The compleat midwifes practice, in the most weighty and high concernments of the birth of man. Containing perfect rules for midwifes and nurses, as also for women in their conception, bearing, and nursing of children: from the experience not onely of our English, but also the most accomplisht and absolute practicers among the French, Spanish, Italian, and other nations. A work so plain, that the weakest capacity may easily attain the knowledge of the whole art. With instructions of the midwife to the Queen of France (given to her daughter a little before her death) touching the practice of the said art. / Published with the approbation and good liking of sundry the most knowing professors of midwifery now living in the city of London, and other places. Illustrated with severall cuts in brass. By T.C. I.D. M.S. T.B. practitioners.

THE COMPLEAT MIDWIFE HER PRACTICE.

Of the Genitals or vessels dedicated to Generation in Men and Women.

THe consideration of these things is so necessary for the purpose of this book, that they require not onely a deep meditation, but the praeeminence to take up the first thoughts of those who would arrive to the knowledg of a thing so much needful to all mankinde. And it may be lawfully feared that many women do miss their design because they know nothing but the outside of things; so that in mat∣ters of extremity, because they are ignorant of the structure of the parts, they cannot tell how to go about their work. We shall therefore begin with an easie Anatomy of the privy parts both of men and women, so far as shall be requisite to the gaining of so great a skill.

In the first place therefore we shall begin with man, in whom those things which are called the vessels of preparation are first to be considered.

CHAP. I. Of the vessel of preparation.

AMong the Spermatic vessels are to be conside∣red first, two veins, and two arteries: these are carried downward from the small guts to the Testi∣cles, and are much bigger in men then they are in women.

The original of these veines is not alwayes the same, for commonly the right vein riseth out of the hollow veine, a little below the source or original of the Emulgent; but the least takes his original from the lower part of the Emulgent it self. Yet some∣times it hath a branch carried to it from the trunk of the hollow vein.

The middle part of these veines runs directly through the Loyns, resting upon the Lumbal Muscle, a thin Membrane only intervening; and thus ha∣ving gone about half its journey, it branches out and distributes it self to the near adjoyning filmy parts of the body. The uttermost part of these vessels is carried beyond the Midriff to the Stones, yet do they not pass through the Peritonaeum, but descends with a small nerve and the muscle called Cremaster, through the Duplicity of the Midriffe; when it ap∣proaches neer the stones it is joyned with an artery; and now these vessels which were before a little se∣vered one from the other, are by a film rising from the Peritoneum closed up, and bound both together, and so twisting up like the young tendrils of a vine, they are carried to the end of the stones.

The arteries which are associated to these veines take their original a little beneath the emulgent vein,

[illustration]

[illustration] diagrams of the urinary system

fig: 1.

fig: 2.

Explanation of the first figure.

• A A. The right and left kernel of the reins.
• B. The true kidneys.
• C C. The Emulgent veines.
• D D. The Emulgent Arteries.
• E E. The spermatic veines.
• F F. The spermatic arteries.
• G G. The trunk of the hollow veine.
• H H. The trunk of the great Arterie.
• I I I I. The Ʋreters.
• K K. The vessels that prepare the seed.
• M M. The stones withall their tunicles.
• N N. The vessels carrying the seed, retorted back into the bladder.
• O. The bladder.
• P. The neck of the bladder.
• Q Q. The two glandulous Forestanders.
• R R. The two muscles that erect the yard.
• S S. Two other muscles dilating the Ʋreter.
• T. The body of the yard.
• U. The preputium that covers the nut of the yard.

Explanation of the second figure.

• A. The bladder turned downward.
• B B. The insertion of the ureters into the bladder.
• C C. The neck of the womb which Anato∣mists

• ... call the sheath which receives many vessels.
• E E E E. The two lower round ligaments of the womb cut away.
• F F. The blind vessel of the womb annexed here to the uppermost & broad ligament.
• G G. The same vessel on the other side se∣parated from the broad ligament.
• H H. The deferent or seed carrying vessels on each side ending in the neck of the womb.
• I I. The upper and membranie ligament of the womb like the wings of a bat, through which many vessels that arise from the preparing vessels are scatte∣red and diffus'd.
• K. The preparing vessels of one side not yet disserend from the 1 membranie or filmie ligament.
• L. The preparing vessels on the other side sever'd from the filmie ligament, to shew you their insertion into the stone with its filmes,
• M M. The stones, where one is covered, the other is bare.
• N N. Many veines and arteries scattered into the neck & bottome of the womb, serving for the purgation of the flowers and the nourishment of the birth.
• O O. The nerves scattered through the bo∣dy of the womb.

whence they descend, downward and a little from their beginning or original they are joyned to these veins, till they are closed together by an Anastomosis or inoculation, ending like a Piramid.

CHAP. II. Of the Parastatae, or vessels where the bloud is first changed.

THese four vessels after many ingraftings and knittings together, seem at length to become onely two bodies, full of little crumplings like the tendril of a vine, white and in the form of a Piramid, resting the right upon the right stone, & the left up∣on the left stone. These are called Parastatae, which as they stand pierce the tunicles of each stone with cer∣tain fibers or extraordinary small veines, which af∣terwards dispearse themselves through the body of those stones. The substance of these Parastatae is be∣tween that of the stones and that of the preparing vessels; for they neither altogether consist of Mem∣branes, neither are they altogether Glandulous or kernelly.

CAAP. III. The use of the preparing vessels.

THe use of those vessels which are called the ves∣sels of preparation is chiefly to attract out of the hollow vein, or left Emulgent, the most pure and exquisitely concocted bloud, which is most apt to be converted into seed; which they contain and prepare, giving unto it a certain rude form of seed in those parts that lie as it were in certain pleights or folds, which they do by a peculiar property be∣queathed to them.

Another use of them is gathered by their scituati∣on, for as they are now scituated, that is to say, the right vein coming from the hollow vein, and the left from the Emulgent, this inconvenience is avoided, that the left vein is not forced to pass over the great artery, and so be in danger of breaking, by reason of the swift motion of the artery. More∣over there being a necessity that male and female should be begot, it is fit that there should be seed proper for the generation of both sexes, whereof some must be hotter and some must be colder; and therefore nature hath so ordered it, that the hotter seed should proceed from the right vein for the ge∣neration of man, and the colder from the left for the generation of females. The left vein hath also this property to draw from the Emulgent the more se∣rous and less pure bloud, to the intent that the serous humour might stir up venery by its salt and acrimonius substance; and therefore it is observed that those who have the left stone bigger are most full of seed, and most prone to venery.

The use of the Parastatae is this, to contain the bloud and stay it in their windings and wrinkled bo∣dies, and by power received from the stones to change the colour of the bloud.

CHAP IV. Of the Testicles in general.

THe stones are in number two, very seldome one, and much seldomer three or four. The scitua∣tion of the stones in men, is without the Midriff, at the root of the yard under the belly, and that for two causes, to keep men more chaste; it being ob∣served

that those creatures which carry their stones within their bodies are more salacious, and bring forth in greater numbers.

Their bigness is not always alike in all creatures, but in men as big as a Pigeons egg, or as a small Hens egg; and commonly the left is bigger then the right.

In the Anatomy of the stones divers things are to be considered. Their Tunicles or the skins in which they are wrapt, as well those which are common to both, as those which are particular to either, next the muscles, then the substance of which they are composed: and lastly the vessels which are dispear∣sed through the body of the stones.

CHAP. V. Of the Tunicles of the stones.

THe Testicles are wrapt up in divers coverings, about the number of which there hath been great dissention. But they are now reduced to five, whereof two are common, and are called Scrotum, and Dartos, three particular, the names of which are Elytroydes, Erythroides, and Epididy∣mis.

The first of these, which is like a satchel or purse, and is common to both, consists of a skin and a cuticle. This contains the two stones like a purse, and is obvious to the touch. The skin of this part differs from any other part of the skin which covers the bo∣dy: for whereas that is stretched out and spred close over the whole body, this is more loose, and made to stretch out or to be wrinkled up together as occa∣sion is, that is as the stones either ascend or descend:

they ascend commonly in the time of conjunction, they descend in febers, weakness of the Testicles, or by reason of old age.

* 1.1The second is called Dartos, because it is easily separated from the others. In this the testicles lie as it were in a nest, wrapping them about more close then the Scrotum doth. It takes its Originall from the fleshie Pannicle, which though it be thinner here∣abouts then in any other part of the body, yet is it full of little Veines and arteries.

The proper Tunicles* 1.2 are first the Elytroides which is also called Vaginalis by reason it supplyes the office of a sheath. It takes its originall from the pro∣duction of the Peritoneum, for where the spermatic vessells pass, they do not at all bruse the Peritoneum, but carie it downe to the stones, and so constitute or make this Tunicle. To know this Tunicle, and the ori∣ginal of it is very necessary for Physick, because that hollowness which the Processess of the Peritoneum do make for the passage of the spermatic ves∣sels, is somtimes dilated as far as the beginning or source of this Tunicle, and both the small guts and the caule fall down upon the Testicles, which is the cause of that kind of birstness which by the Physitians is called Enterocle. This Tunicle grows to that which is called Dartos, being ioyned to it by many nervous fibres. Underneath this is the Tunicle called Erythro∣ides, or the red Tunicle; so called from the multitude of red veines which are sprinkled up and down in it. It rises from the other membranes and is encompas∣sed without by the first proper tunicle.

The third, and that which immediately compasseth the stones, is that which is called Epididymis: it is white, thick and strong, to preserve the soft and

loose substance of the stones. It riseth ftom the Tu∣nicle of the seminal vessels, being the thickest of all the Tunicles, and hath some few veines scattered up and dovne in it.

CHAP. VI. Of the suspensory Muscles.

TO keep the stones from oppressing, or stretching over much the passages of the seminal vessels, Nature hath provided them two Muscles for them to hang by, on both sides one, in form oblonge and slender.

These Muscles derive their original from a thick membrane which is joyned to the hanch bone in the further part of that region, where the hair grows,* 1.3 and is fastened to this bone with certaine fleshie and straight fibers; where the oblique Muscles of the Abdomen or Mideriff end, thence reaching down upon the superiour members of the Testicles, they are extended through the whole length of that round body.

These Muscles are never seen in women being al∣together useless, because their stones are not pen∣dent, but are enclosed within their bodies.

CHAP. VII. Of the substance and temper of the stones.

THe substance of the stones is glandulous or ker∣nelly, white, soft, loose, spongy, and hollow; having sundrie vessels dispersed through them.

Now although the substance of the Testicles be most soft and moist, yet doth not this moistness con∣stitute

a uniforme or homogeneal body; for the sub∣stance of the stones is wholly dissimilar, and full of fibres. These fibres also seeme to be of a different substance from that of the stones, being only cloath∣ed which the flesh of the stones, as the fibres of the Muscles are inwardly nervous, but coverd over which the flesh of the Muscles. These fibres again differ in this, that the fibres of the Testicles are hol∣low, but the fibres of the Testicles full and substan∣tiall. These fibres are said to come from the sper∣matick vessels, and thence branch themselves forth through the Testicles, by which that part of the seed which is over and above what serves for the nou∣rishment of the testicles, as drawn forth and kept for procreation.

As concerning the Temper of the stones, they would sooner be thought cold then hot, if that Ma∣xime were true, that all white things are cold, and all red things hot. Nothwithstanding, because nature is known to abhor all coldness in the work of gene∣ration; Therefore we must presume to affirme the temper of the stones to be hot, for they always a∣bound with blood, and a pure spirit, that can never be whichout heat: Besides that heat is required for the concoction of this blood; and the changing it into seed; yet is it very temperate, as appeares by the softness of the substance, for as coldness and driness is the cause of hardness, so heat and moisture is the cause of softness.

Nevertheless we are to understand this, that the temper of the stones is not alike in all, for in some they are far colder then in others. And therefore these who have hot testicles are more salacious and prone to venereal actions, having the places neer a∣bout

much more hairie, and their testicles much har∣der then others. Those that have their testicles cold, find every thing contrary.

The greatest heat is in the right testicle, because it receives more pure and hotter blood from the hol∣low veine and the great Artery, the left colder, be∣cause it receives a more inpure and serous bloud from the Emulgent veine.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Actions of Testicles.

THe action and use of the Testicles, is to Generate seed, a gift which they obtaine from an inbred qualitie which nature hath bestowed upon them. For the bloud being received by the spermatic vessels, and there beginning to change it's colour, is by and by received by the deferent vessels, or the vessels which carry the bloud so prepared to the Testicles, where it is for a while contained, and afterwards being car∣ried to the stones is by them made seed, and the last work perfected. And it may with more easiness be af∣firmed, that the seed is generated by the stones, be∣cause every like is said to generate its like; now the substance of the Testicles is very like the seed it self, that is white moist and viscous. Whether the stones are the onely efficient causes of the seed, is not here to be disputed, being onely a nice point, and no way profitable; we shall rather with silence adhere to that opinion, which affirmes the function of the te∣sticles to be the generation of the seed, which is the most likely, and proceed to the next.

CHAP. IX. Concerning the Ʋtilitie of the Testicles and their parts.

THe structure of the Testicles being thus known, It remaines that wee shew you their use. This is first discovered from their situation. For of those creatures that have stones, some have them in their bodyes, as all Fowl, others have them without, though not pendent; others have them hanging downward, as men. Men therefore have their Testi∣cles without their bodys for two causes; first, be∣cause it is required that the Testicles of the male should be bigger and hotter then those of the female, so that it were impossibe for them to be contained with the body, because of their quantity. Besides, the seed of the male being the effective original of the creature, and therefore hottest, it is also required that the seed should be more abundant then could be contained in the Testicles, were they placed within the body; for the seminarie passages must have bin less, and the veines themselves would not have af∣forded such plentie of matter as now they doe.

The motion of the Testicles is also to be considered; by which they move somtimes upward and som∣times downward. The one of these motions which is made upward is voluntary, as being made by the muscles, but the motion downward is a forced mo∣tion, not happening without the laxitie of the mus∣cles; the Testicles through their own weight falling downwards. These muscles are called Cremasteres, their use being to draw up the Testicles to shorten the way for the Ejaculation of the seed, as also to

keep the vessels from being distended too far by the weight of the Testicles.

The use of the Tunicles is now to be spoken of, and first of that which is outermost, and is called by the Latines Scrotum, being the purse wherein the Te∣sticles are contained. It is made to wrinkle it self up and to let it self loose that it may be large enough for the Testicles when they swell with plenty of seed, and to wrinkle up again when the Testicles, being emptied and so becoming less, are drawn upward. The other coates or tunicles also made for the defence of the stones, but so thin and light, that they should not oppress the stones with their weight; that which is called Erythroides hath many veines for the nou∣rishment of the Adjacent parts. The Epididymis, was made to wrap the testicle round about, lest the Humid matter of the testicle should flow about and consequently be wasted.

CHAP. X. Of the vessels that east forth the seed.

THat passage which comes from the head of the testicles to the root of the yard, is called the Ejaculatorie vessel. This, as I said before, rises from the head of the testicles, and joyning downward to the testicle descends to the bottome, and thence being reflexed again, and annext to the preparing vessel, it returns againe to the head of the testicle, from thence it proceeds upward from the Testicle till it touch the bone of the small guts, still keeping close to the preparing vessel, till it pierce the pro∣duction of the Hypogastrium. Thence tending down∣ward through the hollowness of the hip, it slydes be∣tween

the bladder and the streight gut, till it reach the glandulous Prostatae or forestanders, and fix it self at the foot or root of the yard, and there end. It is not all one at the beginning, and at the end, for at the beginning, while it remains among the tunicles of the testicles, it is full of windings and turnings; neer the end it hath many little bladders like to warts.

Now we must understand that these seminarie vessels doe not onely containe the seed, but they per∣fit and concoct it, having a seminifie or seed-ma∣king qualitie, which they borrow from the Testicles. There are other uses of these seminary vessels: for neer the original of this vessel, that is to say, the head of the testicles many small passages, or as it were conduit-pipes, do stretch themselves forward into the body of the testicle, into which the genital seed that remaines is remitted, and also drawn or sucked from those passages; this seminarie passage is at length wound above the testicles, adjoyning all a∣long, but no where incorporated into the body of the Testicle, unless at the bottom, in which place it is thought that the seed doth again insinuate it self in∣to the testicles through those hollow fibres: being thence propagated and continually making supply to the stones.

It is to be noted also, that these vessels while they move to the Root of the yard, do not go by streigth passages, which would be then very short, but by crooked windings and turnings, make the pas∣sages as long as may be, that they may have longer time to containe and prepare the seed.

CHAP. XI. Of the Seminarie bladders.

AT the end of the deferent vessels on both sides, are certain little bladders, knit and joyned to∣gether, and placed between the bladder and the right gut; the last of which, together which the seminarie vessels, is terminated in the prostatae or forestanders by a little channel.

These bladders have two several uses, for they doe not only striengthen the seminarie vessels where they end, but also seem to be the stores and maga∣zines of the seed. They are many, that every time a man uses the act of venerie, he may have a new supply of matter from these several vesicles. Thus that which is next the yard being first disburdened, the second is the next time emptied, and so till all the store is spent; and were it not for these vesicles, a man could not lye which a woman more then once.

In these vessels, such is the propensitie of nature to propagate, let the body be never so much emaci∣ated, there is always found a lesser or greater quan∣titie of seed. They are hollow and round to containe a greater quantitie of seed, they are also full of mem∣branes, that they may be contracted or extended as the plenty of seed requires; they are crooked and full of windings, and turnings, that the seed con∣tained may not easily slip out.

CHAP. XII. Of the kernelly Prostatae, or forestanders.

THe glandulous prostatae or forestanders: are two little testicles as it were seated at the foot of the yard, a little above the sphinctere of the Urinarie vessels, they are wrapt about with a membrane, which doth also cloath the seminarie vessels and ve∣siicles: before and behind they seeme more flat, on the sides they are more round, they have a substance like other kernels, loose and spungie, only they differ from them by reason of their whiteness and hardness; they are endued which an exquisite feeling, to stir up a greater desire of copulation. These Glandulae or kernels have certaine pores that open themselves in∣to the Ureter through which the seed, these fore∣standers being squeezed by the lower Muscles of the yard, distils into the yard.

The use of these kernels is partly to beget an oylie, fat, and slipperie substance, with which the urinarie passage is sometimes anointed, to defend it from the acrimony both of the Seed and Urin, and to keep it always moist.

The other use is taken from the name of Pro∣statae, which word in the singular number signifies a tutor or defender, for they are there placed to pre∣serve and strengthen the ends of the different vessels, lest by over much distention of the yard, the temi∣nary vessel should be either burst or moved out of their places.

They have a third use, for being placed between the bladder and the right gut, they serve instead of cushions for the vessel to rest upon, and to guard

them from all compression: Hence it hapned some∣times that those who are very much bound in their bodies while they strain themselves over-vehement∣ly, do now and then void a kind of seed, which hap∣pens by a violent compression of those parts.

CHAP. XIII Of the structure of the Yard.

THe structure of the Yard is not unknown, that is to say, at the root of the share bone in the hinder part of the Hypogastrion or lower part of the belly, where the hair grows, which bone is called Os pubis. Though the greatest part of it is not pen∣dent without, but adjoyning to the podex is scitua∣ted near the joyning of the share bone, being fast knit to it in the perinaeum, or space between the cods and the fundament; the other part is pendent and is seen hanging outward. This scituation is most appropriated to the manner of the act of generation, usual and peculiar to men, who do not couple after the manner of beasts. The figure of it is in a man∣ner round, though not exactly, broader in the up∣per part which is called the back of the Yard.

The Thickness and Longitude of the Yard is so much as is required for procreation,* 1.4 yet it is not so long as in many other creatures. Yea, and in seve∣ral men there is a very great diversity, little men be∣ing for the most part, best provided in that part; It is also thought, that there is a national difference, as to the bigness of this member; it being a general received opinion, that the often use of Venery doth increase the quantity of it in all dimensions.

The Yard will also be longer, if the Navel strings

are not bound up, or knit too close by the midriffe, in children that are newly born; but at some distance from the navel: This happens by reason of the liga∣ment coming fron the navel to the bottom of the bladder; which if it be too much abbreviated, draws up the bladders, and consequently shortens the yard; but if the navel string be left at a longer di∣stance, the Urac hos is inlarged, and consequently the yard hath more liberty to extend it self, and therefore the midwifes are from hence advertised, that they do not spoil the harvest of Generation, by cutting the sithe too short.

* 1.5As to the substance of the yard, it is not of a bony substance, as in dogs wolphs or foxes; for so it would become always hard and erected, and hinder men from all business but the act of venerie. Neither is it grisly, for so it could neither erect it self, nor flag, when occasion required; neither is it full of veines, for so it could not be emptied and repleted on such a suddain as often happens; besides that tunicle of the veins are so thin that they could not suffer so great a dissention; neither can it be full of Arteries, because it wants a continual pulsation; neither can it consist of nerves, because they having no hollow∣ness cannot be extended and loosened, as it must of necessity happen to the yard. It is therefore neces∣sary that the yard should have such a substance as is not peculiar to any other part of the body. It is therefore to be understood that there do concur to the framing of the yard, two nervous bodies, the passage for the Urine, which is called Urestua, the glary or nut of the yard, four muscles, the vessels and the skin.

Here doth arise a question, why the yard hath not

any far; which is in brief this; because that there should be no hinderance to the perfect sence of the yard, which could of necessity not be avoid∣ed, if that member were subject to any obesi∣ty; the fat being subject to be melted by frica∣tion.

CHAP. XIV. Of the several parts constituting the Yard.

AMong the parts that compose the structure of the yard, is that skin w^ch with its cuticle, and fleshy pannicle, is common not only to this, but to other members; only it hath this pecu∣liar to it self, that it may be reflexed, and drawn back from the nut of the yard. This skin that turns back is called the preputium; because that part in circumcision was cut away, with which prepuce, the nut of the yard is covered.

The Glans or nut of the yard is a fleshy part, soft, thin, repleat with bloud and spirits;* 1.6 endu∣ed with an exquisite sence; something sharp and acute at the end. This is fastened to the prepuce at the lower part, by a certain ligament, which is therefore called the bridle, or the filet, which commonly is broken in the first venereal assaults, which are for the most part the most fu∣rious.

The greatest part of the yard is constituted by two nervous bodies, on both sides one,* 1.7 which terminate both together in the nut. They rise from a twofold original, leaning or resting up∣on

the hip, under the share bone; whence as from a sure foundation they go on till they arrive at the nut of the yard.

They consist of a double substance, the first is nervous,* 1.8 hard and thick; the inner part black, loose, soft, thin and spungy. It is called the Nervous pipe. These two bodies are joyned to∣gether by a certain membrane, thin, yet ner∣vous, which is strengthened by certain over∣thwart fibers, being there placed in the likeness of a weavers shuttle: and though in their origi∣nal they are seperated the one from the other, that there might remain some certain space for the ureter; yet they are joyned together about the middle of the share bone; where they lose about the third part of their nervous substance.

The interiour substance, which is wrapt about by the exteriour nervous substance,* 1.9 hath this worthy observation, that there appears stretch∣ed through the whole length of it, a thin and tender artery, proportionable to the bigness of the body; which is diffused through the whole loose substance of the yard, reaching as far the root of the yard. Besides these two, there is another body which lies between these two, as proper, or rather more peculiar to the yard then they are. This is a pipe placed at the inferiour part of the yard, being called the Vre∣ter, though it be a passage as proper to the seed, as to the urine; which is encompassed by the two fore-mentioned bodies. This is a certain Chan∣nel produced in length, and running through

the middle of those nervous bodies, consisting of the same substance that they do, being loose, thick, soft, and tender; every way equal from the neck of the bladder to the nut of the yard, saving that it is a little wider at the beginning, then it is toward the place where it ends, which is at the head of the glans or nut of the yard.

At the beginning of this Channel there are three holes; one in the middle,* 1.10 and some∣thing bigger then the other two, arising from the neck of the bladder; the other two on both sides one, being something narrower, proceed∣ing from the passage that goes out of the semi∣nary vessels, and conveighs the seed into this channel.

This is further to be noted in this place, that in the channel, where it is joyned to the glans, together with the nervous bodies,* 1.11 there is a little kind of cavern, in which sometimes either putrid seed, or any other corroding humour, as happens in the gonorrhaea, being collected, is the cause of ulcers in that part, the cause of very great pain; and it many times also comes to pass, that there is a certain little piece of flesh which grows out of this ulcer, that oftentimes stops up the passages of the urine.

To the structure of the yard,* 1.12 there do more∣over concur two pair of muscles, one more short and thick, proceeding from a part of the hip, near the beginning of the yard, and being of a fleshy substance. The use of these two muscles, is to sustain the yard in the erection;

and to bend the fore-part of the yard, which is to be inserted into the womb: the other pair is longer, and rises from the sphincter of the fun∣dament, where they are endued with a more fleshy substance, being in length full as long as the yard; under which they are carried down∣ward, ending at the sides of the ureter, about the middle of the yard. Their use is to dilate the ureter, both at the time of making water, and at the time of conjunction; lest it should be stopped up, by the repletion of the nervous bodies, and so stop up the passage of the seed. They are also thought to keep the yard firm, lest it should lean too much to either side, and also to press out the seed out of the prostatae or forestanders.

* 1.13There are vessels also of all sorts in the yard: first of all certain veins appearing in the external parts, and in the cuticle; which branch them∣selves out from the Hypogastrion. In the middle, betwen the space of the fibres, they send out certain branches from the right side, to the left, and from the left, to the right. These veins swelling with a frothy bloud and spirit, erect the yard. There are also certain nerves which scatter themselves from the pith or marrow of the holy bone quite through the yard, bringing with them the cause of that pleasure and delight, which is perceived in the erection of the yard.

CHAP. XV. Of the Action of the Yard.

THe main scope of Nature in the use of the yard, was the injection of seed into the womb of the woman, which injection could not be done, till the seed were first moved; nei∣ther could the seed be moved but by frication of the parts, which could not be done, till it were sheathed in the womb, nor that neither, till the yard were erected.

This distension is caused by repletion; which is caused by the plentie of seed: Secondly, by superfluitie of wind, which if it be too violent, is the cause of priapisme: A Third cause pro∣ceeds from the abundance of urine contained in the bladder. Somtimes the heat of the reines is a cause thereof.

CHAP. XVI. Of the use of the Yard in general.

THe Yard is scituated under the midriff over against the womb. And is also placed be∣tween the thighes, for the greater strengthning of it in the act of copulation; Neither is this the only strength which it hath, for at the lower part it appears more fleshie, which flesh is altogether muscly, for the greater strength thereof. Neither

is it only contented with this Musclie flesh, it ha∣ving too muscles also for the same purpose, on both sides to poise it even in the act of erection; which though they are but little, yet are they exceeding strong.

The figure of the yard is not absolutly round, but broader on the upper side, lest it should be hindered by the convexity of the superior part, in the casting forth of the seed.

Concerning the biggness of the yard, it is by most estemed to be of a just length, when it is ex∣tended the bredth of nine thumbs.

CHAP. XVII. Of the use of the parts constituting the Yard.

THe first thing in the constitution of the yard, that offeres it self to view, is the skin, which is long and loose, by reason that the yard which is sometimes to be extended, & som∣times to fall downe againe, so requires it. The extremity of the skin is so ordered, that it som∣times covers the glans, and somtimes draws back; that whilst it covers the nut of the yard, it may defend the yard from frication, or provoking the motion of the seed.

Moreover this skin in the act of copulation, shuts up the mouth of the womb, and hinders the ingress of the cold air. Concerning the two nervous bodyes, constituting the substance of

the yard; their use is for the vital spirit to run through the thin substance of them, and fill the yard with spirits. Moreover by their thick∣nesse, they doe prevent the two hastie empting and flying out of the spirits, which are to stay in, for the greater and longer erection of the yard.

The use of the Ureter is for the passage of seed and urine through it. The substance of the Ure∣ter is much the same with the two former bo∣dys; the inside being more thin and loose, the outside more nervous and thick; which is so ordained, that it may be more apt to be erected with the yard. It goes forward from the place where it begins, to the end of the spermatick vessels, and the neck of the blader, and the warty forestanders where There arises a thin and tender membrane, which the Chirurgions ought to take a great deale of care least they break, while they thrust their siringes toward those parts; It is endued with an exquisite sense to stir up plea∣sure and venereal desire.

As to tbe substance of the Glans,* 1.14 it is the same with that of the yard; only it is not envelop'd with any nervous body. For this ought to be re∣pleted and increased, but not hardened; lest it should injure the bone of the womb, by rubbing too hard upon it.

The figure of the Glans is such that at the top where it is most acute, it hath a hole for the issuing forth both of seed and Urine, which part coming to the mouth of the wombe, casts

the seed into that concavitie, at which time the neck of the wombe with her overthwart fibres, seems to take hold and embrace the glans; and that it might take the better hold, nature hath framed a round Circle at the bottom of the yard, for that purpose, with a convenient jeting out round about from the body of the yard; by the benefit of which circle, the seed is kept in the womb, and not suffered to flye out. Lastly, the Glans is so constituted, as if all the actions of the yard consisted in the Glans; whether in the act of erection, or copulation; or as to the pleasure which a man perceives that lies all in this place.

SECT. II.

CHAP. I. Of the Genitals of Women.

AT the lower part of the belly appears the pubes, or the region of the hair. Under this place are as it were lips of flesh, which in women that are ripe for man, are clad with hair at the upper part, because of the heat and moisture of the place; and this part is that which is most properly cal∣led the privy member, being the exteriour ori∣fice, into which the yard of the man enters. In the middle it hath a cleft, on both sides of which are two fleshy protuberances, beset with hair, being two soft oblong bodies composed of skin and a spungy kind of flesh.

CHAP. II. Of those parts called Mymphs and Clytoris.

THe Nymphae or wings are a membraine or filmy substance, soft and spungy, and part∣ly

fleshy; they are of a ruddy colour, like the comb of a Cock under his throat; they are two in number, though in the beginning they are joyned together by an acute Angle, where they produce a carneous substance, like the preputi∣um which cloaths the Clytoris. Sometimes these wings so far encrease, that there is many times need of incision; a disease common among the Egyptians.

The Clytoris,* 1.15 is a certain substance in the upper part of the great cleft, where the two wings concur. This in women is the seat of ve∣nereal pleasure: It is like the yard in scituation, substance, composition, and erection, and hath something correspondent both to the prepuce, and to the glans in men. Sometimes it grows out to the bigness of the yard, so that it hath been observed, to grow out of the body the breadth of four fingers.

This Clytoris consists of two spungie and si∣newy bodies, having a distinct original, from the bone of the pubes. The head of this is covered with a most tender skin, and hath a hole like the glans, though not quite through, in which, and in the bigness it differs only from the yard.

CHAP. IV. Of the fleshie knobs, and the greater neck of the womb.

PRresently behinde the wings, before we go far inward in the middle of the cleft, there do appear four knobs of flesh, being placed in a quadrangular form one against the other; they are said to resemble Myrtle berries in form. In this place is inserted the orifice of the bladder, which opens it self into the fissure, to cast forth the Urine into the common channel. Now lest any cold air or dust, or any such thing should enter into the bladder after the voiding of the Urine, one of these knobs is seated so, that it shuts the urinary passage. The second is right opposite to the first, the other two collateral. They are round in virgins, but they hang flag∣ing when virginity is lost.

The lipps of the womb being gently separa∣ted, the neck of the womb is to be seen,* 1.16 in which two things are to be observed; the neck it selfe, or the Channel, and the Hymen, which is there placed: by the neck of the womb, is understood the Channel, which is between the said knobs, and the inner bone of the womb; which re∣ceives the yard like a sheath; the substance* 1.17 of it is sinewie, and a little spungie, that it may be dilated; In this concavitie there are certaine folds or orbicular pleights; these are made by

a certain tunicle, so wrinkled, as if a man should fold the skin with his fingers. In virgins they are plaine; in women with often copula∣tion, they are oftentimes worn out, sometimes they are wholy worn out, & the inner side of the neck appeares smooth, as it happens to whores; and women that have often brought forth, or have bin over troubled with their fluxes. In old women it becomes more hard and grisly. Now though this channel be somthing writhed and crooked when it falls and sinkes downe, yet in time of the flowers and copulation, or in time of travel it is erected and extended, and this over-great extension in women that bring forth, is the cause of that great pain in child-bed.

CHAP. V. Of the Hymen.

THe Hymen* 1.18 is a membrane not altogether without blood, neither so tender as the rest, but more ruddie, and scattered up and downe with little veins, & in a circular form; it is placed overthwart, and shuts up the cavity of the neck of the womb. In the middle it hath a little hole, through which the menses are voided. This at the first time of copulation is broken, which causes some pain, and gushing forth of some quantity of blood; which is an evident sign of virginitie; for if the blood do not flow, there is a suspition of a former deflowring.

CHAP. VI. Of the vessels that run through the neck of the womb.

BEtween the Duplicitie of the two tunicles, that constitute the neck of the womb, there are many veines and arteries that run a long; arising from those vessels, that descend on both sides to the thighs, and are inserted into the side of the neck of the womb: the great quantity and bigness of them deserves admira∣tion;* 1.19 for they are much bigger then the nature and openness of the place seems to require.

The cause of this is two fold; first because it being requisite for the neck of the bladder to be fil'd with abundance of spirits, & to be extended and dilated for the better taking hold of the yard; there is required a great heat for these kind of motions, which growing more intense by the act of frication, doth consume a great quantitie of moisture, so that great vessels are requisite, and onely able to make that continual supply that is needfull.

There is another cause of the longness of these vessels, which is this; because that the monthly purgations are poured through those veines; for the flowers must not come onely out of the womb, but out of the neck of the womb also: whence it happens,* 1.20 that women with child do somtimes continue their purgations, because that

though the wombe be shut up, yet the passages in the neck of the womb are open.

* 1.21This is also further to be noted in the neck of the womb, that as soone as ever your sight is entered within the female fissure, there do appeare to the view, two certaine little holes, or pits, where in is contained a serous humor; which being pressed out in the act of copulation, doe not a little add to the pleasure thereof.

This is the humor with which women doe moisten the top of a mans yard; not the seed but a humor proper to the place, voided out by the womb.

CHAP. VII. Of the fabrick of the womb.

TO the neck of the womb, the wombe it self is adjoyned, in the lower part of the Hypo∣gastrion, where the Hips are widest and broa∣dest; which are greater and broader there∣abouts then those of men; which is the reason also that they have broader buttockes then men have.

The womb* 1.22 is placed between the bladder and the straight Gut; being joyned to the bladder and leaning upon the streight Gut; where it lies as between two cushions; this situation of the wombe was fittest, that so it might have libertie to be stretched or contracted, according to the biggness of the fruit contained in it.

The figure* 1.23 of the wombe is round, and not unlike a Gourd that lessens and growes more acute at the one end; the bottome of the womb is knit together by Ligaments of its own, which are peculiar. The neck of the womb is joyned by its own substance, and by certaine membranes to the share bone and the sacred bone.

As to the bigness* 1.24 of it, that varies according to the age, constitution of the body, and use of venerie. For it is much greater in women that have brought forth, then in those that are with child, and after the birth, for the most part it exceeds the bigness of the bladder; but in vir∣gins it is for the most part equal to the blad∣der.

It is of a substance so thick as that it exceeds a thumbs bredth in thickness, which after con∣ception is so far from decreasing, that it increases still to a greater bulk and proportion.

This substance the more to confirme it, is in∣terweaved with all manner of fibres,* 1.25 streight, ob∣lique, and overthwart.

The Vessels of the womb are Veins,* 1.26 Arteries, and Nerves.

There are two little veines which are carried from the spermatick vessels to the bottom of the wombe; and two greater from the Hypo∣gastricks, which go not onely to the bottom, but to the neck. The mouth of these veines pierce as farr as the inward concavitie; in which place the extremities of them are called Aceta∣bula;

which in the time of the flowers, gape and open themselves by reason of the great plenty and stream of bloud, that powres it selfe from thence; and therefore they are at that time most conspicuous; In women with Child, that which is called the Liver of the wombe, is joyned to them, that it might draw blood for the nou∣rishment of the child; at which time these veins doe so swell, but especially in the time of neer deliverie, that they are as bigg as the Emulgent veines, or at least half as thick as the Hollow veines.

It hath two Arteries* 1.27 on both sides, the Sper∣matick, and the Hypogastrick, which every where doe accompany the veines.

The womb hath also divers little Nerves knit together in forme of a net, which are carried not only to the interior part of the bot∣tom of the womb, but also to the neck, and as far as the privities themselves; and that cheif∣ly for sence and pleasure; for which cause there is a great sympathy between the womb and the head.

This is also further to be noted,* 1.28 that the womb in its situation is not fixed and immoveable, but moveable, by reason of two ligaments which hang on both sides, from the share bone, and piercing through the Peritonaeum; are joyned to the bone it self, so that it somtimes happens that through those holes of the Peritonaeum, which give passage to these ligaments being loosned, either the Omentum or Call, or the

Entrailes, doe swell outwardly, and cause the burstness either of the Caule, or of the Guts, and sometimes it happens by reason of the loosnes of those ligaments, that the womb is moved with such a force, that it falls down; and in the act of Copulation is moved up and downe; somtimes it moves upward, that some women doe affirme that it ascends as high as their stomach. Now though the womb be one continued body, yet is it divided into the mouth, and the bottom.

The bottom of the womb is called all that which by still assending stretches it self from the internal orifice to the end; being narrow to∣ward the Mouth, but dilating it self by little and little, till it come at the entrailes.

The mouth of the womb, is that narrowness between the neck and the bottom; it is an ob∣long and transverse Orifice; but where it opens it selfe, orbicular, and round, the Circumference very thick and of an exquisite feeling; and if this mouth be out of order, and be troubled with schirrus, brawn or over-fatness; over-moisture, or relaxation, it is the cause of barrenness. In those that are big with child, there uses to stick to this orifice; a thick viscous glutinous matter, that the parts moistened may be the more easily opened. For in the deliverie, this mouth is opened after a very strange and miraculous manner, so that according to the bigness of the birth, it suffers an equal dilatation, from the bottom of the womb to the privy member.

CHAP. VI. Of the preparing vessels in women.

THe spermatick preparing vessels,* 1.29 are two veins and two arteries, differing not at all from those of men, either in their number, ori∣ginal, action, or use, but only in their bigness and the manner of their insertion. For as to their number, there are so many veins, and so many arteries, as in men. They arise also from the same place as in men, that is to say, the right, from the trunk of the hollow vein descending; the left, from the left Emulgent.

There are two arteries* 1.30 also, on both sides one, which grows from the Aorta; these both bring vital bloud for the work of generation.

As to the Longitude and Latitude of these vessels, they are narrower and shorter in wo∣men, only where they are wrinkled, they are much more wreathed and contorted then in men; for the way being shorter in women then in men, nature required that for stretching out of these vessels, that they should be more wrink∣led and crankled then in men, that the bloud might stay there in greater quantity, for the preparation of the seed.

These vessels* 1.31 in women are carried with an oblique course through the small guts to the stones, being wrapt up in fatter membranes; but in the mid-way they are divided into two

branches whereof the greater branch goes to the stone, constituting the varicous or winding body, and those wonderful inoculations: the lesser branch ends in the womb; in the sides of which it is scattered up and down, and chiefly at the higher part of the bottome of the womb, for nourishment of the womb and of the birth; and that some part of the flowers may be pur∣ged out through those vessels: Now because the stones of women are seated near the womb, for that cause these vessels fall not from the pe∣ritoneum, neither make they such passages as in men, neither reach they to the share bone.

CHAP. VII. Of the Stones in Women.

THe stones of women, although they do perform the same actions, and are for the same use as mens, yet they differ from them in scituation,* 1.32 substance, temperament, figure, mag∣nitude, and in their covering.

They are seated in the hollowness of the Ab∣domen; neither do they hang out as in men, but they rest upon the muscles of the Loynes; and this for that cause that they might be more hot and fruitful; being to elaborate that matter, which with the seed of man engenders man.

In this place arises a question, not trivial;* 1.33 whether the seed of woman be the efficient, or

the material cause of generation? to which it is answered, that though it have a power of act∣ing, yet that it receives the perfection of that power from the seed of man.

The stones of women differ from mens also, as to their figure,* 1.34 because they are not so round and oval as those of men, being in their fore and hinder part more depressed and broad; the ex∣ternal superficies being more unequal, as if a great many knots and kernels were mixed toge∣ther. There is also another difference, as to the subject, because they are softer and moister then those of men, being more loose and ill compacted.

* 1.35Their magnitude and temperament do also make a difference, for the stones of women are much colder and lesser then mens; which is the rea∣son that they beget a more thin and watry seed.

Their coverings also do make a difference, for mens are wrapt up in divers tunicles, because being pendent outward, they were otherwise more subject to external injuries; but the stones of women have but one tunicle, which though it stick very close to them, yet are they also half cloth'd over with the Peritoneum.

CHAP. VIII. Of the deferent or ejaculatory vessels.

THe deferent vessels are two blind passages, on both sides one, nothing differing in sub∣stance from the spermatick veines. They rise in one part from the bottom of the womb, neither doe they reach from their other extremitie, either to the stone or to any other part, but are shut up, and unpassable, adhering to the womb, just as the the blind gut adheres to the Colon; but winding halfe way about the stones, are every waies remote from them, no where touching them, onely are tied to them with cer∣taine membranes, not unlike the winges of Bats, through which certaine veines and arte∣ries, being produced from the stones, doe run; and end in these passages: where they begin, at the bottom of the womb, they are hollow and large, but as they proceed further on, they grow narrower, till near their end they do again obtain a larger bigness; these two passages thus running from the corners of the womb, to the stones, are taken only to be certaine liga∣ments, by which the stones and the womb are strongly knit together; and these ligaments in women, are the same things with the Crema∣steres in men.

CHAP. IX. Of the Actions and Uses of the Genital parts in Women.

IN the privie part are seen, the Pubes, the mountaines of veins, the two lipps, the Orifice, under which the two wings lye hid the little knobs of flesh, resembling myrtle ber∣ries, the passages of the Urin and the Cly∣tories.

As for the pubes and the Mountains of Venus, they serve for this use, that the great Orifice might be the better shut, and to avoyd compres∣sion in copulation; for which cause they are be∣set with haire, and are covered with a hard kind of fat; the great orifice receives the yard, and gives passage to the Urine and the birth. The use of the wings, or knobs of flesh, like Myrtle berries, are for the defence of the internall parts, shutting the orifice of the neck, least cold aire, dust, or any other annoyances, should hurt it, from without; and while they swell up, they cause titillation and desire in those parts. Lastly, the passages of the Urine being shut up by the knobs of flesh resembling myrtle berries, hinders the unvoluntarie passage of the Urine.

CHAP. X. Of the action of the Clytoris.

THe action of the Clytoris is like that of the yard, which is erection; which erection is for the motion and attraction of the seed.

CHAP. XI. Of the action and use of the neck of the womb.

THe action of the neck of the womb, is the same with that of the yard; that is to say, erection, which is occasioned divers ways. First, all this passage is erected and made streight, for the better conveyance of the yard to the womb. Then while the whole passage is erected, it is re∣pleated with spirit and vital bloud, whereby it becomes narrower for the more streight em∣bracing of the yard.

The causes of this erection are, first, because if the womb were not erected, the yard could not have a convenient passage into the womb; secondly, it would hinder convenient affricati∣on, without which the seed could not be drawn forth. Lastly, it hinders any hurt or damage which might be done by the violent force of the yard.

CHAP. XII. Of the uses of the vessels running through the neck of the womb.

FIrst, it is required that there should be a con∣currence of divers veins and arteries, for the nourishment of that part; and though that part it self being full of membranes does not require much nourishment, yet by reason that it is to suffer erection, that could not be done but by bloud and spirits, which are contained in these vessels; besides, although the fubstance of this part be of a cold temperament, being notwith∣standing still heated by the act of copulation, that heat would soon consume a slender nou∣rishment, which nature hath supplied by the concourse of these vessels. Another cause of the plenty of these veins, is nourishment of the birth, and the exclusion of the flowers.

CHAP. XIII. Of the actions of the womb.

THe first use of the womb is to attract the seed, by a familiar sympathy, just as the load-stone draws iron.

The second use is to retain it, which is pro∣perly called conception.

The third is to cherish the seed thus attracted,

to altar it, and change it into the birth, by rai∣sing up that power which before lay sleeping in the seed, and to reduce it from power into act: The fourth action of the womb is to send forth the birth at the time prefixed; the apt time of ex∣pulsion, is when the expulsive faculty begins to be affected with some sence of trouble, that is when the birth afflicts and oppresses the womb with its own weight.

Besides these uses, it hath these moreover to nourish the birth, and to dilate it self, which it doth by the help of veins and arteries, which do fill more and more with matter, as nature requires.

The chiefest action of the womb and most proper to it,* 1.36 is the retention of the seed; with∣out which, nothing of other action could be per∣formed for the generation of man.

CHAP. XIV. Of the utility of the womb.

FIrst, it is the most fit place for copulation, as being in a place furthest removed from the senses, near which it were not fit to be, by reason of the inconveniencies which would ne∣cessarily arise.

It is most fit to receive the birth, as being hollow, in which concavity the birth may in∣crease to its full proportion every way.

It is most fit for the exclusion of the birth,

as being placed downward, whereby the birth might help its self with its own weight; and also by reason of the muscles of the Abdomen, which serve for compression, and do help the endea∣vours of the mother.

CHAP. XV. Of the Utility of the preparing vessels in women.

THe Utilities of these vessels are taken, first, from their original, and from their inser∣tion, the right vein rising from the hollow, and the left from the emulgent, as in men, that the more hot and purer bloud might come from the right vein, for the procreation of males, and the more serous and watry bloud from the E∣mulgent, for the generation of women.

The vessels also in women are shorter then in men, because the way is not so far to the stones; which brevity of the vessels is lengthened out by the many turnings and windings with which those vessels are endued. In the middle way those vessels divide themselves like a fork, the greater part going to the stones, carrying the matter for seed; the lesser is carried to the womb, where it scatters it self all along the sides of it, for the Nutrition of the womb.

As for the Arteries, they afford the bloud which is more full of spirits to perfect the seed.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Utility of the stones.

THe use of the stones in women, is the same as in men; that is to say, to prepare the seed, and to make it fit for procreation. They are seated within, that they should not want a continual heat, to cherish them; for the mat∣ter of the seed being colder in men then in wo∣men, it requires a greater heat, which it would of necessity want, were the stones placed out∣ward, like those of men; and for that cause are they covered only with one tunicle, that the heat of those parts may more easily pass to them. And therefore the stones of women, are softer then those of men, because they should not perfect so substantial a seed; and that the heat of the adjacent parts should not be wholly taken up in the cherishing of them.

Their figure is not exactly round,* 1.37 but depres∣sed, that the little Meanders of the veins disper∣sed through the membrane, from the stones to the deferent vessels, might have more roome to be inserted for the attraction of the seed, out of the whole substance of the stone. The inequality and ruggedness of them makes for the longer stay of the seed in those crooked and winding vessels.

SECT. III.

CHAP. I. Of the signes of Conception.

* 1.38HAving thus shewed you the Anatomy and use of the parts, it will be requi∣site to discourse of the conception it self, which is the main and chief end of these vessels: And first of the signs of con∣ception.

The signes of conception on the mothers side, are certaine and apparent; first, if after she hath had the company of her husband, she hath recei∣ved more content then ordinary.

Pains in the head, vertigo, dimness of the eys; all these concurring together, portend concep∣tion; the apples of the eyes decrease, the eyes themselves swell and become of a dark colour, the veins of the eyes wax red, and swell with blood, the eyes sink, the eye-brows grow loose, various colours appear in the eyes, little red pimples rise in the face, the veines between the nose and the eyes swell with blood, and are seen more plain; the vein under the tongue looks gree∣nish,

the neck is hot, the back-bone cold, the veins and arteries swell, and the pulses are obser∣ved more easily; the veins in the breast first look of a black colour, but afterward turn yellowish, the teats looke red; if she drink cold drinke, she feeles the cold in her breast, she loaths her meat and drinke, she hath divers longings, but her naturall appetite is destroyed: continual vo∣mitings follow, and weakness of the stomach, sower belches, wormes about her navel, faintness of the loynes, the lower part of her belly swell∣ing, inward griping of the body, the retention of the seed seaven dayes after the act of copula∣tion; after which act there is a cold and trem∣bling, which seizes the external members; the attractive force of the womb increases, the womb dries up. It is also a certain sign of con∣ception if the Midwife touching with her finger the interiour neck of the womb, shall find it ex∣actly closed, so that the point of a needle will not go between: the womb waxeth round and swels, the flowers cease to flow, for the veins through which they come down, carry the bloud to the nourishment of the birth; the thighs swell with some pain, the whole body grows weak, and the face waxes pale; the Ex∣crements proceed slower out of the body: the Urine is white, a little cloud swimming at the top, and many atoms appear in the Urine. Take the Urine of a woman and shut it up three days in a glass, if she have conceived, at the end of three days there will appear in the Urine certain

live things, to creep up and down. Take also the Urine of a woman, and put it in a bason a whole night together, with a clean and bright needle in it, if the woman have conceived, the needle will be scattered full of red speckles, but if not, it will be black and rustie.

CHAP. II. Whether she have conceived a Male.

* 1.39IF she have conceived a male childe, the right eye will move swifter, and look clea∣rer then the left. The right pap will also rise and swell beyond the left, and grow harder, and the colour of the teats will change more suddain∣ly. The milk will increase more suddainly, and if it be milked out and be set in the Sun, it will harden into a clear mass, not unlike pearl. If you cast the Milk of the woman upon her Urine, it will presently sink to the bottom. Her right cheek is more muddy, and the whole colour of her face is more cheerful; she feels less numness: The first motion of the child is felt more lively in the right side for the most part upon the six∣tieth day. If her flowers flow the fourtieth day after conception. The belly is more acute to∣ward the navel. As the woman goes she always puts her right leg forward, and in rising she eases all she can her right side sooner then her left.

CHAP. III. Whether she have conceived a Female.

IF she have conceived a Female* 1.40 the signs are for the most part contrary to those afore∣said.

The first motion is made most commonly the nintieth day after conception, which motion is made in the left side; Females are carried with greater pain, her thighs and Genital members swell; her colour is paler, she hath a more ve∣hement longing. Her flowers flow the thir∣tieth day after conception. Girles are begot of parents who are by nature more cold and moist, their seed being more moist, cold and liquid.

CHAP. IV. Of the Conception of Twins.

IF a woman have conceived twins,* 1.41 the signes thereof appears not till the third or fourth moneth after her conception; and then it will appear by the motion of the Infant, and by the extraordinarie swelling of her belly. As to the motion, it is plaine that she doth beare twins if she perceive a motion on the right and left side at the same instant, which she perceives more quick and violent. As for the greatness of the belly, if the woman perceive it bigger then at

any other times of her being with child, as also if the two flanks be swelled higher then the mid∣dle of the belly; if there doe appeare, as it were, a line of devision from the navel to the groine, making a kind of channel all a long; if the woman carrie her burden with more then ordinary paine: These are commonly the signes of twins.

CHAP. V. Of false Conception.

* 1.42VVOmen doe oftentimes deceive them∣selves concerning their conception; for they doe many times beleive themselves to be big with child, when it is nothing else but ei∣ther the retention of their flowers, which doe not fall down according to their accustomed periods of time, or else that which is called the Moon-calfe, which is a lump of flesh, for the most part like the guisern of a bird, greater or lesser, according to the time of its being there, which is most commonly not above foure or five months.

* 1.43Of moles there are two sorts; the one is called the true mole, the other is called the false mole. The true mole is a fleshie body, filled with many vessels, which have many white, green, or black lines, or membranes; it is without thought, with∣out motion, without bones, without bowels, or entrailes; receiving its nourishment through

certaine veines; it lives the life of a plant, with∣out any figure or order being engendered in the concavitie of the matrix, adhearing to the sides of it, but borrowing nothing of its substance.

Of the false mole* 1.44 there are four sorts, the windie mole, which is a conflux of wind; the watrie mole, which is a conflux of watrie hu∣mours; the Humorous mole, which is a conflux of various humours; the Membranous mole, which is a thin bag filled with blood. All these four are contained in the concavity of the womb.

These moles* 1.45 are somtimes engendered with the Infant, though they do oftentimes cause the Infant to die, either because it doth deprive the Infant of that nourishment, which goes from the infant to the encrease of that, or else because it hinders the growth and perfection of the Infant. The cause of the fleshy mole doth not always proceed from the mother, for the man doth often contribute to the encrease of it, when the seed of the man is weak, imperfect and barren, or though it be good, if there be too small a quantity of it, which after it is mingled with the seed of the woman, is chok'd by the menstrual bloud, and so not being sufficient for the gene∣ration of the Infant, instead thereof produces this little mass of flesh, which by little and lit∣tle grows bigger, being wrapt about in a caule, while nature strives to engender any thing ra∣ther then to be idle.

It happens also when the woman during her

monethly purgations receives the company of her husband, her body being not yet purged and void; or else when the woman lies with a great desire and lust with her husband, after she hath conceived, or when she hath retained her monethly courses beyond her time.

The windy mole,* 1.46 is engendered by the weak heat of the matrix, and the parts adjoyning, as the liver and the spleen, which engender a quan∣tity of winde, which fix in the concavity of the matrix.

The watry Mole,* 1.47 is engendered of many con∣fluences of water, which the womb receives, either from the speen, or the liver, or the parts adjoyning, or else from the weakness of the li∣ver which cannot assimulate the bloud which is sent thither, for the nourishment of the thing contained in it; part whereof turns into water, which cannot be voided, but remains in the womb.

That which is called the Humorous mole, is engendered of many moist humours, serosities, or the whites, or certain watry purgations, which sweat forth from the menstruous veins, and are contained in the concavity of the ma∣trix.

The Membranous mole,* 1.48 is a skin or bag, which is garnished with many white and transpa∣rent vessels, filled up with bloud: This being cast into the water, the bloud goes out, and the membrane is seen only to gather like a heap of clotted seed.

False Conception hath many signes,* 1.49 com∣mon with the true conception; as the supres∣sion of the flowers, depraved appetite, vomit∣ings, swelling of the belly, and of the breasts; so that it is a hard thing to distinguish the one from the other: only these that follow are more properly the signs of false, then true concepti∣on. For in false conception, the face is or∣dinarily puffed up, the breasts, that at the first were swollen, afterwards become every day more then other softer and lanker, and without milk. In fine, the face, the breast, the arms, the thighs and groynes grow lank and meager: The belly waxes hard, as happens to those who are troubled with the Dropsie, and almost of an equal roundness; with many prick∣ing pains, at the bottom of the belly, which have scarce any intermission; which is the cause that they can hardly sleep, being encombered with a heavy and dead burthen. It may be known also by other signs, for in the con∣ception the Male Infant begins to move at the beginning of the third moneth, for the most part, and the female at the beginning of the third or fourth moneth, now where any moti∣on happens, the woman ought to observe whe∣ther she have any milk in her breasts or no, if she have milk in her breasts, it is a sign of true conception, if she have not, it is a sign of a false one. Besides, in true conception, the mother shall perceive her child to move on all sides, of∣tner though to the right flank then to the left,

sometimes up, sometimes down, without any assistance; but in false conception, although there be a kind of motion, which is not enliven'd that proceeds from the expulsive faculty of the mother, and not from the mole. The mother shall also perceive it to tumble always on that side she lies, not having any power to su∣stain it self; beside as she lies on her back, if any one do push gently downward the burthen of her belly, she shall perceive it to lie and rest in the place where it was pushed, without re∣turning thither: Beside that which will confirm it more, is, when after the end of nine moneths the woman shall not come to her travel, but that her belly still swels and is puffed up more and more, all the rest of the parts of the body growing thin and meager, this is a sign of a mole, notwithstanding that many women have been known to go ten or eleven moneths before their delivery.

The signs of the windy mole are these, when the belly is equally stretched and swelled up like a bladder, more soft then when it bears the fleshie mole, and especially near the groynes, and small of the belly; if it be struck on, it sounds like a drum; sometime the swelling decreases, but by and by it swels more and more; the wo∣man feels her self more light, it is engendered and encreases swifter then the fleshie mole, or the watry, and it makes such a dissention of the belly, as if one were tearing it a sunder: For the watery and humorous mole, the signs are

almost the same; the belly increases and swels by little and little, as the woman lies upon her back, the sides of her belly are more swelled and distended then the middle, or the bottom of the belly, which grows flatter then, by rea∣son that the water and the humours fall down to the sides of the belly, moving up and down on the belly, as if there were a fluctuati∣on of water there.

This distinction is more to be observed in the watry mole, that the flank and thighs are more stretched and swollen then the humoral, because that the waters flow thither oftentimes, and that which comes forth through natures conduite, is as clear as rock water, without any ill savour: but that which flows out in the humoral distem∣per is more red, like water wherein flesh hath been washed, and is of an ill savour. This is al∣so to be marked in false conception, that the flowers never come down, and the navel of the mother advances it self little or nothing, both which happen in true conception.

There are besides these above written, cer∣tain other tumours which the women do take for moles. These occasion a rotundity and swelling in the belly, which are not discovered till the woman be opened, and then there doth appear, though the body of the womb be clean and neat, without any thing contained in it, at one or both corners of the womb, a quantity of water, contained as it were in little bags; in others are to be seen a heap of kernels and su∣perfluous

flesh clustered up together in the womb, which cause it to swell. Yet in these women it hath been observed, that their pur∣gations have been very regular, which hath been a sign that the womb it self hath been in good temper.

There is also another excrescency of flesh, which may be termed a pendent mole,* 1.50 which is a piece of flesh, hanging within the inner neck of the womb, which at the place where it is fa∣stened, is about a fingers breadth, still increasing bigger and bigger toward the bottom like a little bell: This flesh hanging in the interior neck of the womb, possesses the whole orifice of the privy member, sometimes appearing outward, as big as the fist, as hath been observed in some women. Of the cures of all these we shall treat in due place.

CHAP. VI. How women with childe ought to go∣vern themselves.

IN the first place she ought to chuse a tempe∣rate and wholsome air, neither too hot nor too cold, nor in a watry and damp place, nor too subject to fogs or winds, especially the South winde, which is a great enemy to women with childe, causing oft times abortion in them. The North winde is also hurtful, engendring Rhumes and Catarrhs and Coughs, which do of∣ten

force a woman to lie down before her time. Likewise the winds which carry with them evil odours and vapours, for these being sucked with the air into the Lungs, are the cause of divers diseases.

For her diet* 1.51 she ought to chuse meat that breeds good and wholsome nourishment, and which breeds good juice, such are meats that are mode∣rately drie, the quantity ought to be sufficient, both for themselves, and for their children, and therefore they are to fast as little as may be, for abstinence unless upon good occasion renders the child sickly, and tender, and constrains it to be born before its time, to seek for nourishment, as the over-much diet stuffs it up, or renders it so big, that it can hardly keep its place.

All meats too cold, too hot, and too moist, are to be avoided, as also the use of salads and spiced meats; and the too much use of salt meats, are also forbidden, which will make the childe to be born without nails, a sign of short life. Her bread ought to be good wheat, well baked and levened. Her meats ought to be Pigeons, Tur∣tles, Phesants, Larks, Partrige, Veal, and Mutton. For herbs she may use Lettice, Endive, Bugloss, and Burrage, abstaining from raw Salads: for her last course she may be permitted to eat Pears, Marmalad, as also Cherries and Damsons; she must avoid all meats that are diuretick, and provoke urine, or the termes, and such meats as are windy, as Pease, and Beans.* 1.52 Yet because there are some women that have such depraved

stomachs, by reason of a certain salt and sower humor contained in the membranes of the sto∣mach, as that they will eat coles, chalke, ashes, cinders, and such like trash, so that it is impos∣sible to hinder them; to such therefore we can only say thus much, that they ought to forbear as much as in them lies, assuring them that such trash does not only endanger their own health, but the health of the childe. Yet if they cannot command that depraved appetite, let them so provide, though it be by giving some small satis∣faction to their depraved longings, that they do not hasten any further inconvenience; for though those strange meats be very contrary to nature, yet the strange desire that they have to them, does not a little avail to the disgestion of them. For her drink, let it be small Ale, though now and then a cup of pure wine does not amiss, to comfort the stomach and the parts dedicated to generation.

Her time of sleep* 1.53 is best in the night, for the concoction of those meates which she hath eate in the day time: she must avoid, by all meanes, the sleeping after dinner; she may sleep full out nine houres; her sleeping beyond that time is prejudiciall.

She may exercise* 1.54 her self moderately, for vio∣lent exercise loosens the Cotyledons, through which the Infant receives his nourishment: the riding in coaches is forbid especially, for the last three months.

She ought to avoyd great noises,* 1.55 as the noise of Guns, or great bels.

Laughing, crying, if it be immoderate, is ex∣tremely hurtfull, as also immoderate anger.

In the first four moneths she ought not to lye with her husband, for that shakes and moves the fruite of her womb, and causes the flowers to descend; she must also abstain in the sixth and eight; but in the seventh and ninth it is not de∣nyed, and is thought to facilitate the delivery.

She ought also to keep her body soluble, which if it should come of it self, she must take loosing syrups to help nature; Assoon as ever they perceive themselves to be with child, they must lay a side their busks, and not straighten themselves any way, for feare of hurting the fruit of their womb, by not giving it its full liber∣tie of growth.

CHAP. VII. How women ought to govern themselves, in the time of their going with childe.

FIrst, that her breasts,* 1.56 after her delivery, may not grow bigge, and swell over-much; as also to a void the danger of two much blood, which being converted into milke, may chance to curd and breed some disease in the breast: Therefore as soon as she perceives her selfe

with child, let her cary about her neck, a small neck-lace of gold, though some do more esteem of a neck-lace of steel, or a little ingot of steel, to hang between the two breasts: you may also fo∣ment the breasts a quarter of an hour every morning, with the distilled waters of sage, perwincle, or ground-Ivy, making them first luke warme: when the third or fourth moneth of her time is come,* 1.57 and that she perceives the Infant begin to move, about which time the belly be∣gins to swell, and to grow big, she may swathe it with a linen swath-band, which she may anoint with some convenient pommatum; this keeps the belly smooth, and from wrinkles, and from hanging down like a tripe.

She may use this liniment, or Pommatum.

℞ the gall of a kidd, and of a sow, of each ℥iij. capon greass and goose greass of each an ounce and an halfe; cut these into little peices, and melt them in an earthen dish, putting therto as much water as will suffice to keep them from burning; then straine it through a linen cloath, and afterwards having washed it in faire water, untill it be very white, add to it of the marrow of a redd deare, about an ounce, then wash it againe in rose water, or some other water of a good sent, and anoint the swath-band there∣with.

Or this,

℞. of the grease of a dog, and the fat of mut∣ton, which is about the kidnyes, of each two ounces; the fat of a whale, about an ounce; oyle of sweet Almonds, about an ounce and a halfe; prepare the greases as above-said, then mingle them with the other things, and wash them in rose water, as before.

Some women that are loath to grease their bel∣lyes with these oyntments, doe carry the skin of a dog, or else the outward and thin pilling of a sheeps skin; take the skin of a dog ready drest, for the making of gloves; wash it a good many times in faire water first, and afterward in rose water, then drye it in the shade, and moisten it in the foresaid oyles.

Take this one more Liniment.

℞. a quarter of a pound of fresh butter, well washed in faire Water; of rose water, and of oyle of sweet Almonds, an ounce; of the seed of a a Whale, half an ounce; melt these altoge∣ther, and anoint the belly. These oyntments are to be kept in a Galley-pot, covered over with rose water.

The woman having attained the ninth moneth of her time, and still continuing these oynt∣ments, she may now begin to use more exercise, walking gently before dinner, for the first twelve or fifteen dayes of that moneth; after∣wards

she may use a more strong exercise, that is for the eight or ten next dayes. In the first days of this moneth it might not be unprofitable to be bathed in the following decoction, for the space of a quarter of an houre, and being after∣wards put to bed, to let her selfe be well rubbed, and afterwards anoynted with some good oynt∣ment all about the navill, along the Os sacrum, and the bone of the small guts, and all about her hips and thighs.

You may use this Bath.

℞ of Mallows, marsh-mallows, mother-wort, of each two handfuls; roots of Lillies, three ounces, of Camomil and Melilot flowers, of each a good handful; the seed of Line, Quin∣ces, and Fenugreek, of each an ounce; boyl all these in fair water to make a decoction, and for a half bath.

You may use this Oyntment.

℞ Hens grease, three ounces, the grease of a Duck, an ounce and an halfe, oyle of Linseed, an ounce and an half, fresh butter, two ounces; melt all these together, and then wash them well, either in pellitorie water, or in the water of mugwort, adding thereto two ounces of the muscilage of Marsh-mallows.

If the woman all her time doe complaine, that she feels little or no motion of the child, let

her carry upon her navel this following quilt, which will give strength to the Infant.

℞ powder of Roses, red Corral, Gillow-flowers, of each three ounces and an half, seed of Angelica, two drams, Mastick, a dram and an half, Ambergrease, two grains, Musk, one grain; put all these in a sack of fine Linen, and quilt them together for the use aforesaid. Thus much is to be observed by women with childe, that are in health, and have no other diseases hanging upon them: but of the other diseases incident to women with childe, we shall take a time hereafter to treat.

SECT. IV. Of the formation of the childe in the womb.

CHAP. I. Of the mixture of the seed of both Sexes, as also of its substance and form.

AFter that the womb, which is the Ge∣nital member of the Female Sex, hath received the seed of the Man, she commixes also her own seed, so that there is now but one mixture made, of the seed of both sexes.

Now of the next matter of the birth, there is a difference among the learned, which being unnecessary for this place, we shall let go, and stick close to them, who affirm, that the seeds of both sexes, being confused in the womb, doth make up the first matter of the birth; so that if there were not a mixture of both seeds, it were impossible that any generation could be. Yet though there be of necessity a confusion of

both seeds, we deny not but that their qualities are different, for the seed of a man, exceeds the seed of a woman, both in thickness and heat, which is more cold and moist, and therefore more watry. Yet though they differ thus in quality, it is not to be denied, but that the seed of the woman, gives a mutual assistance to the seed of man, in the work of generation.

But it being unquestionable, that the menstru∣ous bloud is the matter of the womans seed, ther∣fore that ye may know the original of it, it is to be understood, that the Menstruous blood,* 1.58 is no∣thing els but an excrement of the third concocti∣on, gathered together every moneth, and purged out: Which purgation being duly made, the woman is then in perfect health of body; but if they come not down according to their accu∣stomed times, and seasons, or do not come down at all, the woman neither can conceive, nor engender.

Thus the seeds of both sexes meeting in the womb, and there mixing together, they are presently enclosed in a little Tunicle, begot by the heat of the womb, and are there as it were, coagulated and curdled together.

CHAP. II. Of the three tunicles which the birth is wrapt in, in the womb.

FIrst, out of the extreme superficies of the seed, by reason of the more watrie moisture of the womans seed, a thin membrane is genera∣ted, which by reason of its moist qualitie, is dilated farther, being at first transparent, but after the birth comes forth, folded up together, and is called the secondines.

But of the superfluous moisture of these two tunicles, are begot two other tunicles, which defend the infant from being cloged with any superfluities, as from the flowers retained, after conception, which serve neither for the nourish∣ment, nor for the increase of the infant. Yet are they retained till the very time of the birth, at which time they are either let out, by the hand of the Midwife, or else bursting the secon∣dine, wherein they are contained, they flow out of themselves.

The second tunicle is that which was ancient∣ly called Allancoides, wrapping about all the inferior parts, from the navel downward; this is full of folds and wrinkles; in which the urine, sweat, and other sharp humours, that distill from the infant, almost grown to maturity, are con∣tained and kept to the time of delivery.

By this second tunicle therefore the infant is delivered, and defended from those humours, least they should either corrode, and hurt the tender skin of the Infant, or else any way defile and foul the Infant.

The third tunicle, with in all these, compasses the whole birth round about, defending it from all sharp exterior humours, being very soft and tender.

CHAP. III. Of the true generation of the parts, and the increase of them, according to the several dayes and seasons.

AFter the womb hath received the Genital seed, and by its heat hath shut them both up, curdled and coagulated together, from the first to the seventh day are generated many fibres, bred by a hot motion, in which not long after, the liver, with its chief Organs, is first formed. Through which Organs, the vital spi∣rit being sent to the seed, within the tenth day forms, and distinguishes the chiefest members. This spirit is let in through certain veins of the secondine, through which the bloud flows in and out, of which the navel is generated. At the same time, in the clotted seed there do appear three white lumps, not unlike curdled milk, out of which arise the liver, the brain and the heart.

Presently after this, a vein is directed through

the navel, to suck the thicker sort of the bloud that remains in the seed, for the nourishment of the parts. This vein is two forked.

In the other branch of this vein is a certain bloud collected, out of which the liver is first fra∣med;* 1.59 for the liver is nothing but a certain mass of bloud, or bloud coagulated and hardened to a substance: and here you may see what a com∣pany of veines it hath, which serve both for the expulsive, and attractive faculty. In the other branch are generated those textures of veins, with a dilatation of other veins, as also of the spleen and the guts in the lower part of the belly; by and by all the veins, like branches gathering into one trunk, toward the upper part of the liver, meet all in the concave or hollow vein. This trunk sends other bran∣ches of veines, to constitute the Diaphragma, others it sends into the upper part of the back∣bone, seated about the Diaphragma, as also the lower parts, as far as the thighs.

* 1.60Afterwards the heart with its veins, directed from the navel to that part of the seed and car∣ried as far as the back-bone is formed.

These veins suck the hottest and most subtile part of the bloud, out of which the heart is ge∣nerated in the membrane of the heart, other∣wise called the Pericardium, being by nature thick and fleshie, according as the heat of the member requires. Now the hollow vein ex∣tending it self, and piercing the interiour part of the right side of the heart, carries bloud thi∣ther

for the nourishment of the heart; from the same branch of this vein, in the same part of the heart arises another vein, called by some the still vein, because it beats not with so quick a pulse as the others do, ordained to send the most purely concocted bloud in the heart to the lungs, being encompassed with two tunicles, like Arteries. But in the concavity of the left part of the heart, arises a great beating vein, called the Aorta, diffusing the vital spirit from the heart into all the beating veines in the body.

Under the said vein, called the Aorta, in the concavity of the heart, there is another vein, called the veiny Artery, which was therefore fra∣med to carry the cool air from the Lungs, to temper the great heat of the heart.

Now there being many veins, which running from the concavity of the heart, are inserted in∣to the Lungs, therefore by these veins the Lungs are also framed; for the vein which pro∣ceeds from the right concavity, produces a most subtile bloud, which is turned into the substance of the Lungs. By the great veins of the heart and liver, the hollow vein, and the Aorta is the whole breast generated, and after that the arms and legs in order.

Within the foresaid time, is generated the last and chiefest part of this substance, that is to say, the brain, in the third little skin of this mass, for the whole mass of the seed being repleat with vital spirits, that vital spirit contracts great

part of the Genital moisture into one certain hollowness, where the brain is formed; out∣wardly it is covered with a certain covering, which being baked and dried by the heat, is re∣duced into a bone, and so is the Cranium made.

Now the brain is so formed as to conceive, retain, and change the natures of all the vital spirits, whence are the beginnings of reason, and of all the sences; for as out of the liver arise the veins, out of the heart arise the arteries, so out of the brain arise the nerves of a more soft and gentle nature, yet not hollow like veins, but solid. These are the chiefest instruments of all the sences, and by which all the motions of the sences are made by the vital spirit.

After the nerves, is generated by the brain al∣so the pith of the back-bone, which cannot be called marrow: for the marrow is a superfluous substance begot out of the bloud, destined for the moistening, and for the strenghthening of the bones: but the brain and pith of the back-bone take their beginning from the seed, being not destined for the nourishing or strengthening of the members, but to constitute certain private and particular parts of the body, for the mo∣tion and use of the sences, that all the other nerves may take their beginning thence; for from the pith of the back-bone, do arise many nerves, by which the body obtaines both sence and motion.

Here is also to be noted, that out of the seed it self are generated gristles, bones, tunicles, for

the veins of the liver, the arteries of the heart, the brain with its nerves; besides the tunicles and pannicles, and the other coverings which the infant is wrapt in. Now of the proper bloud of the birth, the flesh is formed; and what∣ever parts are of a fleshie substance; as the heart, the liver, and the lights. Then are all these nourished by the menstruous bloud, which is attracted through the veins of the navel. This is all distinctly done from the conception unto the eighteenth day of the first moneth, in all which time it is called seed. After which it receives the name of Birth.

CHAP. IV. Of the nourishment of the birth in the womb.

VVHile the birth remaines in the womb, it is cherished up with blood, attracted through the navel, which is the reason that the flowers doe cease alwayes in women, as soone as they have conceived.

Now this blood, presently after conception, is distinguished into three parts; the purest part of it is drawn by the child for the nourishment of its selfe; the second, which is less pure and thin, the womb forces upwards to the breast, where it is turned into Milke.

The third and most impure part of the blood

remaines in the matrix, and comes away with the secondines, both in the birth, and after the Birth.

Now the infant being thus formed and per∣fected in the womb, for the first moneth sends forth its Urine through the passages of the na∣vel; but in the last month, that passage being shut up, through the privie members; yet notwith∣standing, while the Infant is in the womb, he voyds nothing out at the fundament, because he hath taken no nourishment in at the mouth. After the fourty fifth day it receives life, and is then called an Infant.

Now though the infant hath by this time ob∣tained sence, yet doth he not move: He most commonly moves in twice the time that he was formed, and in thrice the space after he began his motion, he hastens into the world; as for example, if the Infant were formed in forty five dayes, it will move in ninetie, and be born the ninth month after that, and thus much of the for∣mation and nourishment of the child in the womb.

CHAP. V. Of the condition of the Infant in the womb in the sixth, seaventh, and eighth moneth.

AFter the third and fourth moneth, the infant is nourished with more plenty of nourish∣ment, until the time of deliverie approach. Now you must observe that a childe born in the sixth month, cannot live, by reason that it is not come to its just perfection; but if it be born in the seventh moneth it will very easily live, because it is come to its full perfection. Now the reason why those that are born in the eight moneth. doe not live, when as those which are born in the seventh doe, is plaine; for in the seventh moneth, the Infant stirs it self, to come forth; so that if it have so much strength, it easily per∣formes its desire, if not, it remaines in the womb, till it have gathered two months more strength. After this motion of the seventh month, if it be not able to come forth, it changes it self into a∣nother part of the womb, by which motion, it is so weakened, that if it should be born in the eight moneth, it were impossible that it should live, for it is weakened by a double motion, not only that of the seventh moneth, but also by that motion whereby it strives to go forth in the eight moneth.

SECT. IV.

CHAP. I. Of the situation of the child in the womb.

COncerning the scituation of the child in the womb, it may be consider∣ed either generally, or specially; specially, either as it concerns the male, or the female.

The male is commonly scituated in the right side of the womb, the female in the left.

The general situation of the childe, either male or female, in the womb, is always the same. Which hath been observed and seen to be in this posture, when the infant lies with his back and his buttocks, leaning against the back of the mother, the head enclined, and touching his breast with his chin; resting his two hands upon his knees, his navel and his nose between his two knees, with his two eyes upon his two thumbs; his legs folded backward, and touch∣ing his buttocks with each leg.

This figure is the most natural, as being least subject to suffer any accident, being less incon∣venient,

and less troublesome to the mother.

The most naturall form for the childe to come into the world, is when the head comes forward, the hands being stretched upon the hips.

The things which are the causes of a womans delivery, are three; first, the want of respira∣tion and air, for the infant. The second is the want of nourishment, of which when the infant finds a defect in his mothers womb, he is forced to seek it in another place. The third is the narrowness of the place where the infant lies, so that he is forced to seek room other-where, which makes him to break the membranes wherein he was contained, pressing and con∣straining the mother by the sharpness of those waters, to do her duty for his release. Now as some say, there are three ways or manners of childrens comming upon the earth; first, when the head comes foremost, and then the woman is easily delivered; the second, when it comes forth a cross, or one side, or the feet foremost, and then the woman suffers much, and ei∣ther they both dye, or one of them. As for those births which are unnatural, we shall in another place treat of them, and their remedies. In this combate, the infant and the mother suf∣fer very much, by reason that woman is a crea∣ture delicate and timorous, and not patient, of much labour; or because that women great with childe live a lazy and sloathful life; and besides that, many times they eat bad victuals, which en∣crease humours & superfluous excrements, which

quantity of humours makes the woman to breath short, which is a thing very troublesome to the infant; for a woman that will expel the birth quickly, ought to keep her breath in, as much as she can.

The third reason of the pain in womens tra∣vail, is by reason that the head of a childe is bigger, being compared to the members, then the head of any other creature, which makes a greater opening and dilaceration.

But the women that suffer most pain, are they who were not delivered before, having not been accustomed to the sufferance of that labour; as also elderly women, by reason that the bone of the pubes, the bone of the hip, and the Os sacrum, are not so easily separated, the ligaments being more strong and hard.

Now in the contention which the child makes to issue forth, the head comes first, by reason of the weight, being more heavy then the other members.

SECT. V.

CHAP. I. Of Midwifes.

ALthough in these dayes there are many unskilful women that take upon them the knowledge of Midwifry, barely upon the priviledge of their age: yet there are many things which ought to be observed in a Midwife, that they are utterly wanting of. Let us therefore consider of the things required in a midwife, in relation both to her person, and her manners: as for her age,* 1.61 she ought to be neither too young, nor too old, in a good habite of body, and not subject to diseases, not mishapen in any parts of her body, peculiar in her habits and in her person; her hands must be small, with her nailes pared close, without any rings upon them, in the time of her duty, nor bracelets upon her wrists; she must be cheerfull, pleasant, strong, laborious, and used to travaile; it being required that she should be

stirring at all hours, and abiding long time to∣gether with her patient.

For her manners,* 1.62 she ought to be Courteous, sober, chast, not repining, cholerick, arrogant, or covetous, nor apt to talke of what she sees done in the houses where she hath to doe.

* 1.63For her spirit, she ought to be prudent, wary and cunning, oft times to use faire and flattering words.

She ought moreover to know, that God hath given to all things their beginnings, their In∣creasings, their Estate of perfection, and decli∣nation: Therefore the said Midwife, nor any of her assistants, must not do any thing rashly, for to precipitate or hasten nature.

CHAP. II. What ought to be observed, when she is neer the time of her lying downe.

* 1.64THe hour of the womans Lying down ap∣proaching, the woman with child ought to prepare her self in this manner, she must pre∣sently call her midwife and assistance to her, it being requisite to have them sooner then later.

* 1.65She ought to prepare a little bed, or couch, of a moderate hight, as well for the convenience of the midwife, as for the ease of herself, and others that shall be about her to assist her in

her travell: This must be situated in a place con∣venient for people to pass up and downe, neere the fire, and far from doors: It will be requisite for her to have change of linen, as also a little cricket for her to rest her feet on, having more force when her feet are bowed.

When she findes her pains growing,* 1.66 it will be necessary for her to walke leisurely up and down the chamber, afterwards she may lie downe warme, and then rise and walke againe, expect∣ing the coming down of her waters, and the opening of the womb. For to keep herselfe long a bed, is very troublesome. Though when she is a bedd, notwithstanding that she hath some certaine paines somtimes, yet she may lie and rest herselfe, and now and then take a nap. By which meanes, both the mother and the Infant doe with greater strength endure their succeed∣ing hardship; besides that, her waters do come downe better. If her travel be long, she may take some broth or the yolk of a poched egg, with some bread, or a cup of wine, or distilled water; yet she must have a care left she over∣charg her self, either with meat or drink.

It is certain, that all women are not delivered alike; for some lie in their bed, others sit in a chair, being supported and held up by others, or else resting upon the side of the bed, or chair; others upon their knees, being upheld under their arms; but the best, and safest, is to lie in their beds; and for her good and convenient delivery, let the Midwife, and others, observe what follows.

* 1.67First, the woman that is in travail, ought to be laid upon her back, her head being lifted up a little higher, with a pillow, having also a pil∣low under her reins to sustain her back; under her buttocks and Os sacrum, she must have a larger pillow, to raise them a little, and that her rump may be elevated; for a woman that lies low in those parts, can never be well delivered for the avoiding of which, this scituation is very convenient. Her thighs and knees must be a good way separated the one from the other, with her legs bowed and drawn up toward her buttocks, the soles of her feet, and her heels, being fixed upon a boord, laid thwart the bed for that purpose.

Secondly, To some women they doe use a swath-band, four double, this swath-band must be a foot broad, or more; which being put under her reines, is to be held up streight, by two persons standing on each side, just at the time of her paines; both of them, at the same instant, heaving up both ends, with an exact cavenness; for otherwise, it does more harme then good. It is also requisite, that two of her freinds should hold the upper part of her shoul∣ders, that she may be able to force out the birth with more advantage; And it will not be a∣miss, for some of her friends to press the upper parts of her belly, so to thrust downe the infant, by little and a little, such a soft compression, will much facilitate the travel and give ease to the womans paines.

Thirdly, As for the woman herselfe she must be of a good heart, and force her selfe by striving as much as possible she can, stopping her mouth, and keeping her breath, as if she were doing the ordinary deeds of nature.

As for the collick, if it seize women in travaile, you may read the remedies in the following chapter.

CHAP. III. How to expell the Collick from. women in Childbed.

There are some women, who at the same instant that they are in travaile, are taken with fits of the collick, which is often caused by the crudities, and indigestions of the stomach, which doe torment women so extremely, that it exceeds the paine of their travaile; and while this paine lasts, a woman advances nothing to∣ward the end of her travaile, the paine of travaile being hardly to be distinguished from it.

For her ease therefore, the woman ought to take these remedies; two ounces of oyle of sweet Almonds, with an ounce of Cinnamon-water, or else some wind dispelling Glyster, and if the first time suffice not, you may reiterate it; sometimes fomentations, that are proper for the dispelling of winde, are very necessary for this purpose.

CHAP. IV. How the Midwife may know when the pains of travail do seize a woman.

VVHen the woman begins to cry out, and hath sent for her Midwife, the first thing that the Midwife is to ask, is, when she did conceive? 2. Then is she to look diligently upon the belly of the woman, and to mark it well, for if she do behold the upper parts of the belly sunk and hollow, and the lower parts of the belly full and big, she may then conclude that the child is fallen down. 3. She ought then to ask her some questions concerning her pains; for if they be quick and strong, beginning at the reins, and sliding down all along the belly, with∣out ending at the navel, but still falling down upon the groins, and inwardly at the bottom of the belly, below which is the interiour neck of the womb, these are certain signs that the wo∣man begins to be in labour.

4. But for more certaintie, the midwife may put up her hand, being anointed first with fresh butter, and if she perceive the interior neck of the womb to dilate it selfe, tis a certaine signe that the paines of childbed are upon the woman, or if she perceive any thing to push forwards, her travaile is also undoubtable.

CHAP. V. Of the falling down of the waters, a good while before the woman travails.

There are some women, who have their waters come from them, a long time before their travaile, sometimes twelve days, sometimes eight dayes, somtimes six, and sometimes foure; though the ordinary time be not aboue three houres before her travaile: they remaining for the most part not above twenty four howers. This is caused by some ruptures of the membranes, where from the beginning of the formation of the child, the humour is contained, rather then by the abundance of humours; and therefore though a woman that hath abundance, and that the membranes containing them, are so strong that they wil not breake suddaine, though the woman shall not travail till they breake, yet the midwife ought not to break them, but rather hold the woman over a vessel of warme water, and also use some softening linniment, to soften the membranes, that so the mother straining the head or other member of the child, may breake them more easily.

But for those women that have these eva∣cuations so long before they travaile, they must refraine going into the aire, for feare of injuring themselves, the passages being open;

for though the air cannot hinder the childe from coming forth, by reason of its weight, yet oft times getting within the secondine, it not onely streightens the vessels, and mouthes of the veines, that are at the bot∣tom of the womb, but also causes several convulsions, to the great danger of the wo∣man: but it is an easie thing to remedy these accidents, by keeping close in her chamber, having also a special regard to di∣stinguish, whether they be the waters of the birth, or any Hydropick humour of the Ma∣trix.

CHAP. VI. What the Midwife ought to do in time of travaile.

THe Midwife seeing the birth come na∣turally, the pains now coming thicker and thicker, the womb also opening to be delivered of its burthen, and the endeavours of the childe being seen to come forth; The Midwife must now encourage her pati∣ent, admonishing her to shut her mouth, and to hold her breath, and to strein and endeavour with her lower parts; Neither ought the Midwife be too hasty, either to widen or force the passage of the Infant, or to break the membranes, but to stay till

the membranes do burst of their own ac∣cord.

And here is to be noted,* 1.68 the ignorance of some women, who for haste to be gone to other women, do tear the membranes with their nail, to the danger, both of the wo∣man, and of the childe, which then remains dry, without that moisture which makes the passages slippery; which must of necessity augment the pain of the woman.

When the head comes forth of the womb, the Midwife must take it gently between her two hands, and then when the pains increase, slipping down her hands under the arm-holes, gently drawing forth the Infant, yet staying her hand always, but when the pains come upon the woman. This must be done with a very delicate and tender hand, lest the child, by any rude or harsh handling, should receive any deformed shape of body.

When the child is come into the world, which is commonly with his face downward, it must be suddenly turned upon his back, lest it should be stifled for want of air. Then let her cut the na∣vel-string, leaving the length of four fingers, tying it with a silk thread, as near the belly as may be: Which done, the childe if it be well, may be laid aside, only care must be had, that the head and the stomach be well covered, and that nothing come upon his face.

CHAP. VII. How to draw forth the Secondines.

THis childe being thus drawn forth, and in safety, the midwife must now apply her selfe to the drawing out of the secondines, which must be don by wagging and stirring them up and down, and then gently drawing them forth, causing the woman to take salt in both her hands, and to shut them close, and then to blow in them, whereby you shall know whether they be broken or noe: it may be done also by causing her to put one finger in her mouth, to provoke a desire of vomiting, or else by stir∣ring, as when she is doing the ordinary deeds of nature, or as nature it selfe constrained her to doe, before the head of the child was come forth. All this must be don speedily; yet if this be not sufficient, she may take the yolke of an egg raw, or she may take a small draught of raw el∣der-water, or you may cause her to smell to a peice of Assa Foetida. If she be troubled with winde collicks, or have taken cold, which often times doth breed wind, which is a great hin∣derance to the coming forth of the secondines. The Midwife ought to chafe the womans belly with her hand, which does not only breake the wind, but causes the secondine to come downe. If this failes the midwife may with her hand di∣late

the exterior orifice of the womb, drawing it forth gently and by degrees.

CHAP. VIII. What may be given to a woman in travaile.

In the first place hot and violent remedies are to be avoyded,* 1.69 but in cases of great necessitie; for it many times happens that they are the cause of dangerous fevers.

Two other things are also very dangerovs to a woman in Travaile too much repletion,* 1.70 and too much emptiness, for the stomack of a woman with child doth not digest her meat in so short a time as women that are not with child doe; Therfore the midwife ought to informe her self how long it was since she eat, and in what quan∣titie; and if it were long since she did eate, and that she grow feeble. they may give in the inter∣missions of her paines some warme cherishing and cordial broths, or the yolke of a potched egg. if her travaile endure long; then to streng∣then her and comfort her, she may take a draught of Cinamon water, not exceeding an ounce, or at twice a dram of the confection of Alkermes; dissolved in two spoonfulls of Claret wine; and not more then one of these three things. For if they take too much, as is before said, it causes fevers, and heats the whole body, of which foll∣ows many inconveniences; for it stopps the purgations, of which many strange diseases ensue.

CHAP. IX. How to put the Womb again in its place.

SOme women newly brought to bed, are many times afflicted with greater paines, then those of their travaile, by reason that the womb is not well put into its place, or if it have, the swath-band being loose, it is apt to roule upwards in the belly. This happens to women that are not well purged after their deliverie; for remedie hereof, having put the matrix right into its place, roule up two linen swathes, pretty hard, bringing them also round the hipps; then take whites of eggs, beaten, and a dram of Pepper in pouder, which being spread upon Toe, is to be applyed warme to the navil; then let the bellie be well swathed; this is the only remedy to ease the paine.

CHAP. X. Against the extreme loss of blood, which happen to women, immediately after their delivery.

THere are many women who immediately after their delivery, doe suffer great losse of blood, which proceeds from a great plenitude,

or fullness, or by reason that in their travaile, they took too many hot and corosive medicines, or by streining themselves too hard, over-heated the blood, so that after travaile, it runs from them in great quantitie. To remedie this, the woman ought to take often a small quantitie of wine, in a spoon, and if the weakness be much, let her mix half a dramme of Alkermes, with a draught of wine, and take care that she be well swathed upward; for that presses downe and streightens the vessels, and hinders the violent flux: give her also the yolke of an egg to take, for that recalls the natural heat to the stomach, which was dispersed through the whole. It would be necessary also, to spread a long the reines of the woman, and all along the back-bone, by reason of the hollow veine, a napkin dipt in Oxicrat, or water mingled with vinigre. You may also lay upon each groin, a skeine of raw silk moistened in cold water. Take also of that well tempered earth, of which they make the floor of an oven, and steep it in strong vinigre, then spread it upon a linnen cloath, and lay it upon the reines; this moderates the heat of the blood, and stoppes the violent flux of it. Great care must be also had, that all the while the Blood comes from her, she do not sleep, for many times they are taken away in that weake∣ness when the people thinke they doe not take their rest, but when you see this great flux mo∣derated, you may take away the astringent medicines by little and little, that so the blood

may cease running by degrees, lest any bloud should be retained that may chance to doe mischeife.

CHAP. XI. What is to be done to a woman, presently after her delivery.

PResently after a woman is delivered if she have had a sore travail, they ought to cast her into the skin of a sheep flead alive, and put about her reins as hot as may be; Upon her belly also lay the skin of a Hare flead alive, ha∣ving cut the throat of it afterwards, and rub∣bed the skin with the bloud, which is to be clapt as warm as may be to her belly.

This closes up the dilatations made by the birth, and chases from those parts the ill and melancholly bloud. These remedies are to be kept on two hours in Winter, and one hour in Summer.

After this swath the woman with a napkin about a quarter of a yard large, having before chafed the belly with oyl of St John's wort. Then raise up the Matrix with a linen cloth many times folded, then with a little pillow about a quarter of a yard long, cover her flanks, then use the swath, beginning a little above the hanches, yet rather higher then lower, wind∣ing it pretty tight. Lay also warm cloaths upon

the nipples, letting alone those remedies which are proper for the driving back of the milk, which are not so soon to be applied, for the bo∣dy is now all in a commotion, and there is nei∣ther vein, nor artery which doth not beat, wher∣fore those remedies that chase away the milk, being all dissolving, therefore it is not proper to put such medicines upon the breast during that commotion, for sear that those medicines, should make a stop of any thing hurtful in those parts, and therefore it is better to give ten, or twelve hours for the bloud to settle in; as also for that which was cast upon the Lungs by the agitation of travail, to distil down again into its place.

You may also make a restrictive of the white and yellow of an egg beaten togeiher, with an ounce of oyl of St John's wort, and an ounce of oyl of roses, an ounce of rose water, and an ounce of plantine water, beat all these together very well; in this you may dip a linen cloath folded double, and apply it without warming of it to the breasts, this comforts and eases the pains of that part.

She must not sleep presently, but a matter of four hours after her delivery, you may give her some nourishing broth or candle, and then if she will she may sleep.

CHAP. XII. Of women that have a great deal of bloud, and purge not, neither in their travail nor after.

SOme women have great superfluity of bloud, and yet purge not at all, neither in their travail, nor afterwards; to which if remedies be not applied, the women do run great hazards and dangers in their lying in, great suffocations of the matrix, and continual feavers; this may be remedied, being first enformed of their na∣tural disposition afore they were with child; knowing that when they had their purgations, they had them in great quantity, and for a good while together, as also when they came, being a gross and thick bloud; and therefore seeing that now they do not purge in great quantity, and that they have divers unquietnesses, weak∣nesses of the stomach, and pains of the head; wherefore you may give her in the morning, a little syrrup of Maiden-hair, and Hysop water mingled together, and syrrup of Wormwood, with White-wine, in their broths you may boyl Jacines and opening herbs, keeping the belly soluble with Glysters, they must eat no solid meat, she must be well chafed from the groines down to the very ankle-bone, alwayes stroaking and carrying the hand downward; bloud letting

also in the foot in the morning is not amiss, as also some fumigation, that Cleanses the matrix, and draws downe the blood; yet care must be had, that these last remedies be not used before the Matrix be put into its place, for feare that these remedies should draw it down too low, but about eight or ten days after the Matrix was put into its place; for cleansing the ma∣trix, you may use this receit.

Take Pellitory, Sanicle, Camomile, Melilot, greene Balm, red Balme, whit Mulleine, Mallowes, Marsh-mallowes, Betony, Marge∣ram, Nipp, March, Violets, Mugwort, take of each a like quantitie, and cut them small, and let them boyle in a new pot, with three pints of good white wine, let the woman take the fume of this receite three times in a day; if she have any gross blood in the matrix, it will undoubtedly bring it down: You may also chafe the womans belly with oyle of violets, this helpes the purgations being once dissol∣ved. The reason why this thick blood stayes in these partes, is, because the woman having it be∣fore she was with child, the heate of the womb when she is with Child redoubling, thickens it more, so that when she comes to lye down, it cannot flow, so that it is to be taken away as much as may be with the aforesaid reasons. Mol∣lifying fomentations are also proper for this purpose, while the woman sits over the fumi∣gation.

CHAP. XIII. For those who have but a little blood.

THose women that have but little bloud, ought not to live in their beds as those who have a great deal. They out to take good nourishment in a little quantity. As eggs well boyled in the shell in a morning: The juyce of Mutton and Veal squeezed out, and Mutton broth, and all these being mingled together, nourish very much, and make very good bloud, as also Pigeons, Partridg, Mutton, Quaile, and such other meats good for the stomach.

CHAP. XIV. What is to be done to the Infant.

THe Midwife having tied up the Navel string, as is beforesaid, she ought next to cleanse the Infant not only in the face, but also over the whole body; anointing the groins, hips, but∣tocks, thighs, and joynts with oyl of sweet Al∣monds or fresh Butter, this makes the skin more firm, shuts up the pores of the skin, so that the exteriour air cannot come to hurt it, and be∣sides this, it strengthens all the parts of the bo∣die.

It would not be amiss to make a bath or decoction of Roses and Sage in Wine, and with that to wash the Infant every morn∣ing.

After the Infant is thus well anointed, and after that well dried and wrapped up, you may give to the Infant a little Sack and Suger in a spoon, or else the quantity of a pease bigness of Mithridate or Treacle dissolved in wine, with a little Carduus water.

CHAP. XV. How to govern women in Child-bed.

THere is great difference in the governing women, in Childbed, for she that thinks to order, an ordinarie labouring, or countrie woman, like a person of qualitie, kills her; and she that thinks to govern a person of qualitie like an ordinarie Countrie-woman, does the same to her: for the stomack and Constitution of the one is tender, and weake, and the Con∣stitution and stomack of the other strong, and lustie; which will not be satisfyed with ordinary viands, for if you give to one of these strong stomachs presently after their delivery, any strong broth or eggs, or a draught of milke, are like mills that allways grind and empty as fast as they pour in, and that that gives one woman,

a feaver, keeps another from it; and therfore women in Childbed are to be governed by their several constitutions. As for women that are delicate, and have been accustomed to live delicately, greater care must be ta∣ken of them, giving them meats that breed good nourishment, and do not clog the sto∣mach, forbearing also to give her those meats to which she has too great a dislike, agreeing to her humour, provided that the meats which she loves be not hurtful, and giving her for the first eight days of her lying in, boyled meats rather then rosted, as gellies, &c. the juyce of Veal or Capon, but not mutton, it being too feve∣rish, giving her to drink barly water, or else water boyled, wherein is boyled a dram of Ci∣namon to every pint, and two ounces of sugar dissolved, or if she do not love sugar, Corian∣der seed water, if she drink wine, let it be two thirds of water to one third of wine, giving her in the morning White wine, and in the afternoon Claret, taking care of eating any thing that may breed any crudities, she may also take at the dis∣cretion of those about her, Almond milk now and then. There are some women that cannot be kept from sleeping, and others that cannot sleep at all. It will not be amiss to give to those that cannot sleep, French barly water; the way to make it well, is to let it boyl well, and to take the broth without streining it; neither ought it to be taken after the eight dayes are past, by rea∣son that it nourishes exceedingly, and does not a little obstruct the Liver.

CHAP. XVI. Of the bathings that a woman is to use for the first eight dayes of her lying in.

TAke a good handful of old or new Chervil, and boyl it in a sufficient quantity of water, then taking it from the fire, add to it a spoon∣ful of Mel Rosatum, or hony of Roses, this draws down the purgations, clenses and heals the parts. The herb it self may serve for a fomen∣tation, to take away any inflamation. There are some that use milk to the purpose aforesaid, affirming that it is a great asswager of the pain; but that having been proved by others, hath been observed rather to engender filth, then to be any way a clearer, by reason that the sharp humour causes it to curdle.

CHAP. XVII. How a woman ought to govern her self, in case a woman be to be deliver∣ed of two children.

THe travaile of a woman bringing forth two Infants is more tedious, and it many times happens, that one of the children comes forth very well, and the other comes forth very

scurvily; And this is certain, that that which comes forth first, is always the strongest, having the power to goe before the other, and to break the membranes that enveloped it. And ofttimes while the second is born, the other remaines be∣hinde wrapt in such membranes as the former was, so that it remaines a good space behind the other, somtimes two houres, and yet it hath bin very well borne. Now knowing that, that which came first was the stronger, it would not be a∣miss to assist the other in coming forth, by brea∣king the membranes that contain the waters, and if that faile, by giving strong Glysters to excite the paine; which were it not many times done, the child would never be able to endure the paine of coming into the world, by reason of its extraordinary weaknes; which is so great somtimes, that the bone of the fore∣head is devided, and separated down to the nose; although the Infant being born, it joynes toge∣ther againe, and the Infant does very well, which if it happen, you must have a great care, to bind some kind of soft pillow upon the place, that the aire may not enter in. If the second Child come forth ill, you must not delay to breake the mem∣branes, and to draw the Infant gently out by the feet, for having used all its endeavour to come forth, to keep it there, or to prolong the travaile any longer, is more dangerous then pro∣fitable; sometimes two come so suddainely the one after the other, that there seemes to be but one deliverie of both, there being but a little

membrane that separates them; In this case holding the first, you must cut the navel string, and bind it about, and tye it about the Hipp, while they draw forth the other Infant, which by a longer stay would be much weakened.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the danger that a woman hath, to purge her selfe for the first days of her lying in.

IT is an ordinary thing for women that lye in, by reason of their bed, to loose the benefit of their bellyes, which hinders the evacuation of their milke, which causes fevers, by sending gross vapours to the head, yet can they not bee freed by any purgation taken in at the mouth, but it would be much to the purpose to take pertinent Glisters which hinder the foresaid evills, causing their breasts to become full, and to be come stiff, taking them as ocasion requires, once in two or three dayes. There are some unskilfull women, that not understanding the ill consequences which may follow, who doe give Sene to women in the first days of their lying in; of which some have bin very ill, and others have dyed. For nature is now weakned, by the travaile, and while it is labouring to restore the body to its former Estate, is not to be disturbed with violent purgations. And therfore

Glisters are always most proper. Neither are laxative broths, nor the broth of prunes, nor baked apples fasting for these things doe en∣gender wind, but rather some good supposito∣ries would be more usefull.

CHAP. XIX. Of the second washing for women.

THe second washing for women ought to be with Province roses, put into little baggs and boyld in water and wine, of each a like proportion; and this to be done for the second eight dayes.

CHAP. XX. What is to be done to Infants, assoon as they are born.

IT is an approved Maxime, that as soon as a child is born, you ought to give it a spoonfull of pure wine, for that assists and helps the child to regaine its spirits. Another advantage is this, that the wine cutts the flegme which the Child has in its throat; besides the spirits of the wind rising up to the head comforts, and streng∣thens it; and them less subject to be drunk; it hinders them also from the Epilepsie, which

proceeds from the debilitie of the braine.

This being done, and the Mother fully delivered, you must tie the Navel Veine with a silk well twisted, and many times doubled, and if there be any blood in the veine, you must be sure to emptie it, for feare if it should be left, it should turne into corruption; then it must be well dryed with pouder of rotten wood: you must tye it, two fingers breadth from the belly, and leave it long, three fingers breadths above the tying place, and if it be fatt, you must close it over and aboue, that the veine may be well closed, then wind the string twice about it, knitting as many knots; but if the child be come a fore its time, you need not tye it so strong for feare of cutting it with the silke; but if the Navel veine be full of water and wind, you ought then, having tyed it one time and wrapt a linnen cloth about the end of it, which is still to be held upward, to uncover it againe, about half an hour after, and then to tye it and wrap it about againe, still keeping the end up for feare, that if the veine were not fully closed, that there might be some danger in the bleed∣ing.

Some people give to the Infant Treacle diss∣olved in wine; but this must be don warily in a very small quantitie, and that not commonly neither.

The Infant must be washed with water and wine luke warm, to clense it; After wards wash the face, as also chafe the throate, the Armes

and hands, with oyle of wallnuts, drawn with∣out fire, which some say will keep them from sunburning, then put one hand upon the bone of the forehead, and another upon the bone called the Coronal bone, and softly close up the gap which was made during the time of travaile, closing also the suture one against another exactly; then gently put your finger under the tongue, to see if the Infant have the string or no; and if it have, it may be clipt away with the poynt of a paire of sharp cizers, without danger There are some that thinke they can shape the head and nose of a child as if it were of wax. But let such take notice that have flat nosed Children, rather to let the nose alone, then by squeezing and closing it too much, to render the nose obstructed; for that compre∣ssing the Gristles of the nose renders the child liable either to speake alway in the nose, or to lose his smelling, There are some children that are borne with their noses awry, for the help of which you may with your finger moystened in fair water, gently stroke the nose, but lay no stress upon it. That happens by reason that the nose of the child lights upon some bone of the Mother as it was comming into the world.

CHAP. XXI. Of the last washing for Women.

THe last washing for women, is to be for four days, with Province Roses boyled in wine and Myrrh-water.

CHAP. XXII. Of an Astringent for Women when they shall have occasion.

Take Galls, Cypress nuts, and Pomgranate flowers, Roch Alome, of each two oun∣ces, Province Roses, four ounces, knot grass, a good Handfull; the rind of Cassia, the rind of Pomegranates, Scarlet berries, of each three ounces, the nature or sperm of a whale, one ounce, Rose water, Myrrh water, and Burnet water, of each an ounce and a half, wine and water of a smiths forge, of each four ounces, and a half, then make two little baggs about a quarter of a yard long, and half a quarter of a yard broad, then boyle all these in the foresaid water in a new pot, using the baggs one after another as occasion serveth.

CHAP. XXIII. To make searcloaths for women.

TAke white wax, halfe apound, the sperme of a whale, and venice turpentine, well washed in rose water, plantaine water, of each an ounce and a halfe, then melt all these toge∣ther, then mingle with them an ounce of venice white Lead, then order you your cloth as you please, making some for the bellie, and some for the nipples, having first rubbed it over with oyle of Acorns, or the sperme of a whale.

CHAP. XXIV. To cleanse a woman before she rises.

TAke bitter Almonds and peel them, make thereof a past with the powder of Iris and the yolk of eggs, and put it in a little bagg of Tammy, and temper it within the bag, with black wine luke-warm, and afterwards use it up∣on the places where the sear-clothes have been laid, then wash the places with black wine min∣gled with orange flower.

CHAP. XXV. How a woman lying in of her first child, may avoid the gripings of her belly.

THere are some women lying in of their first childe, who are troubled much with gri∣pings in the belly, and these women commonly endure pains when their terms come down, by reason of the smalness of the veins which con∣veigh the bloud into the Matrix; such women have griping in their bellies when they lie in of their first child, which other women are not troubled with, by reason that they have larger vessels; yet although they have them not in their first lying in, it would not be amiss to use some proper remedies, that so they may be ne∣ver troubled with them, which if they receive not at their first lying in, they will be uncapable of receiving them ever after, for though they may take remedies afterwards to lessen the pain, yet they can never cure it wholly.

Now that which is ordinarily done to women is as soon as ever they are brought to bed, is to give them two ounces of oyl of sweet Almonds drawn without fire, with two ounces of syrrup of Maiden-hair; tis true this is good to make her purgations part away, but not to remedy the gri∣ping.

Some there are that do take two drops of the bloud which comes out of the navel-string of the Infant, and give it mingled to the woman in the foresaid syrrups, though there is much fault to be found with this by reason of the nastiness of it.

Others do boyl a white Chicken, in the which they do put two ounces of Sugar, a dram of fine Cinamon, half a Nutmeg grated, two or three Dates, five or six Cloves, the Fowl being boyled, you may put into it a small quantity of Claret, then boyl it altogether again, letting it boyl till the Fowl be well soaked, then strain it, and give it to the woman as soon as she is laid down; for want of a white Hen you may take a Pigeon, or a red Partridg for want of either; Onely take heed to give her this if she be feve∣rish, because it is something hot.

The seed of Savory taken in warm broth is very good, and it is also very good for those that have the collick.

The Queen of France her Receit.

Take a dram of the root of the greater Con∣sound or Comfrey, one of the kernels of pea∣ches, nutmegs, of each two scruples, yellow Amber half a dram, Amber-grease half a scruple, mingle all this together and give it to the wo∣man as soon as she is laid down, the quantity of a dram mingled in white wine, or if the woman be feverish, in some good warm broth.

CHAP. XXVI. Certain precepts hindering the delay and, difficulty of bringing forth.

BEing now come to talke of the impediments of the birth, you must know that the birth is hindered by a twofold manner, the one natural, the other not natural; of the unnatu∣ral we shall treat of in its place; for the natural take these following directions: But in the first place let the Midwife be very skilful, that she may decline as much as in her lies, all the impedi∣ments that may be avoided.

If the birth be hindred by the driness and straightness of the neck of the womb, take a little beaten Hellebore or Pepper, and blow it into the nostrils of the mother. Her mouth must be held close, her breath kept in, and sneesing must be provoked as much as may be, whereby the spirits being forced to the lower parts, may be the more available to force down the childe. You may also give her Shepherds-purse dried in a little broth or wine; also a little quantity of hony mingled with twice as much luke-warm water and give her, will not be un∣profitable. The milk also of another woman mixt with maiden-hair, and applied warm to the navel. She may take also oyl of Laurel in wine or warm broth, two grains of Pepper being ta∣ken

inwardly do not only force out the birth, but also drive out the secondines.

This is also an excellent remedy against a dif∣ficult travail.

Take Trochischs of Myrrh one dram, grains of Saffron ten, Cinnamon one scruple, mingle all this with two ounces of Peny-royal water, and give it the woman to drink.

Let her drink it warm, and let her go to her bed for an hour, till she finds the operation of the drink moving her to her labours. If this profit, and that the Infant coming with his head foremost stick in the womb, you may use these pills, of which she may take seven and then rest.

℞ Gum, Bdelium, Myrrh, Savin-seed, Liquid Storax, or Stacte Castor, Agaric, of each half a scruple, Diagridium six grains, mingle all these with Cassia extracted, as much as suffices, and make up pils about the bigness of pease.

You may also use a pessary, as long and as thick as your finger, of pure wool, which must be covered over with silk, and dipt in the juice of Rue, where Scammony hath been dissolved, and so used. If these things prove without ef∣fect, she may use this ensuing bath above her belly.

Take of the roote and herb Althea six hand∣fulls, Mallows, Camomile, Melilot, Parsley, of each foure handfulls, Line-seed, and seed of fe∣nugreek, of each two pound, Lavender, and Laurel leaves, of each two handfulls.

Let all these things be boyled to gether in

water, where in the woman is to sit, or else to have those parts well wet and moistened with spunges, which being done, and the woman well dryed with warme cloaths, let her be brought to the bed, and anointed with this oyntment.

Take oyle of sweet Almonds, Hens fatt, Oyle of Lillies, Muscilage of Althoea, of each halfe an ounce. Mingle all these with as much wax as is sufficient, and make an oyntment: This being done give her this little doss.

Take two yolkes of egges, and boyle them in ould wine, then mix with them these spices, Cinamon half an ounce, rind of Cassia two drams, or you may leave out the Cassia, and in∣stead thereof put in the more Cinnamon, saffron halfe ascruple, Savine, Betonie, Venus-haire, Dittanie, Fenugreeke, Lawrel berries, Mint, of each one dram: The bone of the heart of a Hart, Pearles prepared, Mingle all these with sugar, and make a thick pouder and give it.

If the secondine come before the child, and hinder the egress of the child, it is to be cut of, and this following pessarie to be put up.

Take Marsh-mallows, with the rootes two hand fulls, Mother wort one handfull, Rue one ounce and a half, Fenugreek, Line-seed, of each an ounce, ten figgs, make of these a decoction, with as much water as is sufficient, and when you have streined it, add this to it, Oyle of Lillies, oyle of Line, of each two ounces, Musk one graine: In this decoction, let the pessary be dipt and put up; she may afterwards use this electuarie.

℞ Take Myrrh, Castor, Calamum, Arom, of each two dramms, Cinamon, one ounce, saffron halfe a scruple, Mace, Savin, of eace a scruple cla∣rified hony halfe a pound, you may also make an electuary with the water of Thyme, and mother worte, wherein have bin boyled Fenu-greek, Line-seed, Graines of Iuniper, of each one spoonful.

Now after that the woman hath bin weakned with these impediments, you may give her in broth, species Loetificans, or Manus Christi or Diamargaritont

CHAP. XXVII. How the secondines are to be hastened out.

THe secondines afore that the Infant is born, may be many ways hindred; first by the de∣bilitie or weaknes of the Matrix, which happens by the frequent motion and endeavouring of the Infant, as also by reason of the difficultie of the birth, or by reason that the womb doth not continue distended, or because it is many times streightened, by which the womb is so weakned, that by its own force it is not able to expell the secondines; Besides the secondines may inwardly stick close to the womb, which happens many times through the abundance of superfluous hu∣mors that are retained in the matrix, by reason of which Glutinous humors, the secondines stick to

the Matrix. These are noe way else to be pulled away, but by the hand of the midwife. Thirdly, the secondines are hard to come away, if all the waters come away with the Infant, for then the secondines being left without moisture, cannot come away by reason of the drines of the womb, besides that the Matrix and the neck of the womb are rougher by reason of the driness therof. for these waters render the way slipperie and easie both for the infant and for the secon∣dines, which being slipped away, the womb is to be anoynted with juices and oyles. Fourthly, when the mouth of the Matrix, by reason of the paines of child-bearing, swells, as often hap∣pens, unless there be a provident care taken to prevent it. Fiftly, when the neck, of the Matrix is streighter and more close, and for that reason fat women travaile with much more difficultie, Therefore when the secondines doe make any extraordinary stay, the Midwife is to use all her endeavour to make way for them. for that reten∣tion causes suffocation and divers other evils, for being long detained, they putrifie and cause an evil smell, which ascending up to the heart, liver, stomach, diaphragma, and so to the brain, cause pains in the head and lungs, shortness of breath, faintness, cold sweats; so that there is great danger, and also Apoplexies, and Epilep∣sies, are not a little to be feared. Now in all the time of their stay, the women are to be refresh∣ed with convenient food, to add strength to them, giving them sometimes the yolks of eggs

boyled in old wine with Sugar, and sprinkled over with Saffron and Cinamon, or some broth made of Capon or Hen, seasoned with Cinamon and Saffron; It may not be amiss to make cer∣tain perfumes for the woman to receive up into her womb, made of Saffron, Castor, Myrrh, annd Cinamon, of each the quantity of a bean, and care must be had that the fume pass no fur∣ther then the Matrix, and this may be done till the fume of these spices shall cease. After this a little sneezing-pouder is to be put into her no∣strils composed of Hellebore or such like, the woman shutting her mouth hard, and keeping her breath; If these things prevail not, give her this following potion,

℞ Trochisch of Myrrh ʒj, ten grains of Saf∣fron, one scruple of Cinamon, Peny-royal two ounces; make of this one draught and give her; after she hath taken this and rested a little while, let a pessary of Hellebore and Opoponax, wrapt up in pure wool, be thrust up into the neck of the womb. This will certainly bring down the se∣conds, for it is of so great vertue, that it is ef∣ficacious in expelling the child which is dead, together with the seconds.

Take Mallows, Hollihock, Wormwood, Mug∣wort, Calamint, Origanum, an. M. j. make a bath, and let her sit therein up to the navel, and stroke ever downwards with her hands, and give her inwardly Myrrh ℈ i j. Cinamon pouder'd in Nutmeg-water or wine, or drink Calamint or Penyroyal in wine.

Neither will it be amiss to anoint the Matrix with the oyntment called Basilicon, if this doth nothing avail toward the bringing down of the seconds, and that the woman is in great danger of her life, then with the consent of her hus∣band and kinred, give her seven of the follow∣ing Pils, which being taken, let her lie still, till the vertue of them do provoke new pains; for they are of so great vertue also, that they do expel the dead child, together with the secon∣dines; yet herein it will not be amiss to consult the skilful Physician.

The Pills are these.

℞ Of Castor, Myrrh, Liquid storax, of each a scruple, the bark of Cinamon, or Cassia, and Birthwort, of each half a scruple, Agaric half an ounce, Diagridion six grains, Saffron, Siler of the mountain, Savin, of each three graines, Thebaic Opium, Assa faetida, of each one grain, mingle all these with as much extracted Cassia as is sufficient, and make of them certain Pils as big as pease, and give them to the woman in a small quantity of Peny-royal-water. It may be also expedient to apply this ensuing plaster.

℞ one part of Coloquintida boyled in water, and as much of the juce of Rue, with these min∣gle Line-seed, Fenugreek, Barley of meal, of each a spoonful, let them all boyl together, and the plaster made of these must be laid upon all that part, from the navel to the privities.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Cases of Extremity, and first, what is to be done to a woman, who in her travail is accompanied with a flux of bloud, and with convulsions.

IN the first place, great care must be had, as to the situation of the woman: The wo∣man in this case must be laid cross her bed where she must be held by some one that hath strength, that she may not slide or move her self in the operations of the Chirurgion. Her thighes must be held hard and wide abroad, with her leggs bent backwards towards her hipps, and her head leaning upon a bolster the reines of her back, and her Crupper, being alittle elevated, with certaine pillows put under neath her thighes; besides this she must be well covered with linnen cloaths, laid upon her stomacke, belly and thighes, to defend her from the cold and wind: Being thus situated, the Chirurgion ought to putt up his hand, being first well opened, with in the neck of the womb, to remove all those clotts of blood, which may lie there to obstruct the passages of the blood. He may then trye if the interior neck of the womb be sufficiently dilated, that he may put in his hand and move the Infant, if it be needfull, which must be done as gently and with as little violence as may be, he must anoynt it on all parts

with sweet butter, or good Pomatum, and so opening it by little and a little, he may put his hand quite in; and if the waters are not yet come downe, he may without any difficultie let them forth, and then at the same instant, if the Infant Come with the head forwards, he shall gently turn it, to find out the feet and when he hath found one of them, he shall gently draw it forth, and immediately tye a riband about it with a knott hanging downe ward, then let him put it in a gaine, suffering part of the riband to hang out, that he may more easily be able to find out the other foot, which he shall quickly doe, by thrusting up his hand a long the thigh of the Infant; when he hath found it he shall take the other foot, and draw them both toge∣ther at an even length, giving the woman now and then some leisure to breath; but urging her still to streine her selfe when she feeles the paines coming on her, then shall the Chirurgion or midwife take a fine linnen cloath, and wrap about the thighs of the child, least by taking it naked, his fingers should slip, in that manner drawing it forth, till it appeare all come forth, observing still that the belly and the face be still kept downward.

Now if the woman have a flux of bloud, and that the neck of the Matrix be open, the Chi∣rurgion ought then to consider, whether the In∣fant or the secondine come forth first of all, for it oftentimes happens, that the secondines pas∣sing toward the mouth of the Matrix, do so

stop and obstruct it that they do not give leave for the childe or the waters to come forth, so that some perceiving that softness, are presently of opinion that the mouth of the womb is not open. But this the Midwife or Chirurgion may easily discern by thrusting up the middle finger as high as may be, and feeling therewith the circumference of the neck of the womb, by which they wil soon perceive whether the womb be dilated or no, and whether it be the secon∣dines that present themselves. Now when it is found to be the secondines, and that they can∣not easily come forth, the Midwife may with her two fingers widen the passage, that he may have thereby the liberty to put up his hand, and seek for the Infant. Now if the secondines are not placed in the middle, they must be turned a little, as quickly as may be, that you may more conveniently seek for the feet of the Infant, to draw it forth as we have said.

In such a case as this, all care must be had that nothing be broken, and that every thing be brought out whole, for so though the woman should dye, the Midwife or the Chirurgion would be blameless.

If the secondines come first, the best way is to deliver the woman withall the expedition that may be, by reason of the great fluxes of blood that will follow by reason that the veins are opened but here are two things to be considered the first is whether the secondines are much or little come forth; if they are but little advanced,

they must be put back with care and diligence and if the head of the child appeare first it must be guided directly toward the neck of the womb; as in the most naturall birth, but if there appear any difficulty in the birth, by reason of the weakness either of the childe or of the mo∣ther, then the most convenient way will be to seek for the feet, as we have said before.

Another thing to be observed is, that if the secondine be so far advanced that they cannot be put back, and that the childe follows it close, then are the secondines to be pulled away with all the care and expedition that can be, and to be laid aside without cutting the entrail that sticks to them, for by that you may be guided to the Infant, which whether it be alive or dead, it is to be pulled out by the feet with as much care and quickness as may be; though it is not to be done but in cases of great necessity, for otherwise the secondines ought to come last.

If the childe be dead in the womb of the mo∣ther,* 1.71 the woman is then to be situated in the same posture, as when she is troubled with a flux of bloud.

If it present it selfe dead, with the head for∣most, and that ther is little or no hope that the woman may be delivered without assistance, and that her strength begins to faile her, the most certaine and safe way is to put up the hand, for the Chirurgion must then slide up his left hand being hollowed, as when a man strives to hold water in it, causing it to slide in the neck of the

womb, along the lower part thereof toward the feet, and that betweene the head of the Infant, and the neck of the Matrix, and having thus opened the womb with his left hand, he shall with his right put up his hook above his left hand, between the head of the child, and the flat of his hand, and fix it in the bone of the tem∣ples, toward the eare, or else in the hollow of the eye, or in the Occipital bone, keeping his left hand still in its place; after this gently mov∣ing and stirring the head with his left hand, with his right hand holding the hook well fixed, he shall draw the child forth by degrees, exhorting the woman all the while to force and streine her selfe with all her power; and then is the best time to draw forth the child, when the paines shall seize her; now if it happen that he loose his hold in one place, the danger is nothing, for he hath the libertie to fix his instrument better in another place. The head being thus drawn forth, he must with all speed that may be, slip his hands down the childs armeholes, to draw forth his shoulders, and the rest of his body: In the meane while it will be requisite to give the woman a small draught of wine, or a Tost sopt in wine or Hipocras.

* 1.72If after these Medicines following adhibited, the child make no hast into the world, but lyes unmoved in the womb, then you may proeeed to instruments after another manner. First of all, as soone as the woman is brought to the bed, let her take this following potion hot, and abstaine

from all other meat, and remaine quiet for the space of an houre or two, till she feele the power and efficacy of the medicine.

℞. Seven cut Figs, Fenugreek, Motherwort-seed, and Rue, of each two drams, Water of Pe∣nyroyal and mother wort, of each six ounces, boyle all these to the consumption of half, strein them and to the straining add Trochischs of Myrrh one dram, three graines of Saffron, Suger as much as is sufficient; make one draught of this, and spice it with a little Cinamon.

After she hath rested a little upon this, let her again return to her travel, at what time certain perfumes must be made ready of Trochischs, composed of these following spices, to be cast on the coals, and so used as that the perfume may onely come to the Matrix, and no fur∣ther.

Take Castor, Sulphur, Galbanum, Opoponax, Pigeons dung, Assa-faetida, of each half a dram, mingle all these with the juyce of Rue, and make a Trochisch of them in the form of a filberd.

If these produce no effect, you may use this following Emplaster.

Take Galbanum an ounce and a half, Colo∣cinthis without the grains two drams, the juyces of Rue and Motherwort, new Wax, as much of each as is sufficient, of each make a plaster. Let this be spread upon a cloth to reach from the navel to the privities, and in breadth to both the sides, which she may keep on for the space of an hour or two. A pessary may be also conveni∣ent,

made of Wooll, and closed over with silk, and then moistned in the following decocti∣on.

Take of Round birth-wort brought from France, Savin and Colocynthis, with grains, Staves acre, black Ellebore, of each half a dram, bruise these together and make a pessary, with as much of the juyce of Rue as is sufficient.

But now if all these things avail not, and that the Midwife is not able to dilate the passage for the infant, then you must have recourse to the Chirurgion; To which purpose she is to be pla∣ced in a seat, so that she may turn her crupper as much from the back of the chair as may be, drawing up her legs as close as she can, but sprea∣ding her hips abroad as much as may be. Or else if it seem more commodious, she may be laid upon the bed, with her head downwards, with her buttocks raised, and her thighs drawn up as much as can be, then you may go to work either with your speculum matricis, or his Aper∣tory, so that the womb being sufficiently wide∣ned by the help of these instruments, the birth may be drawn out by the hands of the Chirurgi∣on, together with the seconds, if possible may be. The womb must then be washed and anoin∣ted, the woman then must be laid in her bed, and wel comforted with spices, as also with some comfortable meat and drink. This course must be taken with all dead infants, and also with moles and secondines, which are hindered in their coming forth naturally.

If by these Instruments the womb cannot be suf∣ficiently widned for the egress of the infants, there are yet other Instruments, by which the womb may be widened with dammage to the mother, and birth be brought forth, such as are Drakes bill, and the long Pincers, by which the womb is not only widened, but the birth taken hold of by them for the more forcible drawing it forth.

If there be any swelling, or inflation, or con∣crete bloud gathered together in the preputium of the Matrix, under the skin, those tumours either before or after the birth, where the mat∣ter appears thinnest and ripest, the midwife may cut with a pen knife and squeeze out the matter; anoynting it afterwards often with a pessary dipt in oyl of roses until it be whole.

If it happen that the child be swollen in the womb, in any part of it, by reason of wind or any watrie humor, yet if it be alive, such meanes are to be used, as may be least to the detriment of the child and of the mother; but if it be dead, in what ever part those humours be, either in the brest arms or legs, the midwife may then put up her hand, and with a little knife for that pur∣pose, cut the swollen, that by letting out of the wind or humour, the child may grow less, and be brought forth with less difficultie.

Many times it happens that the child comes into the world with the feet formost; and the hands dilating themselves from the hipps. In this case the midwife ought to be well furnished

with oyntments, helping the egress of the Infant, by anointing and stroking it, least it be carried backward. Having also a great care to take hold of both the armes of the Infant, and keep them close to the hipps, that the child may come forth after its own manner. If by reason of this deduction of the armes, from the sids of the Infant, and the narrowness of the Matrix, it so happen that the child cannot make a total egress, the womb of the woman, and the Infant it self and child, are to be well anointed, sneezing powders being administred to the woman, to helpe her endeavours, the womb is also to be pressed hard with both hands, that the child make no retirement back, but may still move forward.

It happens sometimes that the child comes forward with its feet, with the armes not close to its sides, but extended above its head; which when it comes to pass, the midwife is by no means to receive this birth, unless the child be very small, and the Matrix so wide, that it may afford an easie passage to the child; yet may she not then receive it, till she hath well anoynted both the child and the Matrix. But it would be much more safe and convenient, for both the child and the Mother, to put back the child into the womb, and bring it to its naturall forme, which may be done in this manner; the woman must lye on her back upon her bed, with her head downward, and her buttocks a little elevat∣ed, which being done, the midwife shall gently

[illustration]

[illustration] depictions of fetuses in the womb

3 2 1 6 5 4

compress the belly of the woman toward the Midwife, thereby to put back the Infant into the womb. But above all things let her take a care that she turn the face of the child toward the back of the mother, raising up the thighs and buttocks of the child, toward the navel of the mother, to bring the child to a more legitimate and natural production.

If the child happen to come forth but with one foot, the arme being extended along the sides, with the other foot turned backward; the woman is instantly to be brought to her bed, and laid in the same posture as we have before told you, and then is the other foot which came forth first, to be put back into the womb; which being done, let the woman rock her self from one side of the bed to the other, (lying alwayes with her head low and her buttocks rais'd) till she apprehend the child to be turned, upon which she may immediately expect her pains with all the assistance that may be given; and in the mean while to be comforted as much as may be with cordial potions, and wholsome medicines.

Many times it happens that the child lies athwart, and fals upon its side,* 1.73 which when it comes to pass, the mother is not to be urged to her labour, neither is the birth to be expected after that manner, for it is impossi∣ble that the child should be so born without some conversion; and therefore the Midwife is to do all she can to reduce it to a more natural

form of birth, by moving the buttocks, and steering the head to the passage; if this succeed not, let her trie by often rocking the woman to and fro, to bring the child to its natural form of being born.

* 1.74If it happen that the childe hasten to the birth, with the legs and arms distorted, the Midwife ought not to hasten the woman, but immedi∣ately cast her on her bed, where she may di∣rect the woman to roul her self to and fro; or else she may gently stroak the womb of the wo∣man, as she lies till she have reduced the Infant to a better posture; If this profit not, the Mid∣wife must take the legs and close them together, then if she can she must get her hand about the armes of the child, and in the safest way she can direct it to its coming forth: though it be the safest way to turn the Infant in the womb, and by that means compose it to the natural birth.

* 1.75If the infant come into the world with both knees forward, with the hands hanging down upon the thighs. The Midwife may then put up both the knees, upward, till the feet happen to come forward, and then with her left hand let her take hold of the feet, and keep her right hand about the sides of the childe, and in that posture endeavour the birth of the child; but if that succeed not, let the woman, as is said be∣fore, be brought to her bed, and there wallow from side to side, till she have moved the childe into a better posture.

[illustration] depictions of fetuses in the womb

9 8 7 12 11 10

But when it happens that the child hastens for∣wards with on arme extended upon the thigh,* 1.76 and the other stretched over the head, the feet being stretched out at length in the womb, the Midwife may by no means receive the childe in this posture, but must lay her patient upon the bed, as we have said before; then must the wo∣mans belly be gently pressed backward, that the infant may retire into the womb, and if it give not backward of its own accord, the Midwife may with her hand gently thrust back the shoul∣der, and bring the arm that was stretched back to its right place.

The most dangerous of all those that we have spoken of is this,* 1.77 and therefore the Midwife must take great care to put back the Infant in this case into the womb: first of all therefore anoint well her hands, as also the womb of the woman, then if she can let her thrust in her hand near the armes of the Infant, and so move the shoulders that the infant may fall back into the womb; and then to bring it to the natural form, let her thrust up her other hand, and reduce the armes of the infant to the sides of it; If this succeed not, the woman must be laid on her bed, and after a little rest, she must be ordered as before we have said: If this avail not, she must be brought back to her seat, as we have before re∣hearsed; then must her womb, by the help of those women that assist her, be gently prest downward, and on both sides, while the Mid∣wife having anointed the matrix, and both the

armes of the Infant, joyns them as close toge∣ther as she can, and in that manner receives the Infant. And there is the lesse danger in this form if the Midwife be diligent and the child slender.

* 1.78If the Infant thrust it self forwards with the buttocks formost, the Midwife must put her hand well anointed, and so by heaving up and putting back the buttocks, strive to turn the head to the passage. Yet overmuch haste must not be made, lest the Infant should fall back into some worse posture; and therefore if it cannot be turn∣ed by putting up the hand, the woman must be brought to her bed, and ordered as we have often said before, comfortable things being con∣veniently ministred to her.

* 1.79If the child come forward, with the neck bow∣ed and the shoulders forward, with the hands and feet stretched upwards; in this case the Midwife must carefully move the shoulders backward, that she may be able to bring the head forwards, which may be easily done, for the shoulders being removed, the head will soon appear fore∣most, yet if this suffice not, the woman must be laid on her back upon the bed, and ordered ac∣cording to the former precepts.

* 1.80When the Infant thrusts forth the hands and feet formost, care must be had to avoid the danger of this mishapen posture, and therfore the mid∣wife must strive by removing the feet, to lay hold on the head, and as much as in her lyes, to direct it to the passage; the hands are also to

be removed, unless of their own accords they fall down to the sides. If by this means it can∣not be done, the former precepts of converting the child are to be observed.

Sometimes it happens that the childe strives to force its passage in this posture which is very dangerous. First of all therefore,* 1.81 let the midwife anoynt her hands well, and the womb of the woman, which being done let her put up her hand, and seek for the armes of the child, which when she hath found, let her hold them fast till she hath hold of the head also, which she must with all her skill endeavour to bring formost, then let her remove the hands of the Infant, and fix them upon the sides of the Infant. Yet if this doe not availe, it will be the safest way to lay the woman on her bed, and to proceed according to the former precepts, to trye if by that delay she may have the more advantage to proceed as before.

The same method which is to be observed in single birth,* 1.82 is also to be observed in case of twins or of triple birth: for as the single birth, hath but one naturall way, and many unnaturall formes, so is it with the birth of more children; and therfore when it happens, that when twins appeare coming into the world according to the naturall forme, the midwife must observe to receive that first which is nearest the passage, yet be sure not to let go the other, lest it should fall back into the womb, and tumble into some other forme, but the one being born, immediatly

to receive the other; this birth is the more easie, in the natural form, because the first child widens the passage for the latter, but in unnatural births there is most difficulty in the passage of the se∣cond child. care must be also had in the birth of twins, that the secondines be maturely brought forth, least the womb being delivered of its bur∣den should fall, and the secondine by that meanes be delayed to the damage of the woman in childbed.

* 1.83If there be twins in the womb, and one of them endeavour to come forth with the head formost, and the other with the feet; First of all the Midwife must consider which of the two the woman may be delivered of with most expediti∣on; if the head of the one be less forward then the feet of the second, it will be most convenient to draw that forth by the feet, turning the head of the other a little to the other side, and that being delivered, she must presently lay hold of the head of that which is within, and direct it just to the passage of the womb; which may be done with more ease, by reason of the gap which the formost hath made.

If it happen that in drawing forth the first by the feet, that the other chang its situation, the midwife may then draw forth the other by the feet, as she did the first; and if the head of the first be more forward, then must she put back the feet of the first, and receive that which comes with the head formost.

If both of them press together to the passage of the womb, the midwife must take great care; and therfore she must put up her hand to see which of them is most forward, as also to try whether it be not some monstrous conception, as two heads upon one body, or two bodies joyned in one, either at the shoulders, or at the sides, which may be known, if she put up her hand gently between the two heads as high as she can, and if she find that they are twins, she may gently put the one to one side, to make way for the passage of the other, which is most advanced, which must be directed just to the orifice of the womb, having a great care that she do not change the situation of the second; and as she feeles the pains of the mother coming on her, she must by all means bring forward the childe, that she would receive, still keeping the other back, with two or three fingers of the left hand: and thus having delivered the first, if the second be not well situated, she must bring the head to the neck of the womb, where it will find the passage open to it, by the delivery of the first.

Now lest the first childe should be in danger of its life, you must take it from the mother, and carefully tie up the navel string, as is for∣merly mentioned, & also bind again with a large and long fillet, that part of the navel which is fast to the secondines, that they may be the more easily found. Then the second child being born, the Midwife must see if there be not two secon∣dines,

for by reason of the shortness of the li∣gature, it may have happened to retire back againe, to the damage of the woman; and ther∣fore the secondines must be hastened forth as soon as may be, least the womb should close.

If the two Infants have but one body, the better way is to turn the head upwards, and to draw it forth by the feet, then by the head; taking care when you come to the hipps, to draw it forth as quick as may be.

* 1.84The second forme of the unnaturall birth is very dangerous, and therfore requires the grea∣ter care of the midwife. First therfore, let her well anoynt the womb of the woman, that the passage may be more slipperie, which being done, let her take hold of the hands of one of the Infants, and keeping them close to the sides, direct the head to the orifice of the womb; that being born, let her proceed in the same manner toward the other. If she cannot come to take hold of either of the Infants armes, she must bring the woman againe to her bed, and trye if by the foresaid Agitation of her body, the infants may be Brought to a more conve∣nient forme of delivery.

CHAP. XXIX. Of ordering the woman after she is delivered.

IN the first place she must keep a temperate dyet, having a great care not to over fill her selfe after so great an evacuation; and indeed her dyet must be like that of wounded persons; neither are the tales of Nurses to be beleived, who exhort them to fill after so great an empti∣nes, telling them that the loss of bloud must be restored; for these are meer fooleries; for as for that blood which she hath lost, it is but un∣necessary blood, such as is usually kept for the space of nine months, which to voyd, is much conducing to her health; besides their nourish∣ment for the first days, must be but slender, for feare of falling into a fever; besides the abun∣dance of milke which it would bring into the brest, where it might be in danger of curdling, or apostematizing, and therfore for the first five days, let her use broths, Panadas, potched eggs. Gellies, abstaining from flesh, or french Barly, In the Morning, broth will be expedient; at dinner, broth or eggs or Panada; and at supper, the same, with some Gellies for her second courses. If she intend to nourse her childe, she may feed more plentifully; and drinke some Barly-water where in some corianders or fennell seed may be put.

In Italie the persons of most account doe use this water. Take two Capons, the fethers being well pulled of, and the bowels wholly taken out, which you shall boyl in a glaz'd earthen pot, in a sufficient quantitie of water till they be halfe boyled then must they be taken out of the pot, together with the broth; and being cutt to peices are to be put into a Lembick in manner follow∣ing.

℞. Bugloss, Borache and Time, two good handfulls, and with that cover the bottome of the shell, then lay upon that a row of flesh, then upon that a ranck of leaf gold, with a dram of powder of pearles, and upon that pover the broth, let all this be distilled in Balneo Mariae, drawing forth a pint at a time, which you shall reiterate as often as you have any thing left, to give to the woman in child-bed, for the space of ten or twelve dayes. This water must be drawn six weeks or two months before it be used; If the woman be not troubled with a fever, let her drinke a little white wine or Claret, with twice as much hot water; If she haue a mind to drink between meales or at night, it may be conveni∣ent to give her some syrrup of maidenhaire, or any other syrrup that is not astringent, with a little boyled water. After the suspition of fever, or heat of her brests is over, she may be nourish∣ed more plentifully, and you may give her, together with her broth, some other meat, as Pullet, Capon, Pigeon, Mutton or Veale, boyled. After the eight day is past; at what

time the Womb is well purged and discharged, it will be expedient to give her cold meat in greater quantitie, that she may be enabled to gaine. strength; during all this time, she must rest very quiet, and be free from all manner of disturb∣ance; she must sleep as little in the day time as may be. If she goe not well to the stoole, she may have some such kind of Glyster as this.

℞. of mallows, Marshmallows, and Pelitory of the wall, an. one handfull, Flowers of Camomile, and Melilot, of each a small handfull, Aniseeds and Fenell seeds, of each two ounces, boile these in the decoction of a wethers head, take of this three quartaries and dissolve in them of course suger and common hony, of each two ounces, new fresh butter three ounces; of this make a Glister, and if occasion serve, add to this an ounce of Catholicon.

What is to be done to the Breast, Belly, and lower parts of the Woman in child-bed.

IN the first place you may lay the skin of a hare or sheep for the space of four or five howers, which being taken away, you may then anoynt it with this following oyntment, and then lay a linnen towell all over her belly and hipps, which must be continued on for the first seven days, looking after and turning every morning.

The Oyntment may be this.

℞ the oyl of sweet Almonds, Camomil and Hipericon, an. one ounce and a half, Sperma∣ceti two ounces, Goats fat one ounce, oyle of Myrtles halfe an ounce, melt all these and make an oyntment to anoynt the belly, Now before the cere cloath be put on, you must apply a little plaister of Galbanum, about the bigness of two or three fingers to the navel, in the middle of which may be put two or three graines of civet, yet so as that the woman may not perceive the sent of it. The cere cloth may be this.

℞. White wax four ounces, Pomatum with∣out musk, Calfes greass, of each an ounce, Spermaceti an ounce and a half, oyle of Hiperi∣con and sweet Almonds, of each one ounce, Venice Turpentine, washed in Pellitory water, halfe an ounce, melt these in Balneo Mariae, and spread them upon a cloath about the bigness of the belly, and when it is coole apply it.

The next care is to be had of the brests, upon these some put round cere cloths, made thus, take six ounces of new wax, oyle of Myrtle, roses and hony of Narbon, of each two ounces, melt these all togethe••, and make a cere cloth; Let them have holes in the middle for the nipples to goe through.

This oyntment is also very good to keep the milke from clotting.

℞. Oyntment of Populion one ounce, Galens refrigerating oyntment half an ounce, oyle of roses six dramms, vinegar a small quantitie, melt them together and make an oyntment.

This fomentation is also much commended.

℞. Fennel, Parssely, Petroselinum, Mallows, Althea, of each a small handfull, Laurel and Camomile flowers, of each half a handfull, boyle these according to art, and make a fomen∣tation for the nipples. After this fomentation, anoynt them with oleum rosatum omphacium, and then apply this following plaister.

℞. Venice Turpentine foure ounces, well washed in strong wine and rose water, adding to it two whole eggs, and a scruple of saffron, with as much wax as is sufficient, spread this upon a linnen cloth, and apply it: as for the lower parts, for the three first dayes, they are to be fomented with a certaine fomentation of milke, where in hath bin boyled a few roses, some chervil, and a little plantaine. From the next day to the eight day, you may use this bath; wine and water, of each half a pint, red roses, and flowers of Hipericon, of each two handfulls, Agrimony one handfull, make of this a decocti∣on; after bathing once or twice lay this follow∣ing

oyntment along the lipps of the privities, upon a linnen cloth.

℞ Oyle of Hipericon two ounces, Sperma∣ceti an ounce and a halfe, a little white wax, mix all these together melt them and make an oynt∣ment.

After the eight dayes are past, you may lay upon her belly this following plaister.

℞. Oyle of Hipericon, Camomile, and ani∣seeds, of each one ounce, oyle of Mastick, an ounce and a half, oyle of myrtles six dramms, Spermaceti two ounces, the fat of the reines of a goat an ounce and a half, Dears suet one ounce, of this make an oyntment to anoynt the belly of the woman in childbed, and then apply this fol∣lowing plaister.

℞. Oyle of myrtles, and Hypericon, of each an ounce and a halfe, oyle of Nippo one ounce, Venice Turpentine, washed in water of Mother∣wort, four ounces, melt all these together and put them upon a hempen cloath, that may cover all the belly, and lett her weare it the space of eight dayes.

These fifteen days being past, for the space of eight days more, you may lay upon her belly and her hipps, this following plaisters.

℞. Oyle of Mastick, myrtles, Iasmine, and Quinces, of each an ounce and a halfe, oyle of Acornes two ounces, spermaceti one ounce, Venice Turpentine, washed in Plantaine water, half an ounce, wax six ounces, melt all these together, adding powder of Mastick, and Terra

sigillata an. halfe an ounce, florentine, Orrice one ounce, spread all these upon a hempen cloath, and lay it on her belly, to be kept there for the space of eight or ten dayes; for the lower parts this fomentation may be needfull.

℞. Leaves of Plantaine, Mulleine, Centinody and Horstaile, an. one handful, Cypress leaves a handfull and a halfe, of the rind of Pom∣granates, cypress nuts; and Pomgranate flow∣ers, of each halfe an ounce, red roses, Camomil and Melilot, of each a handfull, roch Alum two ounces, calamus aromaticus, and florentine Orrice, of each three drams, Gilliflowers one dram, make of these two sacks, and boyle them in like quantities of sower wine, and smiths water, for the exteriour mouth of the neck of the womb.

Of the choice of a good Nurse.

THe choice of a good Nurse is very impor∣tant, and therefore you must first look upon her aspect, and see whether her sight be no way imperfect, as whether she be squint-eyed, or have a down-cast look; you must have a special care that she be not red hair'd, for their milk is extreamly hot; see moreover whether her teeth be sound and white and well set, know whether she come of parents that have been troubled with the consumption; and if she have not, nor be exsumptive herself, you may judg of her stomach, and whether she be subject to

catarrhs; you must also take heed that she send no stinking breath, either from her mouth or nostrils, for that corrupts the Lungs of the Infant. Enquire whether neither she nor any of her kindred have been troubled with leprosie, by reason that it is very contagious, or with the Epilepsie or Falling-sickness. And therefore those women that either cannot, or will not nurse their own children, must make use of such women as are most fit to the humour they would have the child to be of, for the nurse is now to be the second mother of the child, from whom the Infants draws all her conditions, be they good be they bad; and it is often seen that chil∣dren do partake more of the conditions of the Nurse then the Mother, and therefore care must be taken, that the Nurse be good conditioned, good teeth, brown hair, of a healthy generati∣on, that neither she nor her husband may have had the French disease, that she be not peevish nor cholerick, that she have milk in abundance, and a good fleshy breast, that her breast be not over-fleshy, that she be not too fat, and above all, that she be not of too amorous a humour, and desirous to be with her husband, for that is perfect venome to the milk.

What is to be done in the extream pains of the childe.

IF a child have extream throws presently after it be born, you must rub it with Pelitory and

fresh butter, or Spinach, or else with Hogs grease, and apply it upon the navel, having first a great care that it be not too hot. Or else make a little cake of eggs and oyl of nuts, and apply in the very same place; if this avail not, give it a little Glyster of milk, the yolke of an egge and a little Sugar, this easeth the pain of the intestines.

What is to be done with those children that are troubled with flegme.

THere are some children born of ill constitu∣tion'd women, or else of women that have not used good nourishment in the time of their being with child, who are very full of flegme, these you must lay upon one side, and some∣times upon the other; for if you lay them upon their backs, you may perchance choak them; you must be sure to keep their bellies soluble, causing them to void that bloud kept in the en∣trails from the time of their being in the womb, by giving it a little suppository of black soap well rubbed in fresh butter, to take away the Acrimony of it, then give it a spoonful of syrrup of violets; this causes the flegm to pass down; if you perceive that the Infant hath not much heat, you may mix with it half the quantity of oyl of sweet Almonds, and half of the syrrup of violets, and continue it, stroaking the stomach and the belly of the Infant with fresh butter, every time that they undress him.

That which ought to he done to children, that have their cods full of wind.

VVHen Infants have their cods full of wind, ye must examin whether it be with wind or water; if it be water, by rubbing and chafing the skin with fresh butter, the waters will sweat out; if it be wind, the children must be stirred, and swung gently, mingling in their drinke the decoction of aniseeds.

How to take away the canker from the mouths of Infants.

THere have been known certaine children which have been nourished with cold milk, which hath bin thick and in great quantity, which a few days after its birth, hath heated the mouth of the infant in such a fashion, that it caused a white canker, which presently possessed the tongue, palate, the gums, the throat, and all the mouth, whereupon it was taken with a fever, and it could no longer suck, all the assistance that could be was still applyed, and when no other medicine did avayle, there was found one, a particular remedie, which was, half a handfull of sage, a handfull of cherveil, brused a little, and boyled in a sufficient quantitie of water, a bout a dozen seethings, to which you must add a spoonfull of vinegre, when you have streined it, you must put to it an ounce of mel rosatum,

then you must have a little hooked stick, with a little peice of scarlet tyed at the end, then putting the water in a sawcer, dip the end of the stick where the scarlet is tyed, and then rub the place affected gently, and you shall find the can∣cer to asswage by little and a little.

What is to be done to children whose intestines are fallen.

THere are a great many infants whose great gut fals, which is a thing very easily reme∣dyed at the beginning, and therfore you must put it up againe, first, lay the child with his head lowermost, then you must have a thick cushion, soaked in smiths water, then you must have an emplaister made of the roots of great Consound scraped, and put upon it as an oyntment, then looking to it every day, taking care that it crie but little, and never unbind him but as hee lyes, lest the gut tumble down againe, and so the cure be delayed, as the child grows big the hole lessens, and the Intestine grows big. This is an experienced way.

To make an oyntment to strengthen the thighs and leggs of a child, and make him goe.

TAke Sage, Marjoram, Dwarfe, Elder-bruise them a good while together till you have beaten out a good deale of juice, then put it into a glass viol, till it be full, and stop up the

hole, with past and round the sides also, put the said past, put it then in an oven to bake as long as a good bigg loafe, then draw it forth and suffer it to coole, then breake the past which is round the viol, breake the bottle and keep up that which is with in, which you shall find turnd to an oyntment, and when you would use it, you must add to it some of the marrow of the hoofe of an oxe, melting it all together, and when you have so done, you must rub the hinder part of the leggs and thighs of the child. This hath been done to a child whom a famous Physitian, after three yeares having in hand, gave over, saying, that it would never goe.

Of the relaxations of the Matrix, and the cause.

There are many causes of the relaxation of the Matrix, the one proceeding from great fluxes which fal down upon the ligaments there∣of, causing them to wax loose; Others come to this disease by some falls, others by reason of carring in their womb too great burdens, others by streining themselves in travaile before their time, and because the orifice of the womb is not open; somtimes, and very often; by reason of the midwifes, who putting up their hands into the womb, teare downe they know not what, which is often times apart of the Matrix, to the bottom of which the secondines adhere, draw∣ing down part of the womb. which they take to be the secondines, which is often times brought

also to a worse condition, when the unskilfull women force her to the remedies, for bringing down the secondines, as holding baysalt in her hand, streining to vomit, and the like. For remedie wherof, all these relaxation of the Matrix, by the same remedies, except those which are occasioned by strong fluxes, for in this case other remedies are not sufficient, being that you are to take away the cause of those defluxions, before you can proceed to the cure of the relaxation. Among the rest I will relate one that hath been found very profitable and experienced, which is this astringent. Take Gall nuts, Cypress nuts, and Pomegranate flowers, Roche Alum, of each two ounces, Province Roses four ounces, Centinode, a good big handfull, the rind of Cassia, the rind of Pome∣granates, Scarlet Graines, of each three ounces, the nature of a whale, one ounce, Myrrh water, rose water, and sloe water an ounce and a half, thick wine, and smiths water, of each foure ounces and a half; then make two little baggs of a quarter of a yard long, causing them to boyle in the foresaid waters, in a new pot, using one after another as you have occasion, leting it lye upon the bone of the Pubes, passing in between the hipps, chafing her often, and holding her head and her reines low, using in the morning, somtimes a little mastick, in an eg, or somtimes plantaine seed: if the disease be not too old, it may be cured by this meanes, but if it be of a long standing, you must make a pessarie halfe

round, and half oval, of great thick cork, peirced through in the middle, tye a little packthred to the end, then cover it over with white wax, that it may doe no hurt, and to make it more thick, this must be dipped in oyle of Olives to make it enter, and it must be streit that it may not easily fall out, and if it be too little, to have an other bigger, & when the woman goes to do her neces∣sary occasions, she must hold it in, least she should force it out; the hole is made that the vapors of the womb may have a vent, and to give way for her purgations to flow, neither must it be taken away till after the purgations are passed, the thicknes causes the matrix to mount up as long, as it is very thick, for the ligaments being close doe then retire. If they be women that beare children, the midwife ought not to suffer them to force themselves, but as nature constraines her, having her own hand ready after the throw, to put back the Matrix with her finger, and when she is brought to bed, lay her low with her head and with her reines, raising her up, with pillows put under her hipps; and for women that are troubled with this disease, they ought not to lace themselves over hard, for that thrusts down the matrix, and makes the woman pouch bellyed, and hinders the Infant form being well situated in her body, causing her to carrie the child all upon her hipps, and makes her belly as deformed, as her wast is handsome.

Of a disease that happens by reason of the fall of the Matrix.

THere is somtimes a relaxation of the mem∣brane, that covers the rectum Intestinum, when the head of the child, at the beginning of the travaile falls downward, and draws it low; often-times it comes by reason of women with child lacing themselves, which causes such a conflux of wind to these parts, that it seemes to the woman to be the head of the child, in so much that she is hardly able to stand upright, neither can she goe. For remedy hereof, you must keep the woman soluble, giving her Anise and Coriander seeds to dissipate the winds. You must take Sage, Agrimony, Mother-wort, balme, White wormwood, Margerome a little rue, and a little Thyme, and Camomile, and having picked all the above written herbs, you must cut them very small, and having well ming∣led them put them into a maple platter, and then put hot cinders upon them, and upon those another handfull of herbes, covering the platter with a close cloth, that the woman may receive the smoake; this is a remedie which hath been much approved and experimented.

To remedie the fall of the fundament in Infants.

TAke of the green shrub wherof they make broomes, and cut it smal, and lay it upon the coales, and set the child over the smoake thereof, and it will certainly cure it.

Of the diseases of women, and first of the inflammation of the brest.

THe inflamation of the brests is a hard swell∣ing, together with a beating paine, redness and shooting. The cheif cause of this is the abundance of blood, drawn up together in that place, though there be somtimes other causes also, as the suppression of the courses, the Hae∣morrhoids, or a blow received upon the breasts. The signes of it are easie to be known, that is to say, a certain rednes and burning heat, oftimes joyned with a fever. For the cure of this, there are four sorts of remedies; first, as the order of dyet, which must be comforting and moistning, as broth of pullets, where endive, borage, lettice, and purselaine may be boyled also; she may drinke the juce of Pomegranates, or barly water, with aniseeds boyled in it: the use of wine and all sorts of spices are very dangerous, and if the woman goe not freely to the stoole, there is nothing better then a lenitive glyster; she may sleep much, and must not disturb her selfe with

any passion. The next way of remedy is by di∣verting the humours, which is done by frictions, letting bloud in the foot, scarification of the legs, or vesicatories applied to those places, espe∣cially if the flowers are stopped or ready to come down; if not, it will be expedient to open a veine in the arme.

You may also prepare the humour to void it out of the place affected, by opening either the middle vein, or the Basilic, or the Vena Saphe∣na, which may be done two or three times, if occasion serve; after bloud-letting, purge, but let this be done with sweet medicines, such are Cassia, Manna, Tamarind, syrrup of Roses, or Violets Solutive, having a little before used certain syrrups, which may asswage and temper the humours. Take syrrup of Roses and Purs∣lain, of each one ounce, Endive water and Plantain water, of each an ounce, give this to the patient; Neither will it be amiss to give her syrrup of Succory, or Endive, or such like, for these syrrups have a cooling and refreshing fa∣culty, especially being mingled with Plantain, or Endive water, or such like, or the decoction of the said herbs; now when the humour is thus prepared, you may give her some gentle purges. As for example, take of the pulp of Cassia, and Tamarinds, of each six drams, of this make a little bolus with some sugar, and give to the patient, or with this potion.

Take of the Leaves of Italian Orach three drams, of Aniseed one scruple, infuse these in four ounces of the foresaid waters. Into this being strained, infuse an ounce of Cassia, and

into the streining of this dissolve an ounce of solutive Roses; of this make a potion and give it. The fourth way of cure consists in Topicks, such as may drive back and repress the humour, though care must be had that they be not over strong, lest you thereby do cool the heart too much, and thereupon drive the humour upon the heart it self. And therefore temperate medi∣cines are chiefly to be chosen, and such especial∣ly as are able to digest and dissolve the humour: Wherefore it shall not be amiss to apply a linnen cloath dipt in white strong vineger, and a little cold water, which must be applied to the breasts, and often changed. Or else you may dip linnen cloaths also in a decoction of Camomil flowers, and Violet flowers, with a small quantity of oyl of Roses, and a drop of vineger or two; or you may use this fomentation. Take of the juyce of Nightshade & oyl of Roses, of each an ounce and a half, of the decoction of Fenugreek, Camomil and Lineseed two ounces, vineger one ounce.

This medicine you may use by dipping a spunge therein, and so washing and fomenting the breast therewith.

Or you may apply this Cataplasme; take of the leaves of Nightshade and Melilot half a handful of each, let them be boyled & extracted through a course cloth then add to them bean meal two ounces, Oxymel and oyle of sweet Almonds of each one ounce; of this make a Cataplasm and apply it. If the disease be more prevalent, you must use more forcible remedies, and among the rest this fomentation. Take of the leaves of Mallows, Violets, Dill, of each

one handful, flowers of Camomil and Melilot of each a small handful and a halfe, boyl these together, adding to them a little wine and oyl of Dill or Mustard; first let the breast be fomen∣ted with this, and afterwards with an oyntment composed of equal parts of new butter, oyl of violets and Hens fat. But if these things avail not to dissipate the humour, you must observe whe∣ther the inflamation tend either to a suppuration or induration. If you find that it tends to a hard∣ness, you must try all means to hinder it by the way of mollifying plaisters, among which this is not a little experimented: Take the marrow of a Calves leg two ounces, Sheeps grease one ounce, Saffron four scruples, Cumminseed bruised, two scruples, mingle all these and make a plaister. If the inflamation doth not harden, but doth al∣together tend to a suppuration, which may be known by these signs; that is to say, the increa∣sing of the tumour, the beating and excessive heat, & pain which rages about those parts so ve∣hemently, that do not admit them to be touch'd. But now the suppuration is to be hastened with hot and moist medicines, which have an Empla∣stick faculty, for which purpose this is much commended: Take the leaves of Mallows one handful, roots of Althea one ounce, boyl these together, and when they are mashed draw them out, and add to them bean meal and Fenugreek, of each one ounce, the whites of two eggs, myrrh and Assa faetida of each one dram, Saffron one scruple, mingle all these together, and make a Cataplasm for your use; to this you may either add Capons grease, Hogs grease, or fresh but∣ter.

If these remedies do not suddenly bring the inflammation to a suppuration, you must then take of the shells of snails bruised, and lay them upon the Cataplasm in such a manner, that the snail shell may come to touch that part of the tumour which is most elevated and pointed, whence it appears, that the matter will first is∣sue; If these remedies avail not, it will be ne∣cessary to open the said Apostem, with a Lancet, and this must be done when you are sure that the matter is ready to come forth, which may be known by these signs, when the beating ceases, when the fever, the pain and the heat of the part do begin to diminish, when you perceive the place pointed, and raised and enclining to a blackish colour. When the wound is open, you must first apply to it a digestive, composed of an ounce of turpentine, half an ounce of oyl of Ro∣ses and the yolk of an egge. After this you must cleanse it with honey of roses, Turpentine and barly meal, or with the oyntment of the Apostles, or the oyntment called Aegyptiacum, then you may put on the top of the place, the oyntment called Basilicon or Paracelsus plaister which doth digest, cleanse carnifie & cicatrize af∣ter a very extraordinary manner. This is further∣more to be observed, that an ulcer in the breast is not easily cured, if the milk be not dried out of the other breast; and therefore the milke is to be dried up by keeping the child from sucking, and by putting upon the breasts of the woman, cloaths dipped in cold water, together with bean barly and vineger, and such like reme∣dies.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The se∣cond Tuni∣cle.
• * 1.2

  The pro∣per Tuni∣cles.
• * 1.3

  The origi∣nal of these Muscels.
• * 1.4

  The quan∣tity of it.
• * 1.5

  The sub∣stance of the Yard.
• * 1.6

  The nut of the yard.
• * 1.7

  The two nervous bodies.
• * 1.8

  Their sub∣stance.
• * 1.9

  The Ureter.
• * 1.10

  The holes of th•• Ure∣ter.
• * 1.11

  Note.
• * 1.12

  The Mu∣scles of the Yard.
• * 1.13

  The vessel of the Yard.
• * 1.14

  The use of the Glans.
• * 1.15

  The Cly∣toris.
• * 1.16

  The neck of the womb.
• * 1.17

  The sub∣stance.
• * 1.18

  The Hy∣men.
• * 1.19

  The cause of the larg∣ness of the vessels.
• * 1.20

  Note.
• * 1.21

  The two holes, or pits, near the lips of the puden∣dum.
• * 1.22

  The womb.
• * 1.23

  The figure.
• * 1.24

  The big∣ness.
• * 1.25

  The fibres.
• * 1.26

  The veins.
• * 1.27

  The Arte∣ries.
• * 1.28

  Note.
• * 1.29

  The ves∣sels.
• * 1.30

  The Arte∣ries.
• * 1.31

  The inser∣tion of the vessels.
• * 1.32

  Their sci∣tuation.
• * 1.33

  A doubt.
• * 1.34

  Their fi¦gure.
• * 1.35

  The big∣ness and temper.
• * 1.36

  The proper actions of the womb.
• * 1.37

  Their fi∣gure.
• * 1.38

  Signs of concepti∣on.
• * 1.39

  Concepti∣on of a Male.
• * 1.40

  Concepti∣on of a Fe∣male.
• * 1.41

  Conception of Twins.
• * 1.42

  False Con∣ception.
• * 1.43

  Several sorts of Moles.
• * 1.44

  Of the false mole.
• * 1.45

  Sign of moles.
• * 1.46

  The windy mole.
• * 1.47

  The watry mole.
• * 1.48

  The mem∣branous mole.
• * 1.49

  The signs of false concepti∣on.
• * 1.50

  The pen∣dent mole.
• * 1.51

  Her Diet.
• * 1.52

  Of Long∣ing.
• * 1.53

  Her sleep∣ing.
• * 1.54

  Her exer∣cise.
• * 1.55

  Other pre∣cepts.
• * 1.56

  Precepts concerning the breasts.
• * 1.57

  Concern∣ing the belly.
• * 1.58

  Of the monstruous bloud.
• * 1.59

  The Liver framed.
• * 1.60

  The Heart formed.
• * 1.61

  Her Age.
• * 1.62

  Her man∣ners.
• * 1.63

  Her Spirit.
• * 1.64

  Of women near the time of their lying down.
• * 1.65

  Her Bed.
• * 1.66

  In the time of travail what to do.
• * 1.67

  Certain Rules.
• * 1.68

  Note.
• * 1.69

  Hot things to be avoi∣ded.
• * 1.70

  As also em∣ptiness and fulness.
• * 1.71

  Of the child dead in the mo∣thers belly.
• * 1.72

  Another way.
• * 1.73

  If the child lie athwart
• * 1.74

  The fifth unnatural form.
• * 1.75

  The sixth form.
• * 1.76

  Of the se∣venth form.
• * 1.77

  The eight form.
• * 1.78

  The ninth form.
• * 1.79

  The tenth form.
• * 1.80

  The ele∣venth form
• * 1.81

  The 12^th form.
• * 1.82

  The 13^th form.
• * 1.83

  The four∣teenth form.
• * 1.84

  The fif∣teenth form.