IF the Vital Motion be Depraved which may be seen, as I shewed in the Voluntary and Involuntary Fun∣ctions of the parts, Heart, and Arteries: we do not ob∣serve it as in the defect: for none can live too much, and the body and its parts cannot be too strong: And if any parts that move voluntarily, move too much or wrong, that belongs to the depraved voluntary motion, of which we have spoken. We observe Depravation of Vital Motion in the pulse of the Heart and Arteries, when it is oftener or more vehement than it ought to be by nature, or proceeds otherwise disorderly.
Oftentimes the pulse of the Heart and Arteries is more fre∣quent than is fit, * 1.1 both in sound and sick, the breathing being also quick; and if this pulse be great also, it is with pain in the Breast, Neck, Head, Ears. It is to be felt in those parts, and by Physitians at the Wrists.
Vehement and immoderate pulsation or beating of the Heart and Arteries, * 1.2 is a symp∣tom often by it self, or in cathectick Maids before they have their Terms, or such as have the Hypochondriack Melancholy. This is cal∣led palpitation or trembling of the Heart, because the motion is unequal. And being alwaies strong, it is perceived plainly in the left side of the Breast, often in the Neck, somtimes under the Ribs, especially on the left side, it is very troublesom, and weakneth him much if it continue. Sometimes it forceth the Ribs, and as Fernelius saith puts them out of their place. * 1.3 Sometimes it so dilateth the Artery and drives it out that it causeth the Tumor cal∣led Aneurisma, which is great and beating. This Symp∣tom somtimes remitteth and comes again sooner or la∣ter; and it continueth longer or shorter time as we said. I observed a grievous and wonderful palpitation of the Heart in the yeer 1627. in a noble Virgin of Narbo in France who was alwaies held in her fit by two strong men that bare down the left side of her Breast with her hands til it ceased, otherwise shee complained that her Breast and Ribs would break.
An Inordinate and uneven Pulse causeth trouble, * 1.4 but that which beats low is con∣sidered not as a Symptom, but only a sign shewing the Disease and the strength: And therefore Physitians feel it.