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 Chapter of the Head-Ach continued.* 1.1

VI. Another Observation of an Inveterate Headach; proceeding from a Veneral Cause.

1. It happened in a young Woman of about 26 years of Age, who seemed to be cured of the Pox, about 3 years before: However she had remaining this Inveterate Head-ach; besides certain large Gummosities in both Shins, which causing also continual nocturnal pains, brought her into an Atrophia of the whole Body.

2. This person I cured in all respects as the former; and with as happy a success: but to her Shins I applyed this Vesicatory: Take Crums of Bread, moisten them with Vinegar, with which mix a sufficient quantity of Cantharides in Pou∣der: this spread upon Leather and apply.

3. This Cataplasm drew large Blisters upon both Legs, which was drawn for three or four days, and then healed up: after they had been well five or six days, the Vesicatory was repeated, and then in like manner drawn & healed up: the same thing was done the third time, after which all the nocturnal pains vanished, and returned no more.

VII. An old Headach from the violent run∣ning of a Race.

1. The Physicians thought this to be from some commotion of the Brain occasioned from the said violent running; but I think they were deceived, and rather judg it to be from fuliginous vapors filling the Ventricles of the Brain, arising from the rarifaction of the juyces of the part and parts adjacent, through being too much heat.

2. This seemed to be true; for the Disease returned with great violence at fits; and these fits only came upon him, upon the long exercise of some violent motion, and the over-heating himself; which caused the humor to be rarified: but being over, when he became calm, tempe∣rate, and cool, those vapors did condence, where∣upon the pain ceased.

3. In order to his Cure, he had been often pur∣ged upwards and downwards, let Blood, Sweat, had Blisters, Cupping-Glasses, &c. outwardly Anodyn Oyls, and Oyntments were applyed; the Arteries also were opened, solid Errhines were used to the Nostrils, with proper and convenient Diets, but all without success.

4. At last, I (with some other Physicians) jud∣ged him uncurable, unless the Skull was opened with a Trepan; which was done at a distance from the Sutures; by this means the evil Air breathed out, and the Sick was perfectly cured: after twenty days the Wound was healed up.

5. But this kind of Cure ought with great caution to be undertook, (because of the Hazard in doing of it;) Or not, without all other things first prove insuccessful; and withal, you ought to be sure of a Skillful and Experienced Chirur∣gian.

VIII. An extream pain of the Head in a young Virgin.

1. The Maiden was about 14 years of Age, of a sanguine, merry, and cheerful disposition, not yet having her Courses.

2. The pain was vehement afflicting her whole Head, but chiefly the hinder part, and it so ra∣ged, that it made the Sick almost distracted; having now continued nine days.

3. Three Physicians were sent for, they all with one consent ordered a Carminative Cly∣ster to be given over-night. The next day, and for 3 times every other day, to purge her with a scru∣ple of Cochia minor, they anointed all the Head with cooling Oyntments, for that it seemed to be inflamed; but all these things did no good.

4. At length I was sent for; a relation was made to me of all that was done, and my Coun∣sel was earnestly requested. I advised, that with what convenient speed they could they should ap∣ply hot Bread out of the Oven, viz. houshold penny Bread, and that it should be laid as hot too, as the Patient could bear, and every time it cool∣ed to be renewed till the pain was gone: The loaf was split in the middle, and the crummy part applyed. And that likewise the same should be attempted upon any return of the Paroxism: My advise was followed, and upon the first applica∣tion the pain ceased: This very practise I have used upon many Scores of people with the same happy success.

IX. An Head-Ach with a mighty pain in the Neck.

1. This hapned to a married wife of about 35 years of Age: it had continued a month or more with great vehemency, and resisted all Medicine that for that space had been applyed to her.

2. She was of a pleasant and merry dispositi∣on when well, ruddy complexion, white, smooth and soft skin, so that she seemed to be absolutely Sanguine.

3. The Cause of the pain was from cold ta∣ken by going by water; by reason of which, the violence of it was so great, that at sometimes it created Raving, and sometimes senselessness, she knew none that came near her, and would talk idly: moreover, it extreamly afflicted the whole Neck, as with a Cramp or Convulsion, so that she could not turn it without exceeding great pain.

4. In order to her cure, I prescribed this Cly∣ster to be given over-night. Take fat Mutton Broth twelve ounces, Infusion of Crocus metallo∣rum three ounces, Oyl of Juniper-Berries two Drams, mix and exhibit it warm. The next morning I gave her this. Take Scammony in fine pouder, eight grains: Cambogia, five grains: Cremor Tartari fifteen grains: Crocus metallo∣rum four grains: make all inro fine pouder for one Dose: This was given her the next morn∣ing fasting, it wrought strongly with her both up∣wards and downwards; the sixth day following the same Dose was repeated again.

5. In the mean season proper Topicks were applyed: I ordered her hair to be cut off, and her whole Head to be anointed with Oyl of Am∣ber, as also her Nostrills and Neck, and then up∣on her head I applyed hot Bread as aforesaid: which being three times renewed, she became eas∣ed, and in seven or eight days time was perfectly cured.

X. An extream Head-ach, arising from the Pox.

1. This was a Woman of 28 years of Age, who had for more than seven years been tainted with the Pox; she had been twice Fluxt, first with the Neapolitan Unguent, by anointing, secondly by Turpethum Minerale, given inwardly; the Flux the first time continued (as she related to me) 20 days; the latter time it was not fully over till 28 days; afterwards she had the com∣mon Diet of the Hospitals for forty days, and was also sweat with several Diaphoreticks, eight or ten times.

2. Her Constitution was cold, moist, and Flegmatick, and she was very gross of body and fat, she eat, drank and slept well, except when these cruel pains tormented her, which were sometimes three or four nights together about midnight, and would continue 5 or 6 hours, and sometimes they would begin and hold three or four days together.

3. The Symptoms concurring were a most filthy and stinking matter running by the Nose, when this ran well, she had ease: when this ran not, she was extreamly pained: from hence I feared danger, as that the Bone, or some princi∣pal part was corrupted; and so, much doubted the Cure.

4. However, I assayed to do the best for her I could, I ordered her the Decoction of Sarsapa∣rilla mentioned in Sect. V. aforegoing, and it to be drank for at least 60 dayes: but, because of her cold Constitution of Body, I ordered to that proportion there mentioned, Rosemary, Sage, of each three handfuls, Sweet-marjoram two hand∣fulls, Contrayerva, Virginia-snake-root, of each 4 ounces, these to be put in 3 quarters of an hour before the end of the boyling. I also purged her with this: Take Troches Alhandal in pouder, four ounces, Spirit of Wine a quart; Infuse three or four days: Of this she took a spoonful or spoonful and an half every third day, for 8 or 9 times.

5. As to Topicks, I gave her the Sernutatory or Sneezing pouder of Deckers, (whose Compo∣sition you may see in our Doron Medicum now in the Press:) this was blown up her Nostrils four times with good success, by means of which a vast quantity of filth was brought from her Head, by her Nostrils, so that she did as it were Flux by the Nostrils: after the fourth time, when the Flux seemed to cease, she was syringed by the Nostrils with this Lotion: Take Aqua Ophthal∣mica Nostra four Ounces (see the way of ma∣king it in Our Dispensatory, in Lib. 5. Cap. 1.) Plantane Water three Ounces, Spirit of Wine one

Ounce and an half: mix them to inject withal. With this her Head was Syringed by her Nostrils three or four times a day, for 6 or 7 days; af∣ter which she became perfectly well to admira∣tion.

Observations out of Rulandus.

XI. The Cure of the Headach in a certain Citizen of Lauginga. Cent. 1. Obs. 53.

1. This Man was about fifty years of Age, and had with this pain of the Head a lost Appetite, and difficulty of Breathing.

2. He was cured with this Potion: Take Pe∣ctoral Decoction two ounces, syrup of Roses Solu∣tive of Montanus, one ounce, Diaphenicon, three drams, extract of Esula, half a scruple; mix and make of all a draught. He took this, it purged him very well, and so he recovered his Health.

XII. A most vehement pain in the Head, which hapned to an Husband man, Cent. 1. Obs. 73.

1. He was aged thirty two years when he was troubled with this grievous pain, and was cured, as follows: First he was purged with this. Take Aqua Benedicta, Fountain Water, of each an Ounce: mix them. These he drank, and was well purged, upwards and downwards, and be∣gan to amend.

2. The day after his purgation the Cephalick Vein of his right Hand near his Thumb was o∣pened, because the pain lay most in the right side of the Head.

3. Also this Epithem was applyed. Take twenty live Crabs: Vinegar of Roses, five Ounces, beat them together in a Mortar, so as to make an E∣pithem. It was often applyed to his Head, at the beginning of the Cure, whereby the vehe∣ment pain and torment was much allayed.

XIII. The Head-ach in a young Woman. Cent. 1. Obs. 80.

1. She was twenty one years of Age, and had accompanying with this Head-ach, a difficulty of breathing and a Cough. She was suddenly re∣covered of her Health, by this following drink twice repeated.

2. The Drink. Take Decoction of Centory three ounces, Diaturbith with Rhubarb, one Dram and an half, Extract of Ezula, half a Dram, make all into a potion.

3. This she drank, which made her void many Worms both by Stool and Vomit, whereby she presently grew better. On the third day she drank the same drink again, by the happy Ope∣ration whereof she perfectly recovered.

XIV. A pain in the Head, with noise in the Ears. Cent. 2. Obs. 2.

1. This Observation was upon one John Fa∣ber, a man of excellent Piety and Learning, an industrious Professor in the University of Lau∣ginga; who being twenty two years of Age, was dangerously pained in his Head, with a sound in his Ears, which Symptoms were caused by Flegm and Vapours bred in his Brain, he was healed af∣ter this manner.

2. First he was purged with this. Take Pul∣vis Sanctus, or pouder of Sena solutive, four scru∣ples: hot Pease Broth, five Ounces, mix them. This Potion he drank fasting in the Morning, and was well cleansed.

3. After he was purged, this Decoction was given him: Take chips of Guajacum, four ounces; infuse them all night in four pints of Fountain water: in the morning add Sweet-marjoram, Stoechas, Penny royal, Origanum, of each half a pugil: Hyssop, one pugil: Sena, six drams: Bet∣tony flowers, one pugil: blew Currans, two oun∣ces: boyl all in a sufficient quantity of water, till half be consumed, then strain it. Of this Deco∣ction he took every morning eight ounces hot, and was very well covered with Cloaths, and Sweat much and long for fourteen days toge∣ther.

4. His Diet was hot and dry, little in quantity, and seldom eating, and his Drink was Wine: by this means he was soon restored to his Health.

5. But that the same Infirmities might not for the future attend him, he was ordered every year in the Spring to take these following Pills. Take Pilulae sine quibus; and Pilulae Cochiae, of each half a dram, Agarick Trochiseated, a scru∣ple, with Syrup of Roses of Montanus solutive, make nine Pills, which roul in Cinnamon Pou∣der.

XV. An Head-Ach, accompanied with many Symptoms. Cent. 2. Obs. 12.

1. A Goldsmith being forty six years of Age, was troubled with a pain of the Head, accompa∣nied with shortness of Breath, want of Appetite, and pain of the Stomach, all which by the follow∣ing things were in a few days perfectly Cured.

2. First there was given him this purging Po∣tion. Take Aqua Benedicta an Ounce; Bawm Water, an Ounce, Syrup of Hysop half an Ounce, mix them together. This purged him very well, but did not work a perfect Cure.

3. Wherefore the third day following, I gave him this following Potion. Take Aqua Bene∣dicta, five drams, Bawm water, one ounce, Syrup of Hysop half an ounce, mix them: This second potion wrought better and cured all the afore∣said Maladies.

XVI. A grievous and lasting Head-ach. Cent. 2. Obs. 37.

1. This man was grievously troubled with this pain, but was cured in this manner. First he was purged with these Pills: Take Pilulae sine quibus, one dram, Troches of Agarick, two scru∣ples, with Cinnamon water make all into vine Pills. These Pills he took at one of the Clock at night, and was well purged.

2. The day following he was let blood in the Median Vein of the right Arm.

3. An Epithema was applyed to his Forehead and Temples. Take Womens Breast Milk, whites of Eggs, of each three ounces, mix them and beat them well together. In this Linnen Cloths was wet gently squeezed, and so applyed to his Fore∣head and Temples; by this means he was in a few days freed from his misery.

XVII. An Head-ach, accompanied with Hoarsness, short Cough, and difficulty of Breath∣ing. Cent. 2. Obs. 40.

1. The man upon whom this was done was a∣bout 49 years of Age, he was first purged with this. Take Extract of Esula two scruples, warm Whey, five ounces: mix them, strain, and squeeze out the Liquor. This he drank warm in the morning, and was thereby extreamly well purg∣ed, and soon after became well.

2. His Diet was hot and Dry: His Meat light suppings, flesh of Hens boyled or roasted, new laid Eggs, &c. He was allowed for his ordinary drink, Sage Wine, sometimes Honied Water, in which a little Hysop had been boyled.

XVIII. An Head-ach with Wheezing and want of Appetite, Cent. 2. Obs. 48.

1. A Widow, about fourscore years of Age, was troubled with the Head-ach, accompanied with want of Appetite, stopping in her Breast, frequent quick and very hard breathing, by reason of her Lungs stuft with Flegmatick humors.

2. All these Symptoms though very hard to cure, were (through Gods assistance) thus re∣moved. Vinum Catharticum Rulandi, the pur∣ging Wine of Rulandus. Take Sena in pouder half an Ounce, Troches of Alhandal, one Dram, Ginger, half a dram, White-wine one pint and half, mix them, and let them infuse all Night. In the morning for three days together, she drank 3 or 4 ounces of this wine strained out, with half an ounce of Syrup of Bugloss; which being mixed and drunk together, as aforesaid, her body was well purged, and she grew every day better and better.

3. Her body being purged, she did sweat cer∣tain days together in her Bed, having taken six ounces hot, every morning of this following Li∣quor. Take Centory one handful, Horehound, Bawm, of each half a handful, Conserve of Ro∣ses one Ounce, boyl all in a sufficient quantity of Wine till half the Liquor be consumed. And thus God be praised, the Cure was happily accompli∣shed.

XIX. A pain of the Head, with pain of the Stomach. Cent. 2. Obs. 79.

1. A married Wife, of about 36 years of Age, was troubled with the Head-Ach, and pain and swelling of the Stomach, with want of Appetite, and shortness of Breath.

2. She was cured as follows. Take Extract of Ezula half a dram, white Wine five ounces, mix and strain. This potion purged her stoutly, and the day after she began to be better.

3. Her body being thus purged the Cephalick Vein was opened, from which store of blood was taken away, and she became well: her Diet was heating and moistning.

4. By the former Potion also was a young Student of 17 years old, cured of a like Head-Ach and want of Appetite, without letting blood. Cent. 3. Obs. 35.

London, Printed for Th. Dawks, and Langley Curtiss on Ludgate-Hill. 1681.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Numb. 2. July 29.