Iatrica, seu, Praxis medendi, The practice of curing being a medicinal history of above three thousand famous observations in the cure of diseases, performed by the author hereof : together with several of the choicest observations of other famous men ... : wherein for the most part you will find 1. the constitution of the body of the sick, 2. the symptoms predominant, 3. the cause of the disease, what? 4. the exact method which was taken in the cure, 5. an exact account of the medicines exhibited, with the order of their exhibition, various doses and success thereupon ... / perform'd by William Salmon ...

The Authors Observations.

I. OF a Catarrh, with a great Tumor of the Throat, Feaver, Hoemorrhoids, &c.

1. When I began this Work, I thought of an uninterrupted continuation thereof, to the per∣fecting the same: But it pleased the most Wise God to deal otherwise with me, and for a season to put a stop to this my Design; for being seiz¦ed for some Weeks with a Catarrh, at last I was taken on Wednesday the 16 of August 1681. with the Piles, or Hoemorrhoids, in so vehe∣ment a manner, as that in two hours time, they were as big outwardly, as a small bunch of Grapes, a thing not only unnatural, but almost past all belief: The vehemency of their pain excited a Lypirias, or continual Symptomatick Burning Feaver, and a strong binding up of the Bowels, together with a great Tumour of the whole Collum, chiefly of the Tonsillae, Columna, Larynx, Pharinx, and parts adjacent.

2. The Author hereof, is the object of this Observation. I have lived for more than twen∣ty years, with as much Moderation and Tem∣perance, I think, as any body else could do; for in all that long time, I never took more Physick, than one single Purge of Sena: if there was any inequality of my Habit of Body, it was inclina∣ble to cold and moisture; and somthing of late to Melancholy, which caused a kind of Pining or wasting away of my Flesh: Whether it should arise from any Grief of Mind, or my Sedentary Course of Life, I cannot easily determine; It might be doubtless from them both; this I take to be as the prime, first, or remote natural Cause.

3. What farther helped on my Disease, as far as I can apprehend, was taking of cold, by sitting 2 or 3 hours in a Cellar drinking with a Friend a Bottle or two of Cider; after the Drinking of which, in about two hours time, as aforesaid, I was afflicted with the Piles, (a Disease I was formerly subject to, and which I commonly Cu∣red before breaking, with once, or twice anoint∣ing with Oyl of Amber, though now it would do me no Service) and in about two hours after their beginning they were miraculously increas∣ed, to the bigness of a small bunch of Grapes, to which bigness they never formerly attained, and then it was commonly the Work of six or se∣ven days.

4. The Pain was vehement, so that for three Days and Nights I had scarcely any inter∣missions of Ease, but a continual Crying and Roaring out. Several Physicians and Chyrur∣gians were with Me, but their Counsels availed nothing as to the giving me Ease, although many of them were put in Execution, and might be probably enough expedients in other Cases: at last I conceived, That by reason of the magnitude of the Tumor, its black color, and extravasation of the Blood, that if the Blood was not taken away suddenly, that the Tumor might be diminished, a Gangreen must necessarily ensue: Moreover, the pain was so great, that as a Feaver was al∣ready excited with a Soreness of the Throat, so unless ease was suddenly procured, nothing but a perfect Delirium, or Frenzy could be forthwith expected.

5. In order to the doing of this, I caused one John Sare a Chyrurgian then present with me, forthwith to apply Leeches to the part, which was done, and a great deal of very pure Blood was drawn away, to the value, as he Judged, of about nine or ten Ounces; so that the Tumour was apparently abated: After the Leeches (which were many) had done Sucking; he fo∣mented the said Piles for about three hours, or more, with Linnen Cloths dipt in hot Claret-Wine, the best and roughest that could be gotten; notwithstanding all this Bleeding and fomenting, I had scarcely the least imaginable Ease, till about twelve hours after, at what time I fell into a little Slumber or Sleep, which was the first rest or sleep I met with from my first falling ill.

6. Ease thus happily Succeeding, together with a continual asswaging of the Tumour, I cau∣sed the Piles to be anointed with Ʋnguentum Diapompholigos, and a Cloth spread with the same to be applyed to them; this gave me im∣mediately more and incredible ease: the anoint∣ing and application of fresh Oyntment was conti∣nued and renewed every three hours; in so much that the said Piles speedily vanished, and in about eight or nine days time, they became per∣fectly well, without the least imagination of their returning again to this Day. But they left be∣hind them a strong Lypiria, or Symptomatick continual putrid Feaver, together with a Tumor of the whole Collum, or Neck and Throat, both external and internal, a hard binding up of the Bowels, and a vehement Diaphoresis, or Sweat∣ing.

7. But some other Causes were thought Con∣comitant with the aforementioned Conjunct Causes; for that in the progress of this Sickness even from the beginning to the end thereof, it had almost infinite changes, forms, or shapes, for which no natural Cause could be easily ren∣dred: insomuch that it seemed to be wholly supernatural: First, I was troubled with Con∣vulsion fits, which followed me for three Days and Nights with exceeding great Torture and Pain; these being in appearance conquered, they left an exceeding weakness, faintness, and pining; even to the day that this great Sickness fell upon Me, which was three Weeks or therea∣bouts afterwards. After which I fell ill of the Piles, as aforesaid, of which in process of time becoming eased, I seemed as it were to be well, but suddenly fell down again with greater amaze∣ment, pain and weakness. It was ordinary for me to seem to Recover, and to be so well as if I ailed nothing; at what time, and when freest from pain, I should be all of a suddain taken Lame, sometimes in one Legg, sometimes in the other Legg, and sometimes in both; at another time in the Hip, and so in other parts, so that I could neither go nor stand: Nay, nor without very great pain stir my Self either in my Chair or Bed; nothing to be seen all this while either of Tumor, discoloring, or any other hurt upon the part, or any place near it; nor any hurt yet done to the same by any external violence preceed∣ing it; and this to last two or three days, and then to go away of its own accord. Upon the ap∣pearance of these, such Medicaments as was thought most proper, not only by my self, but also by many other very able and learned Phy∣sicians, were applyed, but without the least ap∣pearance of any Good; yea rather the Symptoms were exasperated, in so much that we were for∣ced to give over the most hopeful expedients. If upon the taking of any probable Medicine, and that of a high Nature, and admirable pre∣paration, I found any good, or ease, it was but for four or five times taking, and then without any new Cause known either to Me, or my as∣sistants, I presently Relapsed, and became (if possible) ten times worse than I was before. Of these Relapses I had many, during all which I had a mighty Tumor of the whole Collum, both external and internal, so that I could neither turn my Neck on any side, nor swallow the least thing without very great difficulty and pain, and for the most part in danger of Suffocation. When at any time the Vehemency of the Sym∣ptoms slacked; I began again to Swallow freely and well, as if I had never ailed any thing, which hopeful condition would last sometimes, ten, twelve, or fourteen days upon Me, every day growing better: At length, and all of a sudden without any apparent praevious Cause, yea in a∣bout two hours time, I should again fall into a Relapse so great, as that not only my Self, but the By-standers could not believe that I could ever recover it; for that there would be present a great Sickness at Heart, sometimes Vomiting, sometimes not, with an Oppression of the Sto∣mach, and Stoppage of Breath even to Swooning away: after the Vehemency of the Symptom was over, there then remained the old difficulty of Swallowing with Vehemency of pain; and sometimes I could not Swallow at all, but as things were thrust down by force: Not so much as a Raison could I get down by Virtue of the Faculty of the part, might I have had the whole World as a Reward for so doing. And in this state I should continue somtimes six, eight, twelve, or fourteen days, and then again find a little amendment. After this manner I spent eigh∣teen

Weeks, at the end of which time my Body became a mear Skeleton, covered only with Skin. From hence, I grew worse and worse, and dispa••ring of Life, resolved in my own Brest to go into the Country, (not out of hopes of Life but only to Dye) that thereby I might for a few days seclude my self from my affairs, from Vi∣sitants, and indeed as much as might be from the whole World, before I went hence, to that place, from whence (as Job saith) I shall never more return. I went into the Country not above five or six miles from London, and in about eight or ten days time or thereabouts, without taking of any Physick (except the Pill of my Laudanum, which I had ordinarily taken before, every Night, for fifteen or sixteen Weeks time in London, I became, to all apprehensions perfectly well; so that about New years day, I was not only freed from all my pains, swallowed well, eat, drank, and slept well; but also my so extreamly exte∣nuated Body, became filled with flesh again. Seeing my Self in so good a Condition, I sud∣denly returned to the City, where after a few days, by little and little, (almost insensibly) my Disease returned, and I fell into another Relapse; of which I shall speak in the sequel of this Ob∣servation.

8. But leaving the abstruse or hidden Causes of these things to the various determinations of other Judgments, we shall now come to shew what Medical Progress was made in order to the Cure of this supposed more than natural Disease. The Piles being perfectly removed, as aforesaid at § 6. above, left behind them a continual Fea∣ver, a Tumor of the whole Collum, both exter∣nal and internal, a Vehement Diaphoresis, or Sweating, with a Costiveness, or hard binding up of the Bowels for about ten days. I conceived it highly necessary to move the Belly, for which cause I ordered emollient Clysters to be exhibi∣ted, Morning and Night: Take Milk a pint, Honey, Oyl Olive, of each four spoonfuls: mix, and give it warm. These went not without their Success, for they brought away a vast quan∣tity of hardned Excrements: I continued them for five or six days, but no longer than I took Clysters, no longer could I go to Stool.

9. Upon this I considered with my Self, what was fit farther to be done; and I ordered a De∣coction of Damask Roses in Clarified Whey. I drank liberally of it, that it gave me not so much as one Stool, but I grew harder bound in Body than be∣fore. Hereupon I repeated over Night the for∣mer Clyster, and the next Morning the same again: but before the Clyster was given in the Morning, I took the following Purge: Take Carraway and Fennel seeds, of each a dram: Sena, half an ounce: White Wine, a pint and half; boyl to a pint, strain, and sweeten with white Sugar: This I drank almost quite off: It moved my Body well, and purged Me for at least three or four days, bringing away at first a great plenty of Water, then much cold, moist, thick, slimy, and viscous matter, so that I was apparently eas∣ed thereby, the Feaver and Sweating somewhat abated.

10. But the loosness occasioned by taking the aforesaid Dose of Sena, (which was all the Pur∣ges I had taken for more than twenty years last past) continuing long upon Me, and I finding in twelve or fourteen days time no Release there∣from: I began to think of something for that purpose. However, in the mean season, the Fea∣ver returned again with its Violence, which was such, that there was no real Intermission, but only a small Remission or slacking of the heat, for sometime; during these kinds of Remissions, there was a plentiful Diaphoresis, which I thought was Critical at first, but it proved much otherwise, viz. Symptomatical of a begun Tabes or Pining, wherein the flesh of the whole Body wasted from Head to Foot: and of the like Quality was the Diarrhoea or Loosness be∣fore spoken of, which indeed was nothing more nor less but a real Colliquation, or melting of all the humors and juyces of the whole Body; but during the time that this Diarrhoea and vehe∣ment Ephidrosis continued, the Catarrh was much abated though not quite taken away.

11. But it was the Diarrhoea (next to the Tumor in the Collum) which most afflicted Me: the Tumor of the Collum was the most trouble∣som to Me; but the Diarrhoea was the most dangerous, and therefore required my more im∣mediate consideration: for dayly vast quanti∣ties of Water came from Me by Stool, and that

whether I eat or drank or no. This perpetual flux of the Water, caused a dryness of the Ven∣tricle, so that a want of Appetite, strait-way followed; yet notwithstanding all this, I very seldom desired any Drink. And what Food I received in at any time caused almost a per∣petual heat and Burning in My Stomach, and the Breath which came through My Nostrils, seemed to Me, not much unlike the Mouth of a burning Furnace: However the Food would be at length digested, but by the extream heat, as I apprehended, of the Stomach, and its vitious quality, it caused a Colloquation, or Liquifaction of the Food, rather than a natural Digestion, for whatever I eat, all the Excrements of the Bowels proved nothing but Water.

12. Upon this I weighed dilligently the State of My Body: I knew My self to be Eusplanch∣nous, that is, one of Sound Bowels: I never had any Obstructions of the Liver, nor had I any stoppage of the Lungs: the Gall performed its Duty rightly, nor did I ever feel a disaffected Spleen, or Mesentery; nor had I ever any Di∣sease of the Intestines, save only, now and then upon the taking of cold, a Simple Diarrhoea; as to the Heart, its Pulses were Indifferent strong and for the most part equal, and the Animal Spi∣rits strong and vigorous in their Faculties. Here∣upon I concluded to take a Dose or two of an Opiate, hoping it might be some means to stay the Colloquation, and stopping the flux of the Bowels; yet I doubted it would be pernicious to Me, as to the Ephidrosis.

13. I began with the Laudanum Opiatum at two grains and half, and found no inconveniency in it: the next Night I took the same Dose; and the following Night, the like: upon the fourth Night I took three grains thereof; upon the fifth Night three grains and a half: upon the sixth Night four grains, which Dose I took for a Week together: Upon the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteen Nights I took four grains and a half: upon the sixteenth Night, and for fourteen Nights together, I took five grains: upon the thirtieth Night and for a Week together, I took five grains and a half: upon the thirty seventh Night, and for fourteen Nights together I took a Dose of six grains. After this rate I continu∣ed the taking of the Opiate, till I made the Dose fourteen grains and more.

14. What I observed upon taking this Opiate My self, was quite contrary to all whatsoever I observed in any of My Sick Patients: It stopt not the Diarrhaea in the least measure; but the Loosness continued all along for compleat ten Weeks: in like manner did the Feaver and the Diaphoresis, with the loss of Appetite: But this is to be noted, that the said Diarrhoea, was not painful; and the Stools (although almost all Water) at certain equal or set hours every day; the working of the Bowels though never so great, and the Motions at Stool were always easy, which I take to be the absolute effects of the Laudanum, although it had not force enough so to alter the blood and habit of the body, as to stop or hinder the Colliquation, or meltings of the Humour and Flesh. The Diaphoresis con∣tinued much in the same posture; nor did it in my Apprehension, (though contrary to my Ex∣pectation) in the least encrease it. Yet this was observable, that if I lay in My bed long beyond My usual hour, it would then certainly encrease the Ephidrotick Flood to a very great excess. All this while, viz. during the said ten Weeks, al∣though I had not the least stoppage of Urine, or pain in making Water, yet I made but very lit∣tle in quantity, for as much, as it was almost all of it carried away by Stool.

15. I continued the taking of the said Lau∣danum, till I found My self perfectly well, which was for more than three hundred days; during all which time I was so far from finding an Inconveniency in that Medicine, that it per∣petually gave Me a vast relief, the which upon the pretermission of its use, I became very sensible of. Nor did I find My self at all made more dull by the same, but on the contrary can truly say, I was much more lively and chearful (my Condition considered) than I was in many other parts of My Life.

16. At the end of eight Weeks My Condition was exceeding low, accosted with a strong Ca∣tarrh, vehement buurning Feaver, great Loos∣ness, large Sweating, and want of Appetite, with a mighty Tumor of the whole Collum, both exter∣nal and internal, and a vast extenuated body, in

such sort, that I became a perfect Skeleton, or heap of bones, covered only with Skin, accompa∣nied now with so much weakness that I could not sit up in My Chair, or scarce move Me in My bed. In the midst of all these hopeless Symptoms; I at last gave up My Self to di∣spair; and truly the Sentence of Death was pas∣sed upon Me in my own particular, and, I had now resigned My self up into the Hands of My Maker, and under the perfect Sense hereof I lay for some hours.

17. But after all this Resignation, that God might shew Me how Great he was, and the migh∣tyness of his Power, as well as how Good, and the large extent of his Love; He gave a Reprieve and Countermand, that My Soul should be Deli∣vered from Death, and My Life from the Pow∣er of the Grave. For between twelve and one in the Morning (the same Night) I extreamly Thirsted after a little Wormwood Wine (a thing formerly affected by Me, though of late disused:) and My desire was so extream, that My Life (at that Moment seemed to depend thereupon. It was gotten for Me, though at so unseasonable a time; and I drank a quarter of a pint of it: it satisfied Me much, (excepting as to its quantity, for I thought I could have drank a Gallon or two thereof) and revived me above the Power or Force of the greatest Cordial. Presently after I found I had a Stomach, and desired to eat somewhat, I did not much care what; I was answered that there was Mutton in the House, and I caused two little Stakes to be broiled for me upon the Coals, which was done, and I eat it up, and I drank after the same a draught of Ale; and then reposed my Self to Rest: This was more than I had done before from the beginning of My Sickness; & this continued for some days: I drank dayly the Wormwood Wine, a quarter of a pint, or half a pint a day; and my Appetite conti∣nued and I eat and drank freely and slept well, and had in my own Soul again the Assurance of Recovery.

18. Upon the Consideration and Experience of these things, My Heart rejoyced in God My Saviour; and my Soul gave Thanks unto him, for his numberless Mercies, Saying,

O God, who art the God of Truth and Faith∣fullness, the Preserver of the Just, and of all that put their Trust in Thee.

Thou art the strong God, a Refuge for the Afflicted, the God of Health and Salvation, and My Fathers God: I know Thee, therefore My Soul shall Trust in Thee for Ever.

I have taken Thy Name upon Me, I bear the Character of Thine Holiness, and the Seal of Thy Forgiveness, so that I cannot but Acknowledge Thee.

I have proved Thy Loving Kindnesses of Old; I have seen the Goings forth of Thy Salvation in former times, therefore shall not My Soul de∣spair.

But Thou, O God of Mercies, hast renewed the Seal of Thy Covenants; Thou hast given to My Soul fresh assurances.

Of late, even but Yester-day, when Pangs did Surround Me, when the Anguish of Death did take hold of Me; even then I cryed unto Thee, and thou heardst Me.

When I said surely I shall Dye, My Torment is greater than I can bear; yet then secretly did Thy Right Hand sustain Me.

I poured forth My Complaints unto Thee, and Cryed unto Thee the Deliverer; Thou sent forth Thy Saving Health in an acceptable time.

For I certainly knew, that Thou wouldst hear Me, and therefore My Soul put its Confidence and its Trust wholly in Thee, O My Lord and My God.

For this Cause, My Soul shall exult in Thy Goodness, and make its boast of Thy Mercies; nor so long as I have Breath, will I cease to give Praise to Thy Holy Name.

But surely Thou still provest those whom Thou Lovest, Thou still Tryest them; Thou Visitest Thy Children with Afflictions, to see how They will Receive it from Thine Hand.

To see whether they can accept of it as Their Dayly Bread, and be as well pleased therewith as with Treasures.

But Thou, O My God, hast Taught Me; Thou hast Instructed My Soul in Afflictions, Thou hast Taught Me to draw the more nigh to Thee in the day of Distress.

What shall I give to Thee, O Lord, for all Thy

Mercies for all Thy Secret Love, and for Thine innumerable Favours towards Me?

I will offer up a Heart wholly Devoted to Thy Love; a Soul Burning in the Flames of Thine Zeal, a Body only destinated to Thy Service.

I will consecrate My whole Self an Oblation upon Thine Altar, that I may be a Sacrifice of sweet Savour, and become Thine intirely for Ever.

Now My Soul knows that in Thee only is Life and Health; because Thou, O Lord, art that Eternal Fountain, from which all the Streams thereof Flow.

Thou art the Fountain of all Mercies and Goodness, of all Loving Kindnesses and Forgive∣ness: with Thee (O health of My Soul) there are yet innumerable Mercies reserved in store.

Wherefore then should I fear? Or, Why should Thy Servant doubt? Why should Ter∣rors Affright Me? Or Pangs make Me to Dispair?

When I consider Thy Faithfullness through all Generations; Thy Tender Mercies in Antient times, and Thy out-goings of Old; My Soul is bowed down before Thee.

How the Angel of Thy Presence, accompanied the Children of Thy Love, and Thy Mighty Power went before them.

How Thou broughtst them out of the Iron Fur∣nace, and Redeemed them from the Power of the Children of Oppression! and said unto them, fear not, serve Me.

Yet after all this, They Dissobeying Thy Voice, and with innumerable Rebellious, provoking Thee; Thou still stretched forth Thine Hand to have Mercy upon them.

Surely, Thou art a God that changest not; I know that time cannot alter Thee; therefore will I forever put My Trust in Thee.

O all ye Powers of My Soul, Trust in the Lord, and Fear not, but Praise and Magnify his Great and Holy Name for Ever and Ever. Amen.

19. But to proceed, after this beginning of Amendment; My desire was insatiable after the Wormwood Wine, of which I notwithstanding drank but a small proportion every day, by which I felt My Stomach continually bettered: However I was very Cautious of taking it too Li∣berally, or any way to satiate My Appetite af∣ter it; for that I feared if I began once to loath that which was the dayly cause of My Appetite, if My Appetite should afterwards fail, that I should be then left without Remedy. I conti∣nued long in this hopes of Amendment; but for about fourteen days, it was very apparent.

20. At the end of about ten Weeks, My Fea∣ver and Diarrhoea left Me at once, after which the Catarrh, Tumor of the whole Collum, and continual Sweating increased prodigiously; by means of which My Appetite again decayed, and My already extenuated Body wasted more and more every day, till my Condition became very deplorable in the Eyes of all that saw Me; The Catarrh now became more troublesome, and because that long evacuation by Stool was now of its own accord stopt, without doubt the Watery humor partly was exhausted by the Mouth, and partly by Sweating, and part of it fell upon the fleshy parts of the Collum, thereby causing a most extream Swelling of all the parts thereof.

21. In order to the taking away of the Ca∣tarrh, I thought of two things; the one was to Shave My Head, and to apply thereto a Ce∣phalick Emplaster with some powerful drawing things: The other was, That because I had for some Weeks taken Laudanum without Incon∣veniency to make some considerable Increase of its Dose, upon this special occasion. These things were accordingly done; and by the same I received very much benefit; for though the Catarrh was not wholly taken away, yet I felt not that perpetual tickling of Rhume as before, nor was I troubled with much Spitting: also hereby, I rested exceeding well. But as I found good one way, I found evil another, for the Tu∣mor of the Collum waxed greater and greater, and the Diaphoresis was apparently inlarged, which, in the Eyes of some Physicians present, was an incurable Symptome.

22. In the mean season I was not unmind∣ful of the other Symptoms: Outwardly the Neck was extreamly swelled, so that the Head could not be turned on either side without ex∣tream pain; for this, I caused it to be well ba∣thed

with the Powers of Amber, Morning and Night, and kept it warm with a Flannel five or six times double, this gave Me sensible ease. The internal parts which were Tumified were the Amygdalae, the Pharynx and Larynx: The Amygdalae were swoll'n to a prodigious bigness, and began to Wax hard, being a little out of their proper Seats. In order to their reduction, I first for a day or two received the Fumes of Pepper out of a Bottle upon the parts afflicted, after this manner: Take Milk, a quart: Pep∣per in Pouder an ounce; boyl them together for a quarter of an hour, then put all together into a Stone Bottle, out of the Mouth of which, let the Fumes be received into the Throat. This was repeated four or five times, at once as hot as could be endured, and done Morning and Night for two days together; at every time doing thus, viz. Morning and Night, &c. there came above half a pint or more of a cold viscous or slimy Water, by which I had much relief, and could now swallow a little: but to perfect the Redu∣ction of the Amygdalae, I caused a Woman with her Fingers to force them into their proper places, besmearing them with the Common Con∣fect of Alkermes mixt with the Compound Pou∣der of Crabs-claws, to an ounce of the first a quarter of an ounce of the last: This done, I could now immediately Swallow without the least pain or seeming stoppage.

23. The Pharynx and Larynx were also ve∣hemently tumified; and by reason of the con∣tinual flux of Humours, a rawness happened to the same, with Ulcers which were exceeding pain∣ful. Many things were used, as first Diamoron; after that a Solution of Alum and Honey in Lime-water: Then a Preparation of white Vi∣triol: after that a Solution of Saccharum Sa∣turni, in a weak Vitriol Water, with many other things of like Nature, the least of which were sufficient to cleanse and heal any ordinary Ulcer, yet they did Me no good at all: but the reason was, the first cause was not removed, but con∣tinually assaulted the part afflicted, by which means the Ulcer was continued, or else renewed: And this thing is clear, for when, the Catarrh was stopt, and the Flux of Humors removed, these Ulcers healed of themselves, without the application of any Remedy.

24. As to the Diaphoresis or excessive Sweat∣ing, I took Oyls of Sulphur and Salt, as also Oyl of Vitriol, sometimes the one, sometimes the other, the use of which I continued for five Weeks: I took six, eight, and sometimes ten drops or more at a time in the Liquor which I drank, whether Beer, Ale, or Wine; nor in∣deed did I take any Drink without some drops of those acids for full five Weeks together; by which My Inclination to Sweating was very much abated: now whereas this Ephidrotick Flood came upon Me at certain hours, which was while I was in My Bed, and towards Morning, that I might the more resist it, I commonly arose, and was made ready, by which also in part, the ve∣hemency of the Diaphoresis was removed; so that with partly taking those acid Oyls, and partly by early rising, preventing the first ac∣cess, the said violent or dangerous Sweating was totally abolished, in about five Weeks time.

25. To restore and comfort the Appetite, and help the concoctive and digestive Faculties, as I was of opinion, that a great deal of cold, viscous Flegm lodged in the Ventricle or Sto∣mach, was the Cause of those hurts; so I thought a gentle Vomit which would educe Flegm, might much conduce to the removing not only of the Cause of those Evils, but also of many other Symptoms now Predominant according to the Nature of My Disease. My present weakness forbad Me the taking of a strong Vomit, least I should be overcome in the Operation, (as some others have been) after little Consideration, I conclude upon the salt of Vitriol, of which I took a dram, in Broth. It brought away a great quantity of Flegm, after which I found My Self much the better: the next day I repeated the Dose, and so gave over. Now that I might comfort the Ventricle thus weakned by that quantity of Pituitous matter, so long lodged there, as also in some measure hurt by the Ope∣ration of the Vomit, I took for a Month (having it ready prepared) the Stomatick Tincture fol∣lowing: Take spirit of Wine, rectified and very strongly repleat with the Volatile Salt of Tartar six ounces: the lesser Cardamoms, four drams: Pepper, three drams: Cloves, two drams: Cu∣bebs, Anacardiums, of each one dram: all in

fine Pouder, digest till the spirit of Wine is very red, which will be in about 20 days, after decant the clear Tincture, and add thereto Chymical Oyls of Rosemary, of Sage, of Oranges, of Limons, and of Cloves, of each twelve drops, shake all well together, and keep it for use. Of this I took by turns thirty or forty drops in a Glass of Ale or Wine, thrice or four times a day; and somtimes I took it in Milk, and in Broth.

26. To prevent the farther Progress of the Tabes, or Consumption and present pining, and to restore My weak extenuated Body and wa∣sted Flesh, I betook My Self to Broths made strong with the Gravey and Juyce of Meats (not made of Sinews and Knuckles) whether Foules, Mutton, or Beef; and likewise to Red-Cows Milk, of which I drank largely: The Broth was made of the lean of good fat Fowles, or Buttocks of Beef, and Legs of the same; and Legs of Mut∣ton, freed from Skin, Fat and Sinews, and boyl∣ed in a proportionate quantity of Water, till the Broth was very strong, and the goodness wholly out of the Meat: This I took instead of Food, and the Milk instead of Drink, of which I drank very largely, and so continued the same for five or six Weeks or more, being all the refection which I received, and the things only which (through the Blessings of God) were the Sup∣porters of My Life. Now of the various Broths this I have to say, That though I think that the several kinds were all profitable to the same end, yet that made of Beef was not only the most Pallatable, but truly much more Nourish∣ing, than those which were made either of Fouls, or of Mutton, as My own dayly experience can Witness.

27. As for the more solid Food it was Rai∣sons of the sun, and choice Almonds, which I now and then, or, as I could get them down eat of; and this I did indeed for many Weeks together, by which I had some refection, and My Life was continued in Pain: After this manner continu∣ing eighteen Weeks, I was reduced to scarcely any thing else than Skin and Bone: My Distemper manifestly increased upon Me, to such an ex∣tremity, that Life was dispaired of, not only by all that came to Visit Me, but I began to be without hope in my own Brest also.

28. Under the Sense of all these Disconsola∣tions, to ease My Self of Visitants and Business, (and to Exercise My Meditations also upon the more excellent things.) I retired for some time into the Country, under a Serene and sharp Air, as aforementioned, where I only took My usual Pill of Laudanum; the first Night of My lodg∣ing in the Country was desperate, so that those that were with Me no longer expected Life: yet it pleased God so to Bless Me under those Cir∣cumstances, that I presently amended, and My Body began to be repleat with Flesh, even to a Miracle; for in about eight days time, I was to all appearance almost perfectly well, and in less than fourteen days, not only the hopes, but the Evidence of My Recovery was indubitable; whereupon I forthwith returned to London again.

29. After My return to London, in less than three Weeks time I Relapsed, and My Distem∣per a fresh assaulted Me, so that by Degrees I declined, and in a very short time was reduced to the old condition, and state if not worse I was taken again with the difficulty of swallowing, and a soreness of the Throat, so that I could have no rest Day, nor Night: My Body pined and lan∣guished away, so that I became the Spectacle or Wonder of Mankind: I was also of a sudden and unawars taken with Lameness again, somtimes in one Leg, which would be after two or three Weeks well; and then all of a sudden on the other Leg, so as that I could neither go nor stand, no previous cause going before; and somtimes with Lameness in My Arms and Hands, so that I was forced to keep My Bed for six Weeks to∣gether, and all this with great Pain, loss of Ap∣petite, sickness at Stomach, a profuse Catarrh, Soreness of the Mouth and Throat, and a Tumor of the whole Collum.

30. I began now to consult de novo, what I should do. I gave over the taking for a Night or two My Laudanum, but with so sensible and great a Detriment to Me, that I could not repair it in many days after. Wherefore in the first place, I re-assumed the same with a Resolution, never to give over the taking thereof, till there was a Determination of My Disease in Death or Life. And truly this I must confess, That the benefit which I found by that Medicament (as by Me

prepared, and specially for My Own private use) is almost unspeakable; it was the only thing (next to the Blessing of God) which preserved My Life. And I am sensible had I not made use of it, or declined it, after a little while using thereof, I had been long since in My Grave, un∣less an Almighty Power had Miraculously su∣stained Me, and pluckt Me out of the Jaws of Death.

31. The continuation of the Laudanum, and augmentation of its Dose, as I saw need requi∣red, was a good expedient against the Catarrh: I also swallowed Morning and Night twenty grains of White Pepper split in half, and thirty grains of choice Olibanum, by the use of which things and taking a weak Lime-Water (fitted to My Pallat) as My Ordinary Drink, the Ventri∣cle was exceedingly Comforted; and the parts weakned with too much Humidities dryed and strengthned: However in the mean season I was not unmindful to strengthen and fortify the Brain, and the Original of the Nerves, which I did do by the constant taking three, four, or six times a day, a little of the following Composi∣tum: Take black Cherry-water, three ounces: Volatile Salts of Amber, of Hartshorn, and of Mans skull, of each two drams: dissolve the Salts in the Water, to which add of the strongest and purest Cinnamon-water dulcified, a pint: syrup of Alkermes three ounces; spirit of Saf∣fron, one ounce: Tincture of Saffron and Coche∣neel, made with rectified spirit of Wine, half an ounce: mix them well together: by the conti∣nual use of these things alone the Catarrh was perfectly Cured.

32. The External Tumor of the Collum, and the Lameness of the external parts was removed by application of the following: Take Powers of Amber, six ounces: Camphir one ounce, mix in little pieces and dissolve. With this, all the parts swelled and pained, were Morning and Evening very well Bathed, and then wrapped up very warm, and by the use thereof for two or three Weeks without weariness, or giving over all those dis-affections became removed.

33. My Mouth was Sore beyond all Immagi∣nation of Expression, so that I could Swallow no kind of thing solid, nor liquid without exceeding great pain, all strong Liquors were dreadful to Me, yea if it were but a little Ale: and yet all this while there was no Rawness or Ulcer, no Tu∣mor or the lest appearance of Inflamation, which makes the thing the more admirable: after ma∣ny Weeks an Exulceration appeared towards the beginning of the Pharynx: for which I took this following Medicament: Take Liquorice in Pou∣der, white sugar Candy in Pouder, of each two ounces: Juyce of Limons enough to make a mass to be formed into large Balls to be dryed. These I held about the root of the Tongue, and let them dissolve down My Throat at leisure, by which I found great ease, and much good, moreover I eat dayly the quantity of one Limon sliced with fine Sugar; these things caused indeed the Sore and Exulcerated parts mightily to Smart; which I endured for a Season, after a while the Smart∣ing and Soreness went away, and My Mouth, became perfectly Well, so that I could Swallow as well as I could in all My Life; and this was compleatly performed by the two last Simple Medicaments; which considering how great a Cure it was, and how extream and vehement My Pain and Misery, I could not, out of Thank∣fullness to God and Love to his Creatures, but publish the same to the World; and that Man also might see by what Simple means and weak Instruments sometimes he performs even the greatest things.

34. The loss of Appetite and sickness of Sto∣mach, I repaired by the Constant taking of Wormwood wine; or a choise Canary made sufficiently bitter with the Tincture of Worm∣wood: This Tincture was made only of Common Wormwood, two ounces; put into a pint and al∣most half of Spirit of Wine rectified to the high∣est, digested 20 days, and then strained out by Expression; into which the same quantity of fresh Wormwood was again put, and digested as aforesaid, till the Tincture became almost Blood red, the clear of which was decanted, into ano∣ther bottle for use. The Use of this took away the sickness at Stomach, restored the lost Ap∣petite, strengthned the concoctive Faculty, and took away all manner of Nauseousness from Me: but now and then, for change-sake, I took a little Spirit of Cinnamon well dulcified,

by the use of which two things, My hopes of a perfect Recovery were Daily strengthned.

35. But yet notwithstanding all these things were thus happily accomplished, the Tabes, Atrophia or pining abated nothing; Though the Catarrh was Vanished, ••he Tumor of the Colum wholy abated; the Soreness of the Mouth and Throat taken away and healed; the pains and Lameness of the whole Body removed; the Stomach strengthened and fortified, so that I could digest my Food very well to my think∣ing; and a good Appetite was begotten in me, together with a good condition of the Bowels, and a totall abolition of the Ephidrotick flood; yet still for all these things, the pining remained, I wasted daily more and more in my flesh; nor for all that which I eat, (and I fed plentifully, and digested strongly) did I get the least strength, but grew daily weaker and weaker, so that I could not go without one or two to lead me. Moreover, by accident I got some cold, which gave me a violent Cough, from which particular Symptom, and the Head-ach, I had been absolutely free during this whole Sickness.

36. I was very much concern'd as to the Cough both in respect to its Violence (as some∣times lasting 3, 4, or 5, hours upon me in an extream manner) and in respect to the parts; lest the sharp Rheum which came like a flood should excoriate or Ulcerate the Tunicles of the Aspera Arteria or the Lungs, and thereby create me more work to do, than I had before: for the remedy hereof, I nearly doubled the dose of my Laudanum; and every night going to bed, immediately after the taking of my Pill, I tooke the following draught: Take the best Cinnamon water, four ounces: white Sugar two ounces or more; dissolve the Sugar over a gentle heat till it comes to be like a Syrup. This quantity I took at one time, and so went to rest upon it: also, in the morning fasting, I took the half quantity thereof; and at any time of the day, if I perceived the Cough to be com∣ing I did the same.

37. By this means, almost as soon as I at∣tempted the use of the Remedy, I had ease and was freed from Coughing: if I took it at night going to bed, I was perfectly free all that night from Coughing or Spitting; if I forgot it, or took it not, the Cough would be so extream, that my life became a Burthen to me, and by reason of the vehemency thereof, I should be Sore all the next day, and at times spit Blood: but by the assiduous and constant taking hereof, I fully mastred this pernitious and troubelsome Symptom. But this is observable in this Medi∣cine, that the quantity I took was almost as considerable as the quality; for if I took but the half quantity at Night going Bed, although I was delivered from the Cough in the fore part of the Night; yet I was sure to have a fit thereof in the latter part of the Night before Morn∣ing; whereas, if I took the full quantity of four ounces with the Sugar two ounces, I was sure not to Cough that Night; and this I always took warm; and this very self same thing I have since observed in several others of my Pa∣tients.

38. What was farther to be done, was only to put a stop to the pining, and to recuperate if possible the Lost flesh: for this purpose I drank a gain for many weeks of Red Cows milk, Morning and Evening, a quart at a time, warm from the Cow, which sensibly did me much good; I also now and then took Conserves of Red Roses: I continued the constant use of my Laudanum, with the grains of Olibanum and White pepper; which I swallowed, as afore∣said, every Night imediately after my Pill; and every Morning fasting, drinking the Milk after them (whilst I continued drinking Milk) and at others times either a Glass of choise Canary, or a Glass of pure clear Ale: But the grand Medicament which (under God) was the means of perfecting my Restauration, was the constant use of my Electuarium ad Tabidos, prepared as I have taught in my Doron Medicum lib. 2, cap. 22. sect. 1. by the constant use of which (and the other things afore named) I am through the Divine Goodness and Mercy, at the writ∣ing hereof perfectly restored to my pristin Health.

39. This proved a tedious disease to me, be∣ing as chargeable as it was extream and long; for it lasted upon Me a compleat year. And

one thing is observable concering My Lauda∣num, which I prepare after a peculiar manner, and with Salt of Egg-shells: I took it for full 300 Days without the least hurt or prejudice imaginable; I am sure with an unspeakable and incredible good to me (for which I humbly thank the Father of all Mercies.) When I took it at first, and for some time, I was exceeding heavy, dull and drowsy, provoking Me also in some measure to Sweat; and the next day som∣what illish at Stomach, so that I could not stir till about Noon. After I had continued the use of it for some pretty while; its Operation upon My Body was clear another thing, for it made Me the following day, pleasant, chearful, lightsom, merry, and wakeful, so that I could rise, and constantly did (at those times I kept not My Bed) at four a Clock in the Morning for sever∣al Months together: and after a long taking of it, it brought Me to that pass, that if I had no Stomach, nor any mind to eat, although the most delicate thing which could be thought on; yet within half a quarter of an hour after taking of it, that I could eat any thing even the coursest Food, and that with a great deal of Savoryness, Content and Satisfaction, which thing I observed, not for once only, but I believe for more than an hundred times; so that many times when I had resolved to go to Bed without My Supper for want of a Stomach, presently after the taking of My Pill of Laudanum, I was forced to order a Supper to be got ready for Me; and somtimes My Appetite would be so sharp, that I could not wait the getting of it ready, but was forced to eat what came first to hand, till other things were prepared. Also when I took it in the lar∣gest quantity, it provoked Urine so excessively, that it would constantly force Me to make more Water by much, than I drank Liquor of all sorts, in so much that many times I was forc'd to diminish the Dose for that very Reason sake; and commonly every Night it brought from Me near a dram of hard but small and almost Blood red Gravel, which I looked upon to be a thing of very good Consequence. I have given the same to another Man for the Stone; he took it for near a year, he told Me, It cured him when all other Medicines failed him, and after he had spent (as he said) above two thousand pounds on that Cure in Vain: He took it without the least injury to him, and by his Relation, it had much the same operation upon him, which it had upon Me; from all which things I am made to be∣lieve, that most Physicians have been extream∣ly deceived about the nature and use of Opiates.

40. What now remains! but that I (a Mi∣racle amongst the Living) should offer up to My Compassionate Redeemer, My Lord and My God, in a Song of Redemption and Salva∣tion, even perpetual Praises and Thanksgiving, from an humble Spirit and contrite Heart, fil∣led with Reverence and Fear.

Give Thanks, O My Soul unto the Lord, for He is good, a God of Faithfullness and Truth, his Loving Kindnesses, and his Mercies endure for Ever.

Give Thanks unto his Name, Sing aloud his Everlasting Praises, Declare his Loving Kind∣nesses to the People; his Mighty and his Glorious Acts.

Thou beholdest, O Lord, the Poor, Thou hast respect to the Distressed, Thou speakest Com∣fortably to the Children of Affliction; saying,

I am the Almighty God, Strength and Sal∣vation wait upon Me; I am the Invincible and the Holy One, Conquest and Victory attend Me.

I appear in Lightning, and speak in Thunder; I Cloth My Self with Majesty and Glory: I dwell in the highest Heavens; and make My Habitation in the inscrutable Depths.

I converse with the humble in Spirit, and the contrite in Heart: the Angel of Peace prepares My way before Me.

Then I stretch forth My Arm of Salvation, My Consolations are with Me; and I reveal to the Sons of Men My Saving Health.

I say, Return ye Children of Folly, and I will heal You: I will change your Waters of Bitter∣ness: and give you for them, the Well springs of an Immortal Life.

Thus, O God of all Mercies, Thou Tryest and Provest Ʋs; Thou stretchest out Thine Hand all the Day long; Thou Blessest the Afflicted with good Things.

When I think of Thy Goodness, I am astonish∣ed:

when I call to Mind Thy Tender Mercies, and Thy Compassions that fail not; I am con∣founded within My Self; saying,

What is Man, that Thou carest thus for him? and what is the Son of Man, that Thou art thus Mindful of him?

What am I, that Thou shouldst thus look upon Me? Or My Fathers House, that Thy Com∣passions should thus perpetually attend Me?

Ah! surely I am Thy Servant, the Work of Thine own Hands; the thing that Thy Power has formed: Thou hast made My Soul to delight in Thy Love for Ever.

Yet how apt are We to go astray? How easily does the Tempter prevail? How easy is it for Man to be deceived by glorious Appearances? how often is he taken in the Snare?

I had been deceived, and almost caught in the Net; but Thy Right Hand has delivered Me: I have been on the brink of the Precipice, I have been ready to fall; yet then did Thy Righteous Power sustain Me: Thou, O Lord, hast preser∣ved Me from the Snare of the Hunter.

Thou didst suffer Me to prove My strength; Thou hast shewed Me My Weakness, and what I am without Thee, the supporter of the Ends of the Earth.

Then Thou layest Afflictions upon Me, Thou Correctest Me according to Thy good Pleasure; Thou sufferest the Mouth of Slander to Wound Me, and the Lying Tongue to oppress Me; even the Lying Mouth, and the Perjured Tongue of Infamy.

Thou didst suffer the Envious Spirits to Rage, and the Lying Spirit to Grieve Me: Maliciou∣sly They laid things to My Charge that I knew nothing of.

Then also, O God, didst Thou with draw Thy Self a little from Me; Then didst Thou Cloud My Glory: Surely, said I, I shall lye under the Reproach of Villany, under the secret lash∣es of Lying and Deceitful Tongue, without Re∣demption for Ever.

But mine Innocency stood up for Me: And My Afflictions stood in the Gap, even the Rod of God, so that in the midst of all My Sorrows, it became My staff and My stay.

Thus, once more, Thou broughtst Me down to the Borders of Death; and the Grave opened its Mouth, as ready to receive Me: Then again made I My Supplication unto Thee.

Thou heardest again the Cry of Thy Servant; and the Moanings of My Afflicted Soul: and although the Mountains travelled; yet it was Thy Arm only, O Lord, that brought Salvation unto Me, in Thy Word only did I find saving Health.

I saw now, that it was good for Me, that Thou didst still Try Me; it was good for Me, that I had been thus afflicted; that for a little season Thou shouldst hide Thy Face from Me.

Yet secretly didst Thou make Me to pertake of Thy Mercies: and in the midst of all Disconsola∣tions, Thou madest My Soul to Drink overflowing Cups of Thy Loving Kindnesses.

And although, Thou, O My God, didst ob∣scure Thy Self; and although Thou didst Cloud Thy great Glory, and didst with-hold Thy Pre∣sence for a little Season, whereby Thy Afflicted Servant was troubled:

Yet now I know, it was according to Thy Wis∣dom and Thy Righteousness, by which Thou Go∣vernest ALL things: I know now, that Thou didst not intend to hide Thy Self from Me for Ever.

Return Thou unto the Wicked according to their Wickedness: let the Slandering and the Lying Tongue Perish; and who so deviseth false things against their Neighbour.

But have Thou respect unto Thy Servant, re∣member his integrity of Heart: O guide Me in the way of Peace; and lead My Feet in the Way Everlasting, for Jesus sake. Amen.

So shall I, as long as I Live, Remember Thee, O My God; whilst I Breath, I will speak of Thy Praise: Let My Soul never forget Thy manifold Mercies towards Me; Nor My Tongue cease to declare Thine innumerable Loving Kind∣nesses.

Thou doest whatsoever Thou Pleasest: Thou wilt Preserve the Just; the Righteous shall dwell in Thy Presence for Ever.

Fulfil Thou the desire of Thy Servant; hear Thou My Voice, and save Me: let My Mouth speak Thy Praise.

My Heart rejoyces in Thy Salvation; and

all the Powers of My Soul shall Bless and Mag∣nify Thy Holy and Glorious Name; to whom belongs Majesty, Dread, and Dominion, hence∣forth and for Ever. Amen.

II. A Catarrh with a suffocation of the Lungs.

1. A Man of fifty years of Age, in the be∣gining of Winter had a vehement Catarrh fell upon him, together with a great Obstruction of the Lungs, so that he could not well lie down on his Back at Night, he was of a cold, moist and phlegmatick Constitution, Corpulent and Fat.

2. Being as it was thought at the point of Death, he sent for several learned Men, they Prescribed to him six weeks or more, but all in vain; insomuch as now the Sick was wholy given over; I was desired by some of his Re∣lations to render him a Visit, and whe∣trhe Live or Die to Administer somewhat to him.

3. When I first saw him I Judged his Con∣dion to be very desperate, and was loath to Interpose my self in so unlikely an Affair; how∣ever I was prevailed upon, and I Prescribed him the following things.

4. Now as the Obstructions of the Lungs, which put him in perpetuall danger of suffo∣cation was the most dangerous Symptom, so I thought good to begin with that first; For which I Exhibited these things: Take choice Canary, a quart; Tincture of spanish Juyce of Liquorice, made with Canary, half a pint; Oyl of Tartar per deliquium, six ounces: mix them, and let the sick take 2 spoonful thereof either alone, or in Ale; which he repeated four, five, or six times a day.

5. Moreover he had a Cough withall, for which I ordered him to take a spoonfull or two of it, when the fitt of Coughing came upon him; by the use of this alone Medicament, his Cough was taken away, and the Obstructi∣on of the Lungs to all appearance perfectly re∣moved.

6. However I ordered the same quantity again to be repeated, to which I added syrup of Meconium, one pound, which he took in all respects as the former, by the taking of which last; We did not only confirm and secure to us the healthful Disposition of the Lungs, but the Catarrh was also in some Measure mended thereby; the next Intention is to remove the Catarrh; for which I ordered an ordinary Decoction to be made with Guajacum, Sarsa, Liquorice, and the Carminatitve seeds, which he was to take as his daily Drink.

7. In the next place I gently Purg'd him with this following Liquor: Take White-wine, a pint: Sena, two ounces: Ginger; a dram: Cream of Tartar, two drams; digest all Night, or, if you will, a Day and a Night in a sand heat, then strain it, sweeten with a little white Sugar, and keep it for use: This he took about three ounces at a time in the Morning fasting; and it did purge him notably, I Caused him to repeat it every five or six Days, for four times.

8. In the Intermediate Days of Purging and also for sometime after the Purging was over, I caused him at Night to take a little Pill of the following Composition: Take Thebian Opium, extracted with the spirit of Wine, and Inspissated to a thickness, to make Pills thereof, one ounce: Venice Treacle, five drams: Liquid storax, two drams; Chy∣mical Oyl of Wormwood, one dram: mix them all well together, and with Ginger, in fine pou∣der, a sufficient quantity; make up a mass of Pills.

9. The Dose is three grains, which may be Continued, augmenting half a grain every third or fourth Day, for thirty, forty, or sixty Days, as necessity shall require; with the continual taking of this Medicine, for two or three Months, the sick was perfect∣ly Recovered and Restored to his former Health.

LONDON, Printed for Th. Dawks, and L. Curtiss.