to be attempted.

XII. The Cure. Sennertus, Med. Pract. lib. 5. part. 6. cap. 5. says, That if there remains any hope of Recovery, you must apply to the Part strengthning Emplasters; on which an Iron Plate is to be laid, which by degrees may force the Vertebrae into their places.

XIII. Which Plate, or Iron-Bodice, must be full of holes; and be so long and broad, as to com∣prehend the whole Bunch, that it may press it the stronger: and the inside of it ought to be lined with Cotton closely bumbasted, and covered over with Linnen; and the Plate must be so sewed to some Bodice, that when it is put on, it may comprehend the Part affected.

XIV. This thus ordered, must be tied with Strings, or rather laced; slack in some places, but very strait about the Part af∣fected; that it may compress the bunching-out Vertebrae.

XV. Under these Bodice, 'tis very requisite to apply the fol∣lowing Emplaster. ℞ Oil lbiv. Red-Lead lbi. Vinegar lbss. Vi∣triol, Litharge, both in fine pouder, A. ℥vi. which strew in by degrees; then add Pitch ℥viii. and boil al∣most to a just thickness; at the end of which add Tacamahacca ℥vi. mix, and make an Emplaster.

XVI. But before this Emplaster is laid on, Emollients should be applied upon the Vertebrae, for a pretty long season; to loosen the Ligaments, and soften the Part: and these Emollients may be either Oils, Ointments, or Fomentations, or all of them, as you see occasion.

XVII. Then the aforegoing Pla∣ster is to be laid on, with com∣pression of the Iron-Bodice so long together, 'till the Vertebrae are forced back into the natural places.

XVIII. And the weakned Vertebrae are to be strengthned with this Emplaster. ℞ Em∣plastrum de Minio, Osteocolla levigated, A. ℥i. Wax, Catechu, A. ℥ii. fine B••le, Comfrey-roots, A. ℥iii. Oil of Roses or Mastich q.s. mix, and make an Em∣plaster.

XIX. An Emollient Ointment, to be used as afore directed,

at Sect. 16. ℞ Oil of Whelps, of Earthworms, of Orrice, and of white Lillies, A. ℥i. Bears, Vipers, and Mans Grease, Palm-Oil, Sperma Ceti, A. ℥ss. mix, and make an Emplaster.