That we may know what to do in difficulty of swal∣lowing, vomiting, and belching, we shall speak of each Particularly.
If difficulty of swallowing come from the Nerves affected and the Muscles of the Jaws loosned, * 1.1 in a ge∣neral Palsie, it is the worse; because it signisies that, not only the pairs of Nerves in the Back, but also those of the sixth and seventh Conjugation, are hurt.
Except it be a Particular Palsie, as of the Tongue and parts adjacent which is also bad and threatneth a general; The same Cure is to be used, as in the Palsie, in respect of the causes. If it come from a Defluxion of water to the Nerves, it must be purged, revelled, and consumed, and the part confirmed.
Amongs which Mustard held in the Mouth, is excel∣lent, as I shewed. And Pellitory of Spain, it draws water plentifully. And Tablets of Nu••megs, accor∣ding to my uncles receit, are excellent.
Also Gargarismes that reach the Muscles of the Jaws. As this: Take Calamus half an ounce, Sage, Rosemary, each one handful, Lavender flowers one pugil, Cypress Nuts four, Nutmegs two, Cloves one dram: boyl them in Water and the fourth part Wine, and in one pint and an half, dissolve Honey of Rosemary, and Squils, of each two ounces: Vinegar of Squiis, half an ounce.
Or thus: Take ••••amoron, Oxymel of squils, of each one ounce and an half; Sage, and Lavender water, of each four ounces: Make a Gargle.
There are many Oyn••menrs for the Neck, mentio∣ned in the Palsies, to which add these: Take Oyl one ounce, Oyl of Spike, Masitch, of each half an ounce; Lab∣danum, Frankincense, Storax, of each half a dram; with a little Wax make a Liniment.
If it be a kind of Spasmus, * 1.2 it must be cured, as that is; And the To∣picks applied as in the Palsie. It is deadly from a wound, as we shewed in Spasmus.
If it be from heat in Feavers, see Feavers and cool with Epithems, * 1.3 to the Liver chiefly, and Gargarisms and Linctus, as in hoarsness, that comes from roughness of the Chaps, give moist meat, Unctions, Broths, Barley, Cream, Emulsions, &c.
If the body fallen in be thick, * 1.4 or sticking, or Membranous, we must use divers arts, upwards and downwards.
Oftentimes things are driven down by a great draught of water, or washed off if they stick, or with a piece of Bread; or by neesing; but chiefly by vomi∣ting, which is easier, if they can first take a great deal of Water and Oyl, and as Rhasis saith, if we strike the Neck of the Patient; If the thing may be seen and laid hold upon, we have Instruments for to take it out, as the forceps, &c.
And other bending things that may fit themselves to the passage, and so we thrust it down, as a thick stick of a birchen broom, or Beets, or any thing they will bend and not break, being green. If it be dry soften it in hot Lead, or anoynt it with Oyl, Rhasis useth Lead. But a Wax Candle dipp'd in Oyl, is best.
They say that a peice of a Spunge tied to a string and swallowed down, and after much water is drunk to swel it, pulled up again will fetch any thing out of the Throat: but this is best in thin and sharp things that trouble the Gullet, for it can do nothing except the Spunge be swallowed. This may be done by a great bead, which will be swallowed more easily, and may be done often.