Pharmaceutice rationalis: or, The operations of medicines in humane bodies. The second part. With copper plates describing the several parts treated of in this volume. By Tho. Willis, M.D. and Sedley Professor in the University of Oxford.

SECT. III. CHAP. VII. Of the Impetigo or Lepra of the Greeks.

AFter the Scab with the Itch,* 1.1 it follows that we treat of another Distemper, a little a-kin to this by reason of the breakings out of little pustules, which is commonly call'd Impetigo, by some a Tetter and Morphew, and by others the Leprosie of the Greeks. And as it gains several names, so they are variously applyed by Authors, and by these they design one kind of Disease, and by those another kind. Wherefore, as the names of this Distemper are variously confounded, and perhaps that as to its nature and formal appearance it has been various in divers Regions, neither may it be altogether the same in our generation as in former times, for this cause my business here shall not be to describe this disease according to Boods, but from the proper observation of the Patients themselves.

The Impetigo is wont to arise and affect after this manner;* 1.2 to wit, little wheals or red pustules, sometimes single, and sometimes many together, are raised in di∣vers parts of the body, but chiefly in the Arms or Thighs; to each of which, new ones every where are adjoyned, (the Disease augmenting) and in a short space of time there become many heaps of risings of that kind, like clusters. For the little pimples breaking out daily near to their stemme, and spreading still larger, diffuse themselves into a Circle, and so cause every heap of Eruptions to be enlarged. The rough super∣ficies of each appears something white and scaly, so that upon scratching the scales fall off, and often a thin Ichor sweats out, which being presently dryed up again, hardens into a shelly scale.

These Clusters of little Pimples being first small and fewer, appear perhaps three or four in the Arm or Thigh, or other particular member, about the bigness of a Penny or half a dram: but afterwards, if the disease be suffered to augment, they break out every where more frequent, which being leisurely encreased in their ground, after wards appear to equal or exceed the bitgness of a Silver Crown, but not always round or of a regular Figure, but diversly formed. Moreover there is no stop in this condition, but the distemper, unless it be restrained with Medicine, breaking out still in more places, and creeping on every where in broadness, at length not only covers over the whole member but also the whole body with a leprous dry scurf; and this kind of Impetigo the Ancients call'd by reason of its outrage 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and for the most part accounted it incurable.

From hence the chief differences of this disease are made known;* 1.3 and in the first place as it is less or more malignant according to the fashion thereof, it is distingushed, as it comes nearer the nature of the Scab, or Leprosie, or as it is in a middle condition between both. We are also to note, this distemper sometimes infests some particular members, as the Arms or Thighs, the rest of the body being untoucht; but some∣times it begins together in all parts, and every where excites scatrteringly little Pim∣ples or Clusters thereof. Also eruptions of this kind are in some for a season, or pe∣riodical, and for the most part infest these persons during Winter only, vanishing away about Summer; likewise on the contrary, in others they abhorre Winter, and are wont to observe the season of the Swallow going and coming: but in most others the Disease being continual grants no truce, yea it hat neither remission nor me∣diocrity.

Moreover,* 1.4 we must distinguish an Impetigo from other Diseases a-kin to it, and first from the Scab, and the Leprosie. It differs from the former as to the form of the Pustules; for every where in the Psora they are single and remote from one another, although by small spaces; here most of them break out in Clusters, con∣currently,

and as it were disjoyned by branches with great interspaces. But be∣tween these distempers a notable difference yet arises, in that the Scab is wont easily or scarce otherwise to be propagated or arise, but by Contagion; but the infection of an Impetigo is so seldom or never, that the Miasma from the Husband doth not pass to the wise, or from her to him, though they lye together.

Also this Disease differs from the Leprosie, as well in respect of the form of its eruption, as of its contagion, which is likewise active in this, as in the Psora; and the breaking out is much larger and more horrid, viz. it is every where shelly and scaly, without intermission, and diffused through the whole body.

From hence it is manifest, that the material cause of an Impetigo,* 1.5 is not merely a cutaneous humour, by reason of effluvia's or a taint received from without, or de∣praved by reason of other accidents, and degenerated from its temperament; be∣cause it is not easily communicated to others by Contagion, as in the Psora, neither is it immediately dispersed throughout the whole body.* 1.6 But indeed little Pustules breaking out first about the initiations of the Disease seem therefore to proceed, for that certain acid salt Concretions happen to be in the mass of Blood (like Tar∣tar in Wine) which when they can neither be concocted or again dissolved, are here thrust out into the skin, as there into the sides of the Vessel. As long as these Con∣cretions are small and few, they are conveyed into the skin in this or that member, and by one or two branches of an Artery; then as Nature is wont to continue the same manner of excretion as it began, the matter being carryed every where by the same vessels, to the same nests, near the first wheals it causes heaps of others round about therm; but afterwards when the dyscrasie of the blood is daily augmented, and that Tar∣tarous matter is generated more plentifully in the mass thereof, more portions are con∣veyed by other Arteries, and still by more to the outward places: and for that cause also more pimples break out both in the same, and in other members, which a new matter coming continually by the same Arteries, and being placed close to the former, enlarges them every day, and every where dilates them by the addition of other pustules; and at length if this sort of Tartar of the blood augment hugely, being car∣ryed out by more or all the Arteries together, it is fastened in the skin, and in pro∣cess of time covers over all the superficies thereof with a scaly or downright leprous shell: And then that cutaneous humour being wholly corrupted, promotes the disease it self; for it causes the stock of the morbific matter to be encreased, by pollu∣ting more, or rather poysoning the blood and humours, whilest they pass in Circu∣lation; moreover dismissing the corruptive steams from it self, it renders the Con∣tagion of the same disease unto others.

Wherefore, both the procuring and conjunct causes of this Disease consist in this,* 1.7 for that without any fault of the skin, it happens that the blood is filled with salt Particles of a various disposition and condition; (into the preceding cause of which disposition we will anon inquire) and where those fixt and acid Salts are especially predominant (as the manner is) they mutually embrace one another, and so grow together into Tartarous Concretions; which being thrust forth into the blood, cause eruptions of wheals, as it were nests of the Disease; then they being daily and leisurely encreased both in number and largeness, according to the supply of matter, they produce the beginning, augmentation, and state of this disease.

As to what relates to the antecedent and evident causes,* 1.8 there are two chief kinds of occasions from which this distemper for the most part derives its origine; to wit, an evil manner of Diet, or a taint of the Scurvy, or Pox, or other Diseases left in the body, being ill, or not at all cured. We will weigh a little the reasons of each of these.

As to the former, besides the common irregularities in Diet,* 1.9 wherein some being too much addicted to eating of flesh salted and afterwards dryed in the Sun or Smoak, and the drinking of acid Wines, do easily contract this malady; Also it is a vulgar observation,* 1.10 that very many are disposed thereunto by the too frequent or daily feeding on Pork, and Fish, and especially Shell-fish. There is a notable instance of the former, which is, that that food was chiefly forbidden the Jews for prevention of this disease. Also there is an example of the other, that in time past the Inha∣bitants of Cornwal for the most part dwelling on the Sea-coast, inasmuch as the poorer sort were fed with Fish, became very obnoxious to Leprous Distempers;* 1.11 insomuch that for their relief many Hospitals were erected in that Countrey. That I may hint in a few words the reason hereof, I am apt to think whether that food is rancid,

or otherwise improportionate, that it conveys particles not rightly mixed, nor easily to be subdued to our blood, which being so heterogeneous and largely heapt up by a long use of such Diet, the saline particles of which kinde do easily associate them∣selves, and so do constitute Tartarous Coagulations to be exterminated in the skin, and the seeds of the Leprosie or of the Impetiginous Evil.

But yet a plentiful Crop is begot from the taint of the Scurvy and Pox left in the body,* 1.12 and afterwards by the combination of Salts and Sulphur exalted to ex∣tremity. We have elsewhere discovered the reasons of the former disease, and espe∣cially of the foresaid symptome coming after it, which being accommodated to our present Hypothesis do make it more clear. And it so often happens, that pustulous eruptions of this sort do follow an inveterate Pox, although it seem to be cured, that none distempered almost with these, wants the suspicion of that shamefull Disease; so that the first Question of a Physician in such a case being consulted, is, Whether the Patient have not at some time formerly contracted that Distemper? For surely the Corruptions of the blood, after they are by a long stay become altogether heteroge∣neous and indomitable, at length acquire to themselves salt Particles, wherewith growing into such like Tartarous Concretes, and being thrust forth into the skin, pro∣duce those Impetiginous Pustules.

As to the Prognostick part of this Disease,* 1.13 although it seldom threatens death or imminent danger, yet after it hath taken deep root, the Cure is very difficult, if at all: The Impetigo first beginning, and exciting a few Pustules, and knots of them, perhaps in one or two members, sometimes admits of Cure, but hardly without a most efficacious remedy. But if the Disease proceed so far, that the frequent and broad clusters of wheals appear dispers'd throughout the body, then small remedies effect nothing, and the great ones howsoever diligently observed, will not easily per∣form a Cure. But if the Disease, maugre all remedies advance daily, and encrease at length into a Leprosie, Celsius judges it impossible to be cured, and therefore we must wholly abstain form it.

There are two chief Indications concerning the Cure of an Impetigo,* 1.14 viz. Preser∣vatory, which respects the cause of the Disease, and the Curatory, which relates to the symptomes,* 1.15 viz. the pustulous Eruptions. The vital Indication hath seldom place here, unless in a desperate condition, where sleep and strength fail. The Method of Curing ought to begin with the Preservatory Indication, which takes away the Causes of the Disease by inward remedies, for otherwise external (as in the Psora) are never administred with success; but the roots of the disease in the blood being cut off, the cutaneous sproutings quickly consume away: for the taking them away, we must proceed in one manner when the Impetigo begins by it self, and in somewhat a different manner when it follows an inveterate Scurvy or Pox, being ill or not at all cured. We will consider each case throughly by it self, and distinctly.

Therefore whensoever this Disease is simple,* 1.16 and primarie, and being yet New, let the evident and extern Causes be removed; let the manner of Diet, and unwhol∣somness of Air be corrected; therefore those that have been lately too much accustom∣ed to salt Diet, and the flesh of Pork and Fish, let them change to Diet of good Juice and easie of digestion.* 1.17 They that inhabit the Sea-coast, or Fenny places, let them remove to a dry and clear Air; in the mean while let no less care be had to their Drink, by declining thick and foggy Ale, and small and acid Wines too much abound∣ing with Tartar: at length let care be taken lest their Drink or Food be dressed with any mineral waters that are apt to petrisie.

Secondly,* 1.18 In respect of the conjunct and procuring Cause, there are two chief Intentions of Cure, viz. that the impurities of the bowels and humours be quickly purged out; also that the acid faline distemperatures of the blood and nervous Juice be altered (whereby the Tartarous matter may be the less engendred in them;) for these purposes Medicines both evacuating and altering are prescribed of several kinds. Notwithstanding, because not all, but the greatest remedies are here convenient, those which are most chiefly of use and available, are Catharticks, Phlebotomy, Whey, Chalybeate Waters,* 1.19 Juicy expressions of Herbs, Decoctions of Woods, steel'd Me∣dicines and Salivation. Some certain Models of each of these, and the manner of using them, we will annex.

Wherefore in the first place,* 1.20 universal purging and bleeding being celebrated (as in the Cure of the Psora) we appoint the following Tincture or purging Infusion, whose dose is from six to eight ounces, to be repeated in six or seven days.

Take of the roots of sharp-pointed Docks dryed, Polyodie of the Oak,* 1.21 of each half an ounce, Senna ten drams, Epithymum six drams, Rhubarb, Mechoacan of each half an ounce, yellow Sanders two drams, Celtick Nard half a dram, Salt of Tartar one dram and a half, put them in a glass with three pints of White-wine, water of Elder-flowers one pound, let them stand stopt in a cold place three dayes, pour off daily as much of the clear liquor as is sufficient.

Secondly, For sweetning of the Blood, and washing of the Salts thereof,* 1.22 let simple Whey, two or three pints, or with the infusion of Fumitory, Chicory, and sharp-pointed Docks, be drunk every morning, for twenty or thirty dayes, if the Stomach will bear it, and likewise evening and early in the morning, let a dose of the ensu∣ing Electuary be swallowed.

Take Conserve of the roots of sharp-pointed Docks six ounces, Crabs-eyes, Coral pre∣pared,* 1.23 of each two drams, Ivory one dram, Powder of Lignum Aloes, yellow Sanders, of each a dram and a half, Sal Prunella two drams, Vitriol of Mars a dram and a half, Syrup of juice of Wood-sorrel what suffices to make an Electuary, the dose two drams.

Thirdly, For the same reason that Whey,* 1.24 your Iron Mineral waters are prescri∣bed bed for this Disease, and do oft notably help: for when all the other remedies have been in vain, I have with those alone cured a painfull and almost leprous Impetigo. Moreover, for more efficacy sake, let the use of Sal Prunella or Vitriol of Mars, or of the Electuary but now mentioned, be dexterously adjoyned.

Fourthly, In some endued with too much Serum, and a watery Constitution,* 1.25 where the drinking Whey or Mineral waters are less requisite, it is sometimes expedient that a Decoction of the Woods be assumed at physical hours, and also constantly instead of ordinary drink.

Take the Shavings of Willow half a pound, of Sarsaperilla eight ounces, whits Sanders, Lignum Lentiscinum, of each two ounces, Shavings of Ivory and Harts-horn, of each six drams, Filings of Tin, crude Antimony, of each four ounces tyed in a rag, of Liquo∣rish one ounce, infuse them in sixteen pound of Spring-water, and boyl them to half, keep it strained for use.

Fifthly, Medicines of Steel,* 1.26 in that they are every where accounted among the more excellent Remedies, are wont seldom to be omitted in this Disease, although not frequently given with success: for most Preparations of Steel, wherein the Sul∣phureous Particles predominate, inasmuch as they ferment the blood, and irritate it into Critical Effervescences, do cause these impetiginous eruptions to augment ra∣ther than diminish; notwithstanding the Salt, Syrup, Tinctures, and infusions of Vi∣triol, inasmuch as they fix the Blood, and something restrain the raging of the Salts, do fitly enough agree with the intention of Cure now proposed; but being weak in efficacy, they do not prevail against so Herculean a Disease.

Wherefore Sixthly, these and many other Remedies nothing availing,* 1.27 many commend Salivation, as the stoutest Wrestler and only match for such an Enemy. Yet the event doth not always answer this great expectation; for I have experi∣mented this remedy without success in four Patients labouring under a painful Im∣petigo, which had resisted other Medicines. Some of these were provok'd to abun∣dant Spitting by Unction with Quick-silver, others by doses of Solar Precipitate; which they have endured for the space of twenty dayes; which time being elapsed, all the scaly eruptions and clusters of wheals have vanished; notwithstanding, to confirm the Cure, a Diet-drink of the Decoction of Sarsa was appointed, and fre∣quent sweating under a Cradle, and due purgation between, was continued for a month: Notwithstanding, this Course being finished,* 1.28 when no footsteps of the distem∣per seemed to be left, within another month a new stock of the same Disease begin∣ning to break out, it encreased quickly to its usual maturity. Moreover, when one of them would repeat this course, and another after two relapses would experiment it the third time, both of them at length after great sufferings of Pain despaired of Cure: Whence it is manifest that the Venereal Distemper, although highly malignant, and raising most filthy Ulcers consuming the flesh and bones, is more easily and cer∣tainly cured than the Impetigo.

The reason whereof if we enquire,* 1.29 may plainly be conceived, for that the cause of the latter Disease consists in a malignant and altogether heterogeneous pollution, infecting and poysoning the blood and nervous Liquor for a certain time, but not altogether overthrowing, or for ever depraving its temperament; wherefore the Cure is performed by Salivation, or a sudorifick Diet, eradicating all that venom, and then the natural disposition of the blood and humours remains entire: But in a more difficult Impetigo, the Elemental particles and first Constitutives of the blood are corrupted, insomuch that unless the natural disposition and constitution of these are restored, all Evacuations and Expurgations of any venemous, malignant and heterogeneous matter, however plentiful and eradicative, do little or nothing prevail. Wherefore, many famous Physicians not undeservedly judg'd this Disease being confirmed and raised to the borders of a Leprosie, to be hardly or never cu∣red.

Secondly,* 1.30 No better event attends this malady ensuing upon an inveterate Scur∣vy; perhaps hence the intentions of healing are a little more certain when this Di∣stemper is placed as the Basis or root of that; to wit, that the chief curing Indica∣tion being taken from thence, we must chiefly insist upon Antiscorbutical remedies; but the more sharp and hot of this kind, as the Garden Scurvy-grass, Water-cresses, the Horse-rhadish,* 1.31 Pepperwort, and others too much irritating the blood, inasmuch as they dissolve the temperament thereof more, and drive out more plentifully the Tar∣tarous Coagulum to the skin, are always discovered to be more prejudicial than ad∣vantagious; and for this reason the use of Baths,* 1.32 or bathing in hot waters, which namely evacuate the humours of the whole body by an abundant Evaporation, and cleanse the pores of the skin, and seem very available in this malady, often-times are so far from helping, that those Eruptions are wont to be exasperated from thence and very much encreased: for I have known many not extreamly Impetiginous, to have gone to our Baths, to bathe in the hot waters, that have returned altogether Leprous.* 1.33 Wherefore, when the Symptoms of this distemper arise from a scorbu∣tick evil, all elastick things are to be avoided, and only the more temperate, en∣dued with a Nitrous, Vitriolic or volatile Salt, are to be administred. We will lay down some Models of each sort; As first Crystal Mineral, Juices of some Herbs and Decoctions, Salt and Mineral purging Waters, are most predominant with a Nitrous Salt.

Take of Crystal Mineral,* 1.34 or Nitre purified one ounce, Flowers of Sal Armoniack one dram, bruise them in a glass Mortar, give one dram three or four times in twen∣ty four hours.

Take of the leaves of Housleek the greater two handfuls, bruise it and boyl it in two pound and a half of new Milk till it turn to Curds and Whey, strain it, and take a pint of the clear liquor twice in a day.

Take of the leaves of Dandelyon six handfuls,* 1.35 bruise them, and put them into a glazed earthen pot with a cover, which put in an Oven after the bread is drawn out, let it stand six or seven hours, then pour it through a Strainer, the dose is four ounces to six of the clear liquor, thrice or oftner in a day.

Cucumbers being endowed with a Nitrous quality are advantagious by experience against this disease,* 1.36 wherefore in lieu of a Sallad let them be plentifully and often eaten; moreover three of four of them cut into slices, let them be infused, and stopt close, in three pints of Spring-water all night; to the clear liquor poured out, adde Sal Prunella two or three drams, the dose is half a pint thrice or oftener in a day. For the same purpose Decoctions of the leaves in running water together with the fruit do profit.

1.* 1.37 Certain mineral purging waters, of which sort are chiefly those of North-hall, an Analysis being made by Evaporation, manifestly shew a Nitrous Salt with which they are imbued, and I have sometimes found the daily drinking about four pintes for many dayes, to help against a gentle Impetigo.

2.* 1.38 But as I have before hinted, those Mineral waters endued with a vitriolic Salt, of which kind are the SPAW, and Tunbridge, and Astrope Wells, do far excell those Nitrous, and all other Remedies, and do more prevail in the Cure of an Impetigo. To those Patients that have not the opportunity of using these waters, I used to give with good success against this disease common water impregnated with our Steel,

and so rendring most exactly the gust of those Mineral waters. By reason of the Mi∣neral Salts, or at least the Mercurial Particles in them, Tin and Antimony are oft in use in the Cure of the Impetigo, and are usually prescribed with other reme∣dies. Let the Filings of Tin, and Powder of crude Antimony,* 1.39 be infused in Ale for ordinary Drink: also Dectoctions of Sarsa made with the woods, are found beneficial against this Distemper.

3. The use of a Viper,* 1.40 and the Preparations thereof, doth enough commend the wonderful vertue of volatile Salts in a grievous Impetigo, and also in curing the Leprosie it self. This Antidote of that Disease is reported to be found out first by a casual experiment, inasmuch (as Galen reports) that drink being pour'd out of a Bottle wherein a Viper was put to poyson one labouring with an Elephantiasis,* 1.41 and so given him to free him from his misery, prov'd his remedy, and what was destined for his murder, dispatched an incurable Disease. Hither relates the Analogy, taken from the nature of this Animal, whence they collect that it helps in this Dis∣ease: because the Viper yearly shakes off his scaly Coat, therefore some think its particles prevalent to throw off the leprous skin of a diseased man; but though we do not attribute much to these things, yet it is manifest by frequent observation, that remedies of a Viper do profit in the Impetigo and Leprosie; the true reason where∣of ought to be ascribed much to the volatile Salt wherewith this Animal is endued. For the particles hereof destroy the sixt and acid Salts predominating in the blood of the diseased, and dissolve their combinations; notwithstanding, the Salt, Spirit,* 1.42 and Oyl chymically extracted out of Vipers, by reason of their elastick particles, contracting an Empyreuma from the fire, profit not in this disease; as also neither Spirit nor volatile Salt of Harts-horn, Soot, Blood, and other the like Armoniacks; be∣cause by violently stirring the Blood and Humours they rather dissolve their tempe∣rament, and thrust forth the Corruptions more plentifully into the skin. Where∣fore the more simple Preparations of Vipers,* 1.43 as broths from their flesh boil'd in wa∣ter, and Drinks impregnated by Infusions, and Decoctions, and powders being made of them dryed and beaten, are prescribed more successefully against this Dis∣ease. Moreover not only the boyl'd flesh of Vipers, but of any other kinde of Ovi∣parous Snakes being taken in lien of ordinary food do ost afford notable relief.

4. The Impetigo or scaly eruption of Pimples, and formed as it were into clusters,* 1.44 is so frequent and familiar a symptome of an inveterate Venereal distemper, that we first ask the Patient whether something of that malignity be not concealed of which they are conscious; and if we perceive the matter such, all Specificks against this Disease, and Antiscorbuticks being omitted, we must come to the Decoctions of Woods, and those little or nothing helping, we must descend to the use of Quick∣silver. And truly by this method I have cured many that were accounted Impeti∣ginous and Leprous, (who have been handled long in vain, and wretchedly vexed with other Remedies appropriate to these diseases:) But we referred this sort of Impetigo to the Pathology of the Venereal distemper, whereto it is an Appen∣dix.

II. The second Indication curatory relating to the Disease it self,* 1.45 and the primary symptom, to wit, the scaly eruptions and clusters of Pustules, prescribes Topical Remedies to be applyed to the outer skin for the removing these effects; for which purpose in the first place Baths and Liniments are convenient: which yet rarely or never help of themselves, unless the procuring cause, that is, the Tartarous dispo∣sition of Blood be first purged out.

There is a vast medley of Topicks of this sort vulgarly vented,* 1.46 as well by Physi∣cians as by Empiricks and Quacks; among all which notwithstanding, Baths or Lini∣ments compounded of Tarre do far excell all other Remedies of either kind, insomuch that we should only use these but for their ill savour; wherefore we will annex some models of Compositions both with and without Tarre.

Wherefore, for Baths it is common to take water out of Tubs wherein Tarre hath long stood, and impregnated with the infusion thereof: Or,

Take of Tarre two pound, and with white Ashes sifted incorporate it into a gross mass, which boyl in a sufficient quantity of Spring-water, adding leaves of Ground-Ivy, Fumito∣ry, white Horehound, the roots of sharp-pointed Dock, Enula-campane, of each four hand∣fuls, make a Bath to be used with government; Or let such a Decoction be prepared without Tarre for Patients abhorring the smell.

Sulphureous Baths as well Natural as Artificial are found by experience less appro∣priate,* 1.47 yea for the most part the former do prejudice; Moreover, every bathing ought cautiously to be administred: for because this administration exagitates the blood, and puts it into an Effervesence, its Temperament is endangered (as has been said) rather to be dissolved, and the corruption to be spread more plentifully over the skin.

2.* 1.48 Liniments whose use is more safe, and convenient, are of a Triple kind or degree, viz. Gentle, Indifferent, and most Strong; of each of these we will pro∣pound one or two patterns.

1.* 1.49 First therefore in a slighter Impetigo, when the Eruptions and Clusters are small, Fasting Spittle is commended; likewise the weeping of green Wood in the Fire, also mere rubbing them with roots of sharp-pointed Docks bruised and ma∣cerated in Vinegar: Or,

Take Oyl of Tartar per deliquium, Oyl of Nuts or Almonds by expression of each equal parts, make a Liniment to be used to the parts affected twice in a day.

2.* 1.50 Liniments of the Second kinde have Tarre for an Ingredient, which is esteem∣ed above all.

Take of Oyntment of Roses six ounces, of Tarre two ounces, melt them together: Or,

Take a fat piece of Weather-mutton, which stick with the roots of sharp-pointed Docks, spit it and roast it, and in the mean while baste it with Tarre dropt leisurely upon it; the Dripping being received in a Vessel under it, keep it for an Oyntment most excellent for an Impetigo.

3.* 1.51 The most prevalent Liniments are Mercurial, viz. those made with Quick∣silver or Praecipitate. Let the model of the former be that prescribed already against the Scab; for the other,

Take of white Praecipitate three drams, Oyntment of Roses three ounces, mix them, for to anoynt the parts chiefly affected.

The use of these ought chiefly to be suspected in this Malady; for if spitting be raised, that great glutt of matter impacted in the pores of the skin will be moved, which if the whole together rushing too much towards the Ductus Salivales, gather about the parts of the Throat, will endanger suffocation.

Some years since a Virgin of a Noble Family,* 1.52 being of a hot Temperament, and endowed naturally with a sharp and salt blood, after being a long time obnoxious to an Impetigo, almost from her Cradle, about her riper years began to be afflicted more grievously; for the clusters of scaly Pustules covered not only her Arms and Thighs every where, and the other covered parts of her body, but also her Hands and Face were so defiled, that she was ashamed to appear abroad or converse with others of her rank. Lesser remedies almost innumerable were exhibited without suc∣cess; by using Baths she at first appeared relieved, but at length grew worse thereby. Astrope Wells which have cured some, afforded her little or no relief. Wherefore, when all ordinary means would not effect any thing, I propounded Salivation, as a remedy more prevalent than all the rest and (as it is accounted) the last. When the Parents and Patient readily consented to this advice, preparing her body duely by Purgation and Phlebotomy,* 1.53 I gave her (after our manner) Pills of Solar Praecipitate two dayes, and after the interval of one day, the remedy being repeated the next, an abundant and laudable spitting began, and continued for a month without any ill symptome; to keep which in its due tenour, I applyed a Mercurial Oyntment to the bending of the Joynts and the places most affected one while to one, another while to another. Before the finishing of this course, all the Eruptions vanished; notwithstanding to confirm the Cure, as also for the extirpation of the Mercury, she remained another month in Purging, Sweating, and Diet of the Decoction of Sarsa, China, &c. in which time seeming perfectly cured, she so remained for about forty dayes. But afterwards though she observed an exact course of Diet, the same disease began to bud forth again, and leisurely encreasing, at length it advanced into its former state. I being confounded with this event, perswaded her to hope an alte∣ration for the better after her Menstrual Flux, which was suddenly expected. Not∣withstanding,

after long delay that Crisis at length happening, and managing her self regularly after it, brought no Cure or ease of that Disease, but rather a fresh assault. Whereupon recourse was had again to Physick, and divers Remedies assay'd, all which when they became frustrate,* 1.54 her friends importuned that she might sali∣vate again, to wit, allured by this hope, that that method which cured her for a short space, being administer'd again, would cure her either for a longer space or altogether. Wherefore according to their wishes, the same course of spitting and sweating re∣peated for two months space, and thereupon the Pustules every where going off, the Noble Virgin seem'd again wholly to recover her health. But within a fortnight after the course finished, the Pustules and their Clusters again appeared, and leisure∣ly encreasing daily in number and bulk at length grew fouler than before, insomuch that like an Hydra, after the loss of one head this disease received sevenfold.

I knew another strong man endowed with a lusty habit of Body, who after he had laboured with an Impetigo many years, the malady still encreasing, and being ad∣vanc'd to the highest, he was covered all over with a white Scurf, as it were leprous, that every night the Scales fell off like Bran in great plenty in his bed, and might be gathered up in heaps. This man for Cures sake first tryed the ordinary Reme∣dies of every kinde, notwithstanding without success; and afterwards trying a lighter Salivation, found himself nothing better: but afterwards the same method being re∣peated, by a long and painful Spitting, he seemed to be restored to health; but within three months the same disease budding out, in a short space arrived to its former outragiousness; Moreover, when he had undergone the third time that most painful Remedy, that affect, which seemed expulsed for a certain time, returned again; and afterwards maugre this and all methods, it exercis'd its Tyranny during the Patients life. It will not be requisite here to discourse any thing of the Lepra, which being only a more intense degree of the former Malady, for the most part admits of no Cure. As to what relates to other Tumours, and their manifold kinds, and the Aetiologies or Reasons of each, I confess I am scarce able to contain my self, but that I should enter upon that pleasant Field of Speculation. But this seems as irrational and unusual, as for one wearyed with a long Course, and breathless at the end, running beyond his Post, presently to begin a new Race.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Several names of the Impetigo.
• * 1.2

  It is described according to its appearances.
• * 1.3

  The differences of this disease.
• * 1.4

  How it differs from the Psora and Leprosit.
• * 1.5

  The material cause not a hu∣mour of the skin.
• * 1.6

  But tartarous Concretions be∣got in the blood.
• * 1.7

  The next cause of it.
• * 1.8

  The evident Causes.
• * 1.9

  Irregularities in Diet.
• * 1.10

  The daily eat∣ing of Pork or Fish.
• * 1.11

  The reason there∣of inquired in∣to.
• * 1.12

  It often follows the Pox and Scurvy.
• * 1.13

  Its Progno∣sticks.
• * 1.14

  The Cure.
• * 1.15

  Two chief Indi∣cations.
• * 1.16

  How to be cu∣red, the Disease beginning of it self.
• * 1.17

  The evident causes to be first removed.
• * 1.18

  The conjunct Causes how ta∣ken away.
• * 1.19

  The chief Re∣medies made known.
• * 1.20

  1. A Purge.
• * 1.21

  A purging In∣fusion.
• * 1.22

  2. Whey.
• * 1.23

  An Electuary.
• * 1.24

  3. Steel'd Wa∣ters.
• * 1.25

  4. Decoctions of Woods.
• * 1.26

  5. Medicines of Steel.
• * 1.27

  6. Sallvation.
• * 1.28

  Salivation does not alwayes cure this Dis∣ease.
• * 1.29

  Why the Impe∣tigo is more difficult of Cure than the Pox.
• * 1.30

  Impetigo suc∣ceeding a Scur∣vy, how to be cured.
• * 1.31

  Hot antiscorbu∣ticks do not agree.
• * 1.32

  Nor Baths.
• * 1.33

  But only the more temperate Remedies en∣dued with a nitrous, vitrio∣lick or vola∣tile Salt.
• * 1.34

  Forms of Ni∣trous Medi∣cines.
• * 1.35

  Water of Sow∣thistles.
• * 1.36

  Cucumbers.
• * 1.37

  Purging Mine∣ral Waters.
• * 1.38

  Vitriolick aci∣dule waters.
• * 1.39

  Medicines of Tin and Anti∣mony.
• * 1.40

  3. Medicines endued with a volatile Salt.
• * 1.41

  Chiefly prepared of Vipers.
• * 1.42

  But not chymi∣cally.
• * 1.43

  Broths and in∣fusions of Vi∣pers.
• * 1.44

  4. How the Im∣petigo follow∣ing the Pox is to be cured.
• * 1.45

  The second In∣dication Curd∣tory.
• * 1.46

  Topicks of Tarre are the best.
• * 1.47

  Baths.
• * 1.48

  Liniments.
• * 1.49

  1. Mild Lini∣ments.
• * 1.50

  2. Stronger, of Tarre.
• * 1.51

  3. The strongest of Mercury.
• * 1.52

  A notable Rela∣tion.
• * 1.53

  Salivation cures for a time the Impetigo, but with a relapse.
• * 1.54

  That remedy re∣peated, did not thoroughly cure the Disease.