Platerus golden practice of physick: fully and plainly discovering, I. All the kinds. II. The several causes of every disease. III. Their most proper cures, in respect to the kinds, and several causes, from whence they come. After a new, easie, and plain method; of knowing, foretelling, preventing, and curing, all diseases incident to the body of man. Full of proper observations and remedies: both of ancient and modern physitians. In three books, and five tomes, or parts. Being the fruits of one and thirty years travel: and fifty years practice of physick. By Felix Plater, chief physitian and professor in ordinary at Basil. Abdiah Cole, doctor of physick, and the liberal arts. Nich. Culpeper, gent. student in physick, and astrology.

The Cure.

The defect of the internal senses is in∣curable if it happen from a weakness contracted from the Parents, * 1.1 or by reason of Age, or from some eminent hurt of the Brain: or if it arise from a perverse conformation of the Brain. Also that prae∣ternatural constitution imprinted on the Brain, whether it be moist or dry, is hardly corrected: yet for the correct∣ing of that, to which Physitians do chiefly apply their Cures, in treating of the Memory hurt: we also shall shew the manner of operation, how those faults may at least be corrected, if not wholly taken away.

Exercise, As it doth set an edge on all dul functions, * 1.2 and as it were bring them into Act, may also do good here in the o∣perations of the Minde if they be dulled by reason of the sluggish and remiss use of them. Also in a weakness, although it can scarce be mended; since that the native heat is renewed by exercise, and custome is a second Nature, the exercise of the Minde may do somwhat at least in this. But in a moist temper of it, when as the agitations of the Minde doth consume Ex∣crements, it will do good.

This may be done by often exercising these Functi∣ons of the Minde, those especially which are done with pleasure (since nothing is to be done against Nature) and those either all together; or singly the Wit, if they learn to speak, learning languages and arts, by which the apprehension and Wit is made acute, which otherwise growes dul by idleness. The judgment, if they discerue and judg of things especially things scrupulous, and that often; as we see many ignorant of law by use to have acquired a natural knowledg and prudence in the laws. They may whet the Memory by studying to remember and retain, and committing other arts to Memory; in which this is particularly to be observed, that those things which are conceived and repeated in the evening after supper before sleep do remain more firmly im∣printed in the morning.

Also a rest of the Functions of the minde, being wea∣ried with too much use and watchings, and so at length weakned, doth much refresh them.

Which is done if they moderat themselves from the too much study of knowing or handling of things, and from the immoderate affections of the Minde; if they sleep at due times, and as much as is needful, whenas sleep is the rest of the Minde, and by it the internal actions of sense are respited, unless in some sort they do a little exercise themselves in dreams.

As concerning Evacuations, if the sluggishness arise from a too moist constitution of the Brain, and there be plenty of Excrements in the Brain, they must be emptied successively, as is wont to be done in Diseases of the Brain, arising from flegmatick and serous Humors; which may be done by this Method.

The common Excrements must first be washed away, with this fallowing Clyster or the like; as, Take of the Herbs Mallows, Marsh-mallows, Pellitory of the Wall, Beets, Mercury, Betony, Sage, Hysop, of each one handful; the flowers of Chamomel, Melilote, Elder, Lavender, of each one pugil; Bran one pugil; Fennel and Caraway seed, of each three drams; make a Decoction: Dissolve in it, of the juyce of Mercury, one ounce; of Honey, one ounce and an half: Oyl of Rue, two ounces; of Benedicta Laxativa, or some strong Hiera, half an ounce; of Salt, one dram. Make a Clyster.

Then the humors must be prepared with this De∣coction, Take of the Roots of Orrice, the true Acorus, Elecampane, of each half an ounce; Pellitory of Spain (it helps the Memory much) Galangal, Ginger, of each two drams; the Herbs Betony, Marjoram, Time, of each half an ounce; Balm, two drams? the flowers of Lavender or Spike, Sage, French Lavender, of each two drams; Rose∣mary flowers, three drams; Liquorish, six drams; Annis and Fennel seed, of each one dram and an half; Caraways, one dram; Cubebs, half a dram: Make a Decoction in Wine and Water; And in a pound and an half of that strained, Dissolve of Honey or Sugar as much as is sufficient, Aroma∣tize it with Cinnamon and Nutmeg. For five or six mor∣nings.

A Wine may be made with the infusion of these, with the Honey and Sugar if they like sweet things, if not, you may substitute Wormwood in their room, with whose smel they are much delighted, and abhor not the bitter∣ness of it.

The same may be done with Syrups, if less pains, and more gratefulness be required: Take of the Syrups of Betony and French Lavender, Honey of Roses, of each half an ounce; of the Water of Betony and Marjoram a double quan∣tity, Aromatize it with Cinnamon; Let him drink as often of it, as was said of the Decoction.

This being done, Purge the Body with these Pills: Take of Cochiae Pills, two scruples; of Castor (tis pecu∣liarly good) half a scruple; with sweet Wine; Make up Pills.

Or with this potion, Take of the electuary Diacartha∣mum, two drams; or one Dose of any other Phlegmagoge, of Agarick infused in Oxymel, one dram; Syrup of Liquorish, one ounce; the Waters of Balm and Betony as much as is suf∣cient: And make a Potion.

This being done, and the Brain strengthned, as it ought to be after purging, if the Head be stil excremen∣titious, these things may be repeated presently, or at fit time, or by interuals.

Which may be done by a Syrup which may be prepa∣red out of the precedent Decoction; adding, Senna, wild Saffron, Agarick, Turbith, to which we may add, Sea Fennel, since that if it be new, it doth purge Flegm, and with an addition of Sugar and Honey: Boyl them to a consistence.

Also the usual Pills that purge Flegm, may be made use of.

Wines are less proper if they ought to be kept long, when as they do easily corrupt; but if purging be to be used for five or six daies together, they may be made of the same things, as the Decoction was, infused in Wine.

Also if a waterish humor abound, the Head must be purged by times; by particular Evacuations, called Head purges, as Masticatories, Gargarismes, Errhines, as it hath been said in its proper place.

As concerning things Alterative, all those things which strengthen the Head, and stir up its innate heat, being applied inwardly and outwardly may do good; a∣mongst which, those that act potentially, ought to be most hot in this moist constitution of the Brain, whereas this is so imprinted, and the temperament of the Brain so changed, are hardly reduced, and therefore require stronger means, that so their operation may better reach to the Brain; neither can things taken inwardly too much inflame the Brain being a part far distant, nor things outwardly applied, by reason of the thickness of the Head. The rest found out by experience, are thought to restore the Memory by a certain pro∣priety.

Those things therefore which are taken chiefly to re∣store the Memory in a moist cause as was said, are as follow.

In the form of a Pouder this is cried up to be excellent to preserve the Memory: Take of Male Frankincense or Olibanum, half a scruple: Make a Pouder; Let him take it often by it self or with Wine or some convenient Water.

If both round and long Pepper be added, tis a most commendable remedy thus prepared: Take Male Fran∣kincense, fifteen drams; Pepper, five drams: Make a Pouder; give one dram every morning for forty daies.

Ginger condite in Syrup or dry, as tis wont to be pre∣pared, taken in the morning is approved of; also the conditure of the true Acorus, that is, the Aromatick Cane.

Also the Root of Pellitory of Spain, whiles it is new candid eaten like Ginger is highly esteemed, whose Decoction Paracelsus approves of against forgetfulness.

The Confection Anacardine was chiefly invented to re∣pair the Memory, especially if it be prepared without Castor by reason of its ungratefulness, as Gordonius teach∣eth, of which half an ounce or an ounce or more may be given according to Gordonius with some convenient wa∣ter as of Fennel or Smallage, which if it heat the body too much may be prepared thus:

Take of Confection Anacardine one dram, Conserve of Marjoram, Rosemary, of each half an ounce: Let him take once or twice a week a dram for a dose.

Compounds of the aforementioned and other things convenient for the Head and appropriate to the me∣mory impaired as Myrobolans, Cyperus root, the Skul of a Man and the like, are thus made for the strengthning of the Brain.

Take of confection anacardine one dram, Frankincense two drams, Pepper, Ginger, each half a dram; Sugar dissolved in Cinnamon and Marjoram water twelve ounces: make Ta∣bles give one every morning, or every other morning.

Others more efficacious are prepared thus. Take of male Frankincense three drams, Pepper, Ginger each half a dram, Cinnamon two scruples Corall one dram, the shavings of Mans Skull two drams, Harts-horn, Ivory, each half a dram, ad of Sugar six ounces or the double quantity and make a pou∣der; or dissolving the Sugar in Marjoram water make Ta∣bles; or abate of the quantity of Sugar, and with the In∣fusion of Gum Tragacanth in Rose-water make Lozenges, and use them.

Electuaries also may be made for the same Use of things for the head after this manner. Take of the conditures of Ginger, the true Acorus, Pellitory of Spain, as was said each half an ounce, of Chebul and Emblick Myrobalans each two; of Marjoram, Rosemary-fllowers, Lavender or French Laven∣der, Sage each six drams, conserve of Roses, Bugloss each three drams, the Roots of Cyprus, Galangall, Cloves each half a dram, Pepper two scruples, Cubebs one scruple, Olibanum one dram and an half, pouder of Diamber and Diamoschum each half a dram, (Musk or Amber we may add) of a Mans Skul if you please, two drams, of Honey anarcadine as much as is sufficient: make an Electuary. Let him take from one dram and an half to two drams going to Bed.

They commend also Treacle and Methridate, which we would rather omit by reason of the Opium which makes al the senses more stupid or languid although the Composition be old; whenas other things are not wan∣ting, and no pain here or Necessity requires it, neither is there any malignity of the Humor.

If we must needs use things unpleasing it is best to give them in form of Pills. Take of Frankincense two dram, Pepper, Ginger, Cubebs each one dram, Castor half a dram, Musk, Amber each six grains, with the Confection or Honey anacardine make Pills, give going to Bed two of them for many daies.

A Wine convenient for this may be made thus, Take of the Roots of true Acorus, Galangall, each half an ounce; Ginger a dram and an half, the herbs Marjoram, Sage, the flowers of Lavender, French Lavender, Rosemary, Roses, each three drams; Pepper, Cloves, Cubebs, of each half a dram; Infuse them bruised in Wine, let him drink somtimes a draught in a morning when he takes broath.

Distilled Waters are approved, the simple of Rosemary flowers, or the like, or compounded of divers, pouring to them the Water of Wine which they call Aqua Vitae which they write (also alone) wil do good, if in the morn the quantity of one spoonful be taken.

A Compound one may be made thus. Take of the Ma∣terials above mentioned for the Wine, bruised, and pour to them Spirits of Wine, or Malago wine that it may be above it one fingers breadth, Confection Anacardine six drams: Let them be distilled in Balneo Mariae and let him use it.

At meals, many of this sort may be given, especially the more grateful for Sauces, as the Spices forementio∣ned, Pepper, Ginger, for stuffings, Marjoram, Sage, and the like.

Also Mustard seed is a Junket with Honey, as 'tis wont to be presented to Tables; or the same covered over with Sugar, because this seed doth by a propriety whet the memory.

In Wine also the like Herbs may be infused and steep∣ed.

The like External Remedies may be used, which may stir up the heat and consume moistures; as these are.

To rub the head in the morning with a Comb, and u∣sually with cloaths after sleep: Somtimes to wash the head with a Lie, but presently again to dry it with warm cloaths smoaked with Frankincense seeing Frankincense as 'tis said, by a peculiar vertue helps the memory, but the Lye may be thus made. Take of Agarick two drams, the herbs Sage, Betony, Marjoram, Celtick Spike, Pennyroyal, Bayes, Rosemary flowers, Spike, Lavender, Red Roses, Cha∣momel, of each one handful; Bay and Juniper berries, of each an ounce; Pepper one dram: Let them be bruised and boyled in a Barbers Lye, made with water wherein Iron hath been quencht.

Not only the hinder region of the Brain is anointed in the memory hurt, but also the whol Superficies of the head for the same, as take of the Oyl of Mustard by expres∣sion, anoint it.

It will be more effectual thus, Take, of the Oyl of Bean, Elders, of each one ounce, Mustard seed, long Pepper, each one dram, Euphorbium, Castor, each one scruple, wax a little: Make a Liniment.

There are some who anoint the head, with Confection Anacardine, dissolved in spirits of wine.

Quilts and Caps, also are worne night and day, of things that strengthen the head: of which in their place.

Amulets also do help, if not by their own virtue, at least waies by imagination, as the tongue of a Lapwing hanged about one, is thought by Rhases to take away forgetfulness: The Amethist stone worne about one, doth quicken all the senses, as one writes; and also that the Be∣rill stone worne doth cause a good understanding.

In a dry constitution of the brain, * 1.3 whence they say the memory is impaired, if the body be foul, it must be purged, as was said of Melancholy, whenas in pure bodies medicines applyed do more rightly ope∣rate.

Let it be moistned with meats of good-juyce such as are described in the Hectick and Melancholical.

Let him abstain from all drying things, and immode∣rate evacuations, especially Venery, then which nothing is more hurtful.

He may use this Electuary at times. Take of the Conserves of the flowers or Roots of Succory, Bugloss, Borrage, Violets, Maidenhair, Betony, each one ounce and an half; Of the pouder of Diatragacantum frigidum and Triasanta∣lum each half a dram; with syrup of Violets make an Electuary: Let him take the quantity of a Chesnut or one dram and an half: Or let him use these kind of Tables. Take of the Flowers of Bugloss, Burrage, Violets of each one scruple, the leaves of Marjoram half a dram, male frankincense one dram, the Skul of a man burnt half a dram; with Sugar dissolved in Violet and Rose Water, make Tablets.

The Topicks mentioned in melancholly must be applied to the head, especially this Lotion of the head and feet is very profitable. Take of the Decoction of the Head and Feet of a Weather as much as is sufficient, adding the herbs Bugloss, Burrage, Violets with their flowers (if they may be had) flowers of Roses, Betony, (for hot things must be mixt with cold: when we moisten, as was said in melan∣choly) each one handful: Boyl them.

This following also is good. Take of the roots of Marshmallows half a pound, the herbs Betony Marjoram each one handful; flowers of Violets, Roses, Chamomel, Melilot, Lavender, each one pugil: Boyl them in milk, to wash the Head.

Also such an Unction is commended, especially after the Lotion. Take Oyl of sweet Almonds, Roses, each one ounce; the fat of a Drake half an ounce, one white of an Eg, Milk half an ounce; stir them together for a Liniment.

Notes

• * 1.1

  A Praediction.
• * 1.2

  The Cure of the weak∣ness of Minde, from weakness, and a too moist temper of the Brain.
• * 1.3

  The Cure of Memoryim∣paired by the driness of the Brain.