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. XI. Of the Depravation of Vital Motion.

The Kinds,

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.

The Causes.

It is most certain that the Heart and Arteries cause this depraved palpitation by their motion; because no other parts do beat. When these beat moderately, sound people ought not to perceive it, least the noise should be a hinderance; as it is when they beat vehe∣mently: especially where the Arteries are great and many, and free, not sunk into the Muscles, as in the left side, not only by reason of the left Ventricle of the Heart, and the Ear that moveth it self there, but by the great Artery that comes from the left side of the Heart, and descendeth by the left side of the Vertebrae. Also in both fides of the Throat, which the great Artery as∣cending goerh through being divided and there produ∣ceth the sleeping Arteries, and those of the Arms: Al∣so under the Ribs especially or the left side, because the great Artery descending thither, lieth chiefly on the left side: As also because it produceth great Arteries which accompany the branches of the Gate-vein on the right side, especially those that go to the natural bowels and the Spleen. For which causes, when the Arteries beat much, the putefaction is perceived on that side, and is troublesome. In other places where the Arteries are less or hidden, though they beat stronger, yet are they not perceived, except it be by the pain of the part ad∣joyning, which is troubled at the least touch of an Ar∣tery. As in pains of the Head, by reason of the great Ventricles of the brain beating, and in Inslammations. Or when a little Artery beating too violently in a strait place, and hurts a Nerve, as in the Ears, wherein we may hear the pulsation. But in naked parts without flesh, you may touch a pulse and judg whether it be na∣tural or depraved; especially in the Wrist. The tru∣est causes of the great beating of the Heart and Arteries is the dissipation of vital spirits, and the repletion and dilatation of the Arteries, among which there are others less probable. If the influent vital spirits be suddenly or too much dissipated, so that the innate spirits cannot enjoy them sufficiently, because it is necessary that new be alwaies sent from the Heart to the whole body, which must be done by the pulsation of the Heart and Arteries; It is therefore no wonder if their motion be enlarged and more quick, and if the cause be great more vehement with great breathing, which as is said, brings matter to make vital spirits. And this may come also from the spirits stirred with the blood, the Heart and Arteries being inflamed.

When the spirits are suddenly tossed hither and thither, * 1.5 and dis∣persed, and not equally commu∣nicated to the body, the Heart and Arteries beat quick for new, and the respiration is greater, or other∣wise strength would fail. This comes from the moti∣on of the body and mind as we shewed in quick respi∣ration which comes from thence. Hence is it that the pulsation increaseth by the passions of the mind, as an∣ger, Joy, Terror, Fear, Shame, the spirits being mo∣ved: which Erasistratus knew when from the sudden motion of the pulse from the beholding of the Nurse that was beloved, he discovered a Disease to be from the mind; that is Love.

This Palpitation of the Heart is sooner in weak people and such as are disposed to it; * 1.6 the least ex∣ercise wil cause it in some: One confessed to me that he had it presently in the act of Venery, and was so troubled therewith that except he gave over, he should be stifled, as it fel out afterwards.

This pulsation also is greater when the spirits are dis∣sipated from other causes, as at the point of Death, when they are vanished though there be great weak∣ness by which nature labors to assist them in the great∣est danger, by this motion and recollection of Spi∣rits.

When the Spirits grow hot with the blood, * 1.7 there is great mo∣tion of the Heart and Arteries, not so much because the spirits are hot and unquiet, but because they then are sooner spent, that what is suddenly lost, may be suddenly repaired. Whether it come from the external causes, as the Fire or Fume, or from internal, and the rather if the Heart grow hot, and continue so, as in a Feaver. Or if the heat come from motion of the body: or exercise in heat. Or when the mind is so affected that not only the Spirits are troubled but set on fire thereby as in anger. Or when all these concur; As we knew a Noble man that play∣ing at Tennis, was so hot and angry, and so moved in the Pulsation and Respiration, that he could not re∣collect himself, nor could the motion cease, but he di∣ed suddenly.

When the Arteries are too full of blood, and too much dilated thereby (in regard they ought not to be filled as the Veins are, that there may be room for the Vital spirits) the Pulsation which before was not per∣ceived when moderate, is felt by the Patient, and that vehement Diastole about the Heart and great Ar∣teries, mentioned in the Palpitation of the Heart, is raised. Especially when the blood floweth to the left Ventricle of the Heart and to its Ear, which may be much enlarged, to the great Artery, whereby they are too full and extended. And it ceaseth when it flows from those parts, and doth not more lift them up and dilate them. Or it molesteth continually if an Artery be so dilated as Fernelius observed, Yea, that the great Tumor called Aneurisma doth follow. And if this A∣neurisma be within, in any part of the great Artery, or in the breast, Throat, under the Ribs, or in the Ear of the Heart, which wil be very much stretched, it causeth a perpetual Pulsation, as an external Aneurism, and is the cause of that Palpitation of Heart which lasteth so long and kils so many, as some have observed in Ana∣tomy.

It is plain that this Palpitation comes from plenty of Arterial blood, * 1.8 because the Arteries have nothing else in them; And Galen seems to grant it when he saies all such are cured or eased by bleed∣ing. And this pulsation is greater, by how much the blood and the spirits mixed there∣with, which fill the Arteries, are the hotter. Fernelius witnesseth that he saw such blood in the Arteries burnt like black choller. And we prove that that cholerick hot blood is gathered in the Mesaraick Arteries and and sent to the great Arteries by these Arguments. Be∣cause as such juyce as is frequently bred in the mesara∣ick Veins from meat and drink doth inflame & pollute the blood being carried from the branches of the Gate∣vein to the hollow vein: so doth it get into the mesa∣raick Arteries which are joyned to those Veins, and so into the greater Arteries, and so to the Heart, and so filleth them, and doth what is mentioned. And the rather because these mesaraick Arteries are branches of the great Artery, but the meseraick Veins come not from the hollow Vein, nor are joyned to it, but by the substance of the hinder. Hence is this Disease so usu∣al in Virgins from the stoppage of their Courses, which begets an evil habit, and in those that have Hypochon∣driack Melancholy. In which, as the fulness and foul∣ness of the Venal and Arterial blood causeth Cachexy and Melancholy, so do they cause palpitation of the Heart and Arteries.

Some say this may be from Wind filling the Arte∣ries, which we cannot allow, because none hath obser∣ved that the Veins can be filled therewith. Nor do we grant that vapors gathered about the Midriff, Spleen, or Womb, and so sent into the Arteries and Heart, or a thick vapor shut into the Heart, that came from another place, as some have written, can so fill it that they may cause this Pulsation. As for other causes of palpitation of which they write, especially wind or wa∣ter in the Pericardium, we count them not the true cause of Palpitation, but of some fluctuation when the body is moved, as may appear by the noise in the breast; as we shal shew in preternatural Swoons in the body.

Other Diseases of the Heart besides these mentioned may cause it to move inordinately and quicker, as heat that moves the Spirits and disperseth them, and too great Repletion by the blood of the Arteries. Such are those, that so offend the Heart it moveth violently to cast them off, rather by a natural sensation than by feeling which the Heart wanteth. A Venemous quality from within or without, * 1.9 doth cause palpitati∣on, or any malignity in the arteri∣al blood which fils the Arteries causeth the same by stretching them and by troubling the Heart. I understood that one who died of a conti∣nual Trembling of the Heart, had a Bone or Gristle found in his Heart.

The Cure.

That Palpitation which comes from vehement motion of mind, or body, * 1.10 or Heat, ceaseth when they cease, as we shewed in Short-breathing which is joyned therewith. But when ma∣ny causes concur, it is dangerous as we shewed.

When it comes from plenty of blood, it is dangerous, and lasting, * 1.11 and trou∣blesom by continual motion, but wast∣ing of the Spirits: many have dyed hereof, others have long been troubled therewith, ma∣ny have been cured by removing the cause. And be∣cause the Cause is commonly about the Meseraick Vessels which are distributed in the natural parts, and there is the plethory and filth, it is cured as Cachexy Cachochymie and Hypochondriack Melancholly; which are usualy joyned therewith. By preventing too great increase of Blood, Humors, and Wind, and such humors as chiefly abound, by purging of Choler, and strengthening the natural parts, and mixing Cordials with all things. And in regard it is hard to evacuate the conjunct cause in the Artesies and Heart, we must strengthen them with Cordials. Thus.

Letting of blood except some thing hinder, is good according to Galen. And best from the Arteries, which will either take away the cause, or diminish it: as we shewed a Vertigo, or Giddiness is cured by opening an Artery, when it comes from such a Repletion. But it will help, if the blood be taken from the Vessels, both for the diminishing of the Anticedent cause, and be∣cause when the Veins are empty, they often fetch blood from the neighbor Arteries. Therefore the great Vein in the Arm, must be opened on the side, that beats most. And if it doth good, it must be repeated. Also open the Veins of the Legs, to draw down, especially if Terms be stopped.

It is good also to provoke the Haemorrhoids, be∣cause we cannot draw blood directly from the Mese∣raicks, another way.

In Evacuations of Cacochymy, or burnt Melan∣choly, alwaies mix Cordials.

Prepare the Humors and open obstructions first with Clysters, then with Juleps and Decoctions, for three or four daies. Thus, Take Syrup of the juyce of Citrons or Lemons, or Apples, of Vinegar and Bugloss, of each one ounce; Fumitory, Bugloss and Endive water, of each three ounces.

If obstructions prevail: Take syrup of Maiden-hair, of the two roots, and Bugloss, of each one ounce; Balm, Rose∣mary and Bugloss water, of each three ounces.

Or give this Decoction: Take the opening roots steep them in Wine, of each half an ounce; Balm, Sage, Fu∣mitory, Hops, Ceterach, Maiden-hair, of each one handful; Rosemary, Violets and Bugloss flowers, of each one pugil; Dodder, Sorrel and Annisseeds, of each one dram: Boyl them, and add juyce of Apples two ounces, and with Sugar and Cinnamon: Give it for three or four Doses.

Or: Take opening roots, of each half an ounce; bark of Tamarisk, Wormwood, and Balm, and Fumitory, of each three drams; Cordial flowers, Citron seeds, of each one dram, steep them in Wine.

Purge with gentle things: Thus often, Take Rhu∣barb four scruples, yellow Myrobalans two drams: bruise them, and sprinkle a little juyce of Citrons, or Apples thereon, till they are soft, then infuse them in Wine or Balm water two drams, and Cinnamon water; strain it, and add syrup of Roses or Manna two ounces.

It he love a bitter Potion: Take Rhubarb four scru∣ples, yellow Myrobalans two drams, Agarick one dram, Senna two drams; steep them in Wormwood Wine.

Or: Take Catholicon half an ounce, Electuary of Citrons solutive two drams, syrup of Roses solutive one ounce, juyce of Apples half an ounce, with Balm and Rose∣water.

Make this Decoction for many Doses, or a syrup thereof: Take Succory roots, Sorrel roots, of each two oun∣ces; bark of Tamarisk half an ounce, Bugloss, Fumitory, Hops, Time, Balm, Maiden-hair, of each one handful; flowers Cordial of Scabious, Rosemary, water Lillies, of each one pugil; Annis, Purslaine and Citron seeds, of each one dram; Raisins, Tamarinds, of each one ounce; Polipody two ounces, Senna one ounce and an half, boyl them, and add to the strained Liquor being hot, Citron and Emblick, Myrobalans, of each three drams; Turbith two drams, or Agarick half a dram, Ginger and Spike, of each half a dram, strain it, add syrup of Bugloss, and Roses solutive, of each two drams; for three or four mornings, or with Sugar make a Syrup.

If hehad rather take Pills, make them of the extract of Myrobalans and Rheubarb: Or, Take yellow Myro∣halans one dram and an half, Agarick and Turbith, of each one dram; Basil seed one scruple, Spike half a scruple, with juyce of Roses and Wormwood: make a Mass, give one dram.

Let the Diet be temperate, by which, and blood-let∣ting many have been cured, as Galen saith. Avoid things that breed Crudities and wind.

The Hearts of four footed Beasts, and of Birds often eaten do good, by Propriety. Especially if roasted with Cloves.

This Cordial water is excellent: Take the Heart, of an Hart, Ox, or Hogg one pound: to these add the Hearts of Patridges; cut them smal: add these Pouders of the Cordial flowers, Rosemary, Majoram, Balm, Basil, Harts∣tongue, of each two drams; seeds of Basil, Citrous, of each one dram; Citrm peels three drams, Cloves two drams, Cinnamon, Sanders, wood Aloes, of each one dram; Mace, Zedoary, of each half a dram; Saffron one scruple, Musk or Amber greese half a scruple, sprinkle them with Sack till they be like a Pultis: Distill a water, give from half a dram, to six drams, alone or with Julep of Roses, or syrup of the juyce of Citrons often.

The Oyl of Coral, or Pearl, given with Sugar is good.

Or this Syrup: Take of Cordial flowers, each one pugil, Balm, Basil, of each one handful; Cloves two drams: Boyl them in Wine and Water, Clarifie them, and with Sugar and Cinnamon; Make a Syrup.

Or this of the juyces: Take juyce of sweet Apples, Po∣megranats, of each four ounces; juyce of Bugloss, Roses, of each two ounces; juyce of Citrons, Lemmons and Plantane, of each one ounce; Rose and Balm water, of each two ounces; Sugar half a pound: boyl them to a Syrup, and add Cinnnamon and Cloves; give one ounce alone, or with Wine or convenient Waters.

An excellent Wine: Take Angelica, Elicampane, Tor∣mentil, white Dittany, of each half an ounce; Zedoary, Ga∣langal, of each two drams; dried Citron peels one ounce, Cloves an ounce, Cinnamon two drams, Cordial flowers, of each one dram; Rosemary and Lavender flowers, of each one dram and an half, Balm, Sage, Basil, of each two drams; Basil seeds, Marjoram and Citron seeds, of each one dram; Mirtle berries two drams, bruise them, and add twelve or fifteen pints of the best Wine, keep it in a Vessel, that is first seasoned with hot Wine, wherein Cloves were boy∣led, or with the Pouder of Cloves. Let him drink in the morning when he takes broath, or before Din∣ner.

Give these Pouders with Gilly-flower water, Balm, Basil, Sorrel, Plantan or Scabious water; or make Lozenges thereof.

The first: Take roots of Angelica, Galangal, Zedoary, Citron peels dryed, Balm, each half a dram; Basil seeds and Cloves, each one dram; Purslane seed, Mace, Cinnamon, Sanders, of each one dram; Saffron, Camphire, of each a scruple; Coral one dram, make' a Pouder, give one dram.

The third: Take Coral, Pearl, Cristal, Ivory or Bone of a Stags Heart, or Vnicorns horn, of each half a dram; Basil seed two scruples, Cloves one scruple: make a Pou∣der.

Or give Tablets of Diamargariton frigid, Diamoschu or Diambra.

Or thus: Take species Diamargariton frigid one dram, Species Diambra, Diamoschy, of each half a dram; Troches of Camphire half a scruple, Sugar dissolved in Rose water three ounces, Balm water two ounces, Cinnamon water one ounce: make Lozenges and guild them.

Make Electuaries of Conserves, with syrup of Bug∣loss, Violets, Roses, Citrons, Sorrel, Apples and the like.

Thus: Take the Conserve of the four Cordial flowers, of

Sorrel and Balm, of each an ounce; candied Citron peels, Myrobalans, of each one ounce, candied Ginger and Nutmegs, of each two drams, of the Pouders aforesaid two drams, with syrup of Apples: Make an Electuary, give two drams, and the Wine or Waters mentioned to be drunk af∣ter.

Confectio Alkermes, and de Hyacintho, and the like are good, of which we speak in defect of strength: Pills, Take Amber half a dram, Smaragds, Hyacints, of each two scruples; Pearls one scruple, Basil seeds one dram, Camphire half a scruple, with juyce of Citrons: make a Mass, give half a dram.

Bags for the Heart of red Silk quilted, sprinkled with Wine, or Rose water, or Balm water. Thus: Take Citron peels, Balm, Spiknard, Baies, red Roses, Rosemary, Lavender, Borrage, of each one dram; Basil seed two drams, seeds of Citrons, Mirtle berries, of each one dram; Cuchi∣neel half a dram, Sanders, wood Aloes, Cloves, Mace, of each half a dram; Coral one dram, precious stones half a dram, Troches of Camphire, Species Diambra, of each one scruple; Make a Pouder for a Bag.

Anoynt the Heart and Pulses, morning and evening, with this: Take juyce of Mother-wort, Oyl of Spike, of each half an ounce: boyl them a little, add Oyl of Cloves half a scruple, Camphire one scruple, Saffron half a scruple, with Wax: Make a Liniment, add a little Musk.

Or this Epithem: Take Rose water three ounces, Balm, Lavender water, and Wine, of each one ounce and an half; Camphire one scruple.

Heat Balm upon a hot Tile, and sprinkle it with Wine and apply it to the Heart.

Perfumes go to the Heart speedily: As this, Take Balm, Basil, Gilly flowers dried, of each two drams; Ange∣lica roots, dryed Citron peels, of each one dram; Saffron half a scruple, Camphire six grains, tie them in a clout, and sprinkle them with Rose, and Balm, and Wine, and let it be smelled to.

A Fomentation is good to the left side, with a Spung wet in this Decoction; Take Chamomel and Melilot flowers, of each one pugil; Annis and Fennel seeds, of each two drams; Fenugreek half an ounce: Boyl them in Wine.

It is good to rub the Limbs, especially the Legs and left side.

And to apply Cupping-glasses to the left side, or Hypochondria.

Rest doth allay the Palpitation, as motion increaseth it.

Camphire hung about the Neck, is reported to be excellent.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The quick beating of the Heart and Arte∣ries, whether great or smal.
• * 1.2

  Heart∣beating.
• * 1.3

  Aneurisma
• * 1.4

  An uneven Pulse.
• * 1.5

  The too great stir∣ring of the spirits is the cause of quick & great pulsation of the Arteries.
• * 1.6

  Stirring of the Spi∣rits causeth palpita∣tion of Heart in them that are subject thereto.
• * 1.7

  Over-heating of the Spirits is the cause of quick and great pulsation.
• * 1.8

  Plenty and heat of Arterial blood, that fils the Arteries causeth palpitation of Heart.
• * 1.9

  A malign quality stirs up the Heart to palpitation.
• * 1.10

  The Cure when it comes from vehement mo∣tion.
• * 1.11

  Cure of Palpi∣tation of heart