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.

CHAP. X. Of the Defect of Vital Mo∣tion.

The Kinds,

WE call that Operation, by which all the parts of the Body live; the Vital motion or Life: The Defect of which, we cal also the defect of strength, and is known in parts that are moved, not only in re∣spect of a voluntary motion, but when all the Functi∣ons Vital and Natural are taken away, or diminished, in parts movable and immovable: This is either ge∣neral to the whol Body, or special to some parts.

VVe perceive the want of strength in the whol body not only by the want of all the Functions mentioned, but by the remission of the motion of the Heart and Arteries; which is either weak or ceaseth wholly.

If the strength fail in general; and the mo∣tions mentioned are slower, it is called a ge∣neral weakness; which is greater or less, sometimes natural from the birth, somtimes going before Diseases, or in the beginning or end of them.

In this the whol body acteth dully and with difficul∣ty, not as in Impotency of motion, when the Members are palsied or their actions hindered, but when the Members are faint and bruised more or less as the weakness is.

Then is the pulse or beating of the Arreries dimini∣shed. And either the Artery is not so dilated as it ought to be, which is called the little pulse: Or when it is pressed, it presently stoppeth, and the pulse is less, which is called a faint pulse. Or the Artery extended slowly, and it is called a slow pulse. Or it beats at a great distance, and is called a rare pulse. Or it stop∣peth one or two or more stroaks, and is called an inter∣mitting pulse. Or it is obscure of two or three sorts, of which there are many kinds, as the pulse like a Mouse∣tail, Grasshopper, or Worm called Miurus, Formicans, Vermicularis.

Likewise the motion of the Heart is weak, and then the pulse is remiss, slow, and Dul. Physitians menti∣on no other in the Heart, for it is sufficient by touch∣ing the Arteries to know the vital strength, especially in regard the motion of the pulse is answerable to that of the Heart. Also the Defect of the Heart is known by the breathing.

In the pangs of Death there is extream weakness, which is more or less, longer or shorter. In which, although the conflict between life and death, or Convulsions, the Members are moved, yet the strength is gone. And the pulse intermitteth and ceaseth, like the flame of a Candles end, that somtimes blazeth with a little refreshment from the grease, but goeth out a∣gain when that is wanting. And the motion of the Heart and Breathing, are much stirred up in the Agony before they cease so that the whol breast is shaken, and the Nostrils moved, the body sweats and farteth (which caused the Poets to say the Soul went out) And death being at hand the heat leaves the external remote parts, as Hands, Feet, Nose by degrees, and the rest

while the breast is warm a while; til all the breath cea∣seth, the mouth and Eyes remaining open and the bo∣dy turned like a clay colour, we are certain the Soul hath left the body.

Sometimes while the man liveth the strength is taken away for a time, and all the Functions of the whol body suddenly, Pulse and Motion ceasing, so that it cannot be felt at least. In the Disease called Deliquium, Lipothymy, or Lipopsychy in Greek; if it be great 'tis called Syncope. And then all breath is gone so that you cannot perceive it by a Feather applied to the Nose, or the like; which may be stopped (in this case only during the Fit, while the motion of the heart is staied, and hath no need of Breathing) without Death. But while the the Heart moveth it cannot want Breath, because it procureth vital spirits. In this Syncope they fall sud∣denly, only with a noise in the Ears or hissing, the strength being lost as in an Apoplexy, if the Syncope be great: but they differ in this, that in the Apoplexy, the Heart and Arteries beat, and they breath though with difficulty and obscurity. There is also a cold sweat called Snycoptical or Diaphoretick, not from the di∣gested substance of solid things, but from the conflict of nature and the dissipation of the Spirits; which is so great, that not only thin humors, but also the Dung and Urin break forth. And because then heat vanish∣eth from the outward parts, there is a cold sweat re∣maining, and a paleness all over, in those places that should be red by nature, shewing it self first in the Lipps.

Somtimes there is a particular weakness when the internal or external Organs are deprived, and it is called the weakness of that part; not every weakness that comes from a Disease, but as shal be shewed in the causes, that which comes from the loss of the flourishing vertue. Such as is sometimes in the Stomach, Liver, Brain, Eyes, Joynts or Members: which shal be spoken of in those accidents which are produced thereby.

The Causes.

The Cause of all failing of strength, fainting, and weakness of particular parts, dependeth upon the inbred and inhaerent spirit of the similary parts, which makes the spiritual substance of parts, as they call it, and giveth living vertue, or life, and strength, and heat, which is natural. This natural spirit or heat being in∣bred in every substance of parts as in the Heart (which though it abound with other, yet hath this in it as ne∣cessary for life) hath need to be continually nourished and renewed by the vital spirit, made in the left ventri∣cle of the Heart, and communicated to all the parts by the Arteries, as to the substance of the Heart by the co∣ronary Arteries called the influent spirit, that it might be the matter that sustains the innate spirit; and because it easily disperseth, it ought to be in great plenty through the body. And hence is it that the heart being the shop where that spirit is made, alwaies stands in need of Air and Blood whereof it is made. Wherefore if they be wanting, or but little, there is one cause why strength faileth. As when for want of breath the heart wants Air, then Death follows except its motion were hindered by other causes, as shal be shewed in the cau∣ses of swooning. Because the Heart being dilated by motion often not filled with matter for vital sptrits, di∣eth: And this cannot befall it while it moveth not, because it may subsist a while with its own spirits, as other parts. So we shewed in a Syncope, wherein they revive after a long stopping of the breath. But seeing Blood mixed with Air in the Lungs affordeth fit matter for animal spirits, if it be consumed by great want of nourishment or Arrophy; or stopped in the Vessels, so that it cometh not to the parts, there must be weakness. But no man living can be so without blood, that the Lungs should be so empty which usual∣have so much; or the Vessels that are so large by which the Blood is carried with Air from the Heart, should be so obstructed. Only strength fails in this respect, that spirits are not made, or being made, they are suddenly dissipated, which causeth the innate spirits to subsist no longer. And that either when they alto∣gether vanish and leave the body, as in the Agony of Death; or they depart for a time from the Heart and return again, as in swooning: Or when they are fewer then are necessary, as in Weakness. Also strength must needs fail when there is want of substance making moisture, in regard the innate spirit is nourished not only with the infinent spirit, but by radical moisture which consumeth dayly. And so it is the occasion of Death, or Weeknes•• as it is wanting in the Heart (where it is the proper nourishment of the spirit) or in any other parts. But if the innate spirit ca••••ed the spiritual substance of the parts, or called the natural heat be extinguished or weakened, or any part cold: Then if it be in the Heart (which hath as I shewed, its proper native heat or innate spirit besides the vital, which it aboundeth with, otherwise there had been no coronal Arteries) and be spent, Death follows, but if it be diminished, there is a general faintness of the whol body, as a particular weakness of some other member, if it be in them. But now I shal shew what causeth the dissipation of both the innate spirit called native heat, and of the Influent spirit by which it is susteined. And how the humor that feeds it is consumed by natural and adventitious courses.

They who have more innate spirit, or natural heat, and radical moisture, are more strong and active, and they who have less, are weak, and sooner die. And when that flourishing humor is consumed like Oyl by the heat of the spirit, by degrees, in age men grow more weak and dry.

Among internal and external causes, all great Diseases dissipate the vital spirits if they continue long, and at length consume the innate spirits with the radical moisture wherewith it is joyned; from whence the weakness is more or less.

Great and often Evacuations either by chance, or willingly, or in Diseases, exhaust and dissipate the spirits, and abate strength, e∣specially if good humors be void∣ded, as Seed in the running of the Reins, or by Venery. Also great bleeding, purging by reason the stirring of the spirits abate strength, as in Diarrhaea's, and great and often sweating, and much pissing. Also the sudden effusion of things besides na∣ture, as of Water in the Dropsie, matter in an Empie∣ma

doth weaken. These violent excretions being pain∣ful, as in a Dysentery, weaken more.

Great pain which violently stirreth the spirits, to bring them to the part afflicted with the blood, for help; causeth weakness, and if it be very great, fainting. Especialy if the part suffering, have great affinity with the Heart. Hence it is that they who have the Cardialgia or Heart pain are very weak by reason of the consent of the Stomach with the Heart, and do easily faint: this fainting is called Cardiaca. And so it is in other painful and long Dis∣eases.

Great and sudden Passions of the Mind, because then the spirits are carried in and out with force, cause debility, and somtimes fainting and death; Thus we have seen some swoon with joy that hath thrown the spirits outward, and have read that others have died so. In anger the spirits are so inraged that they look red in the Face: And when the spirits presently return, as the paleness following sheweth, they are in little danger of life, but they are weakned thereby, as appears by their trembling, and there remains a weariness though anger be over. Nor is the cause of men not dying with anger as with joy, because angry men are stronger, as is sup∣posed: in regard old men and sick men that are pee∣vish, are easily moved to anger. But it often hapens that by great fear, the spirits being violently moved, some die and many are weakned. And shame and bashfulness may cause the same; by which they say Homer died. Also if the passions be of long continu∣ance and strong; as sadness, and fear, and the like, they stir the spirits with continual Cogitation, and at length consum them, and as they say dry the bones, and this is a Consumption of the Spirits.

A strong and constant heat, doth not only dissipate the spirits but consumes them, and their nourishment; as when the body is weakned by heat, fire, labor, there is fainting somtimes. And in Feavers, it is so especially in a Causon, or burning Feaver. And in a Hectick the accidental heat of the heart, though not great, yet continuing, devours the radical moisture of the heart and solid parts, and the spirits, and causeth weakness and Consumption.

A cold distemper quencheth the native heat, or makes it less: so some have been frozen to death. And others have been killed with staying long in cold water. Also some parts are benumed and blasted with cold, or so weakned that they come not again to themselves. And this may come to the Stomach, by drinking cold water. And hither may be referred those that for want of excercise, bring not the native heat into action, and grow stupid. Also the parrs grow weak, by using things inwardly and outwardly, that are Potentially cold a long time, they grow weak, but the native heat is not wholly extinct, as by actual cold. Although hitherto it hath been believed, to come from Narcoticks, that are very cold: which as we shewed, do not kil by cooling, but by stupefying the brain. Nor do we grant that the Pores being obstructed, that the heat is Suffocated for want of fanning, or Eventilation; for as we shewed, the Skin hath Pores not to let in Air, but to let out other things.

A Maligne quality affecting the Heart, or mixed with its spirits, causeth an extinction of native heat thereof, and by consequence of all the Body: or diminisheth it, and begets a Syncope, or weakness, or Death, according toits divers qualities. So when the Air is infected, men in the Plague, suddenly faint, are weak and die: or in swouning Feavers, which alwaies begin with fainting. And when Poyson is taken, or bred in the Body, it gets to the Heart, and endangers life, and causeth weakness. And this may happen to other parts, when Poyson is more contrary to them then to the Heat.

If a Wound peirce the left Ven∣tricle of the Heart, the spirits sud∣denly vanish, and there is sudden Death. And if the right, or it peirce the Superficies, or cuts the Coronal Veins, they die suddenly from great bleeding. I suppose non can scape, if the substance only be hurt and divi∣ded, because a principal part cannot endure it. Fernelius writes that he saw one that consumed, before he died of an Ulcer in the Heart that came from an inward cause. The like may be from a Tumor, which is rare, and not known but by dissection, because the Heart feels not. I faw in 1644. in a Woman that I opened of a Dropsie in the Breast, such a swolen Heart loose and greater then it should be with the Vessels, especially the Arteria Aorta three times bigger then usual, and both the Ven∣tricles, especially the left, and the Langs and Cavity of the breast, silled with waterish blood. Also a great corruption in other parts extinguisheth the native heat.

The Cure.

We shall shew how it is to be done in diverse weaknesses, and chiefly in general Imbecility and great fainting: which also may be for particular weakned parts although in their Symptoms, we shall also speak there∣of. We must act and prognostick, acctording to the diversity of the cause, of weakness; If it come from want of Air and breathing, we shewed the Cure in the defect of Breathing. If it be from the birth or old age, we labor in Vain, because natural causes cannot be changed, nor radical moisture renewed. If it be from Evacuation, it is worst from Venery, or bleeding, which is in a Dropsie. If from sweat, it must be stop∣ped, as we shall shew in its place. If from pain; take away the cause, and allay the pain; for pain of the Heart, causing swouning vomit, purge and strengthen the Stomach, as in Cardialgia; some die of joy, and that weakness which is from other passions, if it con∣tinue, especially from fear, it is hard to be Cured. If it come from a hot or cold distemper, Cure it by con∣traries. A Maligne quality, Plague or Poyson often killeth, for which we use Evacuations and Antidotes. A Wound in the Heart is deadly, and a corruption of the parts thereof, uncurable.

These things observed, though the evil be desperate, yet with Restauratives and Cordials, we may ply them to the last breath: that if there be any hope, and the weakness not fixed, cure them: And we may be the bol∣der if it come from Evacuation, Pain, or Passion, or after a Disease. And if there be a Syncope, we may remove it, and prevent it. Examples of all which do fol∣fow.

Let the Diet be of good juyce, and in little quantity, easie concocted, give them little and often. Especially if old men are lately sick, or such as have had great Evacuation. And if they cannot digest thick, give broaths, things strained, or Jellies.

A good Julep: Take Capon broath, and boyl Rise therein, with Borrage, add the yolk of an Egg, and a little Rose Vinegar, or a little juyce of sharp Apples, or Citrons or Wine, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Saffron and Salt.

Or boyl and strain the flesh of a Capon in broath, and give it with the rest.

The German dish of yolks of Eggs, Wine, Sugar and Butter, doth restore excellently.

The Gravie of a roasted Capon, mixed with the yolk of an Egg, the fat being taken off, and boyled with Nutmeg and Salt, doth the same.

There are divers jellies; As, Take a Capon and Mince it with a little Veal salted and Spiced with a little Wine, and boyl it in Balneo Mariae, and take the juyce, and strain it from the fat, and keep it till it con∣geal in a cold place. This may be given by it self, or with others. Wine doth suddenly and greatly refresh, as experience sheweth, give it alone, or with Sugar, let it be well sented and sweetish, or mix Cinnamon therewith.

It is good in swouning to give a sop in Wine, with juyce of Apples, Lemmons, Pomegranats, and Cinna∣mon.

The Medicines to refresh the Spirits and preserve them are these.

Take the julep of Roses two ounces, Cinnamon water half an ounce; give it often

Or thus: Take the juyce of sweet sented sower Apples half an ounce, Sack and Cinamon water, of each two drams.

Or thus in the Heart pain: Take of Balm and Laven∣der flower water, of each half an ounce; Cinnamon water, juyce of Lemons, or of Apples, and Sack, of each two drams.

Juleps are usual in Feavers and in thirst: As, Take syrup of Violets, Bugloss water, Lillies, of each one ounce; julep of Roses one ounce and an half, Rose, Bugloss, and Balm wa∣ter, of each two ounces; Cinnamon water half an bunce: give two or three ounces.

A Distilled water to restore: Take the broath of a Capon, and Oxes, or Dears Hearts well boyled, four pints; Sack one pint, an Orange, or a Lemon cut in pieces, Galangal, Balm, of each one dram; Cinnamon half an onnce, Cloves two drams, Coriander and Basil seeds, Roses, Scabious and Bugloss flowers, of each one dram; Saffron one scruple, Harts horn and Ivory shavings, of each one dram; Distill a Wa∣ter.

Or thus: Take dried Citron peels, Angelica roots, Balm, Borrage flowers, Basil seed, of each half a dram; Cinnamon three drams, Cloves, and species of Diamargariton Frigidum, of each one dram: Infuse them in spirit of Wine, give one or two spoonfuls with Sugar of Roses, or white Wine.

Cordial Potions to be given at the point of Death, to refresh. Take Confectio Alchermes one scruple, species Diamargariton Frigidum half a dram, syrup of the juyce of Citrons half an ounce, syrup of Poppies three drams, with Rose, Bugloss, and Cinnamon water, make a Cordial. This is good in extremity, with more Poppy water.

Or thus: which is good against Poyson: Take Con∣fectio de Hyacyntho half a dram, or Diamargariton Frigi∣dum, Diamoscum dulce, of each half a dram; Syrup of the juyce of Citrons one ounce, with Scabious and Balm water: make a Potion.

Treacle is good if fainting come from Poyson, or an evil Medicine.

Also Lozenges of Sugar of Roses, and Diamargari∣ton Frigidum.

Or these: Take species of Diamargariton frigidum, of the Electuary of Gems, or Cordial species, of each half a dram; Oyl of Cinnamon four drops, Sugar dissolved in Rose water two ounces: Make Lozenges.

Or: Take Coral one dram, Precious stones, Pearles, Ivory, of each half a dram: Citron seeds, Sorrel and Basil seeds, of each one scruple; Cinnamon, Mace, of each one dram; wood Aloes one scruple, Musk two grains, with Sugar, make a Pouder, or Lozenges.

To these you may add the Oyls of Pearls, Coral or the like.

Portable Gold, or spirits drawn called Elixirs, are commended by Chymists, to strengthen and hinder old Age. And they attribute much to their holy Oyl of mans blood: Take of a sound mans blood, of thirty, or forty years old three pints, Sperma Ceti, Marrow of Oxe bones, of each one pound; Distill them in a Lembeck well luted, keep the last water which is red; and they say will change with the Moon; give three drops in Wine, or Cordial water.

Sweet scented things, refresh and fetch swouning peo∣ple again, we shall mention some only to be applied to the Nose, which are at hand.

Apply Vinegar of Roses with a Spunge, or Cloth, to the Nose, or mix it with Penniroyal bruised, or Basil: or let him smel to Wine.

They use to chew Cloves, and breath into the Mouth and Nose of the Patient.

Or this: Take Cloves, yellow Sanders, Roses, of each one dram; Camphire one scruple, beat them with Vinegar and apply them to the Nose.

Or: Take Rose water one ounce, juyce of Apples, and Vinegar of Roses, of each half an ounce; Cloves half a dram, Oyl of Spike one drop: apply it to the Nose.

Or anoynt it with Civet, or Chymical Oyls of Cloves and Cinnamon, with white Wax.

Apply Epithems to the Heart and Pulses: As, Take Rose water three ounces, Wine that is sweet scented two ounces, Vinegar of Roses one ounce, juyce of sweet Apples, or Lem∣mons half an ounce, Cloves one dram, Saffron one scru∣ple.

Or this: Take water of Roses, Balm, Scabious, of each two ounces; Vinegar of Roses, juyce of Apples, of each one ounce; species Diamargariton frigidum one dram, Camphire one scruple, Saffron half a scruple: Make an Epi∣them.

You may boyl Pouders, put into Bags, in Wine, and apply them: Take Cloves two drams, Gallia Mos∣chata one dram, Saffron half a scruple, Basil seed one scruple, Camphire half a scruple.

Or anoynt the Pulses: Take Oyl of Cloves and Cin∣namon, of each three drops: and mix them with a little Wax.

Anoynt the Heart, with those mentioned in the Pal∣pitation thereof, or Oyl of Jesemin, or Oyntment of water Lillies, or Citrine Oyntment.

Or: Take Oyl of water Lillies two ounces, juyce of Citrons, and Vinegar of Roses, of each half an ounce: boyl them to a Consistence: add of all the Saunders, Roses, and Sorrel seed, of each one scruple, Coral one dram, Pearl half a dram, Camphire half a scruple: with Wax, make an Oyntment.

Or apply this Emplaister: Take Treacle one dram and an half, the Cerot of Sanders half a dram, the species of Diamoscbu and Diambra, of each half a scru∣ple.

A Cordial Bag. Take of all the Saunders each one dram; dryed Citron peels, the four cordial flowers, of Scabi∣ous and Leaves of Balm, each half a dram; Ivory or the

Bone of a Stags heart two scruples, Species Diamoschum one dram, make a little Bag, sprinkle it with Wine and Rose∣water, or Fume it therewith, apply it to the heart.

It is good to raise them, to sprinkle Water, and Rose-water, and Vinegar and Wine upon the Face.

Also to bind the Limbs and rub them very hard.

Also to stop the Nose and pul it, and open the mouth, and rub the Tongue.

They are soonest raised with great Noise, and Nees∣ing.

And to place them with the Head down, and the bo∣dy high.

Let them be quiet after the Fit, for weak people faint upon the least motion.

Notes

• General weakness.
• Extream weakness in the hour of death.
• Syncope or Swooning.
• Particular weakness.
• The cause of all want of strength is in the vital spirit in man, when it is not nourish∣ed with another spirit or moisture, or consu∣med.
• The constipation of radical moisture through age is the cause of weakness.
• Diseases that dissi∣pate the influent and fixed spirits are the cause of weakness.
• Evacuations that dissipate the natural fixed, and also the influent heat cause weakness.
• Pain moving the spirits caus∣eth weakness.
• Pain of the Mouth of the Stomack cause of Cardiaca, or fain∣ting.
• Trembling of the Spirit, is the cause of weakness, fain∣ting.
• Heat dissipating the spirits and consuming their nourishment, is the cause of weakness.
• Cold restraining the native heat, is the cause of weak∣ness.
• A Maligne qua∣lity in the Heart, is the Cause of weakness.
• A Wound in the Heart, is the cause of weakness and Death.
• The Cure of weakness and swouning.
• Cordials.