A guide to the practical physician shewing, from the most approved authors, both ancient and modern, the truest and safest way of curing all diseases, internal and external, whether by medicine, surgery, or diet. Published in Latin by the learn'd Theoph. Bonet, physician at Geneva. And now rendred into English, with an addition of many considerable cases, and excellent medicines for every disease. Collected from Dr. Waltherus his Sylva medica. by one of the Colledge of Physicians, London. To which is added. The office of a physician, and perfect tables of every distemper, and of any thing else considerable. Licensed, November 13h. 1685. Robert Midgley.
Bonet, Théophile, 1620-1689.
Page  114

A GUIDE TO The Practical Physician. BOOK IV. Of Diseases beginning with the Letter D.

Deglutitio laesa, or, The Swallowing hurt.

The Contents.
  • The cure of strange things swallowed, either sticking in the Oesophagus, or got into the Stomach. I.
  • The Oesophagus freed from obstruction. II.
  • One that could not swallow, sustained by Injections in at the Mouth. III.
  • The Cure of it hurt by the ulcerated Jaws. IV.
  • When a Pipe may be used to get down Food, that cannot other∣wise pass. V.

I. WHAT things contrary to nature are swallowed, either come into the Stomach, or stick in the Oesophagus. This is an In∣stance of the former. A Maid eighteen years old, as she was eating, swal∣lowed a brass Pin, with the Point downwards, which sticking in the Oesophagus, created cruel Pain. When she had tried several things, and continued a whole year in this Condition, the Pin was by my advice thrust into her Stomach with a Shoomaker's Wax candle, thrusting it gently twice or thrice a-day, and anointing it first with Oil of sweet Almonds, which was done without pain, and quickly after it got into the Stomach: It has given no more trouble as yet.

A Woman, as she was cheapning goods, held a Farthing in her mouth, and having forgot it, as she was eating a peice of Cake that was offered her, she swallowed it before she was aware. Then she had a dull pain and Copperish taste in her stomach. I being consulted, because for some reasons I would not give her a Vomit, ordered her constantly to use slippery and fat things, and gave her from six to nine drops of rectified Spirit of Salt twice a-day, so that by little and little the ill taste was abated, and in a while the sad sensation ceased. Here it happened, as Theophrastus, in his Book of Fire, speaks, pag. 142. That the Stomach melts money. And acid Spirits are not so hurtfull to the Stomach; but they les∣sen the weight of Brass and Silver, by getting out their Vitriol, so that afterwards they may pass the Guts more easily.

A Boy of twelve years of age swallowed an Im∣perial Spanish Half-crown, that he had in his mouth, which stuck in his throat, the Chirurgeon tried as much as he could to get it out, but all in vain; so that he was forced to drive it into his Stomach; which being done not without much trouble, care was taken of the Oesophagus, which was pained and almost wounded, by giving Traumaticks and Pare∣goricks. The Patient in the mean time, as soon as the money was received into his Stomach, was ve∣ry well, onely he had a pain in his throat, and swal∣lowed with difficulty; nor has he found any trouble to this day, the Silver having remained now nine years fixt in its place.

A Boy three years old, when he had put two Links of a brass Chain an inch long in his mouth, swallowed them unawares, and as they stuck in his throat he roared out for pain; but as soon as they were got into his stomach, he seemed to all no∣thing, but ate and drank heartily. His carefull Pa∣rents searched the excrements every day for several weeks, but in vain; for they found nothing, so they certainly concluded, they were by little and little wasted in the stomach. But the excrements were never observed to recede from their natural state. The Boy lives now very well in health.

A Boy five years old, when he had swallowed a leaden Seal, that uses to be fastned to Cloth, was troubled with grievous pain till it got into his sto∣mach; Page  115 and was cured by giving him distilled Vine∣gar,* whereas at first his Parents were afraid of his life; yet nothing of so broad and thick a piece could be observed to be voided; but he is now ve∣ry well. And it was the best advice to give him di∣stilled Vinegar, because by dissolving the body of Saturn it turned it into Sugar.

II. One being very hungry, was eating a boiled Hog's-foot, and a piece of it with the bone stuck in his throat for two days. A Chirurgeon turned a long piece of iron Wire like a Hook at the end, put it down his throat, by the Hook whereof the piece of the foot was caught,* and with main strength drawn out of his throat.

III. A man being taken with a true Quinsey, had the upper orifice of his stomach so close shut with the Inflammation, that he could swallow nothing at all. While Remedies were using, that he might be able to bear plentifull Bloud-letting and other Re∣medies, for reparation of strength a Catheter was put into the Oesophagus, and a Syringe fitted to it, by which Broths were got into his stomach, and Me∣dicines also,* by help whereof he was cured of his Disease.

IV. One asked my advice, saying he was trou∣bled with Wolves in his Nose. (Flanderkins calls Snot concrete in the Nostrils, Wolves, which Nurses take out of Children with Pins heads) and moreover, that he had some pain in his Jaws, which reached to the middle of his left Ear, and that he swallowed Wine with pain. I told him, I thought, he had an Ul∣cer in his Throat, and we must take more care of that than of his Nose; and when I opened his Jaws with a Speculum oris, I observed all his Palate, and great part of the Ʋvla hugely ulcerated. That the pain of his Ear depended on this, no man, that knows Anatomy, can be ignorant. The Ulcer of his Jaws being first cleansed with Fallopius his Water, and he thinking he was not cured fast enough, D. D. Nollens promised him a most secret Remedy presently, and applied distilled Butter of Antimo∣ny. I found this at the first view, because upon the least touch of the Liquour it turned into a Powder as white as Snow. Truly this hath great virtue in Venereal Ulcers, Rotten Bones, and the like, and cures in a short time, as it here appea∣red.*

V. When Patients cannot swallow, a Pipe must be put down the throat, that they may take some food. But when there is an Inflammation in the part, it is too much irritated; therefore it is my advice, not to use the Pipe but on urgent necessi∣ty. I should rather approve that some sort of Pipe might be made which may be put near the throat, and also a clean Bladder full of some nourishing Drink, which may be fastned to the Pipe, and the Bladder squeezed with some violence, as in giving Clysters, that so the Drink may be forced into the Oesophagus.* I have seen some restored by this Pipe who have been despaired of as starved. See Angina.

Delirium, or, Raving.

The Contents.
  • Cured by giving Meat. I.
  • Ceasing upon voiding Worms. II.
    • A Medicine.

I. MAdam N's Maid fell into a Delirium, so that she knew not what she said. Presently those that were by, thinking she was seised with some very grievous Disease, tried many things. But after she had taken some Meat, she was presently cu∣red: for she confessed it proceeded onely from Fa∣sting,* which she had enjoined her self for three days, upon I know not what account.

II. A Girl, near Xeres de Guadiana, twelve years old, fell into a Raving, which, after she had voi∣ded Worms, suddenly ceased.

A Medicine especially made use of by an eminent Physician.

I have found by most faithfull experience, that ma∣ny who could not sleep for Raving, have found be∣nefit by anointing with cold Oil of Violets, and applying an Oxyrrhodinum upon it.*

Dentium affectus, or, Diseases of the Teeth.

The Contents.
  • The Tooth-ach must not be cured one way alone. I.
  • Its Cause usually gives place onely to Purging. II.
  • It is often exasperated with hot things. III.
  • Whether we may use Narcoticks in the Tooth-ach caused by a Va∣pour? IV.
  • To ease it, where Causticks and Intercipients should be ap∣plied? V.
  • A periodical one cured by burning the Vessel that conveys the Hu∣mour. VI.
  • A Tooth-ach that precedes the coming of the genuine Teeth, how it may be cured? VII.
  • Repellents are not always proper. VIII.
  • Death upon putting a Narcotick in a rotten aking Tooth. IX.
  • Cured by opening a Vein in the Palate. X.
  • The efficacy of opening the Artery of the Antitragus in a vio∣lent Toot-ach. XI.
  • Cured by cauterizing the Cartilage of the Ear. XII.
  • The Tooth-ach cured by opening the Saphoena. XIII.
  • The use of Oil of Vitriol to preserve the Teeth from rottenness. XIV.
  • With what a rotten Tooth should be stopt? XV.
  • Whether rotten Teeth should be pulled out? XVI.
  • Whether they may be burnt with a Cautery? XVII.
  • The Correction of Rottenness. XVIII.
  • Loose ones must be fastned with Fire. XIX.
  • Over-long Teeth, that are not fast, may be fastned by cutting off what is superfluous. XX.
  • They must not be presently drawn. XXI.
  • Especially in Old men. XXII.
  • When they fall from Children, the Roots must be preserved. XXIII.
  • With what Cautions they must be drawn? XXIV.
  • Whether another can be put in the room of one that is pulled out? XXV.
  • Death caused by shortning a Tooth. XXVI.
  • A Fungus growing in the hole of a drawn Tooth, must be rooted out. XXVII.
    • Medicines.

I. THE Teeth ake, either because of a flatu∣lent Spirit inclosed about the Roots of them, which is asswaged by a Decoction of hot Herbs in Wine; also by Treacle dissolved in Wine: Or because of a Defluxion of hot humours, where∣with when cold ones are mixt, the pain indeed is not so violent, but has as it were certain intervals, yet it frequently returns. And this medly of hu∣mours (as it happens also in the Gout) is the rea∣son, why the most approved Remedies do not so much mitigate as increase the Evil, unless the Phy∣sician know well the nature of the humours, where∣by the pain is caused, and temper his Medicine ac∣cording to the present affection. There is also ano∣ther reason, because in this Disease, as in all others which come of Defluxions, those things that are Page  116 good in the Increase, are good for nothing when the Defluxion is at the height, much less will they be convenient in the beginning. When the unskil∣full observe this, their experiments often fail them (except they be Narcoticks,* which ever take away pain, but never without hurt either of the part grieved, or of some one near it.)

II. The Tooth-ach exercised me for several days, especially near dinner time, when the Stomach, be∣ing empty of meat, draws all the Juices from the rest of the Body on every hand, that can come. To ease it therefore, when I had taken a Purge, as soon as my Stomach was turned, I voided above a pound of Water, and that sincere and pure; so that I lived ten years after free from it. And being informed by this experiment, whoever complained to me afterwards of the Tooth-ach, I persuaded them to neglect those Remedies, People commonly wash their mouths withall,* and first of all to take an Hydragogue, which always answered expecta∣tion.

III. Medicines designed to cure the Tooth-ach, are most of them hot: but Practice shews that such pain comes from sharp bloud or a hot distillation. Therefore Physicians must go warily to work, lest being deceived by the common opinion,* they cre∣ate more trouble to the Patient by their hot Mouth-waters, than they procure ease of their pain.

IV. I think it by no means adviseable to use Nar∣coticks in the Tooth-ach, for the Vapour is too much congealed and thickned, and by congealing we doe no more, than turn a little ease into a more difficult Disease. But if an intolerable and immense pain torment the Patient, and the Physician be for∣ced to comfort Nature with this sort of Remedy, I advise, that the Narcotick virtue be corrected by Heaters, and that at the same time we have respect both to the Symptome and the Cause, which may very well be done thus; Take of Pellitory of Spain, Pepper, each 1 scruple; Opium, half a scruple; tie them in a Rag; infuse them two or three hours in very sharp Vinegar, and apply them to the tooth. Or, Take of Henbane-seed, Staves-acre, Pellitory of Spain, each 1 scruple; Powder them very fine; Take one scruple of this Powder, and with the strongest Vinegar make it into a Pill, which may be held to the tooth an hours time. It wonderfully lays the pain indeed, and breeds no Intemperature, to speak on; though it were more desirable to take away the pain onely by Discutients,* if it could be done.

V. In the upper Jaw an Artery creeps along the Antitragus of the Ear; where it may be burnt, and an astringent Plaster may be applied to this place and to the Temples, to intercept the flux of humours to the Veins: An Artery creeps nigh the Angle in the lower Jaw,* and it must be burnt where it beats, or Topicks must be applied when the Teeth ake in the lower Jaw.

VI. To cure and prevent a periodick Tooth-ach, Spigelius burnt that part of the Anthelix which imme∣diately touches the upper part of the Tragus with good success, and then healed the wound again. By this new Chirurgery, that branch of the Carotid Artery that reaches from the Anthelix of the Ear to the Teeth, is cut athwart, so that the afflux of hu∣mours being intercepted,* the pain returns no more. The Authour tried the effect of this Remedy first in himself, and then in others.

VII. Those are the Genuine Teeth, which first ap∣pear before Pubescency and use of Venery in Peo∣ple, sometimes with cruel torture. A thing which the less-observing Physicians neglect, and either pull out some other Teeth, or, persuading themselves that they are troubled with some fault in their hu∣mours, choak their Patients with Pills and such sort of Medicines; whenas no more present Remedy could be given the pained Parties, than a light sca∣rification of the Gums upon the last tooth, and sometimes a piercing of the bone. This very thing I now find true in my self, who in the six and twen∣tieth year of my age, while I write these words, have my two and thirtieth tooth coming. And se∣veral Skuls which we meet with in Church yards argue the same,* in which the latter teeth yet lye hid as in a Cave, and in some they are just piercing the most tender bone with their tops.

VIII. There is need of Caution in Reellents, especially if they be applied to the Jaws: for though if the matter fly back into the tooth, onely repel∣lent Mouth-washes may be used without danger; yet if the matter be more plentifull, so that it pos∣sesses the Jaws also, Repellents cannot be applied safely, to the Jaws especially, seeing they may drive the matter inward to the Throat, and so choak the Patient. So Valesc. de Taranta relates, how one that was troubled with the Tooth-ach in his Grinders, and with a Swelling in his Jaw, had Oil of Roses and Vinegar applied to it,* and fell into a Quinsey, and died.

IX. A Senatour of Venice, because of the violence of his Tooth-ach, would cast himself a-sleep by putting in some Opiate Oil to the tooth:* but instead of Sleep, he committed himself to his brother Death.

X. Some have made mention of opening the ou∣ter Veins of the Palate in Diseases of the Head and Face, Jaws, Throat, Teeth and Mouth. J. à Retham. in Tascic. Med. wrote a History of a Woman, who had endured a bitter Tooth-ach, and she could find no ease in Repellents and other Medicines, she was wonderfully relieved by this Phlebotomy. And (saith he) these Veins are apparent, which yet must be opened after being bled in the Cephalick,* and when the matter is digested, and not crude.

XI. Small Arteries go from the Carotides into the Auricle, the greatest of which creeps by the Anti∣tragus and Anthelix, and ascending the upper Jaw, sup∣plies every tooth with vital bloud, with which sharp humours flowing thither are often the cause of a most violent Tooth-ach, which I have often seen cu∣red to a Wonder, by artificial cutting that branch in the Anthelix. Which is well observed also by Bau∣binus: And Riolanus tells,* how he saw a Man in Paris who got a great deal of money by curing that way: And I saw such an one in Gelderland.

XII. Onely the Cartilage which is extended a∣thwart the Ear, being cauterized,* is wont to re∣move the Tooth-ach.

XIII. The Wife of N. of a sanguine complexion, and ruddy countenance, being troubled with a vio∣lent Tooth-ach, by the advice of a Physician of Ʋlm, got her self let bloud in the foot,* as she sate in hot water, suffering the bloud to run till she fainted, and she found ease.

XIV. Among all things which preserve the Teeth from Rottenness, Oil of Vitriol whitens the most, and is commended, if it be mixt with Water, be∣cause it hurts not the pure and sound flesh, but takes away onely the putrefied. Yet they find fault with it, who are ignorant of the true use of it: but they that know how to use it, give it succesfully in great Diseases, though not in all; for a drop or two mixt with Sugar or Honey of Roses cleanses the teeth ad∣mirably, and helps putrid Gums,* with Ulcers in the mouth.

XV. A piece of meat, especially if it be sweet, if it be kept in a hollow tooth, putrefies, and so cau∣ses pain, or encreases the stink and erosion. Where∣fore you will find it best both from reason and ex∣perience to fill a hollow tooth, lest ought get in, which may touch that sensible part. It may be fil∣led with Mastick chewed till it be soft: for if hard things be put in, they will cause pain. Some fill their teeth with Wax; but in my judgment they doe ill, because it hath an emollient faculty, espe∣cially if it be new. But if we would use it, we must mix Salt or Alume; or something else that dries Page  117 and binds, especially if the Tooth water; or white Wax rather, because it is drier, and hath an adstrin∣gent quality from its preparation; or, red Wax, which, by reason of the Cinnaber, prepares the teeth, so that they may be either more easily pulled out or broken:* yet green Wax is more laudable; which dries vehemently because of the Verdigrease, Afterwards you must use other driers; lest such things as cleanse the teeth do at length fret them with their acrimony. If there be Putrefaction, add Myrrh, if Stink, Musk or Cotton wherein Musk is kept: except in such as are subject to the Head∣ach, or Vertigo: because they are hurt by Smells.

XVI. Ancient Physicians do not well agree about pulling out a tooth, although the most think a faulty and corrupt one should be pulled out. Erasistratus thinks they ought not upon a slight occasion be pulled out, and he produces this as a testimony for his opinion; Among the Low-Dutch, in Apollo's Tem∣ple, a leaden pair of Pliers to draw teeth was hung up, to intimate, that a tooth should not be pulled out, unless it were loose, so as it might be pulled out with a leaden pair of Pincers, that is, without violence. Which if in any part of it be rotten or faul∣ty, what is faulty may be scraped off, and what is sound may be left.* And, indeed, it must not light∣ly be pulled out, unless it be corrupt, all rotten and loose, if there be an Inflammation of the Nerve un∣der it, on which danger may depend: for when the tooth is pulled out, the Nerve is free, and not pres∣sed, but transpires and admits convenient Reme∣dies. In corruption, you must consider how much it is, for sometime it is superficial and onely near the end; then some part of it may be filed off, while the root is sound. ¶ Valescus de Taranta doth scarce allow of drawing a tooth; first, because of chewing; secondly, because when one is pulled out, the de∣fluxion goes to another, and so one tooth may be pulled out after another till a man have not a tooth in his head. But although he may be allowed his way in the Tooth-ach from a defluxion, where the matter flows by vessels common to several teeth: yet in corrupt teeth, and especially when the mat∣ter that runs out of the rotten teeth causes a Swel∣ling or Ulcer in the Jaw, there is no other way of cure, but to draw the tooth: for then there is no fear, lest the adjoining tooth should be corrupted, because such corrosion comes not from a fresh de∣fluxion,* but from one that is past long ago.

XVII. Hollerius allows of Cauteries; Sennertus thinks the use of them scarce safe; because of the exquisite sense of the Nerves, fearing lest other parts should sympathize. Yet I could never observe any harm follow: the onely fear is, lest the parts adjoining, as the Lips, &c. should be burnt. With this Precau∣tion a red hot Iron may be put in the hole safely: Let the Patient set his foot upon the Chirurgeon's, and let him press it, that the Chirurgeon may take away his Iron, if perchance it should hurt him.

XVIII. We see multitudes in this Climate tor∣mented with the Tooth-ach, because of corroded and hollow teeth. I fill the hollow of the teeth with Turpentine,* and then apply an actual Cautery, with very good success.

XIX. An Infirmity and loosness of teeth happens to many from a sharp distillation. All vulgar Physi∣cians treat this evil onely with styptick things, which scarce doe any good. The onely Remedy is Fire, indicated by Hippocrates, l. de aff. n. 5. and by Rhases, who burn the roots of the teeth with a hot Iron. Gariopontus, with a Copper Nail. What I see no man else doe, I have tried in two hundred, both cu∣ring the Tooth ach and in Fastning loose teeth. I will here shew the fashion of the Iron, which is fastned to a long handle, and is half an inch broad, and two inches long, but bent, so as it may be fitted exactly to the Convexity of the teeth. But it must be ob∣served, that this Chirurgery may very opportune∣ly be tried, when the parts first begin to languish, but when the teeth are loosened from their roots,* Burning will scarce doe any good.

XX. Teeth, as the rest of the Bones, consist of small Fibres, but very hard and compact ones, run∣ning length-ways. By the insensible and extreme small Interstices of these small Fibres the most subtile particles of Aliment run from top to bottom, being carried by the Arteries to the roots of the teeth. If upon any occasion this alimentary Juice be made thinner, and its particles be carried with a greater impetuosity than they ought, they do not easily stick, but pass their bounds; and so when what is abated of the thickness of the tooth by continual effluvium, is not made up, the tooth must of necessity grow more slender, and when the Aliment runs out far∣ther, according to the duct of the Fibres, the tooth grows in length. Therefore, to prevent this Slen∣derness of the tooth, the best Remedy is, to shorten the tooth with a File, so, when it is made shorter, the Aliment which cannot run beyond the tooth, be∣ing forced into a shorter space, encreases the thick∣ness of the tooth. So Husbandmen use to lop the Branches of Trees that the Trunk may become thick∣er and stronger, the nutritious juice being contai∣ned within it self, which was distributed into the Boughs that were cut off. It seems as if this too great excursion of Aliment in the teeth might hap∣pen not onely because of its thinness and agitation of parts whereof it consists; but also through the laxity of Fibres, whereof the tooth consists; which may happen, if while the Aliment flows too spa∣ringly, all the Fibres become more slender; or the same Aliment may be corrupted either through the fault of the part, or of the affluent humours.*

XXI. If teeth be loosened by a fall or blow, they must not be drawn, but restored, and tied to those that are fast, for in time they will be fastened in their holes: As I experienced in Antonius de la Rue, a Tai∣lor, who had his Jaw broke with the Hilt of a Sword, and three of his teeth loosened, and well∣nigh beaten out of their holes; when his Jaw was set, his teeth were restored to their places, and fastened with a double thred and a plaster to the next; I fed him with broths and spoon-meats; I made him astringent Gargarisms of Cypress-nuts, Myrtles and a little Alume boiled in Vinegar and Water, and ordered him to wash his mouth fre∣quently; and I so ordered the matter, that, in a short time he could chew as Well with these teeth as with any of the rest.*

XXII. Two died of drawing a tooth, through much Bleeding: but one of them was decrepit: in the other there was a large Vessel at the root of the tooth, and a great Breach.* ¶ As a Tooth∣drawer was drawing a tooth from an old Man in the Market-place at Bononia, the man died sud∣denly.

XXIII. Teeth in Children, whether they fall out of themselves, or by violence, so the roots remain, grow again of themselves. Therefore we must have a care, when Children have broken their teeth by a fall or a blow, that we pull not out the part that re∣mains; but the root it self must be as carefully pre∣served as may be: for all the hope of the tooth's coming again depends upon it, as the seed, and when it is pulled out by the root,* teeth seldom or never come again.

XXIV. We must have a care that we draw not a tooth at the time of a defluxion, head-ach, swel∣ling of the Gums, or when they ake violently. And the Chirurgeon must be admonished, that he pull it not out violently and forcibly, that is, at one pull, left a great concussion of the Brain or breaking of the Jaw be occasioned,* which is attended with a great Haemorrhage, or Fever, and sometimes Death.

XXV. Some Physicians would persuade a Man, that an artificial tooth may be put in the room of one that is pulled out, and that it will stick as fast as any other tooth, that it will be clothed with the Page  118 flesh of the Gums, and will serve to chew with. But he that considers, the teeth have Life, that they receive Veins, Arteries and Nerves, that they are sensible and ake,* and are fastened with ligaments; will never affirm it.

XXVI. A certain Nun, when she had got a tooth which was longer than any of the rest to be cut short, thereby to avoid the deformity, presently fell down dead in a Convulsion and Epilepsie: But a Nerve appeared in that part where the tooth was cut off.*

XXVII. A bony fungus sometimes grows out of the hole of a drawn tooth, so big, that it fills the mouth,* and at last choaks a Man, unless prevented by cutting it out, and burning it.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

I. For Rottenness of the teeth.

1. If the Corrosion come of Worms, a Medicine is made of Leek-seeds mixt with Wax,* receiving the fume into the mouth.

2. This is a most excellent Remedy; Take of the Roots of Mastick-tree, Cinquefoil, sharp Dock, each 1 drachm; boil them in very sharp Vinegar to a third.* Add to it strained of Salt half a drachm. Wash the teeth with it.

3. A tooth taken out of a dead man's Jaw, if you touch a rotten tooth often with the root of it, will cause the tooth to fall out piece meal in a few days.*

4. Take of Myrrh, Aloe Epatica, each 3 ounces; Henbane-seed, 2 ounces and a half; Nettle-seed, 1 ounce; Saffron, 2 ounces; Nutmeg, 1 ounce. Mix them; make a Powder; pour on it some Spirit of Wine; let it stand in a hot place for some days: then distill it by an Alembick, in which dissolve of Balsam of Sulphur a twelfth part, and you will have as excellent an Elixir as ever was used; where∣with the Gums must once a-day be anointed. It is a most certain preservative of the teeth against Rot∣tenness.*

5. For the Hollowness of the teeth, if it proceed from a hot cause Camphire is excellent good, whe∣ther it be applied as a Plaster,* or the hollow tooth be stopt with it.

6. Take of Powder of Myrrh 2 scruples, Gum Juniper 1 scruple, Alume half a scruple, with a sufficient quantity of Honey; make it into a lini∣ment, with which the rotten and hollow teeth must be rubbed every day. ¶ To get out hollow teeth some commend the fat and powder of green Frogs that live upon Trees,* if it be rubbed on the teeth.

II. For the Falling of them.

A tooth of a Man, who died through decay of strength, not taken off by a violent death or an a∣cute disease,* causeth any tooth in a living Man to wither and fall out onely by touching it.

III. For the Tooth-ach.

1. Take of Gum Tragacanth 2 drachms, Hyssop half an ounce, Pellitory of the Wall 3 ounces, mixt with Honey and Salt, and burnt to a Coal in a Pot, Pepper 4 ounces; beat them very fine, and pass them through a Sieve, and then use it; which if you doe, the teeth will neither ake nor grow loose, nor will the gums be inflamed or bleed, nor will Carun∣cles grow thereon, nor will they be troubled with defluxions. And, besides, the breath will be sweet and the teeth clean.*

2. Take of Juice of white Bryony-berries one pound and a half, Bark of the root of a Mulberry∣tree an ounce and a half; boil half away. It must be held hot in the mouth; give it 7 days one af∣ter another. He that uses it shall never be troubled with the Tooth-ach ¶ Take the Skin of an Ad∣der, burn it and beat it, make it up with Oil about as thick as Honey; or, take the Skin it self unburnt, rub the teeth therewith, and they will fall out. ¶ This is Andromachus his Medicine which asswages the Tooth-ach within an hour: Take of Pepper,* Pellitory of Spain, Juice of Spurge, Galbanum, each equal parts; put it in the hollow teeth.

3. If the teeth be touched with the Radius of a Sea-parsnip, and the gums scarified,* the Tooth-ach quickly ceases.

4. Some rub the teeth of Scorbutick persons with the branch of Willow, and set it in the smoak of the Chimney: and as the branch dries the teeth are cured. ¶ I have tried several Medicines, and could onely find benefit from Alume, which I melted in a Saucer and powdered, and with Nut∣meg and a sufficient quantity of Honey, made it up into the form of a Liniment, wherewith now and then I anointed the aking tooth, and with good suc∣cess, for the Tooth-ach ceased, and I rested well. ¶ A Pill of Philonium Romanum put in the tooth, having first washed the mouth with Lapis Prunellae dissolved,* never failed me.

5. Paulus writes that the Tooth-ach is effectually cured with a Decoction of Fern-root in very strong Vinegar. ¶ This is certainly experienced,* that the root of Self-heal dried and rubbed on the Gums of the aking teeth till they bleed, cures the Tooth∣ach.

6. One could find no ease by any remedy, till he put Betony in his Nose, and then he was cured. ¶ Shepherds-purse bruised, and the quantity of a Hazle-nut put in the ears, is a good and experienced remedy. Garlick also bruised, with a little Salt, and applied to the Thumbs, raises Blisters, out of which Water runs, whereby the Defluxion is deri∣ved from the teeth, and the Tooth-ach taken away. ¶ A Plaster of Burgundy Pitch with Powder of Nut∣meg applied to the Temporal Artery hath cured several. ¶ Knives touched with a Load-stone,* cure the Pains of teeth, ears and eyes, onely by the Touch.

7. Take Mastick-seeds and bruise them; put them in a Rag, and hold it to the inside of the teeth: It hath a wonderfull virtue of drawing out viscous humours,* asswaging and at length of curing the Tooth-ach.

8. In curing the Tooth-ach nothing is better than Oil of Turpentine, with Powder of Camphire;* the Oil whereof also is very effectual.

9. Take some Pellitory of Spain powdered, half as much powder of Cloves, steep them in Spirit of Wine; wet a folded Rag in it, and apply it to the aking tooth. ¶ To preserve the teeth, the inner rind of Barbery steeped in Water, and to wash the mouth therein is very good in the morning. ¶ Al∣so Spirit of Vitriol mixt with Water is very much commended, because it preserves the teeth from putrefaction, and whitens them. For a drop or two of Spirit of Vitriol mixt with Sugar or Honey of Roses cleanseth the teeth wonderfully,* and helps putrid teeth and gums, and Ulcers of the mouth.

10. Take Oil of Cloves half an ounce, dissolve in it of Camphire half a drachm, then add some Spirit of Turpentine four times rectified; mix them: A drop or two with a little Cotton put in the hollow tooth presently stops the Pain.*

11. The Salt of the fruit of the Fir-tree (which is called the fixt Stone of the Jovial-tree) is good for the Tooth-ach, if it be dissolved in a little Vinegar, and held a while in the mouth. ¶ Take of Wild-pop∣py, Hen-bane, Sweet-williams, Baum, each a like quantity; make of them a Crystal Salt; put a few grains of it in a hollow tooth. It is a certain Re∣medy.*

12. Take dried Hops, rub them a little, put them in strong Vinegar; boil them a little and strain them. Wash the mouth and gums with the Liquour; for it is wonderfull.*

13. The Quintessence of Coloquintida is a great Se∣cret in curing and easing the Tooth-ach. The Dose Page  119 is half a drachm or a drachm in some Broth or Sy∣rup.* ¶ The chymical Salt of Lizards cures the Tooth-ach admirably.

14. A Turnip rosted in the ashes, and applied hot behind the Ears is held for a Secret. Certainly it repells violently and cures the Tooth-ach effectual∣ly, as I have had experience, and can testifie also of others.*

15. Take the leg or thigh a Toad, cleanse it from the flesh.* Rub the aking teeth with the bone, and the Pain ceases in a moment.

16. The Tooth-ach vanishes when the Archaeus is mortified, which is done by sharp Remedies, as the root of Pellitory of Spain, and of the Nettle with the red flower;* the white substance whereof being scraped and applied to the tooth wonderfully morti∣fies its raging.

17. The Secret of the King of Poland. In a clear day powder a Load-stone, and calcine it in a glazed Pot till it wax green; Of this, with Meal, Wine and Gum Tragacanth, make Lozenges to put into the teeth, which in a moment stop their aking. ¶ Take a clove of Garlick,* a little Treacle, a clean Cobweb. Mix them; make a Plaster; apply it for some hours to the median Vein, on that side the teeth ake on: the most violent Pain ceaseth, and re∣turns not in some years.

18. If some Oil of Box in Cotton-wooll be put with a Probe into a hollow tooth,* it presently takes away Pain.

19. Fill a Womans Thimble full of Salt of Ashe, and apply it to the temporal Arteries where you find them beat; in a short time it makes a knot in the Artery,* whereby the flux is intercepted.

IV. For Loosness of teeth.

1. I have had frequent experience of this: Take Pomegranate flowers, unripe Galls, dried Roses and Spurge, with a little Alume; boil them in Vinegar and harsh Wine, till a third onely remain. Hold the Decoction hot a long time in the mouth.*

2. Take of Acorns 1 drachm, Galls half a drachm, burnt Alume, Acacia, each 2 scruples; Red-rose flow∣ers 1 handfull:* Boil them in a quart of Red-wine: Let the teeth be often washed with this Decoction.

*3. Pimpernel-root chewed fastens the teeth won∣derfully.

V. For Black, Foul and Bleeding Teeth.

1. There is not a better remedy than a Pumice∣stone red hot and quenched in White-wine twice, and the third time left till it be cold, and then with∣out any farther quenching beaten and washed; If the teeth be rubbed therewith it makes them excee∣ding white.*

2. Take of dried Rosemary powdered, White∣bread powdered, each 2 drachms; red Coral pre∣pared 1 drachm, Alabaster half a drachm; mix them; make a Powder, with which rub the teeth every day, and wash the mouth with Rosemary-wa∣ter. In a short time you will find the admirable efficacy.*

VI. For Drawing of teeth.

1. Dock-root heat in ashes, and continually ap∣plied to the tooth, draws it out in a short time. ¶ Also burn Earth-worms and powder them, and having scraped the tooth round about, strew it on plentifully, and in a day and a night it falls out of it self. Therefore use it confidently; for it is celebrated often as a Mystery.*

2. Clear the tooth a little from its place with a Pen-knife, and then strew on it Powder of Euphor∣bium; For this, if any thing will, draws out bones. Or Juice of Spurge mixt with Meal may be put in the tooth, and the rest fenced with Wax: For Spurge-juice makes the teeth to swell. After 2 or 3 days the tooth will be so loose that you may take it out with your fingers,* or with an Instrument easily.

3. To make the teeth fall, onely gut a Lizard and drie it,* and touch the tooth or the hollow of it with the Powder, and it will presently drop out.

4. Take a grain of Mastick or Frankincense fit for the hole, stop it well, carry it day and night; but take it out in the morning, and wash the mouth with Water something salted, a Decoction of Sage or of burnt Harts-horn. Put in another grain, and conti∣nue it so long, till the tooth fall out piece-meal;* and this is done without any hurt.

5. Bastard Hellebore has a virtue beyond all other things to make teeth fall, if you rub them with a bruised leaf;* but you must have a care what teeth you touch, for they will all fall out.

6. Gum of Ivy that grows on an Oak draws out any tooth. ¶ Some affirm, upon certain experience, that if you take a Whelp 3 or 4 days old, and cut off his left Ear, and with the bloud anoint the teeth;* all that are anointed will fall out in the night.

Diabetes, or, The Piss-pot Dropsie.

The Contents.
  • Bloud-letting is not proper. I.
  • When a Vomit is proper? II.
  • Purging is proper. III.
  • What Purgers are proper? IV.
  • Whether Diureticks be proper? V.
  • Sudorificks are suspected. VI.
  • Narcoticks are good. VII.
  • Astringents are not always proper. VIII.
  • Too much are hurtfull. IX.
  • Sylvius his Cure. X.
  • It must be cured by restoring the tone to the bloud. XI.
  • Sometimes it proceeds from a cold Liver. XII.
  • The Cure of it in a young person. XIII.
  • In a spurious one we must not cool. XIV.
  • Quinces breed the Diabetes. XV.
  • Whether a Bath be proper? XVI.
  • One quickly cured. XVII.
  • We must cure quickly. XVIII.
    • Medicines.

I. ALL People write, that in the beginning of the Disease a Vein must be breathed: But we must observe that when this Disease first appears to begin, it is in the State already. For when the Drink passes unaltered, the Veins of the whole Body and the Liver were emptied and dried up long before, but the Patients cannot know the begin∣ning and encrease, because this Attraction is a natu∣ral work, and while it is performed onely in the Veins of the Liver, it is without any sense of Want, and therefore creates no trouble to the Body. And when it is in the state, all the serous humidity that is in the Veins, and was contained in the Liver and Stomach, is then consumed; otherwise there would neither be thirst, nor attraction of potulent matter unchanged. But in this case the Body is already thin and dry. And I think it not adviseable to let-bloud, when the Veins are already dried up. Nor let any man object, that when the Serum is evacuated, bloud is left in the Veins: I confess some part of the bloud is left; but where Serum is wanting, bloud also must necessarily be wanting; for Serum is there∣fore mixt with the bloud, that it may distribute the same into all the parts of the Body. Take away Serum, and you take away distribution; besides, since a great part of the bloud is made of potulent matter, if we presently void what we drink by U∣rine, it cannot be turned into bloud. Therefore in a true Diabetes Bloud-letting is never proper,* what∣ever some men may say.

Page  120II. If salt Phlegm be contained in the Stomach, which being carried to the Reins increases the Dis∣ease; or if cholerick humours be carried to the Sto∣mach, to the end they may be diverted from the Kid∣neys, a Vomit may be allowed, of Barley-water, with Radish-juice, Powder of Asarum, or the like. But, according to Aetius his opinion, Vomit provo∣ked by large drinking of Water immediately as it is drunk, is to no purpose: because sudden taking and rejecting onely cools and moistens the mouth of the Stomach, and can discharge nothing, nor can its virtue reach the Kidneys,* the parts primarily affected.

III. Matthaeus ix. ad Almans. fears the mildest Medi∣cines, as Rose-juice, lest the sharp Juices at such a time should be attracted by the Kidneys, which attract strongly by virtue of the Medicine: But if a Diabetes be fed by a sharp and bilious humour, why are mild Purgers to be refused, which cannot put the Body in agitation, because mild ones will not doe it? And provided they should, they ought not therefore to be rejected; for, according to Ga∣len, aphor. 24. We do not use a Purge because of the Fever, (for we know on that score it will doe hurt,) but because of the humours that cause it. Wherefore there must arise more be∣nefit from evacuation of noxious humours, than there can de∣triment (which will necessarily follow) from purging Medi∣cines.

IV. In an exquisite Diabetes caused by attraction of urine Cassia is proper according to Capivaccius. But Matthaeus Iradi prefers a Clyster before a Purge. Yet Capivaccius says, it should not always be cooling. He holds that Tamarinds in a moderate quantity, with∣out the Diuretick Powders, are proper. Manna and all Sweet things, that in hot Distempers turn into Bile, must be omitted, according to Theodor. Baronius, de oper. mejendi, l. 2. c. 5. He says, Citrine Myrobalans bind up the Pores, and having loosened the Belly ex∣asperate the Bowels, therefore the first time they are convenient is after perfect Concoction.

V. Revulsion and Purging premised, certain Di∣ureticks, that are cold and moist, now and then abstersive ones are convenient. Such are chiefly Whey, in which, when there is need of abstersion, Barley, with Caper-bark and Bean-shels may be boi∣led. If there be need of greater abstersion, you may add also bitter Almonds, or Lupines, or Vetch; for they are strong Detersives. After Detersion the acrimony of the humour must be cooled and allayed. Some reject all things that provoke urine, cold as∣well as hot: But if the Kidneys be affected and im∣bued with a salt and sharp humour, how can it be, that the impacted matter should any way be carried off, unless we use things that provoke urine? Ga∣len indeed, 13. method. cap. 12. forbids them, when the Kidneys are affected; but he onely means thus much, that the humours which are otherwhere should not be carried to that place: But he no where teaches that the impacted humour should not be carried away by the same place. So a Vomit cures vomiting, raised by an humour impacted in the Stomach; so purging Stops a Loosness.

VI. The Arabians commend the use of Sweating Physick, that they may divert the matter from the Kidneys to the Habit of the Body. But this opera∣tion is suspected by me: for they would either carry into the habit of the body the Serosity then contained in the Liver, or the potulent matter late∣ly drank. Perfect Serum they cannot get out, for it is in the Veins, and they are dried up. It is not made in the Liver; therefore they will draw the po∣tulent matter unchanged.* For the Serum is not re∣tained in the Liver; and it is much worse for drink to be distributed unaltered into all the Veins and habit of the body, than presently to be carried off by urine. ¶ Lenitives, &c. being premised, some use to raise a Sweat in a Bath of warm water, though at this time it succeeds better in bed with bottles full of water. Now some give a Decoction of Cinquefoyl and China: but I think it more advise∣able, after taking one drachm of Harts-horn philo∣sophically prepared, according to Paul, that the Pa∣tient drink plentifully of cold water and presently be covered in a hot bed,* applying bottles full of hot water to his sides.

VII. In a Diabetes the use of Narcoticks is whole∣some, because it cools, thickens thin humours, hin∣ders motion, causes sleep. Aetius uses Narcoticks while the Disease increases; but it may not be amiss to give them when it is at the height,* with what ought being premised.

VIII. Astringents are good to bind the dilated Vessels, but onely in the progress of the Disease, and because the retentive faculty is also decayed. The Arabians use them without observing any distinc∣tion of time; yet they will doe hurt in the begin∣ning, while the Kidneys do as yet retain noxious matter, and because they increase driness, and the attractive faculty of the Kidneys: It is better then to use attemperating and moderately moist things.*

IX. Violent Astringents inward and outward must be avoided by reason of drying.* ¶ For a Hectick may be feared. Too cold and astringent things up∣on the Spine hinder Transpiration.

X. If a Diabetes be produced by a volatile Salt, and that sharp, either applied outwards or taken inwards, or any way severed and existing in our body; certainly its cure will consist in the con∣temperation of the foresaid more sharp volatile Salt, both by oily things, as Emulsions of Barley, sweet Almonds, Seeds of white Poppy, Melon, Cucum∣ber, &c. by sweet Milk of the Cow, Sheep, Goat, Woman, Ass, &c. And by Acids, but contempered with a volatile Salt, sweet Spirit of Salt, &c. mix∣ing them with convenient Drink, Broths, &c. but not with the aforesaid Emulsions or Milk,* because all sowre things make them curdle.

XI. I believe the chief and most frequent cause of a Diabetes consists in the too much dissolved and lax mixture of the bloud, and likewise scarcity and less than ought of urine, in a too strict consistency of bloud. If the cause of this lax and dissolute consi∣stency, which makes it apt to dissolve into Serum, be inquired, we say, the fusion of it, as also of Milk, proceeds from hence, because since in the mass of it Salts of divers natures meet and are associated, the rest of the particles being freed from the Salt ones (which keep them one from another, and con∣tain them in mixtion) make a Separation. And it is plainly evident that Salino fixt and volatile particles are always in the bloud naturally, among which if at any time an acid Salt, or one that has obtain'd a fluidity, do come in a sufficient quantity, it will easily produce the aforesaid Disease. Hence it is, that Rhenish-wine, &c. and acid Liquours, when they are drunk, provoke urine plentifully: for this rea∣son also, Medicines, having a fixt or volatile Salt, use to move urine in some sickly People, whose bloud abounds with an acid Salt. Astringent Medicines properly so called, namely, harsh, bitter and styp∣tick ones, which by corrugating the fibres of the bowels, and by contracting them into a shorter space, do stop their expulsive and excretory facul∣ty, and therefore hinder Purging upwards and downwards, although they use to be vulgarly pre∣scribed, to hinder pissing, they doe little or no good, because their virtue is able to doe nothing in the mass of bloud, and it reaches not the Kid∣neys or Bladder. Wherefore that it is to no purpose in a Diabetes, to prescribe the rind and flowers of Pomegranates, Medlars, Tormentil-roots and the like, as Reason dictates, so Experience confirms. But the things that are found to doe most good, and square exactly enough with our Hypothesis, some of them are such as hinder the combinations of Salts, and consequently the fusion of Bloud, such as those that are vulgarly called thickning Medicines, and Page  121 have viscous and glutinous Particles, which being admitted into the mass of bloud pertinaciously ad∣here to its active Particles, and sever them, and so hinder them from combining mutually among them∣selves, or with the Saline ones any other way in fusion: Other things dissolve the accretions of Salts, and therefore restore the mixture of the bloud, such as Saline things of another nature which naturally stick to an acid Salt, and so re∣call it from the combinations it has entered into within the bloud, such Medicines are they especial∣ly that are indued with a fixt Salt, and with a vo∣latile and alkalizate one. Besides these two prima∣ry sorts of Ischureticks, there is another secondary one, namely, an Hypnotick, which by putting a stop to the animal Oeconomy, makes the vital Re∣giment to be performed more sedately, and there∣fore with less fusion of the bloud, or precipitation of the serous and nutritious humour.*

XII. It sometimes proceeds from too much coo∣ling of the Liver: And observe this, for no man, to my knowledge, has taken notice of it: Rea∣son persuades it; for if a Dropsie be caused, why may not a Diabetes? When the Liver breeds Water, why may it not as well send it to the Kidneys as into the capacity of the Belly?*

XIII. I first cured my self of abundance of U∣rine, and then my young Daughter, and as many as came into my hands; when all died that fell into other hands, though they were reckoned famous men. And when, in the presence of some of them, I had almost cured one man in a day, who had been a month under cure and had found no benefit, but was well nigh dead, they admired. I abstained from Purgatives; they gave them. I abstained from fat things; they advised the use of them. I gave them Raisins; they consented; but they would not ad∣mit Lentils, but against their will. I used hot things; they cold. I applied Astringents to the Kidneys, they feared lest the Water violently stopt, would flow back to the principal Bowels. I took away the Feather-bed; they forgot it. I often washed the Feet; and they neglected it. I gave White-wine; they said of right it was not proper. I for∣bad exercise after meat;* I injoined Sleep: they a∣greed with me onely in these two rules.

*XIV. In a spurious one, by transmission, we must have a care of Coolers.

XV. It is worth remembrance concerning Quin∣ces, which have a cooling and astringent faculty, how Pascalius in his Praxis, c. 50. writes, that Alfonsus, King of Naples, upon the use of them, fell into a Di∣abetes.*

XVI. A Bath of Sweet-water may be convenient, for it moistens the body, that is then dried, espe∣cially if it be indued with a cooling virtue: but a mineral one and of a drying faculty, by no means; for it would quickly bring the Patient into a Con∣sumption,* especially if he be of a hot constitution.

XVII. A man thirty years of age after plentifull Drinking of Wine fell into a Diabetes, with most vi∣olent heat, extreme thirst, and so great a flux of urine, that he made thrice as much water as he drank by day as well as night. But after Bloud let∣ting, and the frequent use of Tincture of Corals, Decoction of Plantain, and especially that mixture Fr. Sylvius, Prax. l. 1. c. 30. § 183. hath to temper the volatility of the pancreatick Juice, within fif∣teen days the Disease abated. This is the Mixture, Take of Water of Plantain 3 ounces, Cinnamon, distilled Vinegar, each half an ounce; Syrup of Purslane 1 ounce, Powder of red Coral 1 drachm. Mix them. This Mixture may be given by spoon∣fulls.* If any one would have it stronger, he may add to it half a scruple or a whole one of Acacia, or Juice of Hypocistis.

XVIII. Medicines must be given presently, be∣cause it brings Men often into a Consumption, through the exceeding Heat of the whole Body, especially of the Liver, Kidneys and Venous kind. I cured a Countrey fellow who was taken with it af∣ter a burning Fever, with Coolers and Moistners, adding Astringents and Strengthners;* among other things his whole Body was wrapt in a Plaster.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

1. These are most effectual Trochiscs, which con∣tain of the mucilage of Fleawort-seed, Coriander-seed prepared, burnt Ivory, Coral, Amber, Dra∣gon's-bloud, Red-saunders, Flower, each two drachms; Camphire, half a drachm. Make it into Trochiscs, with the aforesaid mucilage, which may be given with Sheeps-milk,* when the Butter is ta∣ken out.

2. Take of Powder of red Roses, Myrtle, Bole∣armenick, Mastick, red Coral, Dragon's-bloud, Shells of rosted Chesnuts, each 1 drachm and an half, Barley flower 1 pugil, Oil of Myrtle, unripe Olives and Mastick, each one drachm and an half; Powder of Myrobalans, Citrine, Chebuli and Indi, each 2 drachms, with Turpentine and Bird-lime of Misletoe of the Oak what is sufficient; make a Pla∣ster.* It is admirable to stop and digest the serous matter.

3. There was a man cured several with these Tro∣chiscs, and I cured a young man with them in four days who had a Diabetes, and pissed involuntarily in his bed. Take of Roses, burnt Ivory, each one drachm and an half; Seeds of Purslain, Coriander, Saunders, Berberies each 2 drachms; Camphire half a drachm. Mix them with the Juice of sowre Pome∣granates. Make Trochiscs, every one of which may be of a drachm weight, and one may be given mor∣ning and evening mixt with Cold water and Syrup of Roses.* It is a good and experienced Remedy for this Disease.

4. This Powder is very good. Take of Powder of a Hen's gizzard washt in Wine, a Hare's head burnt, Mastick, each half an ounce, Nutmeg, No. j. Bees, 5 drachms; Ashes of a burnt Hedg-hog, three drachms. Mix them. Make a Powder.* The Dose is from half a drachm to a whole one.

Diarrhoea, or, A Flux or Loosness.

The Contents.
  • It must not be rashly stopt. I.
  • Whether we may purge? II.
  • Whether an imperfect Flux may be promoted? III.
  • Whether it may be stopped by Letting-bloud? IV.
  • We must sometime make provision for the whole body. V.
  • Whether it can be stopt without Astringents? VI.
  • Whether it can be stopt by the application of cold things? VII.
  • Whether Narcoticks may be used? VIII.
  • Whether a Bath stops it? IX.
  • When it may be stopt? X.
  • Whether when the Stools are frothy we must always have respect to the Head? XI.
  • Whether a Loosness or Vomit come from the Brain? XII.
  • The Cure of a Mesenterick Loosness. XIII.
  • In a wasting Flux we must have special respect to the Cause. XIV.
  • In wasting Fluxes we must not give Purges that leave astricti∣on behind them. XV.
  • This Flux must not be cured by Astringents. XVI.
  • A malignant Flux must be cured otherwise than a common one. XVII.
  • A Scorbutick one must not be cured by Astringents. XVIII.
  • The Cure of one complicated with a Cough. XIX.
  • With the French Pox. XX.
  • We must have a care of Sowre and Sweet things. XXI.
  • Page  122
  • When Venus is proper? XXII.
  • Whether astringent meats taken first do bind? XXIII.
    • Medicines.

I. THe Case which happened to Stimargus his Wife, who after the disturbance of her Belly for a few days, when she had taken great care to stop it, miscarried of a Child at four Months, and after she was cured of her Miscarriage, she swelled, teaches us how great danger there is in stop∣ping a Loosness. This Woman must needs have ga∣thered many and bad Excrements in the first months, whence it came to pass, that in the fourth month fol∣lowing she was taken with a Loosness, which much endangered her miscarriage; for unless it were stopt, there would be danger of abortion from the irritation of the Intestines that are next the womb, or from subtraction of nourishment from the child. And perhaps for fear of this, some Physician endea∣voured all he could to stop it; and because her bo∣dy was not purged, it thus happened; for the ex∣crements were turned to the womb. But because there is no less danger, if it be not stopt before it go too far, we should in every Flux cautiously con∣sider, whether we should promote it farther, or suf∣fer it to run on. And the scopes in this consultation are the Benefit, the Ability to bear it, and the man∣ner of its running: For if with benefit and ability to bear it,* it run well, we may let it alone: But if it flow slowly, we may promote it. If without these things, we must stop it.

II. In a Loosness we sometimes give Purgatives, for the discharge of the matter affixt to the Intestines, that irritates the expulsive faculty, but it is not pre∣scribed for evacuation of the affluent matter; but abstain from Medicines offensive to Nature, lest the humours be carried from the Centre to the Circum∣ference.*

III. Galen 1 ad Glaucon. 14. seems to have made a gene∣ral rule that if a Flux be not so large as it ought, we must not meddle; saying that those who will doe any thing, either let bloud or purge, do cast their Pati∣ents into greater danger. I cannot acquiesce in this Axiome, but decide the matter by certain conclusi∣ons. The first is that a Flux truly symptomatick, though imperfect, must never be holp: That is pro∣perly a symptomatick Flux, wherein matter is dis∣charged, that causes not the disease, which is far dif∣ferent from the nature of the Disease; but when such things are voided as cause not the Disease, they help not the Disease, and strength is wasted. Hence Galen aphor. 47. Excretions which help not the disease are al∣ways mortal. And because for the most part such Ex∣cretions happen in the beginning of Diseases, hence it comes to pass that Galen in several places reckons Excretions then made, as useless, and pernicious, neither to be admitted nor promoted. But there is an excretion even in the beginnings, that is propor∣tionate to the Disease, wherein such things are voided as ought; this is called symptomatick in respect of time, it is not such in respect of the mat∣ter voided; for such things are voided as ought. This therefore, if imperfect, must be holpen, ac∣cording to Galen Comment. 5. 5. in 1 Epidem. in which place when he saw Hippocrates washed Meton's Head the fifth day, that he might help the bloud which run imperfectly from his nostrils, he writes that by this example Hippocrates hath taught us, imperfect ex∣cretions may be helped even in the beginning, which Reason also persuades, drawn from Galen 1. aph. 23. As quality to quality, so quantity must answer to quantity. Therefore when such things are voided as ought, it must be helped by purging, if it be im∣perfect, though in the beginning. This is confir∣med, if in the beginning we may carry off turgent matter, that matter is not onely turgent, which is moved to the places of excretion, and yet is no way carried off; but that also which tends to the places of excretion, and begins to be voided, but not so much as it ought; therefore it must surely be hel∣ped. As for Galen, who forbids it, I say he for∣bad it, because in his time benign remedies, and such as were indued with an astringent faculty, were not found, which are granted us in this age, and may be safely administred. The third Conclusion is, if the excretion be critical, but imperfect, or be made on a chief critical day, with all the signs of a very good Crisis, then although it seem imperfect, nevertheless it must not be holpen: For it can scarce or not at all otherwise be, but that Nature, with all the signs of a very good Cri∣sis, must make a perfect excretion upon a chief de∣cretory day. But if it be not a principal decretory day, or there be not all the absolute and perfect signs of a Crisis, then we must consider whether there be any danger of the Flux of the matter to some principal part, which might either cause or increase an Inflammation; in which case even on a critical day, it is lawfull for us to help Nature: The rea∣son is this, because when there are all the signs of a perfect Crisis, and at what time evacuation is made, Symptomes begin to encrease, it is a sign that more matter flows to some principal part, than to the ways of excretion, and therefore Nature must be helped. But if nothing urge, you may suffer the critical day to be over, and Nature may be helped the next,* according to the advice of Hippocrates and Galen, 1. Aphor. 21.

IV.* Although Bloudletting may seem formidable in this case, yet it is sometime proper when sharp bile is voided by stool, which is perpetually bred a∣new by the hot and dry intemperature of the Liver. ¶ If a Loosness happen with signs of abundance of Bloud and strength, Bleeding may be celebrated in the beginning: but if there be a fever,* bloud may be taken away, though there appear no Ptethory. If there be a Flux, when there is a Plenitude or Ca∣cochymie in the common veins here is the difficulty; for first of all, all Astringents are suspected, because the Flux from a noble part to an ignoble one is pro∣hibited, for the matter being restrained within the common veins, there is imminent danger of a Fever and Putrefaction. Secondly, Purgers hurt, because the Flux is more already than it should be, seeing it carries along with it the alimental matter, which is contained in the Stomach and intestines. Nor, Thirdly, are Vomits proper, First, because that matter, before it be drawn to the Stomach, comes to the Guts, which because weaker, will sooner re∣ceive the Fluxion than the Stomach: Secondly, it is not lawfull to carry such humours, through so sensible a place. In this fullness of the veins I should commend letting of Bloud above all other things, First, because it carries off part of the matter toge∣ther with the Bloud, for all the humours are mixt together. Secondly, revulsion is made from the In∣testines without danger, nor is the matter which is evacuated translated to another place, as in most re∣vulsions. Thirdly, this letting of bloud subdues the Cause increasing the humour, that flows to the Intestines; for in plenitude there is a hot and moist intemperature; but bloud-letting cools and dries. Therefore Galen 7. Method. X. says, that in all Fluxes to the Stomach the body must be evacuated (that is by bloud-letting, which be contradistinguishes from purging) or purged. And 5 Meth. 3. in Fluxes of the Belly he says, for revulsion the humours must be carried to the Womb. Which is the very same thing that he taught 7 meth. 11. that sometimes Loos∣nesses come because of the suppression of the menses or haemorrhoids, or loss of a Limb, or some excre∣tion suppressed: In which case the cure of the Flux is to bring down the menses, open the haemorrhoids, and quickly to procure the usual evacuation. There∣fore Avicenna 16. 3. tractat. 2. cap. de Diarrhoea ex vitio Lienis, says, if there be need of bloud-letting in this Diarrhoea, we must let it, and if it be lawfull in this, why not in a cholerick and melancholick one with a plenitude of the whole?*

Page  123V. Mercurius Diaphoreticus given for several days to 12 grains takes away all impurities of the body, which sometimes use to create stubborn Fluxes.*

VI. Where a melancholick humour abounds, which is dry, astringents are altogether improper; for the noxious humour being thereby increased, af∣fords matter for the Flux; Therefore we should ra∣ther treat it with thickners and coolers. Which rule should not onely be observed in this case, but in any other Flux, where there is suspicion of black Cho∣ler. Into which opinion my observation forced me, which I had of a woman at Vicenza the last year, who being sick of a Dysentery and Fever, after she had been purged with boiled Whey, and the peccant matter had been diminished not a little by washing Clysters, when she came to astringents was evident∣ly hurt by them: for besides than the Flux abated not at all, and the Fever was not a little exaspera∣ted, she had a sowre taste so constantly in her mouth, that she complained more of it than of any other Symptome: Now I knew this happened, because she was of an atribilarious Complexion; Where∣fore laying aside astringents altogether, and using thickning broths, and attemperating Medicines, not long after this the troublesome taste went out of her mouth, and the Flux and Fever at length left her, and the Woman was perfectly cured.*Hippocrates, lib. 4. Acut. vers. 122. If the belly be moist and wasting, and the mind troubled, and the Patients scarce give answer to what they are asked, &c. which he says are melancholick things, then prescribes cold and thick sorbitions, and stopping potions more vinous than astringent. These Potions as they must have no excess in their qualities, to the end they may repress the intense qualities of the humours, so in deriving the same hu∣mours to the urinary passages by their diuretick virtue, they stop the Flux it self; but astringents by their drying faculty render them sharper: And if they partake of black Choler, promote the gene∣ration of them. Now things that provoke urine are most proper to cure Fluxes of the Belly, where there is no room for astringents.*If vinous potions be proper, because they carry the humours to the passages of urine, then the use of Quinces, especially of their juice, seems proper; which, beside their astringent virtue, are so remarkably diure∣tick, that, as Pascalius in the 50th chap. of his me∣thod, testifies, Alfonsus King of Naples, by the use of them fell into a Diabetes. ¶ But this distinction of things that stop a Loosness must be observed. Things that stop a Loosness are twofold, some doe it with astriction, others without astriction by resisting the cause of the Loosness: As if the Belly be loose through the acrimony or Saltness of the juices, ex∣tersive things by taking away what sticks to the In∣testines, use to stop it, and sorbitions that take off the edge from these qualities as thick things without taste,* such as flower of several sorts: If by reason of burning Heat, whence come consuming Fluxes, Water cooled in Snow may stop it: If through multitude of juices flowing into the Belly, thence things that derive unto another part, as Diureticks: And Purgers also often stop a Flux, superfluity being plentifully evacuated, and the belly dried. These stop it by accident, which often cure with more safety than astringents, for here, where the matter is not evacuated, especially if it be malig∣nant, they are very dangerous. ¶ A man robust and cholerick was taken in the midst of Summer with a cholerick Diarrhoea, very violent with extreme thirst. I prescribed him Sal prunellae in his ordinary drink, as also in Juleps of Lettuce and Purslain-wa∣ter,* to be taken thrice a day, and he recovered in twenty four hours.

VII. Hippocrates lib. 2. Epidem. Sect. 3. mentions a Loosness that troubled sick persons at a certain sea∣son, which could no way be stopt, neither by food nor medicine, which rather seemed to be cured a∣gainst reason, and in a manner by contrary means: because not many things, but moderate ones did some people good, if they lay in a cold place with a bed under them. I guess this happened by chance to some sick persons, who while they were impatient of their disease, tossing themselves hither and thi∣ther, lying sometimes in Bed and sometimes out of it, went less to stool. Which seems contrary to all reason, because Cold ulcerates and bites, and is therefore apt to encrease a Loosness: But it does not this when it proceeds gradually, as in the case proposed, by reason of the manner after which he used it. From these things we gather, that outward cooling applied gradually and gently to the whole body, tempers the inward heat, first of all by re∣pulsion of a milder heat inwards, and then subse∣quently by the actual coldness of the Remedy it self. Wherefore as often as we cannot attain it by coo∣lers taken inwardly, it must be procured by out∣ward application of things that are actually cold.* Which I think is an excellent remedy in a Loosness from colliquation.

VIII. Avicenna hath written, that Narcoticks are very good, because they thicken the matter, and cool the part, cause sleep, and lay pain: yet we must not use them, unless necessity force us upon it, and it is urgent in a hot body, and a hot Air, and in a Flux from sharp matter: We mingle strength∣ners with them, as Castor, Saffron and Xylo-aloë; wherefore Philonium is a laudable Medicine, the use of Opium otherwise is dangerous. Avicenna mentions one that died upon applying Opium below. This or∣der in the using will create security; First, we must use it outwardly, Then we must put it in a suppo∣sitory, And then, if the Disease get ground,* by the mouth. ¶ The Son of D. N. after a tedious Tertian, was taken with a Loosness, so vehement, that within three days his strength was quite spent, and was in great hazard of his Life. When I was called, I prescribed 1 drachm of powdered Rheu∣barb, after which he was much worse. The day following, at the hour of sleep, I gave him a bolus of Mastick, and Terra Sigillata, each half a drachm, Lau∣danum 4 grains. His Loosness stopt, yet he slept not,* the days following he went to stool onely twice or thrice, and within a few days he was perfectly well.

IX. When a Loosness is cured by the use of a Bath, it is cured by revulsion. For Galen de rat. victus 58. says, In them that have a great Loosness a Bath stops it: but they that have a costive body, must not be bathed: The rea∣son is, because the Bath makes revulsion from the Centre of the Body. We have therefore several times cured old Loosnesses by the Bath,* which ma∣ny have given over for incurable. ¶ I was once taken with a cholerick Loosness, having so great an acrimony, that it galled the Anus, and brought sharp∣ness of Urine, part of the matter being translated to Urine: A bloudy Flux was at hand.* I went into a warm semicupe, and I was immediately cured. ¶ But there ought to be caution, lest the Cachochimy be too great to be drawn to the Circumference by the Bath: for the Juices being melted, and the Inte∣stines and vessels that reach thither loosned and moist∣ned, the Belly will be looser.

X. We must not stop it rashly, for, as Celsus says, lib. 4. To be loose for a day is good for ones health, or for more, so there be no fever, and it stop within seven days, for the bo∣dy is purged, and what would have done hurt, is beneficially dis∣charged, but continuance is dangerous: for sometimes it causes the Gripes, and a Fever, and consumes the strength.

XI. If the Loosness come from the Brain, the stools are frothy, Hippocr. 7. 30. aphor. But we must not trust this sign alone, we must enquire farther, whether the Brain carry any marks of harm, if there be a Catarrh, Deafness, any remarkable heaviness or pain in the Head, inclination to sleep, especially if he go oftner to stool in the night than the day: for Phlegm may flow from the Brain, without wind mixt with it, which is the original of froth. Again humours contained in the Stomach and Guts, may admit a mixture of wind, and frothy excrements af∣terward Page  124 appear, but the head not hurt, which therefore must not be tired with Medicines.

XII. A certain man vomited after meal, at night also, sometimes a thinner, sometimes a thicker hu∣mour, his head aked and was heavy. It was thought that all this store of Phlegm came from the Brain; divers remedies were tried, and at length a Seton, but all in vain. When the Body was opened, a Fi∣stula was found in his Stomach. In this case some make an Issue in the top of the head, which is a re∣medy as dolefull as it is fruitless. The sick are not cured but consumed by it; and all indeed out of an inveterate errour in opinion, that the Brain did daily fill it self with a phlegmatick liquor, and some∣times poured it into the stomach. But if the hu∣mours of the Brain took this course, an Issue in the crown of the Head could not stop it; for (as the common opinion says) the inner veins of the Brain send this humour, which these Issues do not reach, neither can they empty them nor reach them. If any one may be thought to have been cured by them,* he might indeed suffer a vomiting or Loos∣ness, but not to be imputed to the Brain.

XIII. It is difficult to cure a Loosness from matter contained in the Mesenterick Vessels; neither Vo∣mits, nor Astringents, nor Diureticks, nor things that draw to the superficies of the body, are good for it. Not Vomits, for reasons before al∣ledged. Not Astringents, for if bad and corrupt matter be already gathered about these veins, they will stop the Flux, and will raise either a swelling or some obstruction in the part: therefore 13 meth. 14. Astringents are forbid in the beginning of an Inflammation of the Liver, lest the humours being retained, the Inflammation should be encreased. Not Diureticks, which seems a Paradox, for Galen 5 meth. 3. and 13. meth. 11. teaches, that when the Intestines are out of order, the humours must be carried off by urine, and for aphor. ult. 4. Sect. I take my reason for it from Galen. 7. meth. 11. who laying down the general method of curing Fluxes, teaches, That the humours must ne∣ver be carried from parts of less moment to those of greater moment. Of the former sort are the Guts, which being large can bear the quantity and quality of humours, without any great trouble. Of the latter are the Liver, Veins, Kidneys, Bladder, all which having narrow passages, besides the filth and acrimony, are apt either to breed the Stone, or Ul∣cers, sharpness of Urine, or Strangury. And espe∣cially because the Guts themselves are a fit place for the purgation of the humours beyond the gibbous part of the Liver: Neither may these humours be drawn to the habit of the body, since they cannot pass thither but by the Liver and common Veins, parts of moment: Nor may the opinion of several be followed, who for revulsion apply Cupping-glasses to the parts where the Flux begins, although they be noble, as if the Flux begin at the Liver, to the Li∣ver; if at the Spleen, to the Spleen; for so not onely the matter gathered there is retained there, but also new matter is drawn from the neighbouring places. What must be done therefore? Three things must be done. First of all the matter must be brought away by Clysters, or astringent Purgers. Secondly, if it be thin and hot, it must be thickned and cooled. Thirdly,* the Diseases must be cured, whereby it was bred.

XIV. The cure of a wasting Flux (which is when nature cannot retain the humours, for some weakness from the alteration of temperament) consists in the restitution of the temperament: so a draught of cold water has cured several that have been sick of heat; for whom walking in cool places, and cooling diet is good, without the use of Astringents: On the con∣trary they that labour under a cold intemperature, are benefited by strong wine and food high seasoned; by heating frictions and anointings;* for whom also the use of astringents is hurtfull.

XV. Whether in wasting Fluxes (as some famous men have thought good) it be convenient to give purging Medicines indeed, but such as are apt to bind after evacuation, the ratio medendi, and a right method may inform us. For seeing by such Fluxes, it is not the superfluities that are brought away ei∣ther from the humours or the solid parts; but it is either the humours themselves, or the solid parts, that are wasted, no man should by any means offer to purge, but onely ply the causes of Colliquation. For neither is Evacuation endeavoured by the Purge, proper for the colliquated matter, (since Nature brings that away of it self,) nor is it indicated by what is to be colliquated, since the onely indication to be taken in this Disease is that which hinders col∣liquation: Which Colliquation a Purge may not onely not hinder, but increase.* And how dangerous this is, let them tell you, who boldly attempting it, have brought the sick into a dangerous condition.

XVI. Nor yet in these Fluxes is the use of astrin∣gent medicines approved; because if that matter, which is squeezed out by colliquation, be altogether bad, and retained within the body of the sick, it may doe more hurt when retained, than when voi∣ded: for beside, that by its pravity it would conti∣nually increase the Fever, so also by its retention it would get a worse quality; whereupon it would increase the Disease, or it might with ease take its way to the heart, or other principal parts. Where∣fore the Evacuation of matter already bred, must be wholly lest to Nature,* and the Physician must doe his utmost upon the causes of Colliquation.

XVII. Among the several differences of Fluxes of the belly a virulent or poisonous Flux may be rec∣koned for one; which if it be treated the common way, all that are sick of it dye before you are a∣ware. It differs from others not in Specie, or form, but onely in cause or manner; because the cause is poisonous, and the disease malignant. Therefore a diarrhoea, lienteria, dysenteria and hepatick Flux may be poisonous in genere, and in specie. For Galen 4. aphor. 21. making mention of a Flux that was abroad in his days, in time of the Plague, says, that the excre∣ments were yellow and red, and at last black. In the cure the Flux it self must be observed, dis∣tinct from the poison. 2. The poison it self. In respect of this onely two remedies are necessary; Drawers to the Skin and Alteratives: Nothing is better than the former. 1. Because there is a due revulsion from within to without. 2. Because the poison is drawn to an ignoble part, that is the skin. It may be objected, if in curing of Fluxes there be indications taken from the matter, from the causes and affections, without the poison; if there be In∣dications taken from the poison also, upon which must we fall first? Here we must consider the way and manner of the Flux: for if it be swift in moti∣on, which the constitution will shew; and if besides it be malignant, we must streight oppose the poison: if it be chronical and less malignant, so as to give some truce, we must first satisfie the common scopes. Drawers either draw specifically, or by their heat: All the first are poisonous, which must be so cor∣rected, that they may be fit to draw, not to cor∣rupt the Body. Vesicatories draw by heat, which hold the first place; and they are convenient also in a colliquative, sharp and hot Flux. But the cause of the colliquation and heat must be enquired into: for in poison, beside the occult quality, there is a heating, colliquating and putrefactive quality, so that if the poison be not immediately got out, all things are given to no purpose. Therefore in a hot and colliquative Flux, so it be with malignity, we may use Vesicatories, Sinapisms, Baths of hot wa∣ter, Frictions, Anointings, Cupping-glasses. Alte∣ratives also act by an occult or manifest quality: The occult, some by heat, some by cold; where the fluent matter, the causes and the disease must be considered: if all of them conspire in heat, as you may observe for the most part in malignant Fluxes, Page  125 you must use cold Alexitericks, as Unicorns horn, Hartshorn, Pearl, Bole Armenick, juice of Ci∣tron, &c. Observe, in malignant Fluxes there must be a great quantity of Medicines,* and often re∣peated.

XVIII. An inveterate Diarrhoea which often hap∣pens to Scorbutick persons, must by no means be stopt with astringents, neither is it easily cured with alteratives, nor with any Antiscorbuticks. Spaw-waters, impregnated with Iron or Vitriol, are the best remedy for this disease: Next to these are medicinal or artificial Chalybeates, which doe much good. Crocus Martis well prepared may justly be pre∣fered before all others.*

XIX. If a Loosness have a cough with it, we must abstain from astringents: But because Medicines do bind either by their thick or by their viscid sub∣stance, when there is a cough, astringents are used, that have a viscid substance, such as Wheat-flower, Gum Tragacanth,* Comfrey and Plantain.

XX. When a man has got the Pox, and has a Loosness with it, then Sarsa, China, and the new An∣tidotes are good; for then we must not desist from Sarsa, because the disease depends on a venereal vi∣rulence. Such a receipt as this may be proper; Take of juice of Sow-thistle depurated 2 drachms, powder of Sarsa 1 drachm, Gum Tragacanth-half a drachm, Spec. è santalis half a drachm; mix them, make Bolus's. This Medicine alters the venereal virulence, and the Flux depending thereon: But because Sow-thistle and Sarsa open and loosen, to correct the Basis,* and especially the Sarsa, we may mix half a drachm of Spec. Tri••n Santal. or Tragac.

XXI. We must have a care of sweet things; for they, because cold and moist, make the matter more fluent and loose: Therefore they doe most hurt, when the Loosness comes from a hot matter in a hot body. Nor may we use things that have Vinegar in them,* and we must especially abstain from that which is sharp, and from any quantity of it.

XXII. Aristotle 4. Probl. 18. thinks that Venus some∣times stops an old Loosness, and so think Paulus and Aetius.* But it is not proper when there is a defect of innate heat.

XXIII. Whether do astringent meats taken first bind? Some alimentous astringents taken before meal bind the belly; but taken after meal loosen it, as may be gathered from the constriction of the Fibres: For when they are given before meal, the Pylorus is more strengthened; whereas after meal, by acci∣dent, the sides of the Stomach being straitned, it is made more lax: and this is particularly verified in Quinces. Whence also it is manifest, that astringent Medicines themselves cannot conveniently be given with meat. Moreover I have observed that by acci∣dent in persons of a more tender and lax texture, as to their Stomach and Guts,* a styptick powder has caused a Loosness.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

1. Mulberries not ripe, but as yet sowre, dried in the Sun, then powdered and applied, and upon occasion given inwards, will make a great restrin∣gent Medicine for a Loosness, and may well be gi∣ven to coeliack persons, who have been long sick, in powder either with meat or drink.*

2. Old Cheese is a most effectual Remedy, boiled till all the saltness be out; they toste it first, then after it is boiled they dry it. A drachm weight stops a Flux wonderfully. ¶ Also the inner rind of a Chesnut-tree is highly commended, for it stops an old Flux.* ¶ Among all Medicines Mastick is most commended, taken in juice of Quinces.

3. Many have been most easily cured by taking new Cows Milk frequently, with Yelks of Eggs dissolved in it. ¶ There is also a bisket-bread, wherewith Elder-seed is mixt, a drachm of which given in wine is highly commended.* Also bread made of Rye flower with juice of Elder is very good for all Loosnesses.

4. In a Flux of the Belly, that is very pertinaci∣ous, a most effectual remedy is propounded by Avi∣cenna; and it is old salt cheese, which must be often washed and boiled, till it become altogether fresh.* The dose is a drachm with juice of Quinces.

5. One had a loosness 3 years, at last when he had eaten Grewel with Acorns in it, his Loosness was stopt. And after the universal remedies I use to give with success 1 drachm of Plantain seed pow∣dered in a rear Egg.*

6. Take of Dragons bloud, Frankincense, Mas∣tick, Mummy, Terra Sigillata, each 1 drachm. Bole Armenick 1 drachm and an half, Carab. Blood-stone, each 1 drachm. Make a powder,* it deserves com∣mendation.

7. This is of wonderfull Efficacy. Sugar of Roses dissolved in juice of Quinces and Plantain water, heat and strained, and given upon a fasting Stomach. ¶ This is of incredible efficacy; Take of Quinces, or Pears, or Dates, green, 1 pound, steep them in Vinegar and water; boil them, and add of Roses and Wormwood each 1 handfull, of Cumminseed baked and steeped in Vinegar, 3 drachms. Make a decoction, and mash them together. Add of Acacia, Mastick, each half an ounce, Coral 1 ounce, Cloves, Spikenard, each 1 drachm, Oil of Roses, unripe Olives and Myrtle, each 2 ounces and an half,* with 2 pounds of white Bread, or Bran, make a Cata∣plasm.

8. A singular secret against the Flux of the Belly. Take some great and unripe Sloes, bruise them, strain out the juice, coagulate it upon the fire, till it be dry and become a kind of yellow powder. Give half a drachm of this in water of Sloes or Plantain.*

9. Take of juice of spotted Arsmart, Housleek, each 3 ounces. Boil them to a third part; they cer∣tainly cure a Loosness,* though never so invete∣rate.

10. For a Loosness, let Pidgeons dung be dis∣solved in water of Fleawort or Willow; or let it be boiled in rain water, and the feet washed there∣with. It is admirable and sure.* ¶ Also the dung mixt with strong Vinegar, and laid upon the Navel, presently stops any Flux.

11. Take a fat Turtle, pulled and drawn, wash her gently, put an ounce of new wax in her Belly, boil her in a sufficient quantity of Water. Eat her up, and drink the Broth. I found this to be tru∣ly salutiferous in one who had been a long time sick of a Loosness. ¶ This has been proved by often ex∣perience: Take a large quantity of Knot-grass, boil it in rain water. In this Decoction let the sick party set onely the Soles of his feet, afterwards let him cover his feet with water, let this be done thrice a day for three days, continually increasing the wa∣ter, till it cover his Knees. I have known several cured in this manner,* and it may be tried without any inconvenience or danger.

12. In a chylous Flux especially outward Medi∣cines are of great efficacy, and are used with less danger; as a Plaster of Lupine meal,* with oil of Nard, and the like.

13. In any Flux and Pain of the Belly rain water,* with Mastick boiled in it, taken warm is good. It is approved and certain.

14. The Liver of a Wolf,* if a Spoonfull of it be taken in a morning, is an excellent Remedy.

15. Boil Knotgrass in Wine Vinegar; strain it, dip a double cloth in it,* and apply it to the Sto∣mach, Navel and Back. It is an experiment, that has helped many.

Page  126

Dolor, or, Pain or Ach.

The Contents.
  • Pain is cured by applying hot and cold things. I.
  • A violent one in the Os sacrum cured by applying a Cau∣stick. II.
  • An external one eased by purging. III.
  • A violent one in the shoulder eased. IV.
  • In the Heel by application of a potential Caustick. V.
  • Several pains in the external parts are not from a defluxi∣on. VI.
  • The cure of an Ach caused by a fall. VII.
  • By a Defluxion. VIII.
  • The virtue of Balsam of Peru. IX.
    • Medicines.

I. IN this age of ours men use to cure several aches and ails, making no distinction, with some cold thing, as Egg-water, which is cold and binding also, in both which qualities it is repug∣nant to the Ulcer. For all things that ease pain should loosen; but the white of an Egg is altoge∣ther binding, wherefore both it and all cooling things seem inconvenient, and all hot things seem helpfull, beneficent, and allayers of Pain. Fabius Columna had an angry swelling arose on the upper part of his thigh, much resembling a Carbuncle, and while I looked after it, when several times I had cut off the uneven Callus from the Sinus's and the edges thereof, I assuaged the bitterness of the pain, which must of necessity attend the cutting, by no other means than applying hot bricks in a cloth, and using hot things. ¶ One, who had a cancrous Ulcer in his tongue, was so afflicted in the upper tuberous part of it, that he could not speak a word, and when I had heat a silver spoon in the fire, and ap∣plied it to the pained place,* he was forthwith rid of his pain, and moreover could speak freely.

II. A Dwarf, about 40 years old, had undergone a most violent pain, for 2 months, in the lower part of the Os sacrum, whereupon he went mad. Several things were tried to no purpose. I applied one Cupping-glass to the pained place, and another a little below upon the Buttock, with deep scarifi∣cations, which run much bloud, which being wiped off, I applied the Cupping-glasses again upon the sca∣rified places, and bloud ran again plentifully. The Patient seemed rid of his Pain, yet the next day I ordered a great Caustick to be laid to the pained place, upon the very scarifications, and kept it there twenty four hours, so that there was a broad Eschar and to the very bone.* After the Eschar was taken off, it was cicatrized, and the Patient eased of so great a trouble.

III. M. N. was suddenly taken with most sharp vagrant pains, that sometimes tormented his Thighs, sometimes his Knees, Legs and Feet, and sometimes his Loins. A Physician ordered five Pottingers of Bloud to be taken from him in an hour, and his pain no whit abating, he gave him a Pill of Laudanum, which gave him ease till next day at noon. But then his pains returning as sharp as ever, I prescribe him a Bolus of Diaprunum Solutivum half an ounce, Jalap 1 scruple, to be taken even at night, which nevertheless he would have spent in most grievous torture: it wrought ten times suc∣cessfully; for his pains were much abated, and quick∣ly after quite gone. He was a melancholick man a∣bout fifty; and had formerly been troubled with many passions of mind. Therefore I reckoned these pains came from a very sharp and thin serous mat∣ter, which was violently carried hither and thi∣ther,* and that it ought to be quickly carried off by a purge.

IV. Fernelius, cap. de Arthrit. writes, that the Gout in the shoulder is very painfull, yet that it neither swells so much, nor is so red or hot, as in the Sciatica. As I was upon a journey, and did not sufficiently guard my self from the raging cold, I experienced these pains. The pain was most violent, hindring the motion of my arm, as it were tying it with a string to my body. I used this Cataplasm, which did me good: Take of common Bole, Chalk, each 1 ounce and an half, Oil of Roses 1 ounce, Vinegar of Roses 6 drachms, Cream what is sufficient; mix them upon Coals; add of Saffron 1 drachm; apply it hot with hempen Tow twice a day. Sometimes I added powder of Comfrey root and Oil of Chamae∣mil. You must observe that as the pain ceases, the Arm sometimes withers: Therefore convenient fo∣mentations, unguents and Plasters must be used, wrapping it in a Hare's skin, &c.

V. One had a pain in his Heel so sharp, violent and continual, with a Fever, that he could take no rest, neither day nor night. His body was purged, and vomited for revulsion sake; he was bled in the Arm; all Anodynes were applied without success; the part affected could scarce be perceived to be swelled, for the thickness of the Skin. At length a potential Cautery was applied to the pained part, after some hours the Eschar was separated with a Razor, one drop or two of ichorous matter drop∣ped out;* The Ulcer was kept open for some days af∣ter the fall of the Eschar, and powder of Precipi∣tate was strowed upon it.

VI. Divers Pains and Tumours also, which are vulgarly ascribed to Defluxions, are produced by the effusion of the Lympha out of its vessels, that are distributed through the habit of the body, and ob∣structed, and then broken: Among which they are not in the last place, which possess the upper part of the Arm to the Shoulder, and sometimes afflict the Neck also: To which also may be referred those that stick in the hips, and counterfeit the Sciatica pain, and hin∣der walking. Some of these pains will endure the parts affected to be covered with many cloths, and kept warm; others are exasperated with covering, there∣fore they give way, and are cured with more diffi∣culty than the former. They arise commonly from external cold, that pierces those parts, as they are in a sweat, and often lie bare in the night, and that, after Phlegm is coagulated in the Lymphatick Ves∣sels, and an Obstruction, and then a breach made in them, produces according to the diversity of the Lympha, divers Aches, and such as give place onely to various medicines. For a Lympha that is sharp, causes more gnawing pains, and such as yield onely to aromatick Oils and Unguents. But one that is more briny salt, breeds pains that will not yield to aromatick Oils and Unguents. The obstruction of these Vessels will be prevented by taking care that the Body grow not too hot; if this cannot be pre∣vented, by having a care, lest by keeping the breast open it cool on a sudden, and by consequent the Phlegm that is in fusion, and diffused every way, be strongly concrete and coagulated in several Vessels, and therefore in the Lymphatick. The same ob∣struction may be cured, if, as soon as ever these mentioned causes have obtained, and there is any fear that they have done any mischief, an attenua∣tive and inciding Sudorifick be taken either all at once, or at several times. The Lymphatick vessels, when broken, will heal of themselves, after they are freed from obstruction, as we see it falls out in bloud vessels, for the proper aliment of every part is indued with a conglutinating faculty, because more or less tenacious and viscous. Aches arising in the Limbs, and especially in the upper part of the Arm, that are most troublesome at night, after the redundance of the serous humour, if there be any, is diminished by Hydragogues and Sudorificks also, may be taken away by anointing the part affected with the following liniment. Take of Ʋnguentum Mar∣tiatum,Page  127 Oil of Worms each half an ounce, Oil of Amber 1 scruple. Mix them. But if the pain be increased either by this liniment or onely with clo∣thing, we must use this following; Take of Ʋnguen∣tum Popul. Nervinum, each 2 drachms, Oil of white Lilies 3 drachms. Mix them. But if the same pains affect the Hip, and have so seized the lower part of the Spine especially, that the Body can scarce be eared upright, and moved, Balsamus Sulphuris Terebin∣thinatus is most excellent, if the part affected be a∣nointed with a few drops of it, with which in one night I have cured several miserable persons.*

VII. A Woman lay ill of a violent pain about her Hip, caused by a fall, anointing with Oils gave her no ease. By chance I had some Melilot Plaster rea∣dy, I ordered it to be spread on a cloth, and to be applied about night: in the morning she could rise, and sit at the Table, whereas before she was not in the least able to stir her self. I have several times applied the same to people that have got aches by a fall,* and with success.

VIII. When the same woman was troubled with a great pain about her shoulders, shooting through her whole right arm, caused by a deep scarification, the Knife being thrust deeper in than it ought, when other things would doe her no good, she used this: Take of Oil of Earth-worms half an ounce, Bad∣ger's grease, Fox-grease, each 2 drachms. Mix them. Anoint the scarified places: And rub the arm with water distilled of Swallows and Castor hot.

When the same woman was tormented night and day with a violent pain in her right arm, beginning at her shoulder, and extending it self all over the arm with a swelling, and she could not lift it up; in a few days the pain and swelling were dissolved by the following means; Take of Emplast. Diacalcit. 1 ounce, Melilot half an ounce. Mix them. Spread then on a cloth.

A Maid being tormented with a pain in her right arm, was cured in one day with a Plaster of Gum Tacamahaca; as several others where the cause was not hot.

M. N. was tormented with an intense pain in her Loins caused by a Defluxion; Take the crum of a white loaf, steept in Cow's milk, then passed through a brass sieve, adding Yelks of Eggs, and fresh butter, and the following Oil; Take of Oil of Chamaemil, Dill, white Lilies, each 2 ounces, oil of Earth∣worms 1 ounce and an half: Of which take what is sufficient for once, and apply it hot with a cloth. She presently sound ease.

A Widow 70 years of age had a violent pain in her loins. Take of Ointment of Marshmallows. Anodyn. each 2 scruples, fat of a Rabbet 1 drachm and an half, Oil of Scorpions 2 drachms. Mix them. The pain presently ceased.

In Aches of the armes and feet I have often found fresh Cows dung with Oil of Roses doe good.

A Woman with Child was tormented with a kind of convulsive pain in her thighs. Take Oil of Swal∣lows with Castor 1 ounce, Treacle water, Cepha∣lick water, Spirit of Lily Convall, each 2 drachms. Mix them. Chafe it warm. She was quickly well.

A Woman was troubled with a rackinig pain in her right Arm, from her Shoulder to her Fingers ends, so that she cried out: Take Oil of Earth∣worms half an ounce, Fat of a Man's Skull, of a Badger, each 2 drachms; mix them. She was quickly restored.

A Noble-man was cured of a chronical pain in his right arm by applying Oxycroceum Plaster, having used other things to no purpose.

Two great men who had been long afflicted with a violent pain in their Shoulders, were at last cured with this remedy; Take Soap, dissolve it in Aqua vi∣tae, and apply it.

This cured a Woman of a violent pain in her feet; Take of Ʋnguent. Alabastr. Anod. each half n ounce, Oil of Worms 2 drachms, Camphire 2 grains;* mix them.

IX. In mitigating and driving away all pains of the nervous parts coming from a cold cause, and from Contusions, Balsam of Peru seems to have the preheminence, because of its amicable and peculiar faculty in strengthening the Nerves, and dissolving any inherent matter. A woman, after a Palsie in her left side, was tormented with a very bitter pa•• all over her Chine, and in the Knee and Toes of her left Leg, and had a kind of convulsive motion in them: but she was quite rid of her trouble in three or four times anointing. A Merchant was troubled with a very grievous Sciatica, and when o∣ther Ointments were in vain, he anointed the place affected with this Balsam hot, to his great comfort.

A Maid had pricked her right hand with a spin∣dle, after the Chirurgeon had cured the wound, she was much pained, and when other Ointments did no good, she was cured by anointing with this Balsam.

When I felt some trouble from a Contusion of my right Hand, which lasted above a month,* it went away at thrice anointing.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

1. Fat and Marrow,* if they be converted chymi∣cally into Oil, are accounted a present Remedy to ease pains.

2. An excellent Oil to allay all pains in children. Take Oil of Dill, Chamaemil, each 6 drachms, Rue, liquid Styrax, each 3 drachms, powder of Cummin-seed 1 drachm and an half. Let them boil up once.* Strain it, and keep it for use, wherewith the pained place may be anointed.

3. Sulphur vitrioli Anodynum is an excellent Ano∣dyne; Take of Hungarian Vitriol what is sufficient, boil it in distilled water for an hour, throw in pieces of plated Steel, boil it for an hour, so an excellent Sulphur will be extracted from the plates; brush it off with a brush into hot water, it may be repeated to a total extraction. Edulcorate this Sulphur with Rose-water, and keep it.* The dose is three or four grains, with Syrup of Popies; it assuages all pain, and causes sleep.

4. Take of the second rind of green Elder boughs scraped off with a Knife 1 handfull, boil it in sweet Oil with water, to the consumption of the water; when it is strained add a little Wax to it.* Make an Ointment. It assuages all pain caused by Blis∣ters, and is an excellent remedy.

5. Lapis Prunellae dissolved in some liquor, as in Night-shade water, is of great efficacy in assuaging any pains,* whose true cause is inward or outward Inflammations.

6. Sanctorius in his Commentary upon Avicenna, for easing the most violent pains, when digesting Ano∣dynes have been applied to no purpose before, touches the part pained with a Bladder full of cold water, quickly, and removes it again without any delay, and repeats this three or four times, and so, he writes, the pains are eased.

Page  128

Dysenteria, or, The Bloudy Flux.

The Contents.
  • Letting of bloud sometimes necessary. I.
  • A Vomit is often proper. II.
  • One cured by a Vomit. III.
  • Whether we may purge? IV.
  • What must be done if a man cannot take a purge when it is ne∣cessary? V.
  • When Rheubarb may be given. VI.
  • Sometimes it is hurtfull. VII.
  • The manner of giving it. VIII.
  • The benefit of Tamarinds, and their correction. IX.
  • Whether Cassia be proper to purge withall? X.
  • Sylvius his cure of an epidemick, cholerick one. XI.
  • Clysters are very proper. XII.
  • The abuse of fat ones hurtfull. XIII.
  • Astringent ones must be used with caution. XIV.
  • Cooling ones must not be given rashly. XV.
  • With what cautions Astringents should be used. XVI.
  • The use of dry things and powders suspected in Clysters. XVII.
  • Opiates in them must be avoided. XVIII.
  • The degrees of Detersives. XIX.
  • Cautions about the use of them. XX.
  • How the remaining Costiveness may be removed. XXI.
  • The use of Astringents suspected. XXII.
  • If it come of salt Phlegm, we must use Astringents with cau∣tion. XXIII.
  • The use of Astringent and glutinous powders is to be preferred be∣fore Pills or Bolus's. XXIV.
  • Whether Chalybeates be proper? XXV.
  • Cured by drinking cold Water. XXVI.
  • The damages of one stopt unseasonably. XXVII.
  • The efficacy of Balsam of Peru in a desperate one. XXVIII.
  • Whether the use of Milk be wholsome? XXIX.
  • Narcoticks must be used with prudence. XXX.
  • The hurt of Laudanum. XXXI.
  • When Diureticks are seasonable? XXXII.
  • Natural Waters how usefull? XXXIII.
  • The internal use of Wax is beneficial. XXXIV.
  • The excellency and correction of a Nutmeg. XXXV.
  • The use of Oils hurtfull. XXXVI.
  • The benefit of outward Medicines. XXXVII.
  • The cure of a Dysentery without bloud. XXXVIII.
  • The description and cure of an epidemick one. XXXIX.
  • What such the Diet should be? XL.
  • What the Meat? XLI.
  • What the Drink? XLII.
    • Medicines.

I. LEtting of bloud is called into question by ma∣ny: 1. Because no mention is made of it either by Galen, or the Arabians. 2. Because when the Belly is loose, bloud must not be taken away. 3. Lest Choler should grow fierce. But Trallianus and Aetius let bloud, whom others follow, and deserved∣ly; because when it is indicated and permitted, bloud should be let. The Indicant is, Bloud offen∣ding either in substance, quantity or motion: The Permittent is strength to bear it. As to the Argu∣ments, 1. The first concludes nothing. 2. Vallesius says, that Galen's Maxime, When the Belly is loose, &c. has killed more than it has cured: For when one evacuation is the cure of another evacuation, it should by all means be permitted; but not when it is critical.* 3. Sharp and bilious humours forbid in∣deed a great quantity of bloud, but not bleeding at all. ¶ Others reject Bloud-letting, because bile rather offends than bloud. 2. Because it conduces nothing to the cure of an Ulcer. 3. Because by watchings and fevers it farther casts down strength, which is already weak by often going to stool. 4. Because when the Belly is loose, it is not lawfull to let bloud, according to Galen. But it is the opi∣nion of the skilfull, when there is a Fever, and an inflammation of the Intestines (accompanying the Ulcer for the most part) that bloud should be let in the beginning of the disease, before the strength be any more wasted with the Flux; for by means of Phlebotomy the sharp humours and bloud that run violently to the Intestines, are drawn back; and by it fear of an inflammation is removed, pain is eased, the Fever extinguished, the heat of the Liver abated, and the evil disposition removed. As to the contrary reasons, 1. Bloud does not always offend as a principal cause, but ever as an assisting cause, and without which the Flux could not be, which faults Bloud-letting helps. 2. Bloud-letting draws away the humours that run to the ulcerated place. 3. It must be celebrated in the beginning be∣fore the strength be much wasted. 4. Bloud-letting hurts some Fluxes, and any that has much spent a man; but this not at all, if performed in the be∣ginning. ¶ Valescus de Taranta says thus: A very old man had been miserably tormented with a Bloudy flux for three months, and when I was called into consultation, I, contrary to to the opinion of all the other Physicians, ordered him to be let bloud, and he presently recovered. ¶ I. C. Claudinus says he can safely swear, that in an epidemick Dysentery in his time, he saved several mens lives by this kind of remedy, and hastened their recovery.

II. They that suspect a Vomit, rely upon Hippo∣crates his opinion in Coacis, where he says, that in dy∣senterick persons cholerick vomiting in the beginning is a grie∣vous evil. But there he speaks of a spontaneous vo∣miting, which is bad indeed, because it is sympto∣matick, and denotes the disposition of a fierce hu∣mour, the notorious disorder of the Bowels, the weakness of the retentive faculty, and some hurt in the Stomach, which is co-affected: But a vomiting caused by art may be convenient, if the Patient have an inclination to vomit, and the humours stag∣nate in the Stomach; for revulsion is made from the part affected. Hippocrates himself, l. de affect. n. 2. ad∣vises vomiting. When, says he, you have purged the head, give a medicine in drink, which purges Phlegm up∣wards. ¶ Amatus follows him, centur. 2. curat. 44. in Scholio, where he says; If a Physician could retract up∣wards the bilious and sharp humour, that runs to the Intestines, and breeds the Bloudy-Flux, and could evacuate it by vomit; doubtless it were a foolish thing, and contrary to Galen's rules, to carry the matter through the Intestines, which are full of Ʋlcers: But when the Physician is not able to attain this, yet he ought to endeavour it to his power, and consequently effect it by purging Medicines. ¶ Mercatus confirms this in these words; You must translate the humours to another place by bloud-letting, purging and vomiting, especially in salt phlegm; for by this way I have seen long Dysenteries cured.

III. A young man twenty years of age, about the end of August, 1643. had been sick of a Bloudy-flux for twenty days, which he had taken no care of by any Medicine, till being brought to an Hospital, he took, by the prescription of the Physician, a drachm of Salt of Vitriol dissolved in water: He vomited much phlegmatick and cholerick stuff, and so revul∣sion was made of the humour flowing to the In∣testines, and he was cured by this onely remedy.*

IV. Why should any man purge in a Dysentery? Will he not draw excrements to the part affected? Certainly he must. In the mean time therefore does he not doe harm? Undoubtedly; yet purging pre∣serves many from a malignant Dysentery, timely car∣rying off great plenty of juices: Because the Guts are much more exulcerated, while the excrements flow to them by little and little, than when a great quantity runs through them at once. Therefore pur∣ging does not take away the danger, which is im∣pending from the juices themselves, but what at∣tends their tarrying and slow Flux. For this rea∣son, if a purge must be given in a Dysentery, it must be done quickly, because when the disease is far gone, it will be undertaken in vain. Nor yet may we use this kind of cure in all Dysenteries, for it has something of rashness in it to call all the ex∣crements Page  129 to that place, whither, to the Man's great hurt,* they flow of themselves; but then onely, when a malignant Dysentery is imminent, and when no other moderate cure, which is performed by detersives and astringents, seems sufficient. ¶ What occasion there may be for Purging, I will tell you in short, Either there is in the Dysenterick person with a great Cacochymie no great exulce∣ration: Or with a great exulceration, a small ca∣cochymie: Or both the cacochymie and exulcera∣tion are small; Or both great. If the first, he should be Purged: If the second, not but should take Diureticks, Sweats and Vomits, and the Ul∣cer should be cured by Topicks inward and out∣ward: If the third, there is no need of Purging, nor much of local Medicines; but of a good diet, and some gentle evacuation and derivation. If the fourth, it is incurable; and you must either doe nothing at all, or onely for trial's sake, as in a de∣sperate case. For such cures have sometimes suc∣ceeded: Nor am I against that of Celsus; Oftentimes whom Reason could not help, Rashness has help∣ed.*

V. If a Man be averse to Purging Medicines, or for some reason be willing to use them; yet the Flux must by no means be stopt presently: It is bet∣ter for some days to wash the Guts with Broth of Fresh-meat, Capons, Hens, &c. to which may be added Oil-Olive, or of Sweet-almonds, or fresh-Butter. Such Broths nourish much, wash and cleanse the Guts, and mitigate pain, with addition of the Yelk of an Egg or two.* When the Patient has used these Broths four or five days, then he may have recourse to things that stop the Flux.

VI. Joh. Matthaeus Faber, among many learned ob∣servations, hath this one that deserves notice, That in long Diarrhoeas and Dysenteries, the Guts are made as thin as Cobwebs; wherefore, in the cure of such Symptoms, the time should be diligently at∣tended: For in the beginning he thinks a Man may Purge with Rheubarb; but if the Flux have conti∣nued long, he thinks we should abstain from such dry Purgers. But if perchance a Physician, rely∣ing on that indication, will so perform the cure, Tamarinds and Syrup of Roses are sufficient for that; otherwise driness is increased, and disease ad∣ded to disease.

VII. A Dysenterick Flux must not presently be suppressed, but the humour that cleaves to the in∣testines, and frets and exulcerates them, must be presently cleansed and evacuated, before the inte∣stines be worse hurt, and a greater exulceration fol∣low; which cannot be better done than by Rheu∣barb. Yet we must observe if the vitious humours be too much fermented, and in violent motion, and there be fear lest they be irritated by the gentlest lenitive,* and should fall with more violence on the part affected, then Rheubarb does no good, but sometimes casts the sick persons into certain ha∣zard.

VIII. Augenius steeps Rheubarb in Plantain-water for a night, in the morning, after he has strained it gently, he throws away the Infusion, and gives the substance in Syrup of Roses, Whey, or the like, with good success: for so he says, the heat and attractive virtue of the Rheubarb are qualified. ¶ Rheubarb by vehement tosting loses all its Purgative virtue, and contracts an Empyreuma: But if you desire its more astringent virtue, you must make use of the part remaining after extraction of the Tincture, with Cichory or Plantain-water.*

IX. If the Dysentery be far gone, and there be a Fever, we must proceed cautiously in the use of Pur∣gatives. Therefore 6 drachms of Cassia, with 3 drachms of Pulp of Tamarinds must be given pre∣sently, after which two pound of Goats-whey, pre∣pared, must be given. Nor need we, with Forestus, fear the sowreness of the Tamarinds, as irritating the Ulcer, because it is restrained both by the Cassia, and the Whey, as Heurnius has considered,* and in the mean time it binds and dries the Ul∣cer.

X. Some question whether Cassia fistula may be made use of to Purge withall? Some are against it, be∣cause it is lenitive and moist, and so fitter to in∣crease the flux and the disease than to cure it. Be∣sides, as Mesues writes, it hurts them that have weak Intestines: Moreover they add, that at this time there are safer Medicines. But we may ex∣pect several advantages from Cassia, which we cannot have from other things; for it is a lenitive Medi∣cine, but not such an one, as makes the matter more liquid, for it voids the excrements hard. Besides, as Mesues says, it breaks the Acrimony and heat of the Bile and Bloud, and their Inflammation, and it asswages the pain of the Inflammation: for there must always be an Inflammation, sometimes greater, sometimes less, because there is one in all Ulcers. And if Milk be commended by Hippocrates and Galen, this must needs doe much better, especially if we add any thing that dries, such as are Plantain-seeds, washed Hartshorn, and other things. Now it is said to hurt the Intestines, because it is moist and slip∣pery, which does no harm in a Dysentery, in which, by reason of bile and acrimony, the Intestines are dried and parched; wherefore it may doe good, especially as it makes a fence for the Intestines, and by gently Purging cleanses the filth from the Ul∣cers: Which will succeed so much the better,* if for drying up the Ulcers, we add drying Powders and Medicines, such as Syrup of Roses (you may put in Tamarinds, that are cold and dry) and the Cassia may be given in less quantity.

XI. The Dysentery must be attributed both to the abundance and sharpness of bile (caused by the heat of the Air, as also a bilious Diarrhoea has for the most part its rise from thence) and to the sharp∣ness of the pancreatick juice, caused partly by the too much use and abuse of the like things, and part∣ly by the subsequent coldness of the Air in the Month of November. For in a Dysentery the Intestines are Ulcerated and fretted, and there is a plentifull excretion of bloud, but especially of Pus: There∣fore it must be produced by such a cause as is naturally apt to fret the Guts and cause an Ulcer; Therefore by a sharp humour. They are in an er∣rour therefore, that derive a Dysentery from Bile alone, what way soever corrupted or made sharper by it self: for after the lixivious Salt of the Bile is made extreme sharp, then indeed it will any where else, as well as in the small guts, cause a Gangrene, but never an Ulcer: for an Ulcer is an effect of an acid, not of a lixivial. Therefore, unless an acid and sharp humour be joined with the Bile, it will never cause a Dysentery, which onely an acid and sharp humour, falling upon the Intestines, can pro∣duce. Hence, because the abundance of this acid had its original, sometimes from acid Medicines used preposterously, and in too great quantity, sometimes from the extreme sharpness of the Air in the Month of November; these things conduced to its cure. 1. The avoiding of the cold and sharp air. 2. The use of Medicines, that concentre and soak up an Acid, as Coral, Pearl, Crabs eyes, Chalk; and for the quicker healing of the fretted Guts and Vessels, Dragons-bloud, Bloud-stone, &c. 3. The cleansing and healing of the fretted Guts, by Clysters made of Cows-milk, Venice Turpentine, Yelks of Eggs, and Honey of Roses, given fre∣quently, and kept as long in the body,* as conveni∣ently they may, that they may doe the Patient the more good. For which purpose new Treacle, Diascordium, &c. may be made use of.

XII. In the opening of several Dysenterick per∣sons, Bloud has onely been observed in the thicker guts, and not in the smaller. And why onely in the thicker and not in the small? I believe for no other reason, than because the corroding humour Page  130 easily passes from the upper Intestines, wherefore no excoriation or corrosion can be caused there, as it happens in the thicker, especially in the Colon, where especially the morbifick humour stagnating because of its turnings, corrodes its coats unmea∣surably. Therefore I judged abstersive Clysters, and Spaw-waters very good, and I found them so; with respect nevertheless to,* and not neglecting the morbifick cause.

XIII. In the Bloudy-flux, many at the very first use Clysters of a boiled Sheep's-head, whereby, no doubt, the Ulcers grow foul, which makes them worse. It is better to begin with abstersives, and by degrees proceed to astringent and glutinous Me∣dicines: for fat are made use of in respect onely of a Symptome, that is, Pain. Galen takes notice of it 12 Meth. When the Stols in a Bloudy-flux are very fret∣ting, we give a Clyster of juice of Tragum, or Goat's Sewet, or Ointment of Roses; by which means certainly the exulcera∣tion in the Guts it self is not cured, especially if there be any thing putrid in them, but ease is given. And this is to op∣pose the Symptome and neglect the disease for a while. In which Discourse, not onely they are reprehended, that use mere fat things, but they that mix Goat's-sewet with other things, when there is no pain; and they also that think Sewet dries. ¶ Augerius Fer∣rerius Castigat. c. 25. reckons Yelks of Eggs among fat things, with which, and with fat things any In∣flammation is increased. ¶ Crato in Analogismo gives a caution concerning Sewet, that no Physician ever use it without Oil.

XIV. Astringent Clysters are not so safe as Poti∣ons, wherefore no man may rashly mix astringent things in Clysters; because by the use of them, the things that fret the Guts stick closer to them, and now and then make the exulceration and the Tor∣ment greater.*

XV. In all fluxes of the Belly, much of the in∣nate heat goes out with the excrements, whence it comes to pass, that the Stomach is cooled, and the concoctive faculty spoiled. Nor can it be doubted, but that in a Bloudy-flux, by frequent in∣jection of cooling Clysters, the Stomach also must be much cooled through its continuity with the Guts: Which thing the multitude of flatulencies and cru∣dity of Excrements declare. Therefore the Anci∣ents, in the Bloudy-flux, added to their astringents, heating and concocting Medicines, as Wormwood, Mint, Castor, Mastick, &c. or such things as might preserve the innate heat from being extinguished with cold things.*

XVI. As a hasty and over-much use of Astrin∣gents is hurtfull, the flux of the humours being un∣seasonably stopt, and the body made costive, whence a perpetual costiveness and driness thereof usually remains; so a seasonable use of them is altogether necessary, to the end the rheumatick disposition re∣maining may be taken away, and the retentive fa∣culty, the weakness whereof upholds the Flux, may be strengthned. But we must use them upon these conditions. 1. According to Crato's advice, before the seventh day they must neither be used inward∣ly nor outward, till the Ulcers of the Guts be first well cleansed. 2. Sometimes we must chuse cold things, sometimes hot, according to the nature of the Humour. 3. Coolers must be corrected with things that are hot and help concoction; for by the continual Flux the heat of the Stomach and Guts is diminished; the crudity of the excrements is a sign of it. 4. They must be given in a small dose, but often; first, lest the Flux should be staid too soon, and that the virtue of the Medicines may more easily be exerted by nature: Next, lest they should be washt away by the fluent humours, be∣fore they exert their virtue. 5. We must begin with the gentler and weaker sort, as Syrup of Quin∣ces, or compound Marmalede of Quinces. Hartman says, we must observe in general, that no Flux must be stopt on a sudden, except in a Phthisick or Pe∣ripneumony.

XVII. We must observe, not to use dry things too liberally in dysenterick Clysters, such as Dra∣gon's-bloud, Coral, Trochisci albi Rhasis, and de Spodio, for they cause greater pain, and oftentimes a new Flux: But if any Man have a mind to use such things, let him chuse Ʋnguentum album Rhasis,* or Ʋnguentum ex Pompholyge, or such things as are dry and clammy, as Bole Armenick, Terra Sigillata, Starch, &c.

XVIII. Some put Opiates in dysenterick Cly∣sters, but amiss; for Minadous,* a Doctour of Padua observed, that all those, who by the advice of their Physicians, used opiate Clysters, died; The reason is, Because Ulcers of the Guts are rendred more putrid and filthy by Opiates.

XIX. There be three degrees of detersive Cly∣sters. The first is of such as are made of Wine and Honey, with Barly-water and Honey of Roses. 2.* Of salt-water, with Sal Gem, and Honey of Roses. 3. Of Brine, adding some Aegyptiacum also, if the Ulcer be foul and spreading. And although the use of Brine may be questioned, considering the example of that Physician, who cured all dysenteries by the use of Onions, and Clysters of brine, and killed them with Convulsions, for he was without method: yet in a spreading and putrid Ulcer, not onely Brine, but even Causticks are convenient, as Galen advises 9 per lo∣ca, if it be also callous. However Caution must be used in giving Brine and Causticks, with the obser∣vation namely of three conditions. 1. In full strength.* 2. Not without Narcoticks mixt therewith, after Galen's manner. 3. That the Clysters be not kept above an hour, as Aetius advises.

XX. Concerning the use of all Clysters, we are wont to observe the abundance of their matter in detersive and washing ones, the smallness in drying ones, mediocrity in tempering ones, and shortness of time in Causticks:* And then the successive use of them, so that a drier may always follow a detersive one, and then an Anodyne, if pains be urgent.

XXI. This one thing, and that of great moment, must not be omitted, that sometimes dysenterick per∣sons retain their excrements several days; both be∣cause Pain and Watching, Symptomes familiar to this Disease, dry extremely: and because astringent Medicines, which we make use of, to stop the Flux, render the Belly so costive, that the Excrements are retained a long time, to the great damage of the Patient, although the Belly void bloudy matter often flowing from the Ulcer,* which indeed has been observed by no man as yet. Wherefore, in this case, at certain intervals of time we must eva∣cuate downwards, either by loosning Clysters, or by some gentle Purging Medicine.

XXII. D. Pilonus never cured a Dysentery by A∣stringents, because he observed that all who had it so stopped, either relapsed, or fell into a Fever or Pleurisie. Nor did he use Sudorificks, because he thought they increased the heat of the part trans∣mitting; and therefore he cured this Disease onely by Lenitives and Bloud-letting.*

XXIII. In a Dysentery from salt phlegm falling from the head, we must act cautiously about astrin∣gent remedies: for when these Dysenteries are protracted beyond fourteen days and more, there are not wanting Physicians, who think astringent remedies may be safely administred beyond the fourteenth day. But they are in a great errour, for a Dysentery from salt phlegm may remain as long as the intemperature of the head, which breeds the salt phlegm, and sends it to the Guts. For a year ago I cured two Patients, who fell into blear∣eyedness, and intolerable pains of their joints, up∣on the unseasonable use of an astringent remedy administred in a Dysentery from salt phlegm. There∣fore, in this case, revulsion of the humour should be made to the nostrils, and the head before or be∣hind, by Cauteries, Sinapisms, or Cupping-glasses: The intemperature of the brain must be altered,* and then Astringents may be used.

Page  131XXIV. I do not disallow of astringent Powders, whether of Roses, Acacia, or Pomegranate-flowers: But if any one fear their sharpness, he may take Terra Lemnia, Samia, or burnt Hartshorn; they dry without any sharpness, and bind moderately. I put more confidence in these powders than in Pills or Bolus's, which sometimes in a Bloudy-flux I have seen voided with the Excrements whole and unal∣tered.*

XXV. Chalybeate-water, Milk and Wine are not plainly to be rejected, since either some coagu∣lating Spirit, or some astringent scalings of the Me∣tal that stop the fluid humours, are communicated to the liquour: Yet I would, with Platerus, have this extinction moderate, and not too often made; since it is certain, if much of the substance of the Iron be taken, it loosens the Belly; nay, if it be taken plentifully, it causes Vomit also. And Steel must be given much more sparingly in a Dysentery, than in a chachexy, or obstruction of the Bowels; be∣cause there is need onely of some small astriction, and of no other effects of the Steel in this case. Nor is there any difference between fresh Steel, and that which has been often quenched. The parts indeed of Iron, that are communicated to the liquour, at its first heating, have a power to Purge: But be∣cause Steel is of an homogeneous nature, all its parts have the same virtue; and the more of its substance is communicated to the liquour, the more it Purges or Vomits. Nor also is there any neces∣sity to cast away the first water, unless perhaps the Steel be not clean, but have got some rust on the out-side: for seeing this in the extinction may be communicated to the water, it may not be impro∣per to throw it away. And I have thought good to advertise this, that these chalybeate liquours must be used when they are fresh prepared, especi∣ally if heated Steel have been often quenched in them: For the substance of the Steel in the begin∣ning, and presently after extinction, retains the nature of the Scalings; but if it remain long in the liquour, it is turned, as it were, into rust, and then its faculty is rather to Purge, Vomit, and put the humours in motion, than to stop them. An in∣stance whereof chalybeate Wines do give, that are given for obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, which if they be taken in any quantity, Vomit and Purge: For they are not given presently after the Steel is put in the Wine; but they are set in the Sun, or some hot place for some days, and shaken together, that the Steel may the better be dissolved. But if the question be about giving Crocus Martis, or pre∣pared Steel in a Dysentery, I should rather use a Crocus Martis, made by the benefit of the fire onely, and reverberation: For it has not as yet got so vi∣triolate a Nature; but to acquire it, there is requi∣red another resolution, and therefore it excells in an astringent virtue beyond any other. All other preparations of Steel, whether they be infusions of prepared Steel in Wine, or in any other liquour, or solutions with Aqua fortis, Spirit of Vitriol, Sulphur, or distilled Vinegar, all of them favour more of a Vitriolick nature, and the Croci this way prepared do participate something of the dissolving liquour, and have united the salt of the Vinegar, or the A∣quae fortes to themselves. And therefore, although they have some astriction, and strengthen the tone of the lax Bowels in cachectick persons; yet be∣cause the faculties of opening, fusing and melting the humours, and if they be taken in any quantity, of Purging and Vomiting, prevail in them, they have no place in a Dysentery, but rather in obstruc∣tions of the bowels, and in cachexies. For seeing all the parts in these preparations, into which Vi∣triol may otherwise be dissolved, are not separa∣ted, but are like Vitriol separated from the gross earth, and a little calcined, and therefore the Spi∣rit of Vitriol is as yet mixt with the Salt in them; it is no wonder, if they open, and sometimes Vomit and Purge, since it is the property of Salt of Vitriol to doe so. And if we may give crocus Martis thus prepared at all, the dose must be very small, lest it gripe the Guts by its Acrimony, or Vomit, or Purge,* as it happened to an Empirick in Forestus, l. 4. obs. 4. in Scholio.

XXVI. After evacuation presently alteration and contemperation of the bilious humours must be pro∣cured; which is of such efficacy in curing a dysen∣tery, that it put Amatus into admiration, how a cer∣tain young Man, in a dysentery, could be cured one∣ly by a draught of cold Water, which he drank without the advice of his Physician. But we may cease our admiration, if we observe, that Celsus, 4. 15. proposes cold Water as the best remedy for a Bloudy-flux. But here decoctions of Herbs and Juices, Whey, Spaw-waters and Milk are proper. Take of the Decoction of Endive, Lettuce, Violets, Plantain, Purslane, 5 ounces, of clarified Juice of Plantain, Purslane, each 1 ounce. Mix them. Give it for five or six days; or, Take of Water of Let∣tuce, Water-Lily, Plantain, each 2 ounces, Seeds of White Popies 2 drachms. Make an Emulsion, to which add of Juice of Quinces 1 ounce,*Diamargariton frigidum 1 scruple. Mix them. For we must abstain from Sugar, as also from Honey.

XXVII. Galen against Herodotus declares sufficient∣ly, what harm the unseasonable use of astringents does. It is suppressed indeed in the declension of the disease, and lest the matter being turned upon some noble part should injure it, astringents are or∣dered with Spices mixt therewith, and things that provoke Urine: for so the humour being diverted to the ways of Urine, the Ulcers may heal the sooner. And as far as I could ever learn by expe∣rience, I have observed some, upon stopping a dy∣sentery unseasonably, fall into an Epilepsie; others into a Pleurisie. And one,* having the matter turn∣ed to his hands, had them full of filthy thick scabs. Some were so bound with astringent Medicines, and their Guts so dried, that afterwards they scarce went to stool once in four days. ¶ In the year 1659, there was an Epidemick Dysentery up and down Switzerland; one Bedoz his Wife was taken with it in the Village Courcelles, in the Province of Newemburgh, she had recourse immediately to astrin∣gents, by the use whereof it was stopt; but, the humours falling back upon her right knee, it con∣tinued swollen to her dying day.

XXVIII. A very painfull dysentery had afflicted two well-grown Virgins for several days, at divers times; by reason of the Guts being exulcerated with yellow choler mixt with salt phlegm. At first they had large, frequent, liquid and various stools, mixt afterwards with a sort of Fat, which were followed by caruncles, or bits as it were of flesh, plainly to be seen in their Excrements. Yet both of them escaped by my assistence. Among other things, li∣quid Balsam of Peru was very successfull, mixt in Clysters, to defend the exulcerated Guts from the sharp and putrid excrements, and to heal them. I have also experienced the singular virtue of this most noble exotick liquour, as well in immoderate Diarrhoeas, as in Bloudy-stools, when other things would doe little good. And truely the effect of it was admirable in a young Man, who was most bar∣barously tormented with most cruel Gripes, a sani∣ous stinking Matter coming out with the Excre∣ments, an argument of an Ulcer in the Guts: And these Gripes could no ways be mitigated, till I or∣dered the following Clyster to be given him, and moreover half a scruple of the same Balsam, mixt with Pine-Nuts, adding of Syrup of Orange-Pill 2 drachms, and refined Sugar half an ounce. This was the Clyster; Take of the root of Tormentil, Comfrey, each half an ounce, Leaves of Plantain, Shepherds-purse, Horse-tail, red Mint, each half an handfull, Flowers of Red-Rose, Pomegranate, Rose-mary, each 1 pugil, Seeds of Sumach 2 drachms. Page  132 Boil them in a sufficient quantity of Spring-water.* In 7 ounces of the Colature dissolve of Sugar half an ounce, Balsam of Peru dissolved with the Yelk of an Egg 1 drachm, Juice of Plantain fresh drawn 1 ounce. When the Patient found present ease, two hours after I ordered it to be repeated.

XXIX. Since some commend the use of Milk, and others forbid it, it is certain that it has been given sometimes with good success, sometimes with bad: For Amatus, cur. 44. cent. 2. says, he once accounted it poison. Hippocrates 5. aph. 64. affirms, it is hurt∣full to several persons. Saxonia, on the contrary, in prael. pr. affirms, that he has not onely taken away pains, but has cured Dysenteries at the first without any other help. Nor are reasons wanting, for Milk especially allays the heat of Choler, takes off Acri∣mony, and asswages the heat of the bowels: As it purges downwards, it carries off cholerick filth. But this or that preparation, or this or that constitution of a disease renders it wholsome or unwholsome. Milk consists of three substances; of Cheese, where∣by especially it nourishes, and plasters the Ulcerated Guts; Of Butter, whereby it eases pain, digests, anoints the Guts, and fences them against sharp hu∣mours: Of Whey, whereby it is abstersive and cleansing. In many respects therefore it is pro∣per; as it serves the turn both for food and phy∣sick: Yet the use of it must be circumscribed with several cautions. In the first days therefore, it must be used raw and new milked, that the choler may be drawn downwards, so Aetius advises: in the pro∣gress of the disease, that the flux may be stopt, it stands in need of preparation; and the Whey, which has the detersive faculty, useless at that time, must be consumed by boiling Gold in it, or quenching Flints and Steel therein; so also the fat and igneous parts, prone to turn into choler, or to purge, are dissipated. But if the prohibiting Symp∣tomes proposed by Hippocrates 5. aph. 64. attend a dysentery, as Head-ach, Thundring, Hypochondri∣ack Meteors, a high Fever, a flood of Choler flow∣ing in abundance, we must abstain from Milk, or a fourth part of Rain-water must be added, and given, after it has boiled a little, mixt with a little Ho∣ney, left it corrupt on the stomach. Thus prepared, it may, according to the opinion of several, be gi∣ven innocently, when these impediments are pre∣sent. Note, the greatest part of the Cacochymie must be carried off by Purges, before the use of it. ¶ Hor. Augenius says, that is the safest way of giving it, and one that never fails, which Aetius proposes, which nevertheless he uses not for purging in the first days, because we have other very sate Purgers, much safer than the use of Milk: But he commends it in the progress of the disease, pouring into it, as it boiles, a fourth part of Water; and that for three days: For the next three days he boils the Milk a third part, or half away: when there is a Fever with it, he says all inconvenience may be correct∣ed by mixing Rain-water with it. ¶ Milk may be given notwithstanding bilious stools, or a Fever, if so be most part of the choler be purged away; onely the inconvenience must be taken away by boiling it with Plantain-water, or by quenching red-hot stones, or Gad's of Steel in it; for it is im∣bued with a faculty, that dries and resists corrup∣tion;* and if the Fever be not great, it hinders not the giving of Milk: for this is allowed by Hippo∣crates 5. aph. 57. to those that are not in a high Fe∣ver. He also, 7 Epid. gave it to Critolaus his Son, who had a Fever and cholerick Stools, and reco∣vered.

XXX. This must be remembred, that all Medi∣cines that are made of Opium, Henbane, Mandrake, or black Popy, are suspected for this reason, be∣cause, although, they seem to ease pain, and there∣fore to strengthen the bowels; yet the humours being gathered together, are afterwards voided without intermission; and the head being made heavy, and the strength wasted, they put the bow∣els in a worse condition; Wherefore, according to Trallianus, they should be avoided, except pain or watching do of necessity require them, for then you may have recourse to Philonium Persicum,* or Ro∣manum, which yet may more innocently be mixt in Clysters. ¶ The want of Opiates rightly prepa∣red has rendred Narcoticks hitherto suspected, but the successfull use of well-made Laudanum, in several diseases, has forbid the abrogating of the use of Narcoticks. Riverius in his Practice, says, That Narcoticks taken by the mouth sometimes doe wonders, they ease pain, stop a flux, cause sleep, and so likewise recruit strength: But they will be much more proper, if they be mixt with astringents and strengtheners. With what success he used them, several of his observations testifie. ¶ Horstius, l. 11. obs. 3. shews the efficacy of Laudanum; It is known, not onely what gripes, but even exceeding bloudy stools, kindly Dy∣senteries do sometimes cause, whereby many would pay Nature her debt, were they not succored by the use of Opiates: Which a Noble Woman the last year confirmed; who, in the judgment of all that were by, was reduced to the last extremity;*but was so refreshed with 3 or 4 grains of our Laudanum, that in a short time she recovered.

XXXI. Thomas Minadous, a Physician and Professour of Italy, affirms, that he observed, all died of the Bloudy-flux, who by the advice of Physicians, took Laudanum Opiatum: And that after the use of it the Ulcers grew more putrid and foul, from the long stay of the purulent matter and noxious hu∣mours. Let this therefore suffice for a Caution.

XXXII. As in the cure of a Dysentery, for Re∣vulsion sake we use frictions and ligatures of the upper parts; as likewise we endeavour to cause Sweat, and sometimes provoke Vomit; So also, ac∣cording to Galen's Doctrine, we ought to provoke the noxious humours by the neighbouring places that serve to carry Urine: But we must have a care one danger do not incur another; for thence there is a two-fold one impending; the first is observed by Celsus, l. 4. c. 15. If things that provoke Ʋrine, obtain their end in turning the Humour another way, they doe good. If they obtain it not, they augment the Ail. Therefore he sub∣joyns; They must not be given, except to such persons, as in whom they use to have their effect speedily. The other dan∣ger is, lest the Ureter places and Vessels, which are much straiter than the Guts, when the sharp juices are called thither, should be fretted and Ulcerated, and so a dysury should succeed a dysentery. The Skilfull avoid dangers by giving Diureticks long after the beginning of the Disease for derivation sake, when part of the Abundance of humours is spent, prescribing not Diureticks, but lenients with cold and moisture. Hildanus commends Earth-worms for this purpose.

XXXIII. I reckon I should not conceal one re∣medy, very familiar and successfull with me, and known and used also by several Physicians. It is this, Drinking of natural Waters, that are poten∣tially cold: for from them we have two things: The one is the cooling of the Liver: The other (forasmuch as these Waters are in some measure astringent) is, that by stopping the Flux, they give tone to the bowels, and contribute to the cure of the Ulcer. Yet the use of them must not be indif∣ferent: for it is not safe to give them, when the peccant matter abounds in the body: for if such matter should be intercepted by virtue of this Me∣dicine, one of these two things would follow; ei∣ther because this same matter being retained, would be turned to other noble parts, and then if it were turned to the more noble parts, it would cause mortal sickness: If to the less noble parts, it would cause less mortal sickness; yet very grie∣vous ones: Or the matter being detained is made sharper, and gathered in greater quantity, whence sometime falling with greater violence afterwards, it is the cause of a worse Dysentery. Wherefore the time to use such Waters, is, when the matter Page  133 being evacuated in part is less in quantity, for from them we may have with safety the cooling of the Liver, strengthning of the Bowels, interception of the Flux, and a cure for the Ulcer. But if at the beginning of the Dysentery there neither be a quan∣tity of excrements, nor any notable pravity in them appear, they may then safely be given; for I have used them frequently, and have found the drinking of these Bath-waters so successfull, that I should never desire a more effectual Remedy for the cure of a Dysentery, than them seasonably given: And I can affirm I was never frustrated of my expectati∣ons in giving them. Now I have respect most to the Stomach,* which I have ever a care to strengthen and defend against the Cold; if it be very weak, I use them not at all.

XXXIV. The use of Wax in a rosted Apple is highly commended, and it is no unusual Medicine at this day. I think it was known to Valeriola, lib. 3. obs. 4. And although Serapio write, that Wax is one of those Medicines that are not to be taken inward∣ly; yet if it be taken moderately, it has an empla∣stick virtue, whereby it may heal the Ulcer, and a Lentor, whereby it may asswage it. Dioscorides himself, 2.76. says it may be given in Broth to dysenterick persons. And although Valeriola thinks that the vir∣tue of the Wax cannot reach the ulcerated Guts, because through its thickness and emplastick faculty it must stick in the first ways, fastning it self like Glew; yet a rosted Apple hinders it from doing so, with whose substance it is mixt in the minutest par∣ticles, and which may serve as a Vehicle to it. Va∣leriola chuses a Quince-apple, that one and the same Medicine may have both an astringent and gluti∣nous faculty, but may be an Apple is more conve∣nient, because it is a most apt Vehicle to carry the Wax through the windings of the Guts.*

XXXV. A Nutmeg is commended as highly benefi∣cial in this Disease, because of its different qualities: By its earthy substance it binds, strengthens the Bowels, dries and causes a Cicatrice: By its oily Substance it eases Pain, smears over the Guts, lest they be hurt by the Sharpness of the humours: By its aromatick quality it strengthens the Liver, Sto∣mach, and the mouth of the Stomach; and dispells Wind. When because of some febrile heat any mis∣chief is feared from its heat, it may be gently ro∣sted in hot ashes, when you have wrapped it in Hempen-hurds, or otherwise: But it must not be rosted, as is usually done, upon a Plate of Iron red hot, not onely because the oily part perishes in this manner; but by adustion it may easily acquire acrimony.*

XXXVI. Mindererus Med. milit. p. 246. has an ele∣gant passage concerning Oils. He says, that Oils must be curiously excluded for several reasons: 1. Be∣cause they hinder Consolidation, you have an In∣stance in cutting a Vein; for if you would open the Vein again in the afternoon, you must dip the Lan∣cet in Oil, and the Wound it makes will not close presently. The same also is done in Cupping-glas∣ses, and it is true indeed, that Ulcers are made foul thereby, which rather stand in need of dry∣ing; and, according to Galen, Oils are an enemy to Ulcers, as Wine is very much a friend. 2. Because all Oils, except of Linseed, Popy-seed, Hemp-seed and Sweet-almonds, have something of Sharp∣ness in them, but these have little of it: Which is demonstrable thus; If a drop of Oil-olive be dropt into the Eye,* it will smart as if Juice of Citron or Limon had been dropt in.

XXXVII. Some reckon outward Medicines use∣less, because their virtue cannot pass the Skin, the Muscles of the Belly and other hindrances; yea, hurtfull, because of the expression they make of the humours in the outside of the Body to the Inte∣stines. They vouch Galen for their Authority, who, 1. ad Glauc. c. 14. affirms, that the closer the Skin is, the more the Flux is increased. But these People may be opposed by experience, which often shews that a Flux is stopt by the use of them. But as to the use of them in fat People, we must take notice that little benefit can be expected from them, because they cannot penetrate; therefore some Vehicle must be given them, as Vinegar or White-wine, lest by the grossness of their parts, or their too great cold actual or potential, they stop up their own way. We must observe also out of Aetius, that they cannot innocently be used in a Dysentery caused by Sharpness of Bile, and in cancrous and malignant Ulcers,* because they consume the watery part and leave onely the biting.

XXXVIII. Although the word Dysentery denote the Bloudy-flux; yet, without any prejudice to its Etymology, I will apply this name to this London Disease. Every year, usually about Autumn, Gri∣ping of the Guts with a Loosness is rife. The stools are watery and as it were limpid, with a sudden decay of strength. No evacuation promoted the cure of this Disease; yea, Bloud-letting, Vomiting and Purging always did hurt; and usually the proper Remedies were onely Cordials, and those very hot ones, that is, such as abounded in Spirit and Sul∣phur, or in volatile Salt: Insomuch that Brandy a little burnt with Sugar was the common, and as it were the epidemick Medicine, and proved always in a manner successfull; although used indifferently in the other that was bloudy,* it was often found hurt∣full.

XXXIX. Gripes in the Guts without stools be∣gun to invade People in the beginning of August, 1669. and were as many at the end of Autumn as the Dysenteries, which entred with them. Now this Disease seizes a Man with a shaking and shivering, which is followed by a heat all over the Body (as is usual in Fevers) and quickly after by a Griping in the Guts, and then by stools, but oftentimes there is no sense of a Fever going before. All the stools are mucous and not stercorous, except that sometimes a stercorous one is interposed, and that without any notable pain. Some streaks of bloud are mixt with these mucous stools. In the mean time the Patient, if he either be in the flower of his age, or be heated with Cordials, is in a Fever, his Tongue being whitish and thick beset with slimy stuff; and if he be violently heated, then it is black and dry. His strength is cast down, his spirits spent, and there is all the tokens of an ill-conditioned Fever. This Disease causes not onely extreme pain and sickness, but, unless it be skilfully handled, much endangers the Patient's Life. For when the stores of vital heat and spirits are exhausted by frequent stools, before the peccant matter can be thrown out of the bloud, and when Cold in the extreme parts comes upon one, the Patient will be in danger of death. Since it may so be, that various Species of Dysen∣teries may arise, as there are of Measles and other epidemick Diseases, proper to different Constituti∣ons: therefore they require in some things of right a different method of Cure to themselves. That we may proceed to curative Indications. When I had diligently weighed the various Symptoms that happen to this Disease, I found it a Fever (that is, of its own kind) turn'd inwards upon the Guts, by means whereof the hot and sharp humours con∣tained in the mass of bloud, and putting it in agi∣tation, are discharged by the mesenterick Arteries upon the said parts, and, the orifices of the Vessels being laid open by the force of the humours ma∣king thitherwards, the bloud is poured out by stool. In the mean time, by the importunate strai∣ning of the Guts, which doe their utmost endea∣vour to expell the sharp humours, that continual∣ly trouble them, this mucus, wherewith they are na∣turally smeared over, is discharged together at e∣very stool, sometimes more sparingly, sometimes in greater plenty. Therefore the indications seemed to offer themselves of their own accord, that first Page  134 I should immediately make revulsion of these hu∣mours by breathing a Vein, which done, that I might moreover qualifie the rest of the mass; also that I should carry off the said humours by Ca∣tharticks. The first day, assoon as I was called, I advised the breathing a Vein in the Arm; the same night I gave a Paregorick; and the next morning this gentle cathartick Potion, very familiar with me; Take of Tamarinds half an ounce, Leaves of Senna 2 drachms, Rheubarb 1 drachm and an half; Boil it in a sufficient quantity of Water; In 3 oun∣ces of it strained dissolve of Manna and Syrup of Roses solutive each 1 ounce: Mix them; make a Potion. I usually prefer this Preparation with a small quantity of Rheubarb before any Electuary; for although Rheubarb be designed to evacuate Choler and all sharp humours; yet unless some Man∣na or Syrup of Roses, or something of the same na∣ture be mixt, that it may amount to a fuller Purge, it is not very proper.

But since it is obvious enough that the most gen∣tle Catharticks and such as will but give a stool, do encrease the Gripes and cause a dejection of spirits and an universal disorder in the Patient, namely, by the adventitious tumult, whereby it stirs the bloud and humours in the operation. Therefore it is cu∣stomary with me to subjoin a Paregorick a little sooner than we use to doe after Purges, that is, at any hour in the afternoon, if we think the Purge has done its work, that, namely, I may stop the motion which I set on going. Afterwards I pre∣scribe the said Cathartick for two times more, that is, to be taken every other day. I give a Pare∣gorick also after each Purge, at the time I advised before. Moreover, I take care that it be given mor∣ning and evening those days he does not purge, to the end I may subdue the fierceness of the Symp∣toms, and gain time, while I am busied in carry∣ing off the peccant humour. After bleeding and once purging I allowed them a taste of some tem∣perate Cordial-water now and then. And I used for an Anodyne Laudanum liquidum (See its Description, Book 3. Tit. de Colica Biliosa) that is, 14 or 15 drops in any Cordial-water, for one Dose. This recom∣mended method has easily the preheminence over all, that are yet known to me, in conquering this Disease, which very seldom continues beyond the third Purge.

But if the Disease were so stubborn, as not to give way to these things, then I used to give my Patient a Paregorick every day in the morning and at the hour of Sleep, till he was perfectly well; nor did I find the least inconvenience from so fre∣quent a repetition of a narcotick Medicine as far as I could ever yet observe (how great harm so∣ever some unexperienced persons may threaten will follow from thence) although I have known seve∣ral, who in a stubborn Disease have taken it every day for some weeks together.

Dysenteries in general were to be treated after this manner. But it was observable, that what came the first year, were of a more subtile and spi∣rituous nature, than what infested men the follow∣ing years; and therefore they did not so readily yield to purging Medicines, as to them that dilu∣ted and tempered the bloud and those sharp hu∣mours which are separated from it into the Guts. Wherefore the first Autumn that the dry Gripes and Dysentery invaded us, I constantly used the method following to drive away either Disease, the issue every way answering, till, upon the approach of Cold, I found it less efficacious the same year, and so the years following, when the Disease had de∣parted farther from its subtilty, I found it whol∣ly useless.

And I proceeded thus; If a Patient in the flow∣er of his age had a Fever, I ordered him to bleed in the Arm, and within an hour or two to be well washed by throwing in a great quantity of Liquour (See Book 3. Tit. de Cholera) as was done in a Vomiting and Loosness, but not as there, with Chicken-broth or Posset-drink; but Whey to be drunk cold in the like quantity; and I ordered a Clyster of it warm, without Sugar or any thing else. I ever observed, that the Gripes and bloudy stools after the return of the fourth Clyster did vanish. When this trouble was over, and all the Whey was passed, which will be in three or four hours space, if the Patient doe his duty diligently; I forthwith com∣mitted him to his Bed, where, in a short time, of his own accord, he was dissolved into a Sweat (from the Whey mixt with his Bloud) which I ordered to be continued twenty four hours: al∣lowing him nothing in the mean time, but raw Milk a little warmed, which also he was to use, and no∣thing else, for three or four days after he rose from his Bed.* If either he left his Bed or the use of his Milk too soon, he was to go through the same course over again.

XL. Because the Advice of a Physician, that would cure, must not onely be directed to the present state of the Patient, but also to the future, we must know, that although a thin Diet and Fasting be good for dysenterick persons, in the first days; yet, because in process of time the strength may be wasted with pain, watching, and often going to stool, it is good afterwards to feed the Patient somewhat higher. To this purpose things distilled off Flesh roasted, with Simples, or Gelly-broths,* may seasonably be given.

XLI. Let the Meat be simple, and easie of Digesti∣on; wherein the Vulgar often offend, who give to dysenterick Persons the hardest Meat and difficult of concoction, if they think there is any binding quality in it;* and so they increase Crudities and the Disease.

XLII. As to Drink, the best way is to drink spa∣ringly. Paulus and Aetius give rain water, wherein astringent fruits have been boiled, especially Sumach, Sorrel and Plantain, but it is onely proper for them that are used to it. In our Countries pure Beer is proper. Amatus Lusitanus, cent. 2. obs. 46. tells of a cho∣lerick young Man, who in the heat of Summer be∣gan to be afflicted with a Dysentery and cholerick stools, and when he was destitute of any Physici∣an's advice, he drank store of cold water, and was thereby recovered. Which nevertheless we may not imitate, unless in hot Countries, a hot Season, and where Choler abounds. When Strength fails, let some astringent red Wine be given, diluted, if convenient, with spring water, wherein heated Steel or Gold has been quenched, or wherein Plan∣tain has been boiled or infused. And because the concoctive faculty does here fail, the use of Wine is often beneficial and necessary; and, I have obser∣ved,* it agreed well with several in this epidemick Dysentery.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

1. Give the Dock, finely powdered, to the quan∣tity of a spoonfull, with a rear Egg; and you will admire. ¶ Sup liquid Alume, with an Egg, and then drink some dissolved in warm water; and you will wonder.*

2. The diaphoretick Flowers of Antimony are highly commended. ¶ Saccharum, or dulcedo Alumi∣nis, is a most certain Remedy in the Bloudy-flux. The Dose is 6 or 7 grains in Marmelade of Quin∣ces.*

3. The Leaves of Silver-weed applied to the Soles of the Feet are reckoned a Secret to cure any Bloudy-flux in twenty four hours. ¶ One was cu∣red to a miracle, and that quickly, onely by using for his ordinary Drink,* water wherein Cork was boiled.

Page  1354. I ever found this Plaster most effectual in a Bloudy-flux, applied to the Belly and Reins; Take of Tormentil root, Crum of a white Loaf, each what is sufficient; Boil it in Wine or Vinegar till it be Pap. Spread this on a Cotton cloth,* and apply it to the region of the Belly before and behind.

5. I have always found this doe good as an Ano∣dyne, that is, by anointing with Oil of St. John's-wort, and applying Nettles bruised between stones and heated, to the Belly.

6. In the end of a Dysentery, Juice of Worm-wood and Mint well purified, and made into a Sy∣rup, is very good. ¶ Emplastrum Diaphoenicon frigi∣dum applied hot to the whole Belly, is most excel∣lent in any Dysentery; the same also may be appli∣ed in the beginning.

7. Take pure root of Tormentil grosly bruised 6 ounces; Pour to it in a glass Body of Tormentil water 16 ounces; Let it simmer on a gentle Fire, then let it cool, and pour off and separate the De∣coction carefully from the Root; add of fine Sugar half a pound. Set it in Sand, and with a gentle Fire reduce it to the consistency of a Syrup. Then add of the Tincture, Oil, or Liquour (first preci∣pitated with distilled Vinegar, and then with Spirit of Vitriol) of Corals:* mix it well, and keep it. It is a most excellent Remedy in the Bloudy-flux.

8. Oil of Walnuts cures a Flux miraculously, if it be taken inwardly, and the Belly be anointed therewith. ¶ This is reckoned a Secret in stopping Fluxes of the Belly; If you take of the Juice of unripe Grapes 10 spoonfuls, boil it a little; after it is clarified, drink a third part of it; for it present∣ly stops the Flux and strengthens the Bowels.*

9. They say Cudweed boiled in Wine is an effec∣tual Remedy.*

10. Boil a Crab with Wine and Pepper; take off the Shells and dry them: the Powder of the simple Shell taken twice every day cures any Flux specifi∣cally. It may also be mixt with other things. It is an experienced thing. ¶ Distilled water of Celan∣dine drunk,* powerfully stops any Flux, as I have heard one say upon his certain experience.

11. There is no more present Remedy than Ʋva quercina in Powder,* for any Bloudy-flux. I have cu∣red some of desperate Dysenteries onely with it.

12. The Cawl of a Wether fried in Oil of Roses, and applied,* is an excellent Remedy to stop the fu∣ry of it.

13. A linen cloth dipt in the bloud of a Hare not killed by a weapon, but in hunting by the bite of a Dog, and dried and kept for use; if it be made Lint of, and given in Wine, it cures the Dysente∣ry. Yea, the Soldiers in Germany, when they have killed a Hare in the aforesaid manner, dry her in the smoke, and give her in drink; and so cure the Blou∣dy-flux infallibly.*

14. The Liver of a Wolf prepared (that is, when it has been steeped 3 days in very strong Vinegar, and then dried in an Oven upon a Tile) is highly commended.

15. The Pisle of a Cat is a most certain Remedy in this Disease;* the Shavings of it may be mixt in some Electuary.

16. It is admirable, that Colcothar (the Caput mor∣tuum of Vitriol) should possess a quality to cure a Bloudy-flux, that is, if they that are afflicted with the Bloudy-flux do go to stool upon it,* it cures them. This is confirmed by many observations of D. Michael.

17. Half a drachm of Crystal finely powdered, and prepared, taken in some convenient Water, is a singular Remedy for a Dysentery,* especially for one arising from porraceous and yellow choler.

18. I have observed it by experience and beyond all doubt, that 2 drachms of Filipendula root given ei∣ther in Wine or the Yelk of an Egg is good. The leaves and roots of which Herb I have often found to doe both the same thing. ¶ I have found this Poti∣on doe a great deal of good; Take of Syrup of Popy 1 ounce, of dried Roses half an ounce, Diamargari∣ton frigidum half a drachm, burnt Ivory half a scruple, Water of Plantain, Horse-tail, each 2 ounces. ¶ This is excellent good to ease pain; Take of Acacia Hypocistis, the inside of a Quince, Sumach, Galls, each 1 drachm; red Coral burnt and washt with Rose-water 1 drachm and an half, Opium 1 drachm, Cinnamon, Cyperus, each 1 drachm; Syrup of Roses what is sufficient. Make a solid Electuary; of which make Pills;* whereof you may give a scruple or half a drachm.

19. An Egg boiled in Vinegar, and eaten,* stops all Fluxes of the Belly.

20. The Feet of a Partridge rosted, and one drachm of the Powder given in Coriander water, when there is a Fever; and when there is none,* in black Wine; cures even a raging Dysentery.

21. The dung of a Dog that eats bones, dried and powdered, and put in a little chalybeate Milk, is good for a Dysentery, given for 3 days morning and evening. I can safely swear I have cu∣red above an hundred of the Dysentery with it in one year, as Christopher Landrinus can testifie.*

22. The Fruit of the Linden-tree yields an effec∣tual Remedy for any Flux of the Belly,* as Camerarius testifies.

23. The lesser Plantain given with an equal quan∣tity of Daucus is a singular Remedy.*

24. This is very much commended; If the Pati∣ent for 3 or 4 days morning and evening sit over a red hot Plate of metal, upon which 1 ounce of the best Turpentine or Pine Refin must be thrown. ¶ This is an admirable one, especially in Childrens fluxes, if every day morning and evening the Child's anus be fumed with the Powder of young Asses dung, carefully dried in an oven, and strewed upon red hot Coals.* ¶ The following Fomentation also is highly commended; Take of Balm 1 pound, Mul∣lein 1 handfull; put them in a long bag, which af∣terwards boiled in a like quantity of styptick red Wine and strong Vinegar, to a third, must be ap∣plied warm to the Seat.

25. Many reckon Cresses seed given alone or mixt with other things a singular Remedy in the Bloudy-flux.*

26. This is a singular Remedy for any Flux of Bloud; Take Frog-spawn, and dip a linen cloth at least thrice in it, dry it in the shade, and doe so thrice. Which cloth so prepared and dried you may use. Apply a piece twice as large as the place where-out the Bloud flows. Keep this as a Se∣cret. ¶ This is a singular Remedy for the Blou∣dy-flux; Break a new Egg into a new earthen Pot, then take a like quantity of Honey, Vinegar and Oil; mix them all together and bake them. Eat them, and you will find a good effect.*

Dysuria, or, Sharpness of Ʋrine.

The Contents.
  • It must be cured variously, according to the diversity of the cause. I.
  • A Vomit is proper. II.
  • The benefit of Clysters. III.
  • Cassia sometimes suspected. IV.
  • Diureticks sometimes hurtfull. V.
  • It arises sometimes from the defect of the humour that moistens the urinary passage. VI.
  • Sometimes from the site of the Bladder altered. VII.
  • Sometime from the glandulous Body too much dried. VIII.
    • Medicines.

I. A Man threescore years of age was sick of a violent Sharpness of Urine; some pla∣ced the cause in his Bladder, others in his Kid∣neys: But when he was dead of an Apoplexy, there Page  136 was no fault observed in his Reins or Bladder, one∣ly the Liver was somewhat hard. So that it plainly appeared, the fault came from the too great Sharp∣ness of the Humours that run to the Bladder; for his Urine was tinged and clear enough. One at last died of this Disease; there was a Stone found in his Bladder that weighed 2 ounces and an half, with a great Putrefaction of his Kidneys, he was exceeding venereal.* ¶ In curing old men, who are sick of Sharpness of Urine or Strangury, we must see that the fuliginous and serous excrements perspire. We must see also whether any Catarrh fall from the Brain by the Spine upon the Bladder; for it must be diverted. I saw one who when he had been sick of a Dysury, after he had voided a whi∣tish humour by Urine,* was rid of his Dysury. He was in his declining age; how much more then may a Dysury be caused in old Men by this humour? ¶ One is sick of a Dysury,* a purulent matter runs the whole day from him; undoubtedly it must come from his Parastatae. ¶ Sometimes a white and milky matter is voided in such plenty, that when it is set∣led, it takes up half the room in the Chamber-pot. The Cause is both the weakness of the Stomach, that makes ill Chyle; and a weakness in the Kid∣neys, to which when some lacteal Veins come, that receive immediately the watry Chyle, then when the Kidneys are weak, the thin Chyle not well clea∣red of the salt tartarous dregs, being carried thi∣ther, it passes, together with the Urine, into the Blad∣der; it is a Disease familiar to Women and cold complexions.*Pulv. Stomach. Quercetani is good, with the inner Coat of a Hen's Gizzard in Hippocras-wine; and outwardly to anoint with Ʋnguentum Stomach.

II. Both Learned men have written, and Experi∣ence it self hath often taught me, that a Vomit is a most excellent Remedy in the heat of Urine. For a Vomit draws powerfully, and evacuates the cho∣lerick humours from the Liver and mesaraick Veins:* And we must begin with gentle ones.

III. Clysters of pure Milk, or mixt with Muci∣lages, use to be so efficacious, that I have known some Patients, who after long Pains have found case onely by this Remedy and a Bath.*

IV. It is necessary that the Body be evacuated at certain intervals. This may be done by lenient and gently purging Medicines: for by strong ones the humours are inflamed, and the heat of Urine en∣creased. Cassia in this case is preferred by most Au∣thours: but I have observed, that after the use of Cassia,* the pains have been increased in several Patients.

V. Young Physicians must be admonished, that in Sharpness of Urine they make not a negligent in∣spection into the Causes of this Disease. For there are many deceived, who think it arises from the Stone in the Bladder, wherefore they give their miserable Patients Medicines accommodated to break the Stone, which is turned to their Urine: for the heat of Urine is increased by those Medi∣cines that are endued with a hot faculty: where∣upon an Ulcer in the Kidneys or the Bladder must needs be bred, and therefore they must be continu∣ally upon the rack, who fall into the wicked hands of such Hang-men. As in my time it happened to one, who, neglecting necessary means at first, and af∣terwards taking all the Medicines of Empiricks, fell into a mortal Diabetes.*

VI. A certain oleaginous matter, that drops down insensibly moistens the Ʋrethra in a Man, and the passage of the Womb in a Woman. In defect of this, the Urine being sharp hurts the Ʋrethra, and cannot pass freely out. Several have been cured by moistning Diet, a Bath,* and Oil of Sweet-al∣monds injected by a Syringe into the Ʋrethra.

VII. The site of the Bladder is sometimes chan∣ged, when that portion of the Peritonaeum wherein it is enclosed, is loosned, and a little turned down, which causes a difficulty in pissing,* except the Belly be lift up by the Hand.

VIII. One made water with difficulty, those Glands being dried up, which are called Parastatae variciformes, nor did he discharge his Bladder with∣out a great weight of Urine: So I ordered those Parts, and the whole Body to be restored by Uncti∣ons, and the passage of the Urine being open,* he was cured.

Medicines especially made use of by eminent Physicians.

1. Nothing is better in Heat of Urine than Steam of Milk, wherein Mullein has been boiled. ¶ An admirable Syrup for Heat of Urine; Take of Seed of Marsh-mallow, Mallow, Quince, Fleawort, each 1 ounce; put them in a hot Decoction of the Root of Marsh-mallow, Seeds of white Popy, winter Cherries, what is sufficient. When the Mucilage is made, strain it,* and with Sugar make it into a Sy∣rup.

2. The following Electuary wonderfully corrects the hot Intemperature of the Brain, and Sharpness of Urine; Take of Conserve of Flowers of Water∣lily, Violets, Roses, Flowers of Cichory, each one drachm; white and red Saunders, each 1 scruple; Seeds of Sorrel and Purslain, each 2 scruples; Tro∣chiscs of Camphire, 1 drachm and a half. Mix them with Syrup of Popy. Make an Electuary. The Dose is 2 drachms morning and evening.

3. Johannes Baptista Theodosius commends the follow∣ing Medicine out of Galen and Avicen, as one that ne∣ver failed him; Take of Mallow-leaves 1 handfull and an half, fresh Butter 2 drachms, Honey half a pound:* Let them boil in 5 pounds of Water to a third: Of which you may drink a little.

4. One applied this Cataplasm to his twist, and he presently made water freely; Take of Pellitory of the Wall 2 handfulls, Chervil 1 handfull and an half, cut them and boil them soft, add of Butter 2 drachms, Oil of Scorpions 1 drachm and an half. Mix them and apply them hot. It did so much good,* there was no need of any other Remedies.

5. I will not conceal this Powder wherein I put great confidence; Take of Winter Cherries, No. xij. Seeds of Cucumber, white Popy, each half an ounce; white Sugar what is sufficient. Make a Powder: of which take half an ounce always be∣fore meal.

6. Take of Salt Nitre prepared, Sugar-candy, each half a drachm; give it in Parsley-water;* it is experienced.

7.* An Emulsion of Chesnuts and a little white Popy seeds made with Liquorish water, is good for Heat of urine.