The remaining medical works of that famous and renowned physician Dr. Thomas Willis ...: Viz I. Of fermentation, II. Of feavours, III. Of urines, IV. Of the ascension of the bloud, V. Of musculary motion, VI. Of the anatomy of the brain, VII. Of the description and uses of the nerves, VIII. Of convulsive diseases : the first part, though last published, with large alphabetical tables for the whole, and an index ... : with eighteen copper plates / Englished by S.P. esq.

Of Convulsive Diseases.

CHAPTER I. Of Spasms or Convulsive Motions in Generall.

IN handling the Convulsive Distempers, many Physitians distinguish between the Spasme or Convulsion, and Convulsive Motion; by the first they understand a constant Contraction, whereby the member becomes stiff and inflexible; by the Second, swift motions, and Concussions, which, coming between, cease, and return alternatly: But neither those who have observed these notes of difference, nor other Authors, have taken notice that they are continual: for that by the words Spasme, and Convulsion, they often designe a certain Spasmodick or Convulsive Affection; wherefore to distinguish it better, we will call the for∣mer distemper with Cardan, tetanon, a continual Convulsive Cramp, but the o∣ther Spasm, or, a Convulsive motion in generall.

But that the irregular Nature, and Causes of Convulsive motion, might more rightly have been made known, it should first have been declared, after what manner the regular motive function, is effected in an animated Body: but the more full Consideration of this, because it belongs to the Physiologie, or Reason∣ing of the Nature, of the Brain, and Nervous stock, it is deferred to another Discourse: For the present, we will signifie in a word, as much as shall serve for the elucidation of the matter proposed. That the animal Spirits are the next In∣strument of regular motion, and that their Action, or moving force, consists only, in that they being more thickly heaped up together, in the motive part, and there spreading themselves in a more large space, they blow it up, and in∣tumefie it, which for that reason, being contracted, as to its length, draws to it self the part hanging to it. In our description of the Nerves already published, we have shown this kind of motion to be twofold, to wit, Spontaneous, and meerly natural, the Instinct of this is derived from the Cerebel, but of that from the brain, but both through the pipes of the Nerves, as it were the channels, both to the muscles, and also to the fibres, interwoven with the membrains, and o∣ther motive parts of the Parenchyma, or Inwards; Lastly, in all these, the various actions are so expeditiously effected, which either natural necessity, or the rule of the will requires, by that only means, that there is an intimate Conjunction, and communication of Duty, and most swift Commerce, between the animal Spirits, which Constitute the Hypostasis of the sensitive Soul, within the foresaid parts, disposed, or fitted by a continued Series. But there is this notable difference be∣tween the motion of a muscle, and that performed by other parts; for in these, the action is most often circumscrib'd within the bounds of the motive body, so as its membranes only, or one part of the inward moves another, and conse∣quently this is moved of its neighbour: But in the musculous stock, usually the moving part is placed in one member, and to be moved of another next it (al∣though within some musculous part, as the Heart and Diaphragma, they proper∣ly for the most part move themselves only) hence the Membranes and Inwards, are said to have as it were an intestine, and vermicular Motion; such as where∣ever it is begun, the Spirits there more thickly gather together, and Spreading themselves forth, they first intumifie this part, then going forward another, and so farther, till at last they draw the hindermost parts, and by this means transfer an intumifaction, and therefore a motion, from one place to another; almost after the same manner as worms, and other Creeping creatures make their pro∣gression. But to this motive function of the Membranes and Inwards, if it be frequent or undiscontinued, plenty of spirits are required, which notwithstanding execute their task calmly enough, without tumult or great force: And indeed it is to be observed, that the Animal Spirits, flow not more sparingly into the Membraneous Inwards, than into the Muscles▪ as it appears from the

more exquisite sense of those parts, and by the manifold insertion of Nerves within them, and the diversity of divarication, through the fol∣dings and fibres, although in the mean time, the muscles are watered, with a more plentifull influx of Blood: But as to the motion, performed in the musculous stock, the heaping together, and rarefaction of the Spirits, through the whole joynting of the motive part, suddenly, and at once unfolded, are performed with such force, and strength, as the attraction of the muscle, in its motive endeavour, may exceed the force of a pully or windlace; and when this force, only depends on the expansion or rarefaction of the Spirits, seated in the motive part, we can conceive it to be no otherwise, but that the Spirits so expansed or stretched forth, as it were fired, after the manner of gunpowder, to be exploded or thrown out. But we may suppose, that to the Spirituous Saline particles, of the spirits inhabiting the interwoven fibres in the muscle, other ni∣trous-sulphureous particles, of a diverse kind, do come, and grow intimately with them, from the arterous blood, flowing every where within the same fibres: Then as often as the particles of either kinde, as Nitre and Sulphur combined to∣gether, by reason of the instinct of motion brought through the nerves, are mo∣ved, as an inkindling of fire, forthwith on the other side bursting forth, or being exploded, they suddenly blow up the Muscle, and from thence cause a most strong drawing together: for indeed it seems to be ordained for this end, that the Muscles are imbrewed much more plentifully with the arterous blood, than the membraneous inwards: to wit, that the Elastick coupling of the spirits, be∣ing consumed, and perpetually falling off, through the very often, and some∣times continual motion, might be by that means supplyed, from the fresh san∣guineous juice: in the mean time, that the spirits themselves, being supplyed in a smaller quantity, through the small nerves, might even like old Soldiers continue longer in the same station, and follow their manifold coupling or la∣bour. How else are labouring beasts supplyed with a sufficient stock of spirits, for so much labour, whilst they exercise allmost all their muscles, by a swift course for many howers, yea sometimes a whole day: or who can believe that a little handfull of spirits brought through the small branches of the wandring and Intercostal pairs of the Nerves to the heart, can be able by their own strength to effect that its so strong and indiscontinued motion? Indeed it seems, that of necessity there must come to them from the blood perpetually, auxilarie aid, and those afterwards to be allways exploded. For this reason certainly, the motive virtue, both of the Heart, and the rest of the Muscles, becomes more strong and Elastick, above any mechanick Organ: to wit, for as much, as the animal spi∣rits, acting every where in the musculous stock, get to themselves an explosive Copula.

If any one shall be displeased at the word Explosion, not yet used in Philosophy or Medicine, so that this Spasmodick Pathologie, standing on this basis, may seem only ignoti per ignotius explicatio, an explication of unknown things by more unknown things; it will be easy to shew the effect of this kinde of notion, and very many examples, and instances both concerning natural and artificiall things; from the Analogie of whose motions, in an animated body, both regu∣larly and irregularly performed, most apt reasons are to be taken. For besides the mixtures of Nitre with Sulphur, with Tartar, and with Antimony, all which are fired with a thundring noise; also Aurum fulminans or fulminant Gold, and a Composition of salt of Tartar, with Nitre and Sulphur, without any actual fire, being only thoroughly heated, are exploded with a vehement Crash; also to this may be referred, many Liquors, which being mixed together, or poured upon some certain bodies, cause or stir up violent motions, and plainly Explosive: The spirit of Nitre, and the liquor of congeled Antimony, being powred on one another, or either of them thrown upon the filings of Iron, cause a great Ebulli∣tion, with heat and black smoke. It is commonly known, what heat or efferves∣cency, and force plainly explosive, arise from fixed Salts melted together, and from acetous or sharp salt of every kind, mixed with one another: Nor is the effect of Explosion less seen, when a Liquor imbrued with a volatil Salt, as the spirit of Harts-horn, or of blood, is put to a saline, either fixed or acetous Stagma, or sulphurious Nitre, to wit, the particles being vehemently stricken one against another, leap up with a force, and on every side are carried forth, a

great way; which without doubt, if they were restrained within the space of any body, as the fibres of a Muscle, they would suddenly intumifie it, and so would constitute an Instrument of Local motion. Concerning this thing, we have more fully discoursed already in our Neurologie, or Tract of the Nerves, and perchance we may yet publish the explication of this more fully and more accuratly some o∣ther time.

In the mean time that this opinion may not be thought altogether new, and that I have exposed it as a childe of my own brain, that had no other Patron, I will here shew you the assertion of the Famous Gassendus, which as it openly favours this our Hypothesis, and in some sort gave an occasion of it, so perhaps it will give to it some Authority.

Therefore this Rational man, weighing in his minde, how much that force or strength might be, with which, not only the Arm, or Thigh, but the whole animal Machine, is moved, govern'd, lifted up, and carryed up and down: He adds, Who can easily comprehend that small thing, whatsoever it is, within the body of an Elephant, whether we conceive it to be a soul, or spirit, or any other beginning of motion, that it should be a∣ble to agitate such a bulk, and to cause it to perform a swift, and regular dance? and so much the more, for that, when as that small thing within that body, no longer flourishes, there is need of so much outward strength, to remove it never so little from its place: but indeed, the same fiery nature of the soul, serves chiefly to this, which, although it be a very little flame, it is able to perform within the body, by its own mobility, the same thing in proportion, that a little flame of Gun-powder does in a Cannon: whilst that it not only drives forth the Bullet, with so much force, but also drives back the whole machine, with so great strength. But indeed he says as to the spirits, which (like ex∣plosed Gun-powder) cause the agitation, it is doubtfull, whether it be they, which come from the brain, or those in the little tendons as it were of kin to them or springing from them, that are thought to do it: But although either of them concur, yet they seem to be more presently destinated to this office, which are those of the same kin or off-spring in the Tendons.

There needs no more, it is declared, that the motive function depends on the Elastick Copula, of the animal spirits, and its decision or abating. But from this being supposed, (which indeed we may suppose with very great probability) it easily follows, that the Convulsive motions proceed from the like cause: For whosoever shall consider the sudden puffings up, the violent and strong Contractions, in the members and affected parts, yea sometimes the most impetuous concussions, and violent throws of the whole body, can conceive no less, than that very many heaps of the animal spirits are exploded, or thrust out, even as lightning brea∣king forth from a Cloud. Further from hence it may be Argued, by a recipro∣cal Argument, that because the Spasmodick motions are explosive, that there∣fore the regular are also produced by the explosion of Spirits: But after what manner, and by what means, and from what causes, the animal spirits being ex∣ploded, or thrust forth; produce Spasmodick affections, shall be our present business, a little more largely, and plainly to demonstrate, however difficult, and abstruse the matter seems to be.

We will not here stand to recite many opinions of others, concerning the Nature, and causes of a Spasm, or Convulsion; that which was most common, and long famous among the Ancients, that this distemper was only produced from repletion or inanition, or from fullness or emptiness, (however, besides the authority of Hipocrates, for the establishing of this, an example is brought, of a Skin, or the strings of Lutes, which are wont to be contracted, being either filled with a moist, or empted by too dry an aire) easily falls of it self; because it seems to suppose (that which is credible to none by Experience, the fragility of a Nerve) to wit, that the Nerves themselves, after what manner soever abreviated, and contracted, are able with a certain force, to draw to them the Muscles. If that it shall be said, that repletion or inanition, ought to be under∣stood, in respect of the solid parts, which are wont to be drawn together; it may be observed to the contrary, when as the Muscels and Nervous stock, are very much watered with a watery humour, as in an Anasarca, or are plainly de∣stitue of the same, as in the Consumption, or Mirasmus; yet no Convulsive mo∣tions are for that reason excited: among the moderns, very many have determi∣ned,

irritation of the Nervous parts, to be the cause of Convulsion; taking their Conjecture from thence as I suppose, for that by ocular inspection it appears from the Vellication it self, and by the only touch of the Nerves, that spasms are induced: And indeed we have clearly observ'd, in the dissection of a living whelp, that the knife being put upon the naked ends of the spinal Nerves, pre∣sently both themselves, and the Bodies of the Muscles, in which they were inser∣ted, were hauled: neither is it unusual, that spasms are excited almost in every man, by the punctures of the Nerves and Tendons. I remember by reason of an Ulcer, in the Arms of a certain man, that the Tendons of the Muscles were laid open, which when touch'd by the Surgions Instrument, caused in the Patient a certain rigor, through his whole body, and forthwith a Concussion arising, made him to quake for a good space. But in truth, albeit we grant the irritations of the Nervous parts, not seldom to serve the turn of the evident Cause, and further that sometimes this solitary Cause, produces more light and transient spasms; nevertheless, that the more grievious paroxisms of this Disease, and their frequent repetitions by turns, may be duly unfolded, it behoves us to inve∣stigate, or search out other, and deeper Causes, to wit, the Conjunct and proca∣tartick Cause.

Forasmuch, as spasms never happen but in a living Body, where the Nervous parts are blown up, and grow turgid with the animal Spirit, we may readily Conjecture that those animal Spirits themselves, are, as in regular motion, so also in the Convulsive, the next Instrument of Action: to wit, so long as they are imbued, with a fit and moderate explosive Copula, and are moved to that striking forth, only by the Command of the Appetite, or instinct of Nature, they bring forth motions altogether regular; but if the same Spirits get to themselves an he∣terogeneous Copula, and too much Elastick, or if they are snatched into their Actions, more impetuously and vehemently than they should be; they even like unbridled Horses, pricked forward with Spurs, leap forth inordinately or throw off, or explode violently their Copula, although genuine and natural: and so they carry away the containing parts, as it were a Chariot tied to them, toge∣ther with themselves, with a fierce and perverse motion.

When therefore as aforesaid, the Convulsive motions are chiefly stired up for two Causes, hence, as many Species of them are ordained. For first, it happens that a Convulsion is induced without a procatartick Cause, or heterogeneous Copula, first acquired only from a solitary evident Cause: For so a vehement pas∣sion, impressed on the brain, a dissolution of the parts, hapning somewhere in the Nervous stock, a spasmodick passion is suddenly brought upon some, whose brain and Nerves are of a more weak Constitution: for that the animal spirits do trouble the containing parts, the improportionate Object flying from them, and by striking vehemently their Copula, though very agreeing it blows them up, and so they pull others annexed to them: Spasms being after this manner ex∣cited, because the natural Copula of the spirits in them, is stricken more vehe∣mently, they are after a manner explosive, which notwithstanding, quickly leave off, and very often pass away with moving of the viscera, or Members; only with a trembling, and some horror, into a fainting of the spirits. But Se∣condly, Convulsions, whose paroxisms are more grevious and stay longer, or are oftener repeated, seem altogether to depend on a procatartick Cause, or a previous disposition, and to arise from some other Conjunct Cause, besides Irri∣tation. And therefore in this Case we suppose, that the heterogeneous, and greatly explosive particles, do increase with the spirits, acting in this or that region of the Body: then from this wicked Combination, and restless Collision of this kinde of matter, and the Spirits, frequent and vehement explosions be∣ing brought forth, the spasmodick Paroxisms are induced.

But besides the Elastick Copula, which every where happens to the Spirits, from the arterous Blood, and from whose orderly explosion, the motive force is performed, according to the Beck of the Appetite, or instinct of Nature, in all the Nervous parts; (as we have elsewhere declared) also sometimes other kinde of little bodys, of a fierce nature, or rather like Gun-powder or Nitre, come to the Spirits, and intimately adhere to them, when frequent and suddain di∣vorces of this matter, from the Embraces of the Spirits, happen from the mutu∣al striking together of the particles, the conteining Bodys are variously blown

up, and so are thrown into Convulsive motions. In truth, as often as the Spas∣modick Affection becoms habitual, that the Convulsive Paroxisms arise not rare∣ly on their own accord, and without any evident cause, but still on every light occasion; the procatartick Cause of such a disease, consists in the evill dispositi∣on, of such a sort of animal Spirits: For neither is the Serous filth, or other less sharp humours, although deposited in the very ventricles of the Brain, or about the origine of the nerves, sufficient to stir up such a sickness: For that I have seen in the heads of dead people, oftentimes the middle part of the brain, and the very beginings of the Nerves, wholly covered with a limpid water, who, whilst they were alive, had neither the Epilepsie, nor Convulsive Motions: But to the producing or these motions, very active Bodys are required, such as are Saline, and Sulphereous, which being combined with the Spirits, and then on a sudden breaking from them, they imitate the combinations, and violent explo∣sions, of particular mineralls. For indeed, if in regular and ordinary motion (as we have intimated) the Muscles cannot get a motive force, and elastick strength, unless a certain explosion of the animal Spirits be supposed, certainly much more lawfully may we assert, that, epileptick fits, and other admirable Convulsions, which still happen to be excited, complications of the same Spirits, with other very firce particles, and vehement elisions, or strikings of these, one against another, are required. But, as to this kind of Sposmodic Copula, because it differs from the natural and ordinary, which we have elsewhere shewn to be in regular motion, and to be supplyed from the blood; it behooves us to inquire, from whence it comes, and by what means, and in what places, it is wont to get to the Spirits.

As to the first, it is to be observed, that Spasmodick explosions do every way happen, not only in the muscles, to which only they are limited, which effect the regular motion, but also in the membranes, to wit, the ventricle, mesenterie, and other parts almost without blood: besides, that the explosions themselves, in the Convulsive Affection, though they are excited contrary to the will of the Ap∣petite, and the manner of Nature, are far more vehement, and do longer con∣tinue, than in the regular motion: out of which it seems to be manifest, that the Explosive Spasmodick Copula, doth come from some other place, than the Effectrice of Regular motion: And indeed, it is probable, that, that flows not, as this, from the arterous blood, running every where among the musculous fibres, but descends from the Braine, with the Liquore watring the Nerves, and so is heaped up, about their beginnings, middle, processes, enfoldings, and Extremi∣ties, as it were the mine of the Convulsive disease. Indeed nothing appears more evident, than that the Spasmodick Disease, doth most often arise, by reason of the evill first fixed in the Brain, and from thence is transmitted, into various parts of the Nervous System: for it happens from hence, that a vehement Passi∣on, as of fear, or Anger, or of Sadness of spirit, affecting the inhabitants of the Encephalon, the passion called Hysteric, and Hypochondriac, doth so often arise: Further, that in the evill Crises of Feavours, when the adust recrements of the blood, are transfer'd into the head, Convulsions do generally succeed. Moreover, and this is the reason, why the Vertigo, the inflation of the head, torpor of the minde, and other accidents of the Supreme Region, are wont to be the proamium, of Spasmes presently following, in the Inwards, and not seldom, in the whole Body. Wherefore it is not to be doubted, but that the heterogeneous, and ex∣plosive particles, are instilled from the Blood, together with the nervous juice, into the Brain; which afterwards being thrust forth, into the nervous stock, do there grow to the Spirits, and with them bring on a Convulsive disposition. In truth, the Spasmodick distempers, which are either universal, or at least occupie many parts of the body at once, arise for the most part, by this only means. But in the mean time, we will not deny, but that particular Spasms, which contain themselves within Certain places, the Head being no ways affected, are induced sometimes by other means. For if the nerves imbibe their humour from either end, to wit, the root, and the extream fragments, (which both the learned Glisson maintains to be most likely, and by us is shewed in our Neurologie, not without great probabillity) it may be from hence inferr'd, that the Spasmodick particles are broght inwardly, not only from the beginning of the Nerves, but somewhat also by their extremities: Therefore that perhaps appears clear and

plain enough, that from the spleen being evilly affected, Spasms arising about its region, do not seldom affect the Hypochondria and Praecordia. I have known some, from a tumour or ulcer existing in the Mesenterie, womb, and other in∣wards, were wont to have Convulsions, both in the grieved part, and also all a∣bout it; the reason of which seems to be no other, than that the heterogeneous particles being more plentifully heaped up, in the affected place, Creeping also into the nervous fibres, planted nigh thereunto, supply them with matter for Convulsive motions like to fired gunpowder: But indeed, Spasms arising from such a cause, are not wont to diffuse themselves far about, nor always to ascend to the Head.

These things being thus premised, concerning the inward and next Cause of the Spasmodic Distemper, which we affirm to arise chiefly, and most often, from the head it self, and in some respect also from the extremities of the Nerves, it now remains, that we more particularly declare, the Various remoter Causes in either Kinde, and the manifold provision of this disease. The Convulsive Di∣sease therefore, for the most part, takes its original from the head: to wit; as often as the heterogeneous and explosive particles, being diffused from the blood into the Brain, or its medullarie Appendix, are afterwards derived to the ner∣vous stock, and there grow together with the Spirits: But this happens to come to pass from various causes: for there are very many ways and means, whereby the morbifick matter is admitted into the head, and very many also, whereby it is deduced into this, or that region of the nervous System; and according to the various translations of this kind of morbifick matter, the divers kinds of Convul∣sive motions are constituted.

Therefore, that the Heterogeneous and Spasmodick particles are admitted in∣to the Encephalon, it is to be imputed to the fault, both of the blood sending, and of the Brain receiving it.

1. When the Blood powrs upon the Head the morbifick matter, either all its whole mass is depraved, as it frequently happens in malignant feavours, also in the Scorbutick, cacochymick, and chiefly in an originally corrupt Distemper; or the Blood of it self innocent and incorrupt, receives elsewhere malignant little bodys, and afterwards fixes them on the brain, so in great impurities of the In∣wards, and chiefly when any parts are affected with an Inflamation, or virulent ulcer, or hurtfull ferment, for from such mines the taint of the disease, the nox∣ious particles bubble up into the blood, and afterwards, in its passage, are laid up in the Brain: So, by reason that the spleen, womb, and other inwards, being evilly affected, Convulsive Diseases are excited, which notwithstanding, depend more immediatly upon the Brain receiving the corruption of those parts, through the commerce of the Blood.

2. But in the second place, the Blood however vitious it should be, and im∣pregnated with the morbid seed, it could not easily leave its Infection on the head, unless there were some fault in the Constitution of the brain, and its Ap∣pendix; as long as these parts are well made, and are full of vigour, they defend themselves, and what belongs to them, and the doors being shut, they admit no∣thing but an unmixt spirituous Liquour, destinated for their use: but if either the passages, and pores of the Brain are too lax, or the door-keeping Spirits leave or are called off from their watches, an heterogeneous and morsific matter, creeps in together with the nervous juice, and unfolds its malignity, in the animal go∣vernment. As to the evil disposition of the Brain it self, it is sometimes heredi∣tary: So those sprung from parents obnoxious to the Epilepsie, or Convulsions, are themselves for the most part prone to the same Distempers: and indeed, the Constitution of the brain, may several ways become vitious from the birth: for either its temperature is more moist, or more dry than it should be, or it may be faulty by the excess, or defect of either Quallity. Sometimes the pores are more lax, or its consistency is too soft, or too hard: and also the Conformation of the parts of the Brain, and its Appendix, may be after an undue manner; But some∣times, the disposition of the Brain and Nerves, originally whole, and firm, is vitiated by accident, and acquires a morbid inclination: long Intemperance may enervate these parts: as also malignant feavours, and chronical Diseases, very much debillitate them: besides outward accidents, as the excess of heat or cold, an ulcer or a blow oftentimes perverts their Crases, and renders them more inci∣dent

to the impressions of Diseases. But as to the Constitution or irregularities of the animal Spirits, by reason of which, the heterogeneous and Spasmodick par∣ticles, enter the brain without any repulse, and more easily cleave to it; it is to be observed, that the animal Spirits are in some more tender, and easily dissi∣pable, from their very birth; so that indeed, they are not able to suffer any thing very strong or vehement, to be brought to the sense or Imagination, but strait they fly into confusions: For this Reason, women more than men, and some of them more then others, are obnoxious to the passions called Histerick. Further, sometimes a violent Passion, impresses on the spirits, though moderatly firm, this kind of dissipation and inordination, so that afterwards they are able to suf∣fer nothing strongly, or to resist any injurie: So it often happens, that morbid impressions are affixed on the animal regimen, by sudden fear, or great sadness, which can hardly ever after be blotted out: for from hence women often con∣tract first the Diseases named the Mother, or from the Womb, and men the hypo∣chondriack, and are for the most part still subject to them.

From these things it appears, after what manner, and for what Causes, the Spasmodick Matter is wont to be admitted into the Head: now let us see next, what is done with it afterwards; if that this matter brought to the Brain, in∣duces the Convulsive distempers, either not always, or not altogether, after the same manner.

1. It sometimes happens, that the heterogeneons and explosive Particles, are admitted into the Brain, which notwithstanding are again exterminated, with∣out any great hurt, and before they enter into the nervous stock: for that the veins and Lympheducts, or water-carrying Vessells, often sup up what is super∣fluous, and an enemy to the animall dominion, and convey it forth of doors, or dispose of it into Emunctuaries, or Sinks. Whilst such a matter is for a little while agitated in the brain, its particles being affixed to some of its Spirits, and at length striking against them, cause the Virtego, and the swimming in the head; but because they enter not into the passages of the nerves, Spasmodick Distempers do not follow.

2. When the morbifick matter is admitted within the Head, and not present∣ly from thence sent back, oftentimes it produces not its evill, till it is inserted into the stock of the Nerves; for the animal Spirits within the Brain, being as yet strong, and having got a more free space, they evade the embraces of every heterogeneous Copula; which indeed they are not able to do, within the strait channells of the nerves: Besides, the morbifick matter it self, if it cannot be sent away out of the Brain by the excretory vessells, it is by and by sent forth to the System of the nerves as the more ignoble part: but if in spite of the force of the superiour faculties, such a matter stays long within the brain, it much infects the Spirits that inhabit it, and induces the Epilepsie, as shall be more particularly shewed hereafter: but more often, the hurtfull matter is thrown on the nervous stock, from the brain, without much harm to it, but this happens to come to pass, not always after the same way.

For truly, the heterogeneous Particles, being mixed with the nervous Liquor, and fallen towards the beginings of the Nerves, do not indifferently enter all of them together, or these, or those, as chance shall guide them, but they are di∣rected to the passages of some before others, and that not without some Reason. For we observe, that the Convulsive Symptoms, do choose for the most part one place in children, another in riper years, and a different one in more tender, than in the more rebust.

In children, who are not yet accustomed to the Affections of the Heart, and exercise of the outward members (whereby the morbifick cause may be further carried from the brain) the Spasmodick matter runs more often into those nearest Nerves, viz. the third, fifth, and sixth pares; wherefore, their faces and mouths, and those parts, are chiefly handled: and it is rare and unusual for them, to have their viscera, and praecordia, lifted up, or affected, with an inordinate motion, as in those of riper years: on the contrary, in men of more advanced years, by its approach to the intercostals, and the Nerves of the wandring pare, it being more open to those of the spinal marrow, which those nerves respect are wont to be more frequently pulled: but yet with this difference, that in the more tender, and those who are very delicate, and subject to passions, and who by reason of

the passions of the minde, have very often their praecordia and viscera disturbed, the Spasmodick matter, more readily enters the more open passages of the interi∣our Nerves, and therefore, they are rendred more obnoxious to Spasmes, stirred up in the Abdomen and the Thorax: for hence it is that women are molested with the passions called Hysterical, and some men with the hypocondriack; as shall be more largely declared hereafter, when we come to treat particularly of these Distempers.

When the Spasmodic matter falls upon the heads of some nerves, or remaining there, it creates only a giddiness, and lighter Spasmes, and leapings of those parts, to which these Nerves belong, or being slidden more deeply into the pipes of the Nerves it brings forth more cruel Convulsive Paroxisms: but the same being di∣lated, into the nervous processes is disposed through one or more of the branches of the stock, or Trunk, sometimes all, and sometimes only those more open than the rest, and by degrees cleave to the Spirits, both within those Nerves, as also to those planted within the hanging Fibres: so that it is after the same manner, and there is the like preparation in the disposition to Convulsive Paroxisms, as if grains of Gunpowder were laid in a long train to be fired successively: The Spi∣rits after this manner imbred with an heterogeneous Copula, are lodged within the Fibres, interwoven with the membranes, and Muscles, but chiefly within the nervous foldings; and when they grieved with too great plentitude, or trou∣bled on any other occasion, are compelled to shake off their Copula, the particles striking and leaping one against another, hugely blow up the containing parts; and so excite a motive force, contrary to the commands and Laws of the Appe∣tite, and Nature: Besides, the Spirits once stirred up, to the performing Con∣vulsive motions, begin their explosions, from the one or the other extremity, of the nervous System, but for the most part at the end. But they who are first ex∣plosed, snatch or take with them their neighbours, also praedisposed, like a fiery train; and so they propagate the begun affection, with a long, continued series of Spasms, from one end to the other: For a convulsion begun in the bottom of the belly, or at the foot, or hand, creeps by degrees to the upper parts, and for the most part to the head it self: and the same Distemper, when it begins in the brain, (as in the Epilepsie) is derived in like manner thence downwards, to the remote Viscera, and also to the exteriour members and Limbs.

The morbifick matter, flowing in the heads of the nerves, produces divers kinds of convulsions, according to their various plenty and dispensation; for first of all, it is to be observed, that the whole passages of the nervous System, or of some of its parts, through the abundant, and exuberant matter, are sometimes possessed, so that the animal Spirits, both flowing in, and there implanted, being full of an heterogeneous Copula, and a perpetual supplement of it, are urged into conti∣nual Spasms. I have known some, who have had all the muscles and tendons through their whole body, afflicted with Contractions and leapings without in∣termission: I have known others whose thighs, arms, and other members, were perpetually forced into various bendings, and distortions: and also others I have seen, who of necessity were compelled to leap and run up and down, and to beat the ground with their feet, and hands; and if they did it not, they fell into cruel Convulsions of the Viscera and Praecordia: 2. If the explosive and hetero∣geneous Particles, be combined with the Spirits in a lesser plenty, they stick to them without tumult or perturbation, untill after some time, both Particles leap∣ing again one from another, and from their striking one another, raise up Con∣vulsive paroxysms; which sort of Paroxysms are periodical, and are repeated exactly at certain hours; which happens by reason of the morbifick matters, be∣ing dayly poured upon the nervous stock, with an equal dimension, and there∣fore about the same space of time, it is also dayly heaped up to an explosive ple∣nitude; or they are wandring, and uncertain, in others, for that the heteroge∣neous particles, are poured in with a lesser company, and so arise not to an ex∣plosive fullness, under a long time; when in the mean time, the more full heap∣ing of them together, and their explosion, are wont to happen sometimes more often, and sometimes more seldom, by reason of several occasions, or evident causes: hence it comes to pass, that the Spasmodic Distemper is sometimes alto∣gether attributed to the evident cause, when indeed, if a more remote convul∣sive cause had not gone before, such a cause had stir'd up none.

Therefore, that we may say something of the evident causes of Convusions, we have already observ'd, if they be more vehement, and happen to a weak and tender constitution of Brain, and nervous stock, they are sometimes solitary, or of themselves cause convulsive passions: but as often as the Spasmodick Distem∣per is heavier, and being made habitual is wont to return oftener, though the e∣vident Cause be manifest, and bears the blame of the effect, nevertheless it is to be suspected, that a procatartick, or more remote cause exists, and is the more strong efficient, though it lies hid within: for unless the Spirits are imbued with an heterogeneous Copula, they would not be so easily, nor so often, driven into involuntary, and praeternatural Explosions.

We meet with a double order or Glasses of Evident causes; for either they are of that sort which increases the procatarick or more remote, and brings it soon∣er to an explosive fullness, as are an ill manner of living, and errors in the six non-naturals, which by infecting the blood, and nervous juice, heap up to a Sa∣turity, in greater plenty, on the Spirits heterogeneous particles, and by that means do the sooner procure Spasmodick accessions. Or 2dly, the evident cause is said to be, whatever stirs and irritates suddenly the spirits, that they presently fall into explosions, and whatever it be, that causes them to strike off their Copula, and of this sort there are very many accidents, that provoke the spirits, planted now within the Head, and now within the nervous System, to convulsive moti∣ons by a divers instinct (as is wont in the regular motions) which motions are ei∣ther direct, or reflected.

1. Of the former kinde chiefly are violent perturbations of the minde, where∣with the spirits of the brain being agitated and confused, they excite others ly∣ing within the nervous stock, and often praedisposed, to irregular explosions, so a vehement fear, anger, or sadness, do not only introduce epileptical and hysteri∣cal fits, to those that are disturbed in their health, but sometimes cause to divers others, palpitation, and trembling of the heart, and also horrid convulsions of the members and Limbs. 2. As to the other kinde of evident cause, to wit, where∣by Spasms are excited by a reflected Act, this indeed comes to pass not unfre∣quently, as often as any heavy trouble, with an irritation of the fibres and spirits, happens any where to the nervous stock: for that this trouble being by and by communicated, to the chief fountains of the Spirits, to wit, the brain or Cere∣bell, from thence inordinate and violent motions, against the will of the minde, that is convulsive, being begun, they are returned back, for so either worms, phy∣sick, or sharp humours, cruelly hauling the coats of the Intestines, cause spasms in those parts, and not seldom in the outward members.

So much for the several kindes of causes, the conjunct, procatartick, and evi∣dent, whereby convulsive Diseases, becoming habitual, and are wont to be repeat∣ed with more grievous Paroxisms, do arise: But as we have assigned another spe∣cies of this Disease, where the Paroxysms depend on an evident solitary cause, or at most only from irritation, the Spirits being not yet praeoccupied with an ex∣plosive Copula: it is now next to be inquired into, by what, and how many ways, this may come to pass. Concerning this in general, it is affirmed, that the Spas∣modic fits produced by mere irritation are either lighter and quickly passing a∣way, or more grievious and not seldom deadly, as when poyson is taken, or when they come upon an overpurging medicine. Moreover it is noted, when the mor∣bifick, or irritative matter falls upon the tales themselves, or the foldings of the nerves, that it also not rarely becomes explosive, and so Spasms produced also from mere irritation (as we have already noted) are certain explosions; these be∣ing thus premised, we will dispatch the business in hand.

The irritation of the Nervous parts, which is wont to cause convulsive moti∣ons, happens in various places, and from various matters, which are incongru∣ous and inimical to the spirits, and fibres. As to the things, enemies to the Nature of the spirits, you may observe, besides poysons, and the excess of cangible qual∣lities, which are inflicted from without; many things which are begot within us, viz. the various recrements of the blood, and nervous juice, feverish taints, prae∣ternatural salt, or sulphureous humours, yea worms, the stone, with many other things, to be infestous to the nervous stock, and ordinarily to stir up Spasmodick irritations. As to the places affected, or the seat of the irritative matter, although this brings hurt in any part of the nervous System, yet for the most part, it is

wont to become most infestous, when it is fixed near the beginnings, or the ends of the nervous System, or about the middle processes of the Nerves, and especi∣ally in their foldings: Besides, such a matter, which irritating the Spirits, is wont to have the place of an Evident Cause, doth not seldome become, as we hinted but now, the means of a more remote cause, forasmuch as the heterogeneous particles, being sent from it, enter into the nervous fibres, and being combined with the Spirits, renders them more apt and ready to be exploded.

1. Therefore, it sometimes happens, that malignant humours, and infestous to the nervous stock, being poured out from the blood, on the region of the brain, and from thence dilated to the hinder region of the Head, do fall upon the ori∣gine of the nerves; where, if the little skin, which cloathes the oblong pith, be broken, they fall into the naked trunks of the nerves, and enter deeply into their fibres; wherefore indeed, Convulsive motions arise, not only in the neighbouring parts of the head, but sometimes in very remote, and not rarely in the whole nervous System: This is generally observ'd, in evill Crises of feavours, the morbi∣fick matter being translated to the head; also in cephallic Distempers, being brought to the worst and deadly state. Truly, when I have opened the heads of those, who have dyed by this means, I found in all of them, the hinder Region of the oblong pith, immers'd with a sharp, and salt Serum.

2. As the interiour extremity, or original of the System, so not rarely the ex∣terior, or the end, from a vellication or hawling there made, begets Spasms, or Convulsive motions, and transfers them on every side: that this is done ordinari∣ly in the outward members, the prickings of the tendons, and Nerves, do testifie. No less are Spasms wont to be excited every way about, from a vellication or pulling, made in the Viscera, when at any time Medicines, or sharp humours, al∣so worms lying in the Ventricle or Intestines, pull the membraneous part, and so impress a troublesome sense on the chief sensories; presently from thence, by rea∣son of the firing of the spirits, Convulsive motions torment now the affected parts, and now indifferently any other parts: for oftentimes Spasms, from the more grievous hurt of some Inwards, do not only imploy the affected parts, and their neighbours, but also the Muscles of the face and mouth, and are likewise transfer'd to the exterior members. The stone impacted in the Uriters, causes not only cruel Contractions in that passage, but in all its neighbourhood. Moreover, some hy∣steric and other hypochondriac Symtoms, are sometimes induced by this means, forasmuch, as by a vellication made in the membranes of some Viscera, thence the Spasm is returned back.

3. The irritative matter, which is wont to be the Evident Cause of Spasms, sometimes occupies the middle processes of the nerves; and therefore the parts, sometimes above, sometimes beneath its seat, are incited to convulsive motions: This appears plain enough in the foldings of the Nerves; for when the sharp recrements of the nervous juice, are laid up in them, they do not rarely create Spasms, through the whole neighbourhood: by this means, the Collick or Histe∣rick Distemper, is often seen to be begot or excited, there being no fault in those Inwards, only from the humours, deposited in the foldings of the mesenterie, as we will shew hereafter, when we come to treat of those particular Distempers. In like manner, by reason that the ganglioform foldings, being stopped up with a sharp and irritative humour, perfocation or choaking in the Throat, and vari∣ous Contractions of the Praecordia are caused. Besides, Spasmodick Distempers do not seldom depend, upon a sharp humour within the whole trunks of the nerves, and filling the passages of the nervous Bodys. We have seen some troubled with admirable, and perpetual Convulsions, so that they have been forced (as we have already mentioned) to run about, to leap, to fling about, and distort their members, to strike the ground with their feet and hands, and to exercise other strange gestures, even as if they had been bewitch'd; the genuine Cause of which kinde of passion, seems to consist in this, that the Juice watering the nervous stock, being most sharp like stygian water, and being become degenerate from its due Crasis, doth irritate continually, and as it were possess with a certain madness, the Spirits therein flowing, and implanted.

From these things, which we have discoursed, about the various causes of Con∣vulsions, their manyfold Species and differences are made manifest: For first, we have made known, that Spasmodick Passions are most often derived, in respect of

their origine, for the head, being affected; or the morbific matter, flowing into the beginnings of the Nerves: yet sometimes, though more rarely, they depend upon such a matter, Creeping into the extremities of the nerves.

2. As to the production of the Disease and symptoms, we observe the same sometimes to be produced, from a solitary evident Cause, as a sudden and vehe∣ment Passion: but indeed more often, to require a more remote, or procatartic cause, or praevious disposition: moreover, the causes sometimes so to interfeer, that the procatartick, also may supply the place of the evident cause; and also, on the contrary, that this may serve in the place of the other.

3. As to the extention of the Disease, the Convulsive Distemper may be distin∣guished into Ʋniversal, because the Spirits actuating the whole nervous System al∣most, and the Encephalon it self, are successively exploded; and Particular, in which the Spirits, within some private Region of the Animal Kingome, are di∣sturbed.

1. The former is meant, when the animal Spirits are irritated, within their first fountains, to wit, the pith of the brain, and cerebell, from whence their vi∣olent explosions happen; wherefore every internal function of the soul, to wit, the sense and Imagination is obscured, and its exterior locomotive faculty per∣verted: This kind of universal Spasmodick Distemper, in which, besides the spasms of the Limbs and Viscera, the interior powers of the Soul suffer an Ecclipse, is again twofold: to wit, either primarie, which begins at the Head, and arises, forasmuch as the Spirits inhabiting that place, being imbued with nitro-sulphu∣reous particles, are first exploded, and their inkindling snatches or takes hold of the rest, flowing in both the medulary and nervous Appendix, and there stirs up Convulsive explosions, as may be discerned in the Epilepsie.

2. Or this universal passion, causing Insensibility is Secondary, to wit, which being begun somewhere in the nervous stock, from thence, plenty of spirits be∣ing successively affected, becoming like the undulation or moving of waters, is at length carried to the head it self: this often happens in paroxisms called hy∣sterical, in which, by reason of the Spasm begun at first in the bottom of the bel∣ly, or some intumescency or rising up in the Abdomen, then, the same spread∣ing higher, with the same effect, through the pipes of the Nerves, the Ventricle, and by and by the Praecordia are drawn together, and at length, the Spasm force∣ably rushing to the Head, the patients fall down, and all Knowledg is taken from them, and lastly, the Disease being reflected into other nerves, Convulsive moti∣ons of the exterior members succeed.

2. But as to the particular Spasm, in whose fit the sick continue well in minde, this Indeed is distinguished into various differences. As to the seat of the matter, which happens about the beginnings, extremities, or middle processes of the Nerves (as we have shswn) there arises a difference: For even as this morbifick matter, beseiging the beginnings of the nerves, is fixed about the head, middle, or end of the oblong pith, it therefore happeneth, that sometimes only the parts of the face or mouth, sometimes the Viscera of the lower, or middle Belly, and again sometimes chiefly the outward limbs, are hauled together.

Further, a Convulsion, as to the duration of the fit, and its magnitude, uses to be distinguished, into a continual, and Intermitting: The former, as we have already hinted, is called Tenasmus, or a permanent Contraction, as when one part, or more, being Contracted or distorted with a constant stretching, are de∣tained for some time in the same praeternatural posture; so, when the muscles, or a member, suppose the eye, Lipps, Cheeks, are distorted from their right po∣sition, nor cannot easily be presently reduced: the cause of which is sometimes a resolution, or Palsie, in some other muscles, which when they are loosened, the opposite do too strongly Act, and draw forceably the whole part, towards themselves, which ought to stand, as it were betwixt them, in an equall ballance: but sometimes, such a permanent contraction, is excited, by reason of the ten∣dons heing stopped with an impacted serous humour, which become for that cause stiff: This Kinde of Distemper becoms very familiar in the Scurvy, that the sick sometimes are not able to extend any member or Joynt, but they are contracted round like a globe. Sometimes the Tendons in the back by reason of such a course of humour, draw the bones out of their due scituation, and cause a gibbousness, or bending out of the Body. The Tenasme is wont to be distinguished into uni∣versal,

of which there are three Kinds, to wit, Tension forward, Tension back∣wards, and Tenasmus properly so called; and Peculiar or particular, which chief∣ly respects some certain member or joynt: we will speak of these distinctly here∣after.

2. The intermitting Convulsion, is either short and momentary, which is act∣ed by frequent turns, and as it were by little leaps, as is to be observed in the quaking and shakings of the Tendons in horror, which are to be distinguished be∣tween, with a frequent alternation of motion and rest: or the leapings of the Spasms, and their intervals, are drawn out longer: So it is usual, for Convulsive paroxysms, when they are repeated, to endure for some time, and to leave off a∣gain; but such periods are now certain, or come to certain set hours, now rare, and incertain, and happen after a divers manner, and as various occasions are gi∣ven. There are other differences of this distemper, which will be better illustra∣ted hereafter, when we shall speak particularly of each kinde of Convulsions.

CHAPTER II. Of the Epilepsie.

THus far we have treated, of the Nature, Causes, and differences of Spasms, or Convulsions in general according to a clean, new, and unusual Hypothesis, but (as I think) agreable enough with Reason: our next business is, to explain particularly the chief kindes of that Distemper; amongst which the Epilepsie easi∣ly deserves the preheminence, and the Consideration of it ought to proceed, by a certain right of method and order; for that this Disease, having as it were got a large Empire, in the humane body, exercises its Tyrranie, not only in the whole Encephalon, but for the most part, in all the parts of the nervous Sistem at once: wherefore by the Ancients, it was called Morbus Herculeus, or the Herculean Di∣sease, from the Cruelty of the distemper, and from the manner of the violent fits, as if sent, as it were by some Divinity, being so amazing, morbus Sacer, or, the ho∣ly Disease, to which may be added, the Conjecture of a certain Divine of our own Country, of no small note, to wit, that many, who were taken to be Daemonaicks, or possessed with the devill in the New Testament, were only Epilepticks, and that they called the cure of this Disease by our Saviour Jesus Christ, an ejection or exorcism of the evill Spirit: In truth, in this Distemper, no marks at all, of the morbifick matter appears, or are so very obscure, that we may have deservedly suspected it, to be an inspiration of an evill Spirit, at least it is probably, that as often as the Devill is permitted to afflict miserable Mortals, with his delusions, he is not able to draw more Cruel Arrows, from any other quiver, or to shew miracles by any better witch, than by the assaulrs of this monstrous Disease.

As the Symptoms of the Epilepsie are very Stupendious, so their Causes, and the formal Reason of the Disease it self, are most difficult to be unfolded. For in∣deed, the businesse is variously controverted among authors, both concerning the part Affected, and also the manner of its being affected: many place its seat in the Brain, or its Ventricles, others in the meninges, or thin skins enwrapping the Brain, and some again in the middle, or lowest belly, but by what right shall be inquired into anon: In the mean time, laying aside the opinions of others, that the true speculation of this Disease may be found out, by the clew af right rea∣soning, we will first of all endeavour to give you its description, together with the whole sense of its Phaenomenas. Secondly, these things being rightly weighed, to finde out the subject of the diiease, and its chiefly affected parts. Thirdly and last∣ly, to add the means and manner. whereby this disease is begotten, with the true Causes of its Symtoms.

In the first place, As to the Idea of the Disease, the Epileptick Fit or assault, seems to be only an universal, and more cruel Convulsion, to wit, in which the Spirits inhabiting the Brain, being first irregularly moved, and as it were confu∣sed, all the rest, dwelling in both the medulary, and nervous appendix of the En∣cephalon,

begin at once Convulsive motions, or inordinate contractions, and con∣tinue them for some space, with frequent leapings or palpitations: The accession of the disease come upon them at unawares, and oppresses the sick, not the least thinking of it, and in the twink of an Eye, casts them on the ground, deprived of sense and understanding; for that they do not only fall▪ but are flung down with a certain force, so that oft times the part first striken against the Earth, or other adjacent Bodies, is hurt with a bruise or wound; being last done, there comes upon them a gnashing of Teeth, with a foam at the mouth also, often∣times the shaking of the head, and a frequent knocking it against the ground, the armes and thighs, yea, the hinder part of the neck, and back, either become presently slit, or else they are distorted hither and thither, with various ben∣dings; some Cruelly beat their breasts, others strongly thrust out their armes and thighs, and fling them, and sometimes the whole Body, impetuously here and there; many have their praecordia, and hypochondria, and also all their lower belly swelled, and blown up very much: after some time, sometimes shorter, some∣times longer, these Symptoms, the Tragedy being as it were acted, cease, on a sudden, and then the sick come to themselves, and recover their senses: but after the fit there remains an akeing in the head, with a dulness, and hebitude of the senses, and not seldom a turning, or giddiness.

The Epileptick Paroxysms are wont to return sometimes at set times of the day, moneth, or year; and most Commonly at the greater returns of the year or Tro∣picks, or at the opposite aspects, or conjunctions of the Sun, or moon, they are wont more certainly to return, and to afflict more grievously: sometimes their comings or accessions, are uncertain, and wandring according to the occasion, and va∣riety of Evident Causes: there are also Fits or Poroxysms, now more light, which quickly passe away, so that the sick are scarce thrown to the ground, nor are car∣ried into disorder or insensibility; now more grievous, whereby they when taken, lye senselesse the space of an hour or more, and are tormented with horrid Symp∣toms, as if possessed with the Devil: Sometimes tho more rarely, some forego∣ing signes of the fit, warn them of their falling into it; as an heavinesse of the head, a brightness of the eyes, a tingling of the eares: sometimes a spasm or cramp pro∣ceeds, in some exterior part, as in the arm, or thigh, or else in the back, or Hypochondria, which ascending from thence, like a Cold air, and creeping to∣wards the head, seems to bring on their falling down. Boys, and young Men are found to be more obnoxious to this disease, than old men, or men of mature age: who ever are once struct down by its fit, unless they be cured by the help of Medi∣cines, they will hardly be altogether free, from the infection of it, all their Life after; the more often the Fits are, the more grievous they become, which as they frequently return become more cruel, and enervate the use of the memory, Ima∣gination, and Reason, and then the strength, and force of the whole animal fun∣ction, until its Occonomy being greatly perverted, the vital function at length de∣cays, and by degrees is abolished. The weapons, and wicked preparation of this Disease, being after this manner layd open, we will next make an inquiry, in what part it fixes its seat; or what is its next subject.

The accession of the Epilepsie, and the manner of invasion, seem plainly to de∣clare, that its primary seat, or part chiefly affected, is contained somewhere within the Head; but that a Paroxysm sometimes begins in the remote parts, and from thence ascends towards the head, which indeed seems only to be so, and hap∣pens by accident, when in the mean time, the morficick Cause subsists about the Encephalon it self, (as shall be anon declared): but that from the first assault of the Disease, presently a strange Insensibility, and disorder, with contractions al∣most of all the Members and Viscera succeeds, it is a manifest signe, that the whole joynting of the Encephalon, and the original of all the nerves, are possessed with the morbifick Cause: But truly, although it seem most difficult, to unfold where this cause, or morbifiek matter subsists chiefly; for, neither is it probable, that the same is diffused thorow all the parts of the Brain; yet it neither appears in what singular place this being fixed should draw all the other parts so suddenly in∣to a Consent of its evill.

Among the various opinions of Authors, about this matter, there are two that seem more probable than the rest, and challenge an assent with an equall likeli∣nesse to Truth. One of which asserts the very middle of the brain, and the other

the meninges, or the thin skins encompassing or cloathing it, to be the primary seat of the Epilepsie: The Reason of the former is founded in this, that where the fountain of the animal Spirits, and the original of the sensitive soul it self con∣sists, there ought to be placed the cause of this Disease, certainly when the chief faculties are first hurt, all the rest easily participate of the same evil: But in truth, though I may grant in the Apoplexy, and the deliquium or fainting of the spirits, that it is so, yet it follows not in a Convulsion (of which kinde of distemper the Epilepsie is) that all the fibres and nerves should be pulled together, because the middle part of the brain is first pulled: for that this, as it is a moist and fluid sub∣stance, and wanting of sense and motion, seems not capable of contraction, or the Spasmodick Distemper: wherefore others thinking the brain, and every part of it, free from the blame of this Disease, cast it altogether on the meninges: affirming, that the membranes, cloathing the brain, and chiefly their processes, spread upon the clefts of the brain, and Ceribel, as they are hauled by the morbi∣fick matter, do conceive or beget Spasms, or horrid Convulsions, and then that from the Meninges themselves, so Contracted and brought together, the included Brain is greatly compressed, and bound together, so that its pores and passages be∣ing bound up, the great amazing disorder and insensibility is induced, and also the trunks of the nerves, to which either meninge or skin is fastened, being brought into a consent with them, enter also into Convulsive motions: And indeed af∣ter this manner, the formal Reason of the Epilepsie, may perhaps seem to be un∣folded; but truly when I consider further of the matter, I think we may differ from this opinion, because it does not appear by what Course, or for what cause, the falling down being at hand, these meninges should beget such horrid Spasms. Nay, it neither appears, how from them, however Convulsive they be, the Epi∣leptick Paroxism should be induced.

As to the former, it seems an impossible thing, for the meninges to be so con∣tracted, as to their whole Concavities, that being bound more strictly together, like a purse, they should on every side pull together their contents, and draw them into a narrower space: for that the Dura Mater sticks most firmly to very many places of the skull, yea, and the Pia mater is tyed to it, near the processes of the hollow turnings, by a mutual knitting of the membranes, and every where besides with a Continuity of Vessells: Hence it easily appears, either that mem∣brane, as to the greatest part of it, is immovable, so that they cannot fall into so universal Spasms: but in respect of lesser Spasms, as when a certain portion of this or that meninge, or both together, is pulled, indeed we grant such may hap∣pen: for I have often heard those troubled with great headach, to complain ex∣treamly of a great constriction of the parts, lying under the side of the skull, some∣times on the right, sometimes on the left, and yet from thence no assault of fal∣ling down, has followed: Further as those membranes being notably hurt, do cause great vellications or haulings, yet upon it there is not wont to be an Epileptick sit to follow: for I have known, from an Imposthume in the Dura mater, when be∣ing broken, and that the stinking matter had knawn the more tender meninges, and shell of the Brain, that the sick have fallen first into an amazednesse, and at length into a deadly Apoplexie, who notwithstanding, in the whole course of the Disease, was free from any Epileptical Symtom. Also I remember, I have seen one, who had the Dura mater very much torn, by the instrument of an unskilfull Surgion, and another, that by a wound, had that with part of his skull taken a∣way, so that a portion of the Brain swelled forth, and yet to neither of them any Epilectical passion hapned: wherefore neither is it likely, that the blood, or humors, or (if any shall so argue) the vapours, compacted within those meninges, can bring in any greater evill, than either a stroke, or wound, inflicted on them, or filthy matter there poured out: Besides, those who are more lightly troubled with the Epilepsie, so that they scarce fall down, and have their minds free through the whole assault of the disease, would perceive the membrans to be so contracted, and the globe of the brain to be more straitly thrust together, if there had bin any such kinde of affection; but they on the contrary, seem to have the Brain as it were inflamed, and to be sensible, that the spirits leap forth, and are as it were explosed, with a certain fierceness.

And indeed, I think it is very likely so, that the Epileptick Paroxism is stired up, from a certain suddain rarefication, and explosion of the animal spirits, inha∣biting

the Brain, which are in truth the first, and immediate subject of this Di∣sease; to wit, whereby the Brain it self is inflated, and rendered so insensible, and the Nerves hanging thereto, also put into convulsions: For hence it comes to pass, that the accession of this Disease begins so on a sudden, and determines per∣fectly without any great provision or remains, of the morbifick matter; because the Infection is not brought so much to the solid parts, as to the Spirits them∣selves.

We have already shown by what means, the heterogeneous and explosive Co∣pula, consisting as it seems of nitro-Sulphurous particles, cleaving to the spirituous particles of the animal Spirits, and lastly, being smitten and explosed by them, by reason of plenitude or irritation, produces Convulsive Symptoms: But although this kinde of Spasmodick Copula, is first distilled from the blood into the brain, yet, for the most part, it does not take hold of the spirits there, or at least, it stays not long with them, in that place: but rather, being thrust from thence, towards the nervous Appendix, causes particular and respective Spasms, near the places affected: But sometimes, if the Spasmodic matter be more plentifull and strong, and the constitution of the brain weak, the heterogeneous Copula, being fixed to the Spirits, not only in the nervous stock, but also to those planted within the En∣cephalon it self, causes the Epilectick disposition; and the explosive particles of the Spirits, and this Copula knocking one against another, stir up the falling fit. For indeed, since the assault of the Epilepsie urging, the Insensibility, and great disor∣der is for the most part the first Symptom, and all the pathognomick, it may be concluded, that the animal Spirits, lying within the middle of the brain it self, are affected before others; and that therefore, that part, is the principal seat of the Disease: Then, forasmuch as the falling of the sick, or casting to the ground, and spasms of rhe members and Viscera, most often follow that Insensibility great disorder, or leaping forth, of the spirits, it follows that the animal Spirits also inhabiting the nervous System, are imbrued with the same explosive Copula, and are drawn into consent with those inhabiting the brain it self, and are excited by them, to explosions purely inordinate; although sometimes (by the whole series of Spirits, planted both in the brain and nervous stock, being like a long train of gunpowder, praedisposed to explosions) an exterior Spasm, beginning a great way off, perhaps in some member or Inward, may afterwards be carried to the Brain, as shall be more fully shown hereafter. In the mean time, it is concluded, that the region of the Brain it self, is always the primary seat of this Disease; and that we ought to suppose, the conjunct cause of the Distemper, not to be water heaped up within the ventricles of the brain, nor a thick or clammy humour, im∣pacted in the passages of its pores: for such Causes are begotten by degrees, and therefore would shew some certain signes before-hand, of the first coming upon one: further, the assault of the fit being over, such a matter could not be wholly discussed in so short a time, but that from its reliques, some impediments of the animal function would remain, which indeed rarely happens in the Epilepsie, un∣lesse inveterate: but, for the exciting of the falling down, no lesse can be imagi∣ned, then that the animal Spirits, which flowing within the marrowie substance of the brain, perform the acts of the interior sense, of the Imagination, and appetite, having gotten an heterogeneous Copula, should be inordinately exploded, and so they being disturbed beyond their orders and stations, the Superior faculties of the animal regimen, must suffer an eclipse; then, from this greater explosion of spirits, as it were from a fiery enkindling, other Spirits, inhabiting the marrowy and nervous appendix, being also praedisposed to explosions, conceive the like disorder, and in like manner, cause the explosive Convulsive motions, of the con∣taining Bodys.

For although we conclude, that the middle of the brain, is always the prima∣ry seat of the Epilepsie, and that from the beginning, the morbific matter is layd up wholly in that Region; yet the distemper growing grievous, this being more plentifully spread thorow the head, enlarges its bounds, so that it being strowed here and there, and far and neer stretched out, Spasmodic particles, are cast in∣to the rest of the Brain, and also into the nervous appendix, like gunpowder or ex∣plosive seed, whereby it comes to passe, that at the first approach of that disorder of Spirits, Convulsions follow, sometimes in these, sometimes in those parts, and not rarely thorow the whole Body.

CHAPTER III. The Differences of the Epilepsie, and the reasons of some of the Symptoms are unfolded. Also its Curatory Method is represented.

THus far of the essence, and the Causes in generall of the Epilepsie, it shall be now our next task, to explicate the differences of this Disease, also the rea∣sons of some of the accidents, and Symptoms, belonging to it: to which we will lastly add, Observations and Histories of sick people, with the method of Curing.

The most notable difference of the Epilepsie, is wont to be taken from the Sub∣ject, to wit, that the brain, or part of it, labouring with this disease, is either primarily, and Idiopathetically, or properly, affected, or secondarily, and not but by consent, with other parts: concerning the former kinde, we have hither∣to discoursed, as to the other, to wit, in which the falling down seems to arise, from some place without the head, and then lays hold of it secondarily, and as it were by a blast sent from elsewhere; It is to be observ'd, that this kinde of di∣stemper (as Galen hath noted) proceeds either from the external, or internal parts: we meet with many examples of Epilepticks, in whom the fit being just coming upon them, a spasm is felt, with a numness in the hand or toe, or other particular member, which presently from thence, as it were with a pricking of tingling, creeps towards the head, which when it hath attained, immediately the sick party falls flat on the Earth, and is hurried into Insensibility and disorder of spirits, and other proper demonstrations of the Symptom of the falling sick∣ness: neither is it a less usuall proaemium of this disease, that there first arises as it were a conflict, in the stomach, spleen, womb, Intestines, genitalls, or other inwards; or that some kinde of perturbation is raised in some of them; then from that place, the ascent of (as it were) a cold air is perceived, to which distem∣per, follows the accession of the falling evill, with its most horrid provision of symptoms: hence it was commonly believed, that the cause of the Epilepsie, lay hid in the part, seen to be so primarily affected, and propagated its evil to the brain, of its self innocent.

But in very deed, as to this, we must say, that in every Epilepsie, not only the procatartick or remoter Cause, but also the conjunct, remains wholly in the Brain; to wit, that the spirits inhabiting it, being disposed to explosions, and there being explosed, bring on or Cause every falling Evill. As to those praeli∣minary Symptoms in some Epileptical people, they sometimes have the place of an Evident Cause, and sometimes only of a signe: For when the evill disposition of any inward, as the stomach, spleen, or womb, happens with the disposition of the Epilepsie, as often as any perturbation is begun in that distempered In∣ward, it easily happens, by reason of a transmission of the ferment from thence, or a continuation of the spasm to the head, an Epileptical fit is excited in the Brain prae-disposed to act.

But these kind of symtoms of the falling evil, which being suscitated from without, seem to propagate the distemper to the Brain, do often arise from the consent of the Brain it self, and are only signs of the approach of the Epileptical Fit, or of the spi∣rits beginning to be exploded, in the brain: For when the animal spirits planted in the middle parts of the Brain, and Cerebel, and also those in the oblong pith or marrow, neer the beginnings of the Nerves, are so filled with an heterogeneous Copula, that, for the Casting of it off, they are ready to bring on the assault of the Disease, before they are all exploded heap by heap, some spirits lying more outward, in some private Nerves, because they are destitute of the wonted in∣flux of their superiors, fall into certain inordinations, and so begin spasms, which spasms (as it is often the manner in this kinde of distemper) begin at the extre∣mities or ends of the Nerves, inserted to this or that member, or Inward, from whence by degrees, they creep forward to their beginnings; whether being come forth with the spirits, thorow the whole Encephalon, before disposed to explosions,

being moved by that spasms, and so being snatch'd away with a fiery enkindling, are suddenly exploded or thurst out; so they seem to stir up the Epileptick Fit, be∣ginning at first from themselves, as it were secondarily, and by instinct, brought from some other place. After this manner, sometimes the Histerical passions, when beginning in the bottom of the belly, they are Communicated to the Brain, are thought to arise from those Viscera, and to be stirred up by their fault; when in the mean time, the morbific cause subsists chiefly, about the beginnings of the Nerves, as we have elsewhere signified, and shall again show hereafter, when we come to treat particularly of the Spasmodick distempers.

There yet remain other differences of the Falling sickness, to wit, that it is ei∣ther haereditary, or acquired; again, either kind is variously distinguish'd, by rea∣son of the Age, or time, in which it first comes upon one, to wit, when the first coming of it happens before, or about the puberty, or being of ripe age, or af∣ter it; further as to the Efficacy of the disease, into strong, and weak, for as much as the Paroxysms or fits, are with, or without the disorder of spirits, and falling, as to its inordinate manner, whose assalts are wandring, and uncertain, moreo∣ver, it is wont to be distinguished, according to the peculiar symptoms, in these, or those sick people, by reason of some disposition, or manifold Idiosyncrasy, or propriety, of the Temperament.

But from what has been said before, of very many of the Symptoms, which are to be met with in this Disease, the causes do easily appear, so that there will be no need here, to consider all of them: but of some of them, which seem more in∣tricate, it will not be from the matter, to discourse in this place.

We will therefore first of all inquire, why those sick of this Disease, do not fall as those that are apoplectick, or have swounding fits, but are rather stricken down with violence, against the Earth, or any other bodys, that are by chance opposite to them, as if they were smitten down by some wicked Spirit, so that very often, some part of the head, or face, is hurt, with the violent fall: And those so distempered, even like the Daemonaicks in the Gospel, are frequently flung into the fire, or the water: but it may be here declared, that the Epilepticks become obnoxious to these kinde of evills, for that the fit coming upon them, all knowledge or providence is taken from them; and further the nerves neigh∣bouring to the head, being strongly contracted, the whole bulk of the Body is car∣ried away headlong: but in the Syncope, and Apoplexie, the fall of the distem∣perd Body, seems as the ruines of a building, which happens, by reason that its props are taken away: but indeed in the falling Sicknesse, it is no otherwise than if a house were overthrown, by the blowing up of Gunpowder, which is remo∣ved much from the place where it stood.

2ly. It is commonly esteemed a great pathognomick, or peculiar Symtom of the Epilepsie, if when the diseased being fallen to the earth, and suffering most horrid Convulsions, there flows from the mouth, a spumous Spittle or foam, which indeed is thought to be pressed from the Brain, being strongly contracted, into the palate: But in truth, though it be granted, that this flux of spume be very often a signe of the falling Sicknesse, yet it is not so appropriated to this di∣sease, but that the same sometimes happens in the Apoplexie, in deep sleep, in hysterical distempers, and other convulsive diseases: Besides, this kinde of Foam, does not descend from the Brain, for there is no passage open, by which it may pass, but from the Lungs being inflated, and elevated even to the Larinx, or the top of the sharp arterie, from whence spittle foams forth, with a certain fer∣vency and ebullition: For the fit of the falling evill growing urgent, when most of the nerves in the whole Body are drawn together, those also that serve for the motions of the Lungs, and Diaphragma, suffer most cruel convulsions, and lifting up all the praecordia upwards, continue them almost immovable, in a long Systole, so that the breathing, and pulse, cannot be at all perceived: In the mean time, because the blood straitned within the bosom of the heart, distends it, and also almost choakes it, the Lungs however hindred, that they cannot be moved after their wonted and natural manner, perform what they can, with a thick and hasty agitation, whereby the blood may be drawn forth from the Heart; by which endeavour of theirs, the shaking aire, by the frequent or thick respira∣tion, raises the viscous or clammy humidity into froth, like the shaking of the white of an egg; by and by it lifts it upwards towards the Cavity of the mouth,

and so at last drives it out of doors: wherefore, a foam or spumous spittle does often succeed in other distempers, where the pneumonic or breathing nerves are either contracted, or are hindred from performing their Function.

3ly. Moreover, from the same reason it comes to passe, that some Epilepticks being fallen to the ground, beat most greviously their Breasts with their Hands, and are hardly to be held from it: for when the Praecordia, being troubled with the Spasm, and hindred that they cannot move themselves, after their wonted manner, and the blood stagnating in them, not without a great oppression of the heart, threatens a suffocation of Life; then it is that the sick strikes their Breast, to wit, that the praecordia so shaken, and as it were moved up and down, might renew their motions, and so the blood might be relieved from its stagnati∣on, and the heart from its heavy oppression: and this is done after the same man∣ner, as when some that are sleeping being tickled, or bit by a flea, unknown to themselves, presently rub, or scratch the affected place.

As to the Prognostication of the disease, we have already declared, that it is of very difficult Cure, which difficultly consists in this, that the middle of the Brain (in which is the chief spring and fountain of the animal Spirits) is very much debilitated, not only by the morbifick cause, but also by its effects, to wit, the se∣veral fits; and its pores loosened, so that they ly open for the entrance of every heterogeneous matter: and so the morbid disposition it self being confirmed, by the repeated Paroxisms, and taking deeper root, it is hardly taken away. But it is to be observ'd, that the Epilepsie sometimes terminates of it self, and is some∣times overcome by the help of medicines: which happens about the age of puber∣ty, and then only, so that, who are not cured, that time being elapsed, that is be∣fore the twenty fifth year of age, they scarce ever after recover their health, for about the time of ripe age, there is a twofold alteration of the humane Body, and therefore, there often happens a Solution or loosing of the falling sicknesse, or of any other disease deeply rooted: For first, at that time, the genital humour begins to be heaped together in the spermatick Vessells, from whence it follows, that the Spiritious particles, and what are wont to grow to them, nitro-sulphureous and morbifick particles, are layd up, not only in the brain, but also in the testicles: wherefore, if this heterogenious Copula of the Spirits, be more plentifully cary∣ed to that new storehouse, from thence, the brain becoming free; often leaves the epileptical or otherways morbid disposition. 2. About the time of ripe age, as the Blood pours forth something before destinated for the brain, through the Spermatic Arteries, to the genitals, so also it receives as a recompense, a certain ferment from those parts, through the veins: to wit, certain particles imbued with a seminal tincture, are caryed back into the bloody mass, which makes it vigorous, and inspire into it a new and lively virtue, wherefore at that time, the gifts both of the Body and minde, chiefly shew themselves; Hairs break out, the voyce becomes greater, the courses of women flow, and other accidents hap∣pen, whereby it is plain, that both the blood and nervous Juce, are impregnated with a certain fresh ferment: wherefore, the morbific ferments or seeds, unlesse they be overcome by this new natural firment, they afterwards continue untame∣able even to Death.

But that the Epilepsie is sometimes cured by the help of medicines, Experience doth testifie: we shall anon discourse of the method of healing, and shew the rea∣sons of the most famous medicines; in the mean time, as to what further belongs to the prognostication of this Disease, if it end not about the time of ripe age, neither can be driven away by the use of medicines, there happens yet a diverse event in several sick Patients, for it either ends immediatly in Death, or is changed into some other Disease, to wit, the Palsie, stupiditie, or melancholly, for the most part incureable.

As to the former, whenas the fits are often repeated, and every time grow more cruell, the animal function is quickly debilitated; and from thence, by the taint, by degrees brought on the Spirits, and the Nerves serving the Praecordia, the vital function is by little and little enervated, till at length, the whole body languishing, and the pulse being loosned, and at length ceasing, at last the vi∣tal flame is extinguished.

But that this Disease often ends in the Palsie, melancholly, or madnesse, the reason is, because the tone, and confirmation of the brain is depraved, by the of∣ten

explosions of the animal Spirits, and at length its natural state is so pervert∣ed, that, by the morbifick particles of another Kinde also admitted, the spirits are fixed, nor are any more exactly prone to explosions, but rather sometimes, by a contrary vice introduced, their Elastick virtue is too much wanting, so that they become dull and sluggish beyond measure; even, as oftentimes the intempera∣ture of the blood, being more cold than it should be, admits the more intense burning of a feavour: and indeed, these depressions of the spirits happens partly by their own proper fault; for that their more agill particles being too much ex∣plosed, the more dull or heavy are only left, and from them they are supplyed, but partly, as we have said, they happen from the fault of the brain; for that its pores and passages, are so dilated and opened, from the often paroxisms of this falling evill, that afterwards, there is an open passage made, for any hete∣rogeneous, and divers kindes of morbifick particles, to enter with the Ner∣vous juce.

Thus much for the Diagnosis and Prognosis, the description and judgment of the Epilepsie, or falling sicknesse; in the unfolding of which, it was necessary to bring reasons not altogether abstruse, and different from the common Pathologie, neither are we constrained to receade, in the Therapeatick or Curatory part of this Disease, from the common and usuall method of curing, in other Distem∣pers: But in truth, are prescriptions of such who follow the ordinarily received Opinions, by which, for the most part, they endeavour to carry away, and whol∣ly to eradicate the morbific matter, by Catharticks only, do little or nothing a∣vail in the falling sickness, yea they are wont frequently to be hurtfull to it. I have known some famous Practitioners, omitting wholly the series of the Curato∣ry intentions, betake themselves to certain Empirical Remedies, without any foresight of the whole: this kind of practise, tho sometimes it succeeds happily, would much more certainly perform the proposed cure, if the Body being right∣ly prepared, they should in like manner take away all Impediments, by other me∣dicines.

Wherefore, the Indications concerning the Cure of the Falling Sicknesse, shall be (as they are Commonly set down) either Curatory, which have respect to the Fit, and drive it away either coming on, or when upon them, to set it going the sooner: or prophylactic or preventory, which have respect to the Cause of the Disease, which if they can take away, its accessions will be inhibited after∣wards.

A general evacuation has scarce any place in the former Intention, for in the fit neither a Vomit, or Purge, and very rarely the opening a veine, are wont to be administred; if the amazed Insensibility and disorder continues very long, some∣times a Clyster is wont to be used, but what that chiefly aimes at is, to fix the too fierce and Volatil animal Spirits, and also to suppress their begun Explosions: For which ends, two kinde of Remedies chiefly are made use of, to wit, First, such as repress the animal spirits, being too apt to grow firce and to leap forth, and repell them with some perfume that is ingratefull to them, and Compell them in∣to order: which thing indeed medicines imbued with a volatile, or armoniack salt, or also with a vitriolic sulphur do effect, of which kinde are salt and oyle of Amber, Spirits of Blood, Harts-horn, Sut, tincture of Castor, and such like: for these being inwardly taken, or put to the nose, often times bring help, and the evill Spirits of this Disease, are thought to be driven away, even as in Tobit, the Devill was by the fume of the gall of a fish. Secondly, the animal spirits are call'd away, or hindred from their begun explosions, when they are allured, or held busied in some work, they are accustomed to: wherefore, the fit urging, frictions being used and for some time continued, thorow the whole body, do often help: But some that set upright the diseased, and altogether hold or restrain their Arms and legs, from their Convulsive motion, or hold them violently in this or that posture; that also blow things into their noses to make them sneese, and power down strong Cordials at the mouth, and apply either Cupping glasses, and Scarrifications, and handle more sharply with other manner of administrations those sick people, and disturb the manner of the fit, I say this kinde of practise is most often too roughly instituted or ordained: because after this manner, there is a double trouble put upon nature, to wit, one from the disease, and the other not lighter from the standers by, and helpers, when it were wuch better, for the Fit

to be suffer'd to pass over after its own manner, and the sick to endure but one trouble only.

Truly the chiefest care of a Physitian, and efficacy of medicines is used about the prevention of this Disease, that the cause being taken away, or its root cut off, all the fruits might wither; medicines requisit to this Indication, respect ma∣ny Intentions, which may yet be reduced, to those two chief heads: to wit, in the first place, that the enkindling or matter of the disease, being supplyed immedi∣ately from the vicious Blood, or nervous Juice, and mediately from the viscera, and first passages, be cut off; then in the second place, that the evill disposition of the Brain, and the spirits its Inhabitants, which is peculiar to the Epilepsie, be ta∣ken away.

As to the first Indication, here Vomits, purges, and other things, both evacu∣ating, and altering, yea phlebotomy, and Cauteries, have place; for as much as by these means and ways, the impurites both of the viscera, and humours are sub∣dued or brought away; and their dyscrasie or evill disposition amended: for al∣though these kinde of medicines, and medicall administrations, rarely or never cure the Epilepsie, by themselves, yet those take away impediments, set nature upright, and incite her to encounter her enemy; also, they prepare the way, that so specific Remedies might more certainly, and efficaciously shew their virtues; wherefore usually, whilst they take care to cure this disease with secrets and hid∣den mysteries, they make use of those kinde of medicine between whiles, in the spring, and autumn, and other fit times.

2ly. As to specific Remedies, which indeed only, though not allways, are able to reach the Epilepsie and to subdue it; of which sort are the male Paeonie, Missle∣tow, Rew, Castor, the Claws of an Elk, preparations of a dead mans Skull, Am∣ber, Corrall, with many others. Forasmuch as these are taken without any sensible evacuation, or also perturbation, following in the viscera or humours, it is a wonder, by what formal reason, or virtue of acting, they are wont at any time to help in this disease.

Concerning this matter, intricate and obscure enough, if there may be place for Conjecture, when as we have already asserted, the procatartick Cause of the Epilepsie, to consist in the heterogeneous Copula, joyning or cleaving to the spi∣rits, inhabiting the Brain, and inciting them to praeternatural explosions; it fol∣lows, that those things which take away, or resist such a cause, must be of that nature, that by strengthening the brain, and binding up its pores, may exclude that Copula, and so fix, and as it were binde the spirits, flowing within the mid∣dle or marrow of the Brain, from leaving their Copula, that they shall not be a∣ny more apt or prone, to irregular explosions; Perhaps after the same manner, as when gunpowder or aurum fulminans being pounded with sulphure, or sprinkled with spirit of Vitriol loses its thundering virtue. And indeed, these kind of pro∣perties, to wit, one or both of them, may be suspected, yea, in a manner detect∣ed, in most anti-epileptick Remedies: For truly, Paeony, Missletow, Rue, the Lil∣ly of the vally, with many others, abound in a certain manifest astriction, that 'tis likely, their Particles being taken inwardly, and so dilated to the brain, by the Vehicle of the blood, and nervous Juice, do so binde, and shut up its too loose and open pores, that afterwards, they do not ly open, for the Passage of the morbifick matter: Besides, for that these vapourous Concerts, breath forth as it were an armodiack scent or scattering, therefore they are sayd to purifie the a∣nimal spirits, to fix them, and to strengthen them, having put off their hetero∣geneous Copula: This virtue purifying the spirits, proceeding from an armoniac salt, is more apparent in Remedies, which are taken from the famuly of Mine∣ralls, and Animalls, such are the preparations of the humane Skull, of blood, amber, and coral, as the other more binding, rather exists, in the parts and prepa∣rations of Vegitables.

It will not be needfull here, for the curing of the Epilepsie, to propose a com∣pleat method of healing, with exact forms of prescriptions, because there are ex∣tant every where among Authors, general precepts, and most choyce Remedies, and the Prudent Physitian will easily accomodate, both the Indications, and that plentifull provision of medicinal stuff, to the particular Cases of the sick. But be∣cause we have exhibited a quite new Theorie of this Disease, here also ought to be rendred a Curatory method fited for it: which we shall describe by and by more

fully, after we have shewn you some cases or Histories, of people sick of the Epi∣lepsie.

A fair maid, sprung from parents indifferently healthfull, being her self very [Observation. 1] well, till about her coming to ripe age, about that time, she began to complain of her head being ill: And first of all, she felt neer the fore part or her head, by fits, a Vertigo or giddinesse, whereby all things seemed to run round; and also whilst this Symptom continued, she was wont to talke idlely, and to forget whatever she had but just done; These kinde of fits at first pass'd away within a quarter of an hower, and came again only once or twice in a month, in the interval of which she was well enough: Afterwards, the assalts being made more grievous, by de∣grees, they also return'd more often, and within half a year, her brain being dayly more weakened, this giddinesse or turning round, was plainly chang'd into the Epilepsie, that the sick being struck down to the ground, at every fit, was af∣fected with Insensibility, and horrid convulsions, and also with foam at the mouth. The Domesticks observ'd, that she allways fell on the same side, so that siting neer the fire, if she sate in the right Corner she would be flung in the midst of the fire, but if in the left Corner, she fell against the wall of the Chimny: once when be∣ing left alone in the house, she fell upon the burning Coals, and so miserably burnt her face, and forepart of her head, that the skull being made bare of the skin and flesh, a deep and large escar was burnt into it: and afterwards the outer shell of it fell off a hands bredth. In the mean time the sick maid, so long as the ulcers contracted by the burning, ran with filthy matter, she was free from the fits, but afterwards, they being healed up, the falling evill returned: This Disease began first to shew it self about the time of puberty, for this maid, presently after the begining of it, had her Courses, and afterwards they constantly observed their set times, though her distemper grew dayly worse: Various kinds of medicines be∣ing administred to this sick Creature, availed nothing, because it was the custome and practise, of her, and her friends, quickly to change both the Physiti∣an, and method of Physick, if an happy event did not presently follow, and to be∣take themselves very much to every Empirick, and outlandish Mountebanks.

That in this Case, the Vertigenous Distemper, with a short delirium, was the forerunner of the Epilepsie, it plainly argues, the original of this Disease be∣ing planted in the middle of the brain, to depend upon a certain inordination of the Spirits; to wit, those dwelling there, at the begining, begun to admit an he∣terogeneous Copula; which being more plentifully heaped up, being moved ei∣ther of its own accord, or occasionally, while it was shaken off, induced, by rea∣son of the spirits being disturbed, and not yet very explosive those former distem∣pers; Afterwards, from the same cause, by degrees growing worse, the pertur∣bations of the Spirits did raise up their manifest explosions, and chang'd the ver∣tigo, and Delirium, into the Epilepsie.

But that this maid began to be sick, about the time of ripe age, it hence evi∣dently follows, as the natural ferment, so sometimes the praeternatural, expli∣cates it self, first at that time; wherefore, as it happens, that the menstruous purgations doe then first break forth, so the seeds of the falling sicknesse, whether innate or acquired then budded forth a little, and by degrees were ripened into fruit: when the praeternatural Ferment first appears, ofttimes the natural fol∣lowing, blots it out, hence the Epilepsie of young ones, often ends about the time of puberty or ripe age, but if that Firment, or taint of the disease, comes after the menstruous flux, or together with it, and ceases not presently, it remains for the most part afterwards, during Life, of it self untameable, and not to be over∣come by any Remedies.

From this observation, that a Cautery accidentally, and by chance being made on this sick party, freed her from the fits of the Disease, it may be inferr'd that fontanells or Issues, may be profitably administerd, in the Cure of the Epilepsie: for wheresoever an emissary is opened, for the constant carying away of the se∣rous water, both from the blood, and nervous juce, there very many heteroge∣neous and morbifick particles, flow out with it, that therefore the brain might remain free.

The Daughter of a Brewer of Oxford, had been very obnoxious to a Rheume [Observation. 2] falling into her eyes, from her Infancy, otherwise strong and sound enough, also accustomed dayly to hard labour, about the 14th. year of her age, she began to

be tormented with Epileptick sits, of which she suffered neer the greater changes of the moon, especially then returning: Being asked to endeavour her Cute, I gave her a Vomit of precipitate Solar, and order••d it to be renewed three days before every new, and full moon; besides that she should take at every turne, for four days after the Vomit, twice in a day, a dram of male-Paeonic root in powder, with a draught of black Cherry water. By these remedies, the fits so long intermitted, that the Disease seem'd to be Cured. Afterwards when they returned again, she was again recovered by the use of those medicines: and then the menstruous flux breaking forth, and observing its true periods, she remained for the future, free from that disease.

The Therapeutic or Curatory Method.

IN the Curing of the Epilepsie, I judg it fit to begin with a Cathartick, and if the sick can easily bear vomiting, first let an Emetick be administred, and for se∣veral months, let it be repeated, four days before the full of the Moon. For in∣fants, and youths, may be prescribed wine of Squills, mixed with fresh Oyle of Sweet Almonds, or also of Salt of Vitriol, from half a Scruple, to 1. Scruple: For those of riper years and of a stronger Constitution may be prescribed the fol∣lowing forms of Medicines. Take of Crocus mettalorum, or of Mercurius vitae gr. iiii. to vi. of Mercurius Dulcis grain xvi. ℈ i. let them be brused together in a mortar, mix it with the pap of a rosted Apple or of Conserve of Burage ℥ i. make a Bolus; or you may take an Infusion of Crocus Mettalorum or Mercurius Vitae made in Spanish wine from ℥ ss. to ℥ i ss. or take of Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht gr. iv. to vi. who are of a tenderer constitution, let them take of the Salt of Vitriol ℈ i. to ʒ ss, and half an hour after let them drink severall pints of posset drink: then with a feather or finger put down the throat, let vomiting be provoked, iterate it often.

The day following the vomiting, unless any thing shall prohibit, let blood be taken out of the Arm, or from the haemorhod veins with a Leech: then the next day after let a purging medicine be taken, which afterwards may be repeated constantly, four days before every new Moon.

Take Refine of Jalop ℈ ss. Mercurius Dulcis ℈ i. of Castor gr. iii. of Conserve of the Flowers of Paeony ℥ i. make it into a Bolus. Take pill faetida the greater ℈ ii. of Hy∣sterica what will suffice, make thereof v. pills. Take of the strings of black helle∣bore macerated in Vinegar, dry'd, and powder'd ℥ ss. of Ginger ℈ ss. of the Salt of Wormwood gr. xii. of the Oyl of Amber drops ii. make a powder, let it be given in the pap of an Apple. Take of the powder of Hermodactils compound ℥ i. of hu∣mane Scull prepar'd gr. vi. make a powder, let it be given in a draught of the de∣coction of Hyssop, or Sage.

On those days that they do not purge, especially about the time of the changing of the Moon, let there be administred Specifick Remedies morning and evening, which are said to cure this Disease, wirh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certain innate and secret virtue: of these there are extant a very great company, and are prescribed in various forms of Compositions.

The most simple Medicines, which Experience hath found to be very Efficaci∣ous, are the root of the male Paeony, and the seeds of the same. Take of the Root of the Male Paeony dryed and powder'd ℥ i. to ii. or iii. let it be given twice a day in the following Tincture. Take of the leave of Messletow of the Oak ℥ ii. of the root of Paeony slic'd ℥ ss. of Castor ℥ i. let them be put into a close Vessel with simple water of Betony or Paeony, and white-wine Each lb i. of the Salt of Missletow, of the Oake or the Common Missletow ℥ ii. let them digest close in hot sand for ii. days, let them take ℥ iii. with a dose of the aforesaid powder.

Poor people may take of the aforesaid powder, in a decoction of Hysop or Ca∣stor, made with fair water and white-wine.

At the same time, let the Root of Paeony be cut into little bits, and being strung upon a thrid, hung about the neck. Also let the Roots being fryed in a pan, or boyled tender, be eaten dayly with their meat.

Take of the Roots and Seeds of the male Paeony each ℥ ii. of Missletow of the Oake, of the hoof of Elk ʒi. each let them be fliced and brused, and put into a thin silk bag, and hang at the pit of the Stomack.

Among the spicificks, this powder is greatly commended by many Authors. Take of Castor Opoponax, Dragons blood, Antimony, and the seed of Paeony, each a∣like, make a powder, of which may be taken ℥ ss. to ℥ i. every morning, with wine, or some proper decoction, or with black Cherry water.

Take of a mans Skull prepar'd ℥ i. of Missletow of the Oake, of Counterfeit Cinaber, of an Elks Claw, each ℥ ss. so mingle them. The dose is ℈ ss. to ℈ i.

If the form of powder be distastful to any one, or if it should become loathsome by the long use of it, Electuaries, Pills, Troches, Spirits, and Elixirs, each of which agree with specifick medicines, are wont to be prescribed.

Take of the Conserve of the male Paeony, of the Lilly of the Valley, each ℥ iii. of the seed and root of the male Paeony powder'd each ʒ ii. prepared Corall ʒ i. of the powder of Pearls, and of humane Skull prepared, each ℈ ii. of the salt of Missletow, of the Oake ʒ i ss. with what will suffice of the Syrop of Corall, make an Electuary, let them take of it morning and evening, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Take of the powder of the root of the male Paeony ℥ i. of the seeds of the same ℥ ss. of Missletow of the Oake. of an Elks claw, of humane Skull, prepared, each ʒ ii. of the roots of Angelica, Contrayerva, Verginian Snakeweed, each ʒ i. of the whitest Amber, of Calcined Corall each ʒ i. of the Common Salt of Missletow, ʒ ii. of Sugar Candy ℥ viii. dissolved in what will suffice, of the Antiepilepticall water of Langius. Make a Confection, of which take twice in a day, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

These powders, by adding to them, the Salt of Amber, and Harts-horn, with what will suffice of Balsome Capivi may be formed into a pillulary Mass, of which may be taken iii. or iv. pills, in the morning and evening, drinking after them a draught of some appropriat Liquor.

Or of those sorts may be prepared an Elixir, of which may be taken viii. drops to x. twice in a day, in a spoonful of a proper Julup, drinking a little of it after it.

Take of Hungarian Vitriol vi. pints, let them be distill'd with a glass retort in hot sand for 24. hours, then let the same retort, being defended or done over with Clay, be put with a large receiver in a reverberating Furnace, that the acid spirits may be forced with a most strong fire, till they come forth. The whole Li∣quor being distilled, let it be drawn off in hot sand, in a lesser glass retort, and let there be poured into the Matrace, of the roots of Male-Paeony, cut into pieces and dryed ℥ iiii. of the seed of the same ℥ i. of humane Skull prepared, of Elks claws, and Red Corall each ℥ ss. Missletow of the Oak, ʒ ii. let it digest with a gentle heat for several days, to the extraction of a tincture, the Liquor being decantated, let it be drawn off in a glasse Retort to a third part remaining: being stilled forth keep it by it self: to those Remains pour of the rectified Spirit of wine a little quantity, impregnated with the Infusion of the same ingredients, and let it di∣gest for six days in horse-dung, the dose of which is ℈ ss. to ℈ i. The distilled Li∣quor may be given from half a spoonful to a whole spoonful, for the same Inten∣tions.

Or let there be prepared an oyl, out of the Salt of Venus or Copper, according to the description of Henry Van Heers, and given as there prescribed.

Among the specifick Remedies, which (when the former shall not be profita∣ble) ought also to be tryed, are the Livers of Frogs, the Gall of a Bore, dryed with Urine, The powder of Bryony Root. The powder of a Cuccow, of Crows; the runnet and lights of a Hare, the Liver of a Wolf, stones taken out of Swallows, the Liver of a Kite, the Eggs of Crows, with many more, to be dayly taken with food or Me∣dicine; a famous Catalogue of which is extant of Henry Van Brays, a Physitian of Zutphen: and from which, prescripts for poor people, may be taken, easie to be prepared, and without great cost.

Whilst these kinde of Remedies are to be taken inwardly, according to the a∣foresaid method, some outward administrations being applyed, bring help, and are deservedly admitted to part of the cures; therefore, allways Issues are made in this disease, in one fit place or other, and also more often Veficatories or Blisters.

Amulets hung about the neck, or born at the pit of the Stomach, are thought to be useful: The fresh Roots of Paeony cut into little squares, and being strung like bracelets, and hung round about the neck, and as soon as they are dry, let new be put in their places, and they being reduced to powder, may be taken inward∣ly: Take of the roots and seeds of Paeony each ʒ ii. of an Elks claw, and humane Skull prepared, each ʒ i. of Missletow of the Oak, ʒ ss. let them be beaten into gross

powder, and sowed in a piece of red silk, and like a little bag let it be hanged a∣bout the neck.

An Amulet of a stalk of the Elder, found growing in the Willow-tree, is greatly Commended.

It agrees with some, to have their heads shaven and a plaster applied to the fore-part. Take of the root and seeds of Paeony, of Castor, Missletow of the Oak, of humane-skull most finely powder'd, each ʒ i. of betonie plaster ℥ ii. Caranna Tacama∣hacca, each ʒ ii. Balsum Capive, what will suffice, make a mass, and let it be spread upon leather, make a plaister for the suters of the Head.

Let the Temples and Nostrills, be often anointed with Oyl of Amber, by itself or mixed with oyl Capive.

Sneezing Powders, and such as purge the head of Rhume, are to be used dayly in the Mornings: Take of white Hellebore ʒ i. of Castor, and Euphorbium, each ʒ ss. the leaves of sweet Marjorum, and Rue, each ʒ ii. make a powder; make a decoction of Sage or Hyssop, with Mustard dissolved in it, with which gargle the mouth and throat.

A Glister may be sometimes used, as need shall require.

Sometimes the more solid Medicines are ro be moistned with liquids, or they ought to be drunk after them, for which end, distilled waters should be at hand, Julups, Tinctures, or Decoctions; which are endued with a certain Specific Virtue against this Disease.

Take of Hungarian Vitriol four pound, of the powder of fresh humane-skull, four ounces, of the root of Paeony sliced, six ounces, let them be bruised together in a morter, put to them either of Spanish wine, or small white-wine, or wine made of the juce of black-Cherries, a quart; being fermented in a vessell, let it be distill'd in a glass retort, in hot sand.

Take of the shavings of box-wood, of Hungarian vitriol, each two pound, of the Missletow of the Oak, or the Common-Missletow leaves, three handfulls, of Rue two handfulls, being bruised together, put to it of Spanish wine 4 pints: Let them be distill'd in a glass Cucurbit with hot sand.

Take of Common Vitriol six pound, of the root of the male-paeony six ounces, of the Missletow of the Oak one ounce, of Green-walnuts, viii. ounces, being cut and bruised; let them be distilled in a glass-pot, a glass alembick being placed upon it, in hot sand. Take of this Liquor one pint, of black cherry water, and of the water of the flowers of the toil, or Line-tree, each half a pint, of white-Sugar, ℥ iiii. mix them, and make a Julup, the dose ℥ ii. to iii. twice or thrice in a day.

Oxymel of squills, also an hony-decoction with Hysop, are much praised by the An∣cients. Or an Apozem of this kinde may be prepared, of which may be taken ℥ iiii. to vi. or viii. twice in a day.

Take of the roots of male-paeony, Angellica, Imperatoria, Valerian, each ʒ vi. of the leaves of Betony, Sage, Lilly of the Valley, Penny-Royall, each one handfull, of the seeds of Rue, Nigella, each ʒ iii. Paeony, ℥ ss. of Raysons, ℥ iii. of Liquoris ℥ ss. being cut and bruised, let them be boyled in vi. pints of Spring-water, to the Con∣sumption of the third part. Towards the end, add of black Cherry-wine; half a pint, or ten ounces, strain and keep it in close Vessells. The dose is from vi. to viii. ounces, twice in a day, after the afore-prescribed Remedies.

Or the aforesaid Ingredients, excepting the Liquoris, and Raysons, may be boyled in vi. pints of Hydromel, or water and hony, or meath, to the Consumption of the third part: The dose ℥ iiii. to vi.

If that the aforesaid Method, consisting in the use of Catharticks, and Specificks, being for some time tryed, and altogether in vain, you must come to Remedies of another kinde, and chiefly to those called Great, or Notable: In this rank are placed Diaphoreticks, Salivation, Bathes, and Spaws.

Alphonsus Ferrius affirms, that he had cured many Epileptical people, with a decoction of simple Guaicum, being prescribed twice in a day, and taken, to vi. or viii. ounces, and its second decoction drunk (as in the cure of the Pox) instead of ordinary drink. If to such a decoction the roots of Paeony and other specificks should be added, perhaps it would be more efficatious. It seems probable, that a Salivation strongly excited from Mercurie, and afterwards a sudoriferous or Swea∣ting-Diet following, might certainly cure this Disease. What Baths, or Spaw-wa∣ters are able to do, I have not observ'd, either by my own or others experience.

Perhaps I have made tryall, that our Artificial Spaws, sometimes have been a∣vailable in Curing the Epilepsie, to wit, both those impregnated with Iron, and also with Antimony, and taken in a great quantity, for many days.

CHAPTER IV. Of other kinds of Convulsions, and first of the Convulsive Motions of Children.

AFter the Epilepsie, as it were the principal Spasm, in the chief place excited, to wit, within the middle part of the brain, the other Kindes of Convulsions come to be treated of in order. The differences of those, are best taken from a two∣fold kinde of cause, and the various manners, and accidents of either. We have al∣ready shown, that all Spasmodic distempers, do flow, either from the meer irritation of the spirits or from their explosion, by reason of the cleaving of an Elastick Copula to them, or jointly from both, together: wherefore, the manifold Ideas of Spasms, may be distinguished, and distributed into certain Classes, as it happens for this, or that cause, or either together, to remain in the various places of the Encepha∣lon, or the nervous Appendix. For indeed, the Spasmodic matter, or the explo∣sive Copula of the Spirits, finding a passage chiefly, and most often thorow the Brain, and sometimes in some measure thorow the extremities of the nerves, sub∣sists either about the origine of the nerves, or their middle processes, or their outmost ends, or abounds in their whole passages, as shall be by and by more particularly declared: Further, an irritation stiring up Convulsions by it self, or with a previous remote cause, although it be made every where in the nervous stock, yet it chiefly, and more frequently produces such an effect, about the be∣ginings, middle processes, and foldings, or ends of the Nerves. But the same Kinde of Cause and effects, are after one manner in Infants and children, and a∣nother in youths, and those of riper age. Since therefore we have determined, particularly to consider, all the kindes of Convulsions, we will first discourse of the Convulsive motions of Infants, and Children.

Infants, and children, happen so ordinarily, and frequently to be tormented with Spasmodick Distempers, that this is reconed the chief, and almost the on∣ly Kinde of Convulsions; for the Symptoms of this kinde, in other more ripe peo∣ple, are wont to be called by other known Names, and referred to the Epilepsie, hysterick, hypochondriac, Collie passions, or also to the Scurvie: but in chil∣dren, they are called, as it were by way of Excellency, Convulsions.

As to this we must observe, that children are found to be greatly obnoxious to Convulsions, chiefly about two seasons, to wit, within the first month after they are born, or about their breeding of Teeth: Although it often happens, that the assaults of this Disease, may come also at other times, and from certain other Causes.

In the first place therefore, it very often happens, that children newly born, or at least er'e they are two months old, are afflicted at every turn with Spasms, excited in divers parts; for that inversions of the eyes, distortions of the cheeks, and Lipps, or tremblings, yea Contractions of the Tendons, and frequent jerk∣ings or leapings forth of the members, and sudden shakings of the whole Body, infest them; and that the same effect likewise sometimes afflicts the praecordia, appears plain enough, because whilst the Spasms busie the Limbs, and outward members, also the face becomes now pale, now of a livid, or dead Colour, from the blood stagnating in the heart, and the Lungs being at that time contracted. As therefore, Spasms are wont to infest three Regions of the Body in children, to wit, the parts of the head and face, the outward members and Limbs, and the Praecordia and viscera, we observe now these regions, now those, now, two or all together to be possessed, by the morbific Cause, to wit, as it is fixed, either about the beginings, or ends of the nerves; and when the former of these hap∣pens,

as the superior part of the oblong pith, the middle, or the lowest part of the spinal marrow, is touch'd, one, or more parts together, are assaulted by the morbifick Cause.

As to the other Causes of this Distemper, to wit, the procataric and evident, those of the former Kinde, do chiefly consist in two things, first that all the parts of the Head in infants are very weak, and abound with a viscous humidity; to wit, the Brain less firm, and the tone of the nerves very loose, so that they are not able to bear the more light force of every matter, but the Spirits inhabiting them, are easily incited into irregular motions or Spasms, by the proper liquour, wherewith those parts are watered, if it flows never so little immoderately, or at least more plentifully, than for the measure of so little strength. But in the se∣cond place, because it appears by observation, that children, not only, nor all, who are of a more tender Constitution, are found to be prone to this Disease, therefore, this ought to be rather accounted for a reason, of the more remote morbid Cause, that the Blood, and nervous Juce, are originally vicious, in some Infants, by reason of evills contracted from the womb: For that the sanguineous mass, wanting eventilation for many months past, becomes impure in children newly born; wherefore, broad and Red puttings forth, like the small pocks, shew themselves through the whole skin, in most children, soon after they are born; to which sort of wealks, or efflorescences, if they are hindred, or repressed, often∣times dangerous exulcerations, about the parts of the mouth follow. Hence we may deservedly suspect, such impurities of the blood, sometimes to be poured forth into the brain, and nervous stock, considering their debility, and for that reason Spasmodic Distempers to arise; to wit, whilst the blood being vitious from the womb, endeavours to purifie it self, it transfers its faeculencies into the head, which were wont to be exterminated by the putting forth the Red-gum, or red spreadings thorow the skin: Wherefore, a water now thin, and Serous, now thick and sticking, and either participating of praeternatural Salts and sul∣phures, is layd up within these or those recesses, and Cavities of the Brain, Ce∣rebel, and oblong pith, the recrements of which, when they begirt the beginings, or ends of this or that nerve, and sometimes many together, affix on the Spirits inhabiting them, heterogeneous particles, and apt for Spasmodic or Convulsive explosions. For as soon as the nerves have deeply imbibed such particles, the spi∣rits being burthened with their Copula, endeavour either of their own accord, or being incited by evident Causes, to thrust, and shake it off; and so they enter into Spasmodic, or Convulsive explosions.

The evident Causes, which bring on Convulsive motions in children praedis∣posed, are of two Kindes, viz. In the first place, whatsoever stir up unwonted effervescencies of the blood, whether they be excesses of heat or cold, a too plen∣tifull nourishment, or hotter then should be, the changes of the air, and weather, and chiefly the periodical times of the Moon; for by reason of these, and other the like occasions, the Blood growing more hot than by right it should be, affixes sooner to the Spirits an heterogeneous Copula, even to a fullness, and causes it presently to be struck off, and exploded, by them throughly disturbed. 2ly. An Irritation, in almost every part of the nervous System, does not seldome bring into Act, a Spasmodic or Convulsive Disposition: wherefore, not only an ex∣cess of tangible qualities, outwardly inflicted, but the milk Coagulated in the stomack, choler, or other sharp humours, or also wormes knawing the Intestines, are wont to excite Spasms or Convulsions: Besides, these kinde of evident Causes, as they are stronger, sometimes induce Spasmodick Distempers of themselves, and without a praevious Disposition: even so worms, and perchance sharp humours, cause Convulsive motions to some children, at least to the more tender.

That it might more certainly, and to the sense appear, what kinde of morbi∣fic matter might be in Convulsive motions, I have opened the dead bodies of ma∣ny, which this disease had opprest: I have allways in vain sought the cause, within the Visecra, and first passages of Concoction; In the heads of many, a serous water being heaped up, within the Cavity, under the Cerebel, and di∣stending the Membrane which cloaths the oblong pith or marrow, did overflow the beginings of the nerves: in some, no footsteps of this Disease appeared: so that, what sticking to the Spirits did irritate them into explosions, was of so imperceiv∣able a bulk, and its originall so altogether hid, that it could not be found out,

by the most perspicatious scrutiny of the sight. Sometime past, in this City, ma∣ny chilbren of a certain woman dyed of this Disease, at length, the fourth, as the others, dyed within the month; we dissected the Head, and here no serous Collu∣vies or water did overflow the ventricles, but only the substance of the Brain, and its appendix, was moister then ordinary, and looser; what was most worthy of observation was, that in the Cavity, which lyes under the Cerebel, upon the trunk of the oblong pith, we found a remarkable heap of clotter'd, and as it were con∣creted blood: but in truth it is uncertain, whether this matter, deposited there from the begining, had primarily caused the convulsions; or rather, whether this blood being extravasated, and expressed, by the contraction of the parts, plan∣ted round about, was not the effect, and product of the Convulsions, and not the cause of them; for also in Apoplectical people this kinde of Phaenomenon ordina∣rily happens, which yet we shall afterwards shew, to be rather the effect, than the cause of the disease.

Indeed, the heterogeneous Particles, which flow to the blood, from the womb, are wont to be sent away through efflorencies or Cutaneous Pustles in the whole Body, in many children, in others being poured on the head, are the material cause of the Convulsive Distemper, may be inferr'd, besides the reasons before recited, from the remedies chiefly helping: For that in little children obnoxious to this haereditarie Disease, the Convulsive fits are best prevented, if that an issue be made Presently after they are born, in the nape of the neck, and blood drawn with a Leech from the jugular Veins; for the corruptions of the nervous juce, are brought away by that, and the impure buddings of the blood, are diverted from the head by this: by these ways of Administrations, when before two or three children, of the same Parent, have dyed of Convulsions, soon after they were born, all the rest have been freed from the same evill.

2ly. Thus much concerning the Convulsive motions of Children, which are wont to infest them, by reason of an Infection contracted from the womb. ••f that at this bout they should escape the Disease it self, or at least its deadly strokes, nevertheless, about rhe time of breeding teeth, they would be found at last to be obnoxious, to the same danger: for when the Teeth, especially the greater, are about to cut, oftentimes a feavour is excited, to which not seldom Convulsi∣ons are Joyned: and though at this Time, children are grown stronger, and may better bear the fits of the disease, then when new born, yet the convulsive Di∣stemper, now stirred up by no other grievous occasion, becomes very dangerous, and sometimes deadly.

But forasmuch as childern, who fall into feavours, about the time of breeding of Teeth, are not all tormented with Convulsions, it therefore follows, that some disposition to this disease, either innate, or acquired, doth precede; and that the pain caused from the breeding the Teeth, is to be esteemed only the means of a more strong evident Cause, to wit, Children, who being indued either with a Cacochymia, or juce causing ill digestion, or with a more weak constitution of the brain, and nervous stock, have their animal Spirits too much adulterated, or dis∣sipable, are sometimes disposed for the coming of Convulsive distempers: where∣fore, when so acute pain, together with a feavor, afflicts, that latent dispositi∣on is brought into Act.

If it be here ask'd, for what reason a feavour, and then Convulsive motions following thereupon, come to those Praedisposed, in teething, it may be answer'd, that either effect may be attributed to the pain, as the immediate Cause: We ex∣perimentally know by our selves; what the torment is, that follows an irritation about the roots of the Teeth; in truth so great, and so cruell, that a more cruell can scarce be; for that one or two notable shoots, of the 5th pare of nerves, reaches to the roots of each Tooth, which when it ss hauled by the sharp particles of the Blood, or other humours, there layd up, causes a most sharp sense of trou∣ble, or pain, by its Corrugation: But this kinde of Vellication or hauling of this Nerve, happens thus to children breeding teeth, because that the membranes and fibres, are every way distended, by the Teeth, now increasing into a greater bulk, and as yet included within the scarce hollow gums: hence the blood be∣ing hindred in its Circulation, causes a tumour, and so presses the nerves, and al∣so pours on them the more sharp particles of the Serum, by which, being nota∣bly pulled or hauled, they are tormented with Corrugations, and painfull Spasms.

Therefore, when so cruel pains happen to children, from their breeding Teeth, it is no wonder if a feavour, and also Convulsive motions sometimes follow: the former of these happens, both for as much as the blood being hindred about the pained part, is not circulated with its wonted and equall course, wherefore it be∣comes inordinatly moved, in the whole Body; and besides, because Spasms being stirred up somewhere in the nervous stock, the corrugated and contracted nerves, presse together, and pull the Arteries, and by that reason, stir up irregular and feavourish fluctuations in the Blood. But sometimes Couvulsions happen in breed∣ing Teeth, both because the blood growing hot, sends forth heterogeneous par∣ticles, to the animal government, and so stirs up the spirits into explosions; and besides also, when this acute pain, and as it were a Lancing, follows upon the teeth being about to cut, it communicates a very troublesome and irritative sense, from the affected parts, to the first sensorie, presently from thence, the motion of the rage is retorted, by the same or other neighbour nerves, which by reason of a praevious disposition, doth not rarely become convulsive.

Besides these two occasions of Convulsions (which are wont to be chiefly, and more often in children) to wit, the times of Infancy, and breeding Teeth, this Distemper also is excited at other Times very often, and for other Causes: For in whom the Seeds of the Spasmodick Disposition is sown, they sometimes unsold themselves presently after the birth, and are ripened into morbid fruit; or else lying hid for a while, they now come before the breeding of Teeth, and follow a long time after it; and by reason of other evident causes, to wit, either ex∣ternal, or Internal; of which sort are a sickly, or breeding nurse, milk Coagula∣ted in the stomack, or degenerating into an acid or bitter putrifection, a feavour∣ish distemperature of the head, Ulcers or wealks of other parts suddenly vanish∣ing, the Changes of the aire, the Conjunctions, oppositions, and aspects of the Sun, and moon, and such like; they at length break forth into Act, from an un∣certain event. Concerning these, there is no need, that we should particularly discourse.

When all the Children, of a man dwelling in the neighbourhood, dyed of Con∣vulsions, within the space of three months, at length, to prevent that fatal e∣vent, they sought for remedies, for a child newly born: I being sent for, a few days after the being brought to bed, first advised the making an Issue in the nape of the neck, then, that the next day after, a leech being applyed to the jugular veine of each side, two ounces of blood should be taken away: besides, that about every conjunction, or opposite aspect of the Sun, and moon, about five grains of the following powder should be given, in a spoonfull of Julap, for three days, morning and evening. Take of humane Skull prepared, of the root of the male Paeonie, each ʒ i. of the powder of Pearls ʒ ss. of white sugar ʒ i. mingle them, and make a very fine powder: Take of the waters of Black Cherries ℥ iii. of the antiepileptic of Langius ℥ i. of the Syrrop of the flowers of the male Paeonie ʒ vi. mingle them; also I order'd that the nurse at the same times, should take a draught of whey, or posset drink, in which were boyled, the seeds and roots of the male Paeonie, and the leaves of the Lilly of the Vally, the Infant for about four months was well, but then began to be troubled with Convulsions: at which time, the same Remedies being administred both to the child, and to the nurse, in a larger dose, vesicatories also were applyed behind the eares, and blood was taken by the sucking of a Leech, from the jugular veins: within two or three days the child grew well: afterwards, whenever within four or five months the Convulsions return'd, it was cured again, by the use of the same Re∣medies. After half a year, the Convulsive motions wholly ceased, but a painfull Tumour arose, about the lower part of the Spinae dorsi or back-bone, from which proceeded a certain distortion of the Vertebrae, or joynts of the back bone, and a weakness of the legs, and at length a Palsie. It seems in this case, that the Spas∣modic or Convulsive matter, being wont to come upon the brain first, and begin∣ings of the nerves, entring at last the Spinal marrow, and being thrust out at its further end, it wholly stopt up the heads of the appending nerves, and shut out the passage of the Spirits: to wit, because other narcotick, and more thick, had joyned themselves, to the explosive particles.

The Curatory Method against the Convulsive Distempers in Children.

IT is to be endeavour'd either to prevent the Convulsive passions, threatning Children and Infants, or to cure them being already begun.

For if the former children of the same parent, were obnoxious or lyable to Convulsions, that evill ought to be prevented timely, by the use of Remedies to those born after: It is usuall for this end, to put into the mouth of the child new∣ly born, some antispasmodick Remedy, assoon as it begins to breath: from hence some are wont to give them some drops of the purest hony, others a Spoonfull of Canary sweetned with Sugar, and some again oyl of Sweet Almonds fresh drawn, to some may be given half a Spoonfull of epileptic water, or one drop of oyle of Amber.

Besides these first things given to Infants, which certainly seem to be of some moment, certain other Remedies and means of Administrations, ought to be u∣sed: to wit, let one spoonfull of Liquor, proper to this distemper, be drunk twice a day: as for example; Take of the water of black Cherry and of Rue each ℥ i ss. of the Antiepileptic of Langius ℥ i. of the Syrrup of Corall ʒ vi. of prepared Pearl gr. xv. mix them in a Viol. On the third or fourth day after the birth, let an Issue be made in the nape of the neck, then if it be of a fresh Countenance, let a little blood to about ℥ i ss. or ii. ounces be taken, by the sucking of Leeches, from the jugular veins, having a care lest the blood should flow out too plentifully in its sleep; let the temples, and the hinder part of the neck, be gently rub'd with such a like oyntment. Take of oyle of nutmegs by expression ʒ ii. of Capive ʒiii. of Amber ℈ i. Let an Amulet be hung about the neck, of the roots and seeds of the greater Paeonie, a little of the hoof of an Elke being added to it.

Moreover antispasmodick Remedies, should be dayly given to the Nurse: Let her take morning and evening, a draught of whey or posset-drink, in which the roots and seeds of the male Paeonie, and sweet fenill seeds are boyled. Take of the Conserve of the flowers of Betony, of the male Paeonie, and of Rosemary each ℥ ii. of the pouder of the Root, and flowers of the male Paeonie, each ʒ ii. of red Corall prepared, and of the whitest amber each ʒ i. of the roots of Angelica, and Zedoarie prepared, each ʒ ss. with what will suffice of the Syrrop of Paeonie, make an Electuarie: let her take morning and evening, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Take of the powder of the root of Male-Paeony ʒ ii. the seeds of the same ʒ i. make a powder; of the whitest Sugar ℥ iii. dissolved in the water of the flowers of the Line-tree, and boyled to tablets, of the oyl of Amber ℈ i. make tablets accor∣ding to Art, each weighing ʒ ss. let her eat one every sixth hour. Also let her keep to an exact dyet.

If any Infant be actually afflicted with Convulsions, because that an Issue ope∣rates little, and slowly, it will be expedient to apply blistering plaisters, to the nape of the neck, and behind the ears, and unless a more cold temperament should gain-say it, let blood be drawn with Leeches, from the veins: Let Liniments be used about the Temples, Nostrills, and hinder part of the neck, and plaisters also laid to the bottoms of the feet; Clysters that may keep down the belly, should be dayly administred: besides let specifick Remedies be inwardly taken, often in a day, to wit, every sixth or eighth hour.

Take of the oyl Capive, of Caestor each ʒ ii. of Amber ʒ ss. make a Liniment.

Take of the plaister of Oxycrocia two parts, of dissolv'd Galbanum one part, of oyl of Amber ℈ i. make a plaister for the soles of the feet. Let there be given of the powder of Ammoniacum, according to the description of Reverius, twice or four times in a day.

Take of humane skull prepared, of the seeds of Paeony, of an Elks claw, of Pearls prepared, each ʒ ss. of Amber greese; gr. vi. make a powder; the dose vi. grains, in a spoonfull the Liquor hereafter described, three or four times a day.

Or Take of humane Skull prepared, of pearls each ʒss. of the Salt of Amber ℈ i. of the Sugar of Pearle ʒ i. the dose ℈ss.

Or Take of the Spirit of harts-horn iii. drops, let it be given every sixth or 8th hour, in a spoonfull of the Julap below prescribed.

To the children of the poor, may be administred the powder of the Roots of wild Valerian ℈ss. to ℈ i. let it be given twice a day, in a spoonfull of milk, or ap∣propriate Liquor.

Ʋntzerus greatly commends the Gall of a sucking whelp, to wit, that the whole juice of the gallie-Bag being taken forth, be given to the child to drink, with a lit∣tle of the water of the flowers of the Tile, or Line-tree.

A learned Physitian lately told me, that he had Known many Cured with this Remedie: Besides, Empericks are wont to cause the bigger children, after they have drank the gall, to eat also the Liver of the whelp broyled.

Iulaps, distill'd waters, and other appropriate Liquors, may be prepared, af∣ter the following prescripts.

Take of black-Cherry water, ℥ iii. of the Antiepileptical water of Langius, ℥ i. of perlate sugar, ʒ ii. mix them.

Take of the green Roots of the male Paeonie cut into little peeces ℥ vi. of Hunga∣rian Vitriol ℥ viii. of humane skull ℥ ii, of the Antiepileptic water of Langius half a pint, mix them, and let them be distilled in a glass retort, in hot sand, the dose i. spoonfull, to ii.

Take of the fresh roots of the male Paeonie cut, ℥ iiii. being brused in a Marble morter, pour to them of Spanish-wine, lib. i. make a strong expression, add of manus Christi pearled, ℥ss. let it be kept in a close glass. The dose i. Spoonfull, or ii. twice in a day.

When Convulsive motions happen by Reason of the difficulty of breeding Teeth, this Symptom as it is secondary and less dangerous, so the Cure, does not always require the first or chief labour of healing, but sometimes we are rather carefull to remove it, by allaying the pain, and the feavourish Distemper, where∣fore both the patient, and the nurse, oughr to use a slender, and refrigerating Diet; the Teeth being about to break thorow the Gums, their passage should be made easie, by rubbing or cutting them; and also Anodynes should be applied to those swelled, and grieved parts: Clysters and taking away blood are often used: it behoves to cause sleep, and to attemper the feirceness of the blood: some times antispasmodick Remedies are made use of, but the more temperate, and such as do not trouble the blood, and humors, Vesicatories, or Blistering plaist∣ers, because they aptly evacuate the serum, too much poured forth on the Head, oftentimes bring help.

When Children are troubled with Convulsions, not presently after they are born, nor by reason of the cutting of their Teeth, but for other occasions, and ac∣cidents; the cause of such a Distemper, for the most part subsists, either in the head, or somewhere about the Viscera of Concoction. When the former is suspe∣cted, as it is wont to be manifested by signes which argue a Serous Colluvies, too much heaped up within the Head, the former Remedies, allready recited, ought to be given, in a larger dose; besides, in those, who are able to bear purging, sometimes a Vomit, or a light purge is prescribed: Wine, and Oxymel of squills, al∣so Mercurius Dulcis, Rhubarb, and Resin of Jalap, are of approved use.

As often as the Cause of the Convulsive Distemper seems to be in the Viscera, either Worms, or sharp humors, stirring up the torments of the Belly, are un∣derstood to be in fault.

Against Worms, a purge of Rhubarb, or Mercurius Dulcis, the Resin of Jalap being added, is ordained: sometime past, a Child being miserably afflicted with Convulsions, that he seem'd to be just dying, I gave him a dose of Mercurius Dulcis, with Resine of Jallap; with his stools, which were four, he voided xii. worms, and presently grew well.

Take of the root of Verginian Snake-weed, in powder ʒ i. of Corall Calcined to a whiteness ʒ ss. a powder ʒ i. the dose from half a scruple, to one scruple, twice in a day, continued for three days, drinking after it a decoction of Grass-roots. Take of the species of Hiera ʒ i ss. of Venice-Treacle ʒ ii. make a plaister for the bottom of the belly, or apply to the Navel, a plaster of Galbanum.

If the Convulsive motions are suspected to proceed from an irritation of the ventricle, and intestines, made by sharp humours, a gentle purging, either by vomit, or stool, or both successively ought to be instituted. For this end, let them drink, a gentle Emetick, of wine of squills, or salt of vitriol; when even the sicK are troubled with a striving to Vomit of their own accord: but if the other Eva∣cuation,

or down-wards shall seem better to be tryed; they ought to take an Infu∣sion of Rhubarb, or the powder, and Syrrop of succory with Rhubarb, or of Roses with agaric and very often by these Remedies, timely applyed, I have seen the Convulsive Distempers in Children to be cured: besides in this Case, Clysters are frequently used: but external Medicines are not to be omitted; to wit, fomenta∣tions, oyntments, plaisters applyed to the Belly.

Take of the flowers of Cammomel cut very small, ii. handfulls, let them be put into two little bags, made of fine Linnen, or Silk, which being dipped in warm Milk, and wrung out may be applyed successively to the abdomen, or lower region of the belly.

Take of the tops or flowers of Mallows, in like manner but small, let them be fryed in fresh butter, of hogs Lard, and in the form of a Liniment, or a Cata∣plasm, applyed to the Belly.

CHAPTER V. Of Convulsive Diseases, of Ripe Age, arising chiefly by rea∣son of the Nervous origine being affected.

ALthough Convulsive Distempers, which happen to those of riper years, be∣ing known by other Names, also are commonly reputed of some other stock, and are wont to be referr'd to the passions called Hysterical, Hypochondriacal, or Colical, or to the Scorbute; yet if the matter be a little better consider'd, it will easily appear, that some Convulsive Symptoms, both in Men and Women, do come from the Brain, which Convulsions properly and truly challenge to them∣selves the Name: But these (as we have already mentioned) may be distinguished after a various manner, by the manifold seat of the morbifick Cause, but chiefly into these three kinds, viz. Into Spasms or Convulsions stirred up, by reason of the origine of the Nerves being chiefly affected; into others being stirred up, by reason of the extremities or ends of the Nerves, being possessed by the morbifick matter; and lastly into such, from whose head the morbific matter descending, fills the whole passages, or the most part, of some certain Nerves, or of all together.

Therefore, that we may proceed, to unfold the Convulsions, arising from the beginnings of the Nerves being affected, take notice here, that the morbifick matter beseiging the beginnings of the Nerves, doth sometimes chiefly flow into the first pair of Nerves, to wit, which respect the Muscles of the eyes and face, and from thence the contractions, and tremblings, now of the Nose, Cheeks, or Lips, now of the Eyes, or the distortions of the mouth, follow. Secondly, some∣times the wandring and intercostal pair do chiefly imbibe the Heterogeneous par∣ticles; and then Inflations, or Contractions of the Abdomen, and Hypochon∣dria, and also the palpitation of the Heart, trembling, difficult and interrupted breathing, an intermitting pulse, and other Symptoms of the middle, and low∣er Belly, do very much infest. Thirdly, but sometimes the morbifick Cause be∣ing placed lower, affects chiefly the spinal marrow, and therefore the outward members, and limbs, are rendred obnoxious to inordinate leapings forth, and contractions: Further, in very many Cases of this nature, because the Animal spirits being explosed about the origine of the Nerves, do inordinately leap back towards the Encephalon; for that reason, to all Convulsions almost being excited by this means, the Vertigo, also the scotomie or giddiness, the tingling of the eares, and sometimes the amased Insensibility or falling down of the Spirits, are joyned, or follow.

But as we may Conjecture, from the various figures of the Convulsive distem∣per, it seems, that the Convulsive matter hauling those, or these nerves, or ma∣ny of them together, is lodged either about their beginings, only, so that the Spi∣rits in that place being often explosed, a frequent and very troublesome Vertigo arises, besides tremblings, and a short faintness about the Praecordia, swoonings, and often leapings, and light contractions in the Viscera, or muscles are felt. Or Secondly, the explosive particles being dilated to the beginings of the nerves, en∣ter

more deeply into their processes, and not seldom being slidden down into the nervous foldings, belonging to the Praecordia, or the Viscera of the lower belly, or also to the exterior members, procure there, other as it were nests of Convul∣sive distempers, that as often as the Spirits about the nervous origine, are driven into explosions, presently, fits as it were hysterical, asthmatical, or otherways Convulsive, arise in the Abdomen, Thorax, or Limbs: Examples of these, and by what means they are made, shall be anon more clearly delivered: In the mean time, the spasmodic matter, flowing into the pipes of the Nerves, when it is transfer'd even to their processes and remote enfoldings, yet, forasmuch as it hath still its chief mine about the nervous original, therefore after very grievous Convulsions of the Viscera or members, a great perturbation of the Brain follows thereupon, with a tingling of the eares, a vertigo, and often an Insensibility or a∣mased excurtion of Spirits: but sometimes the morbific matter, as to the greatest part, being translated to the farthest ends of the nerves, from thence they become free or clear about their beginings: For I have observed many, who, whilst at the begining, they were infested with the vertigo, often fainting away with fear, head-ach, and heavynesse about the hinder part of the head, to have felt about the Praecordia or viscera, only light inflations, or tremblings; but afterwards, suffering more cruel Convulsions about these parts, they did not complain of the former distempers of the Head.

If it should be further demanded, concerning the Convulsive matter, from what place it should be brought, and by what ways carried towards the begin∣ings of the Nerves, and what kinde of Settlement, and as it were cherishing nests it there obtains; we say, that although we cannot detect the footsteps, and ma∣nifest passages of this matter, yet so much may be collected from certain observa∣tions, and the analogie of things, it may be supposed there are these two distinct manner of passages, whereby the Convulsive particles, being first poured out in∣to the Brain and Cerebel, from the blood, are from thence carried towards the beginings of the Nerves: viz. First sometimes this matter being imbibed by the Brain and Cerebel, and by degrees passing thorow, the pores of either, slides in∣to the Trunk of the oblong marrow, whose tract being also overcome by it, toge∣ther with the nervous juice, it slides forward towards the original of the Nerves, and is heaped up neer their heads, or within the medullarie trunk it self, or with∣in the annularie Prominencies, in which places, either a long while subsisting, it stirs up frequent Vertigoes, and more light Convulsions, in remote parts as hath been said; or being slidden from thence, more deeply into the passages of the nerves, excites fits of Convulsions very Cruel: such a progress of the morbific Cause, we suspect in whom the Vertigo, swooning, heaviness of the head, and torpor of the minde, go before the Convulsive assalts: Indeed, the matter of the disease, abounding as yet in the brain and marrowy Appendix, produces these kinds of previous distempers; which being slidden from thence, into the Nerves, causes Convulsions.

2dly, There is yet another way, whereby it plainly appears, that the materi∣all cause of the Convulsive Distemper, is transferred, to the beginnings of the Nerves; to wit, when the same being deposited by the serous water within the Cavities, or ventricles of the Head, it is insinuated into the Neighbouring roots of the Nerves: For in Chronical Diseases, when the remarkable discrasie of the blood and humours, happens also to be accompanied with a praved disposition of the brain, oftentimes a great plenty of sharp serum, infesting the Nervous stock, dropping forth from the Vessells of the Choroeidan, or retiform enfoldings, slides into the ventricles of the brain, and its Appendix: But this serous water, afterwards breaking thorow the under-spreading of the Cerebell, into the fourth ventricle, the little skin there being displaced, whereby the oblong marrow is uncovered, it falls upon the beginnings of one or more of the Nerves, and either by irritating, or imbuing them, with Heterogeneous and explosive particles, in∣duces the Convulsive disposition. And this for the most part is the cause, that sick people, after long and ill handled Feavours, also after the more grievous Cepha∣lic Diseases, at length dye of Convulsions; as I have found, by the frequent Ana∣tomie of the Carcases, of those who dyed by that means. Also it appears by ana∣tomical Observation, that the brain may be overflowed by a certain serous water, without the distemper of the Convulsive disposition; and further that in some,

who dyed of the Epilepsie, and other Convulsive diseases, there was no deluge of the serum, within the ventricles of the brain: By which it is given us to be un∣derstood, that the Convulsive distempers, do not flow only from the waterie matter in the Head; but that they arise not at all from such a cause, unless the serous water, overflowing the ventricles of the Brain, and chiefly that underlaying of the Cerebel, be imbued with heterogeneous and explosive particles. I remem∣ber once, my Councel to be ask'd for a young man labouring with an Egregious Phtisis, and at that time truly desperate, besides a cough, and shortnesse of Breath, he had grievously complained for many days, yea weeks, that he could not lye upon his back in his Bed, or whilst he sat in a chair, he could not lean his head backwards: for that by this, or that posture of his Body, he was wont present∣ly to suffer tremblings of his heart, and a fainting of the Spirits, as if he were just about to dye: wherefore of necessity he was fain to hold his head upright, or leaning forward. After he was dead, his carcase being dissected, his Lungs ap∣peared all over tumified, and in some places Ulcerated: then his Skull being open∣ed, there flowed within all the Ventricles of the brain, a great quantity of yellow and salt Serum: which water certainly whilst it did slide forward upon the fourth Ventricle, about the Trunk of the oblong marrow, his head leaning back, rushing upon the heads of the wandring, and intercostal pair of nerves, did stir up the a∣foresaid Convulsions about the Praecordia: but so long as his head was inclined for∣ward, that the heap of serum flowed back into the anterior Ventricles of the Brain, the origine of the nerves remained free from that Convulsive matter.

Having hitherto shown, how many ways, and by what passages, the morbific matter, being dilated towards the origine of the Nerves, seems to bring on Con∣vulsions, it were easie, according to these reasons, to unfold many Convulsive Symptoms: for besides the Convulsive motions of Infants, and children, often∣times excited from the same kinde of Causes, hither may be referr'd the Con∣tractions, and sudden leapings forth of the nervous parts, which follow upon fea∣vours. As also those passions commonly called Hysterical, also hypocondriacal, and certain others, proceed not seldom from the morbific Cause, rushing upon the beginings of the Nerves. We will therefore endeavour to establish the truth of this Hypothesis by some other Histories, and examples, of Sick people; but in the first place, we will propose observations of that Kinde, in whom the morbific matter, setling upon the beginings of the nerves, and not being as yet slid deep∣ly into their processes, induced frequent vertigos, and only more light Convulsi∣ons, of the Viscera and Praecordia.

A noble woman about 30. years of Age, of a tender Constitution, and lean in [Observation. 1] Body, was wont every winter to be grievously afflicted with a Catarrh or Rhume, flowing upon the winde pipe, and Lungs, with a hoarse Cough, and great spit∣ting, but the last year, great care and dilligence being used, she avoyded that e∣vill. But after the winter Solstice, having taken cold, she was troubled with an huge pain of the head, a tingling of the ears, a giddiness, with a great defluxi∣on upon the eyes, that it easily appeared, that the heap of Serum, which before this time was wont to distill into the Breast, was now wholly layd up, within the head and Brain: besides, an effect of which was, that as often as she began to sleep, she was greatly infested with passions, as it were histerical, to which she had never been before obnoxious: For when ever being sleepy she closed her eyes, presently a bulk ascending in her belly, a choaking in her throat, tremblings, and leapings about the Praecordia, were stirred up; which Affections notwithstanding quite ceased, when she was thorowly awakened, so that the Sick party was ne∣cessitated, to abstain almost altogether for many days and nights from sleep.

Being sent for to this Lady, after she had bin sick and weak for many days, I was compelled at length to use gentle medicines: Therefore I took care, that blood should forthwith be drawn from the foot, to four ounces, and every day a Clyster of milk and sugar to be administred, by which she was wont to have three or four stools: besides I gave her every eighth-hour a dose of the Spirits of Harts horn in a Spoonfull of the following Julap. Take of the water of penny-royall, of walnuts, and black Cherries each ℥ iii. of Histerical water, ℥ ii. of the Syrrop of Clove∣gilliflowers ℥ i ss. of Caster tyed in a little knot, and hang'd in the middle of the glass ʒss. of the powder of Pearls ℈ i. mingle it. I Caused with success, a vesicato∣ris to be put behinde the ears, and a Cataplasm, of the leaves of Rue and Cuccow∣pint,

with the Roots of Bryony, bay salt, and black soap, to be layd to the soals of her feet. Sometimes I gave her in the evening, in a little draught of the prescri∣bed Julap, half an ounce of Diacodium, to which succeeded a moderate sleep, with∣out the wonted Convulsions following: which kinde of effects, from opiats exhi∣bited in the like case, I have often experimented: for the quenching her thirst, I gave her a Ptisan, with diuretick Ingredients boyled in it: by the use of these, she was very much eased, in a short time. But what proved a great benefit to her was, that an Imposthume in her ear, breaking of its own accord, powred forth, at first a yellow matter, and afterwards for many days, a great plenty of thin I∣chor or Excrement, by which Evacuation, the Convulsions of the Viscera and Prae∣cordia wholly ceasing, the disease was perfectly Cured.

As to the Reason of the aforesaid sicknesse, without doubt it seems, that those Distempers were excited, by the serous colluvies, layd up within the Bounds of the Head: for the translation of that humour into the head, brought at first both the Disease, and the Secretion or flowing of it out, thorow the Emunctuaries of the ear, took away all the Symptoms: Besides, when the morbific matter had brought in to the Spirits, planted about the beginings of the nerves, a Disposi∣tion somewhat explosive, they, though being struck as it were with madness, they were continually troubled, yet so long as leaping back towards the Brain, they obtained a space, in which they might be more freely expanded or stretched forth, they did indeed only more vehemently exercise the Phantasie, and without far∣ther trouble did only cause watchings. But, when by sleep sometimes Creeping upon her,, the excursion of the unquiet Spirits were restrained towards the Brain, (which indeed necessarily happens, when we sleep, the nervous Liquor within the pores of the brain, at that time being more plentifully admitted) they tumultuarily rushing upon the heads of the wandring pair, and intercostall Nerves, troubled the whole series of Spirits, flowing within the passages of those Nerves, and so caused the aforesaid Convulsions, about the Praecordia, Viscera, and muscles of the Throat. I have known many both Men and women sick after this manner, who, when they have been troubled with an headach, an heaviness of the hinder part of the head, or a Vertigo, have while they slept, felt forthwith in their Prae∣cordia, or Viscera, or in both together, perturbations as it were Convulsive; which indeed happens from the bending downward of the tumultuating Spirits, being reflected from the brain, upon the beginings of the Nerves: But that the use of opiats, brought a pleasing sleep to this sick person, without the wonted Convulsi∣ons, following, the reason was, because the animal spirits, as unquiet and furi∣ous as they were, yet by the Intanglement of the narcotick Particles, they were bound as it were in chains, that afterwards, without any resistance they were o∣vercome by sleep. I have indeed very often happily cured, most grievous fits of Convulsions, both Asthmatical, and as it were hysterical, by administring O∣piates.

[Observation. 2] An honest woman M. G. of 67. years of Age, yet of a florid countenance, and fat in body, when she had been a while obnoxious at first to a swelling of the face, and very grievous fits of the headach, she fell through the great cold of the win∣ter, into a very troublesome Vertigo, with a trembling of the heart, a fainting away of the Spirits, and a frequent striving to vomit: being lay'd in her bed, if she opened her eyes, or turn'd her from one side to another, she was presently troubled with a notable gididness, or swimming in the head, with swooning, and effectless vomiting. Visiting this woman, I doubted not, but that the cause of her sickness was, the Convulsive matter, being translated from the exterior regi∣on of the head, to the most inward recesses of the Encephalon, by whose inspiration or heterogeneous Copula, the animal spirits being, touched while they leaped forth inordinatly towards the brain, they excited the vertiginous Distemper, and while they rushed tumultuarily upon the heads of the nerves, the Scotomie, dis∣order of the Praecordia, and endeavouring to vomit. A large Vesicatory or blister∣ing Plaster, being applyed to the nape of the neck, and behind her ears, Clisters dayly administred, also the use of Spirits of harts-horn frequently, and of a Cepha∣lick Julap, cured her within a few days.

[Observation. 3] A noted man, about 34. years of Age, when he had been for a long time sub∣ject to a Cough, with great and thick spitting, besides having the pores of his skin very open, he was wont to sweat continually, and every night to be wet with

it: about the begining of the spring, he perceived those usuall evacuations to happen more sparingly; in the mean time, he Complained of a fullness of his hands and feet, and as it were a certain swelling or puffiing up, so that he fear∣ed a dropsie was coming upon him; beside he was troubled in his head with a giddinesse, and frequent Vertigo: A little while after, this evill increasing, light contractions, and sudden Convulsions, were ordinarily excited, about his Lips, and other parts of the mouth and face; also presently after (the morbific matter as it should seem, flowing upon the beginnings of the wandring pair and intercostal nerves) he was afflicted with the trembling, and leaping of the heart, with fre∣quent fainting away of the vital spirits, as if a Leipothymy or swooning was fal∣ling upon him.

I know that very many ascribe these Convulsive passions, so grievously infest∣ing the Praecordia, to the vapours rising from the spleen: but it seems much more reasonable, to deduce there from the Convulsive matter layd up within the brain, and rushing upon the beginnings of the Nerves; because a shifting or translation of some excrements, from some other parts, to the head goes before, and that it is so layd up, within the compass or bounds of the Encephalon, the almost continu∣al vertiginous distemper, and the Convulsions of the parts of the mouth, and face, testifie it plainly: wherefore I thought good to prescribe to this man, Re∣medies, according to the method hereafter shown.

I might be able here to propose many observations of this nature, in whom the morbific matter, subsisting neer the beginnings of the nerves, stir up light Spasms or Convulsions, only of the Viscera or members, with a Vertigo. But because a portion of this matter, descending from the head, enters more deeply the pipes of the Nerves, and so strows the tinder or enkindling of explosive seed, as it were gunpowder, about their middle and ultimate processes and enfoldings, it will be to the purpose, to add some examples of this kinde.

A certain young maid E.L. tall and hansome, sprung from sound parents, and [Observation. 4] her self (as far as might be Perceived) originally healthfull, after she had serv'd a master long sick, being a long time and almost continually with him, and was forced to watch whole nights very often, and also at other times, so that she ne∣ver slept but short and interrupted naps; she at length begun to complain of an hea∣viness in her head, and a frequent Vertigo: within a little time after, the distem∣per growing worse, she felt tremblings in her whole body, with a light shaking of her members, which came at certain times, though wandring and uncertain: afterwards she suffer'd fits plainly Convulsive, and those horrid, and often infest∣ing: a little before the approach of the disease, she was afflicted with a short Sco∣tomie, or swimming in her head, by and by she felt a streightness, and great op∣pression of her Breast, whereby all her Praecordia were drawn together: then presently gnashing her teeth, and giving a great groan, she was wont to fall to the ground; in the mean time, she was sensible, but labouring with the great op∣pression of her heart, till that constriction of her breast was loosned, she was not able by any means to rise: afterwards, when the fit was past, she was disturbed a good while, with a great palpitation of the Heart, an heaviness of the senses, and a great debility of the animal function. After that this Sick maid had liv'd subject to these kinde of fits, being very often repeated, for about 14. months, she at last became Epileptical, that as often as the assault of the evill returned, being flung prostrat on the Earth, she was taken with the insensibility or ama∣zedness of Spirits, with the foaming at mouth, and other peculiar symptoms of the falling-sickness. Neither did this distemper stay here, but ere the space of a year was elapsed, it degenerated into madness, that at last, the sick maid, ha∣ving lost the use of her Reason, grew sometimes mad with fury, and sometimes was plainly stupid and foolish.

It is plain, from the beginning, progress, and often metamorphosis of this Disease, that it at first, had its cause, and seat in the head, near the beginning of the nerves, and from thence, did dayly unfold more largely its bounds, both into the brain, and into the nervous System; for from the beginning, the morbific matter, con∣sisting neer the beginnings of the nerves, Caused only lighter Spasms or Convulsi∣ons, of the Viscera and members, and shakings, with the Vertigo; afterwards, a portion of it being slidden into the pneumonic nerves, and their foldings, pro∣duced most grievous Convulsions of the Praecordia, Diaphragma, and Ventricle;

and also another portion of the same matter invading the Brain, and its marrow, caused the Insensibility or amazedness, and so the fits of the Falling-sicknesse; and at length, the texture of the spirits being wholly vitiated, and their Latex being degenerated into a most sharp, and as it were Stygian Liquor, the convulsive di∣stempers pass'd into madness.

Therefore, as to the particular reasons, both of the disease, and symptoms, it seems, that the aforesaid Virgin, by her sedentary Life, (she being deprived altogether of the exercise of the body, and the use of a more free Air,) but chiefly by her nightly watchings, and being frequently interrupted of her sleep, she had contracted a vitious disposition of the blood, and humours, and also a praved and weak constitution of the brain, and Nervous stock (to which may be added, that she did perpetually attend on a master, sick of most grievous distempers of Con∣vulsions, and by that means, had received perchance some contagion, or con∣vulsive Infection: And first of all indeed, the Heterogeneous particles being pou∣red forth, together with the nervous juce, into the brain and Cerebel, and there cleaving to the spirits, as it were skirmished with the preliminarie scotomie, and vertigenous distemper; then the convulsive matter, settling upon the beginnings of the wandring pair and intercostal Nerves, and the spinal marrow, brought in, with the Vertigo, the leaping of the Viscera and Muscles, and their lighter sha∣kings: Afterwards, when entring more deeply the pipes of the Nerves, it was carried into the Cervicall, and Cardiac, and perhaps intercostal, and other un∣foldings, and embued the spirits, performing the office of respiration, and the pulse, with an explosive Copula; they being brought into explosions at every turn, together with their superiors, inhabiting the nervous origine, by reason of fullness, or because of irritation, excited most horrid Convulsions of the respe∣ctive parts: But the fit growing strong, from the pneumonic or breathing Nerves being strictly bound, the sudden inordinate systole of the Thorax, was stirred up; then presently, the Diaphragma being suddenly, and vehemently drawn back, the obstreperous ejulation did succeed: Further, when by reason of the systole of the Thorax, being sometime continued, the blood being hindred, that it could not move, it stagnated altogether in the praecordia, therefore, during the fit, that great oppression of the heart, with want of speech and motion afflicted the sick maid: But in the mean time, while as yet the region of the brain remained free, and clear from the explosions of the spirits, the sick party remained in her senses, or memory: but afterwards when the Convulsive matter being dayly increased, it was unfolded in the middle or marrowy parts, of the debilitated and broken brain, to the former passions, about the praecordia, came also the Insensibility and ama∣zedness of spirits, then the Epilepsie, and lastly madnesse, for the reasons before recited. Many medicines, and of various kinds, being prescribed to this sick maid, by many, both Physitians and Empericks, but confusedly, and with an un∣certain method, being presently changed, did her no good.

[Observation. 5] A certain fair woman, well coloured, and well flesh'd, from a setled grief, fell into a sickly disposition; about noon, and the evening, for the most part she was pretty well, but in the morning, when she had slept enough, and often indulg'd it too much, till she became very somnolent and heavy: being thorowly awakened, presently she was wont to complain of a heavinesse, and as it were a stupidness, in her whole head, with a Vertigo at every motion, or stirring about of her head; a little after she constantly expected a convulsive fit, or the insensible amazedness of the spirits, and sometimes this, sometimes that, was wont to infest her: for that after the Vertigo, as it were a praevious velitation, for the most part, she felt in her ventricle, and left side, an heavy or weighty pain running up and down here and there; hence belching, a striving to vomit, eruptions of blasts, also wonder∣full distentions of the abdomen, and hypochondria, did follow, and sometimes for many hours, did miserably Exercise this woman; but sometimes these Symp∣toms hapned to be wanting, and then the distemper more cruelly afflicted her brain: for falling into frequent insensible fits, she was wont to continue a great while immovable, and with her eyes shut, without sense or understanding; and when her servants had moved her, by rubbings, and with the fume of Tobacco, she came by and by to her self, but presently again she fell into the like insensibi∣lity, and so for four or five times, before she could perfectly recover her self, and be without expecting to fall into these fits again: At length the Tragedy being

acted, she remained however affected with an heaviness, and torpor of her head, in some measure: but about noon, all the clouds being discussed, she was wont to obtain a fair, and screne disposition of her whole head, untill the next morning, the same Symptoms would return again.

Who shall rightly weigh these Symptoms, need not suppose them vapours, ari∣sing from the womb, or spleen, and in those seek for the morbific cause in vain: which truly may more certainly be placed in the head it self: for it seems, that by reason of a great sadness (which happens often to women) at the beginning, a great debility, together with a vitious taint, was impressed on her brain; so in∣deed that the animal spirits derived to the brain and Cerebell, brought with them, heterogeneous particles, of a mixt kinde, viz. Partly narcotick of stupifying, and partly explosive or rushing forth: which kinde of Copula, when they had more plentifully conceived, through sleep, they were stirred up to the shaking of it of, by mere fullness: as soon therefore, as the woman was awakened, the same spirits, being moved, either a bending downward being made below, they were depressed upon the beginnings of the Nerves, and there being explosed, they ex∣cited Convulsions of the viscera; or leaping back towards the middle of the brain, and being there struck off, they brought in those frequent and terrible Insensibi∣lities. In truth, this distemper was somewhat akin to the Epilepsie, but that the morbific matter was not as yet stayed within the regal palace of the brain, or its middle part, so that there it might infect the spirits, within their Fountains; but yet, the same heterogeneous Copula, did cleave more strictly to them, dissociated or disjoyned below, and dividing themselves into various and lesser rivolets, ac∣cording to the beginnings of the Nerves. In the mean time, the spirits, whereby they might shake off that matter, being often explosed, caused the stupor, and Insensibility, but bending to some other place, they rushed upon the beginnings of the Nerves, for that reason caus'd those Spasms or Convulsions of the viscera: But that the fits come only in the morning, after a plentiful sleep, the reason was because the heterogeneous Copula of the spirits, coming to them with the Ner∣vous juce, was at that time gathered together to a fit fulness for explosions, which being then wholly shaken off, the sick person remained therefore all the rest of the day, free from the distemper, till the next day, when the nights sleep had brought to the head, a new supplement of morbific matter, the like fit returned in the morning; which perhaps, as the sleep had been shorter or longer, was mo∣ved now within the brain, now near the nervous origine.

But it may be observ'd, that Convulsions have arisen, from the nervous origine, being chiefly affected, not only in the female sex, as the weaker and more lyable, but sometimes, these kinds of distempers have been excited in men, from the like procatartic cause. Some years since, being hastily sent for from a stranger, who lodged in this Citty, at first sight, I suspected that he was possess'd, and believ'd that he had more need of Exorcisms, than of Medicines. He was about Forty years old, who had now for about three years, at certain set times of the year, been wont to be troubled with convulsive Motions; whilst he by chance lodg'd here, for a few days about his occasions, by reason of a great sadness, he had a fit of his sickness greater than usuall: He was wont for two or three days before∣hand, to feel the coming of his disease; to wit, from a great commotion within the forepart of the head, almost a continual Vertigo, and frequent dimness of his eyes: But the fit coming on him, at first his eyes were variously roled about, and inverted, then a certain bulk, like a living animal, was seen to creep from the bottom of his belly upwards, towards his heart and breast, and from thence to his head: I my self pressing his belly, with my hand, felt very plainly this kinde of motion, and as long as I hindred this round thing from ascending, with both my hands, and all my strength, he found himself indifferently well; but as soon as this swelling creeping upwards by degrees, had reached the head, presently the members of the whole body were cruelly pull'd together, that he would dash himself against the walls, or posts, as if possest by an evill spirit; He could hardly be held, and restrain'd, by four strong men, with all their force, but that he would leap from them, and fling out his arms, feet, and head, here and there, with divers manners of motions: when he ceased from leaping forth, or strugling, his members would be strongly extended, and his muscles stiff, as if troubled with the Cramp, or stiff extension: such a fit would last about a quarter of an hour, then

coming to himself, he would talk soberly, and walk about in his Chamber; he knew what he had suffer'd, and ask'd pardon of the standers by, presently after, he began to draw his eyes inward, and swiftly to role them about: then presently the convulsive distemper returning, acted the like Tragedy as before: and after this manner, he would have five or six of these kinde of convulsive fits, within three hours space. In the midst of one of these fits, a vein in his Arm being o∣pened, and a large orifice made, the blood flowed out slowly, and was seen pre∣sently to be congealed: and so indeed, that being received into the dish, it did not flow about, after the manner of Liquors, with a plain and equal superficies, but like melted fewet, drop'd into a cold vessell, one drop being heaped upon ano∣ther, it grew to a heap.

If this strange distemper had hapned to a woman, it would presently have been said, that it was the mother, or histerical, and the Cause of it would have been laid on the fault of the womb; especially, for that the ascent of something, like a bulk, began the fit, from the bottom of the belly: But when this common soluti∣on, which most often is the mere subterfuge of Ignorance, cannot be admitted in this case, it seems most congruous to reason, to referr all these Symptoms, to the evill affections of the brain, and nervous stock. For truly it may be plainly gathered, that the cause of the disease, did lye hid in the head it self, by the Symptoms preceding the fit, which did denote a very great agitation of the spi∣rits, within the head; that inflation of the brain, and heavy swimmings, which constantly came just as the fit was coming upon him, the turnings of the eyes, manifestly argue, that heterogeneous and explosive particles, did adhere to the spirits, dwelling within the Encephalon, near to the beginnings of the Nerves. So that this case, comes near to the nature of the Epilepsie, excepting, that the spi∣rits within the middle of the brain, did not admit an heterogeneous Copula, nor being explosed in another place, did they tumultuously break forth there; for du∣ring the fit, the sick person was still in his senses, or had the use of his memory: But the morbific matter, being more plentifully laid up in the head, when from thence it was slid, more deeply into the pipes, both of the Interior und Exterior Nerves, it had placed mines of explosive seeds, very diffusive, in the viscera, both of the lower and middle belly, and also in the exterior members; so that, when the animal spirits began to be exploded, near the beginnings of the nerves, pre∣sently from thence, others inhabiting the mesenteric enfoldings, and then others in the other nervous enfoldings, interjected from the outmost bound, even to the head, being explosed in order, did even continue the Convulsions, from one part to another, untill they came to the head it self: but presently the explosion being translated from thence, to the spirits dwelling in the spinal marrow, and Appen∣ding Nerves, the most strong Convulsions of the muscles, and members of the whole body follow'd: But that, that ascent, as it were of a bulk, or substance which very often was perceived in the lower belly, about the beginning of the Convulsions, proceeding from the spirits, within the mesenterick enfoldings, being brought into explosions, shall be more largely declared anon, when we come to treat of hysterick passions.

In the mean time if it be ask'd, for what reason, that, the convulsive paroxysm, beginning in the part of the head, near the beginnings of the Nerves, presently the spirits dwelling in the outmost parts (as many as are pre-disposed for that Symptom) enter into explosions, and so transfer the convulsive Distemper, be∣ing there fully raised, upwards, (for it is for the most part so, whether the en∣trance of the disease begins in the bottom of the belly, or about the middle of the abdomen, the Hypochondria or praecordia, for that the Convulsion is wont to creep by degrees, from those places towards the head.) I say, for the solution of this, these two considerations are offer'd, to wit, in the first place we consider, that when some whole series of spirits is disturbed, those who reside in the extreamest bounds are first destituted of their originall Influence; wherefore, they, before o∣thers, grow tumultuous, and begin to grow irregular; hence it is, when the Nerve of the arm or thigh, is strained hard, by leaning on it, that the wonted Influence is hindred, that a numness, with a sense of pricking or tingling, is first felt in the fingers or toes; from whence by degrees, it creeps upwards towards the places affected. Secondly, the other is, and rather the reason of this distemper, to wit, that the spirits being ready for explosions, when they are contained with∣in

the nervous pipes, one or more, as so many distinct little Tubes, they require a sufficient ample space, in which they may be able very much, and indeed suc∣cessively to be rarefied, and expanded; which thing because it cannot be easily performed, within the Trunks of the Nerves, from the beginning towards the end, therefore while the Spirits, about the nervous origine, being first struck off, leap back towards the Encephaleon, for that cause they stir up the Vertigo: the more open explosion of the spirits, for the most part, begins about the inferior passages of the nerves, or at their extremities, where the Trunk of the nerve is either dilated, into more ample foldings, or terminated in more fibres largely dispersed abroad; then those Spirits being explosed, there is room made presently for others succeeding in order, whereby in like manner they may be exploded: Hence we may observe, whilst the exterior Spirits are exploded, if a Ligature or hard Compression being made, the succession of others into the same space, or their progress toward the exterior parts be intercepted, the Convulsion is wont to be hindred, that it cannot ascend upwards: wherefore when a numbness (as medical Histories testifie) being arisen from the farthest end of the finger, or toe, creeps to the superior parts, with a tingling, or like a cold air, and at length reaching the brain, causes most horrid Convulsions; if by and by after the motion is begun, the Arm or thigh be strongly tyed, the Spasm or Convulsion not being able to get over the bound place, is hindred from coming to the head; yea, it is usuall for histerical women, as soon as the swelling of the belly, or the ascent of the bulk in the abdomen is first perceived, to gird strongly their waists, with Swathing-bands, and so oftentimes they prevent, the Praecor∣dia, and the region of the brain, from being disturbed, by that same Convul∣sive Fit.

But that the Blood, being let out in the midest of the fit, was so soon congeal∣ed, indeed it very ordinarily happens to be so, in Convulsive and Apoplectical Distempers, as the most learned Heighmore hath first noted, out of Hendochius: But that some from hence contend, that Convulsions rely altogether upon the thickness of the Blood, and stagnation, its motion being hindred, cannot be granted: Because, the blood taken from those who are subject to convulsions, a little before the fit, is dilated with serum, and fluid enough: wherefore, we may lawfully think, that, that Congelation is caused by the paroxysm it self, because in Convulsive motions, and immoderate Contractions of the Nerves, and Viscera, the interflowing Blood, by the exhalations of its spirit, and serum, is somewhat loosened in its mixtion, and therefore in some sort coagulated; like as when milk, by reason of too much agitation, and separation of the parts one from another, grows into butter; wherefore this kinde of Coagulation of the Blood, seems ra∣ther to be the effect, than the Cause of the Convulsions.

The Curatorie Method.

AS to the Cure of these kinde of Convulsive Distempers, which in women, or men, proceed from the morbific cause lying upon the beginnings of the Nerves. The first Indication will be, to draw away the tinder or inkindling of the disease, viz. to hinder, that the blood may not affix on the head, the heterogeneous particles, either begot in it self, or received elsewhere from the Viscera. For this purpose, an evacuation, both by catharticks, and blood-letting, unless something contradict, is wont to be benificially prescribed.

Vomiting most often brings help, wherefore Emeticks of the Infusion of Cro∣cus metallorum, or of the Salt of Vitriol, or wine of Squills, is to be taken at the beginning. Then almost the next day, the taking away of Blood, either by phle∣botomy in the Arm, or by Leeches in the Sedal veins, is to be performed; then af∣terwards, a gentle purge of pills, or solutive Apozems, is to be ordained, and timely repeated.

Take of the pills of the Amber of Crato, or of the Tartar of Bontius ʒ ii. of the Resine of Jalap, gr. xvi. of Caster ℈ i. of the oyle of Rosmary or Amber, ℈ss. of gumm-Ammoniac disolv'd in hysterical water, what will suffice to make 16. pills. Let 4. of them be taken every sixth, or Seventh day.

Take of the Roots of Polypodia of the Oak, of sharp pointed-docks prepared, of

chervill, cach, ʒ vi. of the male Paeony, ʒ iii. of the leaves of Betony, germander, Cha∣mipits, Vervine, the male Betony, each i. handfull, of the seeds of Cardamums, and burdock each ʒ iii. let them be boyled in 4. pints of Spring water till half be con∣sumed: Let it be strained into a matrace, to which put of the leaves of the best Senna, ℥ i. of Rhubarb, ʒ vi. of Turbith gummed ℥ ss. of Epithimum, of yellow-San∣ders, each ʒ ii. of the Salt of wormwood, and Scurvy-grass, each ʒ i. the yellow rine of the Orange ʒ ii. let them digest close, shut, in hot Sand for 12. hours. let the straining be kept for use, sweeten it (if there be need) with what will suffice, of the Augustan Syrrop, or of Succory with Rubarb. The Dose ℥ vi. once or twice in a week.

Every day, in which purges are not taken, Remedies strengthning the brain, and also the animal Spirits; for the taking away the heterogeneous Copula, or for the hindring them from running into explosions, are to be administred, which indeed ought to be prescribed and chosen, according to the Constitution, and habit of the Body, and temperament of the sick; for too lean bodys, and such as being indued with a more hot blood, medicines less hot, and which do not trou∣ble the bloud above measure, ought to be given: On the Contrary, for phleg∣matick and fat people, whose urine is thin, and watery, and whose Blood is Cir∣culated more heavily, and Viscera's stuffed, more hot Remedies, and notably apt to ferment the humours, are designed. In the former Case, let it be prescribed, af∣ter this manner.

Take of the Conserve of the Flowers of Betony, Tamarisk, the male-Paeonie, each ℥ ii. of the Species of Diamargerit frigida ʒ iss. of the powder of the Root of Paeonie, and of the seeds of the same each ʒ 1. of red-Corall prepared ʒ ii. of vitriol of steel, ℈ ii. of the Salt of Wormwood, ʒ ii. with what will suffice of the juce of Oranges, make an Electuary, take of it twice or thrice in a day, drinking after it a little draught of the Julap hereafter prescribed.

Take of Corall Red, with the juce of Oranges, beaten together in a glass, or marble mortar, and dry'd, ℥ss. of the powder of misletow of the oake, of the root of the male Paeonie ʒ ii. of perled sugar, ʒ iii. make a powder, the dose from ℈ i. to ʒss. twice or thrice in a day.

Take of the Species of Diamargarit frigida ʒ ii. of the Salt of wormwood, ʒ iii. of the root of Cocowpint powderd, ʒ i. mix them, make a powder, let it be divided into xx. parts, take a dose in the morning, and at four in the afternoon.

Take of the Roots of Butterbur ℥ i. dose ʒss, to ʒ i. twice in a day.

Take of the Leaves of Burdock and Cocowpint each vi. handfulls, let them be cut and mixed together, and so distilled. The dose ʒ ii. to iii, twice or thrice a day, after a dose of Electuary or powder.

Take of this water distilled ii. pints, of our steel prepared, ʒ ii. mix them in a Vial, let it be taken after the same manner.

Take of the Simple water of walnuts, and of black-Cherries each half a pint, of Snales ʒ iii. of the Syrrop of the flowers of the male Paeonie, ℥ ii. the dose ℥ iss. to two, after the same manner.

Take of the shavings of Ivory, and harts-horn each iii. drams, of the roots of Cher∣vill, burdock, Valerian, each half an ounce, of the leaves of Betony, Chamepits, harts-tongue, the tops of Tamarisk, each one handfull, of the barks of Tamarisk, and of the woody nightshade, each half an ounce, let them be boyled in two quarts of spring water, to the consumption of the third part; add to it of white-wine eight ounces, strain it into a pitcher, to which put of the leaves of brook-lime, and Cardamine, each one handfull, make an Infusion warm, and close for four hours: Let the colature be kept close in glasses. The dose ℥ vi. twice in a day, after a dose of some solid Medicine; sometimes such an Apozme may be mixed with ʒ ii. of our steel, and taken in the same manner.

In the Summer time, the use of spaw-waters is convenient, and for want of them, our Artificial ones may be taken.

If that for the reasons above-recited, more hot Medicines are to be prescribed, you may proceed according to the following method.

Take of the Conserves of Rosemary, of the yellow of Oranges, and Lemmons, each ℥ ii. of Lignum aloes, of yellow-sanders, of the roots of snake-weed, Contrayerva, An∣gelica, Cocowpint, each ʒ i. of the vitriol of steel (or of steel prepared) ℈ iiii. of the salt of wormwood, and Scurvy-grass, each ʒ i. with what will suffice of candied Wall∣nutts,

make an Electuary: Let it be taken twice in a day, to the quantity of a nut∣meg, drinking after it a dose of appropriate Liquor.

Take of the Roots of male-Paeony, Angellica, and red Coral prepared, each ʒ ii. of Sugar dissolved in the water of Snales, boyled to the consistency of Tablets, ℥ vi. of the oyle of Amber lightly rectified, ʒ ss. make a sufficient quantity of Lozenges, each weighing about half a dram, take one or two twice or thrice a day, drink∣ing after it a dose of proper Liquor.

Take of the Roots of Virginian Snake-weed, Contrayerva, Valerian, each ʒ ii. of red Coral, and prepared Pearl, each ʒ i. of winteran Bark, and of the root of Cretian Dittany, each ʒ i. of the Vitriol of Steel, and Salt of wormwood, each ʒ iss. of the extract of Centaury ʒ ii. of Ammoniacum dissolved in histerical water, what will suffice, to make a pillulary mass: of which take four pills, in the morning, and at four in the afternoon.

Take of the Spirits of harts-horn, or Sut, or humane Blood, or of Sal ammoniack, what will suffice, take of them from 10. to 12. drops, morning and evening, in a spoonfull of Julap, drinking a little draught of the same after it.

Take of the Leaves of Betony, Vervine, Sage, Lady-smocks, Cocowpint, Burdock, each two hand-fulls, of green wallnuts, number 20. the rinds of six Oranges, and of 4. Lemons, of Cardamums, and Cubebbs, each ℥ i. being cut and brused, pour on them of whey made of Cider or white wine, six pints, let them be distil∣led according to Art. The dose ℥ ii. or iii. twice in a day, after a dose of a solid medicine. Add to i. quart of this liquor ii. drams of our Steel.

Take of the Water of Snailes, and of earth-worms, each ℥ vi. walnuts simple, ℥ iiii. of Radish Compound: ℥ ii. of white sagar ℥ ii. make a Julap. The dose 4. or 6. spoonfulls, twice in a day, after a dose of a solid medicine.

Take of millipedes or chesslogs, cleansed, i pint, of Cloves cut, ℥ss. put to them i, quart of white-wine, let them be distill'd in a glass-Cucurbit. The dose ℥ i. to ℥ iss, twice in a day.

For poor people, medicines easie to be prepared, may be prescribed after this manner.

Take of the Conserves of the Leaves of Rue, made with an equal part of sugar, ℥vi. take of it the quantity of a nutmeg, twice in a day, drinking after it of the decocti∣on of the Seeds and Roots of Burdock, in whey or posset-drink made of white-wine.

Or there may be prepared a Conserve of the leaves of the Tree of Life, with an equall part of Sugar: dose ʒss. to ʒ i. twice in a day.

Take of millipeds prepared ʒ iii. of ameos seeds ʒ i. make a powder, divide it in∣to 10. parts, take a dose twice in a day, or 12 Sows or woodlice brused, and white-wine, put to them, let the juce be wrung out, make a draught, let it be taken twice a day.

In the mean time, while these Medicines are taken Inwardly, it is sometimes convenient to raise blisters, with Vesicatories, in the nape of the neck and be∣hinde the ears; for so the serous and sharp humours, are very much brought away from the head: besides, sneezing powders, and such as purge Rhume from the head, often give signal help. The taking away of Blood from the Sedal veins, or the foot, ought sometimes to be itterated; yea, and the Distemper urging, Plai∣sters or Cataplasms, are profitably applyed to the soles of the feet. It is also bene∣ficial to apply drawing medicines, about the calves and thighs.

CHAPTER VI. Of Convulsive Motions, whose cause subsists about the extre∣mities of the Nerves, or within the nervous foldings.

SOmetimes Convulsive distempers do arise, without any fault in the Head, by the irritation and explosion of the spirits, remaining about the extremities of the nerves, which plainly appears, because, when medicines haul sharply the Ventricles or Intestines, or worms gnaw them, there do not only follow Convul∣sions

in those parts, but besides, convulsive motions do sometimes torment (or are retorted on) the members, and outward Limbs: for indeed, as we have shown elsewhere, when the sense of a very grievous Trouble torments any part, and from that is communicated to the chief Sensorie, presently from thence, an involuntary, and irregular motion, is wont to be reflected on the spirits in that place irritated; and that not only by the same nerves, to which the sense of the pain was carried, but sometimes also the Convulsion is reciprocated, by others, either neighbouring, or altogether extraneous: So the Stone being fixed in the Ureters, and irritating very much its nervous fibres, excites Convulsive motions, not only in the distemperd Vessell, but almost in all the Viscera of the Abdomen; So that, the urine being suppressed, Torments diffused here and there, and very often horrid Vomitings follow. Wherefore, 'tis not at all to be doubted, but that both diseases, and some Convulsive Symptoms, are very often induced, by rea∣son of an outward hurt, brought to the Tops of the Nerves, terminating with∣in the membranes, muscles, or Viscera: yea, in the hysterical, hypochondriacal, and certain other passions, if at any time Convulsive motions are excited, in the hurt head, by the fault of the womb, spleen, or other Inward; verily they a∣rise by this only means, to wit, by the Trouble of the rest of the parts, being translated this way through the Nerves, (but in no wise, by the Vapours) to the brain, and are propagated, all about, into various Regions of the Body.

But it should here be noted, that although the evident Solitary cause, foras∣much as it is strong and vehement, may sometimes induce Convulsions of it self, and without a praevious disposition: because indeed the Animal Spirits being ir∣ritated, beyond measure, begin greater and more than ordinary explosions, as in overgreat purging, and Vomiting, and the fits of the Collick, and Stone, is ordinarily wont to happen; yet in many other Convulsive Distempers, whose fits are often and habituall, besides the irritation made, about the extremities of the nerves, which serves for the most part for the evident cause, also a certain more remote cause is present, to whose efficacy the assault of the disease is chiefly be∣holden; to wit, when Convulsive motions are wont to be excited, and at every turn repeated, by the fault of the Spleen, womb, or other private part, it may be suspected, that the animal Spirits, of the Fibres in the distemperd part, and those disposed in its neighbouring parts, had first contracted an heterogeneous, explosive Copula, by which being filled, to a running over, they were provoked, by a light occasion, to Convulsive explosions: Then, those being first begun, about the extremities of the nerves, creep upwards by the passage of the same nerves, and are often caryed to the same nervous origine, and sometimes beyond, to the middle of the brain: from whence, lastly, being reflected, on the nervous stock, they also secondarily, cause the Convulsions of the members, and Limbs: But after the Brain, and a Superior portion of the nervous System, are wont to suf∣fer, and be affected often, by the Convulsions below excited, the spirits inhabi∣ting those parts, also begin to be themselves adulterated at length, and to admit an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, and so to acquire, in part, a procatartick cause; hence at length, a Convulsive procatarxis or more remote cause, becomes Common to either end of the Trunk of the same nerves, and the animal spirits of one nerve, or more, being evilly disposed, both at the head and tail, conceive explosions from either part, and deliver them presently to the other, as shall be more largely declared below, when we treat particularly of hysterical, and o∣ther passions. in the meantime, we will add some histories, and observations, of Convulsions, arising from the farther ends, or extremities of the Nerves.

[Observation. 1] A fine maid, about the 16th. year of her age, falling from her horse, and light∣ing upon a Stone, grievously hurt her left breast, from whence a Tumor arose, with pain, which Symptoms notwithstanding by the use of medicines, at the be∣ginning seem'd to be mitigated, and to be indifferently well, for a long time after. Three years after, she having taken cold, and having observed but a bad course of dyet, all things began to be exasperated, the hurt part swelling into a bigger bulk, troubled her with an accute, and almost continual pain, that the sick Vir∣gin, for the cruel torment, could take no rest, for many days and nights, neither could she suffer the glandula's of her Breast, being then made more tumid, to be either touch'd or handled, yea nor any noyse, or shaking to be made in the Cham∣ber.

When to this Tumour, about to degenerate into a Cancer, they had applyed fomentations, and Cataplasms of hemlock, and mandraks, and other stupifying and repercussing things, this gentlewoman began to suffer certain Convulsive affecti∣ons, infesting her very often: At first, as often as the pain in her breast did most cruelly torment her, she felt in that place, prickings, also convulsions, and con∣tractions, running about here and there: then presently her Ventricle, and hypo∣chondria, and often the whole Abdomen, were wont to be inflated, and very much distended, with an endeavour of belching, and Vomiting; by and by, the same distemper, being leasurely translated to the superior parts, excited Insensibi∣lity; to which shortly after, Convulsive motions succeeded,, in the whole Body, so strongly, that the Sick party could scarce be held, by three or four strong men.

These kinde of fits, at first were wandring, and only occasionally excited: to wit, they would come, as often as the pain of her brest was strained, by some e∣vident cause: Afterwards, these Convulsions did more often infest her, and at last, they became habitual, and periodical, twice in a day, to wit, they were wont to come again constantly, at so many set hours after eating: And when after this manner, the sick Gentlewoman, had been miserably afflicted, for six months, at length, she began to be molested with a vertiginous Distemper of her head, exercising her almost continually: for which evill, when a fomentation of aromatick and cephalick herbs, had been a good while administred to her head, she became better, as to the giddiness; but then she was perpetually infested, with a quite new, and admirable Symptom, viz. an empty cough, without spitting, night and day, unless when she was overwhelmed with sleep: After this worthy Virgin, had tryed without much benifit, diverse medicines and remedies, pre∣scribed by several Physitians, she was at last helped, by making use of the most temperate Bath, at the Bath; then being presently married, after she had con∣ceived, and was brought to bed, she by degrees grew well.

If the reasons of the whole disease and its Accidents, be inquired into, without doubt, the convulsive distemper, was first of all excited from the tumour, or pai∣ned place of the breast; the cause of which was, partly the most sharp sense of pain, being impressed from its fibres and nervous parts, but partly by the hetero∣geneous Copula, being affixed on the spirits inhabiting those fibres and nerves; for truly, it may be suspected, that the most sharp humour impacted in the Tumor, which perhaps had in some sort flowed thither, by the passages of the Nerves, being repercussed, by the use of Topicks, had entred the fibres and nervous fila∣ments, or little strings disposed thorow the whole border or neighbourhood, and so the heterogeneous, and explosive Copula, had clove to the spirits; for the shaking off of which, as often as by pain they were excited, they entred into con∣vulsive explosions, and together with them, other spirits flowing within the neighbouring Nerves, by consent of the forms (as it often happens) were ex∣ploded after the same manner: Then the convulsive distemper, when it first had begun in the extremities of the Nerves, being continued thorow their passages, even to the head, was wont to cause the insensibleness, and from thence, leaping back upon the whole nervous system, the convulsive motions, of the Limbs and all the members: The fits, about the beginning of the sicknesse, being excited after this manner, by reason of pain, from the distemper'd part, were carried secon∣darily to the brain, and its appendix: But afterwards, when the spirits inhabiting those places, being often explosed, by sympathy, had so loosned, and weakned the pores of the containing parts, that there lay open a passage, within the same, for all heterogenious particles to enter, with the nervous juce, the convulsive procatarxis or more remote cause, also increased in the head; and the spirits in∣habiting the Encephalon, being infected with an heterogenious Copula, they them∣selves begun the convulsive fit, or at least afforded the first instinct to its assalt, which did return, for the most part, at such set hours after eating, because the morbific matter, was carried in, together with the nervous juce, almost in an equal dimension: In truth, in such cases, where the convulsion being generall, doth possess almost all the parts of the whole nervous system successively, we may suspect, that the animal spirits, had contracted an heterogenious and explosive Copula, in the whole nervous stock, which, when it is arisen, at the set time, to a fullness, incites the spirits themselves, at the appointed time, in like man∣ner

to explosions, and the same explosion, being begun somewhere, is propaga∣ted in order, to all, after the manner of a fiery enkindling.

As to that empty cough, which succeeding the fomentation of the head, exer∣cised this sick person allmost incessantly for many months; it seems, that this Symptom should depend altogether from the nervous origine being distemper'd, and not at all on the stuffing of the Lungs, for she did not avoid any thing with the cough; and if at any time that force of coughing was violently restrained, pre∣sently she was troubled with the sense of choaking in her Throat: So that, as it is very likely, the morbific matter laid up near the nervous origine being rarified and stirred, by the fomentation, entred more deeply the heads of the nerves, ap∣pointed for the Lungs, and stirred up in their fibres, and filaments, perpetuall con∣vulsions: after the like manner, as when the nervous juce, which waters the fi∣bres, and tendons of the Muscles, being made sharp, and degenerate, induces to those parts, continual leapings and contractions: hence, when a Convulsion or spasm was stop'd, in some branches of the distemper'd Nerves, so as she could not cough, presently the Convulsive motion, running into other branches, of the same neighbour Nerve, stirred up that choaking in the Throat. I will here pro∣pose another example of a Convulsion, arising from the extremities of the Nerves being affected.

[Observation. 2] A noble Matron, of fifty years of Age, after her courses had left her for about half a year, began to complain, first in a pricking pain of her left pap, then af∣terwards, that distemper leaving her, she was ill about her ventricle, for there arose an hard, and as it were a schirrous Tumour, with a sad pain; upon this came an inflation of the stomach, with difficulty of respiration, a nauseousness, and frequent Vomiting: Then the disease encreasing, with a more sharp pain run∣ning about here and there, she fell into Convulsive distempers of the ventricle: to wit, in that place, she was allmost continually troubled, with Convulsions vari∣ously running about, just as if her ventricle had been torn to pieces: Besides a con∣stant perturbation of minde, with thirst, and watchings, and a freqnent deliqui∣um of spirits, as if she had been just dying, exercising this sick Lady: All which symptoms, she plainly perceiv'd to arise, from that Tumour in her ventricle: They saw that all vomitory, cathartical, antiscorbuticall, and hysterical Medi∣cines, did her no good, but were rather hurtfull, and troublesome; she received some benefit, by the taking away of blood by Leeches, and by the use of Asses milk, and afterwards she was much eased, by the long drinking of spaw-waters.

The aforesaid Symptoms, which commonly are ascribed to the hysterical passi∣on, and the vapours from the womb here plainly appear, to have proceeded from a Tumour, arising about the bottom of the ventricle: for that the blood of this Lady, being very hot, and melanchollick, when it could be no more purged, by her courses, flowing from her, it laid up its recrements, and adust faeculencies, at first in her breast, and then from a new beginning, in the membranes of her stomach: From the tumor there made, sharp and heterogenious particles falling down perpetually, entred the fibres and nerves, planted round about; which clea∣ving continually to the spirits, dwelling in, and flowing into those parts, excited them to frequent explosions, and so made Convulsive distempers, in all the neigh∣bouring parts: But that sometimes the convulsive motions were more light in that place, hence it appears, that the whole nervous stock, and the head it self (as is wont to be in greater convulsions) had not as yet been touched, with the same distemper: But the disorder of spirits, arising about the parts affected, and from thence transfer'd, by a smaller undulation or waving to the head, and so only lightly disturbing the spirits, inhabiting it, induced watchings, with a great heat, and perturbation of the phantasie, what we have hitherto discoursed of Convulsions, from the morbific cause setling upon either end of the nervous sy∣stem, will more clearly appear, when we shall hereafter trear particularly of the chief kinds of convulsions, viz. the hysterical, hypochondriacall, and other pas∣sions: In the mean time, there will be no need to add a Curatory method, for this Hypothesis of convulsions, arising by reason of the extremities of the nerves being affected, because the ways of curing may be better accomodated, to the passions of this kinde, hereafter particularly to be spoken of: But for the pre∣sent, it behoves us, to proceed to the unfolding of the convulsive passions, whose cause, or morbifick matter, seems to subsist, within the nervous foldings.

We have largely enough, in another place, discoursed of the nervous fol∣dings, and in their description, and use, we have shown, that 'tis very likely, the more grievous fits of convulsive motions, beginning oftentimes within these parts, are from thence propagated on every side, into the neighbouring parts, and not seldom to a great distance: at least, that it seems much more probable, that the heterogenious and explosive particles, after they have overcome the tract of the head, and its medullary appendix, and being more deeply slidden into the Chan∣nels of the Nerves, and their passages, together with the juce watering them, do spread their stores within the nervous foldings, as it were in Cross-streets, and by paths, and there sometimes make their stations, untill at length, being more plentifully heaped up, they as it were with Collected forces, produce the more cruel convulsive distempers: This I say, appears to be much more probable, then (what is commonly said) to suppose them vapours, arising from the womb, spleen, ventricle, or any other inward, in which all the fault is easily thrown: For within these foldings, there are spaces large enough, for morbific mines, that the matter may be there at leasure laid up, and remain, till it be gathered to a fullness: But then, because we believe, that great plenty of spirits lodge there, more than in any other little cells, the heterogenious Copula growing to them, lays as it were tinder for more grievous explosions, so that, the spirits being ex∣plosed within these bodies, do not only inflate, and dilate them, but elevate and lift them up, from their Place (even as a house blown up with gun-powder;) wherefore the parts lying over them, are suddenly lifted up into a tumour, and loose are drawn violently hither and thither. That after this manner, the more cruell fits of Convulsions, about the praecordia, and Viscera, are very often stirred up, I have found to be true, besides the Arguments taken from reason, not long since by my own sight: For when I opened the dead body of a Gentlewoman who had been exceedingly troubled with (as they say) the Mother fits, or hysterical Distempers, I found the womb wholly faultless, but the Nerves near the fol∣dings of the Mesentery, (as it seem'd) only to be lifted up, and elevated into a bulk, and the membranes of that inward, appeared torn, and loosned one from ano∣ther, as being on every side tumid, and loose, as it were blown up into little bubbles, or bladders.

Indeed there are more considerations of solid reasons, whereby we are induced [Observation. 1] to believe, that the passions called hysterical, do most often arise, from the con∣vulsive matter, heaped up within the Mesenterick enfoldings, and by turns explo∣sed: which shall be more clearly manifested, where we treat especially of those diseases: But, neither is it less probable, that the Collick-pains, do very often proceed, from a more sharp and irritative matter, contained in the same enfol∣dings. Besides, as often as the convulsive fits seem to begin from the spleen, or ventricle, by reason the beginnings of which are inflations, and very great distur∣bances of those parts, it is likely, that the nest of the convulsive matter, was hid within the nervous enfoldings, belonging to the spleen or ventricle: Also, this kinde of matter, seems to excite within the Cardiac foldings, most heavy trem∣blings, and passions of the heart; and within the pneumonic, or cervical, (or those belonging to the Lungs and throat) enfoldings, most terrible fits of the Asthma. In our Treatise of the Nerves, we have related a notable case, of a worthy Gentlewoman, to whom a serous matter, wonted to distill from the forepart of her head, through her left nostrill, fell down behind her ear: where, when the most cruel pain did infest her, Convulsions also, and admirable contra∣ctions followed: whereby the joynting or compaction, now of the brain, and the whole head, seem'd to be pulled downward, now the throat, praecordia, and Vis∣cera upwards: which kinde of Convulsions, vexing the parts so opposite, and at such distance, by turns, when they did proceed from one and the same seat, of the disease, planted in the midst, it will be obvious to conceive, that the grieved place, as the origine of either convulsive affection, was the ganglioform enfol∣dings, planted near the Parotidae, or the two chief Arteries of the throat: into which, the Nerves both of the wandring pair descending from the head are en∣tred, and out of which the shoots do stretch themselves, into the muscles of the throat and branches, into the praecordia, and viscera. Further, front the same cause, to wit, the convulsive matter, heaped up; and by turns explosed, within the ganglioform enfoldings, we think, (and not undeservedly) that sense of

choaking in the Throat, so often excited in the convulsive fits, did proceed. But there will be a more fit place, to speak of this, when we shall particularly handle, the convulsive diseases, and symptoms. We shall now endeavour, to search into what remains, of the last kind of Convulsions, of which we made mention above, to wit, which relies on the nervous Liquor being infected, thorow its whole mass, with heterogenous and explosive particles, and for that reason, irritate∣ing the whole processes of the Nerves, and the nervous bodies, into universal Spasms, or Convulsions; and those either continual, or intermitting.

CHAPTER VII. Of Convulsive Motions, arising from the Liquor watering the nervous Bodies, and irritating their whole processes into Convulsions.

THat Convulsive distempers do sometimes wander thorow the whole nervous stock, and infest now these parts, now those, now many together, is so no∣ted, and obvious almost to dayly experience, that nothing can be more: we may therefore take notice, in these, that the tendons of the Muscles, do every where leap up, and are drawn together with spasms; in others, some exterior members, are bended, or stretch'd forth, with various flections, and contortions, here and there, after divers manners, we have seen some, forced by the unbridled, and un∣tamed force of the spirits, as if struck with madness, to run, or leap about, or strongly to smite, with their feet, or fists, the earth, or any objects: which if they should not do, forthwith they would fall into swooning fits, and horrid Ec∣clips of spirits. It would be too tedious, to enumerate all the cases of universal Con∣vulsions, wandring thorow the whole nervous stock: But the symptoms of this kind, tho they are various, and manifold, may be reduced nevertheless to three chief Heads; to wit, forasmuch as they depend chiefly upon three kindes of cau∣ses; for indeed, in these wandring Convulsions, we ought to suppose, the whole nervous Liquor to the vitiated, and the animal spirits, flowing every where in the same, to be adulterated, and for that reason, to be allmost perpetually ex∣ploded: Take notice then, that this kinde of Infection, is most commonly im∣pressed on the nervous juce, and the spirits every where flowing in it, by one of these three ways, viz. 1st. By Poysons or witchcraft. 2dly, From malignant, or ill-cured feavours, in which the morbific matter is poured forth, on the Brain, or nervous stock. Or 3ly, when the nervous Liquor, by a long tract of time, by reason of the scorbutic, or otherwise vitious distemper, doth degenerate from its due constitution, into sour, or acid, or any otherwise praeternatural, and Con∣vulsive Liquor: we will here consider of each of the aforesaid cases, and first of all, of the fits of Convulsion, which are produced by poysons, or Sorceries.

First therefore, it is somewhere shown by us, that some poysons, do act rather on the nervous Liquor, than on the blood, which depraving it, most strongly induce Convulsive distempers: And it appears clearly, from the eating of Hem∣lock, the laughing-Parsly, man-drakes, the furious nightshade, wild Parsnips, and o∣ther hurtfull herbs, how soon after, horrid Contractions of the Ventricle, numbness, delirium, Convulsions, twitches of the tendons, in the whole body, were wont to follow: Besides, those kinde of Convulsions follow upon the biting of a mad Dog, and other venomous beasts, where the Virulent infection, being received by the nervous juice, and lurking a long while in it, at last puts it self forth, and in∣fects, and poysons, the whole mass of Liquor, in which it was involved, with its ferment. But what doth yet more illustrate it, are the admirable Symptoms, the truly painfull Convulsions, and unweariable dancing, which Authors have rela∣ted to follow, upon the biting of the Tarantula: and indeed, might seem fabulous, unless that the truth of the Thing were asserted, by many men of good Credit, both ancient and modern: For besides Mathiolus, and Epiphanius, Ferdinand, Gas∣sendus,

and Kircher, add, that themselves were eye-witnesses, of this distemper: yea it is said, 'tis a known thing in Apulia, and found almost by dayly experi∣ence, that in that part of the Country, there are Phalangii, or a certain kinde of Spider, which is called Tarantula, from Tarenta, an ancient City of Apulia. This little Animal, being very frequent in the Summer, often bites the heedless Coun∣tryman, and infects him with its Venemous stroke, from whence presently suc∣ceed, a pain in the hurt part, with a Tumor, and itching, by and by, in vari∣ous parts of the body, a numbness, and Trembling, also Convulsions, and loos∣nings of the members, and other Convulsive Symptoms, with a great loss of strength; as may be collected from Mathiolus, Ferdinand, and others, relating the wonderfull effects of this Disease. But truly, what these Authors say concerning the cure of this Distemper, and is practis'd commonly thorow the whole Coun∣try, is worthy of great admiration: for those stung with a Tarantula, as very sick as they are, as soon as they hear musical Instruments, presently they are ea∣sed of their pains, and leaping into the middle of the room, they begin to dance, and jump about, and so continue it, a long while, as if they were well, and ailed nothing: but if it happen, that the Fidlers leave off never so little a while, they straitways fall to the ground, and return to their former pains, unless by the in∣cessant musick they dance, and leap, till the poyson be wholly shaken off: For this end therefore, Musitioners are hired, and are changed by turns, that without inter∣mission of the noise, those who are bitten, may dance so long, till they are quite cured. Thus saith Mathiolus: to which Ferdinand adds, that poor people do ex∣pend almost all their substance, in these fidlers, and musitians, who wander up and down all that Province; and by playing to these Tarantulasized people, make much benifit: they dance or leap about, in the villages, and publick streets, and fields, some one day, some one week, and others more. To these Authours, the most learned men Gassendus, and Kircherus agree, both of which, have related it from their own observation, that they have known such affected; and they assert, that they are not affected, or excited, indifferently with any musick, but with cer∣tain kinds of Tune, and that they dance to some measures, before others.

Let us inquire a little further, into the Reasons of these aforesaid Accidents, if we may follow our conjecture, in this first place, 'tis without doubt, that a cer∣tain venemous infection is fixed on the humane body, from the bite of this little creature, which tho it being less infestous to the blood, and vital spirit, as soon as ever it passes from it, into the nervous Liquor, it presently unfolds it self, thorow its whole mass, like leaven, and infects the animal spirits, flowing every where in it; so that indeed, they being drawn one from another, and here and there inordinately moved, induce convulsive distempers, which are accompanied now with the contractures, now with the languishing, and resolutions or loosning of the containing parts.

But why the painfull Convulsions, which are raised by the bite of the Tarantula, being presently allayed by musick, are wont to turn into dancing, does not so plainly appear. That some affirm, this little animal (for that by the testimo∣ny of Aristotle it should be most wise) to be delighted with musick, and for that reason, its venom being impress'd on man, by fermenting the humours, to induce the like love of musick: I say, this conjecture will not satisfie a minde desirous of Truth, because, that supposes a musick-loving nature in the spider, and the same to be communicated to man, by a matastasis, or as it were a certain metempsychosis, or transmigration of soul, both which are taken upon trust, and little satisfacto∣ry, but it may be rather said, that the venome inflicted on the nervous liquor, by the bite of the Tarantula, is too gentle, to be able to extinguish wholly the Animal spirits, or to dissipate them very much asunder, and to compell them into more cruell explosions, but only to put them to flight, and to incite those flying here and there, into lighter, and somewhat painfull Convulsions; and that the Musick, with its flattering sweetnesse, doth congregate together, and mutu∣ally associate, with ease, the spirits so dissipated: wherefore, when as the same spirits, by reason of the Infection sticking to them, are apt to involuntary and Convulsive motions, the melody disposes them, delighted together, and directs them to such Convulsions, that entring the bodies of the nerves, by a certain Course, and Order, they are carried as it were in certain prescribed limits and compasses, until at length the particles of the venome, being quite evaporated,

and the fury and rage of the spirits being worn out, they wholly shake off that madnesse. For truly, musick doth easily carry men sound and sober, whether they will or no, or thinking of another thing, into actions answerable to the sound of the harmony; that presently the standers by, at the first striking up of the Fiddle, begin to move their hands and feet, and can scarce, nay are not able, to contain themselves from dancing: Let none therefore wonder that in men bitten by the Tarantula, when the animal spirits being moved, as it were with goads, they are compelled to leap forth, and wander about hither and thither willingly, if they are excited to dancing, and composed measures, at the stroke of an harp; so that as in these distempers, the spirit of the musick, as it were inchanting the outragi∣ous spirits, and in some measure governing, and changing their convulsive moti∣ons, serves instead of an Antidote: for that the animal spirits, being very much, and for a long while exercised, after this manner, wholly shake off the Elastic Co∣pula, contracted by the poyson, or otherwise; and they being very much wearied, at length rest from that madness, or its incitation.

That which is called the Dance of Saint Vitus, is an evill akin to this, concern∣ing which George Horstius relates, that he had spoken with some women, who for some years, visiting the shrine of St. Vitus, which is in the borders of Ʋlme, did there exercise themselves, even night and day, with dancing and discomposure of minde, till they fell down like people intranc'd: by which means, they seemed to be restored to themselves, that they felt little or nothing for a whole year, till a∣bout the time of May following, when by the inquietude of their members, they fay'd, they were so far tormented, that they were forced to go for their health sake, yearly, to the aforesaid place, about the feast of St. Vitus. Horst. Epis. Med. sect. 7. de admirandis Convulsionibus.

Indeed it is a usuall thing (as I have observed) both for men, and women, to be sometimes tormented with this inquietude of their members, and as it were with a fury or madness, that they have been forc'd to walk, till they were tyred, as also to dance, leap, and run about, here and there, that by this means they might shun the grievous trouble, and sometimes faintings away, which were a∣bout to invade them: The reason of which seems to be, that the animal spirits, forasmuch as they being incited, by an heterogenious Copula, in the whole ner∣vous kinde, become fierce, and altogether unbridled, which so to exercise, and tire out, there is need, both that they themselves may be tamed, and that the ex∣plosive Copula, may be shaken off.

That Convulsive distempers are sometimes excited by witch-craft, is both commonly believed, and usually affirmed, by many Authors worthy of credit: and indeed, as we do grant, that very oftentimes, most admirable passions, are produced in the humane body, by the delusions of the Devill, forasmuch as he, to cause wonders, by which he might rule, by the subtletie of working, insinuates to the sensitive soul, or the constitution of the animal spirits, heterogeneous A∣toms, or little Bodies, and so adds now spurs or pricking forward, and now casts chains on its functions, and now carries them to mischief: also by some means he enters himself into the humane body, and as it were another more mighty soul, is stretched thorow it, actuates all the parts, and members, inspires them with an unwonted force, and governs them at his pleasure, and incites to the perpetra∣ting of most cruel, and supernatural wickednesses: yet all kinde of Convulsions, which besides the common manner of this disease, appear prodigious, ought not presently to be attributed to the inchantments of Witches, nor is the Devill pre∣sently or allways to be brought upon the stage. For indeed, as often as a childe, or relation, of some man of the richer sort, is by chance taken with most cruell, and unusuall Convulsions, for the most part, it falls out, that by and by the next old woman is accused of witchcraft, she is made guilty, and very hardly, or not at all, the wretch escapes the flames, or an halter; when in the mean time, the disease, proceeding from causes meerly natural, may be easily Cured, by no other Exorcism, than Remedies usually prescribed against convulsive diseases: In truth, the animal spirits being indued, with a more cruell explosive Copula, and being strucken by it all of a heap together, obtain so much strength, and vigour, beyond their proper and wonted power, as the flame of gunpowder, has above the burning of the common flame; so that those, who obnoxious to this disease, out of the sit, may be govern'd, lifted up, and moved at pleasure, with the light

help of one man; when the same is upon them, make nothing of the utmost en∣deavours, and force, of at least four of the strongest men: But if in the case of a∣ny one that is sick, there arise a suspition of witchcraft, or fascination, there are chiefly two kinds of Motions, that are wont to create, and cherish this opinion, viz. 1. If the patient doth perform the contortions, or gesticulations of his members, or of his whole body, after that manner, which no sound man, nor mimick, or any tumbler can imitate. Then 2dly, If such strength be shown, that surpasses all humane force; to which, if the avoiding of monstrous things happen, as when bundles, as Henry van Heers relates, are cast forth by vomit, or a live Eel, as Cornelius Gamma tells, voided by stool, without doubt, it may be believed that the devill has, and doth perform, his parts in this Tragedy.

It were easie to heap together, very many, and indeed admirable histories, of persons of every Age and Sex, affected after a stupendious and as it were superna∣tural manner, with the manifest suspition of witchcraft: for such are every where extant, among Authors, both Physitians, and Phylosophers: and because vulgar rumour, noyses about diseases, caused by witchcraft, to happen often in allmost every Country: but because these kinde of cases, are full of Imposture, or allways increased, by the fictious lies of the relators, to create admiration, (and for that they rarely fall under the medicall cure) I will here purposely omit them: what remains is, that I proceed to unfold, the next kinde of universal Convulsions, to wit, which comes upon malignant, or otherwise irrigular, or ill-cured Feavours.

CHAPTER VIII. Of Ʋniversal Convulsions, which are wont to be excited, in Malignant, ill-cured, and some irregular Feavours.

THat Convulsions sometimes happen to persons sick of Feavours, almost eve∣ry ordinary body understands, and from thence takes a remarkable Progno∣stication, of Death, or perill: For in malignant Feavours, also sometimes in the ordinary ill-handled, as the Virtego, or Delirium arise, from the morbific matter being layd up in the Brain, from the Blood; so from the same, being slidden down into the nervous stock, Contractures and twitches of the muscles, and tendons; also sudden shakings of the members, and Limbs; and sometimes most horrid stiffnesses, in the whole Body succeed: The reason of which kinde of Symptoms seems to consist in this, that the Liquor watering the nervous parts, abounds e∣very where with heterogeneous particles irritating the Spirits: for by that means, the Spirits inhabiting, and influencing, being disturbed in their just Influence, and emanation, are incited into continual explosions, as it were a crackling noyse, not much unlike, as when the flame of a Lamp, being imbued with drossy and sal∣ted oyl, ascends with a noyse and sparkling: which kinde of Convulsive distem∣pers, for the most part, happen about the height of feavours, when the morbi∣fic matter, being first layd up in the blood, is from thence transfer'd to the Brain, and that being pass'd thorow, and also infected, it is caried into the System of the nerves, and from thence stirs up Convulsive passions, with, or without a De∣lirium.

But indeed, it is sometimes observ'd, that, besides these kinde of Convulsive distempers, coming upon Feavours, and secondarily excited; in a malignant constitution of the air, also from the breath of a Pestilent Contagion, the nervous Liquor hath been infected before the blood, or else apart from it, and therefore a Delirium, or Convulsions, have gone before a feavourish Distemper. Further, I have often observed, that some irregular Feavours have arose, in which the blood has been hardly seen to boyl up, or grow hot above measure, but the be∣ginnings of this slow and very dangerous feavour, were layd chiefly in the nervous humour; which being by degrees brought to maturity, did induce Convulsive Distempers, with a Delirium, or madness, and other wastings or exorbitances of the Animal Spirits. For the sick never complained of heat, or thirst, being

soon made feeble, and as it were strengthless, they were presently obnoxions to frequent giddiness, also to rremblings of the Limbs, and as it were leapings forth, besides, to twitches or jumpings of the muscles, and tendons, and to contra∣ctures, and pains wandring about, here and there. This kinde of sickness, by some Physitians, because it seem'd to consist in the solid parts, rather than in the blood, is called a malignant hectick feavour; when indeed, the same being fixed chiefly in the nervous humour, may be better called, the Convulsive nervous Pestilence.

There is mention made, by Gregory Horstius, of a Convulsive, and malignant Disease, which was sometime past Epidemical, in Hassia, Westphalia, and the neigh∣bouring Countrys: they being taken therewith, without a feavourish heat, immo∣derate effervescency of blood, whilst they were imployed about their familiar oc∣casions, hardly perceiving themselves to be sick, were wont to have about their hands, or feet, and sometimes in both, a sense of tingling, with a numbness, running up and down: then by and by, their fingers, together with their Arms, and thighs, were now strictly drawn together, now most strongly stretched forth, as if they were frozen. Those kinde of Contractions, and extentions, rendred themselves by turns, and then changed places, that now the distemper resided in one part, then presently in another: But (as it often hapned) if the Disease, at once invaded the whole Brain, Universal Convulsions, and oftentimes epilepti∣cal Fits, infested the sick: besides, those labouring with it, were obnoxious at some turns; to a Delirium, madness, and sometimes a Lethargie: This sickness, continued a long time, without any Crisis, or sound solution, and could scarcely be so perfectly Cured, but that the Disposition of the Brain, and nervous parts, remained evill all their Life after.

As to the Reasons of this Disease, and Symptoms, it is obvious enough, that the same depends altogether upon the vice, and notable depravation, of the nervous juce. That pricking, or tingling, for the most part, at the first coming of the disease, was procured for this Reason, because that Liquor, beginning to be poysoned, and loosned in its mixtion, by the malignant Infection, presently it oppressed the animal Spirits, abounding therein, and inhibited them from their wonted, a•…•… free expansion; wherefore, they being half overwhelmed, and con∣strained to creep, as it were among bryers, or things that catch'd hold of them, or held them back, they excited the sense, as it were of tinglings running about: but then, because this disease growing worse, the nervous Liquor was yet more perverted in its Crisis, or disposition; the heterogeneous particles, which were brought together in it, cleaving to the Spirits, caused them to be moved hither and thither, and to be unduly exploded; for which Reason, the Contractions and horrid distentions in the members, and the tumults, and great inordinations in the head, were raised up. But that in this feavour of the nerves a solution or difficult Crisis, or none at all hapned, the reason was, because the nervous juice being slow, and as it were mucilaginous, and therefore heavy in its motion, was not defaecated, or cleared, as the blood, by a critical effervescency, nor easily conceived, that kinde of fermentation, by which the pure, might be separated from the impure.

Indeed I have known a sickness, much like to this example, to be often excited in our Country, and to invade whole families, especially children, and the youn∣ger people. Some years since, a populary or childish feavour, very much infesting the Brain, and nervous stock, exceedingly spread in this country, yea almost thorow all England: The History of which Disease, being described in that time, in which it raged, viz. in the year 1661. I think it worth our pains to insert, in this place of our Convulsive Pathology: For from hence, it may appear, by what means, and from what causes, the Convulsive Symptoms, which come upon a∣ny feavours, are wont to be excited.

A Description of an Epidemical Feavour chiefly infestous to the Brain and nervous stock spreading in the year, 1661.

IN this Country, before the last Summer, viz. 1661. we had been free for a∣bove two years, from any popular disease, unless such only as usually come in some places; but then, before the Summer Solstice, the small-Pox (a distemper here rarely Epidemical) being rise in many places, raged very much: After that Summer, which was extreamly hot and dry, an Autumn moister then usual follow∣ed: and after which, a most mild winter almost without any cold: in all which space, the Earth was hardly covered with snow, or was ever hard frozen, above three or four days; so that within a few weeks, after the winter Solstice, the Trees began to bud, and the vernal plants to break forth, from the bosom of the Earth, and to flower, and also the birds to build nests: to this mild season, not even∣tilated at the beginning of the spring, by the nitrous little bodys, that were wont to be blown from the North, a filthyness of showrs, and almost continual wet succeed∣ed. After the vernal aequinox, a certain irregular, and unaccustomed Feavour, seised upon some, here and there, which within a month, became so Epidemical, that in many places, it began to be called the New Disease; Raging chiefly among chil∣dren, and youths; it was wont to afflict them, with a long, and as it were a Chro∣nical Sickness: yea sometimes, old men, and men of middle Age, though rarely, were seised by it, and those indeed, it did sooner, and more certainly kill. The Distemper at first invading any one, did creep on them so silently, that the be∣ginnings of the sickness, were scarce perceived: for arising without immoderate heat, or more sharp thirst, it induced in the whole body a great debillity, with a languishing of the Spirits, and a torpitude or numbness of the function; The Sto∣mack was ready to loath any victuals, and to be grieved at any thing put into it, and yet not easie to vomit. The sick were unfit for any motion, and only lov'd to be idle, or to ly down upon the Bed: within a short time, also sometime at the first coming of the Disease, they complained of a heavy vertigo, a tingling of the ears, and often of a great tumult and perturbation of the brain. Which kinde of Symptoms, were very often esteemed, as it were the peculiar signe, of the ap∣proach of this Disease, if in some, those had been wanting, or hapned to be more remiss, instead of the head being affected after that manner, the disease took more deep root in the Brest, with an excited cough, as shall be told by and by. But whilst the brain, and the nervous Appendix, being after this manner affected, the animal Spirits, presently from the beginning of the sickness, were benummed, a slow and as it were hectick feavour, was inkindled throughout: but yet, the effervescency of the blood, which was hardly continual, but flitting, and uncertain, was according to the disposition of the blood it self, in some more in∣tense, in others more remiss; and therefore, thirst, the white scurf of the Tongue, and other Symptoms, which accompany a feavourish distemper, did more or less infest them: sweating did not willingly follow, nor could it easily, or by a light thing, be caused by Art: yea, neither this, nor any other evacuation, as it were critical, at any time succeeding, did suddenly help this disease; but it persisting for many weeks, and sometimes months, reduced the sick to the highest Atrophie, or wasting of all parts, and often infected them, with an incurable Consump∣tion.

About the increase of the disease, which hapned in most, within eight days, if the Distemper (as it was often wont) did settle chiefly in the head, and nervous System, most grievous Symtoms, in their Dominions, viz. a plain Phrensie or deep stupidity or Insensibility did molest them. For I often observed, in many children, and not seldom in women, after seven or eight days from their falling sick, that their knowledge and Speech failed them, and so the sick have lain, for a long while, yea, sometimes for the space of a whole month, without any taking notice of the by-standers, and with an involuntary flux of their excrements; but if they continued in some sort the use of Judgment, and Reason, they laboured with a frequent delirium, and constantly with absurd, and incongruous Chymera's, in their sleep. But in Men, and others of a hotter temperament, from the mor∣bific

matter, instead of a Crisis being translated to the brain, a Fury, or dangerous, and oftentimes deadly phrensie did succeed. But if neither Stupidity, nor great Distraction did fall upon them, swimmings in the head, Convulsive motions, with Convulsions of the members, leapings up of the tendons, did grievously in∣fest them. In almost all the sick, the belly was for the most part loose, casting forth plentifully now yellow, now thin, and serous excrement, with a great stink: it was rarely that vomiting fell upon any one: The urine in the whole process of the Disease, (unless when the morbifick matter, being caried more plentifully into the Brain, did threaten a phrensie) was highly red, so that some, by reason of the deep colour of the water, judg'd this feavour to have been plainly Scorbutick: which notwithstanding appeared to be otherwise, because antiscorbutic Remedies, (of which indeed many, and almost of every kinde were tryed) were little or nothing beneficial. It was most of all to be admired, how soon after the begin∣ning of this Disease, the flesh of the sick consumed, and they reduced to the lean∣ness of a Sceleton, when in the mean time, there was no great heat, that might by degrees consume the solid parts, nor any violent evacuation, which might greatly take them down.

Besides these evills molesting the region of the head, a distemper no less dange∣rous, oftentimes fell upon the breast. For in some, tho not in all, a cough very troublesome, with abundance of spitle, and thick, was excited: this hapned in some, about the declination of the disease, to wit, whilst the confines of the brain were serene, as it were the clowds sent from thence to the thorax, a great Catarrh suddenly rained down upon the Lungs. But in others, who especially had little infection of the disease in the head, presently after the beginning of the feavour, a cruell cough, and a stinking spitting, with a consumptive disposition, grew upon them, and suddenly, and unthought of, precipitated the sick into a Pthisis: from which nevertheless, they recovered, by the timely use of Remedies, often beyond hope. It was observ'd in some, that after a long ecclips of the sen∣sitive facultie, and oppression of the brain, from the morbific matter, at length tumors did follow, in the glandula's, neer the hinder part of the neck, out of which, being hardly ripened and broke, a thin and stinking ichor or matter, ran for a long time, and brought help. I have also seen watery pustles, excited in other parts of the body, which pass'd into hollow ulcers, and hardly curable: sometimes little spots, and petechiales, appeared here and there: yet I never heard, that any more broad, or blew, of these kinde, were seen in the sick. Not∣withstanding, tho this feavour was not remarkable for very many malignant spots, yet it was not free from Contagion. For that in the same Family, it invaded al∣most all the Children, and youths successively, yea not rarely those of more ripe years, and at mens estate, who looking to the sick, were familiarly conversant in their Chambers, or about their beds, were infected with the same infection: But indeed, there was not so much cause of suspition, that for it, the friends of the sick should be wholly interdicted, from commerce with, or visiting of them.

Altho the course of this disease, (unless when it intimately settled in the brain) did appear so gentle, and continued without any horrid Symptome; yet its cure being always difficult, succeeded not under a long time: For the sick rare∣ly grew well, within three or four weeks, yea for the most part, scarce in so ma∣ny months. If this disease fell upon men of a broken Age, or strength, especially those who were before obnoxious to cephalic distempers, as the Lethargie, Appo∣plexie, or Convulsion, it oftentimes kill'd them in a short space: but if there was any hope of recovering, it could be but slowly procured, (all Remedies what∣soever scarce bringing any sensible help) so that the sick, did no sooner come out of the sphear of this disease, than they fell into the confines of a Consumption.

If the formal reason, and courses of this aforesaid sickness be demanded, it here easily appears, the watering Liquor of the brain, and nervous stock, for the most part both together, with the blood, to be in fault, and the immediate cause, especially of the troublesome Symptoms: to wit, forasmuch as this water, pre∣sently after the first assault of the disease, was grown more poor then usuall, and as it were lifeless; therefore a Languishing, and enervation, with a spontaneous weari∣ness, and impotency to motion, hapned in the whole body, and with a sudden wasting of the body, in the sick. Further, forasmuch as the same Liquor, was stuffed with heterogeneous particles; viz. partly narcotick, partly explosive,

therefore, a numbness, a sense of pricking, leapings up of the tendons and muscles, and contractures, also the Virtego, giddinesse, and other more grievous Cephalick distempers did arise: Moreover, forasmuch as by reason of the evil of the nervous juice, being not quickly or hardly to be mended, the cure or hea∣ling of the disease, became so hard, and lingring. But for that the fault of this Latex, necessarily depended on the discrasie or evill disposition of the blood, also of the depraved constitution of the brain, what their morbid dispositions were, and by what means they brought forth the beginning, or tinder of the Symptom of the feavour but now described, let us now see.

As to the former, it seems, that at this season, by reason of the hot and hu∣mi'd constitution of the year, and no blast from the north (the little bodies of which imbue the blood, and juices of our body, as it were with a nitrous sea∣soning, and by agitating them, defend them against putrefaction) the blood in most men, and chiefly in children, youths, and women, became like standing-water, that so contracts a setling, very impure, stuff't with heterogeneous parti∣cles, and turning to a clammyness, and watrishness; in which, the more pure spirit and sulphur, being somewhat depress'd, the watery particles, being carried forth with the impure salt and sulphur, were too much exalted. Wherefore the blood, both by reason of its Crisis or constitution, being vitiated, also by reason of heterogeneous particles, being heaped up more plentifully in its bosome, was made more fit, either of its own accord, or occasionally, or because of the conta∣gion, to receive a feavourish Effervescency, so that from thence, very many fell at this time into feavours. But the blood growing hot, from the feavourish taint being received, did not presently burn with an open flame, but like green wood laid on the fire, with a flame as it were suppressed, and much incumbred with smoke. Wherefore, the morbific matter, being heaped within its mass, was not wont, (as in a regular feavour) to be consumed by the burning, and its re∣liques, at the set time, to be exterminated by the Crisis: but yet, a little after the beginning of the feavour, a great portion of this matter being powred into the head, at Thorax, or into both at once, and afterwards being continually supplied in those parts, it induced either the aforesaid distempers of the brain, and ner∣vous stock, or a cough, with a consumptive disposition, or both together, and for this reason, about the beginning of this disease, when a pulse quicker than it ought to be, and a high colour'd urine, and full of contents, did show the blood to grow hot with a feavourish distemper, the sick did not complain of heat, or thirst; because the blood growing hot, did lay up its impurities, and recrements, forthwith into the provision of the nervous Liquor, or into the Lungs; wherefore, within these receptacles, the Symptoms presently became worse; but afterwards the disease growing on, a somewhat sharp heat, with scurfness of the tongue, was wont to be troublesome to some: yea, in all, a slow, and as it were hectick feavour, continued throughout; which neither by sweat, nor by insensible tran∣spiration, could be so wholly removed, but that it was daily renued, chiefly af∣ter eating, tho never so small: which thing truly seem'd to happen, because the nervous juice being full of the feculencies, brought from the blood, did not after∣wards receive them in so great plenty, but that these recrements, together with the nutritious humour, (and for that this was not consumed by nourishing the so∣lid particles) remaining within the bloody mass, caused it then to grow fea∣vourishly hot.

2ly, Besides this morbid disposition of the blood, contracted from the intempe∣rance of the year, it seems, that the brain also, from the same occasion, was made prone to the aforesaid passions. For when, for a long tract of time, the southern winds did continually blow, with a moist constitution of the Air; from thence, the passages, and pores of the brain, being very much loosned, and opened, and its connexion too much dissolved, they gave an easie passage, to serous humours, and for all sorts of heterogeneous particles: wherefore the blood being very fe∣culent, and watery, as soon as it began to grow hot from the feavour, carried its serous recrements and filths, presently thorow the too open doors into the head: for whosoever he was, who did not complain of his head, being too much stuffed with a moist air, and numbness of spirits; on the contrary, his pores being bound together, by an intense cold, or dryer air, all his senses, and faculties, remained more quick and lively.

These things being thus premised, concerning the morbid provision of the brain, and humours, to wit, of the blood, and nervous humour, by reason of the con∣stitution of the year, whereby indeed, very many at that time, sell into a slow, unequal, and long continuing feavour, surrounded with Cephalick and Convulsive symptoms, and hardly curable: hence also it will be easie, to unfold the reasons, of the rest of the symptoms and accidents, chiefly to be noted in this disease.

For first of all, that this irregular Feavour, raged chiefly among Children, young men, women, and phlegmatick men, the reason was, because in those kinde of bodies, the blood was apt to be more waterish, and less perspicable, and from thence to gather a serous Colluvies, or watry humour, and heterogeneous feculencies; and also, the brain being more humid and weak, easily received any recrements of the bloud. Wherefore it may be observed, that those sort of per∣sons, were found more prone to Convulsions, arising by reason of any other oc∣casions.

Secondly, the noted Atrophie or leanness, came so suddenly upon this feavour, because, by reason of the depravation of the nervous juice, the officies of nou∣rishment, depending upon it (which, as we have elsewhere shown, are highly active) presently failed. For although we do not grant, the nervous humour to be only nutritious, but to dispense thorow the Arteries, a matter destinated to the nourishable parts, prepared in the bloody mass; yet it may be lawfull to think, that the Liquor watering the brain and nervous stock, by means of an effi∣cient cause, doth conduce very much to alimentation; for this growing turgid with animal spirit, actuates and invigorates the nutritious juice, brought to eve∣ry part by the blood, and admitting it into the passages, and most intimate re∣ceptacles of the body to be nourished, and as it were leading it in, assimilates or resembles it, Wherefore, when this houshold Liquor is so depraved, that it doth not rightly supply the animal spirits, requisite about the work of nutrition, all the members and parts of the stomach vitiated in its tone, either spues back whatsoever nourishment is brought, or cannot receive it to its proper use: where∣fore truly in this disease, the bulk or habit of the body, however fuller or fatter, was more sooner pull'd down, then in a continuall Feavour, where it might much more evaporate, by the intense heat, or copious sweats. The reason of which is, because in a burning feavour, altho the blood growing very hot, exhales more plentifully; yet in the mean time, it continually affords something of nourish∣ment, which the severall parts, help'd by the benefit of the nervous juice, easily received, and assimilated; but in this nervous pestilence, altho the nutritive mat∣ter was sufficiently provided, yet by the defect of the Nourishment of the spirits, the nourishment was altogether inhibited.

3. For the aforesaid reasons also, this feavour, being a long while protracted, was wont scarce ever to be critically helped, and difficulty cured, by the help of allmost any medicines: For the feavourish matter, creeping presently, from the beginning of the disease, into the nervous Liquor, could hardly afterwards, and not but of a long time, be exterminated from its bosome: for that this water, with a slow motion, and flowing leasurely in the streight vessells, does not as the blood, conceive of its own accord a purifying effervescency, or fermentation; neither can the forces of medicines, reach to it so easily, and unmixed: but ei∣ther they are first hindred by other parts, or because they are heterogeneous, they are wholly excluded from the brain, casting back whatever is incongruous. In truth for this reason, all distempers of the brain and nerves, as it were making a mock at Medicines, are most difficulty cured. Therefore in this feavour, if the evill impressed on the brain and nervous stock was taken away, either a cruell cough with plentifull spitting, ot tumours, or an Impostum in the neck did fol∣low: to wit, the morbifick matter being supped back, by the blood, and again deposited, setled either in the Thorax, or in the Glandula's, and emunctories, nigh the hinder part of the neck. But this disease, was the more contumacious, because the discrasie or evill constitution of the blood, was not easily mended: for altho from the beginning, its Latex, the recrements being poured forth, even into the nervous Liquor, grew but little and sluggishly hot; yet afterwards, these receptacles being filled, and the morbific feculencies, and besides the nutritious matter, not imployed in nourishing the parts, being resident even in the blood, did aggravate it, and for the exclusion of this trouble, not to be mixed with it,

did induce an Effervescency, such as is wont to be in an hectick feavour, either almost continuall, or presently apt to come again. For I have often observed in this feavour, from grewell, barly-broth, and other slender diet; no less ebuliti∣on of the blood to be stirred up, than from broth made of flesh: whether indeed the nourishing juice, supplying the blood from the chyle, because it was not im∣ployed in the work of nutrition, carried something heterogeneous, and not right∣ly miscible, as a trouble to the blood; and by reason of the particles of this super∣fluous juice, being copiously sent away with the serum, the urine became very thick, red, and very full of contents: Also, for the same reason, the belly was for the most part loose, forasmuch as the blood, filled full of the nutritious juice, did suck forth a lesser portion of the chile from the bowells, and did pour back a∣gain part of that which had been brought to it, on the intestines; the feavourish distemper did likewise stick so long in the blood, because, till the animal regiment being restored, nutrition was rightly performed, that superfluous matter was carried into the mass of blood.

We deliver the example, and the Aetiology or rational account of this aforesaid feavour, more largely for this reason, because the same disease, did fall upon our Countrey men, here and there also at other times: for that of late, in this City, all the younger people of a certain family, were sick of it: yea, I remember, that some time past, very many laboured with such a feavour; Out of the many histo∣ries and examples of sick people, which it rendred when it was epidemical, I will here propose one or two.

A strong and lively young man, about the beginning of the spring, 1661, fal∣ling [Observation. 1] sick, without any evident cause, without any great heat or thirst, he be∣came suddenly weak, and as if enervated, with a dejected appetite, and languor of spirits. Cathartick Remedies, Antipyretics or allaying of heat, digestives, and also antiscorbuticks, and others of various kindes, administred by the prescripti∣ons of the most famous Physitians, availed nothing: But notwithstanding the sick man, hitherto languishing with a slow and wandring feavour, with a quick and feeble pulse, a deep-colour'd urine, had kept his bed a fortnight; besides, be∣ing reduced to the greatest leanness, he complained of a giddiness, and as it were the fluctuation of a sound in his head, and a tingling noyse in his ears. Altho he was troubled with a great stupor, yet his sleeps were mightily troubled, and bro∣ken with delirious fables. After four days, when the feavour was not yet decli∣ned, it was thought good to take away four or five ounces of blood, by Leeches, from the sedal veins; from hence the feavour began to be much exasperated, for a great intense heat, with thirst, watchings, and almost continual tossing of the body, also the tongue dry, and scurfy, appeared; then quickly a troublesome cough, with abundance of discoloured spittle followed, to him were administred, almond, and barly-drinks, with temperate bechicks (or things to stop coughing) boyled in them; water of milk distill'd with snails, and pectoral herbs, the shelly-powders, prepared nitre, and often Cordial opiats; which notwithstanding scarce giving any help, the sick man still became more weak: when in this man∣ner being sick above two months space, the feavourish distemperature, and cough also, dayly growing worse, he seemed near death, at length a voluntary sweating arising, so that every night, or every other night, he sweat abundantly, and from thence finding himself better, using then the aforesaid Remedies, he grew well within six weeks.

Till I had seen many sick people after the same manner, I suspected this disease to be alltogether an hectick feavour, with a consumptive disposition of the Lungs; but when I saw many others at that time fall sick ordinarily, after the like man∣ner, I easily instituted the Aetiologie or national account of this feavour, such as I have already described: to wit, that the blood, because of the intemperature of the year, and perhaps from errors in dyet, had contracted a vitious procatarxis or remote cause: Then it growing feavourishly hot, and presently carrying its im∣purities to the brain, and so depraving the juice, watering it, and the nervous stock, induced the vertiginous distempers, with a stupor, a languishing of spirits, and an atrophy of the whole body: but so long as the blood did transfer its recre∣ments, from its own bosom, into the brain and nervous appendix, the feavourish heat continued more gentle and milde: But afterwards, when the tending down∣wards of the morbific matter, by the opening of the hemorhoid veins, was drawn

away from the brain, the same being first retained within the bloody mass, in∣creased the feavour; then being poured on the Lungs, excited the cruel cough; with plentifull spittle: but forasmuch as the flesh of the Lungs remained free from putrefaction, as soon as the serous water was sent away by a more plentifull sweating, the sick man became free, both from the feavour, and phthisis or Con∣sumption, that seemed so deplorable.

[Observation. 2] In the mean time, whilst he lay sick, I visited another, about 12. years of age, after the like manner affected. But this when I was fir••t sent for, having been sick above a month, was reduced to the leanness of a Skelliton: besides, he was troubled with a vertigo, with a noise in his ears, and deafness, and also with a violent cough, with yellow, and as it were consumptive spittle: his pulse was quick and feeble, his urine red and thick, his appetite much dejected, his spirits so languid, and his strength so cast down, that he could not keep out of his bed: I gave this youth to drink often in a day, water distill'd from milk, with snails and tempe∣rate herbs: besides I ordered him an open decoction, such as is in use for the Rickets, to be daily taken instead of his ordinary drink: by the help of which Remedies, he was restored to his health, in a months space. At this time I was sent for to many other people, of every age and sex, distemper'd by the same di∣sease, now clearly Epidemical; for it, running thorow whole families not only in this City, and the neighbouring parts, but in the Countries at a great distance, as I heard from Physitians dwelling in other places, increased very much. Those for the most part labouring with this feavour, so be they were otherwise whole, grew well, by the fit use, and order, of medicine and dyet: but it hapned very often but ill to those, who were indued with a weakly constitution of brain, and nervous stock, or broken with age; but not seldom the case of the sick became dangerous because the Physitians were not wont to be sent for presently after the beginning of the disease, yea, scarcely before it had more deeply spread abroad its roots, and the opportunity of healing was past.

[Observation. 3] For that reason, this feavour became very deadly, in the family of a certain Noble man, among his children, originally obnoxious to Cephalic distempers. About the vernal Aequinox, a Boy of about eleven years of Age, began to be sick: At first without any vehement heat, or thirst, a dejection of appetite, and want of strength came upon him: Besides, an almost continual giddiness did trouble him, with a frequent danger of fainting, that he often thought he was just dy∣ing. By the advice of a certain woman attending him, they dayly gave him Cli∣sters: then, when from the foulness of the mouth, and Tongue, manifest signes of a Feavour appeared, this Emperick on the fifth day, gave him a vomit of the In∣fusion of Crocus metallorum, and on the seaventh day a Cordial powder being ad∣ministred, she incited the sick youth covered with blankets to sweat: his skin hardly began to be moist: but presently he began to talk idly, complained that his Cap was fallen into the water, by and by becoming speechless, within four hours, whilst I was sent for, he expir'd before I came.

[Observation. 4] A little while after, the same disease fell upon his yonger Sister: whose sickness however, because it was accompanied with a frequent and humid Cough, was thought at first to be only a taking of Cold; but within a few days, this Cough became plainly Convulsive: so that, whilst she Cough'd, the Diaphragma being caried upward, and with a renewed Sistole, held so a long time, she made a great noise as if about to be suffocated: then this little maid growing more apparent∣ly feavourish, complained of thirst and heat, and lay all night without sleep, with a mighty agitation of her body, and began to talk idly, after the same manner as her brother, of her coat being fallen into the water; and when all things grew worse, she began to be tormented with Convulsive motions, first in her Limbs, by and by in her face, and then in her whole body: the Paroxysms coming by of∣ten turns, twice or thrice in an hour, did most grievously trouble her, so that this little wretch, within the space of 24. hours, after the Convulsive Distempers began to grow more grievous, her animal spirits being almost quite spent, she dyed; whilst the Convulsive Fits tormented her, her pulse was very much disor∣der'd, and often intermitting, also a frequent vomiting molested her. Being sent for to visit this maid, also too late, a little before her death; when I could con∣tribute nothing to the proroguing of Life, I endeavourd what I could, to finde out from her Death, the knowledge of the aforesaid disease, therefore having

got leave to dissect her body, the reasons, and marks of the Symptoms chiefly urging, in this feavour, more clearly appear'd.

Opening therefore first the lower belly, I found all the bowells in it sound e∣nough, and well furnish't: The ventricle, altho tyred with empty vomiting, con∣tained nothing besides the Liquor, lately taken in at the mouth: for neither in it, nor in its Appendix, were worms, or sharp humours found, which are wont oftentimes to give a cause to these kinde of Convulsions: the small guts, were in many places mutually involved: to wit, the Convex superficies of one part, was thrust into the concave of another, as into a sheath, and hid far in it, which in∣deed I judge to have hapned, wholly from the convulsive Motions of those bowels: for whilst by reason of the vehement Convulsion, excited from the nervous origine, the opposite fibres being drawn together, did work the same Intestine, into contrary motions, it easily hapned that a part of the Intestine of the Ilion being carried upward; might run into the hollowness of the other, being snatch'd downward.

The Thorax being opened, the flesh of the Lungs appeared very red, and as it were sprinkled with bood, yea in some places as it were livid, and almost black: out of the same whereever it was cut, there flow'd forrh a thin and frothy mat∣ter. Certainly this shew••d, that the feavourish matter, or the serous impurities of the boyling blood, being soon impacted in the Lungs, did so stuff up their pores and passages, that the blood it self, being in its wonted and free Circulation, there stagnating, and being extravasated, did excite a certain inflammation.

We found a no less clear track, of this so deadly disease in the head: for the shell of the skull being removed, presently the vessells, creeping thorow the meningae, were seen to swell very much with blood, as if almost the whole mass of blood, were gathered together in the head: for the veins being cut or broken, about the Inwards of the lower and middle belly, little blood flowed forth: Be∣sides, those membranes where they cloath the Cerebel, and being higher spread divide it from the brain, being sprinkled in very many places with extravasated blood, were noted to be of a black-purple colour; that it was not to be doubted, but the Phlegosis or Inflamation round about excited, was the cause of the so cru∣elly infesting Convulsions. These coverings being taken away, the substance of the brain was seen to be altogether moist, and watered above measure with a watery humour: yea, its rine or bark being taken off, all the ventricles were full of a limpid or clear water, of which kinde of very clear Liquor, there was judg'd to be more then half a pinte.

From these appearances, the Pathologie of the aforesaid feavour is easily Col∣lected: to wit, in this sicknesse, as also in many others, the blood feavourishly growing hot, presently deposes its recrements, both into the Lungs, and into the brain; wherefore a serous Colluvies, or watery heap, did presently overflow the constitution of either; then, because the blood being hindred, both here and there, from its due circulation, it began to grow into a very great heap, about the confines of the affected parts, and at length to stagnate, and to cause as it were a phlegosis or Inflammation: hence▪ by reason of the serum being plentifully heaped up in the lungs, and baked by the heat, the troublesome cough, with the thick and discoloured spittle, for the most part came in this disease; and by rea∣son of the like affection, excited within the head, the vertigo, swimming, stupi∣faction, and other Cephalic passions, constantly seased on the sick: which kinde of Distempers, in this little maid, and in her brother, by reason of the infirm con∣stitution of the brain, before in either of them, being made more greivous, ter∣minated in an Apoplexy. I might easily here propose many other histories, of persons sick of this feavour at that time, but from these but now recited, the Type of the aforesaid disease, may be sufficiently known: But because the same feavour happens almost every year, on some prae-disposed; and perhaps, by rea∣son of an evill constitution of the year, may hereafter at some time become Epide∣mical, it will be worth the while, to represent some Method about its Cure.

Concerning which, first of all take notice, that in this feavour, no Critical days were to be observed, as in the vulgar continual feavours: for the blood as soon as it began to grow hot, poured out a part of the morbific matter, as yet crude, and not overcome, from its embrace to the head or breast: wherefore it were vain to expect that the blood should suffer the heterogeneous particles to be

heaped together, in its mass to a fullness; that from thence a flowring or putting forth arising, at the set intervalls of times, it might thrust the same subtilities out of doors: yea rather this growing hot glows not with a great, and open bur∣ning: but like a fire covered over with chips, sends forth a moist smoke or breath, rather then a flame: But so, that from thence, by reason of the nervous juice being depraved soon in its disposition, and not rarely, because of the lungs being stuffed with the consumptive matter, the convulsive, or phthisical or consump∣tive symptoms, did molest chiefly, in the whole course of the disease.

It behoves us to designe the curative Intentions, according to the various times of the disease, and the diversities of the symptoms chiefly urging. About the be∣ginning of this feavour, the taking away of blood, seem'd convenient allmost to all: This kinde of remedy, I often experienced with success, in little Children: For that by the means, as it were another breathing place is opened, to the mass of blood, silently and covertly growing hot, and obtruding its soot or smoak, on the more noble parts; and for that reason, its impure efflorescencies or puttings forth, are drawn away from the brain, and lungs. Therefore, although this fea∣vour of an ill Condition, may be accounted as it were malignant, yet forasmuch as the blood is not presently apt to be coagulated, but to be too much poured forth, and to bestow its serosities on the nobler parts, to wit, the brain and lungs; therefore Phlebotomy, so it be administred in the beginning of the disease, is convenient allmost to all.

For the same reason, Cathartick Medicines, and chiefly vomitory, are admini∣stred at the very beginning of the disease; for these do not only evacuate the visce∣ra of concoction, and so draw away the chief fomenting of the disease, and as it were its originall, but besides, they draw forth the serosities from the blood, and so effect its cleansing, rather in the stomach and Intestines, then in the head and lungs. Further by Emeticks, for that the receiving Glandulaes of the Lymphe∣ducts, are pulled with a great shaking, the superfluities of the nervous juice, least they should evilly affect the brain, and its dependencies, are expressed forth into the lower bowells: also for this end, the belly is to be kept continually loose, by the use of Clysters. But in the mean time, whilst the blood being infected with the taint of this disease, threatens the brain or praecordia, with the evill, it will not be safe to attempt any thing with Diaphoreticks, or sweating medicines, or Diureticks or such as evacuate by urine, or also with Catharticks▪ vomiting and purging medicines: For these kinde of medicines, forasmuch as they greatly pour out the blood, and compell its serosities into more open issuings forth, all the re∣crements, being apt to fall away from the mass of the blood, are easily obtruded on the brain, or Lungs, when they are of a more feeble constitution: So in the youth above-mentioned, a loss of speech, came upon the raising of an untimely sweat: Also I have known, that Sudorificks, no other then chaly beats, in the morbid disposition of the lungs, have brought on a waisting or Consumption.

Phlebotomy therefore, and if need be vomiting, or purging, either one or other, or both, being to be made use of at the very beginning of the disease, the other Intentions shall be, to draw away the morbific serosities of the blood, apt to flow forth on the head or breast, and to derive them gently by other ways of evacuati∣on, and to put them forth of doors. To this end, Vesicatories or blistering plai∣sters, ought to be applyed, to the nape of the neck, or Parotida or jugular Arte∣ries, or to the Arm-pits, or the Groin, or about the thighs, or calves of the legs, sometimes in this part, sometimes in that; to wit, that the little Ulcers being here and there excited, and continually running, might plentifully pour forth the serum, imbued with the morbid, and heterogeneous particles.

But Remedies, gently carrying the serum, into the Reins, and urinary passa∣ges, are most often administred with success: For this business, diuretical Apozems, and Julaps, are to be ordained after the following forms.

Take of the Roots of Scorzonera, cherfoil, grass, and of Eryngoes candied each ʒ vi. 1. Apple cut, of the leaves of pimpinell, meadow-sweet, each i. handfull, of Raysons of the Sun, ℥ i ss. of harts-horn, burnt ʒ ii. being cut and bruised, let them be boyled on a clear fire, in four pints of spring water, to the Consumption of the third part; to the straining being cleared ii. pints, add of the Syrrop of green Cy∣torns, or violets ℥ ii. of sal prunella ʒ i ss. make an Apozem. The dose ℥ iiii. to vi. thrice in a day.

Or into that straining, put 15 blanched sweet Almonds, and of the four cold seeds, each ʒ i. being bruised, make an Emulsion according to Art.

Take water of Dragons, and of black-Cherries each ℥ iiii. of scordium compound ʒ ii. of Threacle water ℥ i ss. of syrrop of Clove-gilliflowers, ℥ ii. of the spirit of vitriol xii. drops, make a Julap.

Take oftentimes in a day, in small beer or posset-drink, half a dram, or ii. scruples of sal-prunella.

Besides, in this feavour, medicines gently sweating, of that sort chiefly, which restores the animal spirits, and defends them from any heterogeneous Copula, are of very great use: wherefore, either the powder of pearls, or the spirit of harts horn, or of blood, in a moderate dose, are administred twice in a day, viz. Morning and Evening.

Clysters are to be given almost every day, and if it be thought fit, a gently loos∣ning purge, may be taken once or twice in a week.

The dyet prescribed ought to be slender, as in other feavours, let them be wholly interdicted from flesh, or broath made thereof, only let the sick feed on Grewell, or barly-broth, and let their drink be small beer or posset-drink.

If that notwithstanding, any preventive physick, the morbific matter, should lodge in the brain, or Lungs, or both together, so that a dissolution, or inordi∣nation of the animal function, or also a violent cough, should assalt them, it must be consider'd, what is to be done in either state of the disease, carried forth after this manner, into an evill condition; but then the curative Indications ought to respect the stupor, or madness, or cough: and lastly, if in the declina∣tion of the disease, these symptoms do remit, proper Remedies are to be adhibi∣ted, against the Atrophie, as it were the last fortress of this Feavour.

1st. Therefore if the morbifick matter, as it is often wont, being brought to the brain, should bring in an Insensibleness, or a soporiferous or sleepy distemper, remedies drawing it another way, and deriving it some way from the head, and besides such as stir up the animal spirits, and take away the impure Copula ought carefully to be administred, wherefore in this case, the use of Epispasticks or such things that draw the water outwardly, should be much increased, and let the spi∣rit of Harts-horn, be exhibited allmost every sixth hour, in a little bigger dose, let blood be also taken, by the sucking of Leeches, more largely from the jugular veins, the Salvatella, or the sedal veins. If the distemper remits not, the head being shaven, let Emollient fomentations be often applyed thereto: Further, let Cupping-Glasses, Plaisters, and Cataplasms, be laid to the soals of the feet, and o∣ther means of Administrations, such as are commonly prescribed for the curing of the stupor, or Insensibleness, ought to be used: In like manner, if on the evill, or no Crisis of this feavour, a phrensie, or madness should come, remedies appro∣priate to those distempers, are made use of.

2dly, But if either with, or without this sort of displeasure, brought to the head, the Lungs also have taken the evill of this disease, so that the sick, not yet free from the feavour, seem to fall into a waisting, or Consumption, with a troublesome cough, with abundance of thick, and often discoloured spittle; Me∣dicines commonly prescribed for such kinde of Distempers, are convenient e∣nough; wherefore, pectoral Decoctions, Electuaries, syrrops, distill'd waters of milk and snails, and other remedies of the like nature, ought diligently to be made use of; the forms of which may be found, in the before-described Cases.

Thus far we have described the continual feavour, for the most part convul∣sive, and arising no less from the fault of the nervous juice, then of the blood: I will here further propose an example of a disease, having the likeness of an inter∣mitting feavour, but radicated chiefly in the nervous juice; the nature of which kinde of distemper, for that it is very rare, and truly pertinent to our convulsive Pathologie, will appear from the following history.

A noted Woman very young, and indued with a more weak constitution of brain, and nervous stock, and for that cause very obnoxious to convulsive di∣stempers, after she had conceived with child, about the fourth month of her be∣ing big, from cold being taken, she was grievously afflicted with Astmatical fits, and besides, with a frequent sinking down of her spirits: but by the use of reme∣dies, indued with a volatile salt, she grew well, within a fortnights space, but after that, about 14. days, an unwonted and truly admirable distemper, fell up∣on this Gentlewoman.

One morning, awaking after an unquiet sleep that night, she felt a light shive∣ring in all her body, as if she had had the fit of an Ague: frequent yaunings, and reatchings, with an endeavour to vomit followed thereupon: then her urine, which was but now of a citron colour, and of a laudable substance, became pale, and waterish, and was rendred at every turn, to wit, almost every minute of an hour: moreover, about her loins, and hypochondria, and in other places, pains with light Convulsions, running about here and there, were excited: which kinde of symptoms plainly convulsive, with her frequent making of a lympid urine, continued in the Morning allmost to Evening, in which space of time, a great quantity of water, at least three times more then the liquor she had taken, was rendred; in the mean time, neither was the heat great, nor did thirst trouble her, nor was her pulse encreased: In the evening the aforesaid distempers ceased, and her urine became citron colour, and moderate; and besides, all night she enjoy'd a moderate sleep, then the morning following, about the same hour, the fit retur∣ned, accompanied altogether with the like symtoms, and so dayly acted the same Tragedy.

Visiting this Gentlewoman, after she had been sick in this manner for 12. days, I framed the Aetiologie of the aforesaid case, to wit, that this disease, chiefly ra∣dical in the nervous stock, did depend upon the effervescency, and flux of the hu∣mour, watering the nervous parts: For it might be suspected, that this water being diffused from the blood, made degenerate by reason of the suppression of her Terms, upon the brain, and nervous stock, became more sharp, and serous than it ought to be, and for that cause incongruous to the containing parts: wherefore, being gathered together to a plenitude, by the nights sleep, it did stir them up, or provoke them, for the expulsion of it, every where into wrinklings, and contractions: hence shiverings, yaunings, streachings, and wan∣dring pains, were excited in the whole body: Furthermore, from the sollid parts, after this manner contracted, and shaken, not only the nervous Liquor, but also the nutricious, every where laid up in the sollid parts, but not truly assimilated, were shaken off: and then, either Latex, being exterminated from its recepta∣cles, and received by the veins, or Lymphaducts, or water-carrying vessells, was render'd to the Mass of blood: from whose bosome, before it had acquired a lixi∣viall tincture from it, being at last cast forth by the reins, constituted a clear, and Copious urine: But that this distemper observed such exact periods, the reason is, because the nervous water, being supplyed with an equall dimension, did a∣rise to a fulness of running over, dayly at the set time: Therefore also, the urine appeared concocted, and yellow, before and after the fit, because then its mat∣ter consisted only from the serum of the blood: Afterwards, during the convulsive fit, the limpid humour being shaken off, from the solid and nervous parts, and passing quickly thorow the blood, adulterated the colour and the quantity of the urine. I prescribed to this big-bellied woman, Phlebotomie, and besides, a powder composed out of Corall, pearls, ivory, and other Cardiacks, to be taken thrice in a day, in a proper Liquor; morning and evening she took of the tincture of Antimony, 12. drops (whose singular effect in the too great flux of urine, I have many times experienced): By the use of these, all the symptoms ceased, in a short time.

CHAPTER IX. Of Ʋniversal Convulsions, which are wont to be excited, be∣cause of the Scorbutic disposition of the Nervous juice.

THus much concerning universal Convulsions, diffused thorow the whole ner∣vous kinde, which come upon feavours; and especially concerning the Con∣vulsions, which are wont to be excited, in the commonly called malignant hectick Feaevour. There yet remains (which was proposed in the third place) for us to shew, by what means, and from what causes, universal Convulsions are induced,

without poyson or feavourish infection, by reason of the scorbutick, or otherwise vitious dyscrasie or evill disposition, of the nervots juice. For indeed, the Li∣quor watering both the nerves, and the nervous parts, sometimes disceding from its naturall disposition, is so much stuff'd with heterogeneous and explosive par∣ticles, that the animal spirits, admitting an incongruous Copula, every where growing to themselves, are irritated into continuall, as it were cracklings, or convulsive explosions: These kinde of Affections of the spirits, are either divi∣ded or separated, between which no Communication, or dependency intercedes, viz. When many parts of the body are troubled at once, with so many Convul∣sions proper to themselves, which do not come successively one from another, but are terminated in the same muscle or member, where they begin: After which manner, I have known some sick people, who have had their muscles and tendons, all at once in their whole body, perpetually to leap forth, with so many distinct Convulsions. Or Secondly, the Convulsive Distempers, which are excited in the whole nervous kinde together, are continued or connex, which succeed one ano∣ther, with a certain perpetual vicissitude continued between themselves: Foras∣much as inordinate motions, almost of all the members, mutually relieving them∣selves, being risen in one part, presently passe over to others. For so Horstius re∣lates of a maid, obnoxious to Convulsive motions, whose members and Limbs not only were forced into divers manner of flections and distortions, but besides, as if agitated by an evill Spirit, not being able to stand in a place, she was necessita∣ted to run up and down here and there, and to dance, and leap in the Hot-house; nor could be hindred from it by any force or chiding, but that she would run here and there; now she would cast her self on her feet, now impetuously fling her self after another manner, for if she did endeavour never so little to be quiet, present∣ly her Praecordia was most grievously afflicted. Wherefore, the Business of our present task is, to enquire a little more exactly, into the nature and Causes of ei∣ther Convulsive Affection, to wit, both of that, which is affected through the ve∣ry much leaping of the tendons and muscles together, and of this, which is cau∣sed through the madness and inquietudes of the members or of the whole body: that from thence it may appear, what method of healing ought to be admini∣stred in either Case.

As to the former kinde, it easily appears, that these kinde of distempers, are not simple, but complicated, to wit, of a Convulsion, and Palsie. For the mus∣cles and tendons, are perpetually urged with Convulsive motions, notwithstand∣ing, the sick being made weak, they are not able strongly to move any of their members, or their whole body: yea, to these Distempers, pains equally diffused thorow all the Limbs, are adjoyned. Hence we may infer, that the animal Spi∣rits are imbued, with a manifold Copula, viz. both with explosive, and also nar∣cotick ot stupifying, and in some sort irritative or provoking particles: so that, although being alway burthened, they enter into explosions, yet, not many to∣gether, nor indeed any hastily or strongly are exploded, by reason of the other interjected Particles of another kinde; wherefore the motive force does not long continue, but is short, and as it were interrupted: just as if gunpowder being kneeded with some muddy substance, should be fired: for then the whole mass is not let off at once, with a noise, nor does one heap presently fire another, but a few grains only, and those successively, to wit, one a little while after another, with small crackling noises, are let off or exploded: In like manner, the nervous Liquor is stuffed thorowout, with Convulsive particles, which even cleave to the Spirits: but forasmuch, as some narcotick, and other painfull ones, are mingled with them, the elastick force of the former, however lasting, and greatly diffused, is yet much broken and every where cut off.

For the illustrating this kinde of broken convulsive Distemper, I will here de∣scribe a very notable case of a certain Gentleman lately living in this neighbour∣hood: which being truly admirable, not any writings or observations of Physiti∣ans, have scarce shewed the like. An honourable Gentleman whom I knew, sprung from Parents, and grandfathers obnoxious to a someways morbid disposition ei∣ther of the Brain, or nerves, about the hight or beyond the strength of his Age, the fruit of this diseased Race began to punish him: for first of all, he was wont to be tormented with a debility, and numbness of his Limbs, and with light Con∣vulsions; with which kinde of Distempers, when he had a while laboured at length,

for cure sake going to the Bath, having used too much the hot bathes, instead of a remedy, he brought back only an exasperation of the Disease, that from that time, the aforesaid Symptoms did not any more torment him by fits, but al∣most continually, to wit, the Convulsive motions, and painfull extensions, did incessantly exercise every Limb, yea, every part of his Body, so that all the muscles were perpetually drawn together, with repeated leapings all at once, and that not without great torment: The only means he had for quieting them, was to exercise his whole body, sometimes some of his members, perpetually with a local motion: for so long as he was awake, he was necessitated to be rock'd in his bed, or on his couch, or to be carried in a Coach, or to have his members press't or rubb'd; for which end they had made for him a Bed, and a Chair set upon bow∣fashon'd feet, such as are on Childrens Cradles, in which, when he lay down or sat upright, he was moved up and down continually, with a tottering or rock∣ing motion; which unless he did, he was infested with most cruel pain, and hor∣rid extensions of his muscles: This kinde of dayly trouble, of the Convulsive Distemper, in the night-time, and presently after sleep; entertain'd much more grievous Symptoms: for being newly awaked, his whole body presently was wont to quake, his muscles to be exercised with painfull stretchings, every Limb to be wetted with a squalid or ill-favour'd sweat, as if in the agony of Death, which was so very Corrosive, that, like aqua fortis, unless they presently wiped it off, it quickly eat and rotted the Linnen. The sick man, during this Conflict, was tormented for many hours, between the sweats and shiverings, untill being quite tired out, sleep creeping upon him, brought him some ease; but if at the ap∣proach of the fit, he was presently taken out of his Bed, he was better, and so prevented the wonted cruelty of the Distemper: Therefore, as soon as he was awaked from sleep, though it hapned within half an hour, immediatly to avoyd the torture, his servants being called, they took him out of his Bed: As to his Appetite he was well enough, he eat without loathing, nor was his stomack dis∣turb'd with what he eat: Bur he did often complain of the pain of the heart, and sometimes a troublesome Spitting, with a stink in his mouth, as if he had taken Mercury, molested him for many days. All hot things, whether food or Physick, did nor agree with his constitution; he did not dare to taste, either wine, or strong beer: In the first years of his sickness, he abhor'd the very sight of the fire, afterwards becoming weaker; though the winter was sharp he would not sit neer the Chimny; his Urine was always of a Citron colour, which if it were evaporated in an earthen vessell, over hot coals, saltish faeculencies remained in the bottom, to above half the Liquor; his belly was continually bound, and never put forth its load, unless provoked by a purge or Clyster: Yea, besides the Convulsive moti∣ons, a Spurious Palsie possessed every member of his whole Body, for he could not lift up his hand, nor step a foot forward; his tongue shaking, brought forth his words but imperfect, but sometimes, when his minde was carried sorth, by some sudden occasion of Joy, he would be able, his Spirits being raised with a wonderfull strength, suddenly to rise out of his chair, and without the help of a∣nother, to stand upright, and to jump, which interval however lasted scarce a minute of an hour, but that his members flagg'd, and were affected with their wonted languor and trembling. When this worthy Gentleman, had been sick af∣ter this manner above 12. years, and had consulted the most famous Physitians in all England, and had tryed very many Remedies, and almost of every kinde, viz. Antiparalytick, antiscorbutick, drying Diets, Sweating medicines, purges, Causticks, baths, Liniments, yea, and had twice tryed salivation, could finde no cure by any method of healing; wherefore, all hope of cure being wholly layd a∣side, for the latter seven years of his life, he made use of only Remedies, chiefly re∣specting some Symptoms, viz. he took thrice in a week a solutive medicine, of Senna and Rubarb with Correctives, now in form of a Syrrop, or of an extract a∣nother time; every night he was wont to take a dose of an opiate, out of con∣serves, and temperate Species: Besides, as occasions serv'd, he had ready a Julap, to be taken when his Spirits fainted: moreover, he continually drunk Beer, made of oaten mault, altered with temperate and diuretical herbs. By the use of these, he pass'd over at least seven years, without any great alteration for the worse; at length, old Age coming on him, together with the disease, more cruel fits of Convulsions, not as at first after sleep, but assoon as he was warm in his bed, in∣vaded

him, that he was forced to abstain altogether from his Bed, and rarely put off his cloaths, unless to shift his Linnen: from hence transpiration being hindred, the serous Recrements, and others; wont to be evaporated, were fixed on the Lungs, which at first, brought in a frequenr or short breathing, afterwards an Asthmatical Distemper, and lastly a deadly Consumption or wasting.

If the Reasons of the aforesaid Symptoms be sought after, it will be easie, to deduce all these evills from a depraved Constitution of the Brain, and nervous stock, and more immediatly from the dyscrasie, and fault, of the juice watering those parts. For when that Liquor, in which the animal Spirits, do abound, was, as to its temper, highly sharp and Corrosive, like Stygian water, and as to its mixion, was fluffed full of both narcotick and explosive particles, it is no wonder, because the Spirits being very much burthened, and for that cause restrained from their due expansion, that they should be forced every where into small explosions, as it were Cracklings; and that the containing bodies, being loosed from their due extension and strength, should be also continually irritated into painfull Cor∣rugations or shrinkings up.

Those Convulsive Distempers, did more sharply infest after sleep, because the heat of the Bed, did exuscitate or stir up the heterogeneous particles of the ner∣vous juce, and rarifying them, as it were compell'd them into explosions; then also, because the nervous parts did imbibe its juce in sleep, and a more plentifull provision of the morbifick matter, brought together with it; which being filled to a plentitude, at the first instant of waking, they immediatly endeavour to shake off what is troublesome. For this Reason, it is observed, that the pains of Scorbu∣tical people, and the fits of Asthmatical, are made worse by the heat of the bed, and by sleep; therefore as in these, presently to leave the bed, was wont to give ease, so likewise it did in our sick man: But that the trouble, excited by the con∣tinual leapings, and painfull extentions of the muscles, was somewhat allayed by the local motion, or moving from one place to another, of the body, or mem∣bers, the reason is, because the Animal Spirits, whilst they are compelled to di∣vers actions from without; they remit whatsoever inordinations are excited from within: for as in pain, and itching, which are lighter Convulsions, it helps to press, rub, or scratch the affected part, so the Convulsive motions of the muscles, and tendons, are somewhat pleased, by the inordinate agitation of the whole body, or the members.

As to the Ptyalismus, or copious spitting, with the stinking breath, which was wont to return at uncertain intervalls, we do suppose, that might perchance proceed from Mercury sometime secretly given, although I have seen many la∣bouring both with Convulsive, and also scorbutick distempers, in whom this kinde of perpetual defluxion of spittle from the mouth, was very troublesome, without any suspition of Mercury; also some (as shall be told hereafter) on whom a salivation coming (the explosive matter being after this manner Critically e∣vacuated) help'd the disease: moreover, it is likely, that this distemper was produced from the mere recrements of the nervous juice; and that the salival passages, when many, and enough were open, did receive, and convey forth of doors, the superfluities plentifully deposited in the glandula's, from the nerves, and also from the Arteries.

As to the lucid Intervalls, whereby the sick man us'd to obtain some truces, though short, the cruelties as it were of the disease being mitigated, as when but now his sickness had bound him to his chair, he was able on a sudden to leap up, and walk about; but yet, this unlook'd-for strength being vanish'd, by and by falling again into his wonted languishment: I say these kinde of motions of la∣bouring Nature, prostrate under a great burthen, are its utmost endeavours, and some more strong inforcements, to wit, whereby for a moment of time she re∣collects her self, and attempts as it were to shake off the yoak of the Disease; but because she is not able to sustain long this strife, she quickly relapses, and lies down under her former burthen. Truly it is a wonder, how much above the strength of Nature, Anger, and fear, and some other passions of the minde, do stretch the nervous kinde, and compell them to shew a force plainly stupendious: But these prodigies of her attempts, are only of a small duration.

The Conjunct cause of the aforesaid disease being after this manner designed, and the Reasons of the Symptoms chiefly tormenting, being shown, it remains

yet for us to inquire into the secret leading cause, to wit, by what occasions, the nervous juice being become so degenerate, at first brings in the Palsie, and then leapings, or intestine Convulsions of all the muscles: further, we ought to ex∣plain wherefore the fruits of this Disease, increasing by little and little, came suddenly to maturity, by the use of the Baths; also wherefore this sickness yield∣ing to no Remedies became uncurable.

As to the first, it may be said, that the sick person, being sprung from parents who were obnoxious greatly to Cephallic Diseases, had contracted originally an evill Constitution of the brain, and nervous stock, so that within the 6th lustre (i.e. about the 36th year) of his Age, he began to be sick of a spurious Palsie, then, when the evident causes daily fixing the infection more on the bloud and humours, did happen upon this remote hereditary cause (for there were many chances, and unfortunate accidents, which continually brought sadness, and me∣lancholly upon this Gentleman) indeed therefore, the nervous Liquor being im∣bued above measure, with a fixed and Scorbutic salt, became highly sharp and irritative, like aqua fortis, or the Stagma's of Vitriol; and so continually incited the Spirits, and the bodys containing them, into Corrugations and contractions, just as the aforesaid Liquors when poured upon worms do the same thing.

But that this disease, leasurly at first increasing, was quickly brought into a much worse condition, by the use of the hot Bathes, the reason easily appears: It is known by experience, that the hot Bathes, do very much exalt, and quickly bring to the hight, the Sulphureous-saline particles, in the humane body, and o∣therwise morbid, which abound in the Bowells, and humours, viz. do render them more fierce by agitating them throughly, and force them from their first passages into the blood, and from thence into the Brain and nervous stock, yea, and joyn together those, that were before seperate, and idle, and incite them into a certain fermentation: wherefore, those who are hereditarily obnoxious to the Gout or Stone, and have not as yet suffer'd any fits of those distempers, very often feel the fruit of either disease in themselves to grow ripe soon, by the use of the Bathes: When therefore in this sick person, both the blood, and Liquor water∣ing the Brain and nerves, were imbued both with narcotick or stupifying, and convulsive particles; and also when they did degenerate from their sweet, and balsamy Disposition, that towards a saltish, and this into a sour, Ciaemul of a Stagma of Vitriol, the use of the hot minerall waters, was so far from bringing help, that on the contrary, these evills, for that very cause, presently grew all very much worse: and the Disease, proceeding from the humors being so depraved, as to their temper and mixture, could never be cured by any me∣dicines, no easier than vinegar may be reduced into wine.

When this Gentlemans body, being at last dead of the Phthisis or Consumption, was opened by me, we could finde but very few foot-steps, of these kinde of most grievous Symptoms. Hence, as it appear'd, the Palsie and Convulsion, did not depend, so much on a thick and copious matter, heaped together somewhere in mines, as of an evill affection of the animal Spirits, who are subtle and Invisible. I will lay forth, what was worthy taking notice of, in the anatomy of this person.

The Abdomen being opened, the Caule (as is wont to be in most who dye of a Consumption, and other Chronical Diseases) was putrified, and almost consu∣med. In the mean time, the Ventricle, Intestines, Pancreas, and Mesentery, were well enough, to wit, the membranes were firm, well coulour'd, and free from a∣ny ulcer, or hard swelling: There grew to the greater Intestines certain excres∣cencies like to the ears of a mouse; for that there were very many of these kinde of things out of either side of the Colon, and right intestine, they shewed like twins at certain distances, like the branches of Trees: The like I formerly found in a Consumptive person: The Reason of this seems to be, that the nourishment in Consumptive people, (though it be deficient about the more solid, and out∣ward parts, yet sometimes) within neer the fountains of the nourishing juice, per∣forms more than it ought, and for that cause, superfluous and unnaturall additi∣ons grow forth.

The milt or Spleen, which always is thought ill of, and of most Physitians condemned, for being the Principal cause of the Scurvy, and of all other distem∣pers, appear altogether blameless, and free from any fault: For, as in most sound

people, we observed, it was of a darkish Colour, soft and of an equal superficies, free from any obstruction, or swelling, indued with vessells, and fibres, distinct, and firm enough: out of its substance, flowed black biood when it was cut.

The Liver (which indeed might be wondred at) was indifferently well, nei∣ther was it, from so long and grievous a sickness, become harder then usuall, or scirrhous, or planted with little whelks, but it was somewhat big, and of a darkish colour.

The Kidnys, though free from any ulcer, or gravell, were not however free from fault: for in the middle of the right Kidney, was seen a great cavity, dist∣inct from the Tunell, and much greater then it, full of clear water: the like I have very often found, in hydropical people: But indeed, this perhaps arose, from the serum deposited in that kidny, that could not easily be strained thorow its passages, and pores; for that the serum subsisting therein, had in the beginning made for it self a little den, which afterwards by degres was inlarged, and when for this Reason, the secretion of the serum, and its passing forth by the ureter, were something hindred, its Latex restagnating into the blood, brought in the grievous trouble to the head; which indeed was the rather to be suspected, because also the left Kidny, being mightily extenuated, and consumed, contained many Cisterns, and Cavities full of clear water.

The Lungs, growing on every side to the Sternum, (or part of the breast where the ribs meet) sides, and Diaphragma, seem'd without any distinction of Lobes, of one substance only of putrid spongy flesh, sta••fed throughout with a frothy or ichorous matter: without doubt, the sick man had not contracted this evill so long before, to wit, when he was not able to perform any exercise of the Body, nor stay in bed that it might breathe out any thing more freely, the faecu∣lencies and recrements of the blood, which were wont to evaporate thorow the skin, being layd up in the Lungs, were the cause, that they grew together among themselves, and with other parts, and did vitiate their tone and conformation wholly, so that, a Consumption being at last arisen, was the effect and product, and not the cause of the rest of the distempers, wherewith he had bin a long while miserably afflicted.

In either ventricle of the heart, blood was concreted into a solid whitish sub∣stance, and bak'd like flesh, which being formed neer the Cavities, and pro∣cesses of the vessells of the Heart, resembled the figure of a Serpent, with a ma∣nifold divided tail: than which indeed nothing is more usual, in many dead Peo∣ple after long sickness: The reason of which is, that the Blood being without life, from long sickness, and from thence circulated slowly about the Praecordia, begins to stand or stagnate in the heart, and depending vessells, and by that means, is congealed leasurely, into this kinde of fleshy Concrete.

When the Skull was opened, we sought among its contents, the chief Cause of the Disease: The first thing that occurr'd was, the bulk of the brain was less than it should be, and folded into fewer folds, from whence we suspected, that the Animal Spirits, were not plentifully enough brought forth: Further, the whole substance of the head, was more moist than it ought to be, and wholly im∣mersed in a wet watery humour, that its Covering, viz. the whole meninges, were pulled asunder, and the compassing or crevices, and all the ventricles, run over with clear water. 'Tis probable, that this deluge of the Brain, had lately hapned, to wit, forasmuch, as by reason perspiration being hindred, and the Secretion of urine being but little, the serosities gathered together in the bloody mass, were carried to the head, and therefore, the substance of the Brain, and especially the chancelled or chequer'd bodies, were so wholly wetted, and soked, that being cut, their substance could scarce remain compacted, but that it would flow away, somewhat after the manner of thick Liquids: within the bosoms o∣verlying, and inserted to the brain, and its Appendix, and the vessells coming from them, the blood had concreted into little, round, hard, and as it were fleshy balls, just like those within the ventricles of the heart, and the vessells hanging to them, which also lately, when the Bloud circulated slowly, we thought might happen, for the same reason, for which the blood was coagulated within the Praecordia.

The trunk of the Spinal marrow, being drowned in clear water, was very much extenuated, that it could scarce fill half of the bony cavity or hollowness:

which we thought to be effected, by the deluge of salt Serum, in which it was as it were boyled.

So much concerning universal Convulsions, which being very much conjoy∣ned with the Paralytick Distemper, are excited dividedly in many parts at once: There remains others, which we call'd continued, because being suddenly translated, from some parts to others, they mutually relieve one another, and compell the members; now these, now those, and often the whole body, to be involuntarily moved, and diversly bended, or agitated. In these Cases, the A∣nimal Spirits, not only those implanted in private corners, and mines, get to themselves an explosive Copula, and being some how satisfied, or irritated, strike it off by certain turns; but when the whole mass of the nervous Liquor, abundantly abounds with elastick particles, they then every where cleaving to both the Spirits implanted, and flowing in, for that reason stir them up into Continuall Convulsions: But forasmuch, as not all the Spirits at once, are not able, however predisposed, to be exploded, (because within the nervous pas∣sages, there is not room large enough for their so great agitations) therefore the explosive force, arising in these, or those parts, is by and by transfer'd, from thence, unto others, and so to others, and so like fire-draks, or wild-fire, it runs wandringly here and there, most swiftly creeping from these Limbs, to those, and then presently from all into the Praecordia, or Viscera, and back a∣gain. That the Image of those kinde of distempers may be known, we will here propose some more rare Cases; of sick persons, whom sometime past I en∣deavoured to Cure.

[Observation. 1] A very fine and religious maid, tall and slender, begot of a Father sickly, and obnoxious to most grievous Distempers of the nervous kinde, about the 20th year of her Age, was afflicted for many days with an head-ach, very Cruell and periodical; at length, at the time of the winter folstice, 1656. the pain of her head ceased, but instead of it, a mighty Catarrh followed, with a thin and Co∣pious spitting, also an ulcerous distemper of the nose and throat; when she had for some time endured this trouble, at length, by the prescript of a certain Wo∣man, receiving the fume of Amber by a tunnell into her mouth, she was sudden∣ly cured, to wit, the Catarrh, or violent Rhume ceas'd suddenly, but from thence she complained of a notable Vertigo, with a pain in the head, and of the tingling noise of the ears: on the Third day, the tendons of the hinder part of her neck, were pulled together, that her head was bended now forward, now back∣ward, and now of one side, sometime it continued stiff and unmoveable; a little after this, the same kinde of Convulsive Distemper invaded the outward mem∣bers, and Limbs of the whole body, her arms and hands were wonderfully turned about, that no jugler or tumbler could imitate their bendings, and rollings a∣bout; she was necessitated to spread abroad her leggs, and feet, here and there, to strike them against one another, and to transpose or cross them by turns: Af∣ter this manner either sitting in a Chair or lying in a Bed she was perpetually af∣flicted with these Convulsive motions, unless when overwhelmed with sleep; and when she did a little restrain her members from the great labour of the Mus∣cles, presently she was taken with a difficult and short-breathing with a sense of Choaking; but in the mean time, her eyes, jaws, mouth, and lower bowells, re∣mained free from any Convulsion; neither was she troubled with vomiting, bel∣ching, nor any inflation of the belly, and hypochondria: Besides she was still her self, and had truly the use of her memory, understanding, and phantasie, she did, nor said any thing madly, or foolishly: but in these wonderfull evills, she shew••d an admirable example of Christian fortitude, and patienee, even with godly and discreet speeches; her appetite was soon lost, so that she took any meat or aliment very unwillingly; thirst continually troubled her, and her strength was grown so feeble, that she could not stand or walk, her urine was of a Citron colour, very full of saltness, on whose superficies grew little tararous skins.

When I was sent for to this Gentlewoman, on the Sixth day of her sickness, I framed the Aetiology of this kinde of admirable distemper: For the considerati∣on of her father, who at that time was sick in the same house, with most grievous Convulsive passions, kept me, that I did not with many others, refer all things to the delusions of witches: wherefore, that I might seek out the natural Causes of these Symptoms, it was in the first place plainly to be suspected, that this

Gentlewoman had contracted hereditarily the seeds of Convulsive Distempers, which at length, about the flower of her age, broke forth into this kinde of fruit: for when her blood was very much imbued with heterogeneous and explo∣sive particles, they at length (as is wont in such a disposition) began to be poured into the head, and there to be fixed: being therefore first deposited in the Meningae, they induced the huge periodicall head-ach; then afterwards, the same matter having accidentally shifted its place, falling down into the sinks of the throat and mouth, changed the Cephalage or head-ach, into a Catarrh or Rhume: and when lastly by an untimely use of the administred Remedy, the defluxion stop'd, the morbifick matter flowing back into the brain, brought the Vertigo; and then, being thrust forth on the nervous stock, it excited the aforesaid Con∣vulsive Affections.

As to the formal Reason, or the means of generation, whereby the Convul∣sive matter, falling down into the nervous stock; did produce these admirable Symptomes, we may lawfully suppose, that the same being thrust forth from the Confines of the head, being yet more firm, into the spinal marrow, and its Ap∣pendix; and being like a malignant firment, it first infected, with heterogeneous and highly explosive particles, these parts of the juce watering the whole mass; which cleaving to the spirits, every where disposed thorow their whole series, and agitating them, as it were with a certain fury, did stir them up into continuall explosions: When in truth, the nervous juice, as is said, was so fermented by the inflowing of the Convulsive matter, that which did other ways water the contain∣ing parts, with a gentle falling on them, and through the same; did pass over the animal spirits; with an equal Expansion; now the same did torment the ner∣vous fibres, with various contractions; and Corrugations or shrinkings up, and did hinder both the spirits flowing in, being too much burthened with an hete∣rogeneous Copula, from their due irradiation, and also variously moving those implanted in every part, did incite them, as it were with a diabolical Inspira∣tion, so that no more obeying the Empire of the will, they ran into inordinate motions, and did renew them; translated rapidly here ahd there, with a perpe∣tuall reciprocation.

But, altho the heterogeneous particles, being poured forth with the blood, into the brain, and thence thrust forth into the nervous stock, did not enter rightly the beginnings of all the nerves, but chiefly and almost only the spinal marrow, and its nervous shoots; so that the internal Viscera, also the parts of the eyes, mouth, and face, remained free from any Convulsion: yet, that same explosive force, being hindred by some violence, whereby it entred less in the outward members, presently like wild-fire, a way being found, it was wont to run into the praecordia, and bowells of the lower belly: viz. because the inflow∣ing spirits, being struck with a certain fury, and requiring a larger space, in which they might exercise their madness, being excluded from one place, pre∣sently enter another somewhere open: wherefore, if that fury had been repulsed, both from the members, and the viscera, no doubt but it would have flown back on the brain, and brought thither, madness, or as it were an Epileptical Insensi∣bleness: which Symptoms indeed hapned to be wanting, for that the brain of this most ingenious Gentlewoman, being indued with a more firm Constitution, did take from the nervous Liquor freshly instilled, whatsoever was congruous and spiritous, for its proper food, and enjoy'd it: In the mean time, it did depress all the morbific particles, into the spinal marrow, by which the involuntary moti∣ons of the members were excited, after that manner as we said but now.

Being requested to undertake the Cure of this worthy Virgin, first, a light preparation of her body being made, I gave her a solutive potion of the Infu∣sion of Senna and Rhubarb, with yellow Sanders and salt of Wormwood added to it, by which she was purged 12 times with great ease, the next day I took viii. ounces of blood from her left Arm, every evening I gave her an opiate of the water, and Syrrop of the flowers of Lungwort, with the powder of pearls: besides, once within vi. hours, I prescrib'd her to take a dose of the spirits of Harts-horn, in a draught of the following Julap. Take of the waters of black Cherries, Walnuts, and the flowers of Paeony, each ℥ iii. of the Antipeleptic of Langius ℥ ii. of the Syrrop of the flowers of the male-paeony ℥ ii. of the powder of pearls ℈ i. mix it and make a Julap: because she could not endure much purging, Clysters with Sugar'd-milk,

were made use of frequently: besides antispasmodic oyntments, being ap∣plyed to the hinder part of her neck, and the back-bone, we order'd often rub∣bing of the distemper'd members, with warm woollen Cloaths wetted in pro∣per oyl.

By the use of these, the sick person within 6 days, seem'd to be very much hel∣ped; for the Convulsive motions allmost wholly ceased, and she could contain her members quietly in their due position, only her head sometimes by a lighter Contraction was compelled to bend gently this way and that way; further she was able to stand a little, and rise out of her chair, but when she went to step for∣ward, she went not rightly, but obliquely on one side: At this time going away, I left her much better, and in a manifest state of growing well: But after ano∣ther week, when the North-winde being high, and arisen in Night time, the window not being fast shut, blew very much upon the sick person being in Bed, she presently taking cold, relapsed into that kinde of Condition, that she became obnoxious not only to Convulsive passions, but to an universal periodical palsie: for after that she was forced to move about, turn, and winde variously, all her limbs successively, with her head, and members by turns, bent, and thrown a∣bout here and there (as before) from morning to night; till at night these kinde of motions wholly ceasing, a resolution of her members, or palsie succeeded, so that she was not able to stir either hand or foot, or any other part of her body besides, or to exereise any motive bending of the body, lying in her bed allmost, immovable like a stone; but being a little refresh'd with sleep, about morning, as she recovered some little strength or virtue of the regular motive faculty, by bending, tho but weakly here and there, her arms, and legs, so also the involun∣tary, and Convulsive motions, did constantly return, enduring from that time, all the day, which again at the Evening, were changed into these resolutions of the Limbs.

By these it appears clearly, that the sick Gentlewoman laboured with a two-fold disease, viz. a Palsie, and Convulsion, and that the materiall Cause of ei∣ther, was somewhat distinct: For it seems, that the animal spirits, every where abounding, being burdened with narcotick particles, were almost continually bound: besides that, in the time of sleeping, together with the nervous juiee, the Convulsive particles, plentifully flowing in, clove also to the spirits: for the explosions of which, the spirits being incited, produced the involuntary moti∣ons: but also at that time, the narcotic Copula being somewhat shaken off, they were then able in some sort to perform the voluntary or regular also: Besides the Remedies but now recited, they did carefully administer very many others, all∣most of every kinde, viz. Antiscorbuticks, antiparaleticks, Decoctions, sudo∣rificks, or sweating medicines, distilled waters, spirits, Elixirs, Tincture, Baths, Liniments, with many others; by the use of which, the Symptoms were something remitted, but yet the disease was not wholly cured, the universal pal∣sie soon ceased, that she was able at any time to move her Limbs, and to bend them here and there; and also the involuntary motions did trouble her but rarely, yet she continued Languishing, and weak; and when she being of a more fine temper, and prone to a Consumption, by reason transpiration was hindred, the recrements of the bloods being laid up in the Lungs, brought in a Cough, which every day growing worse, she at length dyed of a Phthisis or wasting.

[Observation. 2] Some years since, I was sent for to a Noble Virgin, sick almost after the same manner, and something worse: For this suffer'd almost perpetually, coming by turns, involuntary motions, to wit, shakings of the head, and members, or de∣flections, or movings about here and there: besides, she was afflicted with an exceeding troublesome, and plainly wonderfull Convulsion, of the Diaphragma, and muscles serving for breathing: for every minute of an hour and oftener, her back-bone was suddenly bent in, about its middle, and together her breast shooting out forward, and her hypochondria being drawn inwards, she made a noysie sobbing, now double, now threefold, but still with a less and less noise: this kinde of motion, and ebbing of a crashing noise, was wont to come for ma∣ny hours, and so that she might be heard through the whole house; and when any short interval of this hapned, she was compelled presently to shake, or writhe together extreamly her arms, and hands, and sometimes her legs and feet, and also to fling about most furiously her head, and by and by to hold her

neck, as it were stiff and immovable: and then in speaking, her tongue would be taken after that manner, that she would repeat the same word very often, yea sometimes twenty times at least: when the Convulsive motions tormented her strongly in her outward members, she was free for a little while from that throt∣ling, and noisie distemper, and this space of intermission she call'd her time of ease; tho in the mean time, her head, and members were carried violently here and there, with Convulsive Motions: if at any time she lay on her left side, pre∣sently a contraction of her right hypochondrium inwards, with a sobbing or throt∣ling, vex'd her. Within a few days, her strength being very much lost, by the assiduity of the passions, she contracted so great an imbecillity in her Loyns, and joynts of her legs, that she could not stand, nor lean on her feet: Her Sto∣mach, distemperd either with weakness, or the Convulsion, return'd back what∣ever was put into it, by vomit.

In this Case, as in the former, it appears, clearly, that the Animal spirits, not only those implanted in this or that part or region, had contracted an hete∣rogeneous Copula to be shaken off by some turns, but also the spirits influencing some nerves, being imbued with explosive particles, had brought in the perpe∣tuall, and wandring Convulsive Motions. And when at first it hapned, that the spirits so afflicted, did assolt, not all the nerves together, nor any indiffe∣rently, but for the most part, only those belonging to the Diaphragma, and the Appendixes of the spinal marrow, so that within those spaces, the fury of the spirits, perpetually explosing, was limited, for this reason it hapned, that the convulsive affections being restrained, in any one of those parts, did break forth more furiously strait in another; and when by their proper instinct, their mo∣tive force was imployed in one Region, the same was in the mean time, wont to be remitted in another. Moreover in this sick person, the morbific matter, consisting both of narcotick and convulsive particles, caused together the para∣lytick, and convulsive distemper.

Coming to her on the 4th day, I gave her an Emetick potion, by which she vomited 7 times, abundance of ropy phlegm, with yellow choller, yet without any ease: on the next day, I took six ounces of blood, from her left Arm, pre∣sently from thence, the blood being more impetuously carried, towards the head, she complained mightily of an head-ach, and giddiness; But within 3 days she being let blood in the foot, found her self better: she afterwards took Reme∣dies for the distempers of the nerves, to wit, spirits of Harts-horn, and of blood, Bezoartick and shelly powders, Julaps, and Electuaries, antispasmodical: by the use of these, the Symptoms seem'd to be something remitted, but yet they remained somewhat after the manner but now described: After a fortnight, by the pre∣scription of a certain Country-Woman, she took in a draught of beer, 6 spoon∣fulls of blood, taken from the ear of an Asse, by which she seem'd on a sudden to be cured: for forthwith all the Convulsive motions did leave, and she remained free from them 24 hours; but yet the disease returning the next day, with its wonted fierceness, would not give place, neither to that Remedy, nor indeed easily to any others: she therefore for the future, took medicines methodically prescribed: Once within 6 days, she was gently purged, besides she took the powder composed of Bezoar, pearls, and Corrall, with the roots and seeds of Pae∣ony, also an Electuary, prescribed by Horstius for these kinde of admirable Con∣vulsions; also Julap, and decoctions, proper in convulsive Distempters: Clysters were often used, frictious, oyntments, and vesicatories were administred with success: within another week, the sobbing affection wholly ceased, and likewise the other convulsive motions, being grown more gentle by degrees, very much remitted: Growing well of these distempers, a Catharr falling down in her throat, she was so much troubled, that she almost continually spit forth a sharp, and as it were Corrosive spittle, as if she had had a salivation by taking Mercury: which kinde of Remedy indeed, hath been found to have been the last event in this case: but I wholly abstained from administring it, because both the sick, and her friends, would not give me leave.

After this plentifull, and troublesome spitting had continued for many days, the disease seem'd almost to be wholly Cured: so that this noble Gentlewo∣man, being free of her Convulsive motions, went abroad, and was well, both in strength and stomach. Only she complained, that oftentimes in a day, she

was suddenly afflicted, for about a minute of an hour, with a shivering of her whole body; which kinde of Distemper coming upon her sometimes in the night, broke her sleep: within the space of a month, this Symptom also, and likewise her Catarrh wholly ceased: But from thence, she was sometimes afflicted with an extream Soureness, in her ventricle, and the passage of the Oesophagus, and sometimes also in her mouth, and pallate, that it was feared lest the inward skin being fretted, those parts should Contract an ulcerous disposition; besides she was wont to be tormented often in her sleep, sometimes also being awake, with the night-mare or Incubus. For this I prescribed, Spring and fall, a gentle purge to be administred, with the use of antiscorbutick Remedies, and sometimes Chalibiates, or medicines of prepared steel, which kinde of method she observed so much to her benefit, that she was well in health for many years, and is as yet well.

Among the many Remedies, which were taken against that Sourness, and as it were ulcerous disposition of the pallat, and Oesophagus, I prescribed, that she should drink every morning, her own urine fresh made; this, whilst it was very Saltish, was wont to give her great ease; but at sometimes, her urine flow'd from her thin and plentifully, which being nothing salt, but like to sour vine∣gar, from the drinking of that she received little or no benefit.

The Reason of the Case but now described, seems not much unlike the for∣mer, unless that in this sick Gentlewoman, the explosive particles had enter'd into more passages of the nerves, to wit, besides the appendixes of the spinall marrow, into those dedicated for the office of breathing, and also by fits, into those designed for the motion of the Tongue, and almost perpetually tormen∣ted the Spirits abounding in them, with Rage or fury.

But that the Cure of this Disease hapen'd, by the falling down of the sharp humour, into the emunctories of the mouth, and throat, we may from thence gather, that the material Cause of this, was the heterogeneous particles, and as it were nitrous, begotten in the blood; which, when from thence, being pas∣sed thorow from the brain, they were carried into the nervous stock, caused the aforesaid Distempers: But assoon as by the help of Remedies, the more plenti∣full provision of that matter was hinderd, and the morbifick particles allready produced, both from the blood, and the Brain, and nervous stock, were de∣rived into those emunctories of the head, the Convulsive Distemper presently ceased, and within a short time, such a Crisis or secretion still remaining, the per∣fect Cure of the Disease followed.

Forasmuch as the urine, being of it self very salt, and as it were lixivial, be∣came at some times sourish, which did not give any help, as the former, to the sourness of the throat: it may hence be gathered, that the salt particles of the blood, and humours, coming away by the urine, had a twofold state or condi∣tion, to wit, of fixedness, and fluedness; wherefore the serum, imbued by them, became now of this, now of that nature: for it seems, that the Saline particles, being degenerate within the mass of the blood, remained fixed, and rendred the urine for the most part Lixiviall: but those which flowed without the blood, in the nervous juce, or were laid up about the solid parts, did degenerate into a flux or acetousness: and therefore from these, being derived into the emunctuaries of the mouth, that noted sourness of the mouth, and Oesophagus proceeded: moreover, when these kinde of particles, being gathered to a fullness in the ner∣vous juce, and solid parts, did swell up, and arising to a fluxion, boyled up into the blood: presently these being sent away from thence, in heaps, thorow the Reines, rendred the urine, increased in quantity, sourish. But forasmuch, as the Saline particles, being of a divers Condition, and that those of the same kinde could not be mingled together, they mutually moved against one another, and break their forces, therefore the salt urine, and not the sour healed the sourness of the throat. It appears by a vulgar experiment, that the most sharp Spirit of Vitriol, by the mixture of the Salt of Tartar, or any other lixivial, grows very milde: yea, and yet from thence appears, that the acid humour, sweating out into the parts of the mouth and throat of this Gentlewoman, came near the nature of sharp Vitriol; because the fume of Tobacco, being taken at the mouth of the sick person, was wonderfully sweet, as it happens to such, who have beforehand tasted Vitriol.

Because we treat here of admirable Convulsions, which do not ordinarily hap∣pen, and whose nature, and causes ly deeply hid; for the better illustration of these kinde of Distempers, we will yet shew one or two more Cases, no less won∣derfull than the former.

About ten years since, I visited the daughter of a certain Nobleman, troubled [Observation. 3] after that manner with Convulsive motions, that some thought her possessed with an evill Spirit: This Virgin about 16. years of age, fair, and well-made, yet begotten of a paralytick Father, without any evident Cause, about the win∣ter-solstice began to fall ill. At first she was troubled, though not in any grie∣vous manner, with an head-ach, and giddiness for many days; then she felt, now in one of her arms, and then in another, a trembling and sudden Con∣traction; which kinde of Convulsions, returning often that day, endured scarce a moment; the next day sitting nigh her Sister in a Chair, suddenly leaping out, she fetch'd one or two jumps, and many others successively, with wonderfull agility, at the distance of many feet; then, when she was come to the farther part of the Chamber, she stood leaping a great while in the same place, and every time to a great height; when her legs were quite tired with leaping, she fell on the floor, and presently she flung her head here and there with won∣derfull violence, as if she would shake it from her neck: As soon as she ceased from this motion for weariness, presently the same fury invaded her hands and feet, so that she was forced strongly to exercise these members, by striking the walls or posts, or by beating the pavement: when by reason of shame or mode∣sty, due to her friends, and by-standers, she did hinder her self with great vio∣lence, from these motions (for all the while she was her self, and spake soberly) the distemper being sent inwardly, she was very much infested, with a mighty oppression of the heart, with a bemoaning and very noisefull sobbing; then, when she would ease her self, she was forced presently, the fury being transmitted to the muscles of the outward Limbs, either to leap about, or to fling here and there cruelly her head, or arms, or also to run about the Chamber, most swift∣ly, or to beat the ground with her feet: because these kinde of vehement moti∣tions, of her Limbs or viscera, in the Tragedy of the distemper, did mutually re∣lieve themseives, returning as it were in a round.

Coming the 5th. day after this Lady had been sick, I gave her a vomit of the fusion of Crocus Mettallorum, wine of squills, and salt of Vitriol, by which she vomited 7 times, cancker'd oile or choller, in a great plenty, with the mixture of a sharp, and as it were vitriolic humour: The next day ten ounces of blood was taken from the Saphana vein; besides, she took twice in a day, antidotes of the powders of pretious Stones, of humane skull, and the root of the male paeony. By the use of these, within a week, she seem'd to be cured, she continued for many days afterwards free from the aforesaid distempers: But after two weeks at the time of the full Moon she fell into a relapse of the same disease more cruell than before, for besides those wonderfull leapings, and vehement Conversions and roulings about of her head and members, she was forced besides, to fetch often a most rapid course round about the Chamber: she began at this time, from the praescripts of others, to take anti-hysterical Remedies, and purges at certain set intervalls, but without any help: At last, I being sent for, because she see∣med indued with a strong habit of body, and with a notable fierceness of spirits, I gave her a stronger Emetick, by which she vomited forth ten times, greenish Choller, like to rust, with phlegm, sharp like stygian water, and she was sud∣denly eased: After this, I gave her every morning, a draught of white-wine, di∣lated with the water of black Cherries, with sows or hog-lice bruised and infused therein, and strongly pressed forth. By the Use of these, she seem'd presently to be cured, and was well above a Month: And when afterwards, the distem∣pers being about to return, she felt at any time some forerunners, presently by the use of a vomit, and the expression of the Millepedes or Cheslogs, she averted the approach of the Disease: within three months, she so far recovered her for∣mer health, that she has now liv'd for many years; free from those kinde of Con∣vulsive distempers: But from the time the convulsive passions wholly ceased, she was sometimes troubled, about the parts of her mouth, and throat, with a de∣fluxion, of a most sour humour, like the vitriolick Stagma; besides sometimes she was obnoxious to the Pica or longing of women, and at sometimes also to the

Cough, with a discolored spittle, threatning a Consumption, notwithstanding which, by remedies used in these kinde of Cases, she was easily cured.

As to the Aetiologie, or Rational account of the aforesaid Case, there is no reason that we should fear to refer both the Causes, and Symptoms of this disease, to the explosive particles (the brain being pass'd thorow without hurt) sent as a supply, Continually from the blood, into the nervous stock; which, foras∣much as they being poured forth in great plenty, were not restrained within private mines, to be struck off only by turns, cleaving every where, both to the implanted, and inflowing Spirits, forced them, as it were inspired with a madness, to be perpetually exploded, and to grow raging here and there, by bands: so that indeed, they were not able at all to be ruled; within the con∣taining parts, but there was need to overthrow, and to tame them, impetuously tumultuating, and apt to be carried here and there, like a whirlwinde, by some very violent and strong exercise. In truth in was in this sick person, as it is in musical Organs, which if filled above measure, by too great a blast of winde, unless presently the passages of more Pipes be opened, the whole frame of the Organ is quickly shaken, and in danger to be broken to pieces: In like manner in this Lady, when the animal Spirits, actuating the pipes, and the depending fibres, of some of the nerves, were moved beyond their due tenour, there was a necessity, that their force should be bestowed on many vehement local moti∣ons together, whilst they inslated above measure the nervous bodies: where∣fore, when their madness was hindred in on part, by and by like winde pent up, creeping somewhere else, it broke forth more violently, in some other part.

In this sick person, the use of one or two Vomits, brought help once or twice, because that by it, what was lodged in the gallie-vessell, yea the glandula's and emunctuories, and also about the viscera of concoction, being by this means emptied, the purging of the blood, and nervous juce, were more Copiously drawn into the same place; therefore indeed, that the animal Spirits, flowing within the Pipes of the distemperd nerves, might be less infected by them: By this reason also, the juice of the Sows or hog-lice was benefici••l, forasmuch as it derived the morbifick matter, from the nervous kinde, to the urinary passages: Besides these Remedies, the Root and in a great part the branches of the mor∣bific matter being cut off, and when others, as it were antidotes, hindring eve∣ry where its vegitation, were carefully administred, whatsoever was left of it, Nature at length becoming superior (as she is wont in these criticall Cases) sent away, to the sinks of the mouth and Throat.

[Observation. 4] Whilst I was writing these things, I visited an illustrious Virgin, who was troubled with other kinde of Convulsive motions, and those universal, and no less to be admired: she was about 18. years of age, hansome, and well made, and before this time healthfull; when the Pestilence raging in this neighbour∣hood, she had come within the danger of its Contagion, she fell into a panick fear, with frequent swouning; the night fellowing, she suffer'd so great a deliqui∣um or sinking down of her Spirits, and insensibility, that she seem'd just a dying: hardly strugling with so great an evill, afterwards she had every day Convulsive fits, though at first at uncertain hours, and returning after a manifold Kinde: But within a short time, its comings being made regular, twice in a day, to wit, they constantly returned at eleven of the clock, and before five in the afternoon, that no intermitting feavour, kept more exactly its periods; yea, also, the same accidents of the fit dayly chanced after the same manner.

When she had thus been sick for three weeks, one day I was sent for, that I might take notice of all the Symptoms, and the whole figure of the disease: she being up about ten in the morning, was well, in her Countenance, going, and speech, she behaved her self exceeding well, so that none would ever suspect her to be sick: at eleven of the clock, she began to complain of a fullness of her head, and numbness of Spirits, with a light swimning; by and by she felt a great pul∣sation, and as it were the leaping of some live animal, in her left hypochondrium: putting my hand on her side I plainly perceived this motion; then a stretching and belching followed, which done, she was presently put to bed, and a maid siting upon a pillow held her down; who during the fit, most strictly graspt the sick person, holding her to her bosom, with her arms foulded about her wast: besides servants were ready, and her relations standing by, who now press'd down

her belly, and hypochondria rising up, and swelling to a great bulk, now held her hands and arms. The chief Symptoms of the Disease, which being excited by turns, almost divided the whole fit, were these two, viz. one while Cruel Con∣vulsions of the Bowells did infest her, so that the abdomen, rising up into a migh∣ty bulk, strove against the hands of the by-standers, held upon it, that it could not be pressed down; and at the same time, her Praecordia, being contracted up∣wards, the motions of her blood and heart, were almost stop't: in which space of time, this virgin, her head falling down, with a small pulse, and almost with∣out voice, lay nigh sensless; after two or three minutes of an hour, these Con∣vulsions ceased: and then the sick person, setting her self upright, look'd a∣bout cheerfully, and for a while, the force of the disease changed into talking and singing, both of which she without ceasing performed, most pleasantly and most elegantly, beyond her proper capacity: with these kinde of speeches, and pleasant jeasts, she fell upon all the standers by, that nothing in a Comedy could be more pleasant; then she utterd most sweet tunes of musick, and more pleasant, than any other could, or her self at another time: After she had past six or seven minutes of an hour, thus jesting and singing, the Convulsions of her Bowells and Praecordia, and the want of speech, came upon her as before: and these soon remitting, the force of the Spirits leaping back, from the infe∣rior nerves on the brain, it was lastly imployed in the pleasantness of speech and Songs; as often, when she talkt to the by-standers, as any of them replyed any thing bitterly or reproachfully, she fell into those most grievous, and long∣er continuing, Convulsions of the Viscera: After this manner, she was wont to be molested, with an alternate distemper of the Bowells, and brain, about the space of an hour: Then towards the end of the Viscera, the fit declining, more light Convulsions being made, they repeated three or four times without any intermission, then these wholly ceasing, the force of the disease brake forth in∣to her outward members, from whence it quickly vanished: for her Arms and Legs, for a minute of an hour, suffer'd leapings forth, and Contractions; pre∣sently after, the sick person being taken up, left ber bed, free from all Convul∣sion, till a new fit returned; yea, indifferently well in strength, she walk'd a∣bout the house, and during the interval of her distemper, she cheerfully per∣formed the accustomed Offices of Life, excepting that her stomack languish∣ings all day she loathed food, in the evening, after the second fit, she supp'd mo∣deratly.

This was the present state of the Disease, in whose fits, the more clear use of some faculties, seem'd in a manner to Compensate the irregularity of others: But about the beginning of her sickness, it was somewhat otherways: for the Convulsions of her bowells, were far more grievous, and an insensibility was joyned to them: besides, in their intervall, talking idly, an incongruous sing∣ing, yea both laughter and weeping, without any known reason, breaking forth, were wont to follow one another: but now, the animal Spirits being forced in∣to longer explosions, performed them so regularly, now this, now that, as a more Commodious way was made, that they seemed after a manner, to be done by the Command of the will, and of Reason.

That we may therefore, according to our hypothesis, frame an Aetiology or ra∣tional account of this Distemper; In the first place, it seems, that a vehement fear, did drive the Spirits inhabiting the brain and Praecordia, into great disor∣ders: so that, they being disturbed out of their ranks, both the kinde of mad∣ness or foolishness, and the frequent swooning succeeded: Further, it may be suspected, that from the same impression, the hurt was carried to the brain it self, so that its conformation being somewhat vitiated, the heterogeneous and morbific particles, were admitted together with the nervous juice: Then, al∣though the spirits at the beginning, being confused and troubled, after their short inordinations, at last recovered themselves, and performed the wonted offices both of the animal and vital function; yet by reason of the taint, impres∣sed on the brain, the heterogeneous particles being constantly admitted, clea∣ving to those Spirits, induced explosive endeavors, as soon as the spirits were filled to a plentitude, with the extraneous Copula, they being irritated, entred into Convulsive explosions for the shaking or striking it off.

About the beginning of the Disease, when both the Disposition of the Brain,

and the Spirits inhabiting it, was more perverse, and vitious, from the fresh re∣ceived hurt, a fullness of the heterogeneous Copula sooner happened, and so its explosion following more often, and more inordinately, was dispatched with greater tumult; But afterwards, when the hurt of the animal regiment abating, the supplements of that Copula, even as thc nervous Liquor, were dayly brought in with an equall dimention, the explosions of the Spirits being made regular, and more milde, observed their just periods or set times.

That she felt, upon the approach of the fit, a fullness and as it were an inflati∣on in her head, with an heaviness, and dullness of the spirits, the Reason is, be∣cause at this time, the spirits inhabiting the brain, being now prepared for ex∣plosions, were wont first of all to be moved, and as it were to swell up; then that pulsation in her left hypochondria succeeded; for that the Spirits inhabiting the nervous foldings, and fibres, thickly planted about the Spleen, began to be exploded: afterwards, when the Spirits flowing both within the mesenteric, and Cardiac enfoldings, were exploded rogether, those elevations, and as it were leapings up of the Abdomen, and Thorax, were induced: and when in this di∣stemper, the motions of the blood and heart were almost wholly stopped, there∣fore there was a small and almost no pulse, and she became Speechlesse, and in a manner sensless.

The Convulsion of the Viseera and Praecordia remitting, a pratling and singing succeeded, because a falling down or removal of the Spirits as yet exploded, be∣ing made from the nervous stock, into the brain, it changed the Convulsions in∣to an exaltation of the fancy, and more ready exercise of the phantasms, or Re∣presentation of the Imagination: So long as the Spirits, within the middle of the brain, are regularly and orderly exploded, they bring forth the Acts of the habits and faculties so much more noble, and as it were above the strength, and tenour of Nature, as in this sick Gentlewoman: but on the contrary, when the explosions of the Spirits in that Region, happen to be inordinate, they cause for the most part foolishness, or at least the exercise of their powers, are incon∣gruous and absurd.

The Convulsions of the Bowels, and the phantastic actions, releiv'd one ano∣ther mutually, and by turns, because plenty of Spirits, being disposed to be struck off, made their tendency, as it were with a direct and reflected waving or undu∣lation, now on this part, now on that by turns: then lastly, when they were al∣most all exploded, the more often Convulsions of the Viscera were stir'd up; and when a small handfull only remained to be exploded, that being at last exclud∣ed, both from the head and bowells, it ran forth into the spinal marrow, and em∣ployed the last assolt of the disease, in the Convulsions af the Arms and Legs.

There yet remains one great difficulty in this Case, why the fits of this disease, were always repeated exactly at set hours, and yet had so unequall periods, to wit, that the Coming of the first, was only but six hours before the second, and then the return of the next, did not hapen but in 18 hours space. For the sol∣ving of this, it is to be supposed, that these fits did depend upon the nervous juice being stuffed to a plenitude, with heterogenious particles: which particles were altogether conveyed thither from the bloody mass, and the blood did drink up the same, from the nourishing juice, sent as a supply from the Bowells: These being thus supposed, we must consider, in what space of time, the bloody mass is filled with those morbific particles, and then, in what measure, it pours them forth into the nervous Liquor. As to these, that it may the better appear after what manner it was done, in the case of this sick person, you must know, that she took in 24. hours space, only at one time, a full meal: to wit, after the second fit was ended she supped moderately about 7 of the Clock; the rest of the day wanting an Appetite, she hardly took any food, therefore it is probable, that the morbific matter, was poured forth together with the nutritious provision, into the bloody mass, chiefly in the night time; and that more plentifully, than that all could presently be derived, into the nervous Liquor: The heterogeneous particles, which are first conveyed from the blood, newly satisfyed, into the nervous Liquor, being heaped up to the fulness, did excite the first fit, the co∣ming of which therefore was longer delayed, because both one space is required wherein the blood, and then another wherein the brain and nerves, are to be filled: after this fit was over, because the blood yet full, containing in it self more

particles, of the same kinde, pours them suddenly on the nervous juice, there∣fore the other fit is induced, within thrice the space of the former: but this be∣ing ended, because both the bloody mass, and the nervous juice, are wholly freed from their burthen, the sick person finding her self better, than at any other time, took her food greedily enough; but after that, when to the next following fit, first the bloody mass, and then the nervous juice, ought to be filled with the morbific matter, therefore 10. hours are required for this double task: but for∣asmuch, as there is only need, for the second fit, that the other particles should be derived from the bloody mass, yet full, into the nervous juice, therefore for this effect, a much less space doth suffice, viz. of 6 hours.

After I had seen this Lady, who had labour'd for many weeks with these kinde of periodicall fits, I order'd, that three hours before the second fit, ten ounces of blood, should be taken out of the vein on the foot; which being done, the coming of the fit, in the evening being expected, quite left her, neither did it return at all afterwards; but the other fit, observing its former time, dayly re∣turned, till the Patient being let blood, a little before its coming, remained that day free from the disease, which however returning the day after, accor∣ding to the same manner, exercised her for many months: In the mean time, be∣cause the cold of the winter was very great, she forbore for some time the use of remedies: but the spring coming on, this honourable Lady being brought to Oxford, was Cured by the following method.

First I gave her this Cathartick, and I took care, that it was repeated every 6th. or 7th. day. Take of the Sulphur of Antimony, grains 6, of Mercurius dulcis 1. scruple, of the Resine of Julap gr. iv. of ginger gr. vi. let them be beaten toge∣ther in a morter, then adde of the Conserves of Violets i. dram, make a bolus: It was wont to provoke two or three vomits, and three or four stools. The flux of her Terms came constantly in great abundance, at the set times: wherefore, when the blood seem'd very plentifull, and hot, I order'd phlebotomy twice or thrice in the midst betwixt the times of her Terms: Besides, every day that she did not purge, she took twice in a day, 4 pills of the following mass, drinking after them, a little draught of the Julap below prescribed. Take of the Roots of the male-Paeony, ℥ ss. of Virginian snakeweed, Contrayerva, Cretic Dittany, each ʒ i••i. of humane skull, prepared, ʒ i ss. of an Elks claw ʒ i. of red Corral prepared, of the powder of Pearls, each ʒ i. of the salt of Wormwood, ʒ ii. of the salt of Corrall ʒ i. with what will suffice of the syrrop of the flowers of the male-paeony make a mass.

Take of the water of the flowers of the male-paeony, of black Cherries, and of Wallnuts, each ℥ iiii. of the antiepileptic of Langius, ℥ ii. of the syrrop of the flowers of Paeony, ℥ i ss. of Castor tyed in a knot, and hung in the glass, ʒ i. mix them, and make a Julap.

When she began to loath the Pills, they being omitted, she took twice a day, to wit, in the Morning, and the Evening. about one scruple of the following powder, in a spoonfull of Julap, drinking after it 4. or 5. spoonfulls of the same. Take of Bezar-stone, of either white Amber, of Pearls prepared, of red Corrall, each ℈ i. of humane skull ℈ ii. of the root of Virginian snakeweed, and the seeds of Rue, each ʒ ss. mingle them, and make a powder, let her take ℈ i. Morning and Evening, with a dose of the above-prescribed Julap.

Then, when also this medicine began to be tedious to her, she used the pills, or the Elixir proprietatis, and also sometimes for many days the Spirits of Harts-horn: At last, she began to be helped, by that powder, being daily taken, for some space.

In the mean time, whilst this method of healing was ordained; her hair being shaven from her head, it was covered only with a thin covering: She wore upon her Belly, an Hysterical plaister mixed with Galbanum: for her ordinary drink, she took a Bochet of Sarsa, and China, the roots of the male-Paeony, and other proper things, infused in Spring-water and boyled. Within a month, the Fits were something remitted: then, being by degrees made gentler and lesser, at length they almost quite ceased: unless that at the time of her Terms, one or two fits of the disease was wont to trouble her: Further she labour'd with an al∣most constant giddiness, and queasiness of Stomach; in the middle of the Sum∣mer, she drunk Astrop-waters, for a fortnight, and was perfectly well.

But as for the means in generall, to be shown for the Cure, of these admirable Convulsions

it will not be easie to assigne, either fit remedies for this herculean disease, or a certain method of Cure, approved by often experience: for besides, that these like cases are seldome met with, it is likewise observed, that the same Medicines which at this time were helpfull to this sick person, being given to another, or to the same, helpt nothing at another time: The reason of which seems to be, be∣cause the cause of the Disease consists in the discrasie, or evill disposition of the nervous juice, which Liquor, is not always perverted, after one and the same manner: But by the manifold combination of the salts and Sulphures, it gets a morbid nature of a various manner and kinde, and oftentimes changes it: where∣fore, in the most grievious distempers of this kinde, not the vulgar medicines, taken from the shops or dispensatory, are to be prescribed, but magistralls, as cause arises, according to the appearances of the admirable Symptoms. A gen∣tle vomit, Purge, blood-letting, ought in the first place to be ordained, and to be repeated, as often as shall seem fit. As to specisick medicines also, and ap∣propriate in these cases, when the chief Indication shall be, to mend the temper of the Nervous juice, you may try many, and by their effect judge of their vir∣tues: Therefore it may be lawfull, to try, what the Remedies indued with a volatile or armoniac salt, may effect. For this end, the spirits and salts, of Harts-horn, Blood, soot, and the flowers and spirits of Sal-armoniac, are taken: These helping nothing, you must come to Chalybiats or Steel medicines; the tinctures and solutions of Corall and Antimony are given: which kinde of medi∣cines are exhibited, in such a dose, and form, and so often, that some alterati∣on may be made by them, on the whole blood or nervous juce: Further, If suc∣cesse shall fail in such like, you must then proceed to Alexipharmaca, which help against poysons, and the malignancy impressed on the humours: to wit, to in∣stitute from these, decoctions, and distilled waters of vegitables, powders, Conserves, and other preparations; and to compound variously some with o∣thers, and to administer them diversly. It is likely, that those kinde of medi∣cines, which are wont to be helpfull to such, as are bitten by a viper, or a mad Dog, or that have taken woulfs-bane, or poyson, may be usefull also in the a∣foresaid Convulsions. It may be lawfull here, according to the example of Gre∣gory Horstius, in his tract of the malignant Convulsive disease, and also of won∣derfull Convulsions, to prescribe magisterial Remedies, in the form of a purging Electuary, and also of a powder, and Convulsive Antidote, and to compound them variously, partly of simple Alexipharmacks, or poyson resisters, and partly of Antiepilepticks, or things good against the falling Evil.

CHAPTER. X. Of the Passions Commonly called Hystericall.

THE hysterical passion is of so ill fame, among the Diseases belonging to wo∣men, that like one half damn'd, it bears the faults of many other Distem∣pers: For when at any time, a sicknbss happens in a womans body, of an un∣usual manner, or more occult original, so that its Cause lyes hid, and the Cu∣ratory Indication is altogether uncertain, presently we accuse the evill influence of the womb, (which for the most part is innocent) and in every unusual Symp∣tom, we declare it to be something hysterical, and so to this Scope, which often∣times is only the subterfuge of Ignorance, the medical Intentions, and use of Re∣medies are directed.

The Passions, which are wont to be referred to this cense or order, are found to be various and manifold; which rarely happen in diverse women, or which come wholly after the same manner: The most Common, and which common∣ly are said to constitute the formal Reason of the hysterical distemper, are these, viz. A motion in the bottom of the belly, and an ascention of the same, as it were a certain round thing, then a belching, or a striving to vomit, a disten∣tion, and murmur of the hypoehondria, with a breaking forth of blasts of winde; an unequall breathing, and very much hindred, a choaking in the throat, a

vertigo, an inversion, or rolling about of the eyes, oftentimes laughing, or weep∣ing, absurd talking, sometimes want of speech, and motionless, with an obscure or no pulse, and deadish aspect, sometimes Convulsive motions, in the face and Limbs, and sometimes in the whole body, are excited: But universal Convul∣sions rarely happen, and not unless this disease be in the very worst state: Be∣cause, for the most part, the Tragedy of the Fit is acted without Contraction of the members, only in the inferior belly, Thorax, and head, to wit, in some of them, or successively in all: women of every age, and Condition, are ob∣noxious to these kinde of Distempers, to wit, Rich and poor, Virgins, wives, and widdows: I have observed those Symptoms in maids before ripe age, also in old women after their flowers have left them; yea, sometimes the same kinde of Passions infest men, as plainly appeared by the example already shewed.

As to the causes of those symptoms, most ancient, and indeed Modern Phy∣sitians, refer them to the ascent of the womb, and vapours elevated from it: The former opinion, although it plead antiquity, seems the less probable, for that the body of the womb is of so small bulk, in virgins, and widdows, and is so strictly tyed by the neighbouring parts round about, that it cannot of it self be moved, or asccnd from its place, nor could its motion be felt, if there were any: as to that vulgar opinion, or Reason taken from the vapours, we have often rejected it as wholly vain, and light, for just reasons elsewhere: But we judge, the passions but now described, do neither always, nor at all proceed from the ascent, or the vapours of the womb: and that indeed, other very fa∣mous Physitians, have already determined: For in times past. Charles Piso, and of late the most learned Highmore, have vindicated the womb from all fault; and the passions, which are commonly call'd hystericall, are thought by this lat∣ter to arise from the blood, most impetuously rushing on the Lungs; and by the other, from a serous colluives heaped together neer the origin of the Nerves. How probable this latter opinion doth seem, shall appear from what follows: But as to the opinion deliver'd by Doctor Highmore, concerning this thing, tho it be far from our Custom to contradict any ones opinion, and that it is almost unlawfull for me, to diffent from this famous man; yet, because our Pathologie standing on a contrary basis, (viz. the cause of the hystericall distemper being imputed more immediately to the nervous stock, than to the blood) will seem to be only asserted, unless we shew the Reasons, which combat against that hy∣pothesis, and forours, therefore taking leave, here we will try more exactly ei∣ther opinion, put as it were in a ballance.

In the fit therefore commonly called hysterical, this famous man supposes, the blood, for that it is thin, flatulent, and with a certain effervescency, to rush too much in heaps, into the pneumonick vessells, and the vessells of the heart, and in them to broyl up impetuously, and so to stuff up the lungs, and very much to aggravate them, that neither they can exercise their motion, nor that the blood can be drained from the bosom of the heart: Hence, from the blood stag∣nating in the Praeoordia, a great oppression, difficult breathing, and often none, with a melting of the vital Spirits were wont to be inferred: then the diaphrag∣ma, that it might give place to the Lungs more and more distended, and that breathing at least might be some way made, is carried downward, with a migh∣ty and long continued Diastole, and so by pressing down the Intestines, it lifts up the ahdomen, and hypochondria, and feins a motion as it were the arising of a globe: But afterwards, the vital function labouring after this manner, the animal fa∣culty arises in its aide, wherefore, a necessity of motions, in various parts urging the animal Spirits, being driven impetuously into the beginnings of the nerves, produce divers manners of Convulsions, running here and there. The Author endeavours to confirm this Opinion, by the great help in this disease had, by the taking away the bloody excretion, both from things helpfull, and things hurt∣full, in this paffion.

But though I cannot but praise this Doctrine of the suffocation of the womb, as very ingenious, and cunningly wrought, yet that I do not consent to it in all things, some reasons of great moment clearly hinder me. Truly I confess, that I do not understand, how in some hysterical persons, to wit, who are of a more frigid temperament, and are often troubled with the Pica, and longing disease; the blood should so immoderatly boyl up in the Lungs, without any conspicuous

notes of its growing hot, in some other place. I have known young maids, by reason of the green-sickness, as it were without blood, to wit, whose blood in∣deed being without life, did remain without any exercise in the heart, and was from thence diffic••ltly enough drawn forth, into the Lungs, who yet were grie∣vously obnoxious to the passions called hysterical: Certainly it is not probable, that the blood of these persons growing immoderatly hot, should rush impetu∣ously into the Pneumonick vessells, and should stuff up their pores and passages very thickly, when in the mean time, such become short-breath'd, by reason of the absence of the blood from the Lungs, or its difficult admission to them: Besides, by what means comes it to pass, that this violent course of the blood into the Lungs, which is supposed to be made in this Fit, brings forth no Inflammation in them? for that the blood, being too much heaped, or rapidly put into any part, is easily extravasated, and is wont to ex∣cite an Inflammation hardly to be shaken off. From whence it is therefore, in the hysterical distemper, the blood entring violently into the Lungs, and di∣stending them, does not cause a peripneumonie or impostume of the Lungs? Or wherefore the distempers as it were hysterical, come not on an Inflammation of the Lungs, otherwise caused? wherefore it seems improbable, that the blood swelling up, with its proper anger or heat, should rush into the Lungs, and by stuffing them, renders them too immovable, and so secondarily and consequent∣ly induce Convulsions of the Diaphragma, and other parts: but it may rather seem, that by reason of the Diaphragma, and other organs of breathing, being first affected with a Convulsion, the blood should be forced to stagnate in the praecordia: Besides, it may be observ'd, that the Lungs are not always afflicted before other parts; for oftentimes the convulsive Symptoms begin elsewhere, and not rarely bear the region of the breast wholly untouch'd: Because in some, the vertigo, and Corruscations or sparklings of the eyes, begin the fit, to which succeed either weeping, or laughing, or convulsive motions of the Limbs, with∣out any straitness of the breath, or oppression of the heart: in others, before respiration troubles them, any way, a swelling in the bottom of the belly, with a vomiting, and rumbling of the belly, begins and often ends the fit; so that the difficulty of breathing, oftentimes follows these Symptoms at a great di∣stance, and is wont to be prevented, by the tying strictly of swathing-bands, a∣bout the hypochondria. Moveover, it seems, that this ascent as it were of a cer∣tain round thing, from the Hypogastrium or lower part of the belly, can never proceed from the depression of the Diaphragma; because in the hysterical fit, this part is not always pressed down towards the lower parts, but oftentimes drawn up to the higher parts, and drives the Lungs upwards, so that the spirit or breath being almost shut forth, threatens the danger of Choaking. By these, and other reasons, we are at length perswaded to that opinion, that the distem∣per named from the womb, is chiefly and primarily convulsive, and chiefly de∣pends on the brain and the nervous stock being affected, and whatever inordina∣tion, or irregularity from thence happens, about the motion of the blood, is on∣ly secondary, and is made dependingly, by the Convulsions of the Bowells.

But that this doth consist within the bounds of the head, both the comparing of the symptoms, which happen in the living, and the anatomical observations of the dead, clearly shew; because we may observe, that this distemper often takes its rise, from a sudden fear, great sadnesse, or anger, or other violent pas∣sion, in which the spirits inhabiting the brain are chiefly affected besides, to some an ill manner of dyet, and various accidents whereby the humours being vitia∣ted, are heaped more plentifully within the head, at first brings this evil. Yea, the manner of the fits clearly evinces the same, forasmuch, as a fullness of the head, a vertigo, a sparkling of the eyes, a ringing noyse of the ears, begin in many the hysterical fit, and often conclude it: Besides I have opened some wo∣men, dead of other diseases, tho while they were sick, very obnoxious to hyste∣rical passions, in whom the womb being very well, I have found in the hinder part of the head, the beginnings of the nerves, moistned and wholly drowned with a sharp serum, as shall be more largely declared anon.

Having weighed these, and other Reasons, we doubt not to assert, the Passi∣ons commonly called Hysterical, to arise most often, for that the animal spirits, possessing the beginning of the Nerves within the head, are infected with some

taint; to wit, they being either acted or brought into Confusion, or being tincted with vitious humours, get to themselves an heterogeneous and explosive Copula, which they carry far away with themselves, into the Channells of the nerves: and when the same spirits are filled to a plenitude, with that Copula, thorow all their series or orders, either of their own accord, or being occasionally moved, they enter into explosions, and so stir up Convulsive motions: But that such a Copula adhering to the spirits, is chiefly derived together with them, into the interior nerves, the reason is, because in this passage towards the praecordia, and viscera, the animal spirits, by reason of the distemper of the minde, are very much disturbed; wherefore, they more easily admit any evills brought from ano∣ther place, and more readily conceive irregularities. For the animal spirits, chiefly for this occasion, contract a convulsive disposition: forasmuch as they, from a violent impression, are perverted out of their Courses, and their wonted manner of Influence, and acting; hence they not only repeat their inordinations, but also receive the heterogenious particles into their embraces, and more easily combine with them: Wherefore, forasmuch as the animal spirits, running thorow the nerves of the wandring pair, and Intercostals, are continually entan∣gled with all perturbations both of the Concupiscable, and irascible Appetite, it is no wonder, if they acquire a convulsive disposition, before the rest.

It being supposed (which indeed ought to be supposed) that the animal spi∣rits have contracted an heterogenious and explosive Copula, now the nervous origines, and carried it together with it self into the interior nerves, and spread it thorow all their passages, it will not be hard to assigne the Reasons of the hyste∣ricall fit, and of all its Symptoms. For first of all, the disease being ready to fall upon one, oftentimes the Vertigo, a rolling about of the eyes, and a certain in∣flation of the brain, as it were praevious skirmishings, are stirred up, because the whole band of the Spirits, being in readiness for explosions, the more light com∣panies of them, leaping back towards the brain, are first struck off; then Pre∣sently a perturbation succeeds, in the bottom of the belly, or hypochondria, for that the Spirits within the enfoldings here and there, are next disturbed: For we have elsewhere shown, if at any time the animal Spirits are exploded, in a certain whole Series, those which abode in the extream parts, first of all enter into that assertion: Wherefore the beginnings of this Disease, are found to be or the most Part, in the head and Bowells: but that the Convulsions are first perceived, now in the bottom of the belly, now in the hypochondria, the reason is, because the morbific matter, is sometimes carried by the passage of the inter∣costal nerve, into the utmost mesenteric enfoldings; but sometimes the same, being slid down, not beyond the ends of the wandring pair, subsists much neerer, to wit, about the enfoldings of the spleen, or stomack.

When therefore the animal Spirits (as hath been shown) within the nervs of the wandring pair, and intercostals, are imbued from their origine, even to their utmost ends, with an heterogeneous and explosive Copula; they at length, either from mere fullness, or by an irritation somewhere made, are stirred up to explo∣sions; in which affection, if any Spirits leap forth towards the middle of the brain, they induce the Vertigo, the inflation and other praevious accidents of the head: but the Spirits inhabiting the other extremity of the nervous Trunk, viz. the mesenteric enfoldings begin chiefly to be exploded, which presently by their letting off, compell the lower Parts of the hypogastrum to be lifted up, and con∣tracted upwards, and so induce the ascention of a certain bulk, as it were of the womb: then, when the upper parts of the enfoldings of the mesentory, are by degrees intangled with the same distemper, and the bowells annexed to the same are elevated, and drawn forceably towards the upper parts, the violent swell∣ing of the Abdomen, as it were with a certain leaping forth succeeds: Fur∣ther, the Ventricle is not only elevated, by changing its place, all its fibres, to wit, the direct, oblique, and transverse, being affected at once, with the Con∣vulsion, is often distended like a blown bladder: hence very often vomiting, or at least a rumbling, and murmur of the hypochondria, are excited: but as soon as the Spirits being exploded, with a certain series, it comes to the Region of the Thorax, the diaphragma being drawn together, with an huge diastole is some∣times depressed, and so meeting with the ascention of the viscera, causes an Inflation, and high intumescency or swelling up, with a mighty strugling; so that

the laces of those in this distemper, must be forthwith loosned, or else they are in danger of falling into a trance: In the mean time, the Diaphragma being so depressed, and its diastole continued, the bloud remains almost immovable in the praecordia: and so by its stagnation, causes a great oppression, and very of∣ten a fa••ling of the vital function: Further, the Convulsion of the Diaphragma, happens sometimes towards the upper parts, and so, that driving the Lungs up∣wards induces a violent Systole, and protracted longer than it should be; and when by this means, the blood is driven forward, into the pneumonic vessells, and is not at last received from the bosome of the heart, it stagnates there, and besides in the whole Body; from whence the oppression of the heart, and often∣times a swooning, yea sometimes a want of speech, and motion, now with a blewness of the face, and now with a dead aspect follow: After these things are acted in the lower, and middle Region, at length the distemper reaches to the head, by the passage of the nerves, as it were a fiery inkindling, and the spirits being there exploded leaping now towards the middle of the brain, produce a swimming in the head. and often symptoms very like the Epilepsy; sometimes the spirits there exploded, rush into the beginnings of the other Nerves, and there stir up the like explosions; wherefore, hysterical people, towards the end of the fit, often Laugh, or weep, or talk Idly; sometimes the parts of the face, and mouth, yea, sometimes the arms, and other members, are troubled with convulsive motions, and so, when at length all the spirits, which had contracted an heterogeneous Copula, are exploded, the fit ends; but presently after, matter for another fit, begins to be gathered together.

It sometimes happens, that the convusive disposition is not drawn out so long, and largely, for besides that oftentimes the nerves only of the wandring pair, and the intercostalls are troubled with it, that neither the brain, nor the out∣ward members, are at all molested; yea sometime, neither the interior nerves themselves, are possessed with the morbific cause, thorow their whole processes: for the convulsive Disposition (as we but now intimated) oftentimes arrives not beyond the enfoldings of the spleen, or stomack, and then the fit beginning from the inflation of the ventricle, or left hypochondrium, is thought to arise, not from the fault of the womb, but of the spleen: which kinde of distemper, by and by being brought to the Thorax, and there involving the Diaphragma, and Lungs, with a Convulsion, stops respiration, and the motion of the heart, or in some manner perverts it: but then from thence, the fit passes over; now with, and now without a great perturbation of the Head. These things happen indeed after a various manner, according as it happens, that the morbific matter, or explosive Copula, descending from the head, is gathered together, as it were heaps of gun-powder, more or less, now in this, now in that part! But concer∣ning which matter, by what means, the same being brought forth in the head, first affects the beginnings of the nerves, and so constitutes the procatartick, or more remote Cause of the passion called Hysterical, now remains next to be in∣quired into.

As to the morbific matter or explosive Copula, which cleaving to the spirits, flowing within the head, and with them derived into the nervous passages, is of∣ten the cause of the distempers, commonly termed of the Womb; we say, that this, as in other kinds of Convulsions, is the heterogeneous particles, poured forth from the blood, which yet are wont to be affixed to the spirits, flowing into the beginnings of the nerves, cheifly for two causes: to wit, either by the fault of the spirits themselves, or by the force of the matter it self, instances of either kinde, are ordinarily met with. It sometimes happens, that the animal spirits, planted within the brain, and in the passage leading from it, to the prae∣cordia, are very much disturbed, by a sudden passion, as of fear, anger, sadness, &c. And forced into disorders; and that by that means, they being driven out of their orders, do acquire to themselves heterogeneous particles, whereever met with; and combine with these, that by and by, for that reason, they ac∣quire an explosive disposition, as we have already declared. Further in the se∣cond place, sometimes the morbific matter it self, being made more fierce and strong, in spite of the succour of the animal Aeconomie or rule, is poured forth in∣to the brain, and its appendix, from the bloody mass, which cleaving fast to the spirits, presently disposes them into explosions: This is ordinarily discerned

in the evil crises of feavours, also in some malignant distempers, also in Scor∣butic and other Chronical diseases ill cured. An ill, or weak constitution of the brain, or nervous stock, whether it be hereditarie, or acquired by reason of an ill manner of living, very much cherishes these causes. For in bodies so dispo∣sed, both the animal spirits, from every light occasion, are moved in Confusi∣on; and the passages of the brain, and nervous System, more easily lye open, for the running in of the heterogeneous, and explosive matter. In truth, for this reason, women are more obnoxious to convulsive distempers, than men, and some women then others, as we will shew more largely hereafter.

But altho these kinde of passions of women, called hysterical, most often proceed from the fault of the head, or from the morbific cause, arising within the Encephalon; yet sometimes, such distempers are stirred up, by reason of a Cause beginning somewhere else, viz. Now in the womb, now in the other Bowells; and of this Convulsive Pathologie, there are chiefly two heads, viz.

1st. Sometimes it happens, that a Tumour, or an ulcer, or a congestion of sharp humours, arises in the membranous parts, about the womb, or planted about the other Viscera, and often irritates the parts so distemper'd, by reason of the breaking of the union, into painfull Convulsions: then forasmuch as the animal spirits, placed round about, and those inflowing, are moved into fre∣quent disorders, they at length, getting to themseves heterogeneous particles, sent either from the distemper'd part, or from some other place, are disposed to convulsive assaults, and when first of all, the convulsive motions happen only in the neighbourhood of the affected place, to wit, that the bulk ascending in the lower part of the belly, or its swelling up be only perceived; afterwards they are propagated by the passage of the nervous bodies, and by the consent of the convulsion there begun, leasurely into the other viscera, of the lower belly, then to the praecordia, and lastly into the head it self; and the distemper, being thus by little and little delated to the spirits inhabiting the brain, they moreover having gotten in their proper Sphear, an heterogeneous Copula, retort the same back to the viscera, and so the morbific cause, being made reciprocall, is begun at either end of the nervous Trunk. Some time past I have seen a noble virgin, in whom a small Tumour arising, with most cruel pain, below the Os pubis, did stir up huge Convulsions; first in the lower belly, and afterwards ascending to the Praecordia, and head, were at length stretch'd to the outward members: for once or twice in a day, after that great pains did torment her in the affected part, the abdomen, and by and by the hypochondria, were wont to be lifted up: then difficulty of breathing, on an Insensibility succeeded, and presently the di∣stemper being brought outwardly, most horrid Convulsions, and Contractions of the members, and Limbs followed. Sometimes it also happens, that convul∣sive symptoms are induced in Child-bearing women, by reason of some hurt or evill brought to the womb: Harvie Relates, that wonderfull convulsions were caused by the injection of some sharp thing into the womb: So sometimes, tho rarely, it happens, that a morbific matter or explosive Copula is fixed to the spi∣rits dwelling about the extremities of the nerves and near the womb, immediate∣ly from the place there affected and without fault of the brain.

There yet remains another case, or manner of affecting, by which the con∣vulsive disposition is produced from the fault or the parts, lodg'd at a great di∣stance from the brain (tho in the mean time, the taint, which is the cause of this distemper, is often mediately communicated to the brain it self) to wit, when at any time, the nervous juice is hindred somewhere, in its motion or cir∣culation, from thence stagnating in the nervous parts, and loading them, does often bring in a convulsive disposition: So, when some usual Evacuation, where∣by the superfluities of the nervous Liquor, were wont to be sifted forth, is stopp'd, as from Issues suddenly shut up, or old ulcers dryed up without a purge, many fall into convulsive distempers: Yea, it may obtain here some place, what is wont commonly to be noted for a cause, of the hysterical passions, in maids and widdows, to wit, the untimely restraint of the seminall humour, which ought to be bestowed about the pleasure of Venus; at least, if they receive help from the state of a conjugal Life, it therefore happens, because the restagnations of the nervous humour, which often fix a taint to the brain and nervous stock, by this means are prevented: Moreover, the nervous juice flows back towards its begin∣ning,

because its passage is somewhere shut up, by a swelling or cancrous Tumour. Lastly in this City, a notable instance of this kinde of distemper hapned, viz. A certain maid of 12. years of age, had contracted an hernia or burstness, hence by the order of her Mother, she wore a truss ill fitted, for a fortnight, not without great pain and torment, a little hard knot much pressing upon the glandulas of the Groin: within this space (when before she was perfectly well) she began to complain of a giddiness and heavy dulness of her head; and so a little after, she felt convulsive, and as it were hysterical distempers, frequently salling upon her; rogether with it great swellings arose behinde her ears, and in her neck of the same side, to which she was never before obnoxious in all her life. It is not to be doubted in this case, but that from those Glandulas, which are the Emun∣ctuaries, or sinks of the nervous Liquor, being too much pressed together, the superfluities of that humour, wont to be sent away from thence, by the Lympha∣tic vessells, restagnating in the head, brought forth those evills: because the a∣rising of the aforesaid symptoms, so suddenly and manifestly followed, upon the wearing of that Truss upon the Groin, that even her Mother laid the cause of the Disease, upon that occasion. Besides also I have observed in others, the recrements of the nervous humour, being somewhere stopp'd in their Course, restagnating towards the head, have not only brought in convulsive symptoms, but from thence the Kings Evill.

So much for the formal Reason, of the different original of the distemper, called hysterical; as also of the genuine Causes, of its symptoms: Out of which, it seems to appear plainly, that those passions, do not depend always on the womb, but much more often, on the fault of the brain, and of other parts of the nervous stock: But many things are objected against these, which according to the old opinion, cast all the blame on the womb: To wit, it seems so to be done because the assault of this disease invades almost only women; yea and wo∣men that are not well about their womb, viz. Child-bearing women, or such who have their courses stopt, are chiefly obnoxious to it: Besides it may be ar∣gued from things helpfull for it, because a plaister worn upon the lower part of the belly, also a strict girding of the belly, and hypochondria, by which the ascent of the womb may be hindred, do not seldom drive away the fit, just falling on them; this also shews it, that sweet things held to the nose brings on the fit, and stinking things drive the same away, it is said to happen quite contrary, if the same things be laid to the belly, or privy member.

That we may wipe off these objections, we say first, that the symptoms, which seem hysterical, do not only happen to women: for we have shown already, by the history brought by us, that a certain man has been obnoxious to those kinde of fits, with the ascention of a bulk in the bottom of the belly: but that women are much more often troubled with those convulsive diseases than men, two rea∣sons may be shown, viz. First, for that their animal constitution is much wea∣ker: to wit, they have the brain and nerves softer, and of a less firm texture, that they are not able to suffer any thing strongly, or to resist every injury; also the animal spirits in them, being more prone to flight and distraction, more easily admit an heterogeneous and explosive Copula: from hence Women, from any sudden terror or great sadness, fall into mighty disorder of spirits, when men from the same occasion, are scarcely disturb'd at all. Secondly, women more readily receive the convulsive disposition, because they gather a more plen∣tifull heap of the morbific matter: for that, whilst they lead for the most part a sedentary Life, the blood, for want of ventilation, becomes more impure; besides in this sex it originally abounds with heterogeneous and fermentative particles; wherefore it is convenient for it, to be more often purged, by the flux of their Courses; by which notwithstanding, not always what is extrane∣ous, and incongruous, is wholly cast forth, from the bloody Mass, but that there remains, that which being poured on the brain, and its appendix, as oc∣casion is given, becomes the cause of the convulsive distemper: Moreover, when the menstrual flux, being stop'd, a convulsive disposition is occasioned, it is not therefore to be thought, that such a distemper is rais'd up from the womb, but that the bloody mass, being more than usually imbued, with heterogeneous particles, carries them, together with the nervous juice, to the head: yea, chiefly for this reason also, child-bearing women, are found obnoxious to the

passions, as it were hysterical, for besides that the membranes of the womb being hurt, a convulsion there begun, by reason of the felt trouble, creeps up∣wards and is at last communicated to the head; it most often happens, that the blood being infected, by the termes being retained, grows hot with a feavourish burning, and then instead of a crisis, the malignant infection, is carried to the brain, from whence convulsive, and not seldom soporiferous, or sleepy distem∣pers, are excited.

But that it is argued, that this disease seems to be hysterical, because Remedies applyed about the abdomen, often bring help; it will be easy to shew, that the morbific cause planted in the mesentery, oftner than in the womb, is sometimes either taken away by that means, or restrained from its Influence: besides, the same kinde of applications, about the hypogastrium, are no less profitable, altho the original of the distemper, be derived from the head it self: for we have shewn before, that when the heterogeneous, and explosive matter, descending from the head, brings a convulsive disposition, to the spirits disposed within the whole pro∣cesses of the interior nerves; the convulsive motions therefore excited, begin from the extremities of the nerves, and so creep upwards towards their begin∣nings; so that first of all the viscera of the lower belly, then the praecordia, and lastly the brain it self are affected; but if the outmost spirits, viz. those dwel∣ling in the enfoldings of the mesentery, be restrained from entring into explosi∣ons, all the rest, in the remaining nervous passage, continue in their orders: and this, plaisters worn upon the navel, do often effect: for they repress, and compel into order, with their odour, the spirits from leaping forth; yea also, not seldom, they shake off and drive away; the Copula cleaving to them: wherefore, when the explosions there about to be made, are restrained, the convulsive fit is wholly prevented: which yet is more apparent, for that, if the Convulsion be∣gun in the lower belly, and from thence ascending like a Globe, be presently suppressed, and by a strong binding together of those parts, it be hindred that it creep not upwards, oftentimes the convulsive passion is broken off, the praecordia, and the brain being untouch'd: wherefore it is a common custome, for sick wo∣men, to binde strictly the Epigastrium, with swaths or rolers, and so to stop the progress of the symptoms, towards the upper parts: For when the animal spi∣rits, enter into Convulsions successively, as it were a fiery enkindling, where∣ever the tinder, or cherishing matter is cut off, or intercepted, the distemper is there restrained.

As to the various effects of odors, to wit, that sweet things bring on the fit, but stinking things drive the same away, it may be said, that the former do loo∣sen the animal spirits, by pleasing them, and too much release them from their wonted tasks of Influence, and so provoke them ready to be exploded, in such disorders, yea and as a flame put to them, do somewhat inkindle them: but on the contrary, stinking things repress the spirits, drive them back from excursi∣ons, and exorbitances, and compell them into order, yea like sulphur, mixt with aurum fulminans, take away from them their explosive force.

What we have hitherto said, of the passions called from the womb hysterical, will yet more clearly appear, if for the Confirmation of our Hypothesis, we shall add arguments taken from anatomical observations; I will therefore lay before you a notable Case, by which the former reason, and Causes of the convulsive distempers, may be very much illustrated.

A very noble Lady of a most curious shape, and highly indued with a virtuous disposition, of minde and manners, of late lived near to this place, who being for many years obnoxious to convulsive distempers, for that she had originally, or hereditarily contracted this sickly disposition, and had experienc'd the fruits of this morbid seed, almost every lustre of her age, but chiefly as often as she was with child, (for she very frequently miscarried) was wont to be tormented above measure, with convulsive passions, as it were hysterical; because, pre∣sently after the restraint of her monthly flowers, the heterogeneous particles being translated to the brain and nervous stock, caused fits of this most cruell di∣stemper.

After she had newly conceived, in the first months, according to her old custom, she was presently molested with convulsive distempers; about the nineth week of her big belly, from taking cold, she fell into a dangerous feavour, in which very

acute pains tormenting her, in her loyns and bottom of her belly, for many days, seem'd to threaten an abortion: but these pains, as the event shew'd, ra∣ther to be termed Colical, proceeded from a sharp humour, falling down into those parts, from the brain, by the pipes of the nerves; for towards the declining of the feavour, this matter being somewhere else translated, a great loosness or Diarrhaea, pains of the feet, and as it were an ulcerous disposition succeeded.

As soon as this Lady became well from her feavour, and those pains, the convulsive distempers returned, for every morning, wakeing from sleep, she was wont to suffer Convulsions, and cruel contractions, about the parts of her face and mouth, as also in her armes and thighs; which symptoms, without doubt, did arise from a serous heap or gathering, laid up in the head, about the begin∣nings of the nerves; and by them imbibed, together with the nervous juice, more deeply in sleep; and when afterwards the same matter, was carried by the pipe of the interior nerves, into the foldings of the Mesentery, and loyns, most cruel pains of those parts, and also fits as it were hysterical, did most grievously in∣fect her.

But these convulsive motions of her face and members, after a little time ceased, but yet she still remained weak, and without strength, with a pale coun∣tenance, an infirm and trembling gate, and desirous only of congruous food, and hot Liquors: about the end of the third month, at which time she was wont continually to miscarry, her menstrua broke forth, which coming away for two or three days together, with little pieces of broken membranes, she expected to miscarry: But that flux ceasing, pains as it were of one in labour, in her abdo∣men and loyns, as before arose, and for the space of a week, tormented her day and night; at length, having used a bath of Emollient herbs, and afterwards put to bed to sweat, she brought forth the burthen of her womb: the conception so coming away with mighty pain, was about the bigness, and like the figure of a Turkie egg: the exterior coat of it was torn and broken, the interior remaining whole, contained about half a pint of clear water and nothing else besides; there appeared no shape of a childe, or any rudiments that it would ever be one: Af∣terwards for 4. or 5. days, her flowers flowed forth, with some pieces of broken membrances: in the mean time, pains with their wonted fierceness tormented her, and when the space of a week being elapsed, they left not off of themselves, remedies at length were sought to allay them.

To this end, first Liniments, Fomentations, Baths, and Clysters, were of∣ten administred; also medicines purging the filth of the womb, on which the cause of all the evill was cast, were taken inwardly: Short intermissions of her tortures, followed upon the use of the former; but then the distemper returned, with great trouble; yea the disease much increasing, in three weeks time, got many other horrid symptoms: for besides the pains in her belly and loyns, which became more cruel every day, also she was shortly after tormented in her back, neck, shoulders, as also in her arms and thighs, with most cruell pain; and that more bitterly, as soon as she was warm in her bed; besides, she was afflicted with a frequent giddiness, vomiting, and nauseousness, and often in a day, with most grievous convulsive fits, viz. First a bulk was seen to ascend in the bottom of her belly, and presently it lifted up her whole belly forceably, by and by respiration being restrained, an Insensibility, with a dead countenance succeeded: after that, she had thus lain as one dead, for three or four minuts of an hour, she was wont suddenly to leap up, that she could hardly be held down, or kept by those standing by; then follow'd cruell contractions, and distortions in all the parts of the mouth, and face, as also in all the members of the body: These symp∣toms were indeed judg'd to be hysterical, because this noble Lady so lately had miscarried.

But weighing every one of these, I was at last of this opinion, that the cause of either fit, viz. Both the dolorifick, and the convulsive, did depend wholly on the evill affection of the brain, and nervous stock, and that without any fault of the womb; for that a sharp humour, being heaped up within the head, did from thence descend thorow the passages of the Nerves, into parts at a great distance; which lodging upon the membranes and fibres, and fermenting with the humour, flowing in from the bloody mass, did irritate them very much, and so stir'd up most cruel pains: Then afterwards, when the heterogeneous and explosive par∣ticles,

being admitted with what humour within the head, and entring into the nervous passages, did cleave to the spirits; therefore the convulsive disposition, then breaking forth into grievous fits, was induced, as shall be by and by more largely laid open.

Instituting Curatory Intentions, according to this kinde of Aetiology, I or∣der'd to have blood taken from this sick Lady, at what time she most grievously laboured, out of the Saphena vein, and within two days, to be given her a gentle Cathartick, and that to be reiterated, once or twice in a week: Also on other days, Morning and Evening, I gave her spirits of Harts-horn, and at other hours, twice or thrice in a day, of the powder of Pearls and Crabs-eyes, with a dose of the following Julap. Take of the water of Snails, and of worms magisteri∣al each ℥ iii. of Saxifrage, and black cherries each ℥ iiii. of hysterical water ℥ ii. of the syrrop of Corralls ℥ i ss. of the tincture of Costor ʒ i. mingle them: The bath of sweet herbs was frequently used, when necessity urged, she took Opiats always with good success: Vesicatories were applyed to the inward part of either thigh, also to the hinder part of her neck; also Fomentations, Oyntments, Clysters, Cuping-glasses, Sneezing-powders, with many other manner of administrations were prescribed, according to the exigences of the symptoms.

By this method observed for about 14. days, the noble Lady having received very much ease, was wholly rid of her convulsive fits. Yea, the torments of her Bowells and members, and the other symptoms being very much lessen'd, she hoped quickly to recover her health: But after this, partly by reason of an ill or∣der of dyet, which the sick Lady always indulg'd her self in, or taking little, but chiefly, by reason of a sudden passion of fear and sadness, which an unluckie ac∣cident hapning within her own house, had caused, she fell into a relaps, by and by the disease growing into a much worse Condition, for both the Convulsions, and pains, did infest her more bitterly; yea and her stomach being almost tyred out, with continual vomiting, would not admit either of food or medicines. She took Asses milk for some days, with some success; which notwithstanding, for as much as breeding Choller in her stomach, she found it troublesome, she shortly omitted: at length in spite of all Remedies, prescribed carefully by the Consultation of many Physitians, my noble patient from day to day grew worse, and by degrees death approached: Two days before her death, the torments of her belly and loyns very much abated, and she became more than usually chear∣full, and conceived some hope of Recovery; But in the mean time she com∣plained of a pain and great heavyness in her head; and about the beginning of the night she selpt foundly, but being awakened she fell into a very horrid con∣vulsive fit, which presently pass'd into a quick deadly Apoplexie, for being made insensible, and speechless, she left this life within twelve hours.

When various judgments had passed, about the cause of the sickness, of which this illustrious Lady dyed, most flinging all the evills on the distemper of the womb, others on an Ulcer or Imposthum, which they suspected lay hid, some∣where about the viscera of the abdomen; it pleased her friends, that her dead Carcase, kept long opened for the Funeral, should be dilligently inspected, and so the genuine Causes of the disease, and her death, might be investigated; which task being left to my care, I executed with all the dilligence I was able.

Therefore in the first place, it was worth observation, about the habit of the body, that the members and lower parts, nigh and beyond the seats of the pains, were very much wasted; as her thighs, quite worn away, appeared like a Skelli∣ton: In the mean time, her face, neck, and arms, remained full, and plump enough: from whence it appears, that the nervous Liquor, does help no less to the business of nourishment, than to the exercise of the animal faculty: where∣fore, when that Liquor, being much hindred in its passage, the loyns and belly, taken up with the continual Convulsions, did not descend, with a due influx, to the inferior parts, they for that reason, became presently both without strength, and lean, and wasted. This kinde of Atrophie, differs in this, from other hectical wasting, which happens from the vice of the blood, because in this lat∣ter, an hippocratick or wanish face, is the chief signe of the Disease, in that first mention'd, the countenance, and aspect, show little or nothing of evill.

The dead body of this noble Lady, tho very lean, and that her bowells were

all the emptied, yet quickly putrified, for within 40. hours all the skin was dis∣colour'd, and appeared in this part livid, in that green, and in others blackish; and her Corps so suddenly putryfying, yielded a most horrid smell, the reason of which without doubt was, that by reason the muscles were exercised with perpe∣tuall Convulsions, the principles of their mixture, were so much loosned, that they being in a readiness for dissolution, quickly after death, fell asunder one from another, after the like manner, as we may observe of the flesh of wilde beasts, which being tyred with a long course, or beaten to death with Clubs, for this much sooner putrifies, then the flesh of those, which are kill'd quickly, and peaceably.

Her belly being opened, the Intestines, and ventricle appeared whole enough, viz. Intire and well colour'd, but they were emptie, and as it were blown up, for as much as they were troubled, almost with perpetual evacuations, viz. Those placed above or below: in all this Cavity, no foot steps of an Ulcer, or Imposthum were perceived. Whilst we were searching the cause of the disease, and rolling the Inwards here and there, there was something met within the mesentery, worthy notice, to wit, about its middle, where it is fixed to the back, and contained the greater folds of the nerves, a substance somewhat loose, and inflated, as it were with many little bladders, equalling an hands breadth, was seen, after that manner, as when in a shoulder of Veal, the inter-space of the muscles, are blown up, by the Butchers, that those parts might swell up, and seem fuller, and fatter: In this place of the mesentery, because it was more tumid and softer, we thought some humour, the cause of the pain, to lodg there, but opening it, I found only the membranes to have been loosned one from ano∣ther, and to conclude nothing but winde, within its inter-spaces: which sepera∣tion of the membranes, and devulsion one from another was without doubt in∣duced, by the frequent Convulsions or explosions of the spirits, which within the enfoldings, and nervous fibres, there thickly planted, were almost continu∣ally provoked; and those Convulsions hapned, by reason of the heterogeneous, and explosive particles being derived thither, from the head, by the pipe of the Nerves.

But as to those torments of the belly, and as it were an ascent of a bulk or substance in the convulsive distempers, and the inflation of the Abdomen, it is not to be doubted, but that the seat of the morbific cause, did lye hid in that part of the mesentery: but because so much suspition was had of the womb, be∣ing chiefly affected, we did next inquire how much this Inward deserv'd it: Therefore having dilligently searched the tunnell, placed within the Os pubis, I found the womb in its due place, and as to all parts sound, and well furnished: its body was drawn to its just proportion, altho it was but 5. weeks since she had miscarried, viz. It was like a small pear in figure and magnitude; the Glandulas on either side of the bottom of it, which are called the testicles, appeared very small and flaggy, without any superfluous or virulent humour contained in them: the body of the womb, whereever it was dissected, equal'd a thumbs breadth in thickness, its inward Cavity was no bigger than what would hold a bean: within this hollowness, as use to be in the Caverns of other Inwards, was included a mucous or dreggy matter, in a very small quantity: but in truth, about the womb, or its appendix, there was nothing, to which might be imputed as a morbific cause, of the symptoms but now described: from whence therefore it may be demonstratively concluded, as I at first thought, that the passions termed from the womb hysterical, are most often excited, from some other cause, than the fault of the womb.

The Intestines being removed, we found also the reins sound enough, but one of them was of an unusual figure, viz. It was cleft into many lobes, like the Kidney of a Calf.

The Milt, Pancreas, and Caul without fault: the ventricle was much blown up, and its inward Coat was plain without folds, or wrincles, which certainly hap∣ned, by reason of its frequent Vomiting, this Inward being almost continually troubled with Convulsions: Besides, for this reason, the tone of the stomach being broken, it did neither rightly desire, or concoct the food, or aliment.

The Liver very much differ'd from a sound constitution, for it was tumid, and somewhat hard, of a pail colour, like rotten wood, wholly dry and without

blood, and this without doubt, the frequent use of Cordiall, and highly hot li∣quors had effected.

The Lungs were of a blewish colour, and every where obstructed, and stuff'd with a stinking and frothy matter: Certainly this Inward and the Liver had been vitiated of a long time, wherefore as the blood being degenerate, and very much depraved of a long time, from its right temper, had yielded the first seeds of this sickness, so also it afforded a constant cherishment of it.

But indeed, we sought, and that not in vain, for the chief and as it were ori∣ginall cause of the disease, in the head; therefore the skull being taken off, the vessells of the Meningae, and those creeping about the brain, appeared full, and distended with blood, when in the rest of the body, scarce any blood had flowed forth, in the cutting of it: the thicker meninge being removed, thorow the other thin and pellucid one, was discerned a clear water, filling the enfoldings and crevices of the brain, and as it were overflowing its whole substance: In truth the serous heap of waters, had filled full all the Cavities, and inward places of the brain: the enfoldings of the choroides, or net-like membranes of the brain, being a long while immersed in water, and as it were boyled, were become dis∣colour'd and half rotten: nigh to the beginning of the Splanchnick nerves, or belonging to the Spleen, the water insinuating it self very much, had separated the pia mater from the trunk of the oblong marrow or pith, for two fingers breadth: without doubt, the morbific matter descending from the head, by the passage of these nerves, into the enfolding of the mesentery, was the cause of the pains and Convulsions: Further, the same matter also, afflicting the heads of other nerves, and paffing thorow their pipes, produced afterwards, these most cruel distempers in other parts, to wit, almost every where, of the whole body.

As to the Cure, or means of healing, used in the passions commonly called Hysterical: forasmuch as the symptoms of this disease are very much convulsive, therefore it is fit, that anti-spasmodic or anti-convulsive Remedies, such as were before described, should be chiefly indicated; but when these distempers most often happen to the female sex, in whom for the most part, the menstrual flux, and other accidents of the womb do challenge a part in the morbific cause; there∣fore medicines respecting the various dispositions of the womb, are to be added to the former, and many ways to be compounded with them. The Therapeu∣tic or Curatory Indications, are either Curatory, to be administer'd in the fit; or preservatory which are instituted out of the fit, that take away the cause of the disease, and prevent its comings or accessions.

1. As to the first, if the fit is wont to be light, and without other perturbati∣on of the spirits, it may be permitted to pass away of it self; but if it being more heavily troublesome, there will be need to bring some help to nature much op∣pressed, this only thing is to be done, that the spirits being freed from the Em∣braces of an heterogeneous Copula, they may remit their inordinations and ex∣plosions: for this purpose, it is grown into use, to put to the nose stinking, and ill smelling things, the scents of which compell, and repress the too fierce spirits, ready to leap forth, into their orders, and also shake off from them, the heterogeneous Copula, and often drive it quite away: Asafaetida, Castor, Galba∣num, being put into fine Linnen and applyed to the nostrills are convenient; also burning of Partridg feathers, old skins, and sulphur. Besides the spirits and oyl of sut, or of Harts-horn do not seldome help: yet I have known these kinde of fumigati∣ons, being very troublesome to some women, to increase the fit; it is probable that the same sometimes may too much irritate the spirits, and drive them into greater disorders; and as stinking things put to the nose, so the like poured into the mouth, do often bring help: wherefore we give often with good success, to hysterical people, Tinctures of Castor, Solutions of Assafaetida, and Galbanum, spirits of Harts-horn, and Sut, with proper waters. Take of the spirits of Harts-horn, from 12. to 15. and 20. drops, let them be taken in a little draught of the following Julap. Take of the waters of penny Royall, and mugwort, each ℥ iii. of the water of Briony compound ℥ ii. of Castor tyed in a knot and hung in the glass ʒ ss. of the whitest sugar ℥ i. mix them. Take of the Tincture of Castor ℈ i. to ʒ ss. let it be taken ia a little draught of small beer. Take of Assafaetida, and Galba∣num ʒ ii. let it be dissolved in spirit of wine to the extraction of a red tincture.

The dose ℈ i. in two or three spoonfulls of featherfew water. Riverius very much crys up that of Solenander. Take of musk, and of dragons-blood, each ℈ i. take more or less of it in water of Lillies of the Valley, ℥ iii. or iiii. John Anglicus com∣mends parsnip-seeds, or the seeds of Penny-royal in wine, or other proper Liquor, as a most certain Remedy. If the fit persisting a long time, should cause want of speech, or motion, the more sharp Clysters, as of bryony-Roots, and Carmina∣tives boyled in water, are to be administred, and frictions of the thighs, and feet are to be order'd; and if they shall yet grow stronger, Cupping-glasses are to be applied to the belly and groin, yea also, let them be often provoked to sneezing: it is convenient to give some, in the middle of the fit, a draught of simple cold water, or in which Champhir had been dissolved.

2. The preservatory Indication comprehends these three Intentions, viz. In the first place to take away, or to derive to some other place the impurities of the blood, apt to be poured forth on the brain, and nervous stock. Secondly, to fortifie the brain, and so to strengthen the indwelling spirits, that they may either not at all receive, or may easily shake off the heterogeneous Copula. Third∣ly, to amend whatsoever is enormous in the womb, and contributes to the con∣vulsive disposition.

1. The first Intention is performed by purging, and phlebotomy, and other common ways of purifying, and purging the blood and humours. If there be op∣portunity for an emetic, I judge it best allways to begin with it, especially in Cacochymicks, or bodies full of evill humors, in the longing disease, and Pica, and in such whose great load of viscous phlegm, stuffed within the folds and coats of the ventricle, hinders the virtues of other medicines: The next day af∣ter the Vomit, unless any thing bids the contrary, let blood be taken, in women of a hotter temper, presently from the Arm, and afterwards if need be, from the foot, or from the sedal veins with Leeches; but in bodies troubled with ob∣structions, and less hot, let blood be taken more sparingly, and more rarely, and only in places scituate below the womb: After these Evacuations (if they are to be ordered) rightly performed, once within six or seven days, a purge is to be prescribed according to the following forms. Take of pill-fetida major, ʒ i ss. of the resine of Julap xii. grains of Tartar Vitriolat, and Castor, each ℈ i. of ammoniac dissolved in hysterical water, what will suffice to make xii. pills, for iii. doses. Or take of the resine of Jalap gr. xviii. of Calomelaus ʒ i. of Castor ℈ i. make a powder, let it be divided into iii. parts for iii. doses, let it be given in the pap of a roasted apple, or in Conserves of Borage: so those induced with a more hot temperament, a dose of extract, or our solutive syrrop may conveniently be ad∣ministred: for the revulsion of the morbific matter from the head, Issues made in the calf of the leg, or thigh, and sometimes vesicatories, legatures, and pain∣full rubbings, are wont to be administred: But not only a purging of the blood, and a revulsion of its recrements from the head, but an alteration of its Liquor, and reduction of it to its due temperament have here a place: Wherefore in some hysterical people, steel Medicines help, in others the use of Spaw-waters, or whay, in others the baths are wont to be signally profitable.

The second Intention, to wit, the rectification of the brain, and animal spi∣rits, is performed with Cephalic, and properly anti-convulsive medicines: which indeed ate to be diligently exhibited, almost every day, when they do not purge or bleed: since there are various species of such like Remedies, and several man∣ners of administrations, we will here add some of the more choice forms.

Take of the Lees of bryony, Assa fetida; Castor, each ʒ i. of the Salt of Coral, Am∣ber, Tin, each ʒ ss. of Galbanum dissolved in hysterical water, what will suffice to make a Mass: dose, half a scruple, to ℈ i. morning and evening, drinking after it a dose of proper liquors.

Or, Take of the seeds of Wilde-parsnips, of nettles each ʒ ii. of vitriol of Steel ʒ i. of the extract of Gentium, featherfew, each ʒ i ss. with what will suffice of the syrrop of Mugwort, make a mass, let half a dram be taken after the same manner.

If the form of a powder pleases better; Take of the Roots of Virginian snake∣weed, and Contrayerva; each ʒ i ss. of Coral prepared, of Pearls; of white-Amber, each ʒ i. mingle them, make a powder: Dose ℈ i. to half a dram, morning and evening, with an appropriat Liquor.

Opiats are Composed after this manner. Take of the Conserves of the flowers

of the Lilly Convallis, of the male-paeony, of betony, each ℥ ii. of the seeds of Paeony, of red Coral prepared, each ʒ ii. of the powder of Cretic Dittany ʒ i ss. of the salt of wormwood ʒ ii. with what will suffice of the syrrop of the rinds of Citrons, make an Electuary. The dose morning and evening the quantity of a nutmeg. After the same manner may be given to poor people Conserves of the Tree of Life, or of the leaves of Rue twice in a day.

The Liquors appropriat against the hysterical affections, and to be drunk after the aforesaid Medicines, are, either distilled waters, which are to be taken by themselves, or with other things, in form of a Julap, or decoctions, or tin∣ctures and Infusions.

Take of the water of Mugwort, and of penny Royal, each half a pint, of hi∣sterical water ℥ iiii. of the Tincture of Castor ℥ ss, of the Syrrop of Coralls, ℥ i ss, mix them. The dose from ℥ i to ℥ i ss, with any of the medicines afore described.

Take of the leaves of Penneroyall, of Fetherfew, of either Southernwood, of Ca∣laminth, of Nep, and of either Horehound, each i handfull; of the Roots of Bryo∣nie ℥ iiii, of the seeds of Parsnips ℥ ii, cut and brused, put them into white-wine or Cider, six pints, and so distill them, according to art.

Take of the Root of the male Peony, Angelica, Valerian, each ℥ ss, of the leaves of mugwort, ground Pine, Calaminth, Peneroyal, and Missletow of the Oak▪ each i handfull, of the Seeds of either wilde Parsneps, eac•• ʒ iii, of Raifins i. handfull; let them be boyled in 4 pints of Spring-water, to the half: add to it of white-wine, lib i ss, strain it, and keep it in close vessells; The dose ℥ iii, or 4 twice in a day.

Take of the wild-Parsnep Seeds brused ℥ ii, of Castor ℥ i, let them be put into a Glass, with i quart of white wine. The dose ℥ ii twice in a day.

3. As to the third Intention, which inhibiting the disorders of the womb, doth promote the cure of the passion called hysterical; I say, first of all what in times past was believed, concerning the Cause and scope of curing the disease, that the womb did ascend, therefore that it ought to be reduced into its right place; is al∣together fictitious, as we have elsewhere shown: The falling down of the womb, or its coming forth, oftentimes happens; but rarely, or never produces the hy∣sterical Distempers: Besides, the dislocation of the womb in childbearing Wo∣men, sometimes happens, presently after their bringing forth, to wit, when the body of the womb being made Capacious, and newly emptied, doth not sink down or fall within the Tunnel, in its right place, but upwards inclines now to the right side, now to the left, and there being drawn together like a purse, is folded into a great bulk, which kinde of bulk, remaining long, nigh the side of the groin, is wont to give a suspition of another child, or the secondine or af∣terbirth to be left behinde, or also of some hard swelling tumor there increasing; but afterwards, when the menstruum coming plentifully away, the womb is re∣duced to its due magnitude, that tumor by degrees vanishes: but while it there remaineth unless for that reason, the Lochia or menstrua were stopp'd, it doth not produce the hysterical passions. For the reducing of this part the sooner in∣to its due position, fomentations, Liniments, and Plaisters, are convenient. But most times that Symptom, passes over, of it self, without any further harm. To what other distempers the womb is obnoxious, in child-bearing, and by what method to be helped, we have fully shown in another place. As to the other vices of that part, which happen to some women, not bearing children, we de∣clare, that they chiefly are either a disease of the womb, made by the breaking of the unity, viz. which is either some ulcer, or Tumor; or an inhibition of some wonted excretion, or putting forth, to wit, a suppression either of the menstruous blood, or the whites, or the seminal humour: Moreover because of the menstrua being retained, the heterogeneous particles being often poured forth into the head, bring in the Convulsive passions: in like manner, when the whites are stopped, the excrementitious matter, being supped up by the blood, is deliver'd to the brain and nervous stock: yea, when an usual evacua∣tion of the seed is hindred, the superfluities of the nervous humour, flow back upon the brain, and infect its indwelling Spirits, with an explosive and morbi∣fic tincture: There is no need here, to discourse more largely or particularly, of those Peculiar distempers of the womb, but to compound medicines, and in∣tricate administrations, proper for womens diseases, with anticonvulsive Re∣medies.

CHAPTER. XI. Of the Distempers commonly called Hypochondriack, which is shown to be, for the most part Convulsive: briefly also of Chalybeats or Steel-Medicines.

IN the foregoing Chapters, we have clearly shown, that the Passions called hysterical, do not allways proceed from the womb, yea, more often from the head being distemper'd; next we shall inquire concerning the hypochondriacal Distempers, of what original and nature they are, and upon the fault of what parts they chiefly depend. The vulgar opinion is, that the symptoms wont to accompany this disease, are wholly produced from the spleen; wherefore, they are ascribed very much to vapours, arising from this inward, and variously run∣ning up and down, here and there; when in truth, these sicknesses for the most part are convulsions, and contractions, of the nervous parts: but that it might appear, by what causes they are wont to be excited, we ought to consider first, the Symptoms themselves, and to place them into some order or rank.

As to the Distempers therefore, which are vulgarly termed hypochondriac, it is observable, that they happen chiefly to men of a melancholly temperament, with a dark aspect, and more lean habit of body: it is rarely, that this disease trou∣bles fair people, with a fresh Countenance, or also those indued with a too Phlegmatic complection: It betrays it self in manifest fignes, about the hight or midest of their Age; men are found to be more frequently obnoxious to this, than women, being made habitual in either, it is very hardly, or not at all to be cured, in women, by reason of their weaker Constitution, it is accompanied, with a great many more Convulsive Distmpers, wherefore, Commonly it is said in this Sex, the hysterical, to be joyned with the hypochondriacal Passion.

The Symptoms which are imputed to this Disease, are commonly very mani∣fold, and are of a divers nature, neither do they observe in all, the like begin∣ning, or the same mutual dependency, among themselves: for they seem in these, most to affect the Inwards of the lower belly, in those the Praecordia, in others the Confines of the Brain: and in most, though not in all, the ventricle labours much; concerning the appetite it is often too much, but presently burthened with what it hath taken in; and when the food, staying longer in it, by reason of slowness of Concoction, their Saline particles being carried forth into a flux, pervert the whole mass of the Chyle, into a pulse or pottage, now Sour, or austere, now salt or sharp: from hence pains of the heart, great breakings forth of blasts, rumbling of winde, and often vomiting succeed; and because of a pneumatick defect, or of Spirits, the Chyme or juice, is not wholly made volatile, and car∣ried forth of doors, but that the ballast of the Viscous or Slimy matter, sticking to the coats of the ventricle, is left behinde; an almost continual Spitting infests them; a distention in the hypochondrium, and often there, and under the ventricle, a cruell pulsation is felt: also there pains ordinarily arise, which run about here and there, and for many hours miserably torment with a certain lancing: In the mean time, from the Contractures of the Membranes, and from the fluctuation of winds, stirred up by that means, rumbling and murmurs are produced: Also in the Thorax, oftentimes there is a great constriction and straitness, that the respiration becomes difficult and troublesome, upon any motion: also, most grievous asthmatical fits fall upon some: moreover, the sick are wont to com∣plain of a trembling, and palpitation of the heart, with a noted oppression of the same: also a sinking down or melting away of the Spirits, and frequent fear of a trance, comes upon them, that the sick think Death is always seising them: In this Region, about the membranes, and chiefly the mediastinum, or that di∣vides the middle of the belly, an accute pain, which is now Circumscrib'd to one part, now extended to the shoulders, is a familiar Symptom of this Disease. But indeed in the head, an Iliad of evills doth for the most part disturb hypochon∣driacal people, to wit, most cruell pains returning at set times, do arise, also

the swimming of the head, and frequent Vertigoes, long watchings, a Sea, and most troublesome fluctuation of thoughts, an uncertainty of minde, a disturbed fancy, a fear and suspition of every thing, an imaginary possession of diseases, from which they are free; also very many other distractions of Spirits, yea some∣times Melancholly, and madness accompany this sickness: besides these interior Regions of the Body beseiged by this Disease, wandring pains, also Convulsions, and numbness, with a sense of pricking, invade almost all the outward parts; nightly Sweats, flushings of the Blood in the face, and the palms of the hands, eratick feavours, and many other Symptoms, of an uncertain original, do eve∣ry where arise; concerning which; forasmuch as the genuine Causes, and the manner of their coming to pass, could not be readily determined, presently all the fault is cast upon the Spleen, and Physitians accuse that, as if it were the chief author of every irregular Distemper; but by what right or authority, by and by shall be sought into: In the mean time, it is to be observed, that the chief Symp∣toms of this sickness, are Convulsive, and depend immediately upon the irregu∣larities of the animal Spirits, and the nervous juice, rather than on the evill dis∣position of the Viscera, serving for Concoction. But indeed, from whence the first rise of this most complicated Disease proceeds, and by what means it brings forth the divers manners of distempers, in so many places, will not be so easie to determine.

It would be a tedious thing, to shew here, what the ancient and modern Phy∣sitians thought of the hypochondriack Passion, and of its essence, and Causes; we will only take notice, that most of them do ascribe this sickly Disposition, to the only fault of the Spleen; In the mean time some contend that the whole confines of this Inward, partaking of part of the fault, the blood flowing every where in the Splenetick, and Epigastric Vessells (or those belonging to the Spleen and belly) for that it being guilty of an hot and dry intemperature, and so obnoxi∣ous to too much fermentation, brings forth the original, or gives a beginning to this manifold evill: But the famous Highmore, affording relief, as well to the Spleen, as the Womb, hath cast the chief Cause of this Disease, wholly on the vitious Constitution of the ventricle; and from thence, he would have the rea∣sons of the aforesaid Symptoms, to be originally sought, But indeed, that he might frame a fit hypothesis, for the solving the Phaenomena of this sickness, he first supposes, the tone of the stomach to become too loose, and weak, that for that reason, it hardly, and very imperfectly Concocts the aliments: so that the thin, and more Spirituous part of the Chyle, being sent from thence, sooner than it ought, to the blood, perverts its disposition, to a hot and sour temper; then the residue of the food, by a longer stay, within the Ventricle, degenerates into a ponderous, and viscous or clammy Phlegme; which also, by its Stagnati∣on (even as it is observable in things to be eaten, being longer kept) becomes very sour, or sharp: But from hence, that learned Man argues, that from the blood made too serous and thin, its effervescencies quickly passing thorow it, are induced: and from the stomach, loaded with ballast of ropy or viscous matter, the winde and distentions of the Ventricle, and hypochondria, as also the belch∣ing, and troublesome Spitting, do arise: whereby indeed, he wholly exempts the Spleen, from this fault, he contends, that it doth neither draw to it self the melancholly dregs of the blood, nor serves for any office whatsoever, about the Sanguification or the making of blood; but that its use almost only consists in this, that this Inward swelling up, or growing turgid with very hot blood, it administers heat to the adjacent Ventricle, and cherishes it with gentle warmth.

Altho I may so far assent to this famous Author, concerning this opinion, that I yield, the ventricle doth often grievously labour in this Distemper, foras∣much as the tone of which, being made lax, and its strength broken, by rea∣son of the indigestion of the aliment, a load of viscous Phlegm, or Petui∣tous matter, is begotten even in its bosom, to which, by reason of the Saline particles, being brought into a flux, by their long stay, oftentimes a notable soarness, and austereness happen; then because the fault in the first Concoction is not mended, the dyscrasies and disorders of the blood, receive that want of digestion in the second: But yet he cannot draw me into that opinion, that the ventricle is always chiefly in the fault, or that the other Symptoms, of the hy∣pochondriacal

Disease, depend only on its vitious Constitution: For I have known many, cruelly afflicted with this sickness, who have been well enough in their stomach: although they have very much complained of the pulsation in the left hypochondrium, of the straitness of the breast, and a wandring pain excited in it, also of the trembling, and oppression of the heart, with a con∣tinual fear, and disturbed Imagination; in the mean time, they were wont to desire food greatly, and to digest whatsoever was eaten, without any trouble of the ventricle, or heaviness, and also without any spitting or acid belching: yea, I have observed others, great drinkers, and using an evill manner of living, to have contracted a loosness of the stomach, with an ill digestion, windiness, and frequent vomiting, who sound enough about their praecordia, and animal facul∣ties, were not at all accounted for hypochondriacs: Besides, in this Distemper, the ventricle is often rather sick from the vitiousness of other parts, or of the Blood, than from its own default; because, it is usual for those sort of sick people, to be well in their stomach, so long as they may lye abed, and breath it forth; but when they are raised up, the pores being shut up, and the dregginess of the bloudy mass stagnating within, presently to be afflicted with the pain of the heart, an aggestion of winde, and frequent endeavours to vomit.

For these, and other Considerable Reasons, I judge the original of the hypo∣chondriacal Disease, to be derived from some other fountain, than the weakness of the Ventricle: but forasmuch, as among the parts here primarily suspected, to be affected, great complaints are made against the Spleen; it will be worth our while, to enquire, what office this Inward doth discharge, then, as often as it fails in it, whether it contributes to this Disease.

Tho I may grant with Doctor Highmore, that the Spleen doth cherish the Ventricle with its warmth, and so perhaps in some measure help Concoction: yet I do not conclude, this part to be framed chiefly for that end, but for some more noble uses; because, there seems to be need, for the digesting of the food in the stomach, not so much of heat, as of an active ferment: For fishes being actually cold, devour their food whole, and without the help of heat, easily concoct the same, being resolved as it were by a certain menstrum: besides, it is observed of the spleen, that though in man, its whole substance lyes near to the ventricle, in most other creatures, who are indued with a longish form, as to the greatest part of it, it is removed far from the Ventricle: Further, if the Spleen be the only Chimny, in which the blood warming the Ventricle is con∣tained, what is the reason, that it, rather than the Liver or Lungs, becomes of a livid or blewish colour, and is stuffed with a black blood, and that less hot?

When I consider these things, which sometime since I have observed; con∣cerning the use of the Spleen; it seems far more probable, that a certain dreggy portion, viz. a matter, consisting of an earthly, and fixed salt, is layd up in this Inward, by the blood carried to it, by the arteries, which being exalted there as it were by digestion, and into the nature of a ferment, is lastly commit∣ted to the blood, flowing from it by the veins, which inspires or quickens it, with a certain leven or fermentation, and performs the same thing about its Spirit, or making it Spirituous, as our ferment commonly called Leven, doth, being put into a batch of bread or dough; for as a certain portion of the unbak'd bread or dough, being kept to a sourness, preserves the same nature, that it doth ferment or leaven other bread or dough, and stirs up in it the otherwise sluggish particles into motion; so it seems, that the blood being laid up in the milt or Spleen, and there getting a sourness, as it were by stagnation, puts on the nature of a ferment, whereby indeed the rest of the mass of blood, and per∣haps the other humours, are actuated, and as it were Spiritualised, into a more lively motion. What hath been ingeniously wrote, by a late author, viz. the most learned Velthusius, concerning the use of the Spleen, may have relation to this: for he hath determined as highly probable, a ferment to be contained in this Inward, whereby the sluggish particles of the blood, are brought into a state of activity: Because, taking notice, that in children, and others indued with a sanguine temperament, and more fat or dull habit of body, even as their man∣ners, and disposition of minde were inclined to idleness, softness, and dulness, so their Spleen was ever of a reddish colour, and full of florid blood, like the Liver: from hence he concludes, that the spleen doth but little perform its of∣fice

in these, as the gential parts before ripe age, or in those of weak loyns; but on the contrary, forasmuch as men of a middle age, and chiefly in those, who are of a severe Countenance, and of a lean body, as in them appear marks of cunning, Sagacity, fortitude, and constancy, so their spleen is found to be of a livid or blewish colour, and imbued with blood, as it were muddy: further he argues from hence, that the blood, being kept long in the spleen, as in a Con∣duit or receptacle, turns plainly into ferment, by which its remaining mass, be∣ing from thence inspired, is made more subtil, and begets more acute Spirits, both in the vital, and in the Animal Kingdom or Government: For he supposes, our bodies naturally to abound, with too much humidity, by which indeed the function of the parts, and many of the viscera, are very much dull'd: but that the spleen, doth communicate to the mass of blood, solid, firm, and constant parts, and not easily to be dissipated; and that those do wipe away that moistness, and with it carry away in some measure, that softness, from the blood and Spi∣rits, which is predominate in tender age: almost after the same manner, as the north-winde, or the eastern gales, fanning and intimately penetrating the air, with the dryness and strength of their parts, breathe health or strength to the air, and to our Bodies.

But since I have in another place, declared what I have formerly thought, concerning the Spleen, there will be no need to repeat it in this: yet I shall further note, that in bodies of living creatures, compacted out of a quinarie of elements, as the spirits ought to be more strong then the rest: so indeed they be∣ing intangled with a viscous humidity of Sulphur, and water, are so hindred, that oftentimes they are not able to exercise their strength or powers lively e∣nough; hence saline particles, for that they are very much fermenting, are re∣quired for this, that the spirituous little bodies, almost overwhelmed by the em∣brace of the others, and stupifyed, might lie awakened, and set at liberty, and into motion. Wherefore we experience in our selves, when the spirits are dull'd, by the blood being too much exhal'd, that notable help is brought, by sharp liquors, as chiefly small wines, and Cider: for these kinde of Remedies sharpen the Spirits, and shake off all heaviness. Such a kinde of fermenting virtue, we easily believe to be continually exercised, by the Spleen being in right order, to∣wards the blood and nervous Liquor.

For as this Inward is formed with a threefold sort of vessells, viz. with arteries, and veins, and besides with great enfoldings of the nerves, and a most thick Contexture of nervous fibres; we think the use of each of them, to be set apart for this end: to wit, by the Arteries, the blood is carried to the Spleen, hence it lays up its dreggs, composed of a fixed Salt, and an earthly matter, in its pas∣sages and porosities, and these there layd up, as it were by a certain digestion, are brought into a juice very fermentive: A portion also of which, being carri∣ed back to the blood, by the veins, is continually mixed with it: and so its whole mass, is inspired with those kinde of fermentive particles, from the Spleen; by which, a certain austerity and sharpness, with vigour of motion, is given unto it; so that, for that reason, the blood it self is carried more lively in the vessells; also from thence, the nervous juice, procreated from the blood, be∣ing more active supplies the animal regiment: But truly, the Spleen doth not only by this means mediatly, and by the intervention of the blood, inspire the brain and nervous stock, with a fermentive virtue; but it may be lawfully be∣lieved, that this is done somewhat more immediately, by the passage of the nerves, dispersed in the spleen: for, because in this part, anatomie discovers a great company of Nerves, and nervous enfoldings, and of fibres springing from them, it may well be doubted, for what use they should serve: Concerning this, it is first to be observ'd, that the ventricle, and the Spleen, have a most intimate Commerce with the brain; insomuch, that Helmont did place the seat of the Soul, in those Inwards, but this is possible to be done, by no more com∣modious way, than by the aforesaid nerves: Wherefore, we may here dis∣servedly suspect, that not only the animal Spirits, are the messengers between the one part, and the other, but also, that the nervous Liquour, which is both the food, and the ventricle of these spirits, doth descend now from the brain to∣wards these Inwards, and now being received from these Viscera's by the nerves, doth creep thorow towards the head: which kinde of spleeny Juice, being dila∣ted

to the brain, sharpens the animal Spirits, and raises them up being slothfull, and irritates them into quick motions: from whence it is commonly said, the sharpness and sagacity of the minde, doth proceed from the Spleen, and Sple∣netick people, are accounted Ingenious: But it is probable, that the rage, and force of the passions, being begun by the Spirits inhabiting the brain, are carried to the spleen, by the passage of the nerves; and so the spirits there dwelling, are pathetically troubled, and the blood flowing thither, is moved into a multitude of perturbations: for from hence it in some measure falls out, that in anger, sad∣ness, and other distempers of the minde, according as the ferment if the Spleen, being more or less moved, is inspired to the blood, its liquor diversly boyls up: Further, for this reason it happens, that great inflations and Commotions, of the left hypocondrium, come upon splenitic people, from every violent passion.

These things being thus premised, concerning the use of the spleen, it will be easie, according to our hypothesis, to lay open very many of the symptoms, be∣longing to the hypochondriac Distemper; and to give reasons for each of them: For when the Spleen is wanting in its office, that is, when it doth not strain forth the melancholly recrements of the blood, nor cook them into a fermentative matter, as we but now observed in children, and others of a sanguine Complex∣ion, or too phlegmatick, to happen often; the disposition of the minde, is made duller, the body grows fat with idleness, yea, and the blood being more sluggish than it ought to be, is apt to stand still within its vessells, or at least to be less lively circulated: But on the Contrary where the fermenting power of the spleen, is too much axalted or perverted, the blood by that means being more sharp than usual, or made more sour, it runs about rapidly here and there, and con∣ceives irregular motions; yea, and the nervous juice, falling away from its right temper, imbues the animal Spirits, with an heterogenious and an explosive Co∣pula, and so irritates them, as it were with goads, into frequent Convulsions: as that not wholly undeservedly, many kindes of diseases, may be imputed to the Spleen being out of order: But the ways or means of affecting, whereby the Spleen being evilly disposed, doth produce the symptoms of the hypochondriack passion, or at least contributes to the rise of them, are chiefly these following.

First, it sometimes happens, that the spongie substance of the spleen, from the faeces of the blood, being too much impacted, in its pores, and stagnating, is very much stuffed, and obstructed: that from thence, it doth not sufficently re∣ceive, the recrements of the bloody mass: but the same being carried thither, but not received do flow back into the neighbouring branches of the Caeliack Artery, from whence they are presently carried, into the membranes of the ven∣tricle, the Caule, the mesenterie, and other nigh parts, and are wont to be af∣fixed to them; hence the tone of those viscera, are so much spoyled, that they do not rightly perform their due offices, about the concoction of the Chyle, and the membranes planted every way about, being much imbued with heterogeneous and irritative particles, for that they are almost continually pulled by convulsions here and there stirred up, they are grievously obnoxious to wandring pains, con∣tractions, distentions, and the encrease of Windes; by reason of this kinde of re∣gurgitation of the blood, from the Spleen, being obstructed, it is likely, that the pulsation, which is felt by hypochondriacks, under the Ventricle, is excited.

2. When the faeculencies of the blood, are excluded from the Spleens being obstructed, being fixed (as was said) to its neighbouring parts, they bring forth the sickly distemper of the left hypochondrium: but though indeed, that Inward sufficently receives the melancholly or atrabilious juice, carried to it from the blood, by the Arteries, yet oftentimes it does not rightly Cook it, but the Salt being too much excited, it changes it into a too sharp, or acid, austeer, or sour; or some other kinde of vitious humour: whereby, when as the whole mass of blood, and the nourishable Juice, contained in its bosome, are almost wholly in∣fected, the fruits of the hypochondriack seeds, bud forth thorow the whole body; the blood grows unduely hot, is in some places impetuously moved, and again in others is apt to stagnate or stand still: from hence, it is familiar with Spleene∣tick people, presently after eating, to grow red in the face, to have the palms of their hands hot, their hypochondria to swell, oppressions of the heart, and no∣ted variations of the pulse, to succeed, But these fermentative particles being translated, from the blood, every where into the solid parts, wandring pains, run∣ng

up and down here and there, and a sense of pricking, are stirred up in many members of the Body: moreover, from this Infection of the blood, for that its mass is changed, from a benign and balsamick temper, into a salt and tartare∣ous, a lean habit of body, with a black and dark Countenance, is induced.

3. From the blood being so depraved, by the fault of the Spleen, oftentimes the taint is carried to the animal government; for heterogeneous and Convulsive Particles, are poured frequently into the brain, and from thence, into the ner∣vous stock; so that the animal Spirits, dwelling in either province, conceive various irtegularities: by reason of the evill being impressed on the head, hypo∣chondriacks use to be troubled with various phantasms, with an heap, and fluctuations of thoughts: besides, to them happen frequent Vertigoes, Scotomies, headaches, and often parlytical Distempers: then, forasmuch as the morbific matter, flides down from the head, into the nervous stock, Convulsive Diseases are excited, in very many parts of the body, but chiefly about the Praecordia, and Viscera of the lower belly: for when the Spirits flowing within the nerves, which respect those parts, are greatly disturb'd, by reason of the distemper of the minde, the Convulsive particles, the more readily enter into those pipes, and more easily impress on those Spirits, a Convulsive Disposition: Therefore, partly by reason of the infection mediatly transmitted to the Brain, and partly by reason of the hurt, (as hath been shown) immediatly Communicated from the Spleen, the Palpitation of the heart, trembling, and frequent swooning, Constrictions of the Breast, impediments of breathing, Pains of the stomach, belching, Vomiting, and many other accidents in those Inwards, happen to hy∣pochondriacks.

4. Besides these inordinations, which are wont to be derived by the passage of the blood, from the Spleen; into the humours and sollid parts, and to the brain it self, and nervous stock; there are other farther evills, which seem to arise from this Inward, also by the passage of the nerves: Because, as we have shown, their extreme branches, and the nervous fibres themselves, interwoven in the Viscera, do drink in with their outward most little mouths, a certain hu∣mor, and convey it sometimes upwards, it is highly probable, that the nervous fibres, distributed to the Spleen, (of which as we but now hinted, there is a mighty Guard) do receive its most sharp juice, which Creeping higher, thorow the nervous pipes, becomes a Cause of Convulsive motions: In truth, that there may be those intimate Commerces, between the brain, and the Spleen, to wit, far sooner, than what can be made, by the compassing about of the blood, it may be lawfull to believe, that the nerves of the wandring pair, and the inter∣costal, to be the neerest means of the passage, whereby these parts Communi∣cate one with the other, and mutually affect themselves. For it seems, that when the black bile or melanchollic tumor in the Spleen, grows turgid or swells up of its own accord, or is moved by some evident cause, its particles enter the nervous fibres, thickly distributed to the same, which disturb the animal Spirits flowing in them, into explosions, or at least into some disorder: then the Spi∣rits being so distrubed, infect those next to them, and they others, till by their continued series, the passion begun within the Spleen, is propagated even to the brain, and there produces inordinate Phantasms, such as happen to hypo∣chondriacks, also on the other side, when a grievous distemper of the minde, occasionally excited, within the brain, doth disturb the Spirits inhabiting it, the impression being carried to the Phantasie, by the series of the Spirits, planted within the nerves of the wandring pair, and the Intercostals, and successive af∣fection, it is brought even to the Spleen; hence its ferment being put more in∣to commotion, stirs up Convulsions, both in that Inward, and in the whole neighbourhood of fibres and membranes; and besides, forces the blood into eb∣bings and flowings, and into various aestuations or vehement motions; yea and re∣flects the perturbations of the Spirits, upon the brain. From this kinde of reci∣procal affection of the brain and Spleen, it comes to pass, that hypochondri∣acks are so unquiet, unstable, and fluctuating, at every thing thats proposed, as if, according to the Poet, Ten mindes strove in them at once.

A certain noble Gentleman, of a melanchollic temper, and always accounted [Observation. 1] for a Splenetic man, very much complained of a pain, and inflation of his left hypochondrium, with a frequent rumbling noyse, and sour belching, a so of a

trembling of the heart, of an assiduous vertigo, too much waking, and a di∣sturbed phansie: About the 35th. year of his age, the disease growing worse, he began hardly to sleep, and yet more rarely to get it at night, and to be molested in the day time, with a world of fluctuating thoughts, to have in suspition all things and persons, and greatly to be afraid of every object: his Praecordia seemed to be very much bound, and straitened, and to sink down to the bottom, as if the heart it self were depressed even into the belly; which Symptom, trou∣bling him, he became very sad, and dejected in minde: yet afterwards, those distempers of the minde remitting, he felt with it his heart to be a little lifted up and also his Praecordia to be loosened, and stretch'd forth; besides, he very often sustained pains and Contractions variously excited, about the muscles of the Viscera, and Members, and running up and down here and there.

As to the nature of the disease, it is plain, that it is this kinde of Distemper, which is commonly called hypochondriacall: but as to what respects the Causes of these to be admired Symptoms, we may suppose, the mass of blood being degenerate, and stuffed with melanchollic or atrabilarie faeculencies, to admi∣nister or continually to suggest its adust recrements to the head; from whence, the Liquor watering the brain and nerves, being made sharp, and improporti∣onate to the Spirits, did stir up the containing Bodies, into painfull Corrugati∣ons, or wrinklings, and Contractures: Further, when this Infection is chiefly derived from the head, into the Nerves of the wandring pair, and the intercostall, the brain and the Praecordia, are very much punished, by the malady from thence raised up. But that the Blood is depraved by that means, it seems to be impu∣ted to the vice of the Spleen, forasmuch as this Inward, being amiss, it did not rightly strain forth the atrabilarie dreggs from the blood, but rather did more pervert whatsoever recrements it received from it, and the same being exalted into an hurtfull ferment, sent it back to the blood, and so very much infected its mass, and imbued it with a plainly acetous, and vitriolick evill Disposition.

It is plain to be understood, that those symptoms troubling the Head, viz. too much waking, the vertigo, a disturbed phantasie, with many others, did pro∣ceed from the heterogeneous particles poured forth from the Blood, into the brain: As to that straitness of the Breast, and falling down of the heart, with great fear and sadness, it may be thought, that the nervous fibres, inserted to the heart, and chiefly to the Pericordium, being moved into Convulsions, and wrinklings, do binde hard those parts, and pull them downwards; wherefore, there is perceived in the whole breast, as it were a certain constriction, and the heart it self seems to be depressed: Further, forasmuch the Praecordia being so streitened and depressed, the blood within the bosom of the heart is stop'd, and compell'd, as it were to stagnate, both the vital and the sensitive Soul, is much hindred, from its wonted expansion and irradiation, and for that Cause, being lessened and shortened in its constitution, those Cruell distempers of fear and sadness arise, but when the Convulsions remitting, that constriction of the heart and its appendix, is released, the Soul also, as a flame more expansed or enlarged, endeavours by little and little to shake off the Chains of those Passions. For the Cure of these Distempers, he had for a long time tried very many remedies, and medical Administrations, but without much benifit, at last he was somewhat ea∣sed by the use of Spaw-waters, and from thence by degrees finding himself bet∣ter he became free from those grievous Symptoms, however, he still liv'd ob∣noxious to the hypochondriac Distemper.

[Observation. 2] A Certain young Academic, originally of a Sanguine temper, fair, of a flo∣rishing Countenance, excellent disposition, and mild, by reason of immoderate and untimely Studies, in the mean time exercise, and good order of dyet being wholly neglected, had contracted an obstruction of the Spleen, or some other morbid distemper of that Inward: For he had almost continually infesting him, an inflation, and tumor of the left hypochondrium, with a most heavy Pain. Af∣ter he had laboured with this sort of Distemper, about half a year, he began to complain of a frequent giddiness, a blindness of his eyes, an unquietness of his minde, and of disturbed sleeps: Which Symptoms were then plainly impu∣ted to vapours arising from the Spleen: but after that followed, a trembling of the heart, with a frequent deliquium of the Spirits, a pulsation of the hypochondri∣um, and at length pains, and Contractions in the outward members, with a fre∣quent

stupor, and a sense of pricking running up and down here and there: and last of all, being broken with a world of evills, contrary to his genius, and na∣tive Disposition, he became greatly hypochondriacall.

That I may dispatch the Pathologie of this Case in a word, it appears here plain enough, that the Spleen was first of all in fault; by whose fault, when the bloody mass was depraved, the taint creeping from thence, into the humour wa∣tring the brain and nervous stock, and infecting it, did induce the aforesaid Con∣vulsive Symptoms.

The Curatory Method to be used against the hypochondriacal Distempers re∣quires chiefly these four generall Indications. viz. In the first place, that the Im∣pediments of the Cure may be taken away, the Intention of which chiefly respects the purging, and preserving the first passages. Secondly, it must be endeavour'd that the obstructions of the Spleen, may be Corrected. Thirdly, that both the recrements of the bloody mass may be purged forth, and that its due disposition may be restored. Fourthly, and lastly, that the enormities of the brain and nervous stock, and also of the watering humour, and the inhabiting Spirits, contracted by the fault of the blood, and Spleen, may be amended, or taken a∣way: when any of these Intentions, or all of them together, shall be endea∣voured at, fit times should be chosen, in which each being singly proposed, may be performed, without any neglect or hindrance of the rest.

8. As to the first Indication, when a great load of crude or adust matter, is wont to be laid up in the first passages, and when the tone of the Ventricle us'd to be spoyled, and its ferment variously perverted, against every one of these kindes of evills, you must bring timely help, with fit remedies; therefore, gen∣tle and moderate evacuations, both by Vomit if it prospers well, and by Stool, ought to be administred: For such, whose stomach easily casts forth its contents upwards, I perswade, that once in a month Vomiting should be several times provoked by taking Liquor of Squills, or Salt of Vitriol, or by drinking plentifully small beer posset-drink, or warm water; in the time between, a gentle purge, and only a little moving is to be orderd often: For this end, The pills Tartareous, of Bontius, or Stomach-pills with Gums, or our solutive extract, may be of use. Take of the best Senna ℥i, of Rhubarb ʒvi, of Epithim ʒiii, of yellow-Sanders ʒii, of the Salt of wormwood ʒii, of Celtic Spike ʒi, being cut and brused, let them be digested in x ounces of White wine, and as much of fumitory water, for 48 hours, let the clear straining be evaporated, with the heat of a gentle bath, to the con∣sistency of an extract, adding towards the end, of the powders of Senna, of Rhu∣barb, and cream of Tartar each ʒii, let them be brused together in a glass mor∣ter, and reduced to the consistency of Pills. The Dose ʒss, ℈ii, or ʒi, the Reme∣dies respecting the tone, and ferment of the ventricle, as they are manifold and divers, out of them the most fit or commodious for the Disposition of the Ven∣tricle, are to be chosen; for to this bitter things, to that Saltish, to another sharp and perhaps biting things, are desirable. Among the number of these kinds of medicines, (which are commonly called Digestives) are Elixir Proprietatis, Tinctura Sacra, powder of Aron Compound, Salt of Wormwood, Cream of Tartar, Tartar vitriolat,, Vitriol of Steel, with many others. Besides these inward Reme∣dies, also external applications do often bring help: Because the Stomach be∣ing ill affected, a fomentation of white-wine, with wormwood, century, and other bitter plants boyled therein, also oyntments, or plaisters, often bring help: Concerning which, there will be no need here to discourse particularly; and to prescribe forms of the Medicines themselves.

2. The second Indication, for the mending the vices of the Spleen, (to wit, if there shall be in the same any obstruction, Tumour, or pain, or simple dyscra∣sie or Intemperament,) is wont to be performed, or at least attempted, by Re∣medies both internal, and exrernal: Those which are of the former Sort, fall in with those indicated in the 3d place, (to wit, with such, as for the purifying the Blood is intended) because, when chiefly, or almost all, that which is carri∣ed, or born to the Spleen, is done by the passage of the blood, the irrigularities of the Latex of this, as well as of that Inward, by a Social labour, ought to be cured, with the joynt strength of Medicines; by what means is shown by and by. In the mean time, some external Applications, under the form of a plaister, or an oyntment, or a fomentation, more neerly and immediatly respect the bo∣dy

of the Spleen, and often bring notable help, forasmuch as they discuss tumors, and allay the Convulsive Distempers, and quiet them. Great plenty of these kinde of outward medicines, are every where extant among Authors, the choyce of which ought to be made, according to the various passions of the Spleen, or the divers Constitutions of the Patient, so that there will be no need here, to shew their particular forms.

3. The Remedies indicated in the 3d place, to wit, which take away the dys∣crasies or evill temper of the blood, contracted from the vice of the Spleen, and also clear the primary fault of the Spleen, are of a manifold, and divers kinde, and manner, the choice of which ought to be administred, according to the va∣rious infection of this, or that: of these, some are compounded, and prepared according to the prescription of Physitians, as Electuaries, Powders, Apozems, Tinstures, Infusions, and the like; others more simple, as whey, asses milk, Spaw-waters, and Bathes.

There are two chief Cases of sick people, in which magisterial Remedies ought to be all accommodated, according to their strength and quallities: to wit, ei∣ther the blood is thick, coldish, and earthy, with the Spleen being obstructed, which requires more hot, fermenting, and chiefly Chalybiate medicines; or the blood being clearly adust, and hot, ferments too much, and together greatly trou∣bles the hypochondria, and in them, the blood and humours boyl up; in which state, Remedies only temperate, and allaying the fermenting, and immoderate boyling of the humours, are to be chosen, where chalibiats are wholly to be avoided.

When therefore to a cold ventricle, cold discrasies or evill temperaments, of the blood and Spleen also happen, I am wont to prescribe, according to the fol∣lowing forms.

Take of the Troches of Rhubarb, of the Powder of the root of Aron, of winteran Bark, each ʒii, of the root of virginian Snakeweed, Centrayerva, Diatrion Santulon, of Crabs eyes, each ʒi, of the extract of Gentian, of Century, each ʒiss, of ammoniae, dissolved in the water of Earth-worms, what will suffice to make a mass of Pills: let them take 4 pills in the morning, and at 4 a clock in the afternoon, drinking af∣ter them a little draught, of wormwood-wine, or chalibiate wine, with moderate exercise.

Take of the Conserves of the yellow of Oranges, and of Lemons, each ℥iii, of pre∣served mirabolans, n. ii, of the Species of aromaticum Rosatum, of winteran Bark, each ʒii, of the Salt of wormwood ʒii, of the vitriol of Steel ʒi, (or Steel prepared ʒiii.) with what will suffice of the Syrrop of Citron rines, make an Electuary, To be taken twice a day, drinking after it a draught of wormwood-wine, or of the In∣fusion of the herb or flowers of Tamarisk.

For those who are not pleas'd, but with medicines in an elegant form, and in a very little quantity, the tinctures of Antimony, and of Corrall, also of Steel, with the Spirit of wine, (the body being first dissolved by a proper menstrum, and redu∣ced to a Calx) are convenient: as aso the Spirits of Sut, of blood, or of harts-horn, to be taken twice a day, with a proper liquor, to 12. drops, more or less, are of known benefit, above any other medicine that I know of: moreover the often drinking of Coffee, also that made of the Infusion of the leaves of Thea, gives ease to some.

If that the fervor of the blood, and too fermenting, with the trouble of the Spleen, and unquietness of the minde, be joyned to the hypochondriac Distem∣per.

Take of the Conserves of hyps or Conaradine, ℥vi. (or of the flowers of Tamarisk, and the leaves of wood-Sorrel, each ℥iii.) of the Species of Diarrodon Abbatis, of the confection of Alkermis, each ʒi, of the powder ofi Ivory ʒiss, of Pearls ʒss. of the Salt of Tamarisk, and wormwood, each ʒi. with what will suffice of the Syrrop of green Citrons,, or Clove-Gilliflowers, make an Opiate, to be taken twice in a day, the quantity of a nutmeg.

Take of the powder of Ivory, ʒii. of the Powder of Pearls, ʒi. of the Species of diarrhodon Abbatis, of Diamagarit frigida, each ʒiss. make a fine powder, add of white Sugar, dissolved in Baume-water, and boyled to the consistency of Tablets ℥vi. make thereof according to Art, Lozenges, or little cakes: take ʒiss or ʒii twice a day. To these, and other medicines of this nature, may be joyned the

use of Spaw-waters, which indeed, in either, yea, in all cases, of hypochondriac Melancholly, are almost always taken with good success: For want of those wa∣ters, our artificiall Spaw-waters, may be conveniently ordered, yea, and whey, and if any notable atrophie be, let Asses milk be dayly taken.

Besides, these inward Remedies, and other outward Applications, before-recited, Phlebotomie, or the taking away of blood with Leeches, from the sedal veines, may be of use frequently: yea, sometimes it may be convenient, to open the Salvatella Vein, according to the prescript of the Ancients: Besides Caute∣ries, or Issues, which may continually carry forth the adust recrements of the blood, and by degrees excern them, are wont to be benificiall almost to all.

4. The fourth Indication, respecting the affections of the brain, and nervous stock, or the Convulsive Symptoms having relation to or coming upon the for∣mer, is rarely in use of it self, and apart from the others, but that Remedies de∣stinated to this end, are complicated with those abovesaid. Liquors indued with a volatile Salt, or an armoniac, as Spirits of Harts-horn, and Sut, are highly ne∣cessary for this Intention, as also the rest but now recitied; wherefore such Re∣medies, unless any thing shall shew the contrary, may be dayly given at fit hours. Further, when Spaw-waters are drunk, let tablets or pills, such as are above-pre∣scribed, for the Convulsive distempers, be taken at least twice in a day. In the frequent turning, and giddiness, also in the passions of the heart, the sinking down of the Spirits, with dread, and as it were a fear of Death, just seizing on one, I have known very often, great help to be had, by the use of Chalibeat, or steel Medicines.

Since we have made mention so often, of Chalibiat or steel-medicins, it will be worth our while, to inquire into their various preparations, and for that rea∣son their divers manners of effects, which they are wont to produce in the hu∣mane body, that it may from hence appear, by what means, and for what re∣spects, these or those preparations of Iron, are greatly profitable to some hypo∣chondriacks, and to others as much hurtfull.

The virtue and operation of Chalybeat, or steel'd mecicines, depends upon the porticles of the concerts, being after a various manner dissolved, unfolded, and brought forth into act: For steel, or Iron, consists chiefly of a Salt Sulphur, and Earth: and but slenderly indued with Spirits and water: But the particles of the former Elements, chiefly the Sulphureous, and saline, being in their mix∣ture combined together, with the Earth, remain altogether fixed, and sluggish, but being soluted, and pulled one from another, they come to be of a very effica∣cious Energy.

The aforesaid particles are dissolved in a twofold manner, and set into the Li∣berty of acting: viz. either by Art, whilst medicins are prepared, or by Nature after they are taken inwardly; for the metallic Body, is wont to be dissolved, and eaten, by the ferment of the ventricle, just like a Chymical menstrum: we will consider the several Species of either, and their manner of being made, that it may appear, what alteration is impressed, on the steeled medicine, in the preparation; and what effects every preparation of it, doth impresse on mans Body.

The most simple way of preparing Iron, is a division of its body, into little integral parts, with a file, which resemble the nature of the whole mixture, and contain both little sulpureous bodies, and saline, combined among themselves, and with other terrestrial. The filings of Iron being inwardly taken, is dissol∣ved by the ferment of the ventricle, as it were by an acid menstrum; the signes of which are, both a sulphureous and unsavorie belching, as from the eating of hard eggs, also the blackness of the ordure, from steel being dissolved within the Viscera of Concoction, active particles, both Sulphureous and Saline, Plen∣tifully sally forth, and being involved with the nutritious juice, are carried into the blood; which as they excell in a divers virtue, do often conspire, as it were with the joynt forces of either, to bring benefit to the sick. The Sulphureous little bodies being brought to the blood, add to it a new, and more plentifull Provision of Sulphur, wherefore its mass, if before it was poor and liveless, doth nimbly ferment within its vessells, and being inkindled farther in the heart, acquires a more intense heat, yea, and a deeper colour; for it is so observed, in many affected with the dropsy, arising from white phlegm, the Pica or evill

longings, or green-sickness, to have a pale countenance, cold bloud, and wate∣rish; but by the use of steel, the countenance soon to be more florid, and the blood to be imbued with a more intense tincture, and heat: moreover, from the filing of iron, dissolved in the ventricle, also Saline particles are brought forth, and often they bestow a more plentifull fruit or increase, both on the solid parts, and on the humors; for since their natures are vitriolick, and stiptic or binding, they bind together, and strengthen the too lax, and weakned fibres of the Viscera, and so restore the broken tone: Besides these Saline particles, inhibit the force of the blood; repress it from too much heat, and boyling up, and froth, and retain it in an equall circulation: Besides (which is their chief virtue) they con∣tract and straiten the too loose, open, and gaping little mouths of the Arteries; that, for that reason, neither the Serum, nor the bloody latex, may sweat out, or be broke off, from the file of its circuit: Wherefore in the Dropsie, and great bleedings, Remedies, imbued with the Saline particles of Iron, are of famous and efficacious use, for very many Diseases proceed from this cause, forasmuch as the little mouths of the Arteries, being too open, and the interspaces of the vessells above measure loosned, the serum or bloody latex breaks forth; which kinde of Affections, the Vitriollic Particles of Steel, do often help, by binding and corroborating, the sanguiferous Vessells, and nervous fibres.

After this manner, the filings of Steel, being taken inwardly, seems at once to add to the blood, both spurs, and a bridle. But forasmuch, as from this medi∣cine, an incitation, much more than a restriction, doth arise, therefore it ought to be given only to them, whose blood is very thick, and cold, as country peo∣ple and strong persons; in very hot, and spirituous bloud, and in hot inwards, 'tis no ways convenient: moreover, in delicate persons, and men of a more tender constitution, 'tis dangerous, lest the little portions of the steel, when they can∣not be sufficiently dissolved, should like fragments of glass, be driven into the membranes of the Viscera, and there pertinaciously sticking, produce some ulcer, or deadly torments, which indeed I have known sometimes to happen.

2. After the filing of Iron, the next way of preparing it, is calcining it with Sulphur, to wit, let thin peeces of steel, being strongly fired, be laid upon a roler of Sulphur, that the mettle may melt into little round balls, which are to be calcined to the consumption of the Sulphur, and pounded in a morter, are to be reduced into a subtle powder, which is of choice use. In this preparation of Iron, some sulphureous particles are exhaled, the signe of which is, that this powder, an acid liquor being poured upon it, much less boyls up, or grows hot than the limature or filing of Iron: but being taken by the same mouth, it excites a Sulphureous savour. In the mean time, in this preparation, the saline parti∣cles, seem to be somewhat augmented, by new ones sticking to them, from the mettall burning with Sulphur, so that active particles of either kinde, to wit, Sulphureous and Saline, come almost to an Aequilibrium: and when by this means, this medicine, the substance of the mettle being loosned, may be finely poudered, it becomes of far more excellent use, than the filings ef Iron: In most Cases, where steel ought to be given in substance, as in a Cachexie or a fullness of evill humours, the longings of maids or the green-gckness, and such like, this medi∣cine is convenient to be used.

3. In the third place, follows the preparation of steel with vinegar: to wit, the filings of the whole steel, is moysten'd with vinegar, and dryed, till it may be reduced into an impalpable powder: in this preparation, the Sulphureous particles are yet much more, yea, as to the greatest part evaporated, only a few being left, in the mean time, the Saline, by reason of others sticking to them, from the vinegar, are much encreased, which are mingled with the terrene particles: This chalibiated powder, very little or nothing froths, or boyles up, a sharp liquor being sprinkled upon it, also being taken at the mouth, has with it scarce any sulphureous Savour: wherefore, it conduces less, to the taking away of the obstructions of the Bowells, or to the restoring the ferment of the blood: nevertheless, in a more hot Constitution, in hemorrhages or fluxes of Blood, and the hypochondriac Distemper, it is wont to be administred with greater success, then the former preparations.

4ly. Follows the rust of Iron, which being an extract of the metallic body, seems to be as it were a fifth Essence: because, in this excrescency, some parti∣cles

of every kinde, to wit, sulphureous, saline, and terrene, being loosned from the whole substance, are combined among themselves; and constitute as it were a new mixture, more subtile, and defaecated or clearer from dreggs: For that in this concrete, there remains less particles of sulphur, therefore it doth not so potently ferment the blood, or take away the obstructions of the Viscera, as steel prepared with sulphur; but in more hot distempers of the parts, or hu∣mours, it egregiously performs the requisite Intentions, of a steeled Medicine.

To this Class may be referred by right, our preparation of steel, to wit, in which all the particles of the mettal, being loosned from the bond of mixture, are contained together: which notwithstanding, (the concrete being first re∣duced into pouder) and immediatly dissolved, in any water or Menstruum. This powder being inwardly taken hath the like vertue as steel prepared with sulphur; but to the liquor or menstruum, in which it is dissolved, it imparts almost only saline, or chiefly vitriolic particles, the sulphureous flying away, and the terene sinking to the bottom. I am wont to give in great quantity, and not seldom with excellent success, common water impregnated with the dissolu∣tion of this, instead of the natural acidulous or spawish waters: moreover, I make thereof medicated wine, beer, cyder, whey, or other Liquors, this pouder being dissolved in them; and prescribe them to be taken, for several intricate Intentions: So much for the preparations of Iron, in which the elementary par∣ticles of every kinde, are comprehended in a various proportion: There re∣main others, in which the particles almost only of one kinde, to wit, the sa∣line, or earthie, are left, the rest, as to the greatest part, being driven forth: of which sort, are chiefly vitriol, or the Salt of steel.

5. For the making the vitriol of steel, first, the mettal is wont to be eaten thorow, with a very sharp and corrosive Liquor, and to be dissolved into ele∣mentary parts: In the dissolving, the saline particles of the menstruum, are joyned to the other salines of the Iron, and are with them intimately combined; in the mean time, the remaining sulphureous, and terrene, being laid aside, and excluded from their company; then common water being poured to this soluti∣on, the salts of either kinde being combined, are imbibed by the Liquor, and that being lastly filtrated, and evaporated, they are reduced into christalls. This kinde of making of salt or salification, succedes, if you do it, either with the Spirit of vitriol, the oyle of sulphur, or stygian water, or any others, distilled from the stagmas of mineralls: Yea, Sal Armoniac only, being soluted by melt∣ing, dissolves Iron after the same manner, and causes it to Chrystalize.

Salt of Steel thus prepared, hath a sweetish taste, with a certain sharp stipticity of binding, and participates much of the nature of vitriol, that it seems not to differ much from Verdigrease. Taken inwardly for a medicine, it somewhat ferments the humors, and powerfully bindes the nervous fibres: for cold Cache∣cical, and Phlegmatic people, this medicine is not convenient, because there are in it no particles of Sulphur: but it is often administred with successe, in hot distempers of the bowels, where there is a predominancy of adust Sulphur and in wandring effervescencies, in scorbutical, and unequall heats, both of the blood and nervous stock, by it self, or mixed with other medicines, as an enforcement: but yet in more tender Constitutions, 'tis dangerous, lest the tone and fibres of the ventricle should be hurt, by its acrimony, and too great constriction or astringency.

6. In the last place, follows the astringent Crocus Martis, or the Crocus of Steel, prepared by fire, through a long Calcination, viz. The filings, the off-scour∣ings, or thin plates of Iron, should be so placed in a reverberating fornace, that they may be continually heated, by a most strong flame: The filing being thus exposed to the naked fire; first of all it grows reddish, and runs together into little hard round balls; but after 3. or 4. days, swelling up suddenly into an higher heap, it becomes extream light, impalpable, and of a most curious pur∣ple Colour: In this preparation, the Sulphureous and saline particles, whilst by the force of the fire, they begin to come away from the concreet, do mutu∣ally take hold one of another, and so being combined together, grow into little balls; but afterwards, those particles, both Saline and Sulphureous, being whol∣ly profligated, and fiery particles succeeding in their place, the whole mass swel∣ling up into a bulk, and made as it were spungie, becomes most light.

A Medicine thus prepared, in some Cases, is of most excellent use, and second to none of the Chalybeats: to wit, almost in all extravasations, or too great eruptions of the Serum and blood, as in outward haemorrhages, or in inward bleed∣ings, in the Diarrhaea, the Diabatis, and in a vehement Catarrh; also I have known no remedy better than this, in the Ascitis, or in the beginning of a Drop∣sie: and this also, I have heard to be highly approved of lately by a most famous and expert Physitian, of our own Country: Concerning which medicine notwith∣standing, since it is wholly destitute, both of Saline and sulphureous Particles, and consists almost only of earthly and fiery particles, it is very ambiguous, by what faculty it operates, and produces so praise-worthy an effect in man's body: for there seems to be in this, left no more Caput mortuum, or dead head, or ter∣ra damnata, then in vitriol, or in any of the other mettalls, distilled be a most intense fire. As to this if I may Conjecture, it seems first, that to this prepara∣tion, some Activity is due, whereby it exerts it self, and unfolds its virtues, ei∣ther by shutting up obstructions, or by binding together the Vessells, or ner∣vous fibres of the Viscera, from the fiery particles, shut up in the most fixed earth, and from them breaking forth within the body: But the chiefest reason of help∣ing consists in this, that the earthy particles, the Saline (by which they were strickly held) being wholly gone, desire greedily to be reunited to them, or such like: Wherefore, this Crocus martis, being immersed in our Bodies, snatches to it self, whatsoever Salts it meets with, and intimately binds them, and so, while it sucks up like a sponge, very many saline particles, it takes away many enor∣mities, arising chiefly from the flux of the Salts. By this means, Burnt harts-horn, Spodium, and Antimony Diaphoretic, when they bring help exert or put forth their virtues.

CHAPTER. XII. Of the Convulsive Cough and Asthma.

THe history before related, doth clearly manifest, that sometimes a Cough may be caused, without any great fault of the Lungs, by reason of the sli∣ding down of the morbific matter, upon the pneumonick nerves, or those be∣longing to respiration: to wit, where it was shown, in the Case of the noble Virgin, labouring with Convulsive fits, and also with a grievous and continual giddiness, that, when by the prescript of the Physitian, a fomentation of Ce∣phalic Decoction, was applyed to her head, presently the Giddiness ceas'd, and in its place follow'd a great Cough, without any Spitting, but night and day, almost perpetually troubling her: which without doubt hapned, by reason of the Convulsive matter, being driven from the brain, into the beginnings of the nerves: This kinde of example, of a Cough meerly Convulsive, more rarely happens, in persons of ripe years, as the like distemper I have not often seen: But in children 'tis usual, (also sometimes I have known it in Men) for a cough to arise, from a serous Colluvies overflowing the Lungs: which, when at first it was Simple, and moderate, afterwards it became vehement, and Convulsive; so that in Coughing the Diaphragma being drawn upwards, and held in a long Systole, or frequently repeated, the Lungs being greatly straitned, were much hindred in their motion. In the mean time, by reason of the breathing being hindred, and the blood being restrained within the Praecordia, and for that cause stagnating in other places, the sick were in danger of being choaked, and often acquired a livid, or dead countenance. But in this Case, besides the Convulsi∣ons raised up about the Praecordia, by the force of Coughing, the Ventricle also, being often brought Into a consent, cast forth by vomit, whatever it contained in its bosom: yea, and I know in some tender ones, after this manner affected, the Disease wandring from thence into other parts, did raise up Convulsive mo∣tions in the Face, eyes, and limbs, and at length became deadly. This kinde of Convulsive Cough is very frequent among children, and some years lays hold

on so many, that it seems to be plainly Epidemical; when it roots it self, it is very difficult to be cured, by Remedies, yea often being long protracted, it is hardly otherwise to be cured, but by the state of the year being changed.

If the causes of the aforesaid Case be inquired into, it will be so plain, to refer the procatartic or more remote cause, to the redundancy of the Serous humour in the bloody mass, and in some sort in the whole body; a portion of which mat∣ter, dropping forth from the little mouths of the Arteries, on the Lungs, cre∣ates the ordinary Cough; afterwards, when the serous Colluvies or heap of waters yet exuberateing in the Blood, and stuffed with Convulsive particles, is also heaped up within the head, the same entring the pneumonic nerves, in∣creases the simple, into a Convulsive Cough: For when those nerves, being irri∣tated first about their extremities, are exercised above measure, for that reason they more easily imbibe the Convulsive matter, laid up nigh their beginnings: and so, when at length, they are driven into irregular motions, in two places, to wit, in the head, and at the tale, and that for two distinct causes, viz. from the irritation of the Spirits, and from their explosion; it is no wonder, if the Cough, at first Common, being afterwards brought into this evill state, becomes so cruel and Convulsive: Moreover, when it sometimes happens, that the same matter, heaped up in the head, does enter some other nerve, therefore Convul∣sive passions of another manner, often come upon the Convulsive Cough.

Having shown after this manner, that a cough doth arise, not only, nor al∣ways by the fault of the Lungs, but sometimes from a solitary Convulsive cause, but oftener superinduced by this, on a pneumatic Distemper: also we do not doubt to determine almost the same thing, concerning another certain Distem∣per of the Thorax, to wit, the Asthma: For whether this Disease be continuall, or periodical, in either Case, the Symptom chiefly urging, is difficult Breathing; which indeed seems to be excited for this reason, because the Lungs being too much inflated, and distended, extremely fills the Cavity of the Thorax, neither do they fall down as they should do, by turns: hence the Spirit or breath remain∣ing within, is not sent forth freely enough, neither indeed can fresh aire be easi∣ly induced, by reason the space is before filled: whilest the Lungs are so longer contained in a continual, or very little remiss Diastole, oftentimes the Dia∣phragma, is urged contrary to its manner, into a violent Systole, and being drawn upwards, is wont more and more to lift up the Lungs, and to hinder their fal∣ling down; whereby it comes to pass, that respiration becoms yet more difficult, and more laborious.

We easily believe, that this kinde of hard breathing Distemper, doth some∣times happen by the fault of the Lungs, because anatomical Inspection hath plain∣ly detected it: For if a great Serous Colluvies, being layd up in the Thorax, ve∣ry much stuffs the Lungs, and so much obstructs all their pores and passages, that the blood being hindred in its Circute, cannot freely pass thorow the Pneumonic Vessells, for that reason indeed, such like anhelous Distempers are sometimes made: Then, as often as the blood growing more hot and rarified, by exercise or the heat of the Bed, requires a larger space for its Circulation, within the Lungs; then presently from such an occasion, a more frequent Respiration, or an asthmatical fit is stirred up: If beside this morbid Disposition of the Breast, the Sanguineous mass, also abounding with a serous water, should be apt to sudden fluxions and effervescencies of the Serum, from hence also, by reason of the vi∣olent course of the Serum growing hot, into the Lungs, being before obstructed, and greatly filled, very often most grievous assaults of this Disease, and almost suffocating do happen. Moreover, sometimes, beside, the roots of the asthma (as it is said) being fixed about the Praecordia, certain shoots of the same disease, budding forth from the head, meet with the former, and being complicated with them, produce the more cruel fruits of the Dyspnaea, or want of Breath. For, because the Lungs being stuffed with Serum, another quantity of the same, more largely redounding in the blood, being imbued with Convulsive particles, is poured on the head, the same more readily entring the pneumonic nerves, than others, causes the Asthma of the Thorax, at first Simple and modetate, to become periodically vehement, and Convulsive.

Of these kinde of Distempers, viz. the Dyspnaea, being excited by the singular fault of the Lungs, and with a Companion, very many instances, and examples

have fallen under our observation, and do almost dayly happen. For there is no∣thing more usual, then for those that are sick of an inveterate cough, or any o∣ther evill disposition of the Lungs, at length the Dropsie, or Scurvie hapning to become Asthmatick, to wit, when the Blood being made much more impure, lays up also its serous dreggs in the head, these more readily, and indeed more easily enter then others, the pneumonic nerves, as being weaker, and often ir∣ritated neer their extremities, and in them do heap up matter, for a Convulsive Dyspnaea.

Further, sometimes I have observed, most grievous fits of an Asthma to have hapned, without any notable fault of the Lungs, so that truly I did think that this disease was sometimes meerly Convulsive, and its fits only excited, because the serous colluvies or watery heap, being stufft with, explosive particles, en∣tring into the nerves, performing the Diastole of the Lungs, grows to the Spi∣rits therein flowing, which being afterwards struck off together, and for a long while, by reason of plentitude or irritation, the Lungs are detained as it were inflated, and stiff, so that they can perform neither the offices of drawing in, or of breathing out: But the fit being finished, a free and equal respiration follow'd, as before the fit began, and no cough, or signs of a sickly disposition of the Lungs, did appear. As I have observed this kinde of Dyspnaea or difficult breathing meerly Convulsive, to have hapned in many, I will here shew you one or two histories of it.

A certain strong and fat Gentleman, having used for some time a more full and inordinate Diet, without any exercise, began to be ill about the beginning of the winter: at first he was troubled with a pain and heaviness of his head, with a grear giddiness, and fear of swoonding, and believing himself just about to dye, being otherways healthfull; within a few days, these Symptoms pass'd into an apparent Stupor, or rather Lethargie: he being let blood in his Arm, I caused carefully to be applied Cupping-glasses, Vesicatories, and sharp Clysters, with many other Remedies: In the space of 42. hours coming to himself, he was sensible, and shook off all torpor or drousiness. But although his brain was clear∣ed, yet he was taken with a great weakness, and numbness in his members which Distempers however were shortly cured, with antiparyletic and antiscorbutic Remedies: But after a fortnight, he began again to complain of an heaviness and giddiness in his head, then the next day after, he fell into a horrid Asthma: that the Lungs being suddenly inflated, and endeavouring to come upwards, the Breath, which was very quick and laborious, was hindred, and not being able to come forth, he was in danger every minute of an hour to be choaked. This fit as it was cruel, so it pass'd over within 12. hours, without any spitting, cough, or vomit, and then, within a weeks space, he lost all the trouble of his breast; but then the like fit of the Dyspnaea or difficult breathing returning, exercis'd him somewhat more gently; and afterwards, he was wont to be troubled with such a fit of the Asthma, nigh to the great mutations of the Air, chiefly in great cold, or the falling of Snow.

[Observation. 2] I knew another Gentleman, sick of an inveterate Scurvy, who having no man∣ner of Cough, was troubled now with a great head-ach, and for many days with a giddiness or Vertigo, then at another time, being free from those Symptoms, he was taken with a most cruell fit of the Asthma, and he endured these Distem∣pers, now this, now that, frequently, but especially about the greater tropicks of the year.

It is not to be doubted, but in the aforesaid Cases, those fits of the Asthma did wholly depend, on the Convulsive matter, being fallen into the nerves, ser∣ving to the stretching forth of the Lungs, which cleaving to the Spirits, and being by them struct off, or explosed, by reason of plentitude or irritation, cau∣sed the Praecordia to be lifted uywards, and as it were inflated, and by that means hindred, from its reciprocal motion.

Moreover, we suppose, that such a kinde of Convulsive Dyspnaea or difficult breathing, is sometimes excited, by reason of the bronchia of the Trachea (or the sharp arteries of the Throat) being too much streightned, and often almost drawn together: we have shown in our discourse of the Nerves, that very many branches of nervous fibres, and of the nerves, do every where embrace all the ramifications of the asper Arterie, and bind them about, which nerves if it hap∣pen,

that they, being possessed by the morbific matter, should be irritated into frequent Convulsions, for that reason it follows, that the channells or passages which they compass about, must be greatly bound together, and in some places wholly shut up.

There was a very choyce Virgin, of a tender constitution, and of a flourish∣ing [Observation. 3] countenance, scarce past the second lustre of her Age, (i e. about 12. years old) that began to be grievously tormented with Asthma fits; and before she was entrusted to my cure, she had liv'd obnoxious to them at least 4. years. some∣times she remained free, from any fit of this disease, for two or three months: yet oftentimes, by reason of errors in Diet, or the great mutations of the year, or the air, she fell into most cruel fits of the Dyspnaea or difficult breathing: So that her Lungs being inflated, and carried upwards towards her throat, and there held almost in a continual Diastole, she could hardly, nay, not at all breathe; in the mean time, for that respiration might be somehow made, the Diaphragma and the muscles of the breast were exercised with repeated endeavours of motions. This kinde of fit by degrees remitting, within 7 or 8. hours, at length gave over; but then after a week or two, it was wont to come again, either of it self, or from any the least occasion; after that the force of the Disease, its matter being bestow'd on very many of these kinde of fits, pass'd away, this excellent virgin was well enough for many weeks, yea sometimes months after, and breath'd freely, with∣out any fault of the Thorax. For this person, I instituted this following method, Spring and fall, and now it is more than two years, since she has had any fit of this Distemper.

Take of our Sulphur of Antimony, gr. vi. of Cream of tartar, vi, grains, mix them: Let it be given in the pap of a rosted apple, with this medicine she was wont to vomit 4. or 5. times: four days after, she took this cathartic, which was wont to be repeated, twice, after 6. or 7. days between: Take Calomelun xii. grains, of the Resin of Jolop, v. grains, of castor gr. iiii. with what will suf∣fice of Ammoniac dissolved, make iii. pills: every day besides, she took morning and evening, of the tincture of Antimony, grains xii. in a Spoonfull of the fol∣lowing Julap, drinking after it 6. or 7. Spoonfulls of the same. Take of the water of Snailes, ℥vi. of earth-worms ℥iiii. of water of penny-royal, and rue, each, ℥iii. of hysterical water, ℥iii. of Castor tyed in a knot, and hung in the glass, ʒss. of white-sugar ℥i. mix them in the glass, and make a Julap.

About the Autumn of the last year, another noble Virgin, being sick after the same manner, viz. with a Periodical Asthma, I was sent for to cure her, [Observation. 4] who received great help by the aforesaid Remedies, being used in a little lesser dose, and the same repeated at the first of the Spring.

In these Cases also, nothing seems to appear more clearly, than that the cause of the Disease, without any phlegm or viscous humour, being impacted in the Lungs, as is commonly beleeved, doth subsist within the nervous stock; and that this kind of Dyspnaea or difficult breathing, meerly convulsive, is excited, by rea∣son of the Pneumonic nervs, being possessed by the Convulsive Distemper. The verity of this may be yet more clearly evinced, by an anatomical observation, lately Comunicated to me, by the learned Physitian Doctor Walter Needham. That most famous man told me, that he knew a Butcher of Wallsallen in the County of Stafford, who when he had been long sick of a periodical Asthma, re∣turning within 14. or 20 days at farthest, at length he dyed in a fit. The Body being opened, all his Viscera appeared sound, chiefly his Lungs, neither were there to be seen any signes, either of excrement gathered together in the Bron∣chia, or of the blood restagnating in the veins; this only hapned besides nature, that the bladder of the gall; contained in it many stones. But (added he) the causes unknown to us, certainly not Conspicuous to our eyes, were to be attribu∣ted to the nervous stock being affected.

Sometime past I was consulted with, about a noble child, who being about 12. months old, was grieviously afflicted with Convulsion fits, and as it were E∣pileptic, of which he quickly dyed. I often observed, that whilest the Convulsi∣on of the outward parts intermitted, he was taken with a cruel sobbing, or hooping Cough: from whence I suspected, that the morbific matter, was no less fixed in the breast, than in the brain. But after its Death, the body being open∣ed, the Lungs well furnish'd, appeared clear from any fault, that it clearly ap∣peared

that this cough meerly Convulsive, was excited by reason of the Distem¦per of the nervous stock.

As to what respects the Remedies, and curatory means, which ought to be u∣sed in the aforesaid cases, when that convulsive Symptoms come upon the Cough, or difficulty of breathing, first excited from the default of the Lungs, and so by reason of the taint, communicated to the brain; it must be carefully heeded, that Convulsive medicines be aptly compounded, with those respecting all the Inten∣tions of the Thorax. Yea that sometimes these, sometimes those, being given by themselves, may between whiles fill up the times of curing, it will not be need∣full in this place, to bring the bechic, or Pneumonic medicines, and forms of them, since an immense company of them, are extant every where, among Phy∣sical Authors. It will be sufficient for our purpose, to add a method of medicine, also some more select Remedies, convenient for the Cough, and Asthma, meer∣ly Convulsive.

As to the former Distemper, which is most familiar to children, the cure is difficult, and for the most part not to be performed, but of a long time. The chief Indications, will be to purge forth, both the serous and sharp humours, from the blood and Viscera, that their inclination and falling down in the brain, and perhaps also within the breast, may be sometimes prevented; then to Cor∣roberate those parts that they may not easily admit the superfluities, of the boyling Serum. For these ends, vomits and more gentle purges, for the most part are usefull, and in some measure ought to be repeated: Vesecatories are often profitable; yea, if the Disease be contumacious, Issues are to be made in the nape of the neck, or the arm, or about the Armpits. Drink and liquid ali∣ments, are to be taken in a lesser quantity, than usual, and in stead of them, a Bochet is to be used, of Sarsa, China, Sanders, Shavings of Ivory, and harts-horn, with diuretic, and anticonvulsive Ingredients: In this Case, some remedies as it were special, are greatly commended, of which sort are pixed musk, given in powder, or boyled in milk, and so given dayly in a frequent dose: a decocti∣on or Syrrop of Castor, and Saffron; decoctions of the root of Paony, Misletow of the Oak, also of hyssop, help many; the waters of black-cherries, of Saxifrage, and of Snailes, distilled with Whey, and appropriate ingredients, are often ta∣ken with success.

2. By what method, and with what Remedies, I have cured the periodical Asthma in some young ones, hath been already shown, But in most, distemper'd with this Disease the most famous Riverius hath observed, a vomit is chiefly helpfull, although he hath not rightly shown the reason: which indeed seems to consist in this, to wit, that this medicine, greatly shaking, and irritation the Emunctories, planted about the first Passages, strongly presses out from them, and carries forth of dores, the recrements of the blood and nervous juice, apt to be troublesome, and to restagnate on the brain, and Nervous stock. Zacutus the Lusitanian, highly extolls, and not without reason, a cautery to be made, sometimes in the hinder part of the head, sometimes in the nape of the neck, or about the Armpits: A preparation of milipedes, viz. in form of a dry powder, or a distilled Liquor, seldom wants success. For by such like Remedies, the super∣fluities of the Serum, are deduced from the head, and nervous stock, and car∣ried away, thorow the urinary passages: For the same reason, a gentle purge, eva∣cuating the ill juice, is often us'd: for this end, the decoction of an old Cock, with altering medicins, and gently purging, being stowed in its belly, is praysed by many: Besides, the remedies hitherto cited, some others are said to be appro∣priate, and as it were Specifical to the Asthma, of which sort are, the balsom of Sulphur, turpintin'd, also Spirits of Harts-horn, or of Sut, impregnaeed with the same; Syrop of Tobacco, of Ammoniack, our diasulphur Lohoch of Garlick, pills of the roots of Enula Campane made up with the milk of Sulphur; with the flowers of Benzoin, with liquid pitch, or liquid amber, with many others, which would be too tedious here to enumerate.

And now the cheif Species, and manners of Convulsions, together with the Causes of the Symptoms, and the means of curing, being sufficiently explica∣ted, it is time to put an end to this our Pathologie of the Brain and nervous stock, and to our Discourse of Convulsive Diseases.

FINIS.

Notes

• How the regu∣lar Motion is Effected.
• Its beginning twofold.
• The Subject also twofold.
• The Motion of a Muscle is a certain explo∣sion of the Spi∣rits.
• The Conjunct Cause of Spasms.
• Not repletion or fulness or inanition or Emptiness,
• There is a dou∣ble Cause and two kinds of Spasms. Irritation.
• A preterna∣tural explosive Copula.
• The explosive Spasmodic Copula not immediatly from the Blood but from the Brain.
• Sometimes re∣ceived from the ends of the Nerves.
• The more re∣mote Causes of Spasms.
• 1 The morti∣fick matter is heaped up within the Head, by the default both of the blood send-it▪
• And also of the brain re∣ceiving it.
• The evil dispo∣sition of the brain is either hereditary
• Or acquired.
• 2. How the morbific mat∣ter being ad∣mitted within the head is dis∣posed.
• Sometimes it is carried back again from the brain.
• Sometimes it is thrust out into the ner∣vous stock.
• Remaining in the brain cau∣ses the falling-sickness.
• The spasmodic matter being fallen on the nervous stock.
• Afflict the foreparts of the Nerves in Children.
• Otherwise in those of ri∣per years.
• After what manner it di∣sturbs the spi∣rits, whilst it stays near the beginnings of the Nerves, or being fallen more deeply into their pas∣sages.
• The spirits en∣ter into explo∣sions, by reason of plenitude or irritation.
• The spasmodic matter causes Convulsions either continu∣ed or periodi∣cal or by fits.
• The Evident causes of Spasms.
• The Evident. Cause twofold viz. Filling and Irritate∣ing.
• The irritate∣ing Cause, stirs up Spasms, direct, or re∣flected.
• The irritateing Cause distin∣guished, as to the places af∣fected, as to the subjects.
• The places af∣fected, are the beginnings the extremi∣ties, and the middle proces∣ses, and fol∣dings, of the Nerves.
• How the irri∣tating Cause affects the ori∣gine of the Nerves
• How the ex∣tremities of the Nerves.
• How the mid∣dle proecsses and foldings.
• The difference of Spasms in respect of their origine.
• Of their Causes
• Of the extent of the disease.
• Of the durati∣on of the Fit.
• The descripti∣on of the Epi∣lepsie, or the history of the Disease.
• The subject of the seat of the Disease is in∣quired into.
• Some affirm it the Meninges or thin skins of the Brain, other the pith or middle part of the Brain.
• It is affirmed, that the me∣ninges are not first of all af∣fected.
• The spirits in∣habiting the middle of the brain are the primary Sub∣ject of the di∣sease.
• The disease af∣fects seconda∣rily very many parts, of the Nervous Sy∣stem.
• The Reason of the Epilepsie which is said to be excited by consent.
• The Conjunct Cause of the Epilepsie con∣sists only in the brain.
• Other differen∣ces of the Epi∣lepsie.
• Why Epilep∣ticks fall down with violence.
• From whence the Foam at the mouth of these troubled with the fal∣ling sickness comes.
• Why some in the Falling knock their Breasts.
• The prognosti∣cation of the Disease.
• The Epilepsie is changed in∣to other Di∣seases.
• Of the Cura∣tory part of the Epilepsie.
• In what the Virtue of the specificks con∣sists in the Epilepsie.
• Vomitories.
• Purger.
• Specificks.
• Powders.
• Electuaries.
• Pills.
• Elixir.
• Emperical Re∣medies.
• Amulets.
• Plasters.
• Sternutories or sneezing powders.
• Distill'd Wa∣ter.
• Iulaps.
• Apozems.
• Great Reme∣dies.
• The Preserva∣tion of Infants from Convul∣sions.
• The Method of Curing to be used to the Nurses.
• The Cure of Infants sick with Convul∣ons.
• Oyntments.
• Powders.
• Liquors.
• Convulsions by reason of breeding of Teeth.
• Spasms or Convulsions caused from other occasions.
• By reason of worms.
• Three kinds of Convulsions hapning to those of riper years.
• Distempers a∣rising from the Nervous origine distin∣guished.
• 1 According to the various Nerves being affected.
• 2. According to the Various places of the same Nerves being affected.
• By what maens the con∣vulsive matter flows into the Nerves.
• The reason of the aforesaid Case.
• An Observa∣on of a distem∣per as it wre hysterical in a man.
• The reason of the aforesaid Case,
• Wherefore the Convulsions begin from the extremities of the Nerves.
• Wherefore the blood is soon congealed in convulsive di∣stempers.
• Emeticks.
• Purges.
• Remedies for a more hot tem∣perament.
• Coroborating medicines and specificks.
• Powders.
• Distilled wa∣ters and Ju∣laps.
• Remedies in a more cold tem∣perament.
• Electuaries.
• Tablets.
• Pills.
• Spirits.
• Distill'd wa∣ters.
• Convulsions begin from the ends of the Nerves, both by reason of ir∣ritation
• And by rea∣son of an Ex∣plosive Copula.
• The reason of this.
• The reason of it.
• That the ner∣vous foldings is the seat of Convulsive matter.
• Chiefly three kinds of causes of universall Convulsions.
• From poysons and sorceries.
• From poysons of the rank of vegitables.
• From a mad Dog.
• The reason of the symptoms of those bitten by a Tarantu∣la.
• In what the reason of the Musicks al∣laying the symptoms con∣sists.
• A descripti∣on of the dance of St. Vitus.
• The reason of it.
• Ʋniversall Convulsions from Witch∣craft.
• Which are commonly but falsly so thought.
• The reason of them.
• Which argue witchcraft.
• Ʋniversal Convulsions hapning in Feavours.
• The reason of the symptoms.
• A description of a convulsive disease of Has∣sia, sometimes epidemicall.
• The reason of the symptoms.
• The hystory of an Epidemi∣cal feavour raging in the year 1661.
• Its procatar∣tick or more remote cause.
• The symptoms.
• The reason of them.
• Why this di∣sease chiefly invaded chil∣dren, women, and phlegma∣tick men.
• The reason of the Atrophie coming upon this feavour.
• Why this fea∣vour was hardly curea∣ble.
• The reason of it.
• The kn••wledg of the disease found ••ut by dissecting the Carcase.
• The Pathologie of the aforesaid Feavour.
• The Curatory Method.
• Blood to be taken away at the beginning of the disease.
• Vomits and Purges, are to be admini∣stred.
• Blistering plaisters.
• Diureticks.
• A diuretick Apozem.
• An Emulsion
• Julap.
• A Power.
• Gentle Dia∣phoreticks.
• Glisters.
• Dyet.
• The Curatory Method in the unsensibleness and madness:
• In the Cough.
• A very rare Observation.
• The reason of it.
• Ʋniversal Convulsions by reason of the Scorbutic dis∣position of the nervous juice.
• Two kindes of these viz. Separate and Connex or joyned toge∣ther.
• The nature of the broken Convulsive di∣stemper.
• An observa∣tion.
• The reasons of the symptoms chiefly tor∣menting.
• The growing worse present∣ly after sleep whence it pro∣ceeded.
• Why allayed by Motion.
• The spitting.
• Why this sick man obtained some truce from pains.
• The secret lea∣ding cause of the aforesaid distemper.
• Why this Di∣stemper grew worse by the use of the Baths.
• Things worthy to be noted in the body being dissected.
• The Nature, and the man∣ner, of the continued con∣vulsive distem∣per being made
• The reason of the aforesaid case.
• The Curatory Method Obser∣ved in this case.
• The nature and cause of the discribed case.
• The Curatory Method.
• The reasons of aforesaid case.
• The reasons of the aforesaid Distemper.
• The Curatory Method.
• A descripti∣on of the hyste∣rical passion.
• The causes of the Symptoms inquired into.
• Doctor High∣mores Opini∣on Exami∣ned.
• The hystericall distemper chiefly belongs to the Brain and nervous stock.
• The cause of the disease, most often be∣gins, about the beginnings of the nerves.
• The same cause after¦wards dispo∣sed, thorow the whole pas∣sage of the Nerves.
• The reason of the hysterical symptoms un∣folded.
• From whence the diversity of the symp¦toms happens.
• The more re∣mote Cause of the disea••e su•…•…, either neph•…•… be∣g•…•…ings of the Nerves.
• Or near the womb, or other Inwards.
• This last hap∣pens after a twofold man∣ner.
• Either by rea∣son of the dis∣solution of the union.
• 2. Or by reason of an obstru∣ction of the Nervous juice.
• Objections a∣gainst the a∣foresaid hypo∣thesis answe∣red.
• Observations.
• The rational account of the disease taken from anatomi∣cal Observati∣ons.
• The Method of Curlng the hysterical di∣stempers.
• Curatory.
• Preservatory.
• A descripti∣on of the hypo∣ch••ndriaca Affections.
• The hypochon∣driacal di∣stempers be∣long to the nervous kinde.
• The causes of the hypochon∣driac passion is inquired into.
• The Hypothe∣sis of Dr. Highmore sifted.
• The use of the Spleen is in∣quired into.
• See his dis∣course of fer∣mentation. Chap. 5th.
• The reasons of the hypochon∣driacal Symp∣toms laid open.
• The Influences of the Spleen in producing the symptoms unfolded.
• The Method of Curing the Hypochondri∣ac Distempers.
• The preparati∣ons and effects of Steel Medi∣cines unfol∣ded.
• An example of a Cough meerly Con∣vulsive.
• This distemper frequent e∣nough in chil∣dren.
• The reason of it.
• The Convulsi∣on Asthma.
• Sometimes it, depends of the Lungs, toge∣ther with the nerves being affected.
• An Asthma sometimes meerly Convul∣sive proceeds from the nerves only being af∣fected.
• The Reason.
• An Asthma sometimes ex∣citeed by rea∣son of the Bronchia be∣ing Convulsive∣ly affected.
• An Anati∣cal Observation
• Anoiher Anatomical Observation.
• The cure of the Convulsive Cough.
• The cure of the Convulsive Asthma.