Speedy help for rich and poor.: or, certain physicall discourses touching the vertue of whey, in the cure of the griping flux of the belly, and of the dysentery. Of cold water, in the cure of the gout, and green-wounds. Of wine-vineger, in the preservation from, and cure of the plague, and other pestilential diseases: as also in the prevention of the hydrophobia, or dread of water, caused by the biting of a mad dog. &c. Written in Latine by Hermannus Vander Heyden, a physician of Gaunt.

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Title
Speedy help for rich and poor.: or, certain physicall discourses touching the vertue of whey, in the cure of the griping flux of the belly, and of the dysentery. Of cold water, in the cure of the gout, and green-wounds. Of wine-vineger, in the preservation from, and cure of the plague, and other pestilential diseases: as also in the prevention of the hydrophobia, or dread of water, caused by the biting of a mad dog. &c. Written in Latine by Hermannus Vander Heyden, a physician of Gaunt.
Author
Heyden, Hermann van der, 1572-ca. 1650.
Publication
London :: Printed by James Young, for O.P. and are to be sold by John Saywell, at his shop, at the sign of the Greyhound in little Britain without Aldersgate,
1653.
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Medicine
Diseases
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/a95997.0001.001
Cite this Item
"Speedy help for rich and poor.: or, certain physicall discourses touching the vertue of whey, in the cure of the griping flux of the belly, and of the dysentery. Of cold water, in the cure of the gout, and green-wounds. Of wine-vineger, in the preservation from, and cure of the plague, and other pestilential diseases: as also in the prevention of the hydrophobia, or dread of water, caused by the biting of a mad dog. &c. Written in Latine by Hermannus Vander Heyden, a physician of Gaunt." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/a95997.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 7, 2024.

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Page 31

THE THIRD DISCOURSE Wherein the most Excellent, and Incredible Effects of COLD WATER, as well taken In∣wardly, as applied Outwardly, are declared: and its won∣derful Vertue in curing of Wounds is set forth. (Book 3)

IN my French Treatise, I have prescribed Cold Water for my Patients to take: But do you not think me a very Inhu∣mane person? Or, do you allow me to be a Physician, for doing so? Certainly there is not any grea∣ter Preservative from the Gout, if

Page 32

it be taken twice a year at the least,* 1.1 that is, in the beginning of the Spring, and Fall, and continued for some days together; or else if it be taken some days immediately be∣fore such certain times as it is usu∣ally wont to seise upon the party: in like maner as nothing is of more efficacy (when it hath seised on him,) for the asswaging the violent Torments of it, then Cold Water is; as I have there by many reasons proved at large: and especially, if to this taking of Cold Water, we joyn the Breathing of a Vein. Nei∣ther will any man deny this, that shall come to it with a cleare Eye, and without any Prejudicate opi∣nion, if he but weigh diligently those Pregnant Reasons, if not De∣monstrations, whereby I have there made it appear, that the torment∣ing pains of the said disease of the Gout are caused either by Acrimony, or Saltness, and so consequently by Heat. Neither need any man be hindred from assenting to this opi∣nion, because perhaps he hath

Page 33

known many times old men, and those too, that have been withall Hydropical, to have been taken with this disease: For there is even in them a sufficient stock of Salt, Se∣rous Humors, to cause this dis∣ease.

Neither let it seem strange to a∣ny one; that the Parts affected by a Cold Humor do swell: for he ought to take notice, that when by rea∣son of this Malignant Humor the Natural Heat is weakned,* 1.2 this both may, and must be: and especially if he do but consider, that (for the greater clearing of this business) that part of the Body that is taken with an Erysipelas, immediately also begins to have a swelling a∣bout it. Which seeing it is not imaginable that it should be caus∣ed by the mutual conflux of both Humors, we therefore ought to think, that it must proceed from the Malignant Heat of Choler, that hath so far weakned the Natural Heat. Which Bilious Humor, as it is likened to the Element of Fire;

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so, when it is kindled to a very great heigth, it also burns the part Af∣fected, like Fire; and so raises Blisters on it.

But suppose that the excellent vertues of Cold Water in the Cure of this Disease were never before discovered to the world; or that other its excellencies, in other the like Cases, have heitherto been nei∣ther written, nor heard of: Sup∣pose this, I say, Must the Vast Abyss of Physical knowledge, and the large stock of the ways of Cures, have before this been necessarily exhausted and drawn dry? Is it impossible to say, or write any thing, that may be deduced out of the very Principles of Nature, which may be of good use in the Curing of the diseases men are subject unto, and particularly of the intollerable Paines of the Gout, and the like? Certainly there are diverse, that having by experience found the excellent vertue of Cold Water, for the asswaging of those Horrid Torments of the Gout,

Page 35

(which are a second Hell) will be ready with a very gratefull re∣membrance, Publickly to extoll the same. And those, that to the use hereof, have added the opening of a Vein, either upon the part af∣fected, or somewhere neare it, will cry it up to the same height. And to the end that what concerns the Publike Good, may Publickly be known, (I shall deale Ingeniously, with those that are Ingenious) I say, that I have known many, who have testified, that among the so many, and various Medicines that are in use for the cure of this dis∣ease, they have not known, nor applied any, that hath so certain∣ly asswaged, if not utterly cured (as it sometimes hath done,) the intollerable pains of this disease, as Cold Water; especially when it is joyned with Letting of Blood.

For it is certain enough, (as I have proved in my French Treatise) that the Pains in the Gout are caus∣ed, not by any Cold defluxion of Humors from the Head, but by a

Page 36

Hot Humor, which is either an A∣crimonious, or a Salt one, proceed∣ing from the Liver, and gathered together in some neighboring part, till such time, as that Nature drives it forth, by the Greater Veins, into the Capillary, as into certain smal Channels by nature designed for the conveighing of humors: whence it is conveighed to the Joynts, to∣gether with the Aliment provided for the nourishment of the parts of the Body; and commonly first of all it seises upon the Great Toe; and as the cause of the disease increas∣eth, it afterwards seiseth upon o∣ther joynts also.

For this cause therefore my Counsel hath been, that a Vein should be opened, both in the Great Toe, and also in other parts that are nearest to it: that so the next Antecedent cause, which lies in those Veins, and fomenteth the Concomitant Cause, lying neare unto it, may be taken away: which being removed, the pain is either asswaged, or altogether ceaseth.

Page 37

For I cannot beleeve that the Con∣comitant cause lieth in the very joynt, where the Bones are not wrap'd about with any Periostium, which is of most exquisite sense, (for so all Motion must needs be painfull) but instead of that are invironed with a Gristle, and joyned together with Ligaments, that are void of al sense: so that the pain must therefore ne∣cessarily be attributed to the neighboring parts, which are most sensible. In the producing where∣of, seeing that this Antecedent Cause is also to be supposed to cooperate, I am clearly of opinion, that with∣out any Letting of Blood, either by way of Revulsion, or Derivation, we ought to fall immediately to the opening of a Vein upon the part it self: unless the body being very Plethorical, or the Patient young, or the part lying convenient for Revulsion, which had formerly been infested with the same distemper, do require the same. For in other Cases you must be careful how you let Blood; both because, my opinion

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is, that people ought to be let Blood once or twice a year, by way of Prevention, and especially in the aforesaid Great Toe, or what o∣ther part of the Body hath usually been most afflicted with this dis∣ease; as also, because that when it hath seised upon several joynts at once, the violence of it seems to re∣quire the opening of a Vein, where neither the Age of the Per∣son, nor any other impediment is against the same.

And seeing it is confessed, and assented to by all Physicians, that Contraries are cured by Contraries; why may I not lift up my voice, and make use of my Pen, in the just Praises of this our Cold Water? Especially, seeing I am able to pro∣duce Experience on my side; (who is the best Mistress in all Sciences whatsoever) and that back'd with Reason two. I shall not here speak of Young men, or of those of Perfect Age; but I shall onely here have to do with Old men, (who, by rea∣son of the Saltness of Humors, where∣with

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they commonly abound, are very much subject to this terrible Disease:) many of whom, when they either already felt, or were in feare of these Tormenting pains, have by my Counsel had recourse immediately to this drinking of Cold Water; which drinking con∣stantly for many days, weekes, yea and moneths together, it hath suc∣ceeded so well with them, as that many of them, who have been very far stricken in years, have found very great ease hereby; and that too without any offence to the Stomack, or hinderance of Digesti∣on; and have continued thus now for some years space together; on∣ly drinking a draught of it off eve∣ry morning: which course they also resolve to continue while they live. And some, that had used to drink Wine constantly, did the same; drinking Water at their Meals, but moderately.

And although that in an Inve∣terate Gout, or where the Party is very old, or where there are other

Page 40

either Manifest, or Occult Causes, hindering it, I have said that the use of it would do very little, or no good at all; yet in very many of this kinde of patients, where I have judged the use of it to be conveni∣ent, I do here testifie to the world, that I have had very good success.

And as for all other Medicines, whether they be those they call A∣nodyna; that is, Mitigatives of paine; or those they call Discus∣sives, that is, such as dispel the cause of the disease in the Gout; as I have made little mention of them in my French Treatise; so in this, (where I commend so much the use of Cold Water, and Letting of Blood) do I make as little: because, as the a∣foresaid Mitigative Medicines, by too much relaxing of the parts Af∣fected, do open an easie passage for the return of the sharp Humor back again upon them; so the Discussive, by over-drying the parts, dispose them toward the Knotted Gout.

Yet those that either cannot, or will not patiently endure the tor∣menting

Page 41

pains of the Gout, and yet abhor to drink Cold Water, or to be let blood upon the part Affect∣ed, they may make use of the com∣mon Poultess made of White Bread; which they must make of crums of the same, (or rather of the pou∣der of the Root of Althaea) boyled in new Milk to a Consistence, and pounded together, with Oyl of Lilies, or fresh Butter, mixed with a small quantity of Saffron. There are some that choose rather to make use of an Oyntment made of raw Yolks of Eggs, and Rose-Water heat∣ed together over the fire: and there are others that say they have found very much ease, in putting their feet, or hands into a Bath made of Castile Sope, made as hot as they can endure it: and when it begins to be cold, they must take them out. There are som also that in this case make use of the Lees of Red Wine.

An also Oyntment made of Spanish Wine, and Oyl of Olives, of each a like quantity, and boyled till halfe of it be boyled away, and so ap∣plied

Page 42

hot to the part Affected, hath been said to have done good to some: which having bin either Ca∣sually, or seasonably applied, nay sometimes, if not of it self, yet Ac∣cidentally have asswaged somwhat the pain.

Neither is this taking of Cold Water (as I have prescribed it) use∣ful onely in asswaging, and curing the pains of the Gout in the Feet, Hands, and Shoulders; but also the Sciatica, or Hip-Gout, which is both the most violent, and the hardest to be removed of all the rest. And who ever shall but grant us, that the cause of this Gout proceeds from the self same Acrimony, or Saltness of Humors, if not from a greater: it need not seem so strange a mat∣ter to him, if while it is yet but newly begun, by the taking of Gold Water, according to my Prescrip¦tion, (either Well-Water, or Foun∣tain-water) taking it an hour or two before supper, (because this disease uses commonly to rage most of all toward bed-time) or at any other

Page 43

time when the party is in pain, tak∣ing it in this manner by way of Prevention, and doing the like eve∣ry morning, and that many times in very Aged persons, who have taken it onely for the space of four or five days together; it hath, with∣out using any other Remedy, been perfectly cured, and which is more, for ever from that party banished; especially if he will but consider with me, that this disease is not subject to Recidivation, as the Gouts in the Feet, and Hands are.* 1.3 Now why the joynts of the Shoulder, and of the Hip, are so free from any Re∣turn of these Goutish paines (for they are very seldom taken with them the second time) I shall leave this inquiry to the search, and Dis∣putation of others; least my Rea∣sons, (which can but seem Plausi∣ble ones only) may appear obnoxi∣ous to Contradiction, as to my present design, which pretends here to Brevity only. Now in case any Vein should appear, either upon, or near the Hip; without question it

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would be very much useful to open the same:* 1.4 But seeing that neither upon the Hip, nor yet upon the Shoulder, there appears any; we therefore in this case make use of Cupping-glasses, with more then or∣dinary Scarifications; and that with good success: and these Cupping-glasses, (or Horseleeches, instead of them) must be applied upon those very parts of the Thigh, or Legge, where the pain is most violent. It is very proper also in this case to breath the Vein that lies on the Outward Anckle,* 1.5 which is therefore called Vena Ischiadica, or the Hip-Vein: as in like manner the open∣ing of the Cephalica, or Mediana, in the Shoulder affected, is of good use against the pains thereof. But for as much as these Veins, which are to be opened, are so far remov∣ed from the part affected; questi∣onless that other way of Evacuati∣on, which is performed by apply∣ing Cupping-glasses, and Scarificati∣ons upon the part it self (seeing that in al probability they are the more

Page 45

likely to remove the cause of the disease) seems to be to much more purpose. For thus, by applying of these, together with opening a Vein, (by my Prescription,) taking away from the party twelve ounces of blood, and somewhat more, a most cruel, and inveterate Paine in the Shoulder hath been presently cured: whereas a Gout∣ish Paine, but newly fallen upon the part, is used by this means to be cured with more ease. I adde moreover,* 1.6 that Purgative Medicines are here of good use also, through the whole course of this disease: Which having been taken first, then Sudoriferous Decoctions of China, Sassafras, Guaiacum (which is of special use in many Cases) if the disease be neither of too small, nor yet of too long a continuance,* 1.7 have been applied with very good suc∣cess. And this Sweating is to be re∣peated for some days together, in the morning; where that the Sweat may be the more plentifully excer∣ned, and so the Concomitant cause la∣so

Page 46

may be the better drawn forth; you may apply upon the hip, a blad∣der full of the warm Decoction of Sage, Hyssop, Thyme, Rosemary, and the like Herbs. But in an old, Invete∣rate Grief, a large Blistering Plaster spread over the whole Hip, uses to be the most effectual Remedy: Yet sometimes we must have recourse to Red-hot Iron.

Neither ought it to seem strange to any, that this disease is cured as well by Hot, as by Cold Reme∣dies: for, of these, such as do not of themselves do any good, by re∣frigerating the part, and asswaging the hot Quality of the Humor; the same notwithstanding, by drawing forth the said Heat out of the Part Affected, do Accidentally prove Cures to the same: as we see, the Inflammation of a Burnt Finger is drawn forth by Fire; and a Tertian Ague is cured by Rhubarb. Neither shall I here omit to acquaint my Reader, that as Cold Water, taken an houre or two before supper, is a speedy Remedy against the pains

Page 47

of the Gout; so sometimes also, if a draught of it be taken immedi∣ately after Dinner, it hath given great ease to some kinds of pains in the Stomack: And, which is more, a Raw Apple, (which yet must be a Sharp, or Sowre one,) taken at supper time, with a cup of Cold Water,* 1.8 instead of all other Meat or Drink, hath very of∣ten restored both to Preachers, that have been hoarse, and to others al∣so, (provided their Hoarsenss hath not been of any long continuance) their Natural cleare Voyce, the next morning. It will be looked upon a little strangly, that I should approve of the use of Cold Water, in those Distempers, that are caused by Crudity, and Flatulency; where∣as Galen, on the contrary, affirms, that a Lusty Draught of Cold Wa∣ter, taken in a Burning Feaver, is a most present Remedy. Yet seeing that is evident enough, that in such cases where the disease is dange∣rous, and something desperate too, the use of Cold Water is the onely

Page 48

Remedy: without question the same may be taken safely enough, for some days, yea and weeks toge∣ther, in very many diseases that may happen, and very good suc∣cess also be from hence expect∣ed.

Thus, those that have Fiery Faces, and Carbunckled Noses, with many pimples rising thereon, (which is commonly caused by the Fuliginous Vapours of Wine, or Strong Drink) or have any other the like Ill-affection of the Skin in any other parts of the Body, pro∣ceeding either from a Salt, or Acri∣monious Humor; by taking this Cold Water we speak of, every morn∣ing, for the space of some days, or weeks together (as need shall re∣quire) may easily, & for no charge, relieve themselves, and recover the Natural colour of their Face, and Skin. Neither is it any matter at all, whether this Redness pro∣ceeded from the too free drinking of those aforesaid Liquors, or from a hot and dry distemperature of the Liver

Page 49

* 1.9 The Stone in the Kidney is in like manner-caused by the same Distem∣per, as by its Efficient cause; and therefore there is no doubt to be made, but that the taking of a draught, or two, of Cold Water, for some days together, (as I my self have observed) is in this case very good. Which seems also to be suf∣ficiently insinuated by Piso, and Alexander, who both assure us, that the taking of a draught of Cold Wa∣ter in the morning constantly, for some days together, hath done so much good upon those that have been troubled with the Stone in the Kidneys, that in diverse, after the voyding of the First Stone, never a∣ny grew there again. And indeed lam of opinion, that in this case, it would do the patient very much good, if he took either Cold or Luke-warme Water: neither do I doubt, but that either of these are very good; yea, and Hot Water too, (as I have said in my French Trea∣tise) where notwithstanding I have chiefly commended the use of the

Page 50

Cold. And indeed it may be taken, without fear of any Crudity; which the aforenamed Authors seem to suppose may be caused by drink∣ing Cold Water. There are some also, who thankfully acknow∣ledging the great benefit they have receaved by this my Coun∣sel, do still every meal, when they rise, adventure to drink a draught of the said Cold Water, & that with∣out any danger of causing Crudi∣ties in the Stomack, or of spoiling Digestion: nay, which is more, if at any time they chance either to eat, or drink too much; they are wont, of their own heads (though per∣haps they are herein too adventu∣rous, for this practice cannot pos∣sibly be allowed in all Cases) to have immediate recourse to this drinking of Cold Water, that so they may both presently expel all Crudities,* 1.10 and also prevent Drunk∣enness. And as concerning Crudity, I conceave that Cornelius Celsus was also of this opinion; when he gives his advise, that such as are

Page 51

troubled with raw, and belching Stomacks, should drink Water. Neither will this seem unreasona∣ble to any, that shall but consider, that this cure (which either cannot in any measure at all, or not ful∣ly be effected, by the use of Wine, Meats, and other Hot things, which seems here to be commended upon very good grounds) should yet be cured by Accident; when as the Stomack, being either distended by Wind, caused by the weakness of the Heat, or else being too much relaxed by the use of moyst and unctuous things, begetting Crudi∣ties within it, is contracted by means of the Cold Water; and its Orifices are so closed, that the mouth of the Stomack being shut up, it hinders the ascending of the Vapours: by which meanes it is certain that the Heat must be uni∣ted, and consequently the Crudity hindred, and a stronger Appetite excited. And hence I conceive it was, that Hippocrates called the Water, A Devourer.

Page 52

Neither is this our Cold Water useful onely, taken inwardly, in inward diseases; but applied Out∣wardly also, it cures the Outward Pains of the Body.

And indeed it ought not to seem unreasonable to any,* 1.11 if I shall here boldly affirm, that when by reason of the violence of Cold in a hard Winter, the Feet have been so be∣nummed and frozen, as that the Toes through stifness stood out like so many sticks, by putting the Feet some certain times into Cold Water, and continuing this about the space of half an hour, they have again returned to their former state and condition. And that this is grounded upon Reason too, it may be hence collected; because that the Blood, being by this other Cold repelled, and driven back to∣wards the Bowels, and by conti∣nuing there some space of time, growing thereby more united and knit together, acquires the greater strength; by which means in its return possessing its self of the ex∣tream

Page 53

parts of the Feet, it over∣cometh their Cold Distemper, and revives, as it were, their almost-ex∣tinct Native Heat. And the effect will so much the more certainly follow, if while his Feet are in the Water, the party drink a large draught of Wine warmed, and spiced with Nutmeg, or Cinnamon; that so the Blood may with the greater force and vigour make its passage to the Feet; whose Reco∣very is discerned by the Redness of the Blood, appearing by little and little, as it gets down: as on the contrary it is a sign that those parts are mortified, which partake not of that tincture of Redness. Now this being done, the Feet and Thighs must be wiped dry with a linnen cloath, and so anointed with ordinary Sope; which is done well enough without any fire, which for a time he must not come near.* 1.12

And thus Hippocrates tells us (in his Lib 5. Aphor. 24. that that kind of Cramp also, which is called Te∣tanus, may be cured.

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* 1.13 And I have heard, (and that from a person too, whom I could not but beleeve,) that one taken with the Palsey, both in the Thigh, Arm, and Shoulder, by the con∣tinual application of Cold Water for the space of two or three hours together, was perfectly cured the very same day. Which experiment notwithstanding I have not as yet made trial of, because there are very many that much suspect the same: although both in reason, and because of the happy success that may be hence expected, it seems in some kinds of Resolutions of the parts to be allowable e∣nough: seeing that it is most cer∣tain, that many, that have been taken with a Palsey, by a suddain Fright have been cured thereof. Whence we are to conceave, that by this so violent driving back of the Blood inwards, the spirits were so chafed, and heated, as that they were able to make their way through the Back-bone, and the ob∣structed Nervous parts of the side

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Affected; and so by dissolving the Viscous Humors that had obstructed the said parts, and quite dispelling the same, had restored to the parts his Natural, Voluntary Motion. And that by the same means many have been cured also of a Quartane Ague,* 1.14 we have so many late Ex∣amples in Story, as that wee need not trouble our selves further to prove the same.

So we likewise read, that some, who have had their limbs so con∣tracted, by reason of Convulsions,* 1.15 as that for some years together they have not been able either to go, or stand upon their feet, being pro∣voked to suddain, and most vehe∣ment Anger, have risen up in an Instant, and have followed their flying enemy; and so by this means, by the forcible breaking forth of the Blood and Spirits toward the Thighs and Legs, and other Affect∣ed Parts, the Humor that was there gathered together being attenua∣ted, and discussed, they have both recovered, and ever after retained

Page 56

their Natural Motion.

Thus the Son of Croesus (as He∣rodotus tells the story) being smitten with a suddain Fear, and present∣ly falling into a most violent pas∣sion of Anger, when he saw a cer∣tain Persian, that knew not his Fa∣ther, running furiously upon him, with an intent to kill him, cryed out with a loud voyce, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Villain, kill not Croe∣sus. And thus, that which hin∣dered his speech being removed, he for ever after continued a Speaking Man to his dying day. Whence we may also observe, that a greater effect ought to be produced by the Concurrence of these Passions to∣gether; namely by the driving of the Blood and Spirits Inwards, by a Fright; and by driving the same Outward,* 1.16 by a violent Anger, then if the Operation had been by one of these onely.

We are much rather to wonder at the Impetuosity, and Violence of Lightning, which is caused by a Hot and Dry Exhalation; which, by

Page 57

an Antiperistasis, while it is strait∣ned, and kept close in, by a Thick and Cold Cloud, is so rarefied, that it does service to the Laws of Ʋni∣versal Nature; which cannot en∣dure either the Penetration of Di∣mensions, (least two Bodies should so be in one and the same place,) or a Vacuum, or Emptiness in Nature: and at length being kindled, it breaks the Clouds with a Horrid Noise, & Crack; and by its violent Erupti∣on, and Impetuosity of Motion, it rends in pieces, and destroys what∣ever by its hardness makes resi∣stance against it, not hurting at all such bodies as are Porous, and Yeil∣ding.

And the like is to be supposed also of Earth-quakes,* 1.17 which are caused by a Hot and Dry Exhalation of Wind, that hath got within it; and sometimes also by the like which is ingendred, and shut up within the Cavitie, and hollow parts of the same: When as this Vapour, or Exhalation, being tossed, and agitated up and down through

Page 58

the bowels of the Earth, is at length so rarefied, that being for∣ced to raise up part of the so vast body of the earth, (meerly to a∣void the aforesaid Penetration of Dimensions,) it hath sometimes brought forth Mountaines: and on the contrary, sometimes also, ac∣cording as the Disposition of the Place, and the violence of the E∣ruption of the Exhalations have been, have overturned Vast Build∣ings, yea and have buried whole Cities too in the Cavernes of the Earth. For it does not to me seem any whit Probable at all, that so horrid a Motion of the Earth should be caused meerly by the Motion of the Wind onely, which struggles to recover its proper place; unless that, to the end that this may be effected, there be also a sufficient Rarefaction of the Exha∣lation. And it is most certain, that those Earth-quakes are of the larg∣est Extent, and withal the most Terrible, where there is a Coope∣ration of Sulphureous, and other

Page 59

Mineral Exhalations, kindled with∣in the bowels of the Earth.

In like manner as we see it is in Gun-powder,* 1.18 which being shut up (in making of Mines) within the Earth, and there filling but a lit∣tle place, by being afterwards set on fire, and requiring then a much larger place then before, it blowes up by its force the strongest Walls, and Bulwarks, and makes such breaches in them, as that by this means there is an easie passage laid open to the enemy for his entrance into the besieged place.

And if we may be permitted to compare small and great things together, how unutterable is the Power, that is in those Highest In∣telligencies (I mean, the Angels) which are also called, Spirits.* 1.19

Which said Exhalations, seeing they produce such Admirable ef∣fects in the Greater World, why may they not do the like also in our Microcosme, or Lesser World, where the Humors are compared to the E∣lements, and our Spirits are in a suf∣ficient

Page 60

Disposition for the admit∣ting of a kinde of Inflammation, or Burning; as may be perceaved, when shutting our Eyes, and wink∣ing with them something hard, we see a certain Animal Spirit, in some measure representing the Heavenly Fire, and the Light of the Stars?

But leaving this Digression, let us return to our former Discourse, touching the exciting, and put∣ting into Motion of our Blood, and Spirits, by Cold Water.

* 1.20 It must seem much more agree∣able to Reason, if I shall here af∣firm, that all Straining of the joynts, and all Contusions, either on the same, or any other parts of the bo∣dy, as well as any huge Swellings, may, by the aforesaid bathing of the part in Cold Water, be much more safely cured, then by any o∣ther Remedies whatsoever; and that more speedily too, and cer∣tainly, and without any either Cost, or Trouble, or Loss of Time. Thus the Hands, and es∣pecially the Feet, which are most

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of all subject to these Strainings, and the like Accidents, may be re∣stored to their former strength, and ability in going; yea although the said Remedy be not made use of, till two or three hours space af∣ter the aforementioned accident, or the like, befel the Party, (as I have seen with my own eys, more then once) where by careful, and often plying of this bathing the part in Cold VVater, the Humor hath been repelled, within the space of an hour; which to many seemed to have been so far setled, as that there could be no hope of repelling it; and that, by reason of the Bruise, and the very great Swelling of the part, it was to be brought to Sup∣puration, or else to be dealt with∣al as with Blood, when it is gather∣ed together without its own pro∣per Vessels: and yet the Blood here, still continuing in the Capillary Veins, which are much dilated, and swollen, together with the Flesh, when it cannot be discussed, is yet by the use of Cold VVater repelled,

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in case the Application of it hath not bin deferred too long: although I am very certain, that where no speedy cure hath been taken here∣in, yet the making use of this Cold VVater the next day after, continu∣ing it the aforementioned space of time, (if the Swelling hath not been too great) hath perfectly cured the Party. Which Mischances, seeing they very often befall Carpenters, Smiths, and Masons, and indeed all sorts of Labouring Men, they have this most excellent, and present re∣medy always at hand.

And here I cannot but take no∣tice, that it was not in vain that Hippocrates admonisheth us, that the Gout in the Feet is cured by a Large Effusion of Cold VVater: for it is most certain, that by holding the Foot, that is affected, a long while in the same, both the Swel∣ling abateth, and the Redness of the part, and the pains and asswaged also. But seeing that, by reason of the Corrupted Blood, which may speedily return again to the part,

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the Pain may easily be renewed; my judgement is, that this Bathing in Cold VVater is to be repeated of∣ten, for the space of five or six days together. And in this sense do I understand that Doctrine of Hippo∣crates, to the great comfort of the Patient, when as his pain, and the continuance of his Disease shall be so taken off, as that he shall now be troubled with it so many days onely, as otherwise he should have been weeks.

Some also that have been trou∣bled with the Gout in their Feet, that they may either utterly avoyd the falling into a Relapse, or at least may have but light touches of it, make use of this Bathing in Cold VVater every day, so long a space of time as a man may be saying o∣ver the Lords Prayer. But for as much as the Acrimony of the Humor cannot always be so clearly taken away as could be wished, nor the Humor it self purged out: the same may be farther suppressed by the taking of Cold VVater inwardly,

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and the Humor it self may be eva∣cuated, as Occasion shall require, either by opening a Vein, or by some Purging Medicine proper in this case.

Neither is this Bathing of the Feet in Cold VVater a Remedy in the Pains of the Leg onely, and the joynts thereof; but it cures also the Inveterate Pains of the Head, and the Continual Catarrhes, and Defluxions from thence. For it is certain, that if the Head be put in∣to Cold VVater, as far as the Middle of the Bone of the Hinder part of the Head, and to the end of the Nose before, so that there be left just so much of the Nose out of the Wa∣ter, as that the Party may have free∣dom of Breathing onely; and that this be done so long, as while a man may be saying the Lords Pray∣er, the pain of the Head, though it hath been of long continuance, wil hereby be removed, and the De∣fluxions stopped; as hath often been proved by experience. Or else instead of this putting the Head

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into Cold Water (which seems to be very improper for Women) you may take a Linnen Cloath, dipped in Cold Water, and apply the same several times to the Head. For seeing that it is not so much the Moysture of the Water that is here requisite, as the Peircing Coldness of it; I conceive that it would do very much good in this case, if we should take a Linnen Cloath that had been dipt in Cold Water, and wringing it well, we should apply the same to the Head of the Party, having first covered it all over with another dry Linnen Cloath, and that to be doubled too, and ap∣plying this to the Head for the space of a Quarter of an Hour to∣gether; and so repeating the same some certain times.

And I have been very much con∣firmed in this opinion of mine, by an experiment of it made upon a certain English Knight, named Sir Toby Matthews, a man no less e∣minent for Wisdom, then fit for Publike Trust. This Gentleman

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having been troubled twenty years together with an intolerable pain on one side of his Head, and also with a Continual, and violent Defluxion from the Head, distilling through his Palate, and Nose, in so great a quantity, as that he could never go without a wet Handker∣chief in his pocket: he was so hap∣pily cured of both these Maladies in the sixtieth year of his age, by this Bathing his Head in Cold Wa∣ter, as that till the seventieth year of the same, which he hath now passed, he hath never had the least touch of either, during the said space of time; and being now bet∣ter in health then ever he was in his life before, to prevent his falling into the same Infirmities again, he useth the said Immersion of his Head in Cold Water all the year long, and even in the depth of Winter also. And he saith, that he received this profitable Advise from a certain English Nobleman, who having himself been a long time much tormented with the

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same Disease, had by this means cured both himself, and very many others who were alike affected, and restored them to their perfect health, to the great admiration of all men.

And that this Practise is groun∣ded upon sound Reason also, is con∣firmed by Constant Experience. For it is certain, that the Skin of the Head by this means is so hardned, and strengthened, and fitted to re∣sist the Cold, as that it is able to se∣cure the Head against the greatest that can be, and against any other External injuries whatsoever; and also to mitigate the Hot Distempe∣rature of the Head, and the Acri∣mony of its Humors,* 1.21 and either to attemperate, or repel such Vapors, as shall ascend up out of the Sto∣mack, Veins, and Arteries.

And it is evident that this may receive some Confirmation, by what Cornelius Celsus hath delivered in his Lib. 1. Cap. 4. & 5. where he saith thus: Eos quibus caput infir∣mum est, & assiduis lippitudinibus,

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gravedinibus, destillationibus, & ton∣sillis laborant, nihil frigida aeque pro∣desse posse, caputque per aestatem largo canali aliquandiu quotidie subiicien∣dum, & perfundendum esse: that is, That for those that are subject to In∣firmities in their Head, and are con∣tinually troubled with Sore Eyes, Stuf∣fings in the Head, Distillations, Swelling of the Glandules, or Al∣monds of the Ears, nothing is so good as Cold Water; where the Head all the Summer long, is to be held un∣der a VVater-Spout for a pretty while together every day, the VVater all the while running down upon it. And hence it is, that some, that have had Children, that have been healthful enough, have yet, to the end they might continue so, suf∣fered them from their very Infancy to go bare-headed, and to expose themselves to all External Injuries of the weather: and that according to the Doctrine of the same Corne∣lius Celsus, whose Advise it is, in the Beginning of his First Book, that all persons that are in perfect

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Health, and are at their own dis∣posing, should accustom themselves to the aforesaid Hardnesses; and not onely so, but in the rest of the Regiment of Health also, and in their Course of Diet, should observe a kinde of Indifferency, and Free∣dom; eating and drinking some∣times more, and sometimes less then at other times: provided that the Exess in these cases be not too great, and Extravagant. Which seemeth to have been the Opinion also even of Hippocrates himself, where he tells us, that Bad things, that we are accustomed to, do hurt less, then Better, that we are not used to. But these things I would not have done rashly, or without the Advise of an Able Physician.

* 1.22 The Tooth-ach also hath in like manner many times been cured, by applying this Cold VVater to the part Affected, and bathing the parts therewith also that lye higher, be∣yond the Temples, and repeating the said Application. And I know by experience, that an Inflamma∣tion

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of the Eyes,* 1.23 taken in the begin∣ning, hath been cured by this means, by repeating the said Ap∣plication several times; in like manner as I have known, and be∣fore related, that the grievous Pains of the Shoulder, and of the whole Arm have also by the same means been removed.

* 1.24 In like manner also have the most horrid pains of the Shoulder, Back, and Loynes, been cured by my prescribing this Application of Cold VVater; as I can testifie from my own certain experience.

* 1.25 And as the Stone is engendred in the Kidneyes, and increased also in the same, by standing with ones back towards the Fire, or if the Parties back be over-heated by lying in a Feather-bed: so likewise may the Hot and Dry Distempera∣ture of the same, whether procee∣ding from the aforesaid causes, or from any other, be (in all Proba∣bility) cured, by the Application of a Linnen Cloath dipped in Cold VVater, and applied to the part

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for a pretty while together, and so repeating the said Application several times.

And Children also, that through extremity of Pain have not been able to stand upon their Feet, by the aforesaid bathing of the Legs, as far as to the Knees in Cold Wa∣ter, for a good while together, ac∣cording as I had given direction, have often found very much good.

* 1.26 By the said continued, and of∣ten repeated bathing of the Legs in Cold Water, and consequently by the repelling of the Blood and Spi∣rits toward the Heart and Liver caused thereby, the Wind-Collick hath been discussed: although in this case I should rather make use of some other Remedy.

Neither can I think that any man will refuse to subscribe to the truth of the things before delive∣red, that shall but (when occasi∣on is offered,) make triall him∣self of the said experiments; at least of so many of them as I have

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said, that I my self have proved, and found to be true. For there are some of them, I confess, which though, being deduced from solid Principles, they seem to promise answerable effects, and happy suc∣cess; yet for as much as I have not made trial of them my self, (as, where I speak of them, I have faith∣fully confessed) I have left them to the further Examination of o∣thers.

Certainly that which at first sight may seem very strange, will not yet be found to be dissonant to Reason, to any man that shall but seriously consider, that this same Cold Water we speak of, applied to and part of the body, cureth the contrary Diseases of the same; as it doth, in the aforementioned Be∣nummedness of the Toes and Legs, by putting them into Cold VVater; whereby the Blood, and Spirits be∣ing driven back toward the Heart, and Liver, and after some reason∣able long stay thereabout, their forces being increased by reason

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of a doubled Heat; in their return they overmaster the Extream Cold distemperature of the Feet, and Legs: And so again, when at an∣other time (notwithstanding the Philosophers Axiome, which saith, that One and the same things, so long as it continues the same, necessarily produceth one and the same Effect:) the said Cold VVater, being applied to the same part of the body, that is Inflamed, Bruised, and Extream∣ly Swollen, cureth also the Hot Di∣stemperature of the same.

All which things being consi∣dered; it was not without some speciall Happy Omen, that I fell upon this Perswasion, that many kinds of Fresh VVounds,* 1.27 as well in the Head, as in other parts of the body, might be perfectly cured in the same manner, by the First In∣tention: by reason that by means of this Immersion into, or Applica∣tion of the said Cold VVater, the Blood is repelled very far back, and its Vessels are by this means closed up; and so there is a hinderance

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of all conflux either of the Blood, or of any other Humors; to the part Affected: which otherwise, by reason of its weakness, would there be both receaved, and through the Heat and Pain of the said part, would be also drawn thither; and would dispose the same toward the generation of Purulent Matter; and sometimes also would cause an Impostumation, or an Erypelas; (neither of which is at all here to be feared:) as it often uses to happen, when the Periostium, or thin Skin that im∣mediately enwrappes the Shin-bone, is inflamed by a Wound, or Bruise; so that the neighboring parts come thereby to Gangrene, and putrifie; and all life in them being quite extinct, and afterwards by degrees all life also throughout the rest of the whole body, the Carkasse is in the end brought to the grave. And these Accidents, which some∣tims befall young people, but old folk very often, I have the more largely dilated upon, that men

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might take the better notice of the most evident Danger in this case, which yet by so facile, and a ready Remedy may easily be avoided.

For it is very certain, that the aforesaid Immersion in Cold Water, if it be duly made use of, so soon as the Wound is receaved, or else within some few hours after; it will infallibly and perfectly cure the same. And I can assure the Reader, that for these three and fifty years space (for so long it is, since I first lighted upon this way of curing of Wounds receaved upon the Leg, which I had never before either read, or heard of,) I have never known any of my Patients to have suffered hereby any great pain, much less Death; but all things have ever succeeded accor∣ding to my Wish; as I have always by most curious Observation found.

Thus in Autumn, in the year 1674, in a Wound almost all along the whole Leg, and that where the Party was very old too, after he

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had (by my Presumption) bathed his Leg a good while together in Cold Water, he had not the least feeling of any pain in his Leg, nei∣ther was there any Purulent Matter bred in the Wound; and that by reason of the so effectual Repulsi∣on of the Blood, and the other Hu∣mors, and Spirits (as we have shew∣ed before) by the said Cold Water: Which, least by the Patients too rash venturing upon Motion, they should by chance be called down toward the part againe; it will be necessary that he keep himself quiet for a while. To the end therefore that in these, and the like Accidents, there may be an orderly, and a secure way of Pro∣ceeding, we must be sure to con∣tinue this Immersion at the least for half an hour, or rather an hours space, till such time as the Part Affected shall be reduced to its proper Temperature, or be rather brought down to a Colder Tem∣per then its own Natural is; that so the aforesaid dangerous Symp∣tomes

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may with the greater secu∣rity be hindered. Which being done, there is nothing at all to be laid upon the Wound, save onely some of that small Film, or thin Skin, that lies immediately under the Shell of an Egg, enwraping the whole Egg about: which you must be very carefull that it fall not off, or be carelesly pulled off, or removed from off the Wound; till such time as that having lain there for some days, or weeks space, according to the Constitution of the Patient, and of the Part Af∣fected, the Wound being closed up, and grown whole, it falls off of it self. And yet I have obser∣ved, that, where this thin Egg-Skin hath been gently taken off, Na∣ture it self hath defended the part, now left naked with a dry and hard Scab; which also, when the Wound was perfectly whole, fell off: for there was danger, that if it had been violently pulled off, the Sore would have grown worse again, if at least it be proper, in

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this Case, to use the Word, Sore, which presupposeth Purulent Matter; whereas here was not a∣ny, so much as the thinnest moy∣sture that could be, seen to come from the Wound all the while, till it was perfectly whole. As in like manner, where this my Counsel hath been followed, no running Matter at all hath been seen to come from such Wounds, as have been either in the Heads, or any o∣ther parts of the Body, where ever it hath been my fortune to be cal∣led to Patients of this nature, either with Surgeons joyned with me, or otherwise; save only in one Wound that a Person of Quality, of eighty four years of age, had receaved in his Leg: where, although the blood had been repelled, by the speedy, and continued Application of Cold Water; yet some small quantity of Purulent Matter coming from the Wound, on the sixth day after the hurt receaved, (yet without a∣ny foregoing Pain, or Heat in the part,) the Surgeons that were cal∣led

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thither were presently of Opi∣nion, that for the perfecting of the Cure, they were to make triall of Suppurating Medicaments: which when they had, without my know∣ledge, applied; and had put the Patient to a great deal of pain, and had caused much Purulent Matter to come from the Wound; I was then streight sent for again: where immediately causing the said Medi∣caments to be taken away, and cleansing the Wound with Whey, I applied to the Sore a Plaster, that is usually called, Emplastrum Di∣apompholigos; which being well bound about with dry Linnen Cloathes, and then taking other Linnen Cloathes, and dipping them in Cold Water, and so wrapping them all round about the place, having first well wrung the same, and changing them ever and anon; I caused this Application to be us∣ed for the space of a quarter of an hour together at least, that so the part Affected might be freed from all Heat, and Pain: which Ap∣plication

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I caused to be repeated for the space of four or five days together, till such time as the Wound was perfectly healed up, not the least drop hardly of Puru∣lent Matter in the mean while be∣ing seen to come from the same. In like manner as at other times, while the aforesaid thin Egg-Skin was sticking still upon the Wound, when there was very little, or no sense at all, either of Heat, or Pain in the part Affected, I have caused a wet Linnen Cloath, well squee∣zed, and the Water well wrung out, to be wrapped about the place, That so the Penetration of the Cold might assist the said Skin and might moysten it, without pulling if off. Yet if you shall per∣ceave, that there is any thing un∣der the Skin, you must then take it off; and so, cleansing the Wound, you may apply to the Wound the aforesaid Emplastrum Diapompholi∣gos, and the place must be wrapt a∣bout with a Linnen Cloath dipped in Cold Water, and afterwards well

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wrung, in the manner we shewed before.

Neither was I at all restrained from making use of the aforesaid Experiment, by that Aphorisme of Hippocrates, Lib. 5. Cap. 23. where he saies, that Cold things are not to be applied to those parts, whence Blood either already issues, or is like∣ly to issue; for he there speaks of such Wounds, as are to be cured by Suppuration: neither was the world then at all acquainted with this way of healing up of Wounds perfectly, by the First Intention, by the Application of Cold Water, which Hippocrates there speaks of. And although tis true, that Cold Water, applied to any Sore, causeth some Smart, and Pain in the part; yet there is much more re∣gard to be had (as the same Hippo∣crates else where rightly admonish∣eth us) to the exceeding great Be∣nefit here to be expected, then to the very little harm, or Annoyance; as indeed the Smart is but little, which is caused by the application

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of Cold things to the part.

* 1.28 And I conceive, a Question might here very well be moved, whether or no in the Hurting of a Nerve, ei∣ther by a Cut, or by a Prick, where by the Surgeons neligence in striking a Vein either with a Lan∣cet, or other Instrument, he hits upon a Nerve; whence common∣ly follow Impostumations, Gangrenes, yea and Death it self, (although the Prick be never so small) this Application of Cold Water for a good while together, as hath be∣fore been set down, might not be of good use: Notwithstanding that our Authors will not hear of the applying of Cold things, (at the be∣ginning of the Cure,) and such Medicaments as are of an Astringent faculty, and are therefore proper to close up the Wound; as in o∣ther cases is usually practised. As to instance, among the rest, in Pa∣raeus, who would not at all allow of this way of proceedings, in the curing of the King of France, that had had a Nerve pricked by his

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Surgeon, in being let Blood: but the course he took, was, to poure into the Wound Oyl to Turpentine warm, mixed with a little Aqua-Vitae, whereby the Nerve was dried up, and the Sharp Humor proceed∣ing thence, which put him to great pain was consumed; yet both it, and all fear of the other aforementioned Accidents together with it immedi∣ately ceased. Which course of his, if it had not succeeded according to his desire, he had then resolved to have cauterized the Nerve, by pou∣ring into the Wound some drops of scalding Oyl; or perhaps he would rather have cut it in two, then that he would have suffered the Fatal Atropos to have cut the thread of the Kings Life in sunder.

And yet Paraeus observings, that, notwithstanding the application of these Hot things, the Conflux of Humors toward the part affected was also to be hindered, to prevent the aformentioned accidents; im∣mediately upon the receaving of the Wounds, he fell to make use of

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Refrigerating, and Repulsive Appli∣cations over the whole arme, for∣tifying it with a very streight Row∣ler, which bound down the Mus∣cles exceeding close, binding the same about the whole Arme, from the Hand-wrest up to the Shoul∣der.

But seeing this curing of Wounds by the Application of Hot Medica∣ments is Accidental onely, as it that of curing a Burnt Finger, by the Fire, as we have said before; why should we not rather go the direct way to work in these kind of cures, by opposing Contraries to Contraries; and so endeavor by this Applica∣tion of Cold Water to repel the Blood, and Spirits from the part af∣fected; and to allay the Pain, caus∣ed by the Acrimonious Humor, that draws the same to it? For that this will do the business, is evident enough, by the several cures that have been wrought in Wounds that have been made upon the Hand, and Fingers, (wherein there is abundance of Nerves) either by

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the bitings of Dogs, or by hurts from some sharp instrument; all which, by this Advice of mine, I mean onely by this Long-continu∣ed Bathing in Cold Water, and of∣ten repeating the same, have with∣in three or four days space been perfectly cured, and that with∣out the appearance of any Purulent Matter at all coming from the Wound: as I can give a Particular Instance in one very large, and deep Wound, that was made by a Hatchet, where a part of the Back of the Hand, and the Fore-Finger were cut to the very bone. Which that it could not possibly be, with∣out the hurting of some Nerves, nor indeed without the cutting of them off in two rather, (whereby, I con∣fess, the Wound had much less danger in it, then if a Nerve had been but prickt onely, or but half cut off) appears plainly by this; because that when the Cut on the Finger was quite closed up, and perfectly healed, the party could not by any means lift it up, nor

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indeed ever will be able to do so. And although that in these, and the like Wounds, there uses to be some pain in the part the next day, & the Hand will begin to swel; yet by reiterating the said bathing in Cold Water, both the Pain, and the Swelling will immediately Vanish: and if it be but quietly kept up in a Scarff, fastned about the Neck, the Party shall never hear of them more. Yet nevertheless, in a case so dangerous, as is the Pricking of a Nerve, which, after long, and most tormenting pains, together with the aforenamed Accidents, hath brought so many thousands to their graves; I shall willingly re∣ferre the Practise of this bathing in Cold Water, (though it promise abundantly a most happy success) to the Examination, and Appro∣bation of the most Skilful in our Profession.

Yet I dare assert, as a most cer∣tain Approved thing, and which hath now been long enough con∣firmed by Experience, that our

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Cold Water not onely may, but also necessarily ought to be applied, in the aforesaid Wounds; and especi∣ally in those on the Face: that so the aforementioned Inconvenien∣ces, and also the unseemly Scars thereon, may be avoided: of the most happy success whereof seeing I have, by most frequent, and cu∣rious Observation, been most cer∣tainly assured: I have endeavored to perswade many Surgeons, and indeed some of the greatest Name, that in the Cure of Wounds, (where neither the greatness, nor depth of the same, nor the great quantity of Clotted Blood sticking therein, nor the too violent Gushing forth of the Blood from some great Vein, nor a Fracture in the Skull, nor the Wounds being in the Brest, or the Belly, nor some other Impedi∣ment be in the way,) leaving their old wonted Road, and the usuall first Applications, and betaking themselues to this so Present, and so easily-procured Remedy; they would endeavor to satisfie the gree∣dy

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Expectation of their Patient; and that they would rather look after as well their Own, as the Re∣putation of their Art, and would preserve a safe Conscience (which is much violated, where the Cure of any Wound is protracted with∣out any cause) rather then minde their own gain onely: who after∣wards hearkening to my Counsell, and finding the success answer the Experiment, confessed, that it was to be preferred before all other; notwithstanding that they knew well enough, that by this use of Cold Water coming into practise, there would much of their gains be lost.

I must needs here adde, that some are of opinion, that those that are bitten by a Mad Dog, by the Application of Cold Water to the Part Affected, or rather by the Bathing of the same in the said Cold Water, may be preserved from that they call Hydrophobia, or the Dread of Water: and they perswade them∣selves, that by this means that Ve∣nom

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may be overmastered, and ex∣pelled. And this they conceave to be no unlikely thing, if there be any credit to be given to Cornelius Celsus; who writes, that the one∣ly Remedy in this case, is, to throw the Party, that is troubled with this Hydrophobia, unawares, either into a Fish Pond, or into a River; and, when he is thus plunged in over head and ears, to let him stay there so long, till such time as he is filled with water, whether he will or no. For, by this means, (saith he) both his Thirst, and his Dread of Water are cured. For he is so extreamly fearful of coming near any Water, that though he be never so thirsty, yet, like another Tantalus, he is in so strangly a sad Condition, that neither by faire, nor foul means can he be got to take the least drop of any kinde of Liquor whatsoever; as I have of∣ten seen, and made the Experiment. Which Immersion (say they) if it be of use when the Party is gone so far as to a Hydrophobia; why

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should it not rather be of greater force in the Preservation of him from it; especially if it be speedi∣ly applied and often reiterated. And seeing it is much easier to prevent a disease, then to cure it; it is there∣fore still the Common use to throw such as are bitten by a Mad Dog, into the Sea, as well Men, as Beasts; or else into some River; and to do the same again for several times. By which repetition of the said practise, they suppose that the Venom will be the more easily sup∣pressed, and the Party bitten will also be so much accustomed to the Water, that at length he will not be in any fear of it at all: Which Practise (say they further) having always continued, even to this ve∣ry day, would never have been so held up, unless the speedy, and often repeated practise of the same had sometimes been found to doe some good. Which reasons, see∣ing they are built upon no solid Ground, may easily be overthrown. For it is certain, that this Venom,

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is not extinguished by the Water, nor yet is decocted, and spent by length of time; as it too evident, by the miserable death of very many, who had eaten the boyled flesh of such Beasts, as had been bitten by Mad Dogs: as neither a∣ny other Venoms (for instance, that of the Pestilence) can be overma∣stered by the same: but that the Water it self is rather infected by the Venom, is so clear a Truth, as that we need not here stand to prove it. And that a Fisher is infect∣ed by the Venom of the fish called Torpedo, though it be cast forth under the Water, the Proverb it self, (which saith, that, Piscator ictus sa∣pit,) sufficiently proves.

Neither are we so well satisfied concerning the success, in using this Remedy, (which they have re∣ceaved, as the onely Remedy in this case, from Cornelius Celsus, who was a Roman,) as to give any cre∣dit to it: Neither indeed doth he speak of the Sea at all, which is very much different from a Fish∣pond.

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For without question, if this Experiment had been made use of with happy success, either by him, or by any other, it must needs have come to the ears of O∣vid; who yet affirms, that it was generally acknowledged by those of his Age, that the Hydrophobia, and the Knotted Gout, were Incura∣ble Diseases: as he testifies in these Verses

Tollere Nodosam nescit Medicina Podagram; Nec formidatis auxiliatur aquis. For Knotted Gouts no Cure we can descry: Nor yet for those that do the Water fly.

And as I shall not exclude these, and the like Operations from the Predicament of the Ver∣tue of our Cold Water; so nei∣ther shall I reduce any Doubtfull ones unto it; Least thereby I might draw into Suspicion the Incredible Vertues of the same.

Page 93

But I am clearly perswaded, that Vineger is very necessary to be made use of, in this Disease called Hydrophobia, which we here have last spoken of.

Notes

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