CHAP. I. Of the Outward Skin.

I Account it my Duty, upon this great Subject, Mans obliga­tion to speak an homage of Wonder and Eucharist to his Maker, for his wondrous Works. of Hu­mane Body, before I Treat of its admirable Arti­checture, to speak a due homage of Admiration and Eucharist, to the most holy Name of the All-wise and Powerful Architect, in declaring the great Wonders of his most Glorious Works.

God blessed for ever, God's good­ness the only motive to Create the World. the First and Supream Beeing, as diffusive in Goodness, as infinite in Perfection, was not pleased that all Being should essentially and solely dwell in Himself, Created two noble Fabricks, the Heavens, and the Earth; the one his Throne, and the other his Footstool, the two great Monuments of his Superlative Grace and [Page 46]Glory, full of all variety of his Creatures, as so many Emanations of his Essence, wonderfully constituted in Weight, Number, and Measure.

The admirable Chain of the Creation, God's Glory the end of the Creation, which is a Scale made of many degrees of Entities, one subservi­ent to ano­ther. is beautified with many fine Links of Entities, one inclosing another, and all Beginning and Ending in Him, their Author and Perfection: And all his Creatures do court and serve each other, in an excellent Order, as Fellow Members of that great Body, the Universe, for their great Subsistence, and Preservation. The Inanimates serve the Vegetables, the Vegetables the Sensitives, the Sensitives the Rati­onal, under whose Power and Government they are placed, as their Lord and Master; and the grand Architect, as a Wise and Generous Lord, of his numerous Families, hath furnished his upper and lower Houses, the Heavens and the Earth, with all kinds of Housholdstuff and Provisions, to entertain Man, his Steward, and their Master, in a great Equipage and Splendour.

Wherefore Man being ordained to be the great Master-piece of the Crea­tion below, God's Image in Man consi­steth in Ori­ginal Righte­ousness, and Dominion o­ver the Crea­tures. God called a Council of the Trinity; Faciamus hominem ad Imaginem nostram, Let us make Man after our Image, as Man representeth his Maker in Original Righteousness, and Dominion over the Creatures, Per mo­dum imaginis, and the other Sublunary Creatures do represent him, Per mo­dum vestigii, as expressing him only by way of Footstep, in more obscure Characters of Entity and Knowledg.

Man being constituted of two Essential Parts, Man is a noble Compound of two essential parts, Soul, and Body; the one material and mortal, the other im­material and immortal. Soul and Body, their rare Union is to be received with great Wonder, rather then perfect Knowledg; that two different Natures, made up of Heaven and Earth, the one of a Divine, the other of a Humane Extract; the one Immaterial and Immortal, the other Earthy and Corruptible, should be so well reconciled in one third, as to enter into an intimate Confederacy, and converse in one Person, in whom different Essences do mutually assist each other in various Operations, mean Sensitive, being ministerial to more sublime Intellectual Functions: and divers Effluvia, as so many Emanations, streaming from outward Objects, do make by several Motions and Contacts, appulses upon many Nervous Expan­sions, Intellectual operations performed by the ministery of the Senses. the seats of different Sensations, celebrated in outward Organs, whence they are conveyed by the continuation of Fibres, to the inward Sensory, judg­ing and determining the Appulses of the outward Senses; and afterward repre­senteth them to the more Divine Faculty of the Understanding, which appre­hendeth them under the notion of Good and Evil, whose dictates incline the Will to choice or refusal, Sciences are formed by ab­stracted noti­on of the Un­derstanding. as perfective of, or destructive to the Subject.

The Understanding also hath more elevated conceptions in Theory, as end­ing in pure Knowledg, in its more divine and abstracted Notions, by which they are severed from material Circumstances, therein giving a kind of eter­nity to Entities, under common Apprehensions, the immediate Foundes of various Sciences, modelled according to higher or lower Abstractions, made by the Understanding; whose great perfection in Nature, is to be heightned above the Ministry and converse of outward Organs, The perfecti­on of the Un­derstanding, is a reflex act. in its more noble Re­flex Acts, wherein it apprehendeth the dignity of its own Essence, and con­sidereth its proper Acts and Operations; which are yet more enobled by Su­pernatural assistances, Faith is an as­sent to Holy Writ, as foun­ded upon Di­vine Authori­ty, which is faithful and infallible, and cannot de­ceive, nor be deceived. granting us power above all Sense, to give our full assents to the most high Mysteries of the Incarnation of our most Blessed Sa­viour, and of the most holy and undivided Trinity: Quatenus nituntur Au­thoritate revelantis: (As they are revealed in Divine Writ:) As founded upon Authority, which is Faithful and cannot deceive, and Infallible, and can­not be deceived.

And we are able to pay by his most Gracious aid, a holy transport of [Page 47]Wonder, Adoration, Eucharist, and Obedience, Mans duty to pay thanks to his Creator, for the great perfections of his Humane Nature. to our most Great and Glorious Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, for the excellencies of our Hu­mane Nature, as adorned with Natural, and graced with Divine Perfections.

Thus having Treated in general of Man, as consisting of Essential parts, and their more eminent Faculties, and Operations: My intendment at this time, is to descend (as my more proper Task) to consider the Fabrick of the Body, as invested with common Intiguments, according to the order of Nature; the outward and inward Skin.

The Cuticula, being the Surface of the Body, The Cuticula; may be truly stiled Natures outward Vest, the Scarff Skin, called by the great Master of our Art, [...], as it is first in view, and one of the last in Generati­on; because the Body must be first Formed, before it is Clothed, and is de­nominated by the Grecians [...], by Celsus, Summa Cutis, which maketh the Convex Surface of the Body, as it were a very fine Efflorescence, and polish­ing of the inward Skin, not much unlike the coat of an Onion. Paraeus conceiveth it to be a spurious brat of the true Skin, deriving its birth from the Excrementitious superfluity of the Capillary Veins, Arteries, and Fila­ments of Nerves.

Hypocrates judgeth it to be the Surface of the true Skin, indurated by the coldness of the Air: [...]. Extremum corporis aeri expositum, necessario pellicu­lam contrahit occursu frigidi & ventorum: Which account will scarce satis­fie a curious enquiry, because the outward Skin hath its first Formation in the warm bed of the Ʋterus, where it is no ways exposed to the coldness of ambient Air, by which it cannot be Condensed, but hath with all other parts, its first production in the Ʋterus, from the more viscide parts of the Semi­nal Liquor protruded to the Surface of the Body relating to the Foetus, The Cuticula is produced of Seminal Liquor. in time growing more and more solid, till at length it formeth a curious thin Membrane, which Labour and Cold, render hard, rough, and brawny, as it is most conspicuous in the ambient parts of the Body, much exercised and exposed to the severity of Frost and Winter blasts.

The Cuticula, I conceive, may be termed an integral part of the Cutis, The Cuticula is an integral part of the Cutis, which would be im­perfect with­out it. as the finishing and inclosure of it, because without the outward Skin, the in­ward is imperfect, rude, and unpolished: An Eye-sore to the Spectator, looking uncouth and bloody. Snakes. Vipers, and the like, annually strip themselves from this thin Vest, and by degrees put on a new one. And Men after long and acute Sicknesses, are disrobed of this finer Veil, The Cuticula lost in sickness is repaired by the Nervous Liquor, near akin to the Genital Juice. Nature pro­viding another, produced by the Succus Nutricius, severed from the blood in the Cutaneous Glands, and transmitted by Ducts into the Surface of the Skin, where the moister parts of this clammy Liquor being exhaled, it is concreted into a thin Tunicle, encircling the inward Skin; or it may be, which is more probable, that this fine Film is repaired by a milder Albuminous Juice (di­stilling out of the Nerves inserted into the Skin) near akin to that primoge­nius matter, out of which the Cuticula was first generated in the Uterus.

This Nervous Liquor, not unlike in colour and substance to the White of an Egg, is Whitish, Transparent, and Viscide, naturally inclinable to Coa­gulate, and Agglutinate to the outward surface of the Cutis; which I conceive, may be accomplished after this manner. The Nervous Liquor gently flowing out of the extremities of the Nerves, terminating into the ambient parts of the Cutis, bedeweth its naked Surface, from whence the more thin and liquid Particles, do return by the Lymphaeducts or Veins; and the more viscide Par­ticles of this Nervous Liquor, being left behind, grow indurate, and all its [Page 48]equally fine and expanded parts, being of a glutinous nature, are easily uni­ted to the neighbouring Skin in great uniformity, giving it a fine glossy smoothness, a great ingredient of Fairness and Beauty, in being superlatively white in amiable Persons, which courteth the Eye of the Beholder with Love and Admiration.

So that the Cuticula being thin, is fixed to the Cutis with such close em­braces, that they cannot be parted from each other, without violation, by a knife, though governed by a most skilful Hand; but a separation may be effected, by scalding, burning, or by the application of Blistering Plaisters, whose subtil and fiery effluvia, piercing the pores of the outward Skin, do open and irritate the extremities of capillary Arteries, and nervous fibrills, inserted into the Cutis, producing a kind of Spasmes and Pains, whence the serous particles of the Blood, and nervous Liquor being affected with sharp particles, derived from the Epispastic applcations, do enlarge the ter­minations of the capillary Arteries and nervous Fibrils, through which are spued out these virulent infesting steams with ichorous Liquors, which part the Cuticula from the Cutis, swelling them into Blisters, which often are so big with Liquor, that they break their Banks, and overflow the neighbor­ing Cuticula.

CHAP. II. Of the inward Skin.

THe next part in order of nature is the Cutis, as being immediately seated under the Cuticula, and may well be called the Bodies more inward and thicker Robe, with which all its parts are decently clad, according to their se­veral proportions: Diseases do determine through the Skin, by a free transpi­ration, pur­ging the Blood and nervous Li­quor. It is termed commonly by the Grecians [...], by Hypocrates in his Book De Arte [...] in his Book De insomniis [...], per Cutim purgationem fieri confert, particularly in Disea­ses proceeding from the shutting up the Pores by ambient Cold and the like, as in putrid and malignant Feavers, caused a prohibita transpiratione, which are critically and artificially determined by a free transpiration, where­in the fiery and malignant steams of the Blood, are discharged through the enlarged Pores of the Skin, The inward Skin in a con­texture of di­vers Vessels. by free evacuations of Sweat.

By the Latines it is called Cutis in Man, and Corium, and Pellis in Beasts: The substance of it is various, and for the most part Membranous and Nervous, being made up of capillary Veins, Arteries, Nerves, Lym­phaeducts and Glands; but of this more fully in our subsequent Discourses: and this thick Membrane is nourished with alimentary and nervous Juyce, dispensed through the Nerves, and animated with vital Liquor and Heat; communicated by Arteries, ending in the inward Skin, and give a tincture to it of Red, or other colours, according to the predominant Humours (mixed with the Mass of Blood) having a recourse to the Skin, The Skin in a humane Body is immovea­ble, except­ing the Head and Forehead. which is wholly fixed in Man, except in the Head and Forehead, which have a free­dom of Motion, derived either from the Membrana carnosa in the one, and Muscles, proper to the other.

In other Animals, as Beasts, it is very common to move the whole Skin of the Back from place to place, backward and forward, The Skin of the Back in Beasts is move­able. which is most remarka­ble in Elephants, which are so nimble in the motions of the Cutis, that they can catch Flies, sporting themselves upon the surface of their Bodies, in the wrinkles of their Skin: but in Man the Cutis is immediately fastened to the Fat, and Membrana adiposa, and to the Membrana musculorum communis, by the interposition of many thin narrow Membranes, The Skin is fixed by nu­merous small Membranes to the Mem­brana musculo­rum communis. e e Tabula 1. as is very evi­dent in the separation of the Skin from the Fat and common Membrane investing the Muscles; so that the Cutis in a humane Body remaineth fixed, being unable to play up and down, as in Beasts, which is left more loose and pliable, as acted with many Cutaneous carnous fibers, which cannot be discovered in a humane Cutis,

And yet if it be well considered, it is not merely one simple part, which is true only to a vulgar Eye; and according to better Reason and Phi­losophy, may be described, an aggregate Body, composed of great vari­ety of different parts, a fine contexture made up of many several Vessels, interlined with a substance, filling up the interstices of the Vessels, cal­led by Dr. Glysson, the Parenchyma.

As to Vessels, they are divided into a numerous company of excretory Ducts, capillary Arteries, Veins, nervous Fibrils, some straight, some trans­verse, and others oblique, which I conceive consist of many ranks, seat­ed one above another, and neatly interwoven with each other, making a dense compage, the result of numerous distinct, and finely spun fibres; so well struck, and so curiously wrought together, that the most quick and discerning Eye, upon a most strict inspection, cannot in the least dis­cover any interstices or distinction of Fibrils, where they begin or end, or how they close one with another, so that this rare texture compounded of innumerable distinct parts, seemeth to be one entire continued body; but in truth is integrated of three Coats, so closely joyned to each other, that they will scarce admit any separation.

The first Coat may be called b b Tab. 1. Reticularis, The first Coat of the Skin is reticular. because after some manner it may seem to resemble Network in its curious frame, which consisting of a multitude of capillary Arteries and Veins, variously interfecting each other, doe make a great part of the surface of the inward Skin.

In this reticular Coat, Papillae Pyra­midales. ingenious Malpighius hath observed many small pro­tuberancies, which he calleth Papillae c c Tab. 1. Pyramidales, deriving themselves from the nervous Coat, under the several long wrinkles, founded in the Cuticula, and the reticular Coat, and drawn out in length, in paralel ranks of these papillary protuberancies, The Papillae Pyramidales do terminate into the Cuti­cula. among which are seated the minute Vessels of Sweat; these Papillae pyramidales do terminate into the Cuticula, every one being branched, as it were, into small fibres.

The Second Coat, the most substantial part of the Cutis d d Tab. 1. is nervous, The second Coat nervous. made for the most part of an innumerable company of minute fibrils of Nerves, very finely spun, The nervous Coat is made of long trans­verse, and ob­lique fila­ments. which do acoast each other in long transverse and oblique intersections, rarely interwoven with many fine close struck Filaments, whose excellent texture may be somewhat discerned in a dried Skin, by the help of a microscope.

Learned Mr. Hook describeth the Skin (according to this Coat) when Tan­ned or Dressed, to be of a spongy nature, and seemeth to be constituted of an infinite company of Fibres or Hairs, which look not unlike a heap of Two or Okum, and every one of these Fibres (saith he) seem to have been some part of a Muscle; and probably according to his opinion, while [Page 50]the Animal was alive, might have its distinct Function, and serve for the contraction and relaxation of the Skin; but this Hypothesis supposeth a Mo­tion of the Skin in human Bodies, which is only found in their Heads and Forheads; because other parts of the Skin have no carnous fibers inserted into them (which are the immediate instruments of Motion) but only a great num­ber of nervous filaments, which far exceed the Vessels in proportion, and are the main and chief ingredients of the Skin; which may be most plainly evinced, The second Coat of the Skin is a sy­ [...]em of ner­vous fila­ments. seeing every minute particle of it, is endued with an exact Sense, derived from nervous fibres, which cannot be reasonably judged to be all branches of Nerves, disseminated through the several regions of the Skin; for if it should be granted, that all the numerous fibres, constituting the thick compage of the Skin, to sprout out of the several Trunks of the Nerves, it may be easily made appear, that the parts would exceed the whole, and the united Branches would be greater than the body of the Nerves; as the Skin, (if composed of them) being thick, and universally covering the whole Body, would require far greater Trunks; then the cu­taneous Nerves, A great part of he per­ [...]s filaments do not spring out of Nerves, but are pro­pagated im­mediately from seminal Liquor. if they did wholly accommodate the Skin, must be divided and subdivided into smaller and smaller branches, and fibres inserted in­to the Skin: Wherefore I conceive the fibres of the Skin do not all spring from the caudex of Nerves, but a great part are formed originally out of the more viscide part of the seminal Liquor, protruded unto the ambient parts of the Body; and being by degrees more and more consolidated, grow into a firm substance, near akin to the Nerves in their pale colour, and tenacious nature; and may be conceived according to our apprehension, to be capable of division into minute filaments, which though they be not the tendrels of Nerves, yet they hold such an Entercourse and Communi­on with them, as they receive irradiations of animal Spirits, giving sensitive dispositions to every small part of the Skin.

And the Cutis doth not only consist of Vessels and nervous Fibres, but also of a Parenchyma, The paren­chyma of the Skin is no­thing but se­rous or ner­vous Liquor, concreted and adhering to the sides of the Vessels. because the Vessels and Fibres, being of various Fi­gures and Magnitudes, cannot be so closely conjoyned, but some interstices will be left between them, which Nature filleth up with a white mucous Matter, distilling out of the Nerves, and serous Liquor, dropping out of the extremities of the capillary Arteries, which being extravasated and concre­ted, do adhere to the sides of the Vessels and Fibres, rendring the substance of the Skin, more Dense and Solid, speaking an advantage and ornament to it

Because the Fibres being not perfectly uniforme, and some of them ma­king the woof of the Skin, do pass long-ways, others overthwart, others obliquely, some lying higher, and others lower, do produce unevennesses in the Skin, which are all filled up and rendred plain, by the interposition of a white viscide Matter: Dr. Glysson illustrateth our Hypothesis by this Instance; Si enim ligneo aut eburneo cultro pellem quamlibet in aqua diu ma­ceratam fortiter fricavercis, quemadmodum faciunt, qui pergamenam conficiunt, deterseris proculdubio, parenchymatis ejusdem maximam partem: observabis enim in hoc opere, mucosam, viscidamque partem abstergi, quae nihil aliud est, nisi parenchyma, attenuatur enim pellis, & pellucida quodammodo evadit, minusque multo, quam antea pendet, patet ergo, aliquid a pelle separari, id vero quod sepa­ratur, nec ad vasa, nec ad fibras, quae etiamnum manent, & consequenter ip­sum cutis parenchyma esse.

And the Parenchyma is the duller part of the Cutis, and the Coat fra­med of nervous Fibrils, may be truly stiled the Organ of Sensation; though [Page 51]Learned Malpighins, I conceive with less probability, Malpighius placeth the Organ of sen­sation in the pyramidal glands. placeth the Organ of touching in the Papillae pyramidales, which being not divaricated through every part of the Skin, but only founded (as he saith) in the wrinkles of the Cutis, cannot universally give Sensation to every particle of it.

Furthermore, If this opinion of Malpighius were true, the Papillae pyra­midales inserting themselves with many small Fibres into the Cuticula, would consequently impart Sensation to it, which seemeth very plainly to oppose Experience, because the Cuticula is not an Organ, but a medium of Sensati­on, to secure the nervous Coat, affected with most acute Sense, from the troublesome and frequent sollicitations of outward Objects.

The third Coat of the Skin is The glandu­lous Coat of the Skin is furnished with nume­rous miliary glands. Tab. 1. f f glandulous, so termed, because it is beset with a vast quantity of miliary Glands lying under, and inserted into the inward sur­face of the Skin, and are furnished with one or more capillary Arteries, Veins, and nervous Fibrils, dispensing to, and receiving from these minute Glands, Blood, Serous, and nutricious Liquors.

From these Glands, are propagated a number of small Ducts, Every cutane­ous miliary gland is ac­commodated with an ex­cretory Duct; ending in the surface of the outward Skin. The extremi­ty of these ex­cretory Ducts, are the Pores of the Skin. The spots of the Skin in a Skaite, are its Pores, leading into the ex­cretory Ducts belonging to the glands. as so ma­ny excretory Vessels, taking their rise from this glandulous Coat, and de­termining into the outward surface of the Skin, and every Gland hath one or more proper excretory Vessels branching themselves, and ending in the exte­rior part of the Skin; and the termination of these Vessels, being a vast number of small cavities, are stiled the pores of the Skin, which may be easily discovered in some large Fish. The whole surface of the Skin in a Skaite, is bespecked with numerous Black spots, which being inspected with a curious Eye, do lead into more inward recesses of the Skin, inter­spersed with Black streaks, full of numerous perforations, as so many ex­cretory Vessels (proceeding from minute Glands, seated in the Skin,) dis­charging a clammy Matter to the utmost confines of the Body, which are universally besmeared with it; and this viscous Liquor may be easily squeez­ed out of the excretory Ducts by the pressure of the Fingers upon the Skin, after the Blood is percolated in the cutaneous Glands, and secerned from a Liquor somewhat resembling the vitreous juyce of the Eye, and I hum­bly conceive that all Fish variegated with black spots, have the surface of their Skin, all bepinked with many holes, the terminations of excretory Vessels, derived from secretory Glands seated in the inward Region of the Skin, conveying a glutinous recrement to the ambient parts, wholly o­verspread with it.

But the Pores of a Humane Body are naturally so small, The Pores of a humane Skin are so minute that they are not discernable. that they are not discernable by the most curious Eye, unless they are unnaturally en­larged; through which, Bartholine reporteth, he hath seen Blood and Sand vent themselves. And Lindanus giveth an Account, that he discerned the pores of the Skin so dilated in a strumous disaffection, that a small Pea might be forced into them.

So that it may be probably conjectured, Divers Pores of the Skin and Vessels, hold some analogy with cavities in streiners, through which diffe­rent Liquors are percola­ted. that divers Pores differing in Figure and Magnitude, do resemble the various cavities in streiners, through which, thin and thicker Liquors may be percolated; and the mi­nute particles of Juyces in the Body run suitable to the form and propor­tion of Pores: upon which account orbicular Pores receive orbicular Atomes, triangular and cubic Pores, minute liquid parts; and on the other side, Pores disagreeing in shape and size, as like so many Valves, intercepting the course of disproportioned particles of Liquors.

Thus having in some sort discoursed the integral parts, (of which the Texture of the Skin is framed) the Arteries, Veins, nervous Fibres, Glands, [Page 52]excretory Ducts, The use of the Skin, as beset with nume­rous Gla [...]ds, is to percolate the Blood and Nervous Li­quor from its recrements. and their terminations the Pores. It may not be improper, to give some account of their Uses, to which they are consigned by Nature; and to that end, the number of small Vessels are constituted in the Skin, to promote the tide of Blood flowing to, and ebbing from the outward confines of the Body, to which the Nervous Fibrils convey their Liquor, as well as other Vessels, blood into the other Glands, as so many Colatories of various Liquors, to refine them from their Recrements, which are emitted through the Excretory Ducts, and the Depurated Liquors, are received into the Veins, to reconvey them from the Circumference, toward the Center of the Body.

And the Cutaneous Glands, The Cutane­ous Glands are reposito­ries of a Lim­pid L [...]quor, to soften the Nerves, and moisten the Papillary Pr [...]minen­cies. are not only streiners of Liquors, but also Repositories of a soft clear Juice, filling up the Interstices of the Vessels, which may be plainly discerned by Glasses: This Lympid Juice is lodged some­times in the Glands, that the more Christaline part of the blood being severed from it, the rest may be more easily returned by the venal extreamities: And this gentle Liquor is for some time reposed in the Glands, to moisten the nervous and papillary Prominencies and Substance of the Skin, and to impart the a gentle smoothness to it; and some particles of this Glandulous Liquor, are turned into Vapours (by the heat of the Blood, in its constant recourse to the Glands) which are emitted with the steams of the Vital Liquor, in tran­spiration through the Pores.

All Glands are attended with Excretory Vessels, The use of the Excretory Vessels, is to receive and convey the steams and re­crements of the Blood in the surface of the Skin. as having their use too, in being many small Cylinders, to entertain the Reliques, separated from the Nervous and Vital Juice, and to convey sweat and the reak of the blood, to the surface of the Body, when the watry and saline Particles of the blood being not discharged through the Kidneys, and Lymphaeducts, are sometimes im­petuously hurried with the Purple Liquor by strong contractions of the Heart, and impelled to the confines of the Body by the Arteries, in greater proportion, than can be readily reconveyed by the Veins: So that the subtle and fiery Particles of the blood (raised by immoderate heat and motion, rarefying it) are upon the Wing, endeavouring to get loose through the Cutaneous Pores, and carry along with them the serous parts (embodied with Fleam, Salt, Sulphur, plainly visible in the watry substance, salt taste, and unctuousness of sweat) by the Capillary Arteries, into the substance of Cutaneous Glands, and do there admit a Secretion from the blood, and af­terward are transmitted by the Excretory Ducts, and Pores of the Skin, to the ambient parts of the Body, bedewing it with its troublesome drops.

CHAP. III. Of the Skin of Fish and Shells, and Skin of Insects, and of the Cuticle and Bark of Plants.

THe Skin of a Humane Body, is adorned with variety of Colours: The beauty of the Face is painted with Li [...]ies and Roses, of White and Red. The most amiable is that of White, blended with a blush of Red, and the skin of the Face claimeth a preeminence above the whole Body, in reference to many other Colours too, painting the Face with brightness, as with Light; and with deeper Colours as with Shades, Different Co­lours do illu­strate each o­ther, and be­ing embodied do agree in an elegant Harmony. which being contra­ries, do illustrate each other; and the various touches of different Colours, are so rarely embodied, that they dye into each other, and though much disagreeing in themselves, yet they are so well worked together by the choice hand of Nature, that they are happily reconciled in a beautiful Harmony.

Thus I have given you a short view of a Humane Skin, that we may fitly make a comparison of it, with that of other Animals.

The Skin of Bruits is not discernable, being covered with Hair, of which they being stripped by Art, appear oft-times invested with a white Robe.

The Surface of the upper Region of a Thornback, is dressed with Spires of white, shaded with darker Colours, running in great Maeanders, beset with small long Spikes, and Fringes, beautifying the Confines, which I con­ceive to be Finns, assisting this broad Fish in swimming; and the lower am­bient parts of the Thorax and Belly, are invested with a uniform white Rayment.

The Skin of a Skait, in the upper part of its Body, is covered with great waves of light, and with brown, interspersed with a white Colour; but the surface of the lower Region, is adorned with white, all bespecked with va­rious rows of black spots.

A Mac [...]rel hath some part of the Skin of its back, and side adjoyning to it, embelished with wreaths of Sea-green, which are interspersed with the interchangeable colours of Skye and White, and hath its sides and belly beau­tified with a glistering White, somewhat resembling a Silver Colour.

A Plaice hath its back, and neighbouring parts decked with a light brown, bespotted with red toward the side, and interspersed toward the Finns with Ash-colour: but the upper part of a Flounder, hath its Skin hued, with great patches of black, blended with Ash-colour, and bespecked here and there with a Gold-colour; and the belly is arraied with white, consisting of divers Bends, as the Heralds stile them.

The Skin of a Lamprey, is made of interchangeable Colours, but is most of all composed of black, or a dark brown, both in the sides and back, and the Skin of the belly is entirly yellow, being of one uniform Colour: And various Fishes are distinguished with such manifold different Colours, that it would be endless to recount them.

The Skin of the back of a Viper is decked with a pleasant Sea-green, and beset with many small protuberances, resembling Lozanges, parted from each other by many Interstices, running oblikely; and the sides and belly of a Viper are interspersed with a yellowish Willow-green, shaded with black.

Insects are invested with various Skins and Shells, Insects are garnished with various Shells and Ski [...]s, to guard their tender Visce­ra. as so many coverings to guard their more tender Viscera; so that the thin Skin of Minute Animals, is all crusted over with a kind of Cartilaginous Plates, cut in different shapes of Ovals, Circles, and Scolops, one set above another, in wonderful order, to defend the helpless Insects, from cool blasts of Air, and violent assaults of out­ward accidents, which else would prove fatal to them.

The Shells are so many little Integuments of a solid Consistence, to which the Fibres (the fine engines of Motion) are fastned, as so many centres of it; to which, as terms immoveable, the moveabe parts of the Body do tend.

The Flea is a pretty black Minute Creature, all immured within many ob­long polished Shells, whose terminations in the middle, are so neatly joynted, and enwrapped within each other; and is beset in the Head and Neck with many slender Pins, shaped like Porcupines Quills: As Ingenious Mr. Hook hath observed.

A pearl coloured Moth, often found in Libraries, hath a body enlarged toward the Head, and groweth smaller and smaller, till at last it dwindleth into a point in its Tail: The fabrick of this little Animal, is divided into many small Apartiments, (distinguished with many crooked Lines running cross-ways) encircled every where with multitudes of small scoloped Shells, curiously fastened to each other, with thin Membranes: And every one of these Shells, is again invested, with many thin transparent Scales, in which the Rays of Light do sport themselves; and afterward, being reflected from a number of Surfaces, do represent the Animal to our Eyes, in a bright Sil­ver Colour.

The front of a blew Flie, is cased with thin Flakes, and its middle apar­timent is crusted all over, both above and below, with a fine scaly Compage, and the hinder region of its body, is beautified with a blew shining Crust, much resembling Polished Armour.

The Water Knat, consisting of many Partitions, and its Head and Body is all cased over with a fine Shell; which being transparent, we may plain­ly discover through it, the many operations of the Viscera, lodged in the upper, middle, and lower apartiments.

In some Trees the Bark hath a most elegant structure, Within the Bark opened, may be seen many rows of small Cavities seated under the Skin. in which being opened, are presented many transverse ranks of Minute Cavities (lodged im­mediately under the thin Skin, with which the Trunk is decked, as with so many Wings, which being stripped off, a prospect offereth it self, made up of many oblong fibrous Pipes, And under these ring­like Cavities are placed many oblique fibrous Pipes. carried from the Root upward according to length, in oblique postures; and between them are interspersed many Areae, filled with red Liquor, and are of unequal sides and shapes.

The first row of oblique Fibres being taken away, many implications of other Filaments appear underneath, And under these Pipes are lodged di­verssystems of Filaments, which being variously in­terwoven with each o­ther, do make the thickness of the Bark. which being seated confusedly one un­der another, do compose the thickness of the Bark; and in this respect, it holdeth analogie with the Skin of Man, as it is framed of numerous plexes of Fibres, which being closely wrought, and running irregularly one below ano­ther, do not keep any distinct order.

And the inward surface of the Bark, fastned to the wooden part of the Tree consisteth of Systems of hollow Fibres (big with Transparent Juice) between whose various Maeanders, are seated a great company of small con­cave Areae, which are turgid with sappy Liquor, and insinuate themselves into the sap of Wood.

Within the outward and inward rank of Sap Fibres, are seated in some [Page 51]Plants Milky Vessels, placed in several Columns; The inward surface of the Bark is fra­med of many concave Fi­bres, inter­spersed with Areae, full of sap and milky Vessels placed under the sap. between which do spring from the middle of the body of the Cortex, many transverse Lines, aemulating so many Rays streaming from the Bark, and inserted into the Wood and Pith; these cortical insertions may be easily distinguished from Wood, being of a darker hue, in which they represent the Bark, from which they are propagated.

And the hard Wood is not only bedecked with softer Cortical Fibres, The Bark and Wood do mu­tually insert transverse Fi­bres into each other. de­rived from the Bark transversly into the substance of it; but also the Bark on the other side is answered gratefully by the Wood, out of whose more solid body, strong woody Filaments are emitted, and transplanted into the more tender bosome of the Bark.

In some Trees are not only seated many small Milky, but also many large Resinous, Concave Fibres, sporting themselves in various Divarications, which inosculate with each other, near the surface of the Bark of Firre Trees emit­ting Turpentine, and also Rosine, and the Sap Vessels in these Trees, are placed in the inner margents of the Bark.

The Cortex of Oak, is accommodated with three sorts of Fibres, The Bark of Oak is furnish­ed with two sorts of sap Vessels, and a third of resi­niferous Tubes. two be­ing Sap Vessels (divaricated into the outward and inward verge of the Bark, and between the Annular Fibres) are seated Resiniferous Tubes, standing in Oval Figures: And, as I conceive, this Resinous Liquor, contributes much to the constitution and strength of Leather, in the tanning of it, by rendring its Compage solid and compact, thereby enabling it to keep out Water; and is farther advanced in goodness with other unctuous substances, of Oyl, Tal­low, and Wax filling up its Pores, and defending it against the insinuations, of Wind and Water.

The Bark consisting of variety of Sap and Milky Vessels, The Bark be­ing furnished with sap and milky Vessels, is like the Skin of Am­mals, beset with Veins and Nerves, containing; Vital and Nervous Li­quors. is somewhat like the skin of Animals, enameled with Vessels of Milk, Blood and Nervous Juice; and the numerous Pores, besetting the bark of Roots, are so many Colatories, streining the Liquor, emitted out of the teeming Earth, and hold some proportion with the Minute Glands, bedecking the Skin, whose various bores of Vessels do filter the different Liquors, and receive the purer part into their Extremities, and discharge the Recremental, by Excretory Ducts, ter­minating into the surface of the Skin.

Every Year the Bark is furnished with new rings of Vessels, which grow harder by degrees, and at last acquire the substance of rings of softer Wood, called commonly the Sap, which being indurated, is afterward turned into the heart of Wood,

The body of a Pismire, or Aunt, is also encircled with a fine Testaceous Substance, as with a suit of thin Armour, guarding the fragile texture of its most tender Viscera, or Bowels.

A Mite is a most minute nimble Insect, having its body encloistred within a thin Oval Crust, all beset with small Cavities.

And Insects, which are not adorned with Shells, are in their stead, co­vered with divers thin Skins, the uppermost is very thick; as in Silk-worms, encircled with many Annular Fibres, crossing the thick skin, these transverse, ring-like Cartilages, substituted in the places of Ribs, are so many Hypo­moclia, to which the Muscular Fibres are appendant, and toward them, as immoveable; they contract themselves, as their centers of Motion.

The outward Skin being stript off in Silk-worms, a yellow Liquor disco­vereth it self, which being held over the Fire, doth coagulate into a kind of Gelly; the Alimentary Liquor is derived originally from the greater Arterial Trunks, and thence conveyed by smaller branches into the Capillaries, im­planted [Page 52]into the outward Skin, under which there is another more thin Skin seated, which is a rosie mucous Membrane; and the other more thick, is adorned with great variety of Colours, finely beautifying it; and in these Coats, investing the inwards of Silk-worms, if held up against the light, are displaied many transparent Lines, running cross the back and sides of these Worms, which do proceed from wrinkles (engraven in the Skin) between which some diaphanous Interstices may be discovered, which encircle the roots of hair besetting the Skin.

CHAP. IV. Of the Cuticle, and Bark of Plants.

THe first part that accosteth the Eye in Vegetables, The Cuticle of Vegetables Tomewhat re­sembleth that of a Humane Body, only it is less porous, and more thick. is Natures finer Veil, commonly stiled the outward Skin, or Cuticle, somewhat like the Skarf Skin in Humane Bodies, and borroweth its origen from a most thin Membrane, investing the Seed, and enwrappeth its more outward concreted tender parts, and its inward Recesses and Lobes. This delicate ambient contexture of the Seed, encloseth also the Radicle, (sprouting into a Root) and is afterward dilated into a Skin, and farther and farther enlargeth it self into a fairer Covering; as the bark of the Trunk and Limbs are formed, and receiveth greater and greater Dimensions, derived from the Alimentary Li­quor, turned first into Cortical Arches (seated in the inward verge of the Bark) and then by degrees is consolidated into Wood, which swelleth the Trunk of the Tree, requiring larger Vestments of the Cuticle and Bark.

The Cuticle of Vegetables, is more thick and compact, as being less Porous then that of Animals, and is beautified with greater variety of Colours, and divided in old Trees, into various Fissures, running the whole length of the Trunk, somewhat resembling the wrinkles of a Humane Cuticle, with this difference; these being much smaller do run Horizontally, as well as long ways.

The Cortex is composed of a great and various Apparatus, consisting pri­marily of two parts, of a thin solid Skin, and a more thick spungy substance; the first resembling the Cuticle, and the second the Parenchyma.

The Cuticle of Plants, The Cuticle of Plants is reti­cular, made up of divers S [...]micircles filled with small ho [...]es, of various shapes and sizes. being a thin transparent Covering, encircleth the more loose and opace parts of the Cortex, and is framed of numerous small Tubes, running in divers Maeanders, now and then meeting, and then part­ing again, make a kind of rough Network, consisting of divers segments of Circles, whose spaces are filled up with little Cavities, or Cells (which pass Horizontally toward the wooden part of the Tree) and are so many Repo­sitories of thin transparent Liquor, which is received into the extremities of the small Tubes, interspersed with many Areae, embelished with variety of Fi­gures and Magnitudes, some greater, some Less, some Orbicular, others Oval, some Angular, Triangular, Quadrangular, and others of more irregular Figures.

These various Cells of the Cuticle (seated like Rings encircling the circum­ference of the Cortex) are oft-times much diminished, Divers Cells of the Cuticle invest the convex part of the Cor­tex. and quite shrunk up, when the Transparent Liquor is exhausted, whereupon the thin Cuticle peel­eth [Page 53]off in old decaying Trees, whose dry substance, being not capable of Dilatation, is rent in pieces; so that the outward surface of the Cortex, is full of Asperities, and Fissures, passing the length of some Trees, and by making many Incisions into the Bark, thereby rendreth it full of oblong streaked Partitions.

And the inside of the Bark, framed of many Circles of sap Vessels, The inside of the Bark is composed of many Rings of sap Vessels. every Year groweth more solid, and is step by step turned into the more hard Com­page of Wood, and its more inward parts growing into a lignous nature, its more outward parts, approaching the Cuticle, or Skin, at last being made more dry, become Skin it self, in some sort resembling the Cuticle of Animals, which is the Efflorescence of their Cutis, or inward Skin; So that the elder Skin of a Tree (as Ingenious Doctor Grew hath well observed) is not originally made a Skin, but was once, some of the middle part of the Bark it self, which is annually cast off and dried into a Skin, in some manner according to the like­ness of the skin of an Adder or Viper, which doth after the gradual Produ­ction of a new one underneath, in time become a Slough.

The body of Plants as well as Animals, is beautified with variety of parts, as many Organs, adapted to several offices and uses of Nature.

The fine fabrick of Vegetables, is embelished with many apartiments, The rare stru­cture of Trees is adorned by divers Aparti­ments. as Roots, Trunks, and Limbs, Frondage, and Foliage, which are all invested with divers Coverings, and Coats, beautifying, and preserving their Vessels, and inward [...]ecesses.

My design at this time is (having handled already the Cuticle, (as the out­ward Vaile of Trees) to Treat of the inward, the more thick Vestments of the Bark, immediately immuring the Wood.

The first, the Cuticle of Plants, resembleth in some sort, the outward; and the Bark the more thick inward Skin of Man at the first sight, but differeth much in its interior Contexture, as framed of many fibrous Cylinders, being sap Vessels, which take their progress the whole length of the Trunk and Boughs, and are beautified with many Circles of Cells, full of Diaphanous Liquor, and run horizontally, being most commonly graced with an Orbicu­lar Figure, and resemble many round bedes, set one by another.

The Bark of Trees having some likeness with the Skin of Animals, The Bark of Trees is fast­ned to the Wood by ma­ny Cortical Fibres, as the Skin of Man is conjoyned to the Body, by the medi­ation of fruit­ful Fibres or Ligaments. is con­tiguous to the Wood, to which it is fastned by the interposition of many Cortical Fibres, as the Skin is conjoyned to the Flesh by the mediation of in­numerable thin Membranes; and the Vessels, appertaining to the Bark, do often embrace each other, and afterward are inserted into the Cuticula.

Whereupon, I conceive, it proceedeth, that the Bark of many Trees are laticed with divers Fissures▪ of different Figures and Magnitudes, somewhat resembling the manner of Quadrangles, of unequal sides: And the said Fis­sures present us with several Postures, and windings of the Vessels, in their braces; which is the cause, that the Cuticle of some Trees peel off in a kind of Rings, because the Vessels are lodged after the same position in the Bark, in which divers braces, and partings of the Vessels, do much resemble the fine Network of the Skin, made by the several unions of numerous Seg­ments, configuring the Vessels, placed in the Cutis of a Humane Body.

CHAP. V. Of Pathology specified in many Disaffections and Diseases of the Cuticula and Cutis; the outward and inward Skin.

HAving described the rare contexture of the Cuticula and Cutis, of the finer and thicker Vestments, encircling the Body of Man, consisting of various Vessels and Fibres, rarely interspersed, and interwoven with each other, and accompanied with numerous minute Glands, discharging the hot steams, and watry and saline parts of the Blood, in Sweat, through the ex­cretory Vessels, terminating into the Pores of the outward Skin, and the comparate Anatomy of the Skin in Fish, Insects, and Plants.

My aim at this time is to Treat of the cutaneous symptomes, as sha­dows attending different distempers, and of various Diseases, lodged prin­cipally in the inward, and somewhat affecting the outward Skin, which being thin, and insensible is less obnoxious to Diseases, and more liable to Symptoms.

This beautiful Vaile is sometime deformed in its surface with a yellow hue in the Jaundies, The Skin is tinged with Yellow in the jaundies. primarily caused by the obstructions of the cholidoc Duct, not discharging the bilious parts of the Blood, percolated by the he­patic Glands into the Duodenum, whence the Liver being oppressed with too great a proportion of choleric Matter, lodged first in the interstices of the Vessels, is sollicited to throw it off with the mass of Blood, into the extremity of the Cava, through whose Trunk it is conveyed into the right Chamber of the Heart, and thence impelled by the pulmonary Arte­ries and Veins, into the left Cistern of the Heart, and afterwards through the greater Trunks, and smaller Branches in the cutaneous Glands, as so many colatories of the Blood, in which a secretion is made, of the thin­ner part of the bilious Humours, and transmitted through the excretory Ducts of the Skin to the surface of the Body, defacing its white Robe, new died with Yellow, derived from bilious Humours, severed from the Purple Liquor.

And sometimes this fine vaile of the outward Skin is bespeckled with va­rious unnatural colours, The Skin is discoloured in scorbutick di­stempers, ma­lignant severs, and the Plague, with Red, Purple, Livid, and Black Spots, which are sometimes critical, and other times symptoma­tical. imparted to it by scorbutic distempers, malignant Fevers, and the Plague, marking the sick with Red, Purple, Livid and Black Characters, as so many emblems of different Diseases, flowing from the less or greater indisposition of the Blood, dispersed into the cutaneous Glands by which some thin Particles (being severed from the mass of Blood) are discharged through the excretory Ducts, into the Confines of the Bo­dy, variegated with different spots,

Which sometimes prove critical, as giving alleviation to Patients, and are good omens of Recovery, and other times are ill symptomes, speaking a desperate sickness; and as so many Black Characters, in which we may plainly read the fatal stroke of death. The Skin is also obnoxi­ous to divers Swellings, Ul­ce, Scabs and Scurfes, according to variety of Di­seases.

And so I pass from Shadows to Substances, from Symptomes to Diseases, produced à vitiata conformatione partium affectarum in cute, whose elegant texture is highly disordered, and its beautiful Figure defaced in unnatu­ral colours, Asperities, Inflamations, Swellings, Ulcers, incident to the [Page 55]Skin in the Measles, Small Pox, Scarlet Fevers, St. Anthonies Fire, or Ery­sipelus, Itch, Tetters, Leprosies and the like.

The Measles and Small Pox are somewhat alike in Nature and Cure, The descri­ption of the Measles. and are both called by the Grecians in a general name of [...] but the Small Pox, are stiled more peculiarly by the Title of [...].

Whereupon the small Pox are some times complicated with the Measles, as having affinity with each other, which I saw in a Kentish Gentlewoman, in whom the pimples of the Skin were interspersed with various red Asperi­ties; the marks of the Measles, and blew spots, the Shades of a more fatal Disease.

The Measles are much less then the other in bulk, and are asperities, or small risings of the Skin, accompanied with a continued Fever, arising (as I conceive) from ebullition of Blood, which is transmitted by the capillary Arteries into the cutaneous Glands, when the impure parts of the Blood are percolated, and thrown through the excretory Ducts into the Skin, highly tinged with a Red hue, and rendred rough by some extravasated particles, insinuated into the secret passages of the Skin; whereupon it is made un­equal by many minute protuberancies, which soon grow ripe and disap­pear.

The Small Pox is a much greater, and more troublesome distempers, The descrip­tion of the Small Pox. The symp­tomes of the Small Pox, are the pain of the Head and Back. at­tended with the pain of the Head and Back, the forerunners of this noi­some Disease; the first arising from the Blood, having recourse through the carotide Arteries to the Membranes of the Brain, which are highly af­flicted with its great effervescence; and the pain of the Back proceedeth al­so from a great ebullition of Blood, whose Compage being very much ex­panded by unnatural heat, puffeth up the descendent Trunk of the Aorta; whereupon the adjoyning vertebral Nerves are much discomposed and tor­tured with pain.

The Throat is very much inwardly swelled in the small Pox, which is derived from the Matter of the Disease, carried by the carotide Arteries into the tonsillary Glands, which being tumefied, do discompose the fauces, and entrance of the Gulet, and lessening its cavity, do make a difficulty of swallowing.

Another symptome, a concomitant of this vexatious distemper, A sore throat, and Cough are atten­dants of the Small Pox. Great evacu­ations of sali­val Liquor, a good sign in the Flux Pox. is a Cough, proceeding from a gross Matter, commonly called Flegme, which is an indigested Succus nutricius, dicharged by the excretory Ducts of the salival Glands, all besetting the Palate, Tongue, and Fauces, which in the Flux-Pox emit large streams of salival Liquor, discharging in a great part the foulness of the Blood, and the malignity of the Fever, in free and critical evacuations of vitiated recrements of the Blood, through the nume­rous conglomerated Glands in and about the Tongue, Palate, and Fauces, as if a Ptyalisme was raised by a Mercurial Medicine.

And before, and in the time of the Salivation in this ill kind of small Pox, a crude, thin, and serous Liquor is protruded by the capillary Arteries into the Glands (the inhabitants of the Skin, where it is separated from the Blood, and forced through the excretory Tubes to the surface of the in­ward Skin, where the Matter being very thin and fluide, is not readily confined within the due limits of many round prominent circumferences, made in the outward Skin, but runneth confused one part with another, which is occasioned by the thinness, and sharpness of the Matter, often, corroding like Aqua-fortis the rare contexture of the Skin, (integrated of numerous Filaments, variously intangled with each other) in which it ma­keth [Page 56]divers Cavities and Furrows, The Face is disguised with cavities and scars, caused by the corro­ding peru­lent Matter of the Small Pox. often despoiling the Face of its elegant Air, and amiable Features; and leaving great impressions, not only in the skin of the Face, but in the Palate, Nerves, and Tendons of the Fingers, of which an instance may be given in a Grocers Daughter of London, in whom, the virulent corroding Matter of the Flux-Pox did eat quite through the Palate, by making a large perforation into the cavity of the Mouth, and did so corrode the Nerves, Tendons and Ligaments, relating to the second Bone of the fore-Finger, that the Bone upon motion of the Finger, started through the Skin, and was wholly parted from the Joynts, leaving a lameness in them.

Sometimes the Small Pox are not only a Disease, but a kind of Symptome of an essential malignant Fever (deforming it with Red and Blew spots) when it increaseth more and more after the eruption of the Matter, the cause of the Small-Pox: And although a great quantity of gross Succus nutricius is vented by the salival Glands into the Mouth, (by which Nature designeth to relieve it self) yet the Fever groweth higher and higher, and at last the Skin is sometime defaced with great and numerous spots, which first ap­pearing Red, do afterwards degenerate into Blew, near the approaches of Death.

An Honourable Lady finding her self highly discomposed, drank freely of Cordial Water, which put her Blood into a high effervescence, ren­dring it very hot and thin; which being impelled to the cutaneous Glands, where the Purple Liquor is streined, and returned by the capillary Veins, while the serous Recrements are transmitted through the excretory Vessels into the most exterior parts, which grow tumefied into small pustles (the dismal marks of the Flux-Pox) and were associated with a great salivati­on in the Mouth, assisted with opening and cleansing Gargarismes, by whose help she vented two or three quarts a day of thick ropy Matter, thereby gi­ving frequently a great alleviation to the Pox, which had not this effect in this Honourable Person, in whom the Small Pox was symptomatic; because, notwithstanding the free evacuation of the depraved Succus nutricius through the cutaneous, and salival Glands, yet the Fever grew more and more importunate, by shewing it self Essential, and Malignant, when the pro­ducts of the Pox, the Ulcers grew dry, and scaled off, then the surface of the Body was deformed with Red spots, which afterward turned Blew the mournful Scenes of a dismal Tragedy.

The more kindly Small Pox have for their Materia substrata, the Succus nutricius, depraved by a peculiar indisposition of the Blood, often commu­nicated to it by contagious steams, impelled with the Air, through the bronchia and their appendant Vessels, into the substance of the Lungs, where it encounters and infects with its Ferment the Succus nutricius, running confuse­ly mixed with the Blood, (raising in it another ebullition) which being received by the pulmonary Veins, into the left Chamber of the Heart, is thence protruded into the greater Trunks and smaller Branches of the Ar­teries; The begin­ning of the Small Pox is the first four or five days, wherein the Small Pox do appear but lit­tle; after the fifth day com­eth the in­crease of the Small Pox. this Fermentation of the infected Blood, lasteth four or five days, which is the beginning of the Disease.

And about the fourth or fifth day, an inflammation of the Skin appeareth in the Small Pox, derived from the vital Liquor impelled into the extremi­ties of the capillary Arteries inserted into the Skin, whence the Face and Hands are often disguised with unnatural Swellings, (and afterwards Pim­ples start up in the Skin) arising from the Blood, not yet severed from the Succus nutricius, the Matter of the Small Pox.

And now commenceth the time of maturation of them, The stat [...] [...] Small Pox, is that of Matu­ration which cometh to a height, when they turn yel­low. when these little round Swellings grow more enlarged, are turned more whitish, as the Succus Nutricius is more and more secerned from the purple Juice, and then often­times the Pustles are surrounded for some time with a red Circle, proceeding from thin blood separated from the confines of the Succus Nutricius, and de­rived into the adjacent parts of the Skin; and about the seventh day the ma­turation cometh more and more to a height, when the numerous acuminated Swellings full of purulent Matter, put off their white Robes, and are apparaleld with a yellow hew, which is the height of the Maturation, The declina­tion of the small Pox, is about the ele­venth day. happening about the eleventh day, and afterward the declination of the Disease beginneth; wherein the Ulcerous Matter being dried up, the Impostumes are turned into Scabs about the fourteenth day, sometimes leaving behind red Marks and Scars, as tokens of God's Justice, punishing us for our Prevarications (the causes of Diseases) and as remembrancers of his Mercy, expressed in a hap­py recovery from this troublesome and noisome Malady.

And that we may give a more clear account of divers disaffections of the Skin. I humbly conceive, they may be in some sort deduced, A Cause of Cutaneous Diseases flow­ing from the streitness of Vessels. either from the ill formation of the Vessels, or Pores, relating to the Glands, or from se­veral Liquors residing in, or impelled into the Glands.

As to the Vessels, they labour under so much streitness, or largeness, An Inflamati­on of the Skin proceeding from Blood, stagnant in the Cutaneous Glands, where­in the Veins do not receive the Blood. upon the first, the Glands grow tumefied with too great a proportion of Vi­tal Liquor lodged in them, producing an inflammatory disposition, by the stagnation of the blood, whence arise the Erysipelas, and Scarlet Fever, when the extreamities of the Veins, are not freely receptive of the Blood, in order to its retrograde motion; or when the minute orifices of the Excretory Ducts are so recluse, that they are not capable to entertain the fiery steams, or se­rous recrements of the Blood; or when the Pores of the Skin are rendred so small, either naturally by an ill structure, or accidentally by ambient cold, contracting them, so that they cannot transmit the Effluvia, and Watry, im­praegnated with saline Particles, to the surface of the Skin, and into the am­bient Air.

Whereupon the contracted Pores of the surface of the Body give a check to free Transpiration, and to the dews of Sweat, Acute Fevers do take their rise a prohibita transpiratione, when the fiery steams are de­teined, by rea­son the Cuta­neous Pores are obstructed by the ambi­ent cold. besprinkling the exterior region of the Skin, whence Acute Fevers often borrow their origen, a pro­hibita transpiratione, in which the Cutaneous Pores, the fore-doors of the Body being shut up, do hinder the fanning of the blood, which add fuel to its unnatural flame; by reason the Effluvia of the Blood (not duly transpi­ring the too narrow Pores of the Skin) as receiving a stop, do recoile with the Blood into the Veins, through which they are returned to the Heart, giving a trouble to its Carnous Fibres, and make them more frequently to repeat their contractions, wherein the noble fleshy Machine doth double and treble its motion, as it is more or less importuned by the unkindly flame of the Blood; which is Cured by a just allay, when Diaphoriticks being administred, the fiery reek of the Blood is impelled from the inward Recesses, to the am­bient parts of the Body, and by enlarging the more streitned Pores of the Skin, do give a free vent to the Sulphureous Particles of the Blood, Great faint­ness proceed­ing from a dispirited Blood, by too free a transpi­ration, caused by excessive heat enlar­ging the Pores of the Skin. by which it is reduced by degrees to a more regular temper, in which the Fever (con­sisting in a great Motion and Effervescence of the Blood) disappeareth.

The second disaffection incident to the Skin, is produced by its too great per­forations, proceeding from an ill Fabrick, or from the over-largeness of the Pores, occasioned by the ambient heat of the Air, or from the hot constitu­tion of the Blood, or by its violent motion derived from immoderate exercises, [Page 58]wherein the excessive heat of the Purple Liquor, having recourse by the Ca­pillary Arteries, doth much enlarge the Pores of the Skin; through which, the subtle and spirituous Particles of the Blood do evaporate in an over-free Transpiration, which speaketh a great faintness and discomposure, by reason of the high expense of select and volatil Saline and Sulphureous Particles, the most active Principles, giving Intestine Motion and Life to the Blood.

The third Distemper of the Skin, is communicated to it from the indispo­sition of the Nervous Fibrils, terminating into the surface of the Body, and taketh its rise from a Scorbutic Malady, disaffecting the Liquor of the Cuta­neous Nerves, A dull sensa­tion of the Skin derived in Scorbutick Distempers, vi­tiating the Nervous Li­quor, ren­dring the Nerves stupid, and sometime s [...]nseless, at­tended with a great stiffness in Scorbutick disaffections. by fixed Saline Particles (distoning the Filaments) which do take off much from their delicate frame, and induce a dull Sensation; which I felt in the numness of the extreamities of my own Fingers, and in my wor­thy Friend, a learned Doctor of Physick, in whom the whole surface of his Skin was rendred somewhat stupid, by an ill habit of Body, caused by a vi­tiated animal Liquor, disordering the Cutaneous Filaments, the immediate Organs of Sensation, seated in the Skin.

And a Marriner being highly overrun with the Scurvy, his whole Skin grew so insensible, that he could not feel the scorching heat of Fire.

And a Woman had her Skin stretched out so stiff, as the Head of a Drum, and so cold, that she was not sensible of any Discomposure (when she was pricked with the points of sharpest Needles) which was caused by depraved Nervous Juice, destroying the fine Nervous Compage of the Skin; which happens in the height of Scorbutic Diseases, producing a bastard Palsey.

And divers parts of the Skin are rendred senseless in Malignant Fevers, be­specking the surface of the Body with blew Spots, by reason the thinner part of the Blood, infected with venenate Particles, is expelled through the Ex­cretory Ducts into the Skin, which groweth senseless; because the Fibres are sometimes bereaved of their proper use, as Gangrened and Mortified, where it is hued with blew.

A memorable Instance may be recommended to you, of a young Gentle­man, a Student in the Law, surprised with a great Faintness, a sudden de­jection of strength, a quick and low Pulse, and a black Tongue, and his Skin interspersed with numerous Spots, into which a Needle being deeply forced, the Patient was not sensible of any pricking, or pain, nor at all apprehen­sive, when the Needle was thrust in, or drawn out of his Skin.

The Skin is also disaffected with other Diseases, by reason of Liquors, possessing the Skin, and being Crude and Watry, as the serous and Christalline parts of the Blood; and the indigested Succus Nutricius, being unduly ma­naged in the Stomach by ill Ferments, is conveighed through the Intestines, Lacteal Vessels, and Thoracic Ducts, into the Subclavian Vessels, in which, A Hectic Fe­ver proceed­ing from great expense of spirits in too free transpira­tion and eva­cuation of the serous Liquor of the Blood, and Juice of the Nerves. and in the Heart and Lungs, the Blood being much impaired by an unnatural heat; and its Crasis so vitiated in Hectic Fevers, that the Crude, Succus Nutricius, remaineth unassimilated, and is only blended with the Blood, and being carried with it into the Cutaneous Glands, is there separa­ted from it in great proportions, and thrown out in a kind of Sweat by the Excretory Vessels, inserted into the Skin; whence proceedeth an Emaciation of the whole Body, as robbed of its due Nourishment, by this unnatural universal Evacuation of the Alimentary Liquor, through the Pores of the body in Hectic Fevers.

The Blood also (being made gross by the mixture of fixed Sulphureous Particles, and a gross Succus Nutricius) is propelled by the Capillary Arte­ries into the Skin, where it being stagnant, produceth an Inflamation or an [Page 59]Erysipelas, and Aedematous Tumours, arising in the Skin, proceeding from an ill concocted Succus Nutricius, which is sometime productive of Stea­tomes, lodged in the Skin. Of which, be pleased to take this Instance in a Dier, whose Skin being opened, and a swelled Gland being taken out and Lanced; it appeared to be a Steatome, big within a soft substance, some­what resembling Greese: And the Skin of his Body, labouring with a Scorbutic Habit, was interspersed with those soft Tumours, nothing else but Cutaneous Glands, distended with unnatural Recrements, filling up the In­terstices of the Vessels.

CHAP. VI. Of divers Diseases incident to the Skin, commonly called, Itch, Scabs, and Scurfe.

THe Skin is obnoxious to many troublesome Disaffections, which dis­guise the Face, and whole surface of the Body, among which the Itch, and Scab, as so many vexatious Diseases, may justly claim our notice, that we may enquire into their Nature; which maketh way for a Cure, most acceptable to Patients, who are desirous to quit such importunate Guests, giving frequent disposures, ingrate Eye-sores and nasty Itchings, attended sometime with a dry Skurfe, and Scab, and other times, with divers moist Wheals, tipped with white Heads, as so many Minute Ulcers, determining in Scabs upon Frication, speaking a high delight, to countermand the affli­ctive solicitations, of burning Itchings.

To give this Disease a Description, it may be termed, The Itch is an eruption of Matter into Pimples seat­ed in the skin, derived from watry and sa­line Particles. a breaking out of the Skin in various Pimples, sometimes overspreading the whole Surface, and other times bespecking only some parts of the Body, proceeding from serous Humours (consisting of watry and saline Particles) transmitted by the Ca­pillary Arteries, and spued out through Excretory Vessels of the inward Skin, and at last encircled, within many small exclosures of the outward Skin, raised into little Protuberancies, vulgarly called Pimples, dressed with white Cones (big with purulent, or serous Matter) which being highly rubbed, to ease us of a tickling pain, the thin Walls, encompassing this salt Liquor, are bro­ken, and the nasty Matter gusheth out (besmearing the Surface of the neigh­bouring Skin) which being dried up, is productive of Scabs, much defor­ming the beauty of the fine ambient parts.

And that we may know the Causes and Symptoms of these Cutaneous Dis­eases, it is requisite we should pry into the nature of them, whether salt Hu­mours, lodged within the limits of the Skin, as primarily produced in it, or transmitted from some other part; and in what Wombs this Disease is con­ceived, and afterward delivered out of these Matrices by numerous Ducts, into the most outward parts, where it is attended with violent Scratchings, to appease a torturing Itching.

As to the origen of these afflictive Distempers, we cannot justly charge it upon the defects of the Viscera, nor upon the Blood as composed (according to the commonly received opinion of the Antients) of Flegm, yellow and [Page 60]black Choler, and pure Blood; or considered seperately from the other Hu­mours, which cannot be discerned by the most curious Eye, as so many di­stinct Humours (integrating the Mass of Blood) which are no ways sepe­rable from each other by the contrivance of Art.

Wherefore I humbly conceive it more agreeable to Sense and Reason, The matter of this Disease are salt Parti­cles, degene­rating into a Fluor. that the Minera Morbi, is a thin transparent Liquor, lodged in the Glands, apper­taining to the Skin, rendring it plump and graceful; so that this Humour, being dispoiled of the native purity, of its volatil saline temper, degenerates into a Fluor, and an acide indisposition, which is fed by new supplies of de­praved soure Liquor of the Blood, and animal Juice conveyed by the Capil­lary Arteries, and Nervous Fibrils, into the Cutaneous Glands.

Whereupon these serous Liquors, are composed of a double Matter, of an old Stock, and a new supply of Fuel; the one resident in the Minute Glands, the other derived to them, from the Vital and Animal Liquor, which being made up of Heterogeneous Principles, do after the manner of different Salts, as Alkalys, and Acids, make great Fermentations in these depraved Hu­mours; which being thrown out of the Cutaneous Glands by Excretory Ves­sels, are condensed into a kind of concreted Matter, filling, and distending the parts of the Skin; and afterward one part of the serous Liquor, pressing another forward, do lift up the outward from the inward Skin, defacing the smoother Surface, with many small Prominencies.

And the government of the ambient Region of the Body, The gross and salt parts of the Blood do produce a Fe­ver, by ob­structing the Pores of the Skin, and hin­dring a free transpiration. cannot be so in­violably conserved, but that the Glandulous Liquor of the Skin, may often degenerate from its proper Ingeny, into an ill disposed Ferment, which doth not only give a trouble to the skirts of the Body, but also infecteth its more inward Recesses with unnatural Intestine Motion: Hence the Humour, a guest of the Cutaneous Glands, growing gross and ill qualified, as divested of its fine clear disposition, obstructeth the Pores of the Glands, and Excre­tory Ducts, hindring a free Transpiration, often producing Feverish Distem­pers; or else the compage of the Skin is disordered, when these Minute Glands are overcharged with so great a quantity of gross serous Liquor, soli­citing the Nervous Fibrils to an Evacuation, which is suppressed by the obstruction of the Excretory Vessels relating to the Glands, so that the serous glandulous Humour being stopped from its due Passages, is forced to recoil into the extreamities of the Veins, and imported from thence by smaller and greater branches through the Vena Cava, into the right Chamber of the Heart, as being by its brisk contractions dashed against the Walls of this no­ble Engine, which disperseth the depraved Vital Liquor, into all the aparti­ments of the Body.

Whereupon the Blood being associated with this troublesome confaederate, repairing to the Heart, doth so highly aggravate it, that in order to its own defence, the Heart is forced to protrude it downward, through the descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and emulgent Arteries (the branches of it) into the Glands of the Kidneys, where this Serous Liquor (transmitted at a great di­stance from the Cutaneous Glands) is secerned from the Blood, and dischar­ged by the urinary Tubes, into the Pelvis and Ureters.

But that we have recourse to the Cutaneous Distempers, from whence we have made some Digression: These noisom breakings out in Ulcerous Tu­mours, proceed from many Causes, producing the ill affections of the Serous Liquor (an inmate of the Cutaneous Glands) in the loss of its native puri­ty upon many accounts.

First, The Glandu­lous Liquor gaineth a Fer­mentation as mixing with the Blood. When the Glandulous Liquor entring in a new association with the Serous, derived from the Blood, is impelled by the Capillary Arteries, into the Glands of the Skin; where the foul mass of Blood is depurated from its grosser Recrements, which impart Fermentative indispositions to the Glan­dulous Liquor, as being Incorporated, with the watry Saline Juice, newly com­municated from the Purple Liquor, which give it an unnatural Effervescence, whence arise various Coagulations of the serous Recrements, contained in the Cutaneous Glands, producing sometimes Pustles, other times skurfie Flakes, disgracing the elegant Politeness, and lovely colour of the Skin.

The second cause may be the access of this Scabby Ferment, The Scabby Ferment stag­nant in the Cutaneous Glands, assu­meth a pso­rous dispositi­on, and after breaketh out into wheals. into the Cuta­neous Glands, where it being stagnant, is not able on the one side to be dis­charged outwardly through the Excretory Ducts of the Skin, nor inwardly to be received on the other into the extreamities of the Veins, so that by its long deteinment in the Papillary Glands, the extravasated Liquor, doth not only assume a psorous Indisposition, but also a vitriolic corrosive qua­lity, whence arise divers asperities of the Skin, This Ferment acquireth a Septick Indi­sposition by a long stagnan­cy in the Cu­taneous Glands, pro­ducing a Le­prous Scurf. caused by various eruptions of this depraved Matter, breaking out into Wheals or Pimples; rendring the amiable surface of the Body unpleasant to the Eye, proceeding from a matter putrescent in the ambient parts of the Body, where in a long Stag­nation, it acquireth a kind of septic quality, corroding the Skin, and neigh­bouring fleshy parts, affecting them with the horrid diseases of Leprous Scurfs, and Cancerous Ulcers, which move a great compassion in the condo­ling Spectator.

And not only this irksome disease of the Itch, springeth from an intrinsick Cause, the depraved quality of the Glandulous Liquor, derived from the Stagnation of it, and from the impurities of the Blood imparted to it in mo­tion, but also from an outward procatartick cause by Contagion, wherein the secret miasmes are most readily conveighed from some Diseased Person, through the Pores of the Skin of one Person, to the Pores of another, there­by infecting the Glandulous Liquor, lodged near the surface of the Body. This psorous Disease is im­parted by contagi­on from subtle parts streaming out of the Body, and making the like im­pressions in another as being recei­ved into the Pores of the Skin.

And this virulent Infection derived from ichorous Pimples, is most easily communicated from body to body, by the quick operation of the Contagious Ferment, consisting in subtle Particles, always streaming out of the Body; and by the indisposition of the Glandulous Liquor, receptive of these infecti­ous steams, proceeding from a neighbouring diseased Body, making the like impressions in another, in which the Liquor of the Cutaneous Glands, be­ing made up of Nervous and Serous Liquor (flowing from the Nerves and Arteries) is compounded of different subtle Particles, very obnoxious to Fermentation.

So that the active Effluvia of this Contagious Distemper, do freely insi­nuate themselves through the minute meatus of the Exterior Skin, into the Cutaneous Glands, and from thence received into the lesser and greater Venous Tubes, and into the right Cistern of the Heart, and then through the Pulmonary Arteries and Veins, into the left Ventricle of the Heart, and afterward impelled through greater and lesser arterial Channels, into all the parts of the Body, and therein imparting from the Center to the Circumfe­rence, this nasty contagious Ferment with the Blood, into the Cutaneous Glands, where the infected Serous and Nutritious Liquor is secerned from the more pure parts of the Blood, and emitted through the Excretory Ves­sels to the surface of the inward Skin; and one Particle crowding another forward, do raise up the outward Skin into Pustles, full of purulent Matter, which being Concreted, is turned into numerous Scabs.

Lastly, The Leprosie is a Cutaneous Disease, proceeding from a Mass of Blood, highly corrupted with virulent Miasmes, and Acide, Saline, and Sulphureous Particles, which though moving in association with the Vital Liquor, yet cannot be so far subdued, as broke into small Particles, and vo­latilized by frequent Circulations; that these Acide, Saline, and Sulphureous Atomes, might be assimilated into Blood, whereupon the Heart being highly aggrieved with these Recrements, impelleth them with the Purple Liquor, into the substance of the Cutaneous Glands; wherein the Serous are secerned from the Alimentary Particles of the Blood, which is returned by the Veins, and the watry, impraegnated with degenerated Saline and Sulphureous parts, are conveyed by the Excretory Ducts, to the surface of the [...]kin, where the most Liquid parts of these Recrements being evaporated, the acide saline do Coagulate like Tarter, incrusting the Skin which being rubb'd or scratch'd, the concreted saline parts fall off like scales of Fish, and the serous parts ouse out of the Skin, which being dried up, thereupon follow new saline ac­cretions, casing the Skin with another Crust.

CHAP. VII. Of the Cure of Cutaneous Diseases.

HAving Treated of the Pathology of the Skin, it may seem Methodi­cal to say somewhat of the Cures, belonging to Cutaneous Diseases, among which the Measles and Small Pox lead the Van, which are different Disaffections, in reference to their several Aspects as various Tumours, and as proceeding from divers Causes; the one beginning in redness and driness, dis­appearing in a Roughness, the other commencing in Red Pimples, grow after wards greater, and come by degrees to Maturation, appearing in numerous white Heads of small Tumours, which at last determine in dry Scabs.

These Diseases of Measles and Small Pox, though different upon many accounts, yet they are both attended with Cures, much alike in many cases, both in a slender and temper Diet, and the administration of gentle Cordi­als: If Nature be slow in throwing out the matter of the Diseases from the Center to the Circumference, by Arterial Trunks, Branches, and Capilla­ries, into the small Cutaneous Glands, and from thence by Excretory Ves­sels, Dyarrhaeas and Disenteries, are to be sup­pressed in the Measles and Small Pox, and by gentle A­stringent Cor­dial Medicines, throwing out the Matter from the in­ward to the outward parts. into the surface of the Body: And in both Diseases, a violent Loose­ness and Bloody-Flux, gentle Cordials are to be advised to suppress these ir­regular motions, which pervert the proper Course of Nature, in diverting the matter of the Diseases, from the surface of the Body to the inward Re­cesses; wherefore upon this account, quiet Diaphoreticks are to be mixed with Astringents, at once to check the irregular, and promote the regular motion of the disaffected Humours, the Causes of these Diseases.

In the greatest Cases, that can happen in these Diseases, wherein they are accompanied with internal Inflammations, of the Lungs, (in a Perikneumo­nia) of the Plura, in a Plurisie, of the Membranes of the Brain in a Phre­nitis, of the Diaphragme, in a Paruphrenitis, or of the Muscles of the Larynx, in a Quinsie, or in any other internal Inflammation, a Vein is to [Page 63]be opened, that the most urgent and eminent Disease may be first opposed, A Vein is to be opened in the Measles and Small Pox, when they are accompanied with dange­rous Inflam­mations of the inward and noble parts. which will prove fatal without dispute, if the Patient be not speedily relieved by Blood letting, which will much advance the eruption of the Matter, of­fending in the Measles and Small Pox; wherein the sick Person, being of a Plethorick Constitution, is oppressed with an exuberant Mass of Blood, highly obstructing the free motion of it, and the Succus Nutricius (in asso­ciation with it) into the Cutaneous Glands, and surface of the Body; whereupon some part of the Blood being taken away, the remainder ob­taineth the greater freedom of motion, and gaineth an easier recourse to the outward parts.

It is my humble Request to my worthy Brethren, the learned Professors of our Art, not to be over timerous in Bleeding, when the Measles and Small Pox, are associated with inward Inflammations, which may be Cured by bleeding, and without it will inevitably determine in a sad Catastro­phe of Death: Wherefore I humbly conceive, it is better to consult Rea­son and Conscience, then popular Air, and vain Applause, and not to let a Patient die for want of necessary Applications (though of ill Fame with the Vulgar and Unlearned to gain the repute of a safe Physitian) in great Inflammations, wherefore I am very solicitous to make good this Assertion of Bleeding, in the Measles and Small Pox, as a high preservative of Life, of which I can give many happy Instances in my own Practice.

A Sutlers relation, belonging to the Kings Guards, An Instance of a Person, Cured by bleeding in the Small Pox, attended with an In­flammation of the Lungs. being of a very San­guine Constitution, laboured some Years since under a high difficulty of Breathing, accompanied with a great Redness of her Cheeks, the Symp­toms of an Inflammation, caused by Blood settling in the Lungs; where­upon I ordered a Vein immediately to be opened in her Arm, and eight or ten Ounces of Blood to be taken away, upon which ensued an allevtaion in point of Breathing, and the next day the Small Pox appeared, and a day or two after, she was taken with a new access of ill Breathing; whereupon by reason of her suppressed Menstrua, I advised the Saphaena to be opened, and six or eight Ounces of Blood to flow, upon which she found great relief in a more free breathing, and the Offensive Matter, to be more largely trans­mitted into the ambient parts of the Body, very conspicuous in her prodigi­ously swelled Face, highly disguised in numerous Tumours, ending in Ulcers and Scabs.

And notwithstanding the free evacuation of Blood, by opening of divers Veins in the Arm, and Foot, and the course of her Terms (which was the consequent of her bleeding in the Foot) she was not wholly discharged of the depraved Humours, emitted out of the Capillary Vessels into the Exte­rior parts, because in a short time, after she was recovered, by God's Mer­cy, of the Small Pox, she broke out in a great many Boils, which having been Suppurated, ran very freely the space of a Month, and proceeded, as I conceive, from the reliques of the Matter, that was not sufficiently dis­charged by the Small Pox; so that without Controversie, if a Vein had not been twice opened (which was attended with a free evacuation of her Menstrua) she had sunk under the Inflammation of her Lungs, of which she was perfectly Cured by the discharge of much Blood.

Another time a Butcher's Wife, being a gross and Corpulent Woman, Another Per­son Cured by Bleeding in the Small Pox. of a Sanguine Constitution, was very much afflicted with a high Fever, and a great Colour of her Face; whereupon I ordered a Vein to be opened, and blood to be freely taken from her, upon which account she found great relief in reference to her Fever, and Inflammation of her Lungs, and the day after [Page 64]she was bled, the Small Pox came out very well, and the violence of the Fever much abated, and she passed the several stages of her Disease very kindly, and was in a small time (with God's blessing) restored to her for­mer Health.

And in great difficulty of Breathing, Bleeding very safe in the Small Pox, when the Pa­tient being of a Plethorick Body, is af­flicted with difficulty of Breathing. I have often advised Blood-letting in the Small Pox, with good success, and have relieved my Patients to my great Joy; whereupon the slow motion, or stagnancy of Blood being taken off, the Small Pox immediately discovered themselves, and in good time they kindly Suppurated, and afterward determined into Ulcers and Scabs, the happy close of the Small Pox.

Wherefore I most humbly beg, that this Opinion may be entertained with Candor, as coming from a love to Mankind, and not as if I were over-for­ward to the great Scandal of Art, to advise Blood-letting upon every slight account, Fleeding is not to be ad­vised, except in internal In­flammations, and great cases of the Small Pox. in the Measles and Small Pox; whereupon this is my most humble Request to my dear Friends, and my learned Brethren of Art, to prescribe Bleeding only in some great Cases, relating to the Measles, and Small Pox, as in a Phlogôsis of the Lungs, and great difficulty of Breathing, and all internal Inflammations, in high Plethorick bodies, in which great Diseases, (accompanied with the Measles and Small Pox) Blood-letting is necessary, as a most safe and generous Remedy, in order to sollicite the motion of gross and stagnating Blood, which is apt to obstruct the Capillary Arteries, near the surface of the Body.

But on the contrary, it is very rational and conscientious to forbear the opening of a Vein (as a descecrated, and unhallowed thing) in ordinary cases of the Measles and Small Pox, as fatal to the Patients, where bodies are not overcharged with an exuberant Mass of Blood (obstructing the small Vessels) and especially in a low proportion of Vital Liquor, not able to throw out the offensive Matter (unless assisted with mild Sudorificks) into the Cutaneous Glands, and by their Excretory Ducts, into the ambient parts of the Body.

Above all we are to forbear bleeding (as some great crime of Murder) that will render us obnoxious to a just Censure, Bleeding is not to be ce­lebrated in Measles and Small Pox, ac­companied with a Malig­nant Fever. as guilty of the death of our Patients, in Malignant Fevers (the frequent and sad concomitants of the Measles and Small Pox) whose nature doth not consist in overmuch blood, but a poisonous disposition of the blood, which must be corrected by Alexi­pharmaca, The Small Pox is to be cured by Alex­ipharmaca, and gentle Sudo­rificks, in a Malignant Fe­ver. supporting the Vital Liquor, to make a free Transpiration, by which the venenate steams of the blood, are transmitted through the Pores of the body: And if we lessen the Mass of blood in Malignant Fevers (which are the chief and essential Diseases, and the Measles and Small Pox, only Symptomes of the other) we render the Patient less able to encounter these great Diseases, and sometimes cut off the thread of Life.

A Gentleman of good Fashion, having complicated Diseases of a Fever and Small Pox, which did not cease, after good Applications having been made, the Small Pox appeared very fair, and distinct, and came to a lauda­ble Suppuration, and Scabs scaling off: And it might have been thought with good probability, that the Patient had been upon Recovery; but alas, it proved otherwise: For though the Small Pox were Cured, yet the Fever continued higher, which shews it is to be essential, as remanent after the Small Pox were gone; upon which I passed a Prognostick, of great and eminent danger. That notwithstanding proper Medicines having been Administred, yet the Fever grew more violent, accompanied with ill Symptoms, of a quick tremulous Pulse, and a Delirium, so that the Patient plainly appeared [Page 65]to be in a desperate Condition; whereupon the Friends of the Patient sent for Drop Doctor Goddard, who smiled (when I told him the great danger the Sick Person was in) assuring himself of a Cure by his Infallible Drops, as he thought them; whereupon I left my Patient, because his Friends ha­ving a great opinion of the Drop Doctor, were desirous to commit him solely to his Care, which proved very unsuccessful, and gave me a high dis­composure, because within two or three days, my former Patient was lost as well as my Friend, notwithstanding the Promise, the confident Doctor had made of his recovery, for which he had little Reason, and less Art.

In an orderly and kindly Small Pox, Few Medi­cines are suffi­cient in a kindly Small Pox, wherein a thin Diet is to be prescri­bed, and the great part of the Cure is to be recommen­ded to Nature and careful attendants. some few gentle Medicines may be gi­ven for four or five days, to assist Nature to throw out the ill Matter by the Ca­pillary Arteries, into the Cutaneous Glands; and when the Small Pox are well come out in distinct Conical Tumours, and beginning to fill, it is unne­cessary to make any farther Medicinal Applications, and to advise only a thin temperate Diet, and that the Patient would repose himself in Bed, lest Transpiration being checked by the coldness of the Ambient Air, and the Cutaneous Pores be straightned, and the recourse of ill Matter be stopped into the confines of the Skin.

But in the Flux Pox, the care must be equal to the danger, which is very great, and needs the assistance of an Industrious and Skilful Physitian, who must make it his business to observe the motion of the Disease, which ap­pears first in very small Pimples, and therefore it is called vulgarly the Pin Pox, which rise slowly; a great argument of Malignity in the Distemper, proceeding from a hot Serous Liquor, which being thin, is not apt to settle in the Ambient parts of the Body, but is speedily reconveyed by the Cuta­neous Veins into the Mass of Blood, and in order to prevent the retrograde motion of the Matter, which being hot and thin, moderately cooling and thickning Medicines are to be prescribed; that when the Humours of the Small Pox arrive the surface of the inward Skin, they may be there deteined and fixed, to fill up the Skin, and render the Small Pox fairer.

If the Patient be restless in the Flux Pox, Opiates and thickning Me­dicines are to be given to Patients wan­ting rest, whose Blood is over acted with too high an Ebullition. and by tossing and tumbling up and down the Bed, do disquiet himself, and raise the Fermentation of the Blood, by growing hot (procured by frequent and troublesome motions of the Body, made every minute from place to place) gentle Opiats are to be advised, as drops of Laudanum Liquidum, or Syrupe of Poppy in a proper Vehicle, to compose the Patient to rest, and to give an allay to the too much advanced Fermentation of the Blood: And that the Peccant Humours (the Materia substrata of the Small Pox) being rendred more sedate, in its mo­tion may grow cool and thick, and apt to reside in the confines of the Body, and afterward the outward Skin will rise, as being big with gross Matter.

The Flux Pox, if not well mannaged by Art, The Flux Pox is very dange­rous, and to be managed by a skilful Hand, giving gentle Sudori­ficks at first mixed with cooling and incrassating Medicines. is a most dangerous Dis­ease, because the Blood is so much enraged in a troublesome Fermentation, that it is very difficult to govern it, and make it regular by most proper Medicines; and is very often attended, with a dangerous continued Fever (which is an associate of this ill kind of Small Pox) during all its several motions; of beginning, increase, state, and declination, signifying gentle Cordial Medicines, that do reduce the Effervescence of the tumultuary Blood into a moderate temper, wherein it being incrassated by proper Phar­macy, doth stagnate in the outward confines of the inward Skin, breaking into numerous Pustles, which being indurated into Scabs, speak a happy pe­riod to this nasty Disease.

And this may be prosperously accomplished by a most diligent inspection into the Nature and Motioos of this Disease, wherein I have often observed, that high Cordials, are unsuccessful, because they raise the Fermentation too high, and render the Distemper dangerous; whereupon I have fre­quently advised with good success, cooling and incrassating Medicines, and a thin refreshing Diet of Small-beer boiled, and raw Beer made as warm as the Blood, and Posset Drink, made with Harts-horn shavings, without Marigold-flowers and Saffron (which are good in a kindly Small Pox, but too hot in these) and thin Water-grewel, Barley-grewel, thin Panada Bar­ley-cream, made with Pearl Barley, pounded in a Morter, and boiled in a great quantity of Water, till half be consumed, which being streined; the Liquor is to be added to twelve Almonds blanched and pounded till their vertue is extracted, and then the streined Liquor is to be sweetned with Sugar, and drank as occasion serveth: Which is a fine cooling Aliment, easie of Digestion, and proper for this fiery Disease, which is often attend­ed with large evacuations of Salival Liquor, resembling a Salivation raised by Art; and is to be promoted with Opening, Attenuating, and Clea sing Gargarisms, that the Parotides, Tonsils, and numerous Glands, besetting the Mouth and Palate, may be encouraged to spue out freely, the venome of the Disease, by their Excretory Vessels, into the cavities of the Mouth.

Therefore, Thickning and astringent Gargarisms are ill in the Flux Pox, which hinder the evacuation of salival Li­quor by the Oral Glands. I most humbly beg, that all Incrassating and Astringent Gar­garisms, may be forborn, which do render the spittle more thick and clam­my, and do shut up the Orifices of the Excretory Ducts (relating to the Oral Glands) and do intercept the currents of salival Liquor into the Mouth, and detein the matter of the Flux Pox in the Mass of Blood, rendring it more fierce, and the Disease more deplorable.

A Gentlewoman fell sick in the Strand in Westminster, and was afflicted with a high Fever, associated with a great pain of her Head and Back, for whom I advised gentle Cordials and an easie thin and cooling Diet, to charm the great Ebullition of Blood; and about the fifth day, the doleful symptoms of the Flux Pox appeared, discovering it self in most minute red Pimples, proceeding from a thin serous Liquor, which being thickned by pro­per Medicines, was transmitted through the Cutaneous Glands, and their Excretories, into the outward surface of the inward skin; whereupon the Cuticula was more elevated into greater Swellings then at first, and her Face was denuded of all Features by this envious Disease, treating most severely the best Faces, and greatest Beauties; to teach us Humility and Self-deni­al, to make us out of love with our selves, and Admire and Adore him, in kissing with reverence the gentle correcting Hand of our Great Maker and Redeemer, whose Dispensations, though they seem severe to the outward Man, yet they prove most advantagious to the inward, and work for the best to all that Love, Fear, and Obey him. Pray pardon the Digression, which I have added to divert the good Reader; and if any Person be so un­kind to me and himself, to receive it (as impertinent) with scorn, I pity and pray for him.

But to return and visit our sick Patient, whose Body was preserved, though her Face ruined, which was chieflly accomplished by Nature her self, un­der God, producing a great Ptyalisme; which I advanced by all means possible, in advising most powerful opening and cleansing Gargarisms, high­ly assisting Nature in discharging the impurities of the Blood, by the Excre­tory Glands belonging to the Mouth.

In the Flux Pox, complicated with a Spotted Fever, we ought always to consult the Honour of our Art, when we cannot be happy Ministers of a Cure, to fore-arm the Friends, and Relations of the Patient, Pronosticks give an Ho­nor to Art where Disea­ses are dange­rous, or de­plorable. with a Prog­nostick of the eminent danger of the Disease (which in this Case is deplo­rable) else we shall gain the repute of Unskilful Artists, though we satisfie the indications of the Disease with the most proper Remedies, and use our utmost Endeavours, and Art to recover the Patient, yet ill Success shall render us liable to the censure of the Vulgar, (who are governed more by Sense then Reason) unless we give account before-hand, what can be said in Humane Probability, relating to the event of the Disease, which in this case is very dangerous, if not fatal to the Patient; where the Person is not relieved in the Flux Pox, with the large Eruption, of the matter of the Disease, by the Cutaneous Glands, nor by free ejection of the faecu­lent and serous parts of the Blood, and Succus Nutricius, by salival Liquor, spued out of the O [...]al Glands; and yet notwithstanding these hopeful Eva­cuations the Disease prevaileth, and the blew spots appeared, the symptoms of a Pestilential Fever, the mournful Heralds, proclaiming the approaches of Death.

Person of great Honour and Virtue, being of a timorous disposition, was frequently daunted at the apprehension of the Small Pox, denying her self the ease and happiness of her Life, as being always in pain with the phancy of a Disease, which at last surprised her, though she often quitted beloved London (the Dalilah of Women) to preserve her self from this noisome and afflictive Distemper; which seised her by the imprudence of her Landlady, who lodged her in a bed, infected with a Body lately dead of the Sall Pox, complicated with a Spotted Fever, which made the same impres­sions in her, as receiving the pestilential Steams into her Body, as reposed in the infected Bed; in which, when she found her self discomposed, she took free draughts of Strong Waters, thinking thereby to calm her Distem­per, which in truth had a contrary effect, and raised the Storm much high­er, by producing a much greater [...]bullition of Blood, which taking its pro­gress from the inward to the Ambient parts, in which the serous parts of the Vital Liquor, and Succus Nutricius, discover themselves in most minute Swellings, and pustles; and Nature in this person of Honour, did not make a discharge only of the offenssive matter by the Skin, but also by streams of Salival Liquor, flowing out of the Excretory Channels (relating to the nu­merous Oral Glands) which I promoted by proper Gargarisms.

In reference to her Pestilential Fever, which highly afflicted her, Medicines ap­pliable to the Small Pox, in case of Malig­nant Fevers. I order­ed pearl Cordials, and many kinds of moderately cooling Julaps, and tem­perate Diaphoreticks, consisting of mild testaceous Powders, which brought out the Small Pox very fair, and to a laudable Suppuration, appearing in the white heads of fruitful Tumours, big with a well digested purulent Mat­ter, which at last began to dry into Scabs, interspersed with large blew spots, the sad Emblems of Death (which happened in the seventeenth day of her Sickness) which highly discomposed me to part with a Friend, as well as a Patient, a person of so great Honour, Kindness, and good Humour, whose Memory I shall account sacred, and for ever revere; being now ready upon this sad History (which happened many Years since) to dapple my Paper with Tears, as a due resentment of my great trouble and loss.

A Salemans Wife fell sick of a dangerous Small Pox (as cofaederated with a Spotted Fever) which had so unkindly an Eruption, that the Livid Spots far exceeded the Pimples in number, but upon due applications of gentle Dia­phoreticks, [Page 68]and Cordial Julaps, the Fermentation of the Blood was reduced to a good allay, as being not too much exalted, nor depressed; so that the offensive Matter, was brought out and thickned, whereupon the Fever dis­appeared, and the Small Pox growing first plump, and then the Ulcerous Matter was dried into Scabs, whereby the Patient being recovered, liveth a Momument of Gods wonderful Mercy.

I humbly beg the favour of all, Mens Lives are not to be trusted in the hands of Em­pericks, which are very un­safe and de­structive in reference to the Cure of the Small Pox, and all other Diseases. that shall so far Honour me, as to read this rude Treatise, as they have a value for their own Health, rather then my Interest, not to trust themselves in the hands of Quacks and Empericks, in any Distemper, and especially in this dangerous Disease, in which out of Arrogance, to speak themselves an attribute, they contradict the safe and wholesome advice of Physitians, and contrary to all Reason, Art, and Experi­ence, they confound the Aeconomy of Nature, and destroy their Patients with strong Vomits, and Purges, and hot Faetide Drops and Spirits (as knowing no better) which too much raise the Fermentation of the Blood, and wea­ken the course of Nature, and divert its regular Current of offensive Hu­mours in the Measles and Small Pox, from the outward confines of the Body, to the inward and tender Recesses of the Bowels, where their violent Medi­cines produce Loosnesses, Bloody Fluxes, Lypothymies, Syncopies, and Death, speaking a sad Catastrophe of all Worldly Joy and Happiness, ha­stned by impudent new Experiments, which they make upon their overcre­dulous Patients.

CHAP. VIII. Of Freckles, Spots, Morphew, and the like.

THere are other disaffections, which are more superficial, and of less importance as lessening the Lustre, Freckles, Spots, and Morphew, are Cured by Cosmeticks. and Beauty of the outward Skin, as Freckles, Spots, Morphew, and the like, which are Cured often by Cos­meticks, as the outward application of some Fucus, or Washes, with which curious Ladies are well accommodated, as great Preservatives, or Restora­tives at least (as they conceive) of Beauty; but indeed, are oftentimes destructive of the more amiable colour of the Skin.

Because, The Skin is Natures fine Vest, especially that of the Face, by which (she is rendred grateful to the eye of the Spectator) setting a fine gloss upon our Bodies, begetting Love and Admiration, whereupon the Skin becometh valuable, and worthy preservation in its native purity; and when its lost, deserveth a restitution to its primitive perfection, accomplished by divers Methods, Outward Dis­eases are Cu­red by Sweats and insensible Transpirati­ons. of Physick, either purging of the Recrements of the Blood, or depurating it by Diaphoreticks, producing a free Transpiration; where­by the ill Matter, causing the Blemishes of the Face, is discharged by nu­merous Steams, or by dews of Sweat, streaming through the pores of the Skin.

When the Vital and Nutricious Liquors are rectified by inward Applica­tions, Topicks may be safely ap­plied, when universal Re­medies have been premi­sed. Topicks may be safely advised, which have a drying and detersive Quality, taking off the Roughness and Spots defacing the Skin; and such is Liquamen of Tartar, mixed with Oyl of bitter Almonds, till it groweth Lactescent and the like.

Other Medicines may be also outwardly Applied, both to discuss the Spots, and repel the ill Matter, which cannot safely be practised, till the Recrements be purged off by several kinds of Evacuations, and the Blood sufficiently defaecated from ill Humours; lest the repelling them should prove prejudicial to the Body, in the sad consequents of inward Distem­pers, being much worse then the outward.

And Universals being premised, as Purging, Blood-letting, Diuretick, Outward Re­pelling Medi­cines are un­safe, unless Purgatives, Bleeding, and Alteratives have been Ad­ministred. and Diaphoretick Medicines, then Cooling, Detersive, Drying, and gentle repelling Liniments, or Washes, may be safely applied; as Camphire mix­ed with juice of Lemons and White Wine, &c.

Above all, Mercurial Washes, well prepared, are most effectual; and I wish they were as safe, as they are infallible in the Cure of all Eruptions of ill Matter, seated in the Surface of the Body. And therefore pray take this Caution along with you, in using these Mercurial Topicks; That unless they be prepared according to Art, they will cause great Swellings in the Face, and in some bodies raise a Salivation, making the Tongue and Mouth sore.

Now with your leave, I will take the freedom to offer some other Cures, of more Troublesome, and nasty Cutaneous Disaffections, which borrow their Origen, either from some outward Contact, or Contagion or from gross and unwholesome Diet, generating a crude and ill qualified Chyle, and from Blood debased, with fixed Saline and Sulphureous particles, Cutaneous Diseases pro­ceeding from ill Chyle, or the regurgita­tion of pan­creatick or bi­tious Hu­mours, or from fixed saline Parti­cles, as in a [...]. deri­ved from ill pancreatick and bilious Recrements, recoiling by the extreami­ties of Veins into the Mass of Blood, rendring it impure; when the Ex­cretory Ducts, of the Pancreas and Liver are obstructed, caused by the grossness of the Recrements, or the streightness of the passages of the Ex­cretory Vessels.

These Cutaneous Eruptions, are different Diseases, which may be easily discovered by their various Aspects, some being of a dry scurfy nature, cal­led [...], by the Greeks, proceeding from fixed Salt (in Hypocondriack Di­stempers) which being mixed with Blood, are thrown off by the Capillary Arteries, into the Cutaneous Glands, where the Saline particles being sepa­rated from the Blood, are carried by the Excretory Ducts, into the confines of the Body, disguising the Skin with numerous dry Asperities.

A worthy Citizens Daughter of London, had the surface of her Body for the most part overspread with dry Red pimples, which proved a great Eye-sore to her Friends, and a vexatious trouble to her self, as being perpetually af­flicted with a most importunate itching, which was Cured by bleeding, and by purgative Medicines, ejecting the Recrements of the Blood by the Me­senterick Arteries, into the Intestines; and the Vital Liquor was dulcified, and defaecated from its gross Tartar by alteratives, mixed with Diureticks, Medicines fit for the Cure of a Leprosie of the Greeks. and by Chalybeate Medicines, accompanied with Decoctions of China and Sarsaparilla, in which the tops of Pine and Firr have been infused; and these Methods of Physick being Administred, I advised some proper Topicks, which did perfect the Cure, and the patient hath been continued in a heal­thy condition for many Months.

This Cutaneous Disease, though it be not dangerous, while it discovers it self in an outward Malady, by which the impurities of the Blood are dis­charged into the Exterior parts of the Body, but if the gross faeculency of the purple Liquor be repelled from the surface of the Body, by some Em­pyrical Applications, without the advice of Purgatives, Blood-letting, Alte­ratives, Diureticks, Sudorificks, and upon the omission of these salutary Me­thods, [Page 70]Topicks being irregularly applied, the gross Saline Particles are for­ced from the outward to the inward parts, and so have a recourse to the Intestines, Viscera, and Brain, and are productive often of dangerous and fatal Diseases.

CHAP. IX. Of the Cure of the Itch and Scabs.

ANother Cutaneous Eruption hath a different face from the other, wherein it disgraceth the Elegancy of the Skin, with many small Pimples, proceeding from Serous Recrements of the Blood; these fruitful Pustles, more and more overspreading the Skin, are attended with great Itching, which being scratched to allay its trouble (degenerates into Ulcers and Scabs) changeth its itching into smart and pain.

As to the Causes of these Diseases, vulgarly called the Itch, it is propaga­ted from salt, sharp, and watry Humours, often taking their birth from gross and bad Victuals, which easily corrupt, and produce an ill Chyle (which cannot be assimilated by motion, and converse into good Blood) hence poor Persons (whose straight Fortunes deny them the advantage of procuring good Meat) are forced to comply with their Wants in buying the cheapest and worst Meat, rotten Mutton, long kept, Musty and sometimes stinck­ing Flesh and Fish; and indeed any thing that is not absolute Carrion, to gratifie the clamorous importunity of their keen Appetites.

Whereupon poor People are often infected with this Sluttish Disease, The Itch and Scab coming from ill Diet, and nasty Rai­ment. ha­ving not Money and Time to supply their Necessary Occasions, are destitute of clean Linnen and Cloaths to keep themselves sweet and cleanly, whence their Bodies being covered with Nastiness, obstructing the pores of the Skin, and hindring due Transpiration, do contract corrupt Humours, tainting the Blood with this filthy Disease, causing their Bodies to stink alive, when above Ground, before their time, and are truly the Objects of our Charity, as well as Pity, to take them into our Care, and make a Provision for them, as partakers of the same Humane Nature at least, and some of them, as Fellow Members of Christ, and Temples of the Holy Ghost; which are en­dearing Arguments to espouse their Wants as our own, with this good Me­mento, That by casting our Bread upon the Waters, after many days [...] shall find it: And by providing for the Poor, we shall lay up Treasures in Hea­ven.

The Itch and Scabs also arise from Critical Evacuations, Itch and Scabs derived from critical Eva­cuations. flowing from Acute and Cronick Diseases, discharging corrupt Humours, and serous Re­crements, into the Ambient parts of the Body, whereby it is freed from more significant inward Diseases, oftentimes threatning Death.

This unclean Disease is often derived from Contagion, Itch and Scabs coming from Contagion. by reason the Sur­face of Scabby Bodies is besmeared with a nasty and clammy moisture, which being imparted to others by Contact, or by Clothes, or Converse, which make the like Itchy and Scabby impressions into the Blood of others, as be­ing received first by the Pores of the Skin into the extreamities of the Veins, [Page 71]and afterward into greater and greater Trunks, till they land into the right Cistern of the Heart, and from thence are transmitted through the [...]ungs by various Vessels, into the left Chamber of the Heart, and from thence are impelled into the Trunk of the Aorta, and into smaller and smaller Arterial Branches, till they arrive the Exterior parts of the Body, which being of acute sense, are tortured with sharp and serous faeces of the Blood.

Now I make bold to offer a great Instance of this Contagious Disease, of which I had Forty Patients at once in a School at Padington, where the Scho­lars so infected one another, that there could scarce be found one, that was not tainted with this fruitful and filthy Disease.

In order to the Cure of this Disease, a wholesome Diet is to be observed, and all salt, highly Unctuous, and Fat Meats forborn, as easily degenerating into corrupt, and salt Faeculencies of the Blood; and some propound good Roasted Meat, as the most fit to dry up the serous Excrements of the Blood.

In reference to Pharmacy, Medicines are to be advised, that purge by Stool and U­rine, and then Bleeding is requisite. Specifick Purging Medicines (attended with Bleeding) do evacuate serous Humours, and discharge the scabby Ferments (lodged in the Blood) by Arteries inserted into the Intestines, whence the course of nasty Recrements being diverted from the Circumference toward the Center, from the Ambient toward the Interior parts, is exonerated by the Guts into a more large and free Receptacle.

In this Distemper, Salt and Watry Humours being concerned, I deem it very proper to advise Medicines, that purge by Urine, to hasten the serous Recrements of the Blood, down the descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and Emulgent Artery, into the Glands of the Kidney, wherein the grose Saline mixed with watry Particles, being secerned from the Blood, are carried through the Carunculae Papillares into the Pelvis, and from thence by the Ureters into the Bladder.

I conceive it reasonable to advise Sudorificks, Sudorifick Medicines are to be Admini­stred after Purgatives and Diure­ticks. after Purgatives and Diure­ticks have been largely Administred, to free the Mass of Blood from its Sa­line Excrements by the Cutaneous Glands, and their Excretory Ducts into the confines of the Body, where it is at last to be Eradicated by drying and cleansing Topicks, which do satisfie the indications of these noisome and vexatious Ulcers, as fed by serous and viscid Recrements, which cleansing and drying outward Medicines turn into Scabs, and scale them off, whereby the Circumference of the Body is cleared from this foul Disease, disgracing the elegant surface of the Skin.

CHAP. X. Of the Cure of a Cutaneous Disease, the Lepro­sie of the Greeks.

THe Leprosie of the Grecians is a degree of a true Leprosie (not come to a height) and is produced by great confaederacy of fixed Saline, and fierce Sulphureous Particles, highly exalted; whereupon the Mass of Blood being very much depraved, and uneasie to the Noble parts, is trans­mitted from the greater Arterial branches, A Leprosie caused by sa­line Particles concreted in­to a scabby Scurf. and smaller Capillaries into the substance of the Cutaneous Glands (the Interstices of the Vessels) where the acide saline Particles, are secerned from the Mass of Blood, and thrown off by the Excretory Ducts into the confines of the Body, to which it con­creteth, and adhereth as to an outward Wall, like concreted Tartar of Wine, to the sides of the Hogshead.

This Disease is generated oftentimes by ill Diet of Flesh, A Leprosie proceeding from an ill Diet of salt Meat dried in the Smoak, and from eat­ing of great slimy Fish. highly salted, and dried in the Sun or Smoak, or from the free Cups of small and acide Wines, which are impraegnated with much Tartar; or from the eating of Hogs-flesh ill fed, and nastily kept, lying in their own Excrements with­out frequent change of clean Straw, which rendreth the Flesh foul and un­wholesome.

This scurfy disaffection of the Skin, also taketh its rise from eating much slimy and great Fish, which is familiar to them, that live upon the Sea-Coast, as treating themselves with well grown Fish which being of a viscide nature, do spoil the Blood, by making it full of gross Recrements, and saline Par­ticles, as living in Salt Water, which necessarily impraegnate their Blood with the same dispositions; so that Fish being eaten in too great Proportions, do produce gross Chyle in the Stomach, and afterwards a foul Mass of Blood, which is depurated in the Cutaneous Glands, and thence conveyed to the outward parts, where the Skin is crusted over with concreted saline Particles (streined from the Vital Liquor) which being highly rubbed or scratched, do fall off like Scabs.

But this ugly Distemper doth not only proceed from ill Diet, The Leprosie proceedeth from Venere­al and Scorbu­tick Distem­pers. but from bad internal Elements of the Blood, consisting of depraved Heterogeneous parts, often found in Venereal and Scorbutical Diseases, which are founded in Malignant Humours of a venenate nature, infecting the Blood; where­upon this Prognostick may be made, though it doth not threaten any emi­nent danger, as speedily cutting off the Thread of Life, yet it is hard to be Conquered, as being very stubborn, when deeply tooted, not giving way to the Administration of powerful Medicines, so that the Acide, Saline, and Sulphureous Particles of the Blood being rendred more and more exalted (and the Patient being tired out with long Courses of Physick) do dege­nerate into a perfect Leprosie, which often proves an incurable Disease.

As to the Cure of it in reference to the preservative Indication, which is satisfied in the removal of the Causes: The first is Procatarctick, flowing from a gross stagnant Air (productive of the Scorby) which must be care­fully exchanged for a free serene Air: The other Cause is an ill Diet, in which we must abstain from salt Meats, either dried in the Sun or Smoak, [Page 73]and gross ill-brewed Ale, and Wine not fine, and upon the fret, and small crab Wines, full of Tartar; and we must all be very careful, that our Meat and Drink be not prepared with Mineral Waters, which do infect the Mass of Blood, with bad Elements apt to Concrete.

In relation to more intimate Causes, the impure Recrements of the Blood, This Disease is Cured by Purgatives, Bleeding, An­tiscorbuticks, Diureticks, Chalybeat and Antimonial Medicines, and Decoctions of China and Sarsa. and Nervous Liquor, debased with Tartar, and gross Sulphureous parts; Cathartick Medicines are to be Administred, which purge off the serous parts of the Blood, which is also to be lessened by opening a Vein.

Whey prepared with the tops of Pine and Firr, is a proper Medicine in this Case; as also other Antiscorbutical, and Diuretick Apozemes, mixed with Sarsaparilla and China, which may be taken with Chalybeate prepara­tions, made either in form of an Electuary, or Syrupe; and also Purging and Diuretick Minerals, are of great use in this Leprous Distemper, to take off the acide saline Particles of the Blood, and restore it to its former Purity.

If this Leprosie ariveth to so great height, as to infect a main part of the Blood, and Nervous Liquor, with corrupt Heterogeneous Particles, and gross Tartar, degenerating into a venenate nature, imparted to the Purple Liquor, impelled by the Arterial Branches and Capillaries, into the Cutane­ous Glands, and by their Excretories, into the surface of the Body, incru­sted with a whitish Scurff and Scales; Purging and Mercurial Preparations backed with Diet-Drinks of China and Sarsa, are ve­ry efficacious in a Leprosie. it is not to be Eradicated without Purging Medicines, and sometimes with Mercurial, and other times with Antimonial Preparations, backed with Apozems of China, Sarsaparilla, Sas­safras. Viper Wine, to sweeten the Blood, and discharge the Mineral Ad­ministrations, which cannot be effected without Purgatives in Decoctions of Sarsa and China, and with Sudorifick Medicines.

And thereby the Blood disaffected with Leprous Ferments, consisting in a Malignant nature, is defaecated from acide saline parts, severed in the Cutaneous Glands, and thence conveyed into the Skin; whereupon it is disguised with a white dry Crust, which doth indicate cleansing and dry­ing Topicks (when Universals have been Administred) which consummate the Cure of a Leprosie.

CHAP. XI. Of the Membrana Adiposa (vulgarly called Carnosa) of the Fat Membrane.

HAving Described the Cuticula and Cutis, the outward and inward Skin, the first, the Scarfe Skin, being a thin white Vail, covereth the whole Body with a fine Dress, by which it is rendred Beautiful, cour­ting the Spectator to Love and Admiration.

The other more useful and warm Habit, The fat Mem­brane is Na­tures thick Robe, to se­cure the Body against cold. the fat Membrane investeth the noble frame of Mans Body, as with a thicker Robe, safely to immure it against cold blasts and Storms, lest they should surprise the Vital flame, and condense the more thin and volatil parts of the Blood (floating in the Ambient parts) rendring it more unfit for Life and Motion.

The Body being uncased and stripped of the thin, This Mem­brane is fleshy in Beasts, but fat in Man. and thicker more out­ward Vests, the Membrana Adiposa discovereth it self, which is fleshy in Bruits, as Bullocks, Deer, Sheep, Goats, Dogs, and the like; in these Animals it is a Carnous Membrane, a musculous Expansion overspreading the Fat as with a Coat; but in Humane Bodies, the order of Nature is inverted, and the Membrane is not lined, but faced with Fat, which is lodged immediately under the Skin.

The Fat Membrane being of a different nature, as composed of various substances, receptive of a diverse Treatment, under a double notion, either considered abstractly as a Membrane, or as its surface is inwrapped in Fat.

This Membrane is not framed of one simple Coat, This Mem­brane oft­times is made of many Tu­nicles. but sometimes (as learned Diembroeck will have it) of a treble, and quadruple Tunicle; but this is rare, being composed of a double Coat: The outward is hollowed with many Minute Cells, dressed with various shapes and sizes, as so many Minute Repositories of Fat.

As to its inward Coat it is more Membranous, The inward Coat is com­posed of ma­ny Fibrils, va­riously inter­woven with each other. being made up of nume­rous fine Fibrils, which shooting themselves divers ways in length, breadth, and obliquely, are curiously interwoven with each other; so that the Interstices being filled up with an intercurrent white Juice, are rendred more equal and plain, especially in its lower Surface, as it consisteth of variety of Fibres, running in several positions, in being capable to endure Extension after divers manners, and is thereby rendred more strong, and secured from Laceration, unless great violence be offered to it.

The inward Membrane is more plain, This Mem­brane [...]s con­ceived to be one, because the several Coats are so firmly and closely united, that they can scarce be par­ted. and so closely conjoyned to the out­ward, that it requireth a curious Hand to sever them; which hath drawn divers Anatomists into a belief, that they are but one Membrane, beauti­fied with two Surfaces, of which the outward is more unequal, as punched with divers small holes, the receptacles of concreted Sulphureous Particles.

This Membrane is more beautiful in Infants, and young Children (which are more lean) as being painted with blushes of Red, and White, derived from Blood, tinging the outward Surface, which being unequal, is somewhat filled with Vital Liquor, the forerunner of Fat, in more mature Age.

Vesalius and Velverda, Some Persons have moved their Skin by vertue of Car­nous Fibres, seated in the Membrana Adiposa. two renowned Anatomists, report that some Per­sons, by the interposition of this Membrane, have been able at their plea­sure to move their Skin both in Back and Breast, which in them was a great variety of Nature; not recounted by any other Authors, as far as I can learn. And this unusual motion of Back and Breast, was accomplished (as I con­ceive) by Carnous Fibres inserted into the Membrana Adiposa, by reason this action was celebrated by a thin Muscular Expansion, here the immediate ma­chin of voluntary motion.

This Membrane in Bruits, The Membra­nae Carnosa in Bruits, is a thin Carnous Expansion, or Muscle. is a thin Cutaneous Muscle, immediately sur­rounded with the Skin, which celebrating various concussive motions, by frisking up and down the Skin, giveth a disturbance to the importunate guess of Flies, and freeth it from other ill accidents, which discompose their ease and quiet.

This Muscular Expansion of other Animals, in whose dissection most Ana­tomists have been commonly exercised, hath given occasion to deceive them thereby giving their opinion, that this Membrane was also Carnous in a Hu­mane Body, which is found only in its Neck and Face, and other parts are discerned to be Membranous.

Therefore in a Humane Body, it may truly obtain the appellative of Mem­brana Adiposa, because in most parts it is of a membranous nature, being a [Page 75]fine contexture of nervous Fibrils, faced with Fat in its outward Surface, The Membra­na Adiposa is accommoda­ted with ma­ny minute Cavities, as so many reposi­tories of Fat. and to that intent it is furnished, with great variety of minute Apartiments, within whose little spaces are lodged many small unctuous concreted bodies, which are subject to be rendred fluid, as melted by immoderate heat, pro­duced by violent motion of the Body: And therefore Nature hath most wisely contrived, these numerous particles of Fat to be confined, within several Membranous Cavities, as so many safe allodgments, in which it is conserved as in so many proper places, wherein the Fat is secured in oppositi­on to [...]iquation, in case of extravagant motion.

It seemeth to be a great secret in Nature, how Fat is generated, Heat cannot cause Fat. whose efficient cause is consigned by many Anatomists (of no mean Rank) to the first qualities of Heat and Cold. As to the first, It can hardly be con­ceived, how it should be productive of Fat, which I guess proceedeth from Sulphureous parts concreted, no ways to be effected by Heat, rendring them fluid, which is effected by a Colliquating power: And all unctuous bodies, which are rather condensed by Cold, are rarefied, and melted by hot Par­ticles.

So that Cold rather, Cold is ra­ther produ­ctive of Fat, then Heat. or at least a very gentle Heat (which is a kind of comparative Cold in reference to a more intense Heat) doth contribute something to the concretion of Fat, made of Oily Particles secerned from the Succus Nutricius (associated with the Blood) in the substance of many Glands (besetting the Membrana Adiposa) and thence conveyed to the empty spaces of the Vessels, to whose sides the unctuous parts of Fat do adhere.

Whereupon I do humbly conceive, that Fat being attenuated by heat, and condensed by cold, is only altered by them according to different modes of the Matter, as being rendred fluid or condensed; which are no ways the intrinsick causes of Fat, formed out of the Sulphureous parts of the Suc­cus Nutricius, which are liquid, as long as they move in company with the Chyme and Vital Liquor in the Vessels; out of whose Terminations, they are transmitted into the substance of many small Glands, as so many strainers of the oily Juice, which afterward exudeth into the habit of the Body, where it being despoiled of motion in Extravasation, gaineth a more solid substance, and there being concreted, is affixed to the Walls of the Vessels.

And oftentimes concreted Matter doth reassume its primitive nature of a Liquor, when colliquated by unnatural heat, or extraordinary motion; When the Alimentary Liquor is ex­pended in Dis­eases, it is re­paired by Col­liquated Fat. and thereby these resolved Oily Particles are reconveyed into the Veins, and re­associate with the Blood and Succus Nutricius, to give a supply to the Ali­mentary Liquor, when expended in Acute and Chronick Diseases, which hath been often discovered in Humane Bodies, when opened after Death, and diligently inspected with curious Eyes.

In great cetaceous Fish, as Whales, Porpesses, and the like, great propor­tions of Oyl are conserved in numerous Vesicles, as so many Receptacles seated in a Membrane (not far remote from the inward surface of the Skin) and may be called Oleosa, in the abovesaid Fish, these unconcreted Particles are of the same ingeny with the Fat of Men, and other Animals, as being of an unctuous, inflamable nature.

A most learned Author is of this Sense, That Fat being Colliquated, and flowing with the Mass of Blood, is unnatural; which is one reason, saith he, why Fat cannot be generated out of the Vital, but Nervous Liquor: I confess in Diseases, when Fat is melted by an over intense heat, and re­ceived into the Vessels, it may be truly called an unkindly Liquor, and no proper Fat: but when it is originally In solutis Principiis, as it were the [Page 76]creamy part of the Succus Nutricius, it may be well reputed the Materia substrata of Fat, as consisting of oily Particles, which though in confaederacy with the Blood, yet they admit a secretion from it in the glandulous sub­stance of the Adipose Membrane, Caul, and Interstices of the Muscles, which abound with many minute Glands; and I believe, there are scarce any Mem­branes, or muscular parts in the whole Body, which are not furnished in some degree or other with them.

And although the Glands seated in the Liver, Splene, Kidneys, and the like, are not secretories of Fat, but of the Recrements of Bile, Urine, and the like: And the Glands lodged in the Membrana Adiposa, Caul, and empty spaces of the Muscles, are fit Organs to secern the oily Particles of the Succus Nutricius, Membranes may supply the places of Colatories, as endued with many minute Pores, through which Liquors may be strain­ed. as having Vessels proper for it; and I do suppose, the many thin Membranes, inclosing the minute globules of Fat, may supply the places of Colatories, seeing it may be not improbable that the Sulphureous Particles of the Alimentary Liquor, moving with the Vital, may be strained through the secret passages of the Membranes, which may hold Analogy with the minute oily Bodies, both in shape and size.

And I most humbly conceive, that these Sulphureous Particles circulating with the Blood, are no more capable to be evacuated with the serous Recre­ments through the Urinary Ducts, into the pelvis of the Kidney; then the Vital Liquor, or Succus Nutricius, with which the oily parts (the matter of Fat) are embodied, because the extreamities of the Urinary Ducts, do not agree with these oily parts in Figure and Magnitude.

And farther, Fat is not ge­nerated of Nervous Li­quor. This most learned Author seemeth to reinforce his Opinion, by affirming that Fat is produced out of Nervous Liquor, and no ways out of parts associating with the Blood, because in the Dissection of a dead Scorbutick Body, he discerned many drops of Oyl swimming in the Blood, which could not be the cause of Fat, because this person was Emaciated: To which I take the boldness to reply, That these oily Particles floating in the Blood, were unnatural, being the product of Colliquation, hindring the generation of Fat, made by Concretion, which cannot be accomplished as long as the oily parts are in motion with the Blood, whose heat rendreth them thin and fluid.

Wherefore it is necessary for the Sulphureous Liquor to be severed from the Succus Nutricius, accompanying the Blood, by proper Organs, which putteth the oily parts being Extravasated, into a capacity of Concretion, whence ariseth the more solid, coagulated substance of Fat, consisting of many small Globuls, encircled with Concave Membranes, which are formed one after another, by a new afflux of oily parts Concreted, and conjoyned to each other, by interposition of many thin Coats, and are primarily affix­ed to the Adipose Membrane, as to their great support, and common parent.

This Membrane having a double surface, The situation of the Mem­brana Ddiposa. is fastened above to the Fat, with which it is faced, and below to the common Membrane, enwrapping the upper surface of the Muscles appertaining to the Trunk and Limbs, and doth most firmly adhere to the Spine, where it is most thick; whereupon it may be thought, and not without probability, that the Adipose Membrane doth borrow its origen from the Vertebral Nerves.

This Membrane hath its Connexion, The connexi­on of the Membrana Adiposa. by the mediation of the Arteries, Veins, and Nerves, as also by numerous thin Membranes, with the Fat and Skin, lodged above it; and below it, by the interposition of fine narrow Membranes of the common Integuments of the Muscles.

The uses of this Membrane, I conjecture may be many, The use of the Membrana Adiposa. first to confine the fluid oily Particles, the matter of Fat (until they are receptive of Con­cretion) within their proper Banks, lest it should be Colliquated by the motion of the neighbouring Muscles.

Secondly, To support the Vessels, that pass from the Membrane through the Fat into the Skin, and principally the tender Lymphaeducts, and Vessels of the Kidney; and therefore this Membrane is hollowed with many minute Channels, in which the Vessels are safely immured, and conveyed from the inward to the more ambient parts of the Body.

As formerly a Phisician of Rotterdam, assigneth another use to this Mem­brane, as a common Cistern of serous Recrements, or Liquor, and is a Store-House (as this Author affirmeth) of a thin dewy Juice, which doth distil from thence into all the Nervous and membranous parts of the Body; and according to him, is the source of all serous Defluxions into the Joints, in the Gout, which seemeth somewhat strange to me, The Membra­na Adiposa, is not the recep­tacle of serous Humours and Defluxions. seeing this membrane is very thin, and hath no conspicuous Receptacles, of Serous or Alimentary Liquor, which would be requisite, in case it did supply so many parts. And again, The narrow Fibres, with which it is variously interwoven, are so small, that they cannot admit any great quantity of Liquor, with which (if this opinion were good) this thin Membrane must be found Turgid, which is contrary to Experience.

This Adipose Membrane being furnished with divers nervous Fibrils, The Adipose Membrane is of acute sense. disper­sed through the substance of it, is endued with exquisite sense, very evident in horrors and rigors of intermittent Fevers, produced by fiery Steams, breathing out of the Capillary Arteries, into the body of this Membrane, The horror and rigour in Intermittent Fevers, pro­ceed from vel­lications of this Mem­brane, caused by sharp steams. where it doth vellicate the nervous Filaments: Or else, I conceive, these Convulsive motions, may proceed from the disaffected Nervous Liquor, issuing out of the Trunks of Nerves into Fibres, inserted into this Mem­brane, causing storms of irregular motions, the fore-runners of violent Heat, and dews of Sweat distilling through the Excretory Ducts of the Cutaneous Glands, freely besprinkling the surface of the Body.

This Membrane, though in most parts of the Body, is encompassed with rouls of Fat; yet about the Head and Neck, it is overspread with thin car­nous Expansions, beautified with larger divariations of Veins, and Arteries; and thereupon is obnoxious to distempers of Inflammations, Apostumes, Ulcers, Gangrens, and Mortifications

An eminent Chirurgeon of London, gave me a Relation of a Woman, that made it her trade to carry Ale from House to House: Who being of a high Plethorick Constitution, upon some disorder, fell into a high Inflam­mation of her Head and Face, so that the Membrana Carnosa (for so it may be stiled in these parts) being first gently Tumified, did afterward Gangrene and Mortifie; which I conceive proceeded upon this account.

A large proportion of Blood being transmitted by the external Carotides, into the substance of this carnous Membrane, was then lodged in so great a source, that the minute extreamities of the Jugulars could not receive it, so that the christalline part of the Blood, or rather the Succus Nutricius be­ing turned into purulent Matter, produced an Abscess, An Inflamma­tion of the Membrana Carnosa in the Neck, pro­ceeding from a large quan­tity of extra­vasated Blood. whose corrosive substance, tending to the ambient parts of the Head, at last breaketh the Skin, and maketh an Ulcer; which not running freely, did not sufficiently breath the part, by not discharging it of its burden, which was caused by so great an accumulation of Blood, stagnating in the Body of the Membrana Carnosa.

Whence the Blood (the fountain of Life) grew dispirited, and being extravasated in so great a quantity, made such a compression of the adjacent Vessels in that part, that the Circulation of Blood was suppressed; where­upon this Carnous Membrane, investing the Neck and Head, lost its tone, and afterwards was Gangrened, and Mortified; which plainly ap­peared, upon opening the Cutis and Membrana Carnosa.

CHAP. XII. De Membrana Musculorum Communi. Of the common Integument of the Muscles.

T The beautiful Pile of Humane Body in reference to its Bulk, The parts of the Body are hard and soft, and the hard are the ba [...]e of the soft. is com­posed principally of two parts, the more solide, and soft Integrals: The first is the Skeleton, a Composition of many Bones (some Plain, some Wrought, adorned with variety of Shapes and Sizes) the Foundation and Support of the other Fleshy and Membranous parts.

And again the more Solid parts are often overspread with the tender co­verings of the Muscles, The Muscles are collective Bodies, com­posed of di­vers Tubes and Fibres. which are Aggregate Bodies, made up of divers Tubes and Fibres, curiously wrought, and conjoyned to each other by the interposition of many thin Membranes, and their empty spaces are filled up with intercurrent Liquors.

The Muscular parts are so many distinct Bodies (beautified with divers Figures and Magnitudes) enclosed in proper Membranes, The Muscles have peculiar Membranes, and a common integument to keep their soft frames in their proper places. as so many Boun­daries to preserve the tender fabrick of the Muscles, which are again immured within a more strong common Membrane, as a Wall to secure them in their proper Spheres, lest they should quit their Stations in extravagant motions, and thereby grow destitute of Action, to which they are chiefly designed by Nature.

In the common Membrane, The common Membrane is tied above to the Membrana Adiposa, and below to the proper Mem­branes of Muscles. these Remarkables offer themselves, their Situation, Connexion, Origen, Compage, and Uses. As to the first, This large Integument is seated between the Membrana Adiposa, and the Muscles of the Body, as a medium by which they are fixed to each other; and this Membrane hath a connexion above to the Membrana Adiposa, and below to the proper Membranes, the particular enclosures of the numerous engines of motion; The Origen of the common Membrane may seem to be propagated from the Ten­dons of the Muscles seated under it. An Instance to confirm their Hypothesis, is fetched from the Linea Alba, composed of the Tendons relating to the Abdominal Muscles. and this middle Membrane is fastened to that above, and below by vertue of many small thin Membranes.

It borroweth its Origen (as I apprehend) from the numerous Tendons of Muscles lodged under it, which being united, and expanded into one thin large Body, may seem to constitute this common Membrane (investing the proper coats of the Muscles) somewhat after a manner, as the mem­brane of the Linea Alba, is integrated of the Tendons, relating to the Ab­dominal Muscles, which finely decussate each other; as it appeareth in the surface of the Linea Alba, looking like a Lattice, and there are many minute Areae, interceeding the fine Tendons of it, filled up with a white membra­nous substance, made up of closer Fibres, interlined with accreted Nervous Liquor.

The Pericranium, is a Membrane enwrapping the Skull, Others derive its Origen from the Du­ra Mater, as a common Pa­rent of all Membranes. derived as well as other Coats, from the Dura Mater, the common Principle (as is concei­ved) of all the Membranes, appertaining to the whole Body, and conse­quently of this common Membrane; so that the upper Coat of the Brain, is made a common Vest, expanding it self to all the Muscles, as their uni­versal covering.

Others are of an Opinion, that the common membrane of the Muscles, Others derive its dispensati­on from the Vertebre of the Back, to which it is firmly tied, and where it is more thick; but it is my opinion, that it is first pro­pagated, as all other Mem­branes are, from the Se­minal Liquor. borroweth its principle of dispensation from the Vertebres of the Back, to which it is strongly affixed, and is there more thick and solid, than in any other part belonging to it.

But, I humbly conceive, that this common Integument relating to the Muscles, taketh its first conception and birth in the Uterus, from the more clammy parts of the Seminal Liquor (the common Parent of all Membranes, as well as other parts of the Body) which being carried outward toward the ambient parts, groweth more solid by the heat of the Uterus (flowing from the Blood) and is at last Condensed, into a large expanded Mem­brane, encircling divers thin fleshy bodies, as so many fine Organs of mo­tion.

And as to the substance of this common Membrane, The common Membrane hath a sub­stance tran­sparent and much thinner then the Adi­posa. some do conceive it may be stiled a curious Compage (as very fine and much thinner then the Membrana Adiposa, and being Transparent, is not sullied with Fat, or tin­ged with its Yellowness) made up of many small and thin Tendons (sprou­ting out of the proper Membranes, enwrapping the numerous bodies of Muscles) rarely intersecting each other, and parting again; interspersed with many small Areae, as being so many membranes decking the spaces of the minute tendinous Fibres, which are enlarged into a great thin Vail, co­vering the adjacent Engines of motion.

Others have another Sentiment, Some do judg the common Membrane to be constituted of Right, Cir­cular, and Ob­lique Nervous Fibrils, inter­woven with each other. judging them a rare contexture of Ner­vous Fibrils, some being straight, do pass up and down the whole length of the Membrane; and other Fibrils are Circular, running Horizontally; and others are Bevil, making an oblique progress: So that many rows of these fine Fibrils passing in divers positions up and down, Cross-ways, and Obliquely, do frequently intersect each other, above and below, and being so many curious well-spun Threads, are wonderfully interwoven with each other, The Fibrils of the Membrane being round have spaces, filled up with concreted Nervous Li­quor. forming this rare texture of the common Membrane (facing the Muscles) whose numerous Fibrils being so many minute round Bodies, can­not be so closely conjoyned to each other; but there must be, notwithstand­ing the union of them, some remanent spaces, which I conceive, may be filled up with concreted Animal Liquor, adhering to the sides of the Fibrils, whereupon the Membrane is rendred plain and even, as more easie to the Neighbouring parts.

The first use of this common Membrane, is to encircle the Muscles, The first use of this Mem­brane, is to defend the Bo­dy against cold and heat. as with a large Vestment, enwrapping the whole Body, made up of one kind of fine substance, covering the Arms and Trunks, Back and Belly, as with a Wastcoat; and the Thighs, Legs, and Feet, as with Drawers, and Stoc­kins, to guard the confines of the Muscles, against cold and heat.

The second use of this Universal Coat, The second use of the Membrane, is to fix the Skin by the inter­position of many Mem­branes sprout­ting out of the common Mem­brane. is to render the Skin more fixed in its proper station, which is effected by an innumerable company of Fi­bres (springing out of it, as a fruitful Soil) decussating each other for greater strength, as being in a mutual association, a preservative of their thin weak Bodies, which are transmitted through the Membrana Adiposa and Fat, and do continue the same Intersection of each other, in their Termina­tion, [Page 80]where they are inserted into the Skin, which I have often seen, when the Skin hath been parted from the Body, by a gentle and dexterous Hand.

Learned Steno hath made the same Observation of the Ligaments in a Skait, Steno's Obser­vation, how the Ligaments coming from the common Membrane, do pass to the Skin of a Skait. springing from the common membrane of the Muscles, which he gi­veth in his Epistle to Piso, in a Dissection of a Skait. Ab incumbentibus Ab­domini Musculis, instratam ipsis Cutem separanti in Cutem, aut saltem junctam Cuti arctissime Membranam abeuntes tendinosae quaedam Fibrae, ut magnam se­candi difficultatem manibus pariunt, sic Oculos non exiguo recreant oblectamento; transverso nam Ductu se alternatim secante, Pulcherrimum conficiunt plenum, vel si mavis, telam illi non absimilem, quam in telis non usque adeo subtili textura Compositis dete unt Microscopia, ad latera sectionem longius, accurati­usque si continuaveris etiam inter carnosas Fibras, Tendinosas alias ad Cu­tem ascendere notabis.

I will not Translate, but give a short account of this Learned Authors sense (by way of Paraphrase) upon the Dissection of a Skait, in which he discovered a Membrane overspreading the Abdominal Muscles, closely affixed to the Skin, to which divers Tendinous Fibres were conjoyned, in­tersecting each other (in their passage to it) in a most elegant manner, after a kind of Network (as I conceive) which was pleasant to behold; and upon an accurate Dissection continued to the sides, this excellent Au­thor did observe many Carnous Fibres, associating with the [...]endinous, ma­king their progress to the Skin: And, as I apprehend, this Membrane doth not only invest the Abdominal Muscles, but all others relating to the Body of a Skait, and of all other large Fish; and from this large Membrane, ma­ny Tendinous in confaederacy with Nervous Fibres, do climb up to the Skin, to fix it firmly in its due Situation.

The third use of this diffusive Tunicle, The third use of it to keep the Mus­cles in their proper seats. is to cover the Muscles, as with a Garment, and by emitting divers Ligaments into them, to conserve them tight in their proper places, lest they should be extended beyond their na­tural Sphaeres of Activity; whereupon they may bereave themselves of their due motion, when their Carnous and Tendinous Fibres are distended, or vio­lently stretched beyond their native limits.

CHAP. XIII. The History of the Muscles, Mechanically describing their Figures and Integral Parts.

HAving meanly entertained you with a sight of the common Integu­ments, as so many Vests of the Body, which being uncased, the Muscles present themselves, as the most bulky and considerable part of the Body, by imparting to it a greater Circumference and Dimensions, and ren­dring it useful, plump, and graceful.

Although it be my chief intention to give you a History of the Muscles of the Abdomen (in my passage to the inward Recesses of the lowest Aparti­ment) and those of the lower Limbs, in order to Progressive motion, yet by the way, as Ambulatory to it, I will give you a view of the Muscles in a [Page 81]general Conception of their various Figures, and Structure, Muscles are composed of solid and fluid parts, as integrated of Solid and Fluid parts.

The variety of muscular Compages, are not only Integuments of the Ab­domen, but also of the whole Trunk, and Limbs; and within the soft inclosures of Flesh, the several Apartiments of the Body are immured, and these nu­merous Muscles framed, stiled Flesh in a common apprehension, are not only the Clothing, but Food too of our Bodies, Flesh of all sorts very ex­cellent in Eng­land, and some of one kind only in other Countries. which being most delicate in England, as highly fed, are very excellent in great variety in our Nation, and eminent only in one or two kinds in other Countries; the Veal of Italy, and the Kid of Rome, the Mutton of Spain, the Beef of Hungary, but all sorts of Flesh are very choice in England: As Fat Beef, Mutton, Veal, Lamb, Venison, and all kinds of Fowl, Pullets, Turkeys, Pea-hens, Par­triges, Pheasants, Woodcocks, Teal, Plover, Quails, Godwits, Ruffs, Rieves, Snipes, and above all, Fat Chicken; which are found only where the English Inhabit.

And the Muscular parts of Fish are very white and delicious, Fish are very choice, and in great varie­ty in our Na­tion. and very choice and plentiful in our Country; as Carps, Tench, Gudgeons, Pikes, Pearch, Truts, Lampreys, Sturgeon, Gurnet, Turbet, Base, Mullet, Smelts, Lobsters, Prawns, Shrimps, Crayfish, Oisters, and many other excellent Fish (which would be infinite to recount) in which the Muscles are plainly discernable: If you cut a Cod through the Body crossways, Fish have ma­ny rows of Muscles seated one within another, and are discrimi­nated by their white Mem­branes, as pro­per Coats. wherein you may discover many ranks of Muscles, lodged one within another, and are easily distinguished by their proper white Membranes, investing each Muscle; which being cut transversely, appear like so many crooked Lines, interlard­ing their fleshy parts, and running in various maeanders, plainly visible in great Fish, Sturgeon, Salmon, Cod, and the like.

And because the People of our Nation do most freely Indulge themselves, and court their Appetites to excess, in eating various kinds of fat Flesh at one time, as of Bruits, Fowl, and Fish; which may give us the advantage of reflecting upon our Errors, in the Glass of our Punishment, in considering our great Discomposures, caused by our over-free draughts of generous Li­quors, and luxurious Diet, producing an indigested Chyle and gross Blood, which easily degenerate, and by making an unnatural Fermentation, do pro­pagate as many Diseases, as we have different sorts of Flesh. Endemial Di­seases, proper to our Nation, do proceed from the free eating of va­riety of fat Flesh.

And some Diseases are more Endemial, and peculiar to our Nation, as Hypocondriacal, Goutish, and Scorbutick Distempers; the sad Consequents, of our over freely Caressing our selves, in various delicates of high fed Flesh, and great Bowls of Baccus crowned to the Brim.

And now I beg your pardon for this Digression, which is not altogether Impertinent, it being my aim, to Treat of Comparate Anatomy of Bruits, Fowl and Fish.

And now I address my self to the more excellent Muscles of Humane Bo­dies, which if they be raised by a curious Hand in Dissection, they will endear our Eyes, with different Schemes, adorned with elegant Figures, The Muscles of Humane Bo­dies consist of different Fi­gures and Magnitudes, of various shapes and Sizes; some great, some little, some round, as the Rotundus major and minor, the depressors of the Scapula, and others Triangular, as the Muscu­lus Triangularis, the Elevator of the first Rib, and the Scalenus, the Flexor of the Neck, and the oblique descendent, and ascendent and transverse Muscles of the Belly, and some Pyramidal, the Pyramidal Muscles of the Abdomen, some quadrangular short Muscles, the pronators of the Arms, and also the Quadrati, tensors of the Loins; the Rhomboides, the depressor of the Scapula, or rather by which it is fastned to the Thorax, and Tra­pezii, [Page 82]which are Muscles tying the Scapula to the Thorax.

And the fleshy parts of most Muscles represent Parallelogrammes, and the Tendons the Trapezii, Most Muscles are Parallelo­grams, or Pa­laselepipedes. in Figure. And the fleshy Intermedial parts of many Muscles, especially those of the Limbs, in a sort resemble Quadrangles of unequal sides, and may be called Parallelogrammes, or Parallelepipedes, whose extream Plains being continued to the Tendons, do make oblique Angles with the transverse Plains; but the Lateral may be stiled right, in reference both to extream and transverse Plains.

But the Abdominal Muscles, The Muscles of the Belly are adorned with a trian­gular Figure. are embelished with a triangular Figure, whose Base adjoyneth to the right Muscles, and the points to the trans­verse processes of the Vertebres of the Loins; and the oblique descending and ascending Fibres of the descendent, and ascendent Muscles of the Belly, do run in parallel Lines, as relating to each other, and do intersect the right Fibres of the transverse Muscles in obtuse Angles. Simple and regular Mus­cles, have their Fibres seated in a uniform man­ner.

In simple and regular Muscles, the Fibrils make their progress in a uni­form manner, and the several rows of Carnous Fibres, placed one within another, whether they be right, oblique, or transverse, do observe one Or­der, and pass one under another in parallel Lines.

But Compound Muscles, Compound Muscles have a various pro­gress of their Fibres. have in their divers Regions, different Fibres, decussating each other in various Angles. The upper Fibres of the Tongue, are carried from the tip to the Root, in right Lines; and the middle rows of the Tongue do proceed straight downward, and the lower Fibres being carried crossways from the middle to the side, do intersect at a distance the upper Fibres in right Angles.

The Gulet is accommodated with variety of Fibres, The Gulet is furnished with Spiral Fibres. among which the Spiral are numerous, and may be reduced to two sorts, and each consisteth of many Circumvolutions, running after some manner in parallel Lines; but the different ranks of Fibres intersect each other, as if the various wreath­ings wonderfully wrought in Shells of Snails, should have a contrary pro­gress, and decussate each other in opposite Spiral Lines, sometimes creeping under, and sometimes running over each other.

The Temporal Muscle hath a most elegant Scheme, The Tempo­ral Muscle hath a most elegant scheme of Fibres. in which the Eye of the Spectator is highly gratified in its Dissection, with the pleasant view of various tendinous Fibres, of which the lower Tendon is a collective Body, and climbing up into the middle of the Muscle, is at last thinned into a fine Expansion, all beset on both sides with most thin fleshy Particles (in the manner of Feathers beautifying, the Quill on each side) which arise from the inside of the Tendon, and the Flesh also is continued to the surface of the Skull, and the opposite parts of it have a Tendon expanded upon it, by whose mediation it is inserted into the Skull. Muscles are made up of solid and fluid parts. The solid parts of Muscles are a Systeme fra­med of great variety of In­tegrals.

And as to the structure of a Muscle, it may be described a Body made up of Solid and Fluid parts; and as to the first, it may be nominated a choice collective Body, consisting of Membranes, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Limphaeducts, fleshy and tendinous Fibres: So that the numerous Muscles are so many distinct Bodies, lodged in the greater Fabrick of Mans Body, every one being enclosed with a proper Membrane, which doth not only ex­ternally invest it, but doth also insinuate it self into the more inward Recesses, with minute Productions, as so many fine Ligaments, fastning the fruitful Fi­bres to their proper station for their better security.

The Vessels are so many Membranous Tubes, The Vessels are many Cha nels con­veying various Liquors of the Body. transmitting variety of Li­quors, the Vital, Nervous, and Lympha, in the different Channels of Ar­teries, Veins, and Lymphaeducts.

The Arteries import Vital Liquor, The Arteries do export, and Veins import Vital Liquor to the Heart. to give Heat and Life to the sub­stance of every Muscle; out of which the Veins export it by receiving it first into Capillaries, and afterward into the great Branches.

The Nerves are so many Systems, compounded of many thin Filaments, The Nerves do transmit Liquor be­tween their many Fila­ments. curiously adapted to each other, in whose Interstices the Nervous Liquor is conveyed, as by so many Ducts into the body of every Muscle, to impart sense and nourishment.

The Lymphaeducts creep upon the Coats of the Vessels seated in the Muscles, The Lymphae­ducts do con­vey a thin transparent Liquor, the re­crement of the Vital and Ner­vous Juice. (as Ivy twineth its Claspers upon the Ramulets of Trees) and are small Tubes covered with a thin Skin full of Valves; out of which being broken, immediately distilleth a thin transparent Liquor.

The fleshy and tendinous Fibres, are the greatest, and most considerable Ingredients, which do essentially constitute a Muscle, as materially and mechanically taken; but Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lymphaeducts, are not the proper Integrals, that frame a muscular Body, because they are com­mon to the Viscera, as the Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Stomach, Intestines, Mi­sentery, and the like.

And every Muscle hath a more peculiar Contexture, Muscles are composed of tendinous and Carnous Fi­bres. integrated of car­nous and tendinous Fibres; and the Carnous again, as I conceive, are a more aggregate Body, compounded of a fleshy, and tendinous Substance; and the fleshy Fibres, being abstractly taken as of a more fleshy nature, Fleshy Fibres strictly consi­dered, are a part of the Blood concre­ted and adhe­ring to the Coats of the Vessels. are a part of the Blood, which is left behind (in its progress through the sub­stance of the Muscles) and accreted to the surfaces of the Vessels, and the outsides of the tendinous Fibres; so that the Red Crassament being of a viscid and solid nature, easily adhereth to the said Fibres, as a Concreted Liquor covering them, whence they receive (as I apprehend) the appella­tive of fleshy Fibres, dispersed through the whole body of the Muscles, which is made up of these minute fleshy Fibres (as the constituents of it) so closely joyned together, that its hard to discover their close Commissures with each other. These small Fibres are inserted into a Coat common to them, but proper to every Muscle, by which it is discriminated from ano­ther.

Some are of opinion, Galen maketh the Tendons the first Organ of motion. which are not the meanest of Anatomists (among whom great Galen is the Head) that the tendinous Fibres are branched through the whole Body of the Muscle, and afterward being collected into one body, in the Extreamity of it, is the prime Organ of muscular motion, [...]. Tendo est primum Organorum motus, Musculus autem ipse generationis ejus gratia factus est.

But before I add my Mite in compliance with the Assertion of this great Author, I deem it reasonable to say somewhat of the nature and composi­tion of a Tendon; some are of this sense, that a Tendon is a Similar part, A Tendon is a dissimilar Bo­dy made of Ligamentary and Nervous Fibres. continued from one Extreamity of a Muscle to the other: But great Galen is of another Judgment, to whom Bauhinus, Laurentius, Jacobus Sylvius, and Diembroeck, do subscribe, affirming, that a Tendon is a Dissimilar Body, a texture made up of Ligamentary and Nervous Fibres, which do coalesce into one Body, and the Nerve entring into the Muscle, is propagated into small Fibrils, meeting with many Ligamentary Filaments, which do associ­ate, and embody with each other, and passing to the Extreamity of the Muscle do constitute a Tendon, an aggregate Body integrated of Liga­ments and Nerves.

Whereupon Nature hath most wisely interspersed accreted particles of Blood, Flesh abstract­ly taken, fil­leth up the interstices of the Vessels. vulgarly called Flesh, lodged in the empty Spaces of the Tendinous Fibres (to whose Surfaces they adhere) to fill them up, and to fortifie and secure them from Laceration, and Attrition one against another, and to aid the Fibres in Contraction; as learned Diembroeck will have it. Hinc esse, quod Musculi carnosi validius trahunt, quam emaciati, & tenues.

But Aquapendente, Riolan, and Bartholine, do oppose Galen and his Fol­lowers, denying Nervous Fibres to enter into the compage of Tendinous, Because (say they) the Nerve cannot be discerned: Which proceedeth (as I humbly conceive) from the close union of the small Ligaments, with the minute Nervous Fibres, so curiously wrought together, that the most Dex­terous Hand cannot separate them, or the most curious Eye distinguish them one from another; Tendons are Organs of sen­sation, as they partake of Nervous Fi­brils. but it may be made evident by Experience (against which there can be no just reply) that Tendons are very sensible (which must be derived from Nervous Fibrils) which appeareth in Convulsive mo­tions following the punctures of Tendons, and principally in the great Ten­don of the Musculus Gasteroknemius, whence proceed universal concussive agitations of the Muscles of the whole Body; which I saw for many Days, in a young Maid, Universal Convulsive motions are derived from wounding the Musculus Ga­steroknemius. of my worthy Lady Gayor, who was wounded with a Pistol shot, made upon the great Tendon of the Gasteroknemius, which drew all the Muscles into consent, and was derived originally from the acute sense of the wounded Tendon, as participating Nervous Fibrils, the instruments of Sensation, and did communicate it to all the Muscles affected with Nervous Filaments, inserted into Tendons: Which learned Vesalius opposeth, saying, that Nerves accompany the Arteries and Veins into the body of a Muscle, but are not implanted into the termination of it: Which seemeth very improbable, because according to the opinion of this famous Au­thor, the Vessels of Blood are sometimes inserted into the extreamities of the Muscle, and by that reason why may not the Nerves accompany them thither, as well into other parts of the Muscle, where the Nervous Fibres may enter first into society with the tendinous, The Fibres of Nerves ac­company the Bloodie Ves­sels to the ter­mination of the Muscles. and after be carried into the great Tendons seated in the terminations of the Muscles.

And again, It is most apparent to sense, that the greater Nervous Fibres do wait upon the larger Sanguiducts, but it may be more difficult to discover the more secret tract of the minute Arteries, and Veins associating with small Nervous Fibrils, which I humbly conceive, insinuate themselves into the Carnous, and tendinous parts of the Muscle, and speak them sensible, which no way could be granted them without the entercourse of Nerves, the prime ministers of Sense; Carnous Fi­bres taken in a common sense do com­prehend vari­ety of Vessels.

And there is no part of Carnous Fibres, but are furnished with a number of small Vessels, and Nervous Fibrils, admirably branching themselves through the several Particles of Flesh, and are the great Machines of Motion; be­cause Flesh according to the Learned, is a most curious texture of Vessels of all kinds, among which, Arteries, Veins, and Lymphaeducts, cannot chal­lenge to themselves any share in Motion, being only Channels to convey, and reconvey the Blood and Lympha, whereupon the motion of the Muscles must be attributed to the tendinous Fibres, and not to the Carnous, simply and precisely taken, as tinged with a Purple hew, proceeding from extravasated Blood, Flesh taken in a strict notion is a soft red substance ad­hering to the Coats of the Vessels, dying the Vessels in its passage between them and their Flesh, which being abstracted from the Vessels, and taken in a simple notion, is nothing else but a soft red Substance, that faceth the Intermedial Spaces of the Sangui­ducts, and nervous and tendinous Fibres, and maketh a small and inconsi­derable [Page 85]proportion, of the body of the Muscle, if it standeth in competi­tion with the other more large and numerous Fibrous parts, to which no motion can be assigned except to the tendinous parts of the Muscle, be­cause the other Vessels making up the body of the Muscle, are dedicated to another use: But I will no longer dispute the name of Carnous Fibres, now I have explained my self, and subscribe to common Use (though somewhat improper) which is the great Master and Arbitrator of Language.

Thus having given a large Discourse of the Solid parts of a Muscle, for which I beg pardon for my Prolixity: The [...]d parts of a Muscle are constituted of various Li­quors. It is high time to speak now of the Fluid parts of it, which are Liquors of several kinds, Blood, Ner­vous Juice, and Lympha; the two first are efficient Causes, giving Life, Sense, and Motion to the Solid parts, and the third doth Dilute the Chyle, the Vital, and Animal Liquors, rendring them more fluid and fit for Mo­tion, through the Vessels, and substance of the Muscular parts.

Blood being one of the Principal Liquors, if not the most Generous, Blood in a large notion is made up of Chyle, red Crassament, and a crystal­line Liquor. impraegnates the whole Body with Heat and Life, and being taken in a com­prehensive notion, is made up of three embodied Liquors (integrating the Mass of Blood) the Chyle (being the Materia Substrata, by which it is supported) and two other more matured parts, the Red Crassament, and the serous Crystalline Liquor.

The Red Crassament is the more thick, and fibrous part of the Blood, The red Cras­sament is the coagulating part of the Blood when extravasated. and Coagulates, when it hath lost its Circular Motion, as Extravasated, upon the laceration of Vessels, seated in the Viscera or Muscular parts, or the Stomach, or Intestines; whence arise Inflammations of the Viscera, and Muscular parts, and Coagulations of Blood, extravasated in the cavities of the Stomach, Intestines, and the like, who are highly sollicited to eject the congealed Blood as a most troublesome Guest, out of the confines of the Body.

This red Liquor, The Blood is primitively White, and afterward groweth Red, plumping up the body of the Muscles (being White in its first Production out of the Seminal Liquor) consisteth of Sulphureous and Saline Particles, well commixed and digested by Heat, and Motion, whence they are tinged Red, somewhat resembling Condited Fruits: Which being primarily White, are afterward hued with a deep Red, when long, The manner of production of the tincture of Blood, and gently boiled with Sugar, made up of Saline Particles: This Red tin­cture of the Blood, enobling the body of the Muscles, is produced by sweet Oily and Saline Particles of the Vital Spirits, in the manner of Liquor infused with Roses, and tinged with Spirit of Sulphur, or Vitriol, as the red tincture of Blood in its first Rudiment, is apparelled with white Robes, and after clothed with Scarlet died Red, as digested with gentle steams of Heat, much advanced by Motion, and may be represented by Art, pro­ductive of Liquor of Cumphery Roots, Satyrion, and the like, beaten into a white Pulp, and besprinkled with Wine and put into a Glass Matrace, set for some time in a vaporous Bath, and then the Ingredients are tinged first with a light Red, and being strained, and the Liquor put into the Ma­trace placed in warm Steams, is receptive of a deeper Red, caused by a long and warm Digestion, whence from its resemblance in Colour it is en­titled to the name of Blood.

The red Crassament when let out of the Veins by Art, Coagulates, The red Cras­sament of the Blood coagu­lates, when deprived of its motion, as quitting its proper place, whereupon it being deprived of Motion, looseth its spirit and tone, and upon Rheumatisms, and convulsive motions of the Muscles, when it takes leave of the Body, as parted by a Skilful Hand; this Purple body of Blood, being Coagulated, is vailed with an unnatural [Page 86]Surface, The surface of [...] [...]ood when coagu­lated, is hued with variety of colours. with a thick, tough, skinny Matter, disguised with unkindly co­lours of White, Yellow, Blew, Brown, Greenish, and the like, and is commonly esteemed to be the fibrous part of the Blood: But in truth (as I humbly conceive) it is the gross part of the Succus Nutricius, which be­ing not sufficiently Concocted in the Stomach, and Intestines, is conveyed through the Lacteae and Thoracic Ducts, into the Subclavian Ves­sels and Cava, where it associateth with the Vital Liquor, and by reason of its overmuch Crudity, is not capable to be perfectly assimilated into Blood, still retaining the grossness, and sometimes the Colour, and some­times receiveth variety of Colours, which may be assigned to the serous parts of the Blood, as more or less torrified by the unnatural heat of it.

The serous part of the Vital Liquor (being an intimate associate of the red Crassament in its Circuit through the Vessels, The serous part of the Blood differ­eth from the red Crassa­ment, both in colour, con­sistence, and disposition. and substance of the Muscles) is of a transparent Crystalline Colour, and different from it both in Consistence and Colour, as the Red Crassament is an Opace, and more solid Substance, and the Serous Liquor of the Blood, of a more fluid bright Colour; the Vehicle of the other, making it more thin and pliable in order to Motion, and is of a more gentle disposition, consisting of more mild Saline Particles, tempering the heat and acid Particles of the Red Crassa­ment, which would lose its motion, and Coagulate in the Vessels, and their Spaces, if it was not Diluted with the more fluid Particles of the Crystal­line Liquor, which being thin and serous, while in confaederacy with the Purple Liquor; but being severed from it, and acted with the heat of the Fire, is concreted into a substance not unlike the White of an Egg, but in its native Constitution, is of a clear whitish and transparent Colour, and degenerates by an ill temper of the Blood, into more Yellow, Green, and sometimes of a Blewish hue; which I have seen in Poringers after Blood­letting, when it hath quitted its fellowship with the Red Crassament.

The Nervous Liquor is much akin in Colour and Substance to the Cry­stalline Humour (an inmate of the Blood) and receiveth its first rudiments in the Ambient parts of the Brain, The Nervous Liquor is ge­nerated of the more mild parts of the Blood in the Cortical Glands of the Brain. and hath for its Materia Substrata, the more delicate and refined parts of the Blood, and Succus Nutricius; which being secerned, and impraegnated with volatil Salt in the Cortical Glands, is thence conveyed into the origens of the Nerves, the extreamities of their Fibrils, lodged near the surface of the Brain, and is thence transmitted by the fibrous parts of the more inward Recesses, into the trunk of the Nerves (composed of many Fibrils) beginning in the Medulla Oblongata, and mar­gent of the Medulla Spinalis, from whence this Animal Liquor is propaga­ted by several Branches, and Ramulets, of Nerves divaricated in the Mus­cles relating to the Limbs, and several apartiments of the Body.

So that Nerves being Collective Bodies (made up of numerous Fila­ments) are neatly tied to each other, Nerves are Systems of many Fila­ments. by the interposition of many fine Mem­branes, and the gentle streams of Animal Liquor, are conveyed into the In­terstices of these fruitful Filaments, as into many small Channels, which are filled with this noble Juice, plumping up the body of the Muscles, which else would grow lank and flaccid.

These numerous Filaments (besetting the Muscular substance) are big with a delicate Juice, The Nervous Filaments are invigorated with volatil saline Parti­cles of Ner­vous Liquor. inspired with Volatil, Saline, and lucid Particles, which being diffused like so many Rays into the numerous Fibrils, do give them force and vigour, which is much assisted with airy elastic Particles of the Ani­mal [Page 87]Spirits, rendring the Muscular Fibres the immediate engins of Motion, Tense, and fit for Contraction.

The last and meanest Liquor, relating to the Muscles, is the Lympha, The Lympha is a thin tran­sparent Li­quor, severed in the Gands. and is a thin transparent Recrement severed from the Animal Liquor, in the sub­stance of the Glands (seated in the Muscles, as well as in other parts) where this useful thin Juice, if issuing above the Diaphragme, is discharged into the Subclavian Veins, but if below, into the common Receptacle.

And if the Lympha be severed from the Nervous Liquor in the Glands, lodged in the Muscular parts, its progress is much promoted by the contraction of the Organs of Motion, after the same manner as the Salival Liquor (which for the most part consisteth of Lympha) floweth much more then ordinary, as assisted by the Muscles of the lower Mandible, which impart a quickness of Motion to it, by various contractions acted in the time of mastication of Aliment.

And I humbly conceive, The greatest part of the Lympha is a Recrement seperated from the Blood. that the Lympha is not only a Recrement of the Nervous Liquor, but of the Vital too, by reason the great quantity of thin Salival Liquor cannot proceed wholly from the Nerves, but chiefly from the Blood, which is percolated in the numerous Salival Glands, and transmit­ted by Excretory Ducts into the Cavity of the Mouth, into which such great proportions of thin transparent Liquor is spued in a Salivation, cau­sed by Mercurial Medicines in Venereal tempers; so that that large Evacua­tion remaining for many Days, if it were derived solely from the Nerves, would exhaust the whole liquor of them.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Muscles of the Belly, and their several Motions.

HAving handled the Muscles, according to the various progress of their Fibres, and their Figure, and Fabrick (consisting of Solid and Fluid parts) in a general Notion, which I have made as ambulatory to the Muscles of the Belly, discovering themselves (when the Abdomen is de­spoiled of its common Integuments) and are lodged under the common Coat of the Muscles, being so many fleshy Expansions of a Triangular Fi­gure, facing the Caul, and Intestines, safely immured, within these soft Walls.

Some of these Muscular Coverings are lateral, The Muscles of the Abdo­men, are so many cover­ings of the parts seated in the lowest apartiment. as seated on each side three, adjoyning to the right Muscles, lodged between these Lateral, which are the Oblique Descendent, Ascendent, and Transverse, receiving a Dis­crimination from each other, by the proper lineaments of their various Fi­bres, sporting themselves in different Postures.

The Oblique descendent Muscles challenge a preeminence over the rest, The descrip­tion of the oblique de­scendent Mus­cles. both in reference to their largeness, and superiority of Situation; and have a treble Origen from the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth, and sometimes from the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Ribs, with indented Productions, which are conjoyned, and insinuated into carnous dentiform Processes of the Musculus anticus serratus major. The middle Origen proceedeth from [Page 88]the transverse Processes, of the Vertebres of the Loins; and the lowest Ori­gen of the Oblique Descendent Muscle, is borrowed from the whole Spine of the Os Ilium. This Muscle for the most part is fleshy in its Originati­on, and is inserted with a thin tendinous Expansion into the Linea Alba, and is perforated by the Cremasters, and the Spermatick Arteries, and Veins included in them near the Os Pubis.

The second Lateral Muscle of the Belly, The Oblique ascendent [...]des de­scribed. hath the appellative of the Oblique Ascendent, and is seated under the Oblique Descendent, having a threefold Origination: The first is fleshy, being derived from the under region of the Eleventh and Twelfth Rib; and its advantagious Situation, contributeth much to the closing of the Thorax, by its contraction in Ex­piration, whence ariseth a relaxation of the Diaphragme, as being reduced to an Arch, and the Intestines, and Stomach being elevated by the com­pression of the Abdominal Muscles, are reduced into their proper places. The second Origination of the Oblique Ascendent Muscle, is Nervous, and taketh its rise from the Spines of the Os Sacrum, and the transverse processes of the [...]ertebres of the Loins. And the third Origen, is Carnous, deri­ving it self from the appendix of the Os Ilium, under the Spine, and af­terward inserteth it self with a Membranous Expansion into the Linea Alba, the center of all the Abdominal Processes This Muscle receiveth a perforation by the Cremasters, and Spermatick Vessels, at a little distance above that of the Oblique Descendent Muscle.

And the Transverse Muscles have also a treble beginning, the highest is fleshy, indented from the inward extreamities of the Spurious Ribs, and the middle Membranous, from the transverse processes of the Vertebres of the Loins, and the lower Origen from the Spine of the Os Ilium, and do terminate with a Membranous insertion into the Linea Alba; a rare Mem­branous Contexture, made up of all the Tendons of the Abdominal Muscles, which being united in one entire Body, do joyntly assist each others mo­tion, by which the compression of the Belly is accomplished.

The transverse Muscles having the lowest allodgment under the Oblique Ascendent, The delinea­tion of the transverse Muscles of the Abdomen. are pierced above them by the Cremasters (containing within them the Spermatick Vessels, at a greater distance from the Os Pubis; so that the highest perforation made by the Spermaticks, is first done in the Transverse Muscles, and then it is carried a little lower through the Oblique Ascendent, The perfora­tions of the Muscles of the Abdomen by the sperma­tick Vessels is made in ob­lique postures, to secure the Caul and Intestines from falling down into the Scrotum. and lowest of all through the Oblique Descendent, and after­ward pass out of the Body to the Scrotum, whereupon the performation is made in oblique position by the Spermatick Vessels, through all the Lateral Muscles of the Belly as the most near way, and to prevent an Hiernia by securing the Caul and Intestines from passing with the Spermatick Vessels, through the same perforations into the Scrotum; the right Muscles of the Belly have a carnous Origination, and arise out of the Ensiform Cartilage, and Cartilages of the Ribs, and are inserted into the Os Pubis, and are seated in the middle of it, guarded on each side by the Lateral Muscles; and are beautified with two, three, and sometimes with four Inscriptions, be­ing Nervous Intersections, which have been accounted by some Anatomists, as so many distinct Muscles.

But I humbly conceive, that these Nervous Interpositions, are not divers Muscles, but different parts of the same, as they all agree in one Opera­tion, and participate of uniform right Fibres, and have one simple insertion into the Linea Alba; whence may be consequently inferred, that the Fibres of these Muscles being uniformly continued from one extreamity of them [Page 89]to another; it must be granted of necessity, that all the Intermedial parts at the same time must either act, or acquiesce by a joynt Contraction, or Relaxation.

About the inward Recesses of these Muscles, An eminent Inosculat [...]on of Vessels of the same kind in the Epiga­stricks, seated in the inward ward recesses of the Abdo­minal Vessels. is seated that eminent In­osculation of the Epigastrick with the Mammary Vessels, to which the Ana­tomists have assigned the great consent between the Uterus, and the Mam­mae, which doth not proceed from the union of the Epigastrick Veins, which ascend through the right Muscles, and then encounter the Mammary Veins descending near the inside of the Exsiform Cartilage.

The reason I conceive, why the Inosculation between the Mammary and Epigastrick Veins, cannot effect the Uterus and Mammae with any consent, is because the Veins do not import, but export Vital Liquor, from those parts; therefore the consent between them, cannot arise from holding an entercourse with each other, but the consent may appear in the Arteries, be­cause the Epigastrick Arteries do Inosculate with the Mammary; whereupon the course of Blood being intercepted towards the Uterus, it may be diver­ted towards the Mammae.

And the same may be asserted of the Inosculation of the Epigastrick Nerves with the Mammary, which frequently accompany those Arteries: An Inoscula­tion made be­tween the Epigastrick with the Mam­mary Nerves. But it may be demanded, If the union of Veins do not contribute to the consent of parts, to what use are the Inosculation of Veins subservient? To which I make bold to return this Answer: That the Inosculations of Veins, which are chiefly made in the lesser Branches, appertaining to the outward Members, are obnoxious to divers manner of Obstructions, in which greater Vessels are not so much concerned; for small ones upon an easie account, are subject to Ligatures, Compressions, and Lacerations, to which greater Vessels are not so liable, whereupon the course of the Blood being stopped in any particular Branch, so that it is rendred unfit to receive the impulse of Blood, it is requisite another Vein inosculated with the obstructed Branch, should supply the defect of the others passage, and there­in to make good the Circuit of the Blood: And to that intent, the Omni­potent Agent, out of his great Wisdom, hath contrived many Inosculations of Vessels of the same Family, as Veins with Veins, and Arteries with Ar­teries, that when a stop is made in some Branches, the motion of the Blood may be made good in others that are adjacent, as most necessary for the preservation of the noble vestal flame of Life, which will quickly be extinguished, if the motion of the Blood be suppressed in the great Vessels; Whereupon the All-wise Architect (to whom Glory and Thanks be given for ever) hath most graciously provided for the motion of the Blood in our first Formation, by variety of Anastomoses of Arteries with Arteries, and Veins with Veins, as the different Channels of Vital Liquor.

In Women with Child, the Inosculations of the Epigastrick Vessels with those of the Breast, are very serviceable, because the Uterus being Impraegna­ted, laboureth with great obstructions, caused either by the quantity, or grossness of Blood, upon the suppression of the Menstrua, or by the compression of the Foetus, lying upon the Vessels; whereupon a Channel hath been observed (which seemed to equal the bigness of a Finger, passing between the Groin, and the Breast of a Woman great with Child) because during that time, the Epigastrick Veins are highly compressed with the swelled Uterus, chief­ly between the Share-bone, and the Womb; Whereupon, Nature hath most clearly evidenced her great Prudence, in the formation of frequent Inosculations of the Epigastrick, with the Mammary Vessels; that when [Page 90]the Epigastricks are compressed, A Tumour is discharged (proceeding from a quanti­ty of Blood intercepted) by frequent Inosculations of the Epiga­strick with the Mammary Vessels. a great Tumour ariseth upon the plenitude of Blood; which Nature dischargeth by the Mammary vessels (inosculated with the Epigastrick) into the Breast, whereupon are produced great ful­ness and shootings in the Breasts of great Bellied Women: But yet a diffi­culty remaineth, When the course of Blood is intercepted below in the Epi­gastrick Artery, and the passage left free above in the Mammary, that such a great Intumescence should be found in the Vessels below, which hath been observed: To which, I humbly conceive, this reply may be made, That when the motion of the Blood being checked below in the Epigastrick Artery, its Circuit is not so hastily supplied above by its Inosculation with the Mammary, because the Blood being a heavy fluid Body, ascendeth with greater difficulty upward through the Mammary Artery toward the Breast, then it descendeth downward through the Epigastrick, toward the Uterus.

Again, another Reason may be offered, Why the Current of the Blood is carried upward with greater difficulty from the Epigastrick to the Mam­mary Vessels, is because Nature is unaccustomed to that Course, wherefore it more easily tendeth downward, and swelleth the Epigastrick, where it is lodged sometime till Nature hath a kind of force upon her, by account of necessity, to free her self from the trouble of a Tumour in the Epiga­stricks; whereupon she is constrained to send the Blood upward by the Mammaries into the Breast

And now having treated of the Right Muscles, and the Inosculations of the Vessels seated near them, the Pyramidal Muscles, their Neighbours, lodged at their feet, The Pyrami­dal are assi­stant to the oblique ascen­dent Muscles. seem to claim our Notice, and were first invented by curious Fallopius (a great Master of Anatomy) and called by this learned Author, Musculi Succenturiati, because they are auxiliaries to the oblique Ascendent, by assisting them, in performing the duty of their Motion.

And upon that reason, The progress and original of the Pyra­midal Muscles. the Fibres of the Pyramidal Muscles, take their progress right upward, after the same order, which the Oblique Ascendent do observe, and have a fleshy Origination, which beginneth about the Os Pubis, above the process of the Peritonaeum, and above the exterior inser­tion of the Right Muscles; and after a little space, they creep on each side of the said Muscles, and in their progress, do grow sensibly less and less, till they terminate into a Conic Tendon, whence they receive the appella­tive of Pyramidals, whose Tendon is inserted sometimes above, and some­times below the Navil, into the Linea Alba

Nature serveth her self in many uses on these curious Muscles of the Belly, by reason the Viscera would be lank and thin, in the Membranous inclosures of the common Integuments (though lined with Fat) had not they been also encircled with these more substantial fleshy Expansions, The inward parts of the lowest story are secured within the Abdominal Muscles, as within so ma­ny safe Walls. which are like so many fine Walls (rarely built one within another in Arch-work) embellished in the middle on each side of their Margents, with slender ob­long Right Muscles, as with Pillars, beautified with Pyramidal Pedestals, and above with Capitals, rounded with blunt Heads; and their Bodies are pain­ted with Red and White, interspersed with large red Prominencies, inter­woven with white Membranous Intersections.

These Muscular Walls are coped above, with the long Arches of the Ribs, and founded below on the Os Ilium, and Pubis, and the points of their Triangles are to the transverse Processes of the vertebres of the Loins, finely wrought with divers sorts of Carved Work.

And the reason why these fine fleshy Muscles (graced with a Triangu­lar Figure) are all Arched, is to give a more ample reception to the large Housholdstuff, lodged in this lower Apartiment, The Muscles of the Abdo­men are made fleshy, that they might more easily give way to the Stomach and Intestines when they are pressed down­ward in inspi­ration. and these arched inclosures are therefore made Fleshy, that they may more easily give way to the motion of the Stomach, Intestines, Liver, when they are pressed down­ward by the Diaphragme in inspiration; which is performed not only in Hu­mane Bodies, but in those of Bruits, and other imperfect Animals, whose lower Apartiments in their anterior region, are encircled with various fleshy Expansions, seated immediately under the common Membrane of the Muscles, and above the Caul and Intestines, which are immured within these soft inclosures. And here I beg Pardon, for making a Digression (it being my designe to Treat of Comparate Anatomy) in speaking of the Muscles of Insects, which hold some Analogy with those of Mans Body, and of the Woody parts of Trees, which may seem in some manner in their thin flakie Expansions, to resemble the Muscles of the Belly, whose uses I will farther take the boldness to Assign, after I have given some account of the Carnous Fibres of the Muscles, and the Wooden Fibres of Trees.

The Insects have Muscles as well as Animals, The insects have many thin Expansi­ons lodged one within another, which resemble in some sort the Muscles of the Belly. arraied in great order as so many Laminae, or Flakes, seated one within another in variety of ranks (and have some resemblance in this point with the Abdominal Muscles) having several Makes, Situations, Progresses, which speak a great beauty as well as use, to these fine Creatures.

The first rank of these curious Fabricks in Silk-worms, are right Muscles immediately lodged and fastned by thin Fibres to the inside of the Skin, taking their Course longways, which may easily be discerned after the lower Apartiment is dispoiled of its Viscera, and Embowell'd; these out­ward Muscles cover the narrow Circular Membranes (running cross the Body) and are fastned, where these annular Coats are in conjunction with each other, and the lower approach the upper in progressive motion. These thin Muscles are adorned with a blush of Red (interspersed with a whitish or Ashcoloured hue) and are of a kind of roundish Figure; and being viewed with a curious Eye, appear to be Systems of many Minute Fibrils, not running in parallel but spiral Lines (as Learned Malpighius hath obser­ved) much resembling some Tendons in great Animals.

And I conceive, it is a matter of great difficulty to discern the fine frames, situations, rows, and progresses, of these Muscular Contextures, occasioned by their great smalness and fineness, and the agility of these Minute Ani­mals, being always in motion, producing various Contractions, which ob­scure the Origens, and Insertions, of these small Fibrils, curiously conjoyned to, and sometimes interwoven with each other, and do terminate into the Interstices of the Circular Membranes.

And these are constituted one under another: So that it may be questi­oned, whether these be the same, or different Fibres, one succeeding ano­ther in the same order. The right Fi­bres do not run in parallel Lines, but irregularly. The right Fibres do not run aequidistant one from another, but in a confused manner, and meeting on the one side with Ob­lique Filaments, are not discernible, where they are mixed with them, not far from the Ringlike Membranes, and chiefly about the middle of the Back, where the Oblique Line is extended from Head to Tail; towards which Line, the Fibres do incline: So that in each Circular Coat, the Fi­bres do Terminate, making a kind of Pyramis, whose side is placed in sub­ordinate Inclinations downward, toward the middle of the Back, and the Arch afterward appeareth in the utmost extreamities of the Fibrils.

The second rank of Fibres, The second ra [...]k are lodg­ed under the right Fibres. lodged under the right, are minute thin Mus­cles, which bending somewhat outward, are inserted almost into the same Confines, adjoyning to the Circular Membranes.

The third row of Fibres are also Oblique; The third row of Fibres have an opposite progress to the former. and seated under the middle rank of crooked Filaments: This last Systeme of Muscular Fibres, take an opposite course to the former, whose greater part is enlarged toward the middle of the Back, and its lesser doth arrive, both at the upper, and lower region of the middle Coats.

This is another lesser order, A less order of Fibres creeping un­der the third. of Oblique Fibres, creeping under the third, and are more deeply inserted; under these also pass Oblique Ascendent Fi­bres, which do Terminate into the second fold of Annular Coats.

And below these are found many other Fibres, Many other Fibres run counter to the lesser, called Oblique De­scendents. running counter to the other, and may be stiled Oblique Descendent, and do end at the Margent of the first fold relating to the Circular Coats.

And under these Descendent Filaments, Under the Descendent, pass ascendent Filaments. are placed other Oblique Ascen­dent Filaments, which being carried to the middle of the Rings encircling the Body, are implanted into a thin broad Muscle.

And now I beg the freedom to speak my Sense more freely and fully, in giving you a more perfect Account (as I humbly conceive) of the Stru­cture, Origination, Insertion, Course of the Fibres, and Use of the various Muscles of Silk-worms, The Muscles of Silk-worms are small Fila­ments, inter­woven with each other, passing in dif­ferent po­stures. whose select Contexture is made up of a collection of small Threads, rarely interwoven and conjoyned to each other, by the interposition of some narrow Membranes; and are so many thin Vails, or Leaves, one enwrapped within another, beset with numerous Fibres, some passing in right Lines, and others intersecting them in oblique Angles, some ascending, others descending, and others going in transverse postures.

The right, which immediately interline the Skin, are many short Exter­nal, and Internal Muscles, and every pair of Rings hath one of each seated between them, in opposite manner; some beginning, and others ending in the upper and lower sides of the Circular Membranes, which resemble the Ribs in greater Animals, and these fine Muscles the external and inter­nal Intercostals.

There are also curious ranks of Muscles lying under these right ones, which are many Oblique Ascendents, and Descendents, so stiled from their various course of Fibres; some bending themselves upward, some down­ward, and others crossways, thereby interlining the sides, and belly of these Minute Creatures.

In some sort, These thin Muscles of Silk-worms, are like the fine fleshy Ex­pansions of the Belly. these Muscles in their various postures of Fibres, are so ma­ny Laminae folded within each other, and are Integuments of the lower Belly, preserving the Viscera; and have a kind of semblance with the Muscles of the Belly (relating to more perfect and greater Animals) which are so many fine Machines, encircling one another, and garnished with variety of Ascending, Descending, and Transverse Fibres, imparting diffe­rent Motions, and keeping the Intestines tight, do secure them and the other Bowels from outward assaults and ill accidents.

As to the use of these Muscles, These Muscles of the of Silk-worms are made as well for pro­gressive moti­on, as the pre­servation of the Viscera. they are instituted by Nature for Pro­gressive Motion, as well as preservation of the Viscera. In motion there are many Requisites: First, The principle of it, which is the Brain, or Spinal Marrow, acting it with some choice Liquor, impraegnated with delicate and Volatil Spirits, and are the Causae motrices, the Efficient Causes: And the Instruments, are the Fibres: And there are others Immoveable, to which as to the Center of Motion, the moveable terms do tend, because all Motion [Page 93]is founded somewhat immoveable, The efficient causes of mo­tion are the Animal Spirits and the In­struments are Fibres, acted by these spi­rits. which in Silk-worms is composed of ma­ny Rings, and are the Hypomoclia, consisting of two parts; the upper and Principal, obtain more solidity, and thereupon endued with greater strength; and the lower region is more soft and weak, being full of Wrinkles and Asperities, into which the origen of the Muscles are implanted, as into some base of Motion.

The many Muscles are seated between the Annular Membranes, These Muscles lodged be­tween the an­nular Mem­branes, are the Organs of pro­gressive moti­on. and be­ing the more solid parts of the Body, are somewhat akin in situation to the Intercostals, in perfect Animals; and are in those Creatures, the engins of Progressive Motion; and each of them being fastned in both Extreamities, above and below to every pair of Rings, do begin to play first in the Ex­treamity, near the Anus of Silk-worms; and the celebration of going in them beginneth in the last Ring, from which the hindermost of Annular Muscles being Contracted, the Space interceding the pair of lower Rings is short­ned; so that by pulling the lowest Rings more nearly to the upper, The motion of Silk-worms beginneth in the posterior parts! the hin­der parts of this small Animal is first drawn forward, and so successively, all the Annular Muscles playing one after another, do Contract, all the Spaces lodged between the Rings, from the Tail to the Head, thereby bringing the Body part by part forward, till at last the Head is put into mo­tion, and consequently the whole Animal is carried from place to place: The motion of these In­sects is pro­moted by the lifting up their Legs and Feet.

Which is necessarily assisted by the motion of the short Legs, and small Feet, first lifted up, and carried forward by the Oblique and Transverse Fibres, inserted into them; whereupon (as I conceive) at the same time, the hinder Legs and Feet do move with the Fibres, contracting the Inter­stice of the last pair of Rings, and so by consequence, the next Legs and Feet being lifted up, do act with the next pair of Rings, and so successively, by the motion of the Legs and Feet, celebrated by the Oblique and Trans­verse Fibres, do help the neighbouring Rings in order to motion, immedi­ately performed by the manifold right Muscles: And not only the Bodies of Animals, but Plants, and Trees, have somewhat in resemblance, by their numerous Fibres, and Woody Substance, to the narrow Filaments, and fleshy parts of living Creatures. The Cuticle and Bark are fine compages made up of divers Fila­ments.

The body of Plants, is immured within the Cuticle and Bark, as within a thin, and a more substantial Wall, two rare Contextures, made of divers minute stringy Filaments, curiously worked in fine Network, speaking the great Artifice of the highest Architect.

The body of Plants lodged warm within these Coverings, securing them against severe Weather, is also composed of great variety of Parts (though much inferiour to those of Animals) of many thin Integuments, The body of Plants compo­sed of many hollow Fibres, filled with a Parenchyma, is somewhat like the body of Animals. lying one over another, Sicut strata, super strata; and are framed of innumerable small hol­low Fibres, closely joyned together: This rare Contexture, somewhat re­sembleth the Flesh of Animals, which are also many Systems of Vessels, en­wrapped one within another, and make the bulk of our Body.

This wooden frame of Vegetables, is composed of divers inferiour and superiour Stories, of Roots, Trunks, and Limbs, all which are again inte­grated of most, long, and some transverse Fibres, interspersed with small Cortical, running Horizontally through the Body of the Wood, which is made up of numerous Laminae, or Flakes, encircling each other; and are so many ranks of small Cylinders, so finely conjoyned to each other, that they seem to constitute one entire Frame.

These fine Wooden Plates, The fine woo­den Laminae do in some manner resem­ble the thin f [...]eshy Expan­sions of the Abdominal Mu [...]cl [...]s. do somewhat resemble theth in fleshy Expansions of the Abdominal Muscles, which are lodged in each others embraces, and are various Models, composed of rows of divers Vessels, making several Divarications, through the substance of the Muscles, which the different Wooden Vessels do imitate, as they convey various Liquors Perpendicularly, and Horizontally the length and breadth of the body of the Plants.

Thus having Treated somewhat of the Muscles of Insects, and the Wood­en Flakes framing the body of Trees, as they hold some Analogy with the Muscles of Mans Body, and more particularly of those of the Belly.

I will make bold to give a farther account of the uses of the Abdominal Muscles, The use of the Muscles of the Abdomen cover the Vi­scera of the lowest Apar­timent, as with fine Vestments consisting of various Li­nings. which invest the Caul and Intestines, as with so many Garments, so rarely fitted to each other, that they seem to be one entire thick Vest­ment, and so suited to the Body, that they sit on it like well shaped Ap­parrel, without Rumples or Wrinkles; so that these fine well-made Cover­ings, give no trouble to the more tender inward Recesses of the Belly, which are cherished by their own heat, as kept from more free Transpira­tion by these Muscular enclosures; and defended against Storms of Cold, and the assaults of hard and solid Bodies, which otherwise would prove very of­fensive to the soft Entrals of the Belly.

Another use may be attributed to this rare Systeme of Abdominal Mus­scles, The second use is by their contraction to assist the Peristaltick Motion of the Intestines. is by a strong Contraction, to draw these Instruments of Motion in­ward, and thereby lessening the Cavity of the lowest Apartiment of the Body, to compress the Caul, Stomach, Intestines, to quicken the Peristal­lick motion of the Intestines, and discharge the more grosse Excrements by Stools and the watry by Urine, and to promote the throws of the Uterus, in order to the exclusion of the Foetus, and the motion also of the Intestines, Bladder, and Uterus, is very much assisted by the Diaphragme, by giving a stop to our Breath after a strong Inspiration; with which afterward the Intercostal Muscles do successively co-operate in the Dilatation of the Breast, because when the Cavity of the Breast being filled with the Lungs, the Dia­phragme is strongly compressed, and highly forced downward, and the Sto­mach and Intestines depressed with it, which also promoteth the natural Mo­tion of all parts lodged in the lowest Apartiment, and upon that account the expulsion of divers sorts of Excrements is hastned.

The third use of the Muscles of the Belly, The various position of the Abdomi­nal Muscles, do keep the Viscera in a due ballance. may be thus conceived to be derived from the natural Situation of them, and various positions, and pro­gress of their Fibres: The oblique, descendent, ascendent, and transverse Muscles, being finely encircled within each others Wings, in uniform Arches, and in their concave surface, do entertain each side of the Peritonaeum, the Caul and Intestines, Stomach, Spleen, and Skirts of the Liver, and the right Muscles, passing all along between the said Muscles, the whole length of the Belly, from the Swordlike Cartilage, to the Share bone, do very much assist the Lateral Muscles, which being in conjunction with the right, do make up the whole circumference of the Belly; so that the Viscera being reposed within its soft Confines, are preserved in so equal a Balance, that they do not give a sensible trouble either in Rest, The Muscles of the Abdomen by the divers progress of their Fibres, as by several ways of Ban­dage, do keep the inward parts of the Belly in their due places. or Motion, to one part more then another.

And the different Muscles that form the excellent frame of the Abdomen, being many Muscular Expansions lodged between each other, are so many several Machines acting their parts, in the scenes of different Tonick Mor­ons, which they readily perform, by their various progress of their Fibres, seated in divers Postures, wherein as in several ways of Bandage: The Viscera [Page 95]are maintained in their due Situation, there acquiescing as Bodies in their proper Centers; the right Muscles by reason of the progress of their right Fibres, passing through the middle of the Belly, from the ensiform Cartilage to the Os Pubis, do in their Tonick Motion, contract the Belly inward in straight Lines; and the Oblique descendent Muscles in oblique Angles down­ward, and the oblique ascendent in Bevil Lines upward, and the Transverse Muscles in straight Lines crossways.

So that these various Muscles, by reason of the different order of their Fibres, do contract themselves in several Angles; inward, right downward, and obliquely upward and downward, and overthwart: And thus by a vari­ous Bandage made every way, all the Viscera (lodged within the Circum­ference of the Belly) are conserved within their proper places, without of­fering the least violence one to another.

A fourth use of the Abdominal Muscles, may be to assist Expiration, by reducing the Ribs after Inspiration from right Angles to more obtuse, which is their natural position in Arches.

Inspiration and Expiration, are performed by alternate motion of the Lungs, which having no Carnous Fibres, cannot move themselves, and con­sequently in order to Motion, must be assisted by some neighbouring Mus­cles; whereupon the Intercostals, and the Diaphragme dilating the Thorax, the Lungs gain a liberty immediately to display themselves, being swelled with the free draughts of Air, filling up the Bronchia, and appendant Vesicles, to the full extent of the Thorax, enlarged by the Diaphragme, contract­ing and reducing it self from an Arch to a Plane in Inspiration, The Diaphrag­me is relaxed in Expiration by the Abdo­minal Muscles. and imme­diately after the Lungs subsiding, the Air is forced to retreat out of the Lungs in Expiration, and then the Diaphragme is relaxed by the motion of the Abdominal Muscles; which being fastned to the Sternon and Ribs, do upon their contraction, put the Sternon and Ribs downward and inward, and so lessen the Cavity of the Thorax.

And now having recounted the more publick uses of the Abdominal Muscles, I shall endeavour to give a short History, of their more peculiar Actions in their private Capacities, wherein they draw the Sternon, and Os Pubis directly, and the Os Ilium and Ribs, obliquely upward and down­ward, and the Loins upward, when the Body is reposed in a supine Posi­tion.

The right Muscles fastned above to the Sternon, The Os Pubis being the cen­ter of motion, and the right Muscles con­tracting them­selves pull the Sternon down­ward, which are assisted by the Psoas which draw­eth the Tho­rax down­ward, as well as elevate the Thigh. and below to the Os Pubis, which remaining immoveable, the right Muscles abreviating them­selves by contracting downward, must of necessity pull the Sternon down­ward toward the Navil, and consequently the Breast and Ribs

And this motion of the Sternon downward, is not wholly performed by the right Muscles of the Belly, because they are too small to move by them­selves alone, the great weight of the Thorax, and therefore (as I con­ceive) it is principally effected by the more large and stronger Muscles sea­ted within the Body, called Psoas, which being affixed to the Muscles of the Back, do upon the contraction of their Fibres (placed toward the Back) lessen the length of the Psoas, When the Sternon is the center of Mo­tion, and the right Muscles contract them­selves, the Os Pubis is drawn upward. and thereupon by a flexion of the Vertebres of the Back, do bring the Trunk forward, by drawing the Sternon down­ward; which action of the Psoas, is promoted by contraction of the right Muscles of the Belly, which are auxiliaries to the Psoas, in the motion of the Sternon downward.

Another opposite motion of the Sharebone upward, is thus celebrated when the Sternon (to which the Origen of the right Muscles of the Belly [Page 96]is fixed) resting immoveable, This motion is assisted by the Muscu­li Quadrati, which begin­ning their con­traction be­low, and mo­ving upward do pull the Os Pubis toward the Sternon. and the Fibres of the said Muscles playing first below, do contract their length, and put the Sharebone upward to­ward the Navil, which cannot be accomplished by reason of the great weight of the Loins, without the assistance of the Musculi Quadrati, which are tied below to the inside of the Os Sacrum, and Ilium, and above the transverse processes of the Loins; whereupon the Fibres of the Quadrati, be­ing contracted in their inferiour Origen, do at once bend the Vertebres of the Loins, and help the right Muscles to lift up the Sharebone.

So that the right Muscles of the Belly, do remove the Sternon directly downward, and the Sharebone directly upward in right Angles, by rea­son of their right Fibres, The oblique descendent Muscles being joyned to the Os Ilium as a center of mo­tion, and con­tracting them­selves do draw the Os Ilium toward the Ribs, when a flexion is made of the Verte­bres of the Loins by the Quadrati. and the oblique descendent and ascendent Muscles by vertue of their oblique Fibres, do move the Os Ilium obliquely upward, and the Ribs obliquely downward.

The oblique descendent Muscles being conjoyned below to the whole Spine of the Os Ilium, and above to the Bastard Ribs, which being a cen­ter of Motion, and the oblique Fibres of the descendent Muscles being shortned in their contractions below, must of necessity draw the Os Ilium upward, when a flexion is made of the Vertebres of the Loins by the Mus­culi Quadrati, which contribute to the motion of the descendent Muscles, in the oblique elevations of the Os Ilium.

The ascendent Muscles being tied above to the inside of the lower Ribs, and below to the Os Ilium, The ascendent Muscles fast­ned to the Ribs above, and to the Os Ilium as the center of mo­tion, and mo­ving them­selves, must necessarily draw the Ribs obliquly down­ward toward the Os Ilium. upon which the Motion being supported as upon a Center, and the ascendent Fibres being obliquely contracted above, must of consequence pull down the Ribs and Thorax obliquely, toward the Os Ilium.

The transverse Muscles of the Belly are affixed behind, to the transverse Muscles of the Loins, and before to the Linea Alba, which being rendred immoveable, and the transverse Muscles being abbreviated in the contraction of their transverse Fibres, made near the Loins, do by consequence lift them up from the Arch; upon which the Body is placed in a supine position, by making a hollowness in the Loins, The Trans­verse Muscles being contra­cted, do ele­vate the Loins when the Bo­dy lieth in a supine positi­on. by reason they are drawn inward to­ward the Intestines, by the motion of the Transverse Muscles.

Thus having given some Account, how the Muscles of the Belly work in Combination by pairs, now it may seem not altogether Impertinent, and Immethodical, what uses may be assigned to divers single Muscles of the Belly, which may (as I believe) produce one side of the Thorax closer to the Os Ilium, and the rotation of the Breast, and the rotation of one side of the Loins inward.

As to the first, I conceive the motion of the Thorax sideways, is per­formed by one right, and one oblique ascendent Muscle, which being in conjunction with one of the Musculi Quadrati, do act jointly.

First, The left Musculus Quadratus, maketh a flexure of the Loins out­ward, which is assisted by the left oblique ascendent, and right Muscle, which being joined to the Ensiform Cartilage, and inside of the left Rib, do pull them in their contraction toward the Os Ilium, and draws the Thorax toward the left side.

As to the rotation of the Thorax, which if properly so stiled, should be a Circular Motion, but this of the Thorax doth run round but one part of a Circle, and moveth the Breast upon the Vertebres of the Loins, as upon a Center.

Again, If the motion of the Thorax be truly denominated a Rotation, The rotation of the Thorax is not truly so called, because it is not carri­ed round in a circular moti­on, but only backward and forward. it is requisite it should be carried round like a Wheel; but this motion of the Thorax, is a hurrying of the Thorax backward, and forward, and is performed if it begin in the left side by the left oblique descendent, and the right ascendent Muscle; and if it commence in the right side, by the right oblique descendent, and the left ascendent Muscle, as learned Doctor Glisson will have it: which motion doth not seem to comply with the Structure and Situation of these Muscles. The oblique descendent being fastned above, to the Four or Five lower Ribs, which being the Center of Mo­tion, the Os Ilium, to which it is fastned below, must necessarily be drawn obliquely upward, toward the Center of the Motion, by reason of the ob­lique descendent Fibres of the said Muscle.

And the oblique ascendent Muscle being tied above to the inside of the spurious Ribs, and below to the Os Ilium (which being immoveable) the said Muscle moving by its oblique ascending Fibres, must by consequence pull the long Ribs downward toward the Os Ilium, as a Hypomoclion.

So that according to the Origen and Insertion of these Muscles, The oblique descendent and ascendent Muscles of the Belly, accord­ing to their different Hy­pomoclia, do pull the Os Ilium and Ribs obliquely up­ward and downward. and the position of their oblique Fibres constituting them, the oblique descendent and ascendent, according to their various Centers of Motion, do draw the Os Ilium and Ribs obliquely upward and downward; which are opposite motions to that of Rotation, because this motion of the Breast is perfor­med in some degree backward and forward, not by oblique motion of the oblique descendent and ascendent Muscles, pulling their neighbouring parts upward and downward.

But the Rotation of the Thorax is performed forward and backward, inward and outward: First, Inward by the motion of the Loins primarily, The Musculus Quadratus, and Transversalis of the same side, contra­cting them­selves, do move the Thorax and Loins inward, and also back­ward, accord­ing to divers centers of mo­tion. and consequently of the Breast by the Musculus Quadratus, moving in one side bendeth the Vertebres of the Loins, and draweth it inward, and is as­sisted by the Transverse Muscle of the same side, which is affixed in its ter­mination to the Linea Alba, as its Hypomoclion, and in its beginning to the transverse processes of the Loins, near which the Transverse Muscle, by vertue of its contracted Fibres, first pulleth the Loins and Thorax inward, toward the Linea Alba: And afterward a tension being made upon the Ver­tebres of the Loins, by one of the Musculi Sacri, the Rotation of the Loins and Thorax backward, is assisted by the Transverse Muscle of the same side, which being conjoyned to the transverse processes of the Loins, as the Center of Motion, and in the other extreamity to the Linea Alba, as a moveable term, the Motion is celebrated near it, by the transverse Fibres of the said Muscle; which retracteth the Loins and Thorax backward, by moving the Linea Alba outward toward the Loins.

But, I humbly conceive, the said Rotation of the Loins and Thorax, The rotation of the Loins and Thorax, begun by the Sacer, Qua­dratus, and transverse Muscle, is pro­moted much by the Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, and other Muscles of the Thigh. begun by the Quadratus, Sacer, and Transverse Muscle is very much pro­moted by the Muscles of the Thigh, which being lifted up by the Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, is carried inward and forward by the Lividus, and Triceps, and draweth with it the Loins and Thorax much farther, than they were carried by the Flexor of the Loins, and the Transverse Muscle of the Belly; and afterward the Rotation of the Loins and Thorax made outward, is commenced by the Sacer, extending the Loins upon its Vertebres, and being retracted from the Linea Alba, are carried farther backward by the motion of the Thigh outward, acted by the Musculus Pyriformis, the Obturator Ex­ternus, and Internus; which retract the Loins and Thorax, with the Thigh lifted up by the Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, by which the Rotation of the [Page 98]Loins and Thorax, are carried much farther backward, then they were be­fore, by the motion of the Sacer, and transverse Muscle.

In short, The descripti­on of the low­est apartiment in reference to its various co­verings and situation. to give a Summary Account of the uses of the Abdominal Mus­cles, it may not be amiss to add somewhat of the outward Structure of the lower Apartiment of Humane Body (as it is invested with the common In­teguments, those fine Membranes, the Cuticula, Cutis, Membrana Adiposa, faced with Fat) covered above with a moving Roof, adorned with diffe­ent Figures, sometimes brought to a Plain in motion, and Arched in its Rest.

And this Apartiment is founded below in the Os Ilium, Pubis, and Cox­endicis, and behind with the Os Sacrum, and Vertebres of the Loins, Car­ved with variety of Processes; and Walled within with divers fleshy Ex­pansions, folded within each other in rare order, with a wonderful Arti­fice; and are so many Machines displaying themselves in variety of moving Schemes.

This Abdominal Wall encircling the lower Apartiment, The descripti­on of the Ab­dominal Mus­cles, in point of their situa­tion. consisteth of ma­ny descendent, ascendent, and transverse, fleshy Flakes, as so many Arches seated one within another, and is embelished with right Muscles as with two Peers, placed in the middle of these Triangular Walls; and beautified with two short Muscles, as two Pyramidal Bases of those oblique Peers, whose Tops are encircled with rounded Capitals, and the body of these Peers are wrought with red Carved Work, adorned with various Figures and Sizes; and between the Carvings, are lodged many plain white Intersections, which give a lustre to the different Prominences of those right Muscles.

And the oblique descendent, The descripti­on of the Mus­cles of the Belly, as to their Figure, Connexion, Uses, and Actions. ascendent, and transverse Muscles, folded in leaves, are so many moving Walls, affixed above to the lower Bony Arches of the middle Apartiment, and below to the Os Ilium (part of the Foundation of the lowest Story) which is carried upward by this upper Abdominal Arch, as the highest Machine of Motion. The second Arch is the oblique ascendent Muscle, and is conjoyned below to the Floor of the lowest Apartiment, and above to the Semicircular Walls of the middle; so that this middle Machine draweth the the lower part of this Lateral Wall appertaining to the middle Story, toward the foundation of the low­est Apartiment.

And the transverse Muscles, the lowest Machine of Motion, joyned be­hind to the Carved Processes of the jointed Column (supporting the lowest Story) draweth it inward toward the Linea Alba, and the right Muscles, the Peers of the Abdominal Walls, whose Capitals are fixed above to the Cone of the Sternon, the fore Wall of the middle Story, and below to the middle of the Floor of the lowest Apartiment: So that these straight Ma­chines, according to their various Motions, do pull downward the Anterior Wall of the middle Story, toward the Peers of this Abdominal Frame, and again draw up the Os Pubis, some part of the Foundation of this lowest Apartiment, toward the Ensiform Cartilage, the lowest point of the middle Story.

CHAP. XV. Of Muscular Motion.

HAving Treated of the Constitution of Muscles, as composed of So­lid and Fluid parts, of their more firm Particles, as consisting of Carnous and I endinous Fibres; and of the Fluid, as made up of Vital and Nervous Liquors, the efficients of Life, Sense, and Motion, and of the Fa­brick and use of the Abdominal Muscles. I humbly conceive it may not be altogether improper, to give some Account of Muscular Motion, Fallopius as­signeth Muscu­lar Motion to fleshy Fibres. which Fallopius in his Anatomical Observations, doth consign to fleshy Fibres, as the prime Machines of it, saying, In omni particular seipsam movente, qua haud consistere possit, nisi particula ipsa Fibris praedita sit, atque illis penitus Carneis. And on this account, a Muscle seemeth to be made of a great company of Carnous Filaments, tied to each other by thin Membranous Li­gaments, derived from the Coat investing the Muscle, and divers ways in­sinuating it self with thin Membranous Tunicles, between the Fibres, into the body of the Muscle.

Every Machine of Motion, is furnished with divers ranks of fleshly Fibres, A Muscle is accommoda­ted with many rows of fleshy Fibres, inser­ted into the Tendon. The motion of a Muscle is celebrated by the contracti­on of the Fi­bres inward, whereby the body of the Muscle beco­meth Tense and Rigid. all inserted and radicated into the Tendon, the Membrane encircling the surface of the Muscle; so that in Motion there is a Co-ordination of fleshy Particles, running in oblique parallel Lines, which moving inward do con­tract the Muscle, making the body of it tense and rigid, and leaving the outward Coat of the Muscle flaccid and riveled; which Motion is likely per­formed by vertue of fleshy Fibres, according to most Ingenious Fallopius.

But Galen being as great in Antiquity as learning, is of another Opinion, which is seconded by him with no less, if not greater reason, by assigning the Tendinous Fibres, to be the principal Organs of Muscular Motion; in his Twelfth Book, De Usu Partium, and the Third Chapter. [...]: Galen maketh the Tendinous Fibres (col­lected into one body in the Tendon) the Organs of muscular mo­tion. Tendo est primum Organorum motus, Musculus vero ipse generationis ejus gratia factus.

The Tendinous Fibres being as well the Prima Stamina, in the Fabrick of the Muscles, as also the prime Machines of Motion; and therefore they run in very numerous small Filaments, espoused with some Nervous Fibres, through the whole substance of the Muscle, and are collected both in the Origen and Termination of it, into entire Bodies, commonly called the Tendons; which fasten the Muscles in both Extreamities to some Bone, Cartilage, or Ligament.

Upon this account (the Carnous parts, The Carnous Fibres are on­ly assistant in muscular mo­tion. which are only Auxiliaries) can­not challange to themselves a principality of Motion, when they do not reach the part to be moved, being only joyned at a distance to the Ten­don, and the Tendon is only affixed immediately to the moveable Term, which is not at all united to the fleshy Fibres in its Termination: Steno maketh Flesh and a Tendon to be integrated of Carnous Fi­bres, loosely or firmly uni­ted. But lear­ned Steno foreseeing this difficulty, endeavoureth to salve it, by affirming the Tendon, to be a composition of fleshy Fibres; Which (saith he) be­ing loosely united, do constitute Flesh, but being closely conjoyned, do make a Tendon; his words are these, in his 14th Page of his Book, De Musculis & Glandulis: Caro non est Perenchyma, aut tomentum, sed eaedem [Page 100]Fibrillae, quae Arcte connexae Tendinem constituunt, latius junctae, carnem con­stituunt.

But I conceive, A Tendon is like a Cord, made up of Nervous and Ligamentous Fibrils. with the leave of this Learned Author, that a Tendon resembleth a Cord, not made up of loose Flesh, but solid Tendinous Fibres, which again may be resolved into many Ligamentous, and some Nervous Particles; and though it be difficult to discover how these Fibres do espouse each other, in a near union, yet I humbly conceive, it may be evinced by Reason: That a Tendon is interwoven with Nervous Fibrils, as it appear­eth being Convulsed (in Punctures and Wounds) to which a Tendon could be no ways liable, if it did wholly consist of Ligamentous Filaments, parts altogether insensible.

Again, The difference of Tendinous and fleshy Fi­bres in colour and consi­stence, the one being white and solid, the other red and soft. If according to this Ingenious Author's Opinion, the fleshy Fibres do constitute the Tendon, why do they not appear upon the cross Cut­ting it, when they differ so much, both in Colour and Consistence, from the Tendinous Fibres, the fleshy being Red and soft, and the Tendinous hard and White? And (as far as I can apprehend) the right, oblique, and transverse Fibres of the Stomach, and the right and orbicular of the Inte­stines (which give them their various Motions) cannot be truly termed fleshy (as Falopius will have it) when these Fibres are of a Nervous or Tendinous nature, being of a white Colour; and Learned and Worthy Do­ctor Croone hath well observed in his Anatomical Lectures, at Chirurgeon [...]-Hall, that the Fibrils of moving Membranes are not red.

So that the Muscular Motion, may be truly attributed to the Nervous Fibres (as in Conjunction with the Ligamentous) through which the sub­tle Animal Particles are communicated from the Brain, and Spinal Marrow, to the Tendinous Filaments, composing the main body in both Extreamities of the Muscles, fixed to some solid part.

These Tendinous Fibres are very strong and firm, The Tendi­nous Fibres are solid and strong, the Carnous weak and flabby, whereupon Muscular mo­tion cannot be chiefly assign­ed to them. able to lift up the hea­vy weight of the Limbs; which action requiring great strength and soli­dity, cannot principally be given to fleshy, as loose and flabby parts, Aux­iliaries only to the Tendinous Fibres, and are their soft Repositories; and be­ing accretions of Blood, adhering to the outward surfaces of the Vessels, tin­ging them Red, do fill up their Interstices, whereby they preserve them from interfering one against another in Motion.

Which that it may be daily celebrated, According to Aristotle, all motion is founded in somewhat im­moveable, as a center of it. it is a requisite condition to have a Hypomoclion or Center, upon which, as an immoveable Base, the move­able part must rest, else no motion can be performed, according to Aristotles Position, in his Book De Animalium Incessu: [...]: Si nullum omnino motis praebeat Firmamentum nihil super ipsum movere possit. For whatsoever is moved, is founded in somewhat immoveable, as a Center of its Motion (which if Muscular) whether it be a Bone or Cartilage (to which one Extreamity of the Mus­cle is fastned) it must be quiescent, else if it should give way, the one Ex­treamity of the Muscle, could not be Contracted toward the other, unless fixed to somewhat immoveable, as a Center of Motion; which is plainly visible in all Muscular Motion relating to the Limbs.

These natural Organs of Motion, Muscular mo­tion some­what resem­bleth the arti­ficial motion by Levers. hold some Analogie with Artificial Ma­chines, and seem to resemble Levers, by whose contrivance we more easily lift up heavy Bodies; and after this manner the Muscles do seem to celebrate their actions, as may be instanced in the Deltoeides, the flexor of the Arm.

The Biceps of the Cubit, and the Psoas of the Thigh; The various Centers of motion, upon which the Arm is lifted up. and the several Origens of the Deltoeides, the middle of the Clavicle, the Acromion, and the Spi­niform process of the Scapula, are so many Hypomoclia, or Centers of Motion, upon which the Arm is raised.

The Biceps hath a double Origination, derived from the Acetabulum, The Hypomo­clia upon which the Cu­bit is eleva­ted. or Sinus of the Scapula, and the Coracoeidal process, the two Fulciments upon which the Cubit is lifted up.

And the Psoas hath a double Origination, from the two lower Vertebres of the Back, and the three upper of the Loins, the immoveable terms of Motion, upon which the Thigh is lifted up.

To speak more clearly, A motion of a Pulley, is somewhat like the motion of a Muscle. no Artificial Instrument more suiteth the natu­ral mechanick motion of a Muscle, then a Pulley, in which the Diameter of a little Circle supplying the place of a Lever, resteth upon a Hypomo­clion; and the weight is tied to a Tendon, as to a Cord, placed to the tail of a Muscle: It is thus effected, so that while the termination of the Mus­cle giveth way to the Contraction, made by the Tendinous Fibres (called Carnous, as they are hued with Red) the weight appendant to the tail of the Muscle, is consequently moved according to the Dimensions, as it were of different Levers, and of new Diameters, continually succeeding one ano­ther; and as a greater and greater Contraction is made of the Muscular Fibres, the weight of our Limbs is more and more lifted up.

CHAP. XVI. Of the manner of Muscular Motion.

HAving Discoursed of the Structure of Muscles, and their Motion, it may not be altogether improper to Treat of the Manner of it, and give a farther Illustration of its nature, whether a Muscle hath greater or less Dimensions, during the time of its Contraction.

Learned Steno is of an Opinion, Steno concei­veth the Mus­cle to acquire greater Di­mensions in motion. that a Muscle acquireth a greater bulk in its Contraction, which he affirmeth in the Thirty Seventh Page of his Book, entituled Elementorum Myologiae Specimen, in this Proposition: In omni Mus­culo, dum contrahitur, tumor contingit: A Swelling happeneth in the Muscle when it is Contracted. Which the worthy Author secondeth with this far­ther Explication: Cum Tumor nihil sit, nisi aucta una, vel plures in corpore Dimensiones, idem est crassitiem Musculi augeri, ac Tumorem in Musculo con­tingere: When a Tumour is nothing but one or more Dimensions encreased in a Body, it is the same thing for the thickness of the Muscle to be enlar­ged, as the Tumour of the Muscle to arise.

And further, This curious Author doth assert, that the Hight and Lati­tude of a Muscle Contracted, is equal to a Muscle not Contracted: Altitudo Musculi contracti est aequalis altitudini Musculi non contracti. And his Reason he giveth is this, Because the Paralelograms resting upon the same Bases of the Muscle, are of the same hight. Which I cannot apprehend (which may be ascribed to my meaner Conception, and not to the Nature of the thing) in reference to the Paralelograms, or Squares of unequal sides, re­lating [Page 102]to Muscular Bodies, which are not purely Mathematical, but Phy­sical; and must, according to this great Authors Hypothesis, acquire a great­er thickness in Contracted Muscles, in which he doth confess, a Tumour ariseth; and therefore a Contracted Muscle, according to his Opinion, must have larger Dimensions in height, then a not Contracted Muscle.

But I humbly crave Pardon of this Master of Anatomy, Muscles do lessen them­selves in con­traction, by reason the Coat of the Muscle is plain before motion and somewhat wrinkled af­terward in contraction. in point of my Dissent from him: because I humbly conceive, that Muscles do lessen themselves both in depth and length by Contraction, and the rows of Carnous Fibres, seated one within another, carried most commonly ob­liquely, and sometimes in right, and other times in transverse, and spiral Lines, do not Swell, when they are contracted in their several Phisical Planes (which make the body of a Muscle) by making the many Paralelograms, grow thinner in their Dimensions in the Motion of Muscles, because the Carnous Fibres, when Contracted, do force themselves inward; and by rendring themselves Tense and Rigid, do shrink the body of the Muscle: And this plainly appeareth in the Coat of the Muscle, which before Con­traction was tight, as being fitted close to the surface of the Muscle, and af­ter in the Motion of it, the Coat groweth flaccid and limber, and as it were wrinkled.

Muscles being instruments of Voluntary Motion, do play in several Posi­tions, according to the pleasure of the Will, and are acted partly by Ani­mal Spirits, the constant residents in the Nervous Filaments (conjoyned with the Ligamentary) the great Constituents of the Carnous Fibres: These com­mon Guests are attended with new supplies of Neighbouring Emissaries, fresh Animal Spirits (insinuated into the Musculous Fibres) the more subtle and spirituous Particles of the Nervous Liquor, which do invigorate the Nervous Fibres, Muscles grow less in motion by reason the Fibres move inward. by giving them more then ordinary Tenseness; and by drawing them inward, in a more close application of one Fibre to ano­ther, do lessen the former Dimensions, affecting the Muscles before their Contraction.

So that the Muscles consisting of a double Tendon, The Fibres being contra­cted in Muscu­lar Motion, the Muscle is shortned by bringing one Extreamitie as much as may be, toward the other. seated in each Ex­treamity, are accompanied with Carnous Intermedial Fibres, which being contracted inward, do shorten the bodies of Muscles, by bringing both their Extreamities nearer; which being fastned to two different Terms, the one moveable, the other immoveable; the moveable Extreamity upon the abbreviation of the Muscle in contraction, must necessarily be drawn to­ward the immoveable Term, as the Center of Motion.

Some learned Men do consign the motion of Muscles to Inflation, Some attri­bute the man­ner of Muscu­lar motion to a kind of In­flation. dedu­ced from the Volatil parts of Nervous Liquor, inspired with Elastick Particles of Air (insinuating themselves into Spaces interceding the Filaments of Carnous Fibres) puffing them up, and enlarging the Bulk of the Muscles. But I suppose it more reasonable to believe, that the Nervous Fibres are in­vigorated only by the spirituous Elastick Particles of the Animal Spirits, not blowing up, but irritating only the tender Filaments; which being of most acute sense, do contract themselves toward the inward Recesses of the Muscle, Muscular mo­tion is perfor­med by irrita­tion of the Fi­bres, made by the Spirituous and Elastick parts of the Nervous Li­quor. and by drawing the Carnous Fibres close together, do render its body more stiff, and less, by emptying the Vessels, and the substance of the Muscle of its fluid parts; which I imagine is thus effected: In the Contra­ction of a Muscle, the Carnous parts having a recourse inward, do compress the Vessels, and their Spaces passing between them, and do first briskly squeese the Vessels, impelling the source of Blood out of the Arteries into the Interstices of the Vessels, and from thence into the Capillary Veins, and [Page 103]their greater Branches, till the Blood passeth through the Trunk of the Cava, The motion of the Blood is quickned by motion of Fi­bres, compres­sing the Blood Vessels. into the right Chamber of the Heart, into which an extraordinary quantity of Blood is speedily imported in violent motion of the Body, performed by quick and strong contractions of various Muscls; which making compressi­ons of numerous Sanguiducts, do immit so great a torrent of Blood into the Heart, that it is not able to discharge this Luxuriant Liquor by ordi­nary Pulsations, and therefore it doubles and trebles the Vibration, to satis­fie the importunity, The Muscles of the whole Bo­dy are Anta­gonists to the Muscle of the Heart. caused by the over-hasty motion of Antagonist Muscles (which are those of the whole Body, in reference to the Heart) thereby drawing the Lungs into strong and violent Motions, that they might re­ceive more frequent draughts of Air, and attenuate the Blood, and by Ex­piration to protrude it through the Lungs, to free them from a sudden Suf­focation.

So that it is very evident, that the Muscles by the motion of their Car­nous Fibres inward, do straighten the Cavities of the Vessels, and squeese not only the Vital Liquor out of the Arteries and Veins, but the Ner­vous also, out of the Filaments of Nerves; whereupon the body of the Muscles must grow less upon the protrusion of their fluid parts, and the body of the Muscle is not only lessened in greatness, but in length too, pro­duced by the corrugation of the Carnous Fibres (as learned Doctor Lower doth most reasonably assert). So that the length of the Muscle is abbrevi­ated, when one Extreamity is fixed, and the other left at liberty to play; The Muscle being abbre­viated, pulleth the Limbs to­ward the cen­ter of motion. and upon the contraction of the Muscle, it being shortned, the moveable part doth pull the Limbs to which it is fastned, toward the quiescent term, as the Center of Motion, upon which the motion of the Muscle is sup­ported.

Having taken the freedom to speak of the Mechanick parts of the Mus­cles founded in the Tendinous and Carnous Fibres, and the Motion of them in a general Notice; it followeth now in course to explain their more par­ticular Motions, how they relate to this and that Muscle, and how a single, or some few Muscles or more in confaederacy move, and all the rest lie quiet.

I confess, the causes and manner (how this is accomplished, is very in­tricate and perplexed) are very little understood as depending upon the secret and unintelligible operation of the Soul, in the Organick parts of the Body, which, how they are acted by that more Divine Principle, and how an Immaterial Essence can espouse so near a union with a Material, as to animate and move it arbitrarily; It is very ob­scure how some Muscles should move at pleasure, and others not. and how such an intimate correspondence can be held between two such disproportioned Natures, is so obscure and profound, that it is very difficult, if not impossible to be fathomed; and how the [...] should at its pleasure, single out one or more Muscles, and engage them to Motion, and the rest of the Muscles of the whole Body, rest unaffected.

Ingenious Regius hath ventured on a new Project, as I conceive, to salve the Phaenomena of this Motion by assigning it to two several Valves, seat­ed within the Nerves, which being opened by the determination of the Will, give the Animal Spirits an inlet into particular Muscles; and these Valves being shut up, give a check to the influence of the Spirits, and so the Soul should not act in emission of Animal Spirits, issuing from the Brain, and Spinal Marrow, but by opening and shutting these Valves.

And so our Divine part should play the part of an Organist, in opening and shutting such Valves, placed within the Organ, procuring such Wind [Page 104]continually impelled out of the Bellows, to pass according to his pleasure, into this and that Pipe, which he commandeth by pressing down the keys with his Fingers, and opening the Valves appendant to the Keys; and ac­cording to this phancy, peculiar Filaments should be communicated from the Brain (when the operations of the Soul are most eminently celebra­ted) to every Valve of the Nerves, opened and shut according to the com­mands of the Will.

This opinion, The opinion of the Ner­vous Valves is contrary to sense. supposing the motion of particular Muscles, to be de­termined by the opening and shutting of Nervous Valves, is built upon the flux and reflux of the Animal Spirits, from, and to the Brain and Spinal Marrow, which seemeth very improbable; seeing that (which pro­duceth the various determination of single Muscles, and in a moment of time, openeth and shutteth the Valves in the different contractions of seve­ral machines of Motion) cannot be caused by the meer influx of Spirits, which can only open the Valves, and there can be no reflux of Spirits; which, when they are once entred into the Nerves, they cannot be recalled by the power of the Will.

Secondly, The Nerves having no Ca­vi [...]ies, are not capable of Valves. This new ingenious Contrivance is founded upon Valves of the Nerves, which ought to have manifest Cavities, as in Lymphaeducts and Veins, else they are no ways capable of them; but the Nerves cannot be truly stiled Tubes, as having no manifest Cavities, being only divisible into Fibres consisting of long Filaments; as it appeareth in the Nerves being dissected longways, or not cut through in the Curing of the wounded Fi­laments, about the breadth of a Hand, do separate themselves with great pain, from those, that are uncut, and the Cure being performed, the Nerve celebrateth its Office as before.

And if in a raw or boiled Nerve, Incision being made into the inmost Recesses of the Nerve, no such Valves can be discerned by a most diligent Inspection, and no Cavities can be perceived, but only the substance of the Nerve to be made up of many Filaments, one couched within another.

Learned Gassendus, Gassendus his opinion, that the Soul is of a fiery nature. laboureth to solve the Phaenomena of Muscular Mo­tion, in respect of its active Principles, and great Quickness, by asserting the Soul (the principal cause from whence it floweth) to be of a fiery na­ture, hurrying up and down the Muscular parts, with great agitation of Spirits, resembling the violent motion of a Bullet, propelled out of the Bore of a Gun by fierd Gun-powder; as it is in his Works, Physicae Sectione Tertia, Libro undecimo, capite primo, vis illa, seu robur, quo non modo bra­chium aut crus, sed tota etiam animalis Machina, movetur, regitur, attollitur, transfertur, sed ad haec quo (que) primum facit, eadem natura animae ignea, quae tametsi sit Flammula pertenuis, sui tamen mobilitate idem proporti ne praestare intra Corpus valeat, quod flammula ex Pulvere pyrio intra tormentum bellicum, dum non modo Globum, tanto propellit impetu, sed tanta etiam vi depellit totam Machinam, & idem proportione intelligi potest, de ea vi quae ex crebra, multi­plicata (que) agitatione Spirituum concipi intra Corpus possit. This opinion (for which I beg this great Author's pardon) is hardly reconcileable to sound Reason, that there should be such disagreeing Principles (as learned Doctor Willis would have too) as Niter and Sulphur, Muscular mo­tion perfor­med by Ex­plosion, is ve­ry improba­ble. such troublesome Guests, forcibly working in the tender Nerves, making such horrid Tumults and violent agitations in Genere Nervoso, in their natural Actions, as to resemble fired Gun-powder.

I humbly conceive the quick motion of Animal Spirits, It is more rea­sonable to ap­prehend the motion of a Muscle, to be made by the invigoration of Animal Spirits. are better and more kindly shaddowed, by Irradiations, and diffusion of the beams of Light, the fitter and softer Dartings, and more subtle insinuations of Spi­rituous Particles, into the secret Recesses of the Nerves, and Carnous and Tendinous Fibres, producing the visible contraction of the Muscles.

Lastly, The most probable opinion (as I suppose) is that, which is most suitable to the Artichecture of the Muscles, as it holdeth an entercourse with the most eminent seat of the Soul, where the nobler Operations of it are celebrated in the Brain, and its continuation, the Medulla Spinalis; which give their commands by the quick insinuations of subtle Particles, by the mediation of Nerves, into the Muscles of the whole Body, which are di­sposed with inbred Inclinations (proceeding from their natural Ingeny) most readily to receive such impressions, as shall be communicated from the Will.

Every Muscle naturally contracteth himself from an innate Principle, Every Muscle naturally con­tracteth him­self, if left to his own di­spose. which is most conspicuous in these Instances: If you part the Head of the Muscle from the Bone to which it is affixed, it retracteth it self immedi­ately toward its Termination: And if you cut the Tail of the Muscle, it shrinketh it self up toward the Head; and if you cut the Muscle in both Extreamities, and part them from the Bones to which they adhere, the Head and Tail will tend both toward the middle of the Muscle.

Whereupon every Muscle naturally endeavoureth to contract it self to the utmost, The motion of every Muscle is balanced by the Antago­nist Muscle; whence pro­ceedeth the tonick motion of Muscles. which it would more vigorously accomplish to a greater de­gree, did it not receive opposition from an Antagonist Muscle, which acting in a contrary motion, do reduce each other to a kind of Aequili­brium, and by equally balancing each others contraction, do bring themselves to a Tonick Motion, wherein both are kept upon an equal strech; as it appeareth in the Flexors, and Tensors of the Limbs, and the Prona­tors, and Supinators of the Radius, the external and internal Intercostals, the Dilators, and Constrictors of the Thorax, in order to Inspiration and Expiration.

The Antagonist Muscles being so many Champions of the Body, con­tending with each other in opposite Motions, The opposite motion of the Muscle being equal, keep the Limbs in a middle positi­on, as being neither ex­tended nor contracted to the utmost. and being naturally equal in strength, neither of them prove Victors, but sit down Quasi partita Victoria. So that the Antagonist Muscles, several ways contracting themselves, do neither much bend or extend the Limbs, but contain them in a middle Po­sture, called a kind of Rest, in a moderate tenseness of the Muscles, pro­ceeding from the influx of the Animal Spirits, equally distributed into the Nerves, and Carnous Fibres from the Brain, and Spinal Marrow, and thence distributed into the Tendinous Fibres of special Muscles, which being afterward more highly Invigorated, do overpower the Antagonists, as being Relaxed; The Antago­nist Muscles are prevalent in motion, as they are acted with greater appulses of the Animal Spirits. and the others gain the liberty to contract themselves to the utmost, as acted by a greater proportion of Animal Spirits, darted into them: As for instance, The Flexors relaxing the Tensors, do bend that part of the Limbs to which they are appendant.

And contrariwise, the Extensors receiving a greater appulse of the Animal Spirits, cause the Flexors to give way, The general notion of the understanding causeth an in­differency, but the practical judgment de­termine us to the choice of good, and refu­sal of evil. and by Extension do straighten the Limb

Man being ambitious of Happiness, is consigned to it by the Wise di­sposal of an Omnipotent Agent, by whom he is endowed with a Perceptive Power (to know Good in a general notion, which leaveth him indiffe­rent to Act, or not to Act) and a Practical Judgment, which directeth [Page 106]his Appetite, and determineth it to the choice of Good, and refusal of Evil.

And to that end, How every Muscle is mo­ved by the commands of the Will is ve­ry difficult to be understood. the Supream Power hath given him a Locomotive fa­culty, acted by the Mechanism of Muscles, as so many small distinct Bodies (every one having a proper Coat) as so many Machines of Moti­on: But how every particular one should celebrate its Motion according to the power and determination of the Will, is a great Riddle. And though it be above my mean Capacity to unfold it, yet I will take the bold­ness to give my shallow Conjectures in it

The Soul being intimately united to the Body, The Soul com­mandeth eve­ry Muscle by an Organick Power seated in them, by Animal Spirits coming from the Brain, and invigorating the Muscular Fibres. is diffused as well in Es­sence, as Operation, through all the Material parts, consisting of various Instruments of Motion; and doth command them by its Organick Power, seated in every Machine of Motion, which hath also a natural disposition to Move and Contract it self, imparted from the Brain, and Spinal Marrow, to the Nerves, by a constant influx of Nervous Liquor (highly impraegna­ted with Animal Spirits) which being reinforced by fresh, and extraordina­ry supplies, as so many Emissaries of the Will, do irradiate such and such particular Nerves (inserted into Special Muscles) and are divided into many Minute Filaments, embodying themselves, with the Carnous and Ten­dinous Fibres, which are expanded by the quick appulses of numerous Spi­rituous Elastick Particles, irritating sensitive Fibres to contract themselves, to discharge the great number of thin Spirituous Particles; which is accom­plished by the motion of innumerable Fibres, as by a series of so many natural Pulleys (acting their several parts in the body of the Muscles) which are collected in Tendons, seated in both the Extreamities of the Muscles, of which, one Extreamity is fastned to an immoveable Bone, as a Hypomoclion, or Center of Motion; and the other Tendon, or portion of the great Pulley, is tied to a moveable part in the other Extreamity of the Muscle, which being strongly pulled by contracted Fibres, draweth one Termination of the Muscle by different Arches, more and more toward the other Extreamity, and consequently bringeth the Limbs along with it.

CHAP. XVII. Of Progressive Motion.

HAving given an Account of the Frabrick and Motion of Muscles i [...] general, Progressive Motion is ma­naged by seve­ral motions of the Limbs, ma­king various angles with the Area and Trunk of the Body. I shall endeavour now, to divert you with the more parti­cular and pleasant History of Progressive Motion; and how it is celebrated by several motions of the lower Limbs, as they make various Angles, with the Area (upon which the Body is supported) and with each other, and with the Trunk of the Body, and how the Limbs are assistant to each other, it the alternate receptions of the weight of the Body; and how Progressive Motion is accomplished by different actions of Flexion and Tension, and how it is managed upon divers Centers, as so many Physical unmoved Points, by which it is supported, and of the nature of this Motion, whether it be Right, or Circular.

The sufferaign of this lower Orb, being of Volatil Temper, Progressive Motion treat­eth us with variety of places and pleasant pro­spects, and a­bove all with the company of our Friends at a distance from us. as consti­tuted (by the most absolute Supream Being) of Active Principles; plea­seth himself in Bodily Exercise, managed in variety of Places, by the in­terchanged motions of the Limbs, acted within Doors, in spacious Cham­bers and Galleries, and without in pleasant Promenades, shaded with ele­gant rows of Trees, sometimes to Treat himself alone, in retired Senti­ments, and other times Sociable, in the more open and free Converse of Friends.

Man hath a most amiable frame of Body, consisting of three Stories, The Body of Man is compo­sed of three Stories, erect­ed upon the Thighs and Legs, as joyn­ted Columns, and the Feet as Pe [...]estals. erected upon Joynted Pillars, and standing upon two fine Pedestals: And the most noble and highest Apartiment, is enriched with a beautiful Fron­tispice, embellished with two Transparent Orbs, receptive of Light, ac­companied with elegant Schemes, which represent variety of Objects, to our Sight.

And the manner of Man's Gate, being seated in an erect Posture, giveth us the opportunity of beholding that fine Canopy above, all bespangled with Planets, and variety of Stars of different Magnitudes, which speak the great Power and Glory of the Omnipotent Creator, whom we ought to admire and adore, in his wondrous Works.

The upright Mine of our Body being supported by a threefold Story of Thighs, Legs, and Feet; The center of Gravity in a standing po­sture, passeth through the middle of the Trunk, and between the Thighs, and Legs, and Feet, the last ma­king right an­gles with the Ground. the last of which maketh right Angles with the Ground. And the center of Gravity in a standing Posture (when the weight of the Body is equally received upon both Feet) passeth through the middle of the Trunk, and between the [...]egs; but when in Progressive Motion, the weight of the Body is successively seated on each Foot, the center of Gravitation is carried through the middle of the Thigh, Leg, and Foot, standing upon some Base.

And by reason Progressive Motion is celebrated by carrying one Limb forward, and by resting the other upon some Area: It is not to be con­ceived, The Foot mo­ving in Pro­gressive Moti­on from the Heel to the Toes upon the Floor, is some­what like a sphaerical bo­dy moving up­on a Plain. that the Foot (receiving the line of Gravitation) to be wholly immoveable, as resting entirely fixed upon the Floor, because it gradually moveth, from the most remote parts of the Heel, to the utmost Extremity of the Toes, which hath some sort of resemblance in Motion, with an or­bicular body wheeling upon a Plane, upon which it is supported; not that the moving Globe is fastned some time, in any one part of the Plane, but successively toucheth one part after another, which hath some affinity with the motion of the Foot, receiving the Line of Gravitation in Pro­gressive Motion: Because in the same instant, The Heel first receiving the weight of the Body in a new step, and after­ward the Foot being clapped to the Floor, maketh a kind of acute angle with it, and an obtuse one with the bend­ed Trunk, and a right one with the Leg. the removing Foot quitteth the Area, to the Extreamity of its Toes, at the same moment the other Foot is born forward, till it first approacheth, and afterward toucheth the Ground with the outmost of the Heel, and afterward the forepart of the Foot being carried downward, maketh a kind of acute Angle with the Earth below, and with the Trunk above (being carried forward) in an obtuse Angle, and with the Leg in a right.

And at the same time, the Thigh of the other Limb is carried upward and forward, and the Leg backward by several Flexions; and immediately after the Leg being drawn forward by Tension, is rendred straight, and an obtuse Angle, disappearing above in the Thigh, The motion of the Limbs in order to Pro­gressive Moti­on, is celebra­ted by various flexions and tensions of the Thighs, Legs, and Feet. the whole Limb is ex­tended and lengthened, till the Foot addressing it self to the Ground, is turned from an acute Angle with the Leg, and doth run below into a right.

And while the Tarsus of the hinder Foot is lifted up gradually, One Limb by various po­stures b [...]ing lifted up, and the Body bent very much for­ward would fall, unless the Foot be quickly clapped to the ground to re­ceive the cen­ter of Gravi­tation. the cen­ter of Gravitation is transferred from the Tarse to the Metatarse, and Toes; and the Foreleg and Thigh being carried up by several Flexions into the Air, the Body being born forward, would necessarily fall, unless the Fore-Limb was immediately extended, and the Foot clapped to the Ground to entertain the Center of Gravitation, and support the weight of the Body.

Therefore it is evident, while the Fore-foot is ready to land on the Ground, the Hinder-foot by it wheeling upon the Metatarse and Toes, The center of gravity is transferred from Limb to Limb alter­nately in Pro­gressive Moti­on, which is the reason why we are apt to fall in violent moti­tion of the Limbs, when the centers of motion are changed over­hastily from Limb to Limb. doth draw the Trunk of the Body foreward; that the other Limb being extended, the Center of Gravitation may be turned upon the Heel of the Fore-foot: Which is the reason why we are more obnoxious to fall in Running, then Going. Because when our Body is hurried in a violent motion, the Hinder­foot is raised from the Tarsus, to the Metatarsus, and Toes, with so much quickness and vehemence, that the Fore-foot upon the least Impediment, cannot so readily land upon the Ground, and receive the weight of the Body, and give a stop to its fall.

And this renitence of the Hinder-foot, is made by its resting upon the Ground, and bearing the Trunk forward, and pressing the Area back­ward: And this is the cause why different Animals, in their various Pro­gressive Motions of Going, The carrying the Trunk for­ward, is made by the pressure of the hinder Foot against the Floor, whereby the Body is brought for­ward. Flying, Swimming, Creeping, are carried for­ward, by pressing against divers mediums of Earth, Air, Water, by whose resistance the numerous kinds of Creatures bring their Bodies forward.

In Progressive Motion, both the Limbs being Auxiliaries, speak a kind of grateful return to each other in mutual assistance, by taking turns inter­changeably, in variety of Postures and Stations; so that the Fore-foot be­cometh the hinder, and the hinder the fore, in alternate changes of place, now and then to receive the Center of Gravitation, The Limbs are Coadjutors to each other in alternate vari­ous postures, in reference to Progr [...]s­sive Motion. to sustain the weight of the Body, and other Limbs, by opposite motions to draw the Trunk forward, and transfer the Body from place to place, in which, one Limb being unable at once to bear up the weight of the Body, and bring it for­ward at the same instant, Nature hath most wisely ordered the concurrence of another Limb, The weight of the Body rest­ing perpendi­cular upon the hinder Limb, and the Body being much bent forward, the weight be­ing carried be­yond the per­pendicular, must necessa­rily tumble, unless the center of gra­vity be recei­ved by the Fore-limb. to promote the celebration of Local Motion; which re­quireth many Feet, or two at least: So that the weight of a Humane Body, according to the Center of Gravity, resting perpendicularly upon one Limb, cannot be carried forward, without alteration of Postures, and must neces­sarily fall in the Incurvation of the Body, when its weight is carried beyond a perpendicular, unless it be immediately transferred to another Limb, to support it.

And it is not only requisite in Progressive Motion, to have divers Limbs and Feet, but also variety of their Postures, and Centers of their Motion: As Aristotle, the great Master of Philosophy, hath most truly asserted, That the Motion of parts transferring the whole Body from Term to Term, can­not be celebrated, without different Postures of the Limbs, consisting of Flexion and Tension, Progressive Motion is act­ed by various p [...]stures of the Limbs made by Flexion and Tension, and divers centers of motion. which cannot be exerted in Progressive Motion, with­out some quiescent terms, as so many Physical Points, placed in or near the Articulation of Bones, which serve as Centers (about which as Terms un­moved) the bended parts of Limbs pass from a right (which they had be­fore with the neighbouring Terms) to a crooked Position, by which they make Angles with the said parts; and on the other side, the extended parts of Limbs alter their crooked and angular Models, into right Positions.

From whence it followeth of Course, that opposite Motions, Progressive Motion being made upon di­vers Semicir­cles, cannot be stiled a pure right mo­tion, but ra­ther mixed. being made upon different Centers, are mixed, as compounded of divers segments of Circles, described of the extreams of bended parts; whereupon Progressive Motion of Animals, cannot be truly stiled purely right, whether the Mo­tion of the Trunk of the Body, or Thigh, be made upon the Coxendix, or the Leg upon the Thigh Bone, or the Foot upon the termination of the Os Tibiae, or the Toes upon the Metatarse; and all the Flexions of these seve­ral parts of our Limbs, are portions or kinds of a Circular Motion, which cannot be apprehended without different Postures, in which one part of a Limb alternately receiveth the Motion of another, describing not only straight but crooked Lines, produced by the opposite Postures, of the seve­ral portions of the Limbs.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the several Centers, Origens, Insertions, and Actions of Muscles, relating to Progressive Motion.

HAving taken some view of Progressive Motion, in a common Appre­hension, I shall now Address my self to a more exact Survey of it, in describing the Osteology of the lower Limbs, made up of many parti­cular Bones, to which, as so many Centers, The Limbs are supported by Bones. the heads of many various Muscles, are affixed; and how Progressive Motion is managed by the contractions of Antagonist Muscles (which I intend to describe) making several Flexions and Tensions of the lower Limbs, as under-propped by the curious frame of divers Articulated Bones, the Allodgments and Bases of numerous Muscles, playing up and down, as so many Engines of Mo­tion.

Before I treat of the Fabrick it self, it may not be amiss to speak somewhat of the Out-buildings, The structure of Humane Body is com­posed of three Stories, erect­ed upon inve­rted Piramidal Pillars. upon which the whole Frame of Mans Body is sup­ported and moved.

This most excellent Structure, being composed of three Stories, is built as it were upon two inverted Pyramidal Columns (greater above, and run­ning more Taper downward) is made up in a great measure of the Bones of the Thighs, Legs, and Feet; The upper Bones making the different articulations, are the seve­ral centers of Motion, rela­ting to the di­vers parts of a Limb. which divide these fine Pillars as it were into three moving Apartiments, whose Centers are the upper Bones, which immediately constitute every Articulation, and are the Hypomoclia in the various Motions of the Limbs.

The main Props of the first Story of the Pillars, are the Bones of the Thighs, adorned on their tops with Orbicular Heads, that they may play more easily in their Sockets, which are framed of the Os Ischium, Ilium, The Bone of the Thigh playeth in a large Socket, to which it is strongly affix­ed by a dou­ble Ligament. and Pubis, hollowed with one common Sinus, to which the round Heads are firm­ly conjoyned on each side, and in the middle, by the interposition of two strong Ligaments, the one being broad and Membranous, encircleth the whole Joint, and the other round, springing out of the Cavities of the Bones, is strongly inserted into the heads of the Thigh Bones, keeping them [Page 110]from starting out of their Repositories, in frequent and violent Motions of the Thighs

The Legs being the middle Story of those Curious Pillars, The principal Bone of the Leg, is the Os Tibiae. consisteth of two Bones; the principal is the Os Tibiae, as the more large and strong, which aemulateth in its various sides, the figure of a Triangle, and is finely Carved with two Appendices, and the upper being more large, is beauti­fied backward as with two Heads, and in the top is hollowed into two ob­long Sinus (which give reception to the lower appendix of the Thigh Bone) to which it is fastned by a strong Ligament, as to Physical Points, upon which the Bones of the Leg do move: And the inferiour Appendix of the Os Tibiae, is carved with an eminent Process, which being prominent toward the inside of the Leg, maketh the inward Ancle Bone.

The Os Tibiae is also hollowed into divers Sinus, the one lateral, into which the Os Fibulae is entertained; and into the other two (parted by a thin Protuberance) the Os Astraguli, the first Bone of the Tarsus is ad­mitted.

The other Bone, The lesser Bone of the Leg, is the Os Fibulae. appertaining to the Leg, is stiled Fibula, much smaller and weaker than the former, which growing thinner from a thicker back into a blunt edge, is wrought with a double Appendix; that above being round, is hollowed into a small Sinus, to which the outward prominence of the Tibia is joyned; but the other lower Appendix is received into a Ca­vity of the Tibia, emitting a Process, which being conspicuous in the out­ward part of the Leg, formeth the outward Ancle Bone.

These Pillars of Mans Body, The Pillars of Mans Body consisting of Thighs and Legs, are sup­ported upon the Feet as two fine Pe­destals. are seated below upon two rare Pedestals, composed of many Bones of the Tarsus, Metatarsus, and Digits, which are rarely carved in several Figures and Sizes, and being beautified with divers Sinus and Protuberances, mutually adapted to each other, are firmly tied together with strong Ligaments, lest their Heads and Protuberances should slip out of their Cavities, in various brisk motions of the Foot.

Thus I have given a rough Draught of the Bones, and their Articula­tions as the seats of the Muscles, and the Hypomoclia of their many diffe­rent Motions: It may not be improper now, to shew you the Principal parts of the lower Limbs, the Muscles themselves (with which the Bones are in­vested) and their Contractions and Uses.

The more inward and solid parts of these Elegant Pillars, The Bones of the Thighs and Legs. the Supporters of Humane Body, are encircled with softer fleshy Integuments, which being so many distinct Bodies, severed from each other by proper Coats, may be truly stiled so many Machines of Motion, by which the several parts of these Columns are put into different Postures, giving Progressive Motion to the whole Fabrick; which is celebrated by divers opposite Motions of the Thighs, Legs, and Feet, made principally by their various Flexors and Tensors.

The upper part of these moving Columns, The Thighs are elevated by two Flex­ors, the Psoas and Iliacus In­ternus. being those of the Thighs, are lifted up by two Flexors, the Psoas, and the Iliacus Internus; the other two which are assigned by learned Westlingius, to this Motion, the Triceps and Lividus being (as I conceive) rather Adductors, then Flexors, do draw the Thighs inward, according to their situation, and parts into which they are inserted.

The Psoas taking its Origen about the lower Vertebres of the Back, and the three upper of the Loins, is carried down the Vertebres of it, and after passeth out of the Belly, between the Share-bone, the Coxendix, and the Os Sacrum, and is carried over the head of the Thigh-bone, and wheeling [Page 111]with an oblique descent, is inserted into the less Trochanter of the Thigh-bone.

And the Iliacus Internus, the Coadiutor of the Psoas, is derived within the Belly, from the inward Surface of the Os Ilium, and passeth downward over the head of the Thigh-bone, till it is conjoyned with the Tendon of the Psoas, bearing it company to the less Rotator: The Psoas is fastned above to the Verte­bres of the Back and Loins, and the Iliacus Inter­nus, to the sur­face of the Os Ilium, as to centers of Mo­tion. Whereupon all Motion be­ing made in somewhat unmoved, the Psoas is fastned above to the Verte­bres of the Back, and Loins, and the Iliacus Internus, to the Surface of the Os Ilium, as to the centers of Motion; and both the Psoas, and the Iliacus, are tied below to the less Trochanter, as a part more easily moveable, is thereupon drawn upward by the Contraction and Abbreviation of the said Muscles, and so by consequence the whole Thigh is bent and lifted up (as being more readily pulled toward the Vertebres of the Back and Loins, then those toward the Thigh) by making a flexure of it.

The opposite Motion, the Extension of the Thigh, The Muscles making the extension of the Thigh. is acted by Antago­nist Muscles the Glutaei, one seated under another, called the Cushion Muscles, upon which we sit: The first ariseth from the Margent of the Os Ilium, the Sacrum, and the Coccyx, terminating under the great Trochanter; the Glutaeus Medius; is seated under the Glutaeus Major, and springeth from the Os Ilium below the former, and is inserted a little higher in the greater Trochanter.

The third and least Glutaeus, hath its Origen in the Os Ilium, under the middle and upper Glutaeus, and passing downward, endeth in the great­er Trochanter, and all these Glutaei do joyntly assist each other in the Exten­sion of the Thigh, as they are all fastned above, either to the Os Ilium, Sacrum, The Os Ilium, Sacrum, and Coccyx, are the centers of Motion, in the extension of the Thigh. and Coccyx, as the Glutaeus Major, and the middle and lower to the O [...] Ilium, as the Hypomoclia, or unmoved Terms, toward which the Extension of the Thigh is performed; for these Extensors are inserted, either a little below, or into the Trochanter Major of the Thigh-bone, which being less pon­derous, then the Trunk (to which the Os Ilium, Sacrum, and Coccyx are fastned) is more easily moved, then the other more fixed and heavy Bones, because the Thigh-bone playing in a Socket, made up of the concourse of the Os Ischium, Ilium, and Share-bone, may be easily depressed in Exten­sion by the Glutaei; which being Contracted and shortned, pull the Thigh downward, rendring it more straight, in reference to Progressive Motion, in which the contrary Motion of the Flexure of the Thigh-bone exerted by the Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, do pull the Thigh upward: The Flexors of the Leg do pull it back­ward. But the Flexors of the Leg, have a different Motion in pulling it backward, and are Four in number, the Gracilis, Seminervosus, Semimembranosus, and Biceps. The Gracilis taking its rise about the Commissure of the Share-bone, and passing downward, is inserted with a round Tendon into the inside of the Os Tibiae.

The Seminervosus borroweth its Origen from the lower part of the Coxen­dix, and running down the backside of the Thigh-bone obliquely forward, endeth in the inside of the Os Tibiae; and the Semimembranosus obtaining the same rise with the Seminervosus, as deriving it self from the lower region of the Coxendix, doth terminate with a strong Tendon, into the upper part of the Os Fibulae.

Whereupon the Gracilis being tied above, The Share­bone, Coxen­dix, and Fibu­la, are the centers of mo­tion in the Flexion of the Leg. near the Commissure to the Share-bone, and Seminervosus and Semimembranosus, fastned to the lower region of the Coxendix, and inserted below into the Os Tibiae, and the Biceps having the same origen above with the Semimembranosus, endeth in the [Page 112]upper part of the Os Fibulae; so that all the Flexors of the Leg being af­fixed above the Coxendix as an unmoved part, and inserted below to the Os Tibiae, and Fibulae, are more easily moveable: So that the Flexors being contracted and shortned, do consequently draw the Os Tibiae, and Fibulae, and the Leg, with them backward, toward the Coxendix, as the center of Mo­tion by Flexion, which maketh an obtuse Angle in the Leg, in reference to the Thigh.

But contrariwise, The Tensors of the Leg. part of the Limb is straightned in the Extension of the Leg, made by the Antagonist Muscles, which are Four in number; the Membranosus, Rectus, Vastus Externus, and Internus. The Membranosus claimeth its Origen from the Margent of the Os Ilium, (in its Anterior part) with a small Carnous body, and afterward overspreading the Thigh in its fore Region, is inserted under the Knee, both into the Os Tibiae, and Fibulae.

The Rectus descending from the inward little knob of the Os Ilium, doth invest the Patella with its broad and strong Tendon, and is terminated into the Os Tibiae.

The Vastus Externus, descendeth on the outside of the Thigh, from the great Trochanter, and hath a large Tendon associated with the Rectus, and inserted into the Os Tibiae.

The Vastus Internus, is derived inwardly from the neck of the Trochan­ter Major, and accompanieth the two other Muscles with a Membranous Tendon; these Muscles do not only extend the Tibia, but keep the Arti­culation of it so tight, with the Thigh-bone, in the Anterior part, that it cannot start, being bound in its Extensions in its fore Regions, and its hin­der by the Flexors; so that upon this account, it is very difficult to make a Laxation in this Joint.

Thus having given a short Description of the Muscles, relating to the more great part of these Pillars, the Thighs, and the more taper the Legs; now I conceive it not impertinent to give some Account of the Instruments of Motion, which concern the Tect (as being the Pedestals of these mo­ving Columns) upon which the Thighs and Legs are supported, and move.

Which is celebrated in some measure by the flexion and tension of the Tarsus, The motion of the Feet is accomplished by the flexion and tension of the Tarsus. the first is performed by the Flexors of it (which have another use) the Tibialis Anticus and Peroneus Secundus; the Tibialis Anticus, deriveth its Origen from the upper Appendices of the Os Tibiae, and Fibulae, and running under the Annular Ligaments, doth terminate into a Bone of the Tarsus, lying under the great Toe, and governeth the Foot, least in going it should squail too much outward; and the Peroneus Primus springing from the Appendix of the Fibula, and passing near the Malleolus Externus, is reflected under the Liga­ment and Sole of the Foot, and terminateth into a Bone confining on the great Toe, and regulateth the Foot least it should cast too much inward; and the Transversalis (vulgarly stiled the less Adductor of the great Toe) keepeth the Foot firm on the Area, on which it treadeth, or standeth, and taketh its rise from the Ligament of the little Toe, and is inserted with a broad Tendon, into the first Bone of the great Toe, and serveth instead of a Ligament, to bind down the Bones of the first Internode of the Toes, to secure us from slipping and sliding in Progressive Motion.

So that by the assistance of the Transversalis, the Foot is placed in such a Posture, as rendreth our step sure in Walking and Running, being assisted [Page 113]so with the Tibialis Anticus, that the Foot cannot squail outward, and by the Peronaeus Primus, that it cannot cast too much inward.

And the Pronaeus Secundus being auxiliary to the Tibialis Anticus, in the tension of the Tarsus, hath a carnous Original, derived from the Fibula, and is inserted with a double Tendon into a Bone of the Tarsus, lying under the little Toe.

So that the Tibialis Anticus, and the Peronaeus Secundus, having their Hy­pomoclia in the Tibia and Fibula, by Contracting themselves, do raise up the Tarsus from the Ground in Progressive Motion, and the Antagonist Muscles to these, are the Gasterocnemius, and Soleus: The Gasterocnemius hath a double Origen, derived from the inward and outward lower head of the Thigh-bone, and is inferted into the Heel with a strong Tendon, and the Soleus taking its rise from the hinder region of the Fibula, is also inser­ted into the Fibula, and the Plantaris having its beginning with a thin body, in the external head of the Thigh-bone, doth also terminate in a small Ten­don with the two former Muscles, into the Heel.

So that these Muscles contracting themselves, do relax the Tibialis Anticus, and Peronaeus Secundus, when they have drawn up the Foot, and do extend the Tarsus by reducing it to a straight Posture, making right Angles with the Leg.

And that I may speak more clearly of Progressive Motion in Humane Bodies, I shall discourse somewhat of the nature of Rest and Motion of it (which being contraries, do illustrate each other) in describing Positions of the Limbs, which do produce the quiet repose of the Body, and its more useful local Motion.

The Body standing in an erect Posture, The weight of the Body is equally re­ceived in an erected po­sture on both Limbs by the Muscles put into a Tonick Motion. the weight of it is equally enter­tained upon the two Supporters of the lower Limbs, as they are rendred moderately Tense, by an universal Tonick Motion of all the Muscles, as encircling the Bones of the Thighs, Legs, and Feet, to assist the Ligaments in keeping the heads of the Bones firmly within their Sockets.

In this upright Posture of the Body, its Fabrick is supported by fine Pil­lars, enwrapped within various bodies of Muscles, made somewhat stiff by the gentle contractions of all the Antagonist Muscles, which countermand each others more brisk Motions, and keeping the Limbs tight, in an erected posture of the Limbs, wherein the line of Gravitation, runneth through the middle of the Trunk, and between the lower Limbs: Every step in Pro­gressive Motion, is made by the joint assistance of both Limbs, each of which have a double Deportment, consisting of various Flexions and Ten­sions.

The first Carriage of the fore Limb, The first de­portment of the fore Limb is made by a Flexure of the Thigh and Leg. is accomplished by a general Flexure of all the Stories of it, wherein by the contraction of the Musculus Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, the Thigh is lifted up an carried forward, making an obtuse Angle with the Trunk; and at the same instant the Leg is bent back­ward, and brought to an obtuse Angle with the hinder part of the Thigh, by the concurrent Contractions of the Musculus Gracilis, Seminervosus, Se­mimembranosus, and Biceps, and at the same moment there is a Flexure of the Tarsus, in which the Heel is first lifted up, and the weight of the Limb carried to the Metatarse, and then by a greater Flexure of the Thigh and Leg; and the Limb being shortned, the Foot is necessarily removed from the Ground, with which it maketh a right Angle below with the Area, and above with the Leg.

The second Model of the Fore Limb, The s con [...] carriage of the Limb is acted by a ten­sion of Thigh and Leg. in order to Progressive Motion, is performed by the joynt Tension, of all the parts of the Limb, wherein the Thigh is extended by the contraction of the Musculi Glutaei, and at the same time the Leg is extended and brought forward by the motion of the Mem­branosus, Rectus, Vastus Externus, and Internus, and at the same minute the Tarsus is extended by the Gasterocnemius, Externus and Internus, in which the Foot is brought to an accute Angle with the Leg, and to an Obtuse with the Floor.

And by the extension of the Thigh and Leg, their former Obtuse An­gles (made in the Flexure of the Thigh and Leg) disappear, and the Limb is straightned, and shortned; in which posture the Center of Gravity being transferred from Limb to Limb, presseth the Foot (brought to a right Angle with the Leg) down to the Area, where it is kept firm by the Mus­culus Transversalis, which draweth the great Toe toward the little one, ma­king a kind of hollowness in the Foot, whereby it draweth the Metatarse and Toes, and fixeth it to the Floor; and is a kind of Ligament to bind down the first internode of the Bone of the Toes, whereupon the Foot is secured from slipping and sliding, that it may make a sure step in Walking or Run­ning, by the Transversalis, which is assisted by the Tibialis Anticus, and Peronaeus Secundus, which moving singly, the one carrieth the Foot out­ward, and the other inward; but when they act together as Fellows, in a concurrent Motion, the Tibialis Anticus keepeth the Foot, that it cannot easily tread outward, and the Peronaeus Secundus, that it cannot well cast inward. The line of Gravitation is transferred from one Limb to ano­ther in the making every new step.

So that the line of Gravitation being carried from one Limb to another, supporteth the weight of the Body, in order to a new step in Progressive Mo­tion, in which the hinder Limb becommeth the fore, and the fore the hinder, which hath a double carriage in order to Motion

The first Mine of the hinder Limb, consisteth in a sort of Tonick Mo­tion, wherein all the Muscles are rendred Tense by a moderate Contracti­on, all Antagonists at once, mutually balancing each other, and keeping the whole Limb erect, and straight, in which posture the line of Gravitation passeth through the middle of the hinder Limb.

The second Mine of this Limb is made, The flexors of the fore Limb in carrying it forward, do by consequence draw the hin­der Limb for­ward. when (the Tensors of the Thigh and Leg being relaxed) the hinder Limb is drawn forward, in the Flexures of the several parts, its Thigh, Leg, and Tarsus of the Foot, which are Secundary and Consequent Motions, flowing originally from the Trunk of the Body, pulled forward by the Flexure of the fore Thigh, and Tension of the fore Leg, which carry with it the hinder Limb forward at the same time, and by raising up the Tarsus of it, doth transfer the Center of Gravity from the Heel to the Metatarse; in which the weight of the Body being carried beyond a Perpendicular, it would immediately fall, was it not at the same instant, transferred to the fore Limb.

Whereupon Progressive Motion is accomplished by various Postures, alter­nately made in each Limb, wherein the Center of Gravity is thrown from Limb to Limb, and the Trunk carried forward by the Metatarse and Toes of the hinder Feet, pressing hard upon the Ground, by whose resistance the Body is shoved forward, and also drawn forward at the same time by the Flexion of the Thigh, and Tension of the Leg of th [...] [...] so that both Limbs are highly concerned, as Coadiutors in [...] after step, in order to perpetuate the local Motion of th [...] [...].

In fine, let us, the Works of his Glorious Hands, pay an Homage of Wonder, Adoration, Thanksgiving, and Obedience, Progressive Motion is ce­lebrated by divers Arches described by various Cen­ters, by which the line of Gravitation is carried from Limb to Limb. to the All-wise Ar­chitect, for the excellent Contrivance of our Progressive Motion, which is Celebrated in divers Arches, described by various Centers of Motion, where­in the Line of Gravitation is transferred from Limb to Limb, according to the opposite motions of Flexion and Tension, alternately performed in the more gross and taper parts of jointed Columns, composed of the upper and lower regions of the Limbs, wherein the weight of the Body is conveyed from Supporter to Supporter, as from Pillar to Pillar, carrying one side of our Elegant Pile forward after another, in Alternate Motions; which are so neatly Acted, according to graceful Order, in Persons of good Mines, that it is difficult to distinguish the Motions of the several sides of the Body, wherein the whole Trunk seemeth to a vulgar Eye, to be carried forward all at once, in one equal entire Motion.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Progressive Motion of Four-footed Animals.

HAving shewed the Centers, Heads, and Terminations of Muscles, and the several Flexions and Tensions of the Limbs, displaied in divers Scenes of Progressive Motion, acted by the various Contractions of Anta­gonist Muscles, moving the divers joynted Limbs, affixed to the lower Apartiment of a Humane Body. My intendment at this time, is to enter­tain you as well as I can, with the several Modes of Local Motion, cele­brated in other Animals by Going, Flying, Swimming, and Creeping.

The motion of Four-footed Creatures, is framed after some Analogy with Bipeds, because in both, the Progressive Motion is performed by the Alter­nate motions of the Limbs, with this difference that the Limbs in Quadru­peds are doubled, and single only in Bipeds; Quadrupeds have more centers of motion then Bipeds. in which the Centers of Mo­tion are fewer then in the other: Because Quadrupeds have different Hypo­moclia, founded in the Anteriour as well as hinder parts, in reference to their great weight, or rather prone manner of Progressive Motion, which must necessarily be acted by many Thighs, Legs, and Feet, resting upon divers parts of the Area, to support the weight of their Bodies, which else would fall to the Ground, and give a check to their Going. The Progres­sive Motion of Brutes is per­formed by the decussation of the fore Limb with the hin­der.

So that the motion of Brutes, is celebrated by the flexion and tension of Anterior and Posterior Limbs, in a Decussation made of the left hinder with the right Fore-leg, and the left fore with the right hinder, carrying each side forward by their Alternate Motions, acting Cross-ways, as the weight of their Bodies being received upon two Legs, doth rest upon them as upon two different Centers, while the other two carry them forward.

And it may be worth our remark, All. Creatures have a parity of Limbs o [...] each side. that it is a requisite Condition in Progressive Motion, that Limbs, whether few or many, have a Parity, and each side must answer the other in equality of number, so that it cannot be contrived in Nature, that any Body according to all its parts, can be carried from place to place, upon a Triade of parts, because the weight [Page 116]of the Body, being supported upon unequal Limbs, must tumble down, upon the account, the Body resting upon two Centers in one side, and hath but only one in the other, to support it; and wanting a Limb in one side to answer the Decussation of the other, and because the one side wanteth a Center to move upon, the whole weight of the Body being carried beyond a Perpendicular, and thrown upon one Limb, cannot be transported from place to place.

So that the Body being supported upon unequal Limbs, The motion of the Thigh and Legs is made by di­vers Muscles, Flexors and Tensors. cannot be con­veyed from place to place, by the Alternate Motion of one cross Limb answer­ing another in mutual Intersections, but must necessarily fall to the Ground, and speak a period to local Motion: And therefore it is most wisely con­trived by the Omnipotent Agent, that Animals should be furnished on each side with a parity of Limbs, as in Bipeds, or Quadrupeds, which is our present Province.

In Four-footed Animals, the right Thigh is lifted up and bended for­ward by the Psoas, and Iliacus Internus, and the Leg also being extended by the Vastus, Rectus, Internus, and Externus, as by its Tensors is carried forward, pulling with it at the same time, the right side of the Quadru­peds, and the left fore, assisting the right hinder Leg, is also first elevated, and drawn inward by Flexors, and then being immediately carried for­ward by Tensors, doth draw along with it the left side of the Bruits: And after the same manner the Antagonist Muscles, the Flexors and Tensors of left Thigh and Leg, do play their parts by Decussation with the right Fore-leg in their divers Scenes, acted by various Machines of Motion.

Whereupon the right hinder Limb consisting of divers Joints, is put into different Postures, produced by various Motions of the Antagonist Muscles, and consequently draweth the right side toward the Head, and the left fore Leg and Foot at the same time running cross-ways with the right hin­der Leg and Foot, doth pull the left side toward the Head, and presently after in a successive Decussation passing between the left hinder and right fore Limb, the cross Feet in each side (when the Center of Gravity is trans­ferred from the Heel to the Toes) prefs hard against the Earth, by whose resistance, and the renitence of the opposite Feet, each side (acted by several Flexures and Tensions of the Limbs) is carried forward to the great pleasure and Satisfaction of Four-footed Animals, prompted by a wise Prin­ciple of Nature, for the procuring of due Aliment.

Aristotle discoursing the Local Motion of many-footed Animals, suppo­seth these Creatures to be destitute of Blood, because their Vital Liquor is not apparalleld with Scarlet. It is not ne­cessary for Blood to be Red. But by the leave of this great Author, I humbly conceive, it is not essential to Blood to be hued with Red, as it is most evident in the production of it in a Faetus, during its confinement in the Womb; in which when it is first generated out of Colliquated Semi­nal Liquor, it is clothed with a white Robe, as retaining the same colour with the Genital Juice, out of which it was originally formed.

Thus I beg Pardon for this Digression, it being my duty to Treat of the Motion of Insects, as they consist of many Feet, six, or more, as Aunts, Fleas, Lice, Flies, Bees, and the like, which are accommodated with six Limbs, in whose Motion the hinder first act their parts, and the middle and fore Limbs, afterward display themselves in various Scenes of Motion; which cannot be acted by a general Flexure of the parts of all the Limbs, as is commonly apprehended, and therefore Nature hath wisely ordered the prevention of this inconvenience, by contriving the middle Limbs, not to be [Page 117]bent backward, nor forward, but turned outward. But the difficulty yet remaineth as to the manner of Motion, whether it is managed by the Al­ternate Motion of the Limbs, affixed to each side, or whether some of the cross Limbs of either side, do joyntly move in Decussation, or whether the hinder Limbs of the left, do move with the fore Limbs of the right side, and so in opposite manner.

But Autopsy is a good Judge, to determine this Dispute, it being obser­vable in Insects moving a slow pace, that the hinder and fore Foot, have a concurrent action in the right, and afterward the hinder and fore Foot are acted after the same manner in the left; and so the said two Feet in either side, take their turns in Rest and Motion.

And therefore Nature to preserve its choice Aeconomy in Local Motion, The Body is, balanced with a kind of e­quality of weight, lest the body should tumble when moved. hath wisely instituted, that when the hinder and fore Foot entertain the weight of the Body, at the same instant the said Feet of the opposite side, are removed from the Area, as acted with Motion, the weight of that side is received upon the middle Foot, wherein the Body is balanced in a kind of equality of weight, lest the Body should tumble toward the right side upon the motion of the Limbs relating to that side, when the Feet are lifted up from the Floor: And therefore it is most prudently contrived by the All-wise Maker, that when the Extream Feet are in Motion, that the weight of the Body should be supported by the unmoved middle Feet, as the Centers of Motion.

So that when the utmost Feet of either side do celebrate their Motion, the middle Foot alternately resteth to sustain the weight of one side of the Trunk, and the middle also doth take its turn in Motion; In Six-footed Creatures, three remain the centers of motion while the other are moved. whereupon In­sects dressed with six Feet, have them employed in Motion, the two Ex­tream Feet in one side, and the middle Foot in the other, and then also at the same time remain unmoved, the two utmost in one, and the middle in the other, upon which account the Bodies of many-footed Animals do so keep the weight of their Bodies in an equal balance, that they are preserved from falling.

And the middle Foot is so moved forward in each side, as it checketh its Motion near the fore Foot, and while the middle Foot resteth in either side, the fore Foot removeth from it, and the hinder Foot moveth toward the mid­dle Foot of the same side, which at the same instant, keepeth it self unmo­ved in one station, as the Center of Motion, to underprop the weight of the Body in that side, during the Motion of the Extream Feet.

And Insects accommodated with an equal number of Eight, Ten, In many-foot­ed Creatures, many fore Feet of one side, joyn with the other by a kind of De­cussation. or more Feet; the four or five Feet, affixed to the hinder part of the right side, do concur in Motion, with the Feet fastned to the fore part of the left side, in a kind of Decussation made between the hinder and fore Feet of op­posite sides; and after the same manner the hinder Feet of the left, are aux­iliaries in Motion to the fore Foot of the right side.

And while the many Posterior and Anterior Feet of opposite sides in Insects (being substituted in stead of one Posterior, and Anterior Foot in Quadrupeds) do move, while at the same time the other diametrically op­posite Posterior and Anterior Feet do rest, as so many Pillars to receive the weight of the Body, in which we may admire and adore the great Wisdom of the Omnipotent Architect, who hath most elegantly framed all things according to a due Weight, Number, and Measure, in a most excellent Order.

CHAP. XX. Of the Flying of Birds.

HAving Treated of Muscles in a common Notice, and more particu­larly of those of the Belly, and of Progressive Motion, performed by the Flexors and Tensors of the Thighs, Legs, and Feet: I will now take the freedom with your Permission, to speak of another kind of Progressive Motion celebrated in Birds, by the assistance of Wings (which in refe­rence to their great excellency, are very significant in a Figurative Sense) as they are assigned to divers ends and purposes.

Many noble Creatures, The perfecti­on of the Wings, is ex­pressed in a Figure. and those of the first Order of Entity, the Hea­venly Host of holy Angels, our Guardians, are Painted with Wings. And inspired Bezaleel was ordered by God himself, to Carve the Cherubims with Wings, over-shadowing the Mercy Seat. And the most glorious Angel of the everlasting Covenant, the Sun of Righteousness, ariseth with Healing in his Wings. And one of God's greatest Attributes, his everlasting Pro­vidence, was described by the Kingly Prophet, under the notion of a Sha­dow, proceeding from the Covert of his Wings, which speaketh the great and gracious Protection of the Sons of Men.

And this Heavenly Agent hath formed many Sublunary Creatures, adorned with Wings, which are of a fine Structure, and wonderful to be­hold in different Animals, as Serpents and Dragons, which Aelian, and others make mention of, to fly in Aegypt.

Pliny giveth an account out of Niger (if he may be Credited) that such a multitude of Fish, Flying Fish recorded in History. called Loligines by the Latines, flew out of the Sea, and rested upon a Ship and sunk it. But to leave this pleasant Au­thor: The more sober Ancients do mention in History, a Sea Swallow, a Hawk, and a Fish not unlike a Herring, which have been seen by Seamen (in their Voyage to America) to Fly, which I apprehend to be performed by the help of Membranous Wings, not unlike those of Bats: And other Fish and Serpents are dressed with Wings, made of more thin and dry Coats

And above all Creatures, which are embellished with proper Wings, Birds are the most excellent, both for Structure, and Service, as being Beautiful Frames, Birds have Wings vari­ous is colours, shape, and size. made up outwardly of different Feathers, full of various Colours, and of several Sizes and Shapes, and are composed more inwardly of Mem­branous Muscles, and divers small oblong Bones, as Integrals, imparting strength and motion to the Wings of Birds; which being anterior fine Limbs, do hold great analogy with the Arms of Humane Bodies, as they consist of Coats, Carnous Fibres, and many Bones, rarely fitted in Joints.

These curious Engines of Motion, have a double posture of Expansion and Contraction: The first is the Wing, straightned and enlarged, perfor­med by various Tensors, fixed to divers Bones, in order to Motion: And latter position, is the Wing, contracted by divers Flexures, and shortned into different folds, in reference to its Repose, when freed from Action.

The motion of the Wing in Flying, is celebrated by various Muscles, making divers Tensions, of the Cubit and last Bone, and by the elevation [Page 119]and depression of the Wing, produced by the Abductors, and Adductors, the Scapular and Pectoral Muscles.

And in order to the motion of the Wing, The Wing is enlarged by Tensors. it is first streched out and ex­panded by the Tensors of the Cubit, which do begin with fleshy Origens, near the lower region of the Shoulder Bone, relating to the head of it, and do take their Progress along the upper side of the Os Humeri, and are inserted with small fleshy Terminations, into the beginning of the greater Bone of the Cubit, and being Contracted, do straighten the Cubit of the Wing

The Tensors of the second Joint of the Pinion, or last Bone of the Wing, are two Seminervous Muscles, which take their rise with fleshy Originations, near the beginning of the lower Bone of the Cubit, and be­ing carried all along the upper side of it, do terminate in oblong roundish Tendons, inserted into the beginning of the third Bone of the Wing; these Muscles being Contracted, do extend the second Joint of the Pinion, and the third of the Wing.

The Flexors of the second Joint of the Wing, Flexors con­tracting the Cubit. have fleshy Originations (running under the Pectoral Muscles) near the head of the Os Humeri, and run along the lower Region of it, and terminate with round Ten­dons inserted into the inside of the greater Bone of the Cubit near its head, and being Contracted, do make a Flexure of the Cubit of the Wing. Flexors con­tracting the third Bone of the Wing.

The Flexors of the third Joint of the Wing, arise with fleshy Origina­tions about the head of the greater Bone of the Cubit, and pass along the inside of it, and are inserted with long round Tendons into the beginning of the last Bone; these Muscles being Contracted, do make a Flexure of the third Joint of the Wing.

The Pectoral Muscles, or the Adductors, do take their rise in two fleshy Points, near the termination of the broad arched Bone (encircling the Viscera and Intestines) to which they are affixed all along their Progress, and do make the fleshy part of the Breast, and at last climbing over the Shoulder Bone, between the Tensors and Flexors of the Cubit, do insert themselves into the upper Region of the Os Humeri, not far from the head of it.

These are the greatest Muscles used in the Flying of Birds, The Adductors or Pectorals are the great­est Muscles re­lating to the Wings. upon which the motion of the Wing doth chiefly depend, and being Contracted, do pull the expanded Wings downward, and somewhat backward.

The Musculi Scapulares, or Abductors of the Wing, have their small Carnous Origens, near the points of the Scapula, and grow broader, The Scapulars or Adductors are much less and are the Elevators of the Wings. as they are carried along the Surface of it, and have fleshy Terminations (running under the Tensors of the Cubit) inserted into the lower region of the Os Humeri, near the head of it; These Muscles being Contracted, do lift up the Wings, inclining them a little backward.

So that the Wings being expanded by the help of the Tensors, and the various ranks of Feathers, being displayed to a great Circumference, they have the advantage of being boied up by a large body of Air, underprop­ping the Bodies of Birds, clothed with light Integuments, easily floating in the fluid Air, which is highly sollicited by the repeated stroaks of the open­ed Wings (caused by the Tensors) accompanying them and their adjacent Bodies, whereupon frequent Impulses push them forward step by step, till they arrive the ends of their intended Voyages; which may be truly so sti­led, because Birds seem to Swim in the Air, by the frequent motion of their Wings, as by a pair of Oars, making frequent stroaks by the help of the [Page 120]Adductors of the Shoulder Bone, Wings resem­ble Oares, and the trains of Birds Rud­ders, gover­ning them in their flight. upon the Fluid Air, impelling their back part like a Stern governed by their Train, as by a Rudder, by which Birds stear their course in the troubled Air, forward, or toward the right or left, according to the Dictates of their Phancy: And are in no Capacity to fly with their Tails forward, because they will then want the conduct of their Trains, which regulate the motions of their Body and Wings, whose repeated stroaks carry the Head forward. The manner of flight of Birds, how it is performed.

So that the motion of Flying is celebrated (as I conceive) after this man­ner: First, The Wings being stretched out and expanded by the Tensors of the Cubit, and third Joint, keeping them in a kind of uniform Posture, in which the Wings being hollow underneath, are receptive of a large pro­portion of Air filling their lower Surfaces, beautified with three ranks of Feathers, of which, the Quills are the most long and large lodged in the outward margents of the Wings, and upon which (being boied up by many Columns of Air) the weight of the body of the Fowl is chiefly suppor­ted, and the expanded Wings being drawn downward and backward, in the form of a Minute Arch, by the Adductors of the Shoulder Bone, to give them the advantage of the stronger appulse upon the Ambient Air, which giving a resistence to the brisk motion of the Wings, do shoot the body forward, caused partly by the force of the Wings striking the Air (by whose Renitence the body of Birds is darted forward) and partly by the Elastick power of the Air, which being strongly compressed, by the vibration of the Wings, doth speedily again Expand it self like a Spring, and by a kind of Current, doth help the body of Fowls to swim forward in a fluid Medium.

Birds having not exactly a round Fabrick of body, in reference to their length seem to be somewhat of a Pyramidal Figure, small in the Anterior Region (resembling a kind of Cone) and larger in the Posterior, which representeth somewhat of a Base: And being supported, by an equal sur­face of Feathers, encircling the Body, the Head doth part the soft Com­page of Air, moving forward in a straight course, which Birds do easily accomplish by retracting their Thighs, Legs, and Feet, near their Bellies, or lower regions of their Bodies, Flight is ma­naged by con­densing the Air, caused by frequent stroaks of the Wings, made by Abductors, and Addu­ctors. to compose them into a round Figure, as thereby rendring them more capable of Motion, which is performed by fanning the Air into a thickness, caused by the frequent stroaks of the Wings, made by the Elevations of them by the Scapular Muscles, and by their Depressions produced by the contraction of the Adductors (relating to the Bones of the Shoulders) pulling the Wings downward, which are enwrapped within the soft vestments of Feathers, as so many fine Contex­tures, consisting of light hollow Bodies, big with Air.

And because Feathers are often exposed to great storms and showres, Nature hath most wisely ordered their structure with great Artifice, that their more inward and spungie Entrals, should be secured within the firm confinement of more solid Membranes, and thin horny Integuments: So that Nature, though different in its parts, yet is of an amicable Temper, and full of Harmony, reconciling soft and spungie with hard and com­pact Bodies, from which the most small, light, and numerous processes of Feathers do sprout.

The Feathers lodged in the upper Region of the bodies of Birds, are longer and greater to undergo the Violence of Encounters above, and more soft below, as fit for the reception of greater proportions of Air, to support the Body in Motion, which is chiefly effected by Wings, made up [Page 121]of a trebble rank of Feathers; the chief and greatest are stiled Quills, Wings are made of a tre­ble rank of Feathers. to make Concussions, and Fannings of Air, to compress it into a closer Con­globated body, to boy up, and jirk the Body forward in Progressive Moti­on. And those lesser rows of small Feathers, do arrest the Air within their Cavities, to prevent its over-hasty escape, while the first rank expandeth the Wing; in which the grand Architect hath two main designs in the fine light coverings of Feathers, that by them a weighty body might float in a moveable fluid Medium, and thence be transported from place to place, The solid bo­dies of Birds are supported by the light covering of Feathers. for its pleasure and advantage: Upon which account, a solid Fabrick, com­posed of divers Integral parts, could not be any way managed in Flying, without the addition of some light Enclosures (affixed to a heavy Body, full of hollow and aery Particles) to which the fanned and thickned Air, giveth a resistance, causing it to swim in a nimble fluid Body.

It is necessary for Birds upon divers occurrences, to sport themselves in the Air, and at other times to treat themselves upon Earth; whereupon they are composed of solid Bodies, invested with a light hollow Covering, the one to give them stay and motion above, and the other more ponde­rous parts, are partly instituted by Nature to incline Birds downward, as to a Center for their better subsistance and repose; else if Birds were whol­ly made up of Feathers, they would always flie up and down the Air as restless bodies, being not able to have recourse to land; which is effected by their solid bodies, naturally tending downward, and assisted by some small Expasion, and with little or no motion of the Wings, which are some­what contracted in the descent of Birds to the Ground.

And it is further requisite for Birds to have Expanded Wings (to sup­port them in the Air) acted with various Postures, Birds have va­rious postures in flying up­ward, down­ward, and ob­liquely. in order to pass from Term to Term, according to simple motion upward, downward, and di­rectly forward, and according to oblique and mixed Motions, as bending toward the right, or left.

The motion of Soaring, is performed by most strong and impetuous Vibrations of the Wings (lifted up and down by the Scapular, and Pecto­ral Muscles) upon the Air, thereby squeesed into a greater closeness, by whose resistance, and their Trains being clapped downward, the bodies of Birds are mounted upwards, and on the other side they are carried down­ward by the Wings giving way to the weight of their Bodies.

The motion of Fowls is produced by Extended Wings, Soaring is cau­sed by depres­sing the wings directly down­ward, and move forward by the wings carried some­what back­ward. making frequent Vibrations upon the Air, not pressed only directly downward as in Soaring, but also beaten backward, whereupon Birds dart themselves forward in di­rect Course

And Birds are moved obliquely to the right, when the great stress of Motion is celebrated by the left Wing, which being more strongly Agita­ted, the Body by consequence must be inclined to the right; Birds are car­ried obliquely chiefly by the motion of one wing. and on the other side, when the left Wing is favoured, and the right more highly em­ployed, the body of Birds doth wheel toward the left in oblique motion

And this may seem worthy our remark, that in reference to simple and mixed Motion, that the Air is Attenuated in the fore part, and Condensed in the hinder, by the repeated appulses of the Wings, which giveth a check to the motion backward, and shooteth Birds forward in flight, with the grea­er force. The chief mo­tion of the wings is made downward, and the eleva­tion is produ­ced in order to the other.

And upon enquiry, we may find the depression of the Expanded Wings is the most eminent in the flight of Birds, and the Elevation is only subor­dinate to it, as a prerequisite condition; when the Shoulder being lifted up, [Page 122]the Air immediately insinuateth it self into the Cavities lodged under the Wing, wherein it being compressed, is rendred more thick and Globular in the inferior and concave part of the Wing; whereupon the body of the Bird, resting upon the Air, which being beaten backward, shooteth it for­ward, and gaineth place after place successively.

And in both postures of Elevation and Depression of the Wings, The wings are kept ex­tended in their motion, both upward and down­ward. they are always kept Extended, else the Birds could not be deteined Swimming in the Air, but would be immediately forced by its weight toward the Center.

In fine, it's most agreeable, that Birds in the different positions of their Bodies in order to Flying, are conducted by their Wings, as by Oars, and by their Tails as Rudders; and according to greater or less Vibrations of both Wings, equally moving are carried forward, or Laterally by one Wing moving briskly, and the other Facintly, or upward, by the motion of the Wings and Tail, which do constitute most, if not all, the kinds of simple, mixed, and circular motions of Flying.

To conclude our Discourse of this Subject, and to speak somewhat more clearly of it: Birds soar upward by the help of both Wings, equally and strongly beating the Air, and by the Tail, forcing it self potently down­ward, which mounteth up the body of Birds, and they move downward as pressed by their own weight, balanced by the gentle Expansions of their Wings, somewhat tending toward Flexion; and are carried forward by the appulses of both Wings moving downward, and somewhat backward upon the Air (thickned by frequent Compressions) by whose resistance the body of Birds is darted forward: and Birds are acted with oblique Motions, tending to each side, caused by the unequal force of the Wings, one ma­king weak, and the other strong Vibrations, upon the Condensed Air: And in Circular Motion, where there is a Circumvolution of the Body in order to a Retrograde Flight, it is managed by a strong and brisk Motion of one Wing, and by the assistance of the Tail as a Rudder, whereupon the body of Birds is turned round, to a most opposite Point; and afterward is carried forward by both Wings, making equal repeated stroaks upon the thickned Conglobated Air, propelled downward, and backward, by whose Renitence and Impulse, the body of Birds encircled with a light Feathered Robe, is forced forward from place to place.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Flying of Insects.

THe wings of Insects (by which their Progressive Motion is accom­plished) are full of Beauty and Wonder, speaking the great Con­trivance of the Omnipotent Agent, as being graceful Objects, adorned with variety of Colours, interspersed with small Specks, and Cells, and most admirable in their curious Contextures, The wings of Insects are dressed with many rows of Fibrils, seated one above another. as being composed of fine Films, Dressed with manifold Fibrils, seated in divers Ranks, one above another, and running in divers Positions, to give different Motions back­ward and forward, to these rare Machines; which take their first rise in the Thorax, beyond the center of Gravity, toward the Head, and this Excentrick Position of the wings, is finely balanced by the Expanded Area of the Wings, which are lodged backward, toward the Extreamities of Flies

This choice Composition of wings of Flies, and other Insects, The wings of Insects are covered with fine Feathers or Down. consist­eth of thin Membranes, covered with fine Feathers, or Down, beautified with various Colours, and accommodated with all sorts of Vessels fit for Life and Motion; the last of which is celebrated by various Ranks, of curious Muscles and Fibrils, seated in the upper and lower Region of the wings, as so many Abductors, and Adductors, Elevators, and Depressors, drawing them up and down with equal quickness, productive of nimble Flight in these pretty Creatures: So that the Motion of the wings is fainter or brisker, to make less or greater hast according to pleasure, and the ut­most extent of the Motion of them, is acted above a little beyond the Back, and below beyond the Belly.

And I conceive, the wings being strained by vertue of their Fibres, to the utmost strech in the height of their Motion, are almost brought to a Plain, only the fore part is lowred a little, and the wings being modelled after this manner, and brought to a lower pitch; their hinder part is carried with somewhat a greater quickness then their former, and the Area of the wings doth somewhat dip behind (according to ingenious Mr. Hook) and after the same manner they seem to be carried back again in a quick Motion, to their first Position, and the Area is lowred, as they tend backward, be­cause the Fibres making a greater Contraction, do cause a greater Vibration of the same Stem, which fringeth the Wing.

And these Vibrations acted with great Velocity, The wings of Insects are carried up and down by Ab­ductors, and Adductors. are produced by nimble Contractions of Antagonist Muscles, the Abductors, and Adductors, lodged in the wings, which move with so much Dexterity and Quickness, that they seem to resemble the most nimble Vibrations of the Musical Strings, which being highly streched, do make numerous motions in a Minute.

Thus having given some Preliminary Account of the Structure and vari­ous Vibrations of the wings of Insects, with your leave, I shall now endea­vour to speak my Thoughts, how the flight of Insects is performed, which being light Bodies, and pendulous in the Air, are supported by their Ex­panded wings, resting upon many Columns of a Fluid Body, of an Elastick nature; which being highly Vibrated by repeated stroaks, do give the ad­vantage [Page 124]to bodies of Insects to recoil forward, which is very much promoted by their Expanded wings, Insects fly by their Wings depressed, and somewhat bent back­ward by Ad­ductors. carried downward and somewhat backward by Minute Muscles, which may be stiled Adductors; whence the Air being Vibrated toward the hinder part of Insects, doth by its springy disposition, force their Bodies forward with great Agility; and afterward the wings be­ing lifted up by the Abductors (to relax the Antagonist Muscle) to give them the advantage of a repeated Motion, and to make a new stroak upon the Air, confining toward the Posterior parts of Insects, to dispose their bodies to a farther Motion, which is produced by the stroaks of the wings moved downward, Insects boy up their Bodies, by their wings gently mo­ving down­ward upon Air under­neath them. and somewhat backward, which being acted upon the Air running immediately under them, do only boy up their Bodies in a To­nick motion of the wings; which is often seen in Insects, and Birds, as Goss-Hawks, Falcons, and others, keeping themselves in a fixed posture in the Air upon the wing, when they endeavour to view their Game upon the Ground.

And to speak a Period to this Discourse, Insects move by repeated down, and back repeated jirks of their wings, somewhat resembling the back stroaks of Oars upon the troubled water, which putteth the Boat forward with great force, caused by the Elastick power of that Fluid Body, pressing for­ward upon the violent jirks of the Oars.

CHAP. XXII. Of the Swimming of Fish.

ANother kind of Progressive, is this of Swimming, which hath some Affinity with Flying, this being proper to Birds; and that agreeable to Fish, those Swimming in Water, and the other in Air, and both Medi­ums agree as Fluid Bodies, Birds move with greater quickness in Air, then Fish in Water. and differ by reason the last is a more thin Con­sistence; whereupon Birds move in Air with far greater quickness, than Fish in Water, which is a more gross Medium.

The Instruments of Motion in Fish and Birds, are different, these being acted with Expanded wings, and those with displaied Fins (as some con­ceive) which have some Analogy with each other: But in truth, Fish that are destitute of Fins, sport themselves in their watry Element, and others holding their Fins still, and close to their Bodies, by frisking their Tails in various postures, do quit one place, to gain another.

So that Fish and Fowl, Fish and Fowl have diffe­rent Mediums and Instru­ments of Mo­tion. in reference to Swimming and Flight, have not only several Instruments, but also different mediums of Motion, the one having a more gross, the other a more thin; whereupon Birds are clothed with light coverings of Feathers, holding proportion with the Levity of the Air, to countermand the weight relating to the bodies of Birds, thereby giving them the advantage of Motion; which is managed with the greater labour of their wings, making stronger and more frequent Vibrations upon the Air, by whose resistance they dart their Bodies forward.

Whereas Fish moving in a more solid Medium of water, Fish having heavy bodies, move in a more solid medium then Air. more commensu­ate in weight to the bodies of Fish, are more easily carried (as being supported by a Medium of greater consistence) by the stroaks of the Tails of Fish; to push their Bodies forward, after the manner of Levers; whence it may be consequently inferred, that Swimming Animals might be the better treated under the Surface of Water, and sport themselves backward and forward, and up and down within its fluid Territories, it is requisite that Animals conversing in this Chrystalline Element, should very much correspond with it in parity of weight, The weight of the water in which Fish swim, doth somewhat ba­lance the weight of Fish. that the Gravity of the one might somewhat ba­lance the other in a kind of aequipondium, else if the Fish be much more Light than Water, they would hardly contain themselves, within its over­weighty Body: And if they were too ponderous, they would not be capa­ble of Motion without very much strugling, which would lessen the plea­sure of their passage from place to place, to support themselves with Ali­ments in order to their preservation. Vesicles of Air seated in the lower venter, do help to bear up Fish in Water.

Wherefore it is wisely disposed by Nature, in Carps, Pikes, Tench, and the like, and in most Fish, that Vesicles big with Air, should be lodged in the lower Apartiments, to the end their overmuch weight, should be boied up by light Bodies, seated above their Entrals, near the Spine, in which Nature somewhat resembleth young Swimmers; who being unexperien­ed in the art of Swimming, tie Bladders under their Arms, to support their sinking Bodies, otherwise depressed by too much weight.

So that Fish being acted with quantities of Air contained in Vesicles, lodged in their inward Recesses, do easily float and swim up and down in Limpid Liquor, which is principally acted by Antagonist Muscles of Flex­ors and Tensors, seated in most Fish in their hinder Region, which being drawn into an Arch by Flexors is quickly discharged by Tensors, making jirks by opposite Motions, against the troubled water, Fish do swim chiefly by the motion of their Tails, caused by Flex­ors and Ten­sors seated in their hinder region. thereby forcing the Body and Head forward; which is effected (as I conceive) by different stroaks of their Tails, resting upon the repelled water, by whose resistence, the bodies of Fish are driven forward.

Some Fish, as Eels, Lampreys, Congers, and the like, consisting of great variety of Flexors and Tensors, lodged all along the Spines of their slen­der Bodies, do incurvate the numerous Vertebres into several Arches, made by Flexors, which being reduced by opposite Muscles, do give successive Vibrations against the ambient Medium, whereby they gradually shoot for­ward, part by part their unwildy Bodies.

And not only Fish, are endowed with Swimming, but also Fowls, Fowls called Palmipedes, do swim by the motion of their broad foot backward against the re­sisting water. as Swans, Geese, Ducks, and the like, which are called Palmipedes, because their Feet in some degree do resemble the Palm of our Hand; and have as it were divers Digits, interspersing their Membranes, which give to the Palms of their Feet, by reason of their breadth, the advantage of oppo­sing the Water, whereby they bring themselves forward (as conceive, after this manner): First, their Legs are carried inward by Flexors contra­cting themselves, and afterward are moved outward and backward by [...]en­sors, which being abbreviated in Motion, do distend the Thigh and Leg outward, and in Swimming, make stroaks by their broad Feets against the water, by whose resistance the Expanded Feet of Palmipedes draw themselves forward, and so by repeated back stroaks of their broad Feet as by Oars, making frequent Appulses upon the water, they continue the Mo­tion of their Bodies forward in a fluid Medium.

Fish having a more delicate kind of Flesh, and lighter frame of Bones, are more easily supported in a more thick fluid Medium then those of Birds, which would be more readily hurried through the Air in a Central Moti­on toward the Ground, were it not enwrapped within a light Coverture, which boyeth up the more weighty bodies of Fowls, in a thin fluid Medi­um. Fish being a rare Contexture, made up without any articulation of Bones (except those of the Spine) of Scales, Porous Flesh, light Viscera, and Intestines (filled with a small proportion of thin Excrements, lodged in a Concave Body) receive many advantages of Swimming; so that these fine slippery Compages, being destitute of genuine Respiration, as defective in Lungs, do not always swim near the surface of the Water, but con­verse in the body of it, and chiefly in the bottom near the Earth, which supplieth them with the greatest part of their Aliment.

VVherefore, Fish swim from place to place, to pro­cure aliment. because Fish now and then converse in the middle, some­times near the Surface of the water, and other times near the Banks, or Shore; it is requisite they should have a power to transfer themselves from one place to another, for the reception of Air and Aliment.

And when they make approaches to the Surface of the water, there are more Instruments required, and greater appulses made upon the water in the ascent of Fish from the bottom to the top, and so moved forward in a di­rect Line, then to be kept quiet, and circumscribed with one constant Sur­face of water, which may be obtained with less labour, only by the dilata­tion of their Fins (somewhat resembling wings, Fins somewhat resemble wings in figure and use, both being institu­ted by nature in order to Motion. in use and figure) which give a stop to Central Motion, in sustaining the Fish immoveable in the body of the water▪ but to raise up Fish from the inferior region of a fluid Medium to a superior, or to shoot them forward in a right Line, the one requireth a more soft, the other a more impetuous motion of the Fins, which are performed by multiplied alternate motions of Tension and Flexi­on; Tension is ser­viceable to Flexion, in re­ference to the motion of the Fins and Tails of Fish. the first being ordained in favour of the second, as the Tensors are mi­nisterial to the Flexors of the Fins and Tails, making stroaks upon the wa­ter, which do thicken it and force it backward, by whose resistance, the Head and Body are carried forward; and they are carried upward by their Fins and Tails pressing strongly downward against the water, by whose Renitence and Elastick power they mount upward toward the Surface of the water.

And Birds hold great analogy in their flight in the Air, The analogy between Fly­ing and Swim­ming. with the Swim­ming of Fish in the water; in which Palm-footed Birds, whose feet inter­spersed with Membranes, have much resemblance with the Fins of Fish, which being Expanded make appulses upon the water pressed backward, by whose springy disposition, both Fish and Fowl are driven forward in Swimming and Flying.

And the Mediums in which Birds and Fish do flie and swim, The mediums of Flying and Swimming a­gree as fluid, and disagree in consistence. do corre­spond with each other in likeness, as being both fluid; but in this they dis­agree, that the water is more solid and visible, and doth more easily sustain Fish, then Air doth Birds, which is occasioned by its greater thinness and rarity: And on the other side, water being a more dense body, is more easi­ly Conglobated by the Vibrations of their Fins and Tails upon the water re­pelled backward, whose impulse draweth the bodies of Fish from place to place. Fish have more or less Fins, accor­ding to the weight of their bodies.

VVhereupon Fish are dressed with more or less Fins (according to the different makes of their Bodies) by which they are master of greater or less quickness in Swimming, as Boats make fewer or more Miles in such a [Page 127]space of time, as handed with a smaller or greater number of Oars.

Flat and broad Fish, as Turbit, Skait, Thornback, Flounders, Bret, Soals, and the like, are left naked of greater Fins affixed to their Bodies, and be­ing thin and Broad, are easily supported upon many Columns of Water, and are fringed round with a kind of thin Membranous substance (not alto­gether unlike Fins) by whose appulses upon the Water, and the assistance of the Tail, broad Fish shoot themselves forward in a straight Course.

And Fish as well as Birds, and other Animals, Fish are car­ried in s [...]ple and mixed motion. have simple and mix­ed Progressive Motions, as right, upward, downward, and oblique, as tending toward the right and left, and Circular, in turning the Body in re­ference to a Retrograde Motion.

The motion from the bottom of the Water to the top, is guided by the Fins and Tail, making stroaks directly downward upon the Water (lodged underneath) by whose impulse the body of the Fish is immediately moun­ted upward toward the ambient parts of the Water, and Fish are acted in a contrary Motion downward by their weight (and by a small help of their Fins, somewhat resting upon the Water) producing a Central Mo­tion.

And Fish in mixed Motions, are carried in oblique Lines, either by bend­ing to the right by the assistance of the [...] [...]in acting more vigorously, and chiefly by Incurvation of the Tail tending to the left, which draweth the Body toward the right, or by bending the [...] toward the right, which pul­leth the body to the left, by reason the Ta [...] of Fish resembleth a Rudder, to steer the body of Fish either in order to Simple Motion in a straight course, or in a mixed Motion obliquely, and quite round in a Circular manner to an opposite point, in reference to a Retrograde Motion.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Creeping of Animals.

ANother kind of Progressive Motion, is that of Creeping, Creeping in Reptiles is performed by sweeping their Bellies on the Ground, as having no Legs nor Feet. seeming to be the meanest of all, wherein Animals destitute of Legs and Feet to support them, do Creep along sweeping the Ground with their Bel­lies in a kind of Undulating Motion upon the Surface of the Earth, and do move laterally in divers Arches, made sometimes to the right, and some­times to the left side; which is celebrated by several Machines of Motion, seated on each side of these Reptiles, and fixed to the sides of the Spine, consisting of many Vertebres, from which divers short Muscles do arise and into which they are inserted; and by contracting themselves toward the Head, Reptiles do move their Bodies gradu­ally, by ma­king many Arches. do abbreviate the Body, by making several segments of Circles alternately in each side, thereby drawing the Body forward, part by part, as step by step.

So that Creeping is acted by many Flexions not made by Angles, lest the Ligaments tying the Vertebres of the Spine together should be Lacera­ted, and a Laxation be made; whereupon the Motion of Reptiles, is ma­naged by divers strong short Muscles, bending the Body into many arched [Page 128]Positions, most proper and agreeable to this Fluctuating Motion (as very easie to Reptiles) which is exerted in hollow Flexures, made by Contra­cted Muscles in one side, relaxing the Antagonists of the other, modelled into a convex Posture; whereupon the Muscles of each side being recipro­cally contracted, and relaxed in Motion and Rest, do alternately make va­rious Maeanders in their concave and convex Surfaces, in order to transfer their long slender Bodies piece by piece, from place to place, by many suc­cessive segments of Circles, resting upon divers centers of Motion, very visible in Reptiles; as Snakes, Vipers, Glow-worms, and the like, which are not only dressed with Lateral, but also with Muscles, taking their rise from the Neck, and inserted into the posterior region of the Head, which being Contracted, lift up their alternate arched Motion, whose intermedial points are kept in a right posture with the Head, always conserved directly forth-right, while the Body sporteth it self on each side, in various succes­sive segments of Circles, in reference to Progressive Motion.

And in relation to repose, Serpents have their Heads enwrapped within many segments of Circles, produced by a general Contraction of all the Muscles relating to one side, drawing all the Vertebres of the Back in a cir­cumference toward the Head; whereupon all the Muscles of one side be­ing Contracted, their Antagonists are Relaxed, and the whole Body is moul­ded into Spires, every way encircling the Head.

Thus far of the first kind of motion proper to Reptiles, Undulation the first kind of motion in Reptiles. called Undula­tion, most conspicuous in Serpents, Snakes, and the like; whose long Bodies are wheeled this and that way in quicker Motions; whereas the se­cond degree of Motion stiled Creeping, is more slow and successive, where­in the Fluctuation of the Body is made by bending not side-ways, The second kind of moti­on in Reptiles is Fluctuation. but up­ward: So that some part of the Body is acted with Motion (while the other is composed to rest) in various Postures, succeeding each other, plain­ly discernable in Silk-worms, which are set before and behind with such small Feet, (that they can scarce be discovered) and between them is seat­ed so large an Interval, that their Bellies touch the Ground in Motion, which is accomplished by divers Muscles; some placed in the Back, others in the Sides (terminating in the Annular Fibres) which being Contracted toward the Head, and those of the Back making Flexures upward in it, do draw the Body forward toward the Head; so that resting the Posterior part of their Body on the hinder Legs, Silk-worms pull themselves forward, by forming divers Arches in the Intermedial parts, which being afterward di­stended, their Bodies are reduced into straight Postures.

Other Reptiles, The third kind of motion in Reptiles, is made by Ex­tension and Contraction. as Leeches and Worms, have another kind of Progres­sive Creeping Motion, which is not effected either by moving laterally or upward by various Flexures, but long-ways and short-ways by Extension and Contraction, produced by Minute Fibres, as Tensors rendring these Insects more long and slender; and by other Fibres, as Contractors, ma­king the parts more thick and short, by whose joint assistance of Tensors and Contractors, the bodies of Leeches and Worms are drawn forward in their Anterior parts first, the Center Motion resting in their hinder parts, which at that moment are thickned and immoveable, and afterward move, while they grow long and slender by Tensors: So that first the Anterior parts of these Reptiles are lessened, and moved, and the hinder parts are immoveable as Hypomoclia, and afterward the Posterior Region is lessened, and the Anterior is thickned, being rendred the Center of Motion: Where­upon (I conceive) the Motion of these Reptiles is celebrated by different [Page 129]Fibres, as Extensors and Contractors; the first playing in the Anterior parts, draw them out in length, and afterward being shortned into a greater thick­ness by Contractors, pull the Body toward the Head; so that the Anterior parts being Incrassated and shortned, the Posterior are made slender and lengthned by Tensors, and afterward reduced by Contractors more closely into themselves, pull the Posterior parts forward.

Nature, God's Vicegerent, useth divers Methods in the conduct of Pro­gressive Motion, and as it is more Excellent, it hath a better Appara­tus, made of a more perfect and greater number of Instruments, more choice Bones, and better contrived Articulations, and more regular Muscles, the chief Engines of Motion.

Wherefore the methods of Local Motion in lower ranks of Animals, as Insects, and the like, are very obscure and imperfect, as gradually celebrated with more slowness, wherein the whole Body is not moved at once, but one part after another with great industry and time, which is performed in ob­lique slender Bodies, not supported by the interposition of Articulated Limbs, as so many jointed Columns, but often Sweeping or Creeping upon some Area, with their bare Bellies, which in several parts are lifted up and depressed again to the Ground, to draw the Body piece by piece from place to place.

Before we make any farther progress, it may seem Methodical to be in­quisitive into the nature of this Creeping Motion, which may be worth our Time, as well as Pains, as being a matter of great Curiosity and Wonder, to understand the great Works of the Creator, in reference to the most Mi­nute Creatures.

And indeed it is very difficult to apprehend the Method by which Na­ture proceedeth, in the production of Motion relating to Insects, which is much different from that of greater and more perfect Animals, and is not at all relating to Walking, Flying, Swimming, which require a greater Apparatus of more noble Organs: Again, the conception of this Motion, is perplext in point of its various Modes, as Spiral, Arch-like, &c.

Thirdly, It is difficult to pry into the Nature of it, because the Instru­ments of it are not very obvious to Sense, by reason of their smallness, im­perfection, and various confused parts; so that some Animals are furnished in order to this Creeping Motion, with Bones, Joints, and Muscles, the main Instruments of Motion, as Eels and Serpents; but in other Animals they are deficient, as Leeches and Worms, and the like, and have neither Bones nor Joints, but small Annular Membranes in stead of Bones, and straight Fibres in stead of Muscles.

And now I will take the freedom to offer some requisite Conditions, The first mo­tion of Insects is wavelike. found in Minute Animals, as so many Pillars, upon which all Creeping Motion is built; The second kind is per­formed by Spires. The first is some immoveable Base or Area (upon which this Mo­tion is founded) seated without the moved bodies of Animals, which are the subjects of Motion, and are the second requisite of it, and the third and chief are the Machines, or instrumental causes of this Motion.

Local Motion, commonly called Creeping, The third is effected by Contraction and Extension. admitteth a Division into many kinds, as so many Modes of it, which is sometimes Wavelike, di­versly celebrated; as when the Back is curled above in variety of short Waves, which is evident in Leeches, and Silk-worms; or acted below, when Oblong bodies are rendred Crooked, part after part successively, wherein the Body is moved by degrees, by Spire after Spire, from Term to Term, as in Lampreys, Eels, Congers: But Insects do extend first the [Page 130]fore part of their Bodies, and lift up their Heads, and afterward contract their hinder Region, and so bring it forward toward their Heads, and so do gain more ground.

Aristotle, The fourth is made by lesser Arches. in his Book De Incessu Animalium, addeth a fourth kind of Creeping, acted by various Arches, and doth not essentially differ, from the curled Wavelike Motion, which is managed by a kind of lesser Arches: And the greater Wavelike Motion is full of Wonder in a kind of Silk-worm, which maketh one most eminent Arch, with a most crooked Angle seated in the middle of the Back, highly elevated from the Earth; and other diffe­rent Silk-worms do make many smaller Incurvations (somewhat aemula­ting Waves of Water) one Wave impelling another, and receive divers Discriminations of Colours, Shape, and Size: But other Insects, acted with many Wavelike Motions, are most truly denominated Silk-worms, whose Backs are variously acted, with many crooked Arches, being sometimes lifted up, and other times depressed.

So that all slow Motion (wherein the Body is moved part after part, as step by step) is reducible to Four kinds, Spiral, Wavelike, Archlike, and Motion performed by Traction of one part after another, by the help of many Minute Muscles, or Fibres contracting themselves.

And we may take our first rise from the Motion of more perfect Creeping Animals, The motion of Serpents and Eels, is Spiral. as being dressed with the better furniture of Organs, found in Eels and Serpents, which are acted with Spiral Motion, consisting of various segments of Circles, having not any recourse into each other in order to a perfect Circle, but somewhat resemble the Circumvolution and Spires of the Intestines, and are not formed by many Bones, Articulations, or Muscles of the Limbs, but by several instruments of Motion, appertaining to the Spine, which is furnished with great variety of minute carved Bones, numerous Joints, and many short Muscles, which do all act their several parts, in the slender Bodies of these long Animals, moved by many lateral Incurvations (where­in one part is haled after another) displayed in Four several Postures.

The first is that above, celebrated by the Muscles, elevating the Head and Trunk from the Ground, which giveth a prospect of good or ill Acci­dents, to embrace the one and refuse the other.

The second Posture of Eels and Serpents, The second posture of mo­tion is made by Depression. in reference to the Motion of Spires, is made by Depression; as by Muscles, by whose Contraction, the Body is inclined downward toward the Ground.

The third Posture of Motion is Lateral, made by the alternate Incurva­tion of one side after another in forming Spires, which are accomplished by many Lateral Muscles, shortning the parts of the Body, by which it is drawn forward little by little, according to the nature of Motion in Oblong Bodies, resting on many parts of the lower Region, which give so many steps to the total Motion of the Body.

So that the Lateral Motion is produced by the alternate flexions of the Spiral Vertebres, inclined sometimes to the right, and other to the left side, and this Flexion is not made as by the Articulations of more perfect Ani­mals, according to Angles, but by Arches and Spires, formed by many small Muscles, imparting Tendons to every Vertebre of the Spine, which are bent one after another toward the Head.

So that the many Muscles belonging to several Articulations, being con­tracted and abbreviated, cannot incurvate the whole Spine, into one great entire Arch; because it would prejudice Motion, if each side should be furnished only with one Muscle, upon whose Contraction the whole side [Page 131]would be moved with great trouble, while the other resteth, but the side being divided into many Incurvations, is much more readily and nimbly moved, to the great ease and pleasure of those Animals: And some are ap­propriated particular Muscles to the Head, for the carrying it forward, which is thrust onward not by any other Muscles, but those of the Spine fol­lowing each other in different sides, and making many small Spires, which by divers Muscular Contractions, do abbreviate the parts of the Body, and carry the Head and Body forward, as being fixed to the Anterior parts of it.

The Local Motion of other more imperfect Animals, is distinguished from those of Eels, Lampreys, Congers, and the like, both in Mode and Instrument of Action; the one being celebrated by small Arches, accom­panying each other in manner of Waves, and by less perfect organs of Anular Fibres, and small streight Fibres running between, and inserted into them. Whereas Lampreys, Eels, Congers, &c. being more great, strong, and ob­long Animals, are moved by the mediation of Bones, Joints, and Muscles; but Palmer Worms, and other Insects, are encircled only with many nar­row thin Membranes, interspersed with many Fibrils, which take their rise from the upper incisure, ending in the next below.

And one difference between Palmer Worms, and other more perfect Creatures (whereupon the first are called Insects) is from many round Lines, encircling the Bodies as with so many Rings (which are worth our remark) as divers Centres of Motion, from and upon which, the Creeping of Insects doth take its rise, and depend; and the Interstices interceeding the Rings, are the proper places of Muscles: So that we may plainly count so many Muscles are there as Spaces running between the Rings, which is evident in every Interstice, when the Palmer Worm moveth its Body, part after part in many Incurvations.

Whereupon it is very probable, that every Muscle lodged between the Spaces, deriveth its origen from the Annular Membrane next the Head, and doth terminate into the Ring immediately following toward the Tail, and the upper Ring (in the motion of every Muscle, is the Hypomoclion) to which it is fastned, which being immoveable, the Muscle contracting it self, shortneth the Space passing between the Rings, and by drawing the lower Ring nearer the upper, pulleth part of the Body toward the Head, which is a step in order to the Creeping Motion of the whole; which is mana­ged by a Chain of Motion, consisting of many Links, or Rings, tying the Muscles together, which are playing one under another in Successive Motion.

So that in this rare Scene, the upper Machine first moveth, and then the next, and so all the ranks of Muscles seated one under another, do succes­sively contract and shorten the Interstices of the Rings, whereby they pull the Body forward part by part, as by so many Intermedial steps: So that these ranks of Fibres lodged between the Annular Membranes, do somwhat resemble the Intercostal Muscles (lodged in more perfect Animals) which are like a Teem of Horse, pulling the Ribs one after another, in order to the dilatation of the Thorax, in which the rows of Fibres placed between the Incisure, do differ from the Intercostal Muscles; because they by narrow­ing the Interstices of the Annular Fibres, do not dilate the inward Cavity of the Muscles, but pull one Incisure nearer another, toward the Head, and by consequence draw gradually all the Body forward. The third kind of Cree­ping Motion is performed by one great Arch.

The third kind of Creeping belonging to Insects, is performed by greater Arches, and is that of a kind of Worm, called by the Latines, Geometra, [Page 132]and may be rendred in English, a Land Measurer; because the Body of this Insect, is raised most eminently in the middle, and is clapped to the Area in both Extreamities, after the manner of a pair of Compasses, which be­ing joined in both points to the Ground, and afterward removed forward, from one part of the Earth to another, somewhat resembleth the Measu­ring of Land, and the motion of this rare Insect.

This little Animal doth not make many small Arches in the motion of its Body tending upward like Waves, one following another in various rises of troubled Waters, but formeth one large Arch, made by a single Muscle, taking its rise near the Head, and ending about the Tail; so that the Head being the Center of Motion as immoveable, and the Muscle con­tracting and shortning it self, draweth the Tail being moveable toward the Head, and so pulleth its Body forward, not part by part, as in Wavelike Motion, but moveth the whole forward at once, made by the contraction of one long Muscle interceding the Head and Tail.

The last and fourth manner of Local Motion in Insects, The Fourth manner of Creeping Mo­tion is per­formed by Traction. is accomplished by Traction (as in Worms, Leeches, and the like) wherein the Anterior part of these Minute Animals first march in the Van, in their fore part, and the Po­sterior bring up the Rear; and the Anterior part is first extended and length­ned, by being rendred slender, and the hinder part at the same moment is contracted, growing thicker and shorter, wherein it gaineth ground, as being brought forward and nearer to the Head.

The Body of Worms and Leeches, are composed in their Ambient parts, of two sorts of Muscles: The one being Annular Fibres, encircling the Bo­dy, and are so many Muscles, which being moved, make the Body long and slender; as is very conspicuous, when these Insects of a suddain spin themselves out to a great length and slenderness.

The other Muscles relating to Worms and Leeches, are right and ob­long, passing between the Rings in their stations, which being Contracted, do shorten the Interstices, and draw the numerous Rings closer to each other, and make the hinder part greater, by pulling them nearer to the Head; whence the Body of these Insects do move, Pian piano, as it is rendred in the Italian Language, little after little, giving great trouble to these tender faint Animals.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Pathologie relating to the Muscles of the Body.

HAving Treated of the structure and uses of the Muscles, and of the several methods Nature useth in Progressive Motion, and how it deporteth it self by the assistance of Muscles in Walking, relating to more perfect Animals; and in the Flying of Birds, Swimming of Fish, and of the different Centers and Instruments of Motion, and how it is celebrated by the Flexion and Tension of Limbs, alternately acting, and making di­vers Angles with the Area, as well as with each other, and with the Trunk; and how in the Successive Motion of divers Members, the center of Gravity is transferred from Limb to Limb: And how Progressive Motion in imper­fect Animals, and Insects, is not managed by the Motion of the whole Body at once, but part by part, by making divers Spires, Waves, Arches, and by Extending the fore, and Contracting the hinder part of the Body; in which we may see and admire the great variety of Progressive Motion, instituted by Nature, speaking the infinite Power and Wisdom of the Om­nipotent Creator.

My design at this time, is to Discourse the several Diseases incident to the Muscles, as oppressed with divers Tumors, a Leucophlegmatia, Atheroma, Steatoma, Meliceris, Inflammations, Apostumes, Fistulaes, Ʋlcers, Erysipelas, Oedemas, Scirrhus, Cancers, Rheumatisms.

As to the first, A Leucophlegmatia, or Anasarca, is one kind of Dropsie, Anasarca is seated in the Muscular parts. affecting the Muscular part of the Limbs; the Thighs, Legs, Feet, Arms, Hands, and sometimes the Fleshy parts of the whole Body (which is more rare) upon which a strong compression being made by the Fingers, a dent is remanent in the Muscular parts, by forcing the Vessels inward, whence they are lodged more close to each other, by squeezing the serous Recrements into some neighbouring parts.

The Ancient, and some Modern Physitians, assigne the cause of an Ana­sarca, to the fault of the Liver, to its cold Temper, producing a pituitous Mass of Blood, which supposeth the Liver to be the instrument of Sanguifica­tion; an opinion repugnant to the Laws of Anatomy, and to the aeconomy of Nature, because no Lacteal Vessels can be discovered (by the most Cu­rious and Industrious late Anatomists) that import Chyle into the Liver, in order to its greater refinement, and assimilation into good Blood.

Whereupon I conceive it more reasonable, to assign another use to the Liver, The use of the Liver is to be a Colatory of the Blood. to be a Colatory of the Blood, which is effected by making a secretion of Bilious Humours, in its numerous small Glands, from whence it is trans­mitted by many Excretory Channels, into the Hepatic Ducts, and bladder of Gall, as into greater Cisterns.

In opposition to this Opinion, of laying the blame upon the Liver, in the production of a Leucophlegmatia, it may be Objected; That many have Died, in whom being opened, the Liver hath appeared to be very good.

Aretaeus is of a different sense from the former Physitians, who doth attri­bute the cause of an Anasarca, not to the cold Constitution of the Liver, but to the Colliquation of Humours, which must arise from a great heat Colli­quating [Page 134]the parts of the Body, which seemeth to oppose Experience: Be­cause Persons labouring for the most part with a Dropsie, have but a faint natu­ral heat, depressed by a multitude of pituitous, and serous Recrements, which are the antecedent Causes; when moving in the Vessels, and the Continents when impelled out of the Arteries, and lodged in the Spaces, passing be­tween the numerous Vessels.

As to the Primitive and Procatartick Causes of an Anasarca (which dif­fer from evident Causes) by reason the Procatartick suppose an internal in­disposition of Humours, Procatartick causes, sup­pose an indi­sposition of the Body. (which the Evident do not) proceeding often from a Luxurious Diet, from the immoderate gratifying our Appetite, in frequent and full Glasses of Wine, and variety of Dishes, Garnished with well fed Flesh, and the eating of Meat hard of Digestion; or by receiving new Aliment before the former is Concocted, which do produce an ill di­gested Chyle, the Materia substrata of a pituitous Blood, perverting its aeco­nomy and Constitution, by rendring it full of fixed Saline and Sulphure­ous parts, by reason an unassimilated Chyle doth vitiate the Fermentation of the Blood, and depress its Spirituous Particles, and renders its first Elements gross, and unactive, productive of watry Humours, the fore-runners of an Anasarca.

Whereupon the Causes of this Disease are divers: An Anasarca differeth from an Ascitis in the parts affe­cted. First, An abundance of watry Humours, settled in the habit of the Body, and differeth from an Ascitis in the parts affected, by reason the Tumour in an Ascitis, is produ­ced by a quantity of serous Recrements parted from the Blood, and lodg­ed in the capacity of the Belly; and a Leucophlegmatia is a Swelling arising from the same Humours, seated in the empty Spaces of the fleshy parts.

Another Cause (as I humbly conceive) may proceed from a crude Chyle, Crude Chyle a cause of an Anasarca. extracted either out of a great quantity, or from gross Meats hard of Concoction, or from a languid natural heat, or from ill ferments of the Stomach, whereupon the Alimentary Liquor groweth gross, as indigested; which is transmitted through the Intestines, Lacteal, and Thoracie Ducts, into the Subclavian Veins, where it runneth confused with the Blood, as unfit to be turned into good Blood; and being impelled by a long progress out of the Crural Arteries into the Thighs and Legs, and by the Axyllaries into the Arms and Hands, doth stagnate in the Interstices of the Muscles, relating to the lower and upper Limbs, whence they grow Ex­tended above their natural Dimensions; which may in some sort be pro­duced by the crude Chyme, which cannot be received into the small Ex­treamities of the Veins.

A third Cause of an Anasarca, Gross serous Humours may be a cause of an Anasarca. may be deduced from the grossness of the Serous and Chrystalline parts of the Blood, which are rendred unactive, and apt to be Condensed by the unnatural heat of the Blood; whereupon it is very probable, that this Transparent Humour being thickned, as torrefied by the Blood, is not readily admitted into the small Orifices of the Veins, whence the substance of the Muscular parts may be swelled by a supera­bundance of serous Particles, having lost their Circular Motion, as not be­ing associated with the Purple Liquor.

Whereupon, The causes of an Anasarca, do proceed A laesa Sanguifica­tione. as I conceive, all the Causes of an Anasarca, do flow A laes [...] Sanguificatione; Either because the serous Particles of the Blood, are not conveyed by the Emulgent Arteries, into the Glands of the Kidneys, or not separated and discharged through the Carunculae Papillares, into the Pelvis and Ureters: Or else because the indigested Chyle is transmitted through the Lacteal and Thoracic Ducts, into the Mass of Blood, when [Page 135]the decaied parts of the Blood consisting of gross Saline, and Sulphureous Particles, being put into a Fermentation are confederated with the most Spiri­tuous and Volatil, whereupon they work upon the similar parts of the Chyme (in order to the production of the more generous Liquor of Blood) which being not well Elaborated in their first rudiment in the Sto­mach, are not easily assimilated into the Blood, Crude Chyle is not easily assimilated into Blood. so that the more gross Re­crements do lose their Motion in their passage between the Vessels, and thereby do swell the habit of the fleshy parts, by enlarging the empty spaces of the Veins Arteries, and Nerves, stuffed up sometimes by watry, sometimes by gross Chymous, and other times by thick serous Chrystal­line parts.

And all these Errors produce a depraved Mass of Blood, and thereby viti­ate the Succus Nutricius, transmitted into it out of the Extreamities of the Nerves, whence the Vital Liquor is much dispirited, as consisting of the depressed Particles of gross Salt and Sulphur, the principles of an ill qualified Mass of Blood

And because the chief antecedent Cause of an Anasarca, is the ill Fer­mentation of the Purple Liquor, I will first describe the true nature of Blood, and then give an account of a Leucophlegmatia, flowing from an ill Sanguification.

The Mass of Blood in its natural Capacity, The Mass of Blood is com­posed of many parts. is composed of a Red Crassa­ment, Chrystalline, Nervous, and Limphatick Liquors, and Chyle (the Materia Substrata of Purple Juice) passing confused in the Vessels, wherein ariseth a Fermentation of the Blood, as consisting of Heterogeneous Elements, founded in different Liquors, made up of Acids, and Alkalies, of several Salts and Sulphurs, some Volatil, and others more fixed; which being of disagreeing dispositions, make great contests to perfect each other, accord­ing to the good contrivance of Nature, wisely ordering, that the gross parts should confine the more restless and active, which else would breath them­selves by the Pores of the Body into the Air, as akin to them; and the more Volatil, Saline, and Sulphureous, do exalt the more gross, and fixed in their converse with them.

Whereupon the different principles of the Blood, like disagreeing Lovers, The different Principles are the chief ground of Fermentation. do tune each other by amicable Disputes, ending in a happy Reconcile­ment, whereby they espouse each others Interest and Perfection: So that the Homogeneous parts of the Blood, do by a near union Assimilate each other, and the Heterogeneous Atomes, that cannot be reconciled in Assi­milation, are turned out of Doors, as unprofitable for Nutrition by the Ex­cretory Vessels of the Liver, Pancreas, and Kidneys.

The Chyle being transmitted by the Thoracic Vessels into the Subclavian Veins, associateth with the Blood, and is conveyed with it by the descen­dent Trunk of the Vena Cava, into the right Ventricle of the Heart, wherein the Chyle is mixed with the Blood, and broken into Minute Par­ticles, as dashed against the Walls of the right Chamber, The Chyle is mixed with the Blood in the Heart. caused by a brisk contraction of the Heart; whereupon the Chyle being more embodied with the Purple Liquor in the Heart, is conveyed from the right Ventricle by the Pulmonary Artery, into the substance of the Lungs, where it meet­eth the inspired Air, impraegnated with Elastick and Nitrous Particles, The Blood is refined by Air in the Lungs. which do much refine the Blood, and render it fit for the entertainment of the Vital Flame, the preservative of the noble operations of the Body, by a due and kindly Fermentation; wherein the Blood being exalted, the Simi­lar parts being of one nature, do intimately associate to preserve themselves; [Page 136]and being embodied with the Nervous Liquor (distilling out of the Ex­treamities of the Nerves) as a proper instrument of Fermentation, to assist the assimilation of Chyle into Blood, and a fit Nutriment for the more so­lid parts, and to constitute due Ferments for the Viscera; while the Re­crements in being troublesome and disserviceable to the Body, are secerned from the Blood, in the Glandulous parts of the Viscera and Membranes, and thrown out of the Body by various Excretory Ducts.

Thus having given an account how the Fermentation of the Blood is performed by various Liquors, consisting of Heterogeneous Elements, and by the Comminution of it into small Particles in the Chambers of the Heart, and how it is refined as inspired with Air in the body of the Lungs, and afterward defaecated in the Glands of the Viscera, and Membranes; whence it obtaineth a laudable disposition. My aim at this time, is to give my Sen­timents, how it degenerates many ways from its due Qualifications, there­by producing Hydropick Diseases, when any of the requisite conditions constituting a good Mass of Blood, is deficient, perverting the excellent aeco­nomy of Nature.

The first Cause producing an ill Mass of Blood, A pituitous Matter is the first cause of an ill Mass of Blood. as hindring its due Fer­mentation, is a pituitous Matter, which I apprehend is a crude Chyle, (conveyed to the Mass of Purple Liquor) which being of a viscous nature, acquired by the faint Heat, and ill Ferment of the Stomach; not duly opening the compage of the Meat, and not Secerning, and elaborating the Alimentary Liquor, which being transmitted into the Mass of Blood, doth vitiate and clog it, in being unfit to repair its decays, as thick and clammy, so that it cannot be perfectly Assimilated: Whereupon, when the pituitous Humour is extravasated in great exuberance in the Spaces (inter­ceding the Vessels) caused by a quantity, or thickness, of an unassimilated Liquor, not received into the Extreamities of the Veins, whereupon the Muscular parts are swelled (called a Leucophlegmatia) by reason the pitui­tous Recrements of the Blood insinuating themselves into the substance of the fleshy parts do sever the numerous Vessels from each other, and lift up the Surface of the Body, and extend its habit beyond its natural Shape and Size.

The second Cause of a depraved Mass of Blood, The second cause of a vi­tiated Blood, is fixed Salt and Sulphur. producing an Anasarca, may be taken from its Elements of fixed Salt and Sulphur, not exalted by reason of a dispirited Mass of Blood, overcharged with great store of Recrements, watry mixed with earthy Particles, whence the Vital and Ani­mal Functions grow faint, loosing the quickness and agility of their Ope­rations; because watry Humours, mixed with fixed Saline and Sulphureous Atomes, do depress the fine and volatil parts of the Blood, keeping it low and unapt for a due Fermentation, Serous Hu­mours do vi­tiate the Mass of Blood. so that the serous Humours depressing the Purple Juice (with which they associate) are impelled out of the Ter­minations of the Arteries, into the Interstices (seated between the fruit­ful Vessels; wherein it being despoiled of its Motion, doth settle in the body of the Muscles, because the unprofitable Recrements do abound, as extravasated in the empty Spaces, by reason the small Orifices of the Veins cannot give them a due reception, and make good the Circulation of Li­quors in the Muscular parts.

The third Cause of the ill disposition of the Blood, Gross Air de­presseth the Vital Liquor. proceedeth from the depression of the Vital Flame, derived from the thick and gross Air, and moist Vapours (exhaled by the heat of the Sun, out of the Marshes, or Fenny Grounds) much depressing the Nitrous and Elastick parts of [Page 137]Air, the vital heat and spirit grow languid, and serous Recrements super­abound, which are transmitted into the substance of Muscular parts grow­ing soft and tumid, as overmuch extended by watry Humours; which are so excessive in quantity, that they cannot be admitted into the Veins, whence ariseth a Leucophlegmatia, a swelled habit of Body.

A fourth Cause is derived from the abscesses of the Viscera, Purulent mat­ter flowing out of the ab­scesses of the Viscera, do spoil the Blood. vitiating the Mass of Blood, which happen sometime in the Heart, labouring with a purulent Matter, impelled out of the left Chamber into the common Trunk, and thence into the descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and thenby smaller and smaller Branches, into the habit of Body, which groweth Tumified, as de­praved with corrupt Matter, producing a Leucophlegmatia, primarily flow­ing from an abscess of the Heart.

An instance may be given of a Woman long troubled with an Anasarca, who being opened after Death, many Abscesses were found in the Heart, and a purulent matter in the great Artery (derived from thence) and by the assistance of many great and small branches into the spaces of the Vessels, residing in the Muscular parts.

Another instance may be given of an Anasarca, proceeding from an Ab­scess of the Liver, In a young Man (a long time diseased with a swelled habit of Body) falling into a Jaundies, and afterward into a great Bleeding of the Nose, which spake a close to his Life; who being opened, a great Abscess was discovered in his Liver.

A third may be given of a Leucophlegmatia, Repelling Me­dicines out­wardly appli­ed are unsafe, if Universals be not first pre­scribed. arising out of an Ulcer of the Lungs, proceeding from the repelling of ill Humours affecting the Skin of the Head, by the undue application of Topicks without the administra­tion of Universals, as Purging, Bleeding, Sweating, &c.

A Child of ten Years old, born of noble Parents, was afflicted with a Scabby Head (which is familiar to Children) imprudently Cured by an old Woman, applying drying and repelling Medicines, whereupon the Saline Particles being received into cutaneous Jugular Veins with the Blood, and then was carried by the descendent Trunk of the Cava, into the right Ven­tricle of the Heart, and so by the Pulmonary Arteries into the Lungs, which were Ulcered by the saline Particles of the Blood (repelled originally from the Scabby Head) with which the purulent Matter being impor­ted by the Pulmonary Veins, into the left Cistern of the Heart, and thence dispersed by Arterial Trunks and Branches, into the Muscular parts of the Body, produced an Anasarca. A Branch of a noble Family, was often afflicted with a great difficulty of Breathing, tending to Suffoca­tion, which at last gave an end to his Breath: Whereupon the Abdomen being opened, a great Liver presented it self, and a Spleen divided into ma­ny Lobes (which is rare) the Intestines turgid with Wind, and grosser Excrements; and his Breast being opened, his left side was full of serous Blood, and the left Lobes were fixed to the Ribs, Purulent mat­ter the conti­nent cause of an Anasarca. and both were vitiated with various Colours of Green and Black, and the substance of his Lungs was filled with purulent Matter (the origen of the Anasarca) dispensed into the habit of the Body.

The more remote Causes of the Anasarca, The remote causes of an Anasarca. may proceed Ab excretis & retentis, either from too great an expense of Humours, or from natural Eva­cuations suppressed, or from too slender a Diet, not duly repairing the con­stant decays of the Blood, or from too great a quantity of Recrements, or from Heterogeneous Elements, too much depressing the Liquor of Life.

As to the first, The first re­mote cause is ab Excretis. it ariseth Ab excretis, from great Haemorrhages of Blood, either pumped out of the Lungs by violent Coughing (springing a Leak in some Vessel) or flowing out of the Membranes of the Brain, by Vessels inserted into the Coat, covering the inside of the Nostrils, or by great Fluxes of Vital Liquor by the Haemorrhoides, and in Women, by the Ar­teries of the Uterus: Whereupon the Blood being largely expended through extravagant Evacuations, is dispoiled of its more noble and volatil Particles, and thereby groweth Depauperated, and unable to raise a good Fermen­tation, to subdue and assimilate the Chyle into its own Nature; whence the Blood is oppressed with a great quantity of gross Recrements and watry Particles, productive of a Leucophlegmatia.

The second remote Cause may be deduced, The second remote cause is a Retentis. A retentis, from the suppres­sion of natural and accustomed Evacuations, either of Blood by the Hae­morrhoides, or of the Menstrua in Women, bringing an Ascitis, and fre­quently an Anasarca, flowing from an exuberant Mass of Blood; which by hindring its Circulation, filleth it full of watry Recrements (which else would be transmitted to the Kidneys, and discharged by the Ureters into the Bladder) depraving the Ferment of the Stomach (and the other Vis­cera) spoiling the elaboration of the Chyle, made thereby uncapable to be turned into laudable Blood.

An Anasarca may be also produced by stopping up Issues, which run freely, without due evacuations by Blood-letting, and Purging: And a Dropsie may also ensue by the undue Application of Topicks, in Cuta­neous Diseases, wherein the offensive Humours being repelled by Cold, Astringent Medicines do highly infect the Blood with Recrements, per­verting its due Fermentation. An Excretion also of a small quantity of Urine, and a suppression of large Evacuations of watry Humours by Sweats in full Bodies, do render the Blood watry, and dispose the Body for an Anasarca.

The chief Indications that occur in order to the Cure of this Disease, The first Cura­tory Indica­tion. is by all proper Medicines, to evacuate the serous Recrements of the Blood, and crude Humours, stagnant in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, and to prevent the generation of new watry Matter, The second Preservatory. the cause of the Anasarca; whereupon care must be taken, that the Glands of the Viscera may be so di­sposed, as to make a secretion of the several Recrements of the Blood, and dis­charge them by their proper Excretory Ducts; and that the Ferments of the Stomach may be so well qualified, as to open the Compage of the Meat, and extract a good Alimentary Liquor; and that the Blood being freed from its crude and indigested Particles, may be exalted by volatil Salts and Sulphurs, and by good Ferments of the Nervous Liquor, that the Vital Liquor may be restored to its native Constitution, and thereby may be act­ed with a good Fermentation, and assimilation of the Chyle into Blood, transmitted into and associated with it.

A vital Indication is not necessary to be satisfied in this Disease, by reason weakness producing Lypothimies, Syncopes, do seldom happen in an Ana­sarca, whereupon Restoratives are not requisite, but rather Evacuating Me­dicines; because an Anasarca is caused by a superabundance of watry Ex­crements, lodged in the habit of the Body; upon which account it may seem rational, to advise a sparing Diet, as very beneficial in this Disease, by reason the great quantity of Serous Humours is much lessened by Absti­nence, and transmitted by the Secretory Glands of the Kidneys, through [Page 139]the Urinary Ducts, and Papillary Caruncles into the Pelvis and Ureters, and so into the Bladder of Urine.

As to the Curatory Indications, they are satisfied by Catharticks, The Curatory Indication is satisfied by Purgatives and Diure­ticks. assisted with Diureticks, thereby expelling the watry Recrements of the Blood, cir­culating in the Vessels, and lodged in the Interstices of them, whereupon a strong Hydragogues being administred and received into the Stomach, they quickly pass through the Intestines, and Thoracick Ducts, into the Subclavian Veins, where they are mixed with the Blood, and do highly put it into a Fer­mentation, and by opening the Compage of it, do dispose the watry Particles for a separation; and by carrying them down the descendent Trunk of the Aorta, to the Mesenterick Arteries, out of whose Extreamities, they are discharged into the Intestines.

And sometimes the serous Recrements, are severed from the Blood in the Glands of the Kidneys, and pass through many Excretory Vessels to the Bladder; and above all Diureticks, those that are impraegnated with lixivial Salts, are most prevalent in a Leucophlegmatia; and Purging Medicines having been premised, it is usual to take Lixiviums of Broom, Worm­wood, prepared with White Wine.

These Lixivial Diureticks, sometimes take so good an effect, Lixivial Saits are very pro­per in an Ana­sarca. that they most freely discharge the Lympha, seated in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, and Cure an Anasarca (to a Prodigy) in which Diuretick Medicines, impraegnated with fixed Lixivial Salt are more powerful, then those Potions, which are big with Acids, Alkalies, and volatile saline Particles: Perhaps the reason may be this, Because when the watry Recrements (perverting the Fermen­tation of the Blood, and the assimilation of Chyle into it) have been some­time Extravasated in the spaces of the Vessels, they grow Acid; whereupon the Lixivial Particles of Diuretick Potions being mixed first with the Blood, and afterward transmitted to the crude Humours (lodged in the habit of the Body) do embody with them, as being Acid; Lixivial Salts mixing with Acids, make an Intestine Motion in the Blood. so that Lixivial Salts meet­ing with Acids, do immediately cause an Effervescence both in a crude Mass of Blood, and in the watry Humours, settled in the substance of the Mas­cular parts, and make a great Agitation and Fusion in both: So that the Excretive Faculty is not only irritated in order to discharge the Excrements of the Blood, but also a new Fermentative quality is given to the Blood, by which it is severed from its grosser Particles and the Chyle, embodied with it, is assimilated into the nature of Vital Liquor.

Diaphoreticks are also taken in a Leucophlegmatia (a Dropsie seated in the habit of the Body) with good success, Sudorificks are proper in an Anasarca. and though in the beginning of it, it is very difficult to move Sweat; because the watry Humours are set­tled in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, relating to the Muscular parts, whereupon the serous Recrements are not easily conveyed (being Extra­vasated) by the Arteries terminating into the Cutaneous Glands, and thence discharged by the Excretory Vessels, inserted into the outward Skin: Yet Diaphoreticks produce a very good effect, as enobling the Blood with Spi­rituous and Volatil Particles, which exalt the crude and unactive parts of the Vital Liquor, and Serous Liquors stagnant in the Interstices of the Vessels, and raise an Effervescence and Fermentation in the Blood, in order to per­fect and assimilate the Chyle; and when the watry Faeces have been mo­ved by Purging Medicines, and thrown into the Intestines, it may be very seasonable to advise Sudorificks, to discharge the reliques of the Morbifick Matter, the more thin and watry parts of the Blood by Sweat, or insensi­ble Transpiration, when the more gross Recremental parts have been dis­charged [Page 140]by Stool; and to this end a Diet-Drink may be prescribed (con­sisting of Diaphoreticks, and Diureticks) to expel the offensive Matter by the Kidneys, and Cutaneous Glands.

A proper Diet may be prepared of Lignum Sanctum, Diet Drinks good in an Anasarca. Sassafras, with Roots of Burdock, Butter Bur, and the Leaves of Saxifrage, Golden Rod, adding to every Dose when its streined, and sweetned with the Syrupe of the Five opening Roots, some drops of Salt Armoniack succinated, or Spirit of Salt, or Tincture of Salt of Tartar; which is an excellent Medicine in this Disease.

Chalybeat Medicines joyned with Antiscorbuticks, Chalybeats made of the Filings of Steel, are best in this Disease. are also very advan­tageous, when the Body hath been emptied of the watry Recrements by Purgatives, both to refine and sweeten the Mass of Blood; and in this case, Salts of Steel are not so proper, because they render the Mass of Blood more fierce: Whereupon in a Dropsie seated in the habit of the Body, such Chalybeats are to be Administred, which are impraegnated with Sul­phureous Particles, giving an allay to the more fierce Saline, as preparations made with the Filings of Steel, and Powder of Steel prepared with Sul­phur; which being received into the Stomach, and dissolved by its Saline Armoniac Ferment, and transmitted to the Blood, the Sulphureous Particles of the Metal do exalt the depressed Saline and Sulphureous parts of the Blood, and raise its Fermentation, by giving it new principles in order to Elaborate the Chyle, and assimilate it into Blood. These Chalybeat Medi­cines do rectifie the Ferments of the Stomach, and the other Viscera, which are Colatories of the Blood.

After Internal Medicines, Topicks are to be of daster Universal Me­dicines have been given. as Purgatives, Diureticks, Chalybeats and Di­aphoreticks have been Administred, Topicks may be safely applied in an Anasarca; as Frictions, Liniments, Fomentations, and Baths. Empyricks do apply Vesicatories, and Escaroticks, which are not always safe, as often accompanied with fatal Symptoms.

Frictions speak a great advantage to the Cure of an Anasarca, Frictions good in an Anasarca, to help Tran­spiration. because the Pores of the outward parts are so stuffed with watry Recrements, that they hinder insensible Transpiration, and the Ambient parts grow chilly, because the Blood hath not a free recourse to them; by reason the Serous Recrements settled in the Interstices of the Vessels, do so straighten them, that the free Current of the Blood is retarded toward the Confines of the Body.

Whereupon Frictions with course Clothes, and Brushes made for that use, do heat the Ambient parts, and by opening the Pores of the Skin, do help Transpiration, and refine the Blood, by promoting the Current of it to­ward the Surface of the Body, through which its fiery and effaete Steams are discharged.

Fomentations made lixivial by Ashes, Fomentations are proper as provoking Sweat, and in­sensible Tran­spiration. and consisting of Emollient and Discutient Ingredients, boiled in Waters (in which Sugar hath been refined) or in Lees of Wine, do enlarge the Pores, and provoke Sweat, and by turning watry Recrements into Vapours, do lessen the Tumours of the Am­bient parts, and alleviate the Anasarca, by giving a liberty to the Blood to be impelled toward the Surface of the Body, when rendred warm and thin by a hot discutient quality of the Fomentations, which much assist the Cir­culation of the Purple Liquor, embodied with crude serous Recrements.

Liniments are proper, prepared with Emollient, Discutient, and Drying Medicines, with Sulphur and Salts of divers kinds, with unslacked Lime, and other Minerals; which being Powdered, and embodied with Juices of [Page 141]Plants, consisting of Volatil Salts, brought by Art into the form of a Lini­ment (to which for its better consistence, Oil of Scorpions, or Turpentine, is to be added) may be applied very warm to the Body to open its numerous Doors, and breath out the Hydropick Humours, by a free Diaphoresis.

Whereupon the serous and pituitous Tumours do often disappear, and the Motion of the Blood is sollicited toward the Circumference of the Body, as rendred warm and fluid with the saline and hot Particles of the Liniments.

Learned Doctor Willis hath given an Account of the Cure of a Leuco­phlegmatia, oppressing all the Ambient parts in a Child, Oyl of Scor­pions very proper as out­wardly appli­ed in an Ana­sarca. who was frequent­ly anointed by his indulgent Mother, with Oil of Scorpions, chafed with a warm hand into the Pores of the Body; which being done effectually, the space of three days, the Child made a prodigious quantity of Urine, and so continued for some time; whereupon the Universal Tumour of his Body disappearing, he was afterward perfectly restored to his Health.

Vesicatories applied do raise Blisters, Blistering Plaisters un­safe in an Ana­sarca. and by taking away a great quan­tity of the serous Liquor of the Blood, do make an expense of Vital Spirits, in the running of many Ulcers; which sometimes cannot be healed, affe­cting the External parts of the Body with a Gangreen, ending often in Mortifications, which have such an influence on the inward parts, by infecting the Mass of Blood, having recourse by the Veins to the Noble parts; that these Gangreens and Mortifications, produced by Visicatories applied to Hydropick Persons, do speak an untimely period to Life.

A sad Instance may be given in a worthy Person, lately an Officer of the Navy, who was affected with an Universal Anasarca, caused by Grief, a Sedentary Life, and a Scorbutick habit of Body; whereupon in order to a Cure (the Muscular parts of the Body being Tumefied) a confident Chyrurgeon, contrary to my advice, did apply Vesicatories to his Thighs, which raised great Blisters, whereupon I made a Prognostick, that the bli­stered parts would Gangreen and Mortifie; which followed in a short space, and was attended with a fatal stroak of Death, to the great grief of his Friends: The deceased being a Gentleman of great Virtue and Civility, for whom I had most affectionate esteemes.

Escharoticks may be more safely applied to Hydropick Swellings, Escharoticks are more safe then Vesica­tories. and have not so ill Consequents, as Gangreens and Mortifications, to which bli­stered Limbs are liable: Because Escharoticks do not produce so great a flux of Humours in the outward parts, and serous Recrements having recourse to the Ambient parts, little by little, Nature can better endure it, as being accustomed to it by degrees.

Ingenious Doctor Willis, maketh mention of Escharoticks, applied with good success to Swelled Limbs in an Anasarca; which were first bathed Morning and Evening with Decoction of Dwarf Elder, Chamomel, and other warm discutient Herbs, boiled in Ale, or Lees of Wine, and be­tween the Fomentations, were applied Cataplasmes, made of the reliques of the Ingredients, embodied with Bear; and afterward, these Applications having been made for three days, both Legs were covered with Burgundy Pix, except where two holes were made in the Plaisters, about the bigness of a Walnut, wherein were put Escharoticks made of Ashes, relating to Bark of Ash, and applied to the Skin for Twelve Hours, and then taken off, there appeared two thin Escharas, out of which first gently, and then more freely distilled watry Humours, as out of two Fountains, when the Escharas fell off, until the serous Recrements were wholly discharged, and the Legs restored to their natural Dimensions.

CHAP. XXV. Of Tumours Incident to the Muscular parts.

THe Muscular parts of the Body are not only subject to an Anasarca, The Muscles are liable to several sorts of Diseases. but many other Tumours (Abscesses, Ulcers, Fistula's, Steatomes, Atheromes, Melicerids, Inflammations, Oedemas, Schirrhus) which pro­ceed from many indisposed Humours, stagnant in the habit of the Body: So that the ill Liquors, the antecedent and continent causes of the Swellings, lodged in the empty spaces of the Vessels, as Chyle, Blood, (which consist of divers Juices) Nervous Liquor, and Lympha.

Steatomes, The causes of Steatomes, A­theromes and Melicerids. Atheroms, and Melicerids, do all arise from gross Pituitous Humours, which indeed are divers kinds of indigested Chyle, modelled in a less or greater Consistence; in which respect they may be called different sorts of Oedematous Tumours, and are discriminated from them, by reason these are Swellings at large, seated in the substance of the Body: But Steatomes, Atheromes, and Melicerids, are confined within proper Tunicles, as within Boundaries, by which they are severed from other parts of the Body.

Steatomes are Swellings lodged partly immediately under the Skin, and partly in the Muscular parts, proceeding from a thick Flegmatick Matter, or Unassimilated Chyle, contained in a particular Membrane encircling it, seated in the substance of the Body; so that the Tunicle enclosing this thick Matter, The matter of a Steatome re­sembleth Fat in Consistence. being opened, a Pituitous Humour may be discovered, not unlike Lard in colour and consistence, but not in nature, because commonly it is not Inflammable, as being exposed to the Fire; wherefore it is very rare to find a Steatome to have Fat for its Matter. Of which Learned Bonnetus, Lib. 4. Anatom. Sect. 2. Obser. 4 giveth an account of a Boy affected with a Tumour in his Neck and Arm, derived from abundance of Fat, and serous Humours inclosed in a peculiar Membrane, which taketh its origen from a Mass of Blood; which being despoiled of its natural Elements, is not able to elaborate Chyle associated with Blood, and turn it into its own nature: Whence some oily Particles of the Vital Liquor, being severed from it, do degenerate into an unnatural Fat, and serous Humours enwrapped in a pro­per Membrane, whence followed an Atrophy of the whole Body, accom­panied with a Dropsie, expressed by the said most excellent Author. Ʋbi sanguis Sulphuris sui, & salis legitima proportione orbatur, facilis est putredo, aut vermibus apta Corruptio, & succorum benignorum degeneratio, quae saepe in gene­rationem copiosae pinguedinis, sive Cascum, sive Lardum, sive aliud quid men­tiatur, facessere potest: Conspectissimum id erat, 1670. In Nosodochio Argenti­nensi, ubi exinteravimus puerum, Cujus collo supra anillam sinistram, ingens Tumor accreverat, cujus separato bino involucro Cutaneo & proprio, substantia Steatoma verum erat, pondus librarum quin (que) civilium, brachium ejusdem late­ris, admodum cum manu totum aequalitur intumuit, dissectum, copiosissimam intra cutim exhibuit pinguedinem, effluente Copiosissima aqua ex Musculorum Intersti­tiis, omne reliquum Corpus macies exederat, Ascitis Abdomen.

A Steatome sometimes is of a prodigious bigness, A Steatome proceeding a Pituita Gypsea. deduced from thick tough Phlegm, confined in a proper Tunicle, à pituita gypsea, from a gross Matter resembling Plaister: Of which, an Instance may be given of a Ser­vant [Page 143]Maid, who was for a long time, highly troubled with a great Swelling of her Thigh, which she concealed, lest she should seem to betray her Mo­desty in shewing her Thigh to an Artist; but at last, the Tumour grew to so strange a greatness, that her high Discomposure was so prevalent with her, as to desire with Blushing and Weeping, the assistance of a Physician, to order the Amputation of the Tumour in her Thigh: Which was so great and Malignant, that it was judged wholly unsafe to Cut it off, but more reasonable to apply an Ointment prepared with Lead, which so suppressed the Increment, and Malignity of this stupendous Tumour, that she Lived above Seventeen Years afterward And after her Death, the Tumour (which rendred the Skin very uneven, as defaced with many Protuberan­cies) being opened, a Steatome appeared within, full of Matter, like Plai­ster, and many small Stones, proceeding (as I conceive) from Saline and Earthy Particles concreted.

But most frequently a Steatome taketh its rise from a Pituitous Humour, The cause of a Steatome i [...] in­digested Chyle. which in truth is an indigested Chyle, or Chyme (parted from the Blood) and extravasated in the substance of the Body; when it is immured within the soft Walls of a Membrane, and Consolidated by the heat of the Body, most commonly resembling the consistence of Lard.

A young Child, whose left Thigh did from time to time, more and more increase in bigness, to the great trouble and discomposure of the Parents (who like drowning Persons, did lay hold upon any Twig though ne­ver so weak, to support themselves) sending for Barbers, Empyricks, and the like; but finding their swelled Child to receive no advantage, but ra­ther grow worse upon their Inartificial Applications: They consulted Phy­sicians, who administred the most proper Medicines both inward and out­ward, which were not seconded with success. And the Child being Dead, an Incision was made into the swelled Thigh, upon which immediately ap­peared a Mucilaginous compact Matter, not unlike Lard.

An Atherome, is a white Indolent Tumour, The descripti­on of an Athe­rome. not disguising the Colour of the Skin, caused by Phlegmatick Matter not unlike Pap; which I conceive was the Chyme, first in association with the Blood, and afterward separa­ted from it, and lodged in a proper Tunicle.

Meliceris is a Swelling without Pain, not disguising the Surface of the Body by any unnatural Colour, which I conceive proceedeth from an ill concocted Chyme (commonly stiled Phlegme) settled in the substance of the Muscular parts, and included in the confines of a peculiar Coat.

So that the several Swellings, having the appellatives of Steatomes, Unassimilated Chyme of greater or less consistence is the cause of Steatomes, Atheromes, and Melicerids. Athe­romes, and Melicerids, have the same material cause of unassimilated Chyme, enwrapped in peculiar Membranes, and are discriminated by different Con­cretions of the same Matter, as more or less indurated by greater or lesser heat, making different impressions in the stagnant Phlegmatick Humours, which cause no pain, as they are not effected with Acid and Saline Particles: And by reason these Tumors, included in proper Tunicles, represent some­time Lard, other times Pap, or Honey, and are not apt to Suppurate, un­less associated with the Blood, which imparteth heat, and rendreth them fit for Suppuration.

And these Tumours, as they proceed from a gross Chyme (the Materia substrata of the Blood) more or less Consolidated, they may be Discrimi­nated from one another according to several touches, as endued with more or less softness, or a greater or less quantity of Morbifick Matter.

A Steatome is a more hard Tumour, Difference of a Steatome, Atherome, and Meliceris. and resisteth the pressure of the Fin­gers, but the Atherome is more compliable, and sooner giveth way to the Touch, as being a more lax Tumour then a Steatome.

And the Meliceris is the more soft Tumour of all the three, and is soon pres­sed inward, because it being contained within a Membrane of a more thin consistence than the rest; therefore a Dint made in it, remaineth longer, by reason the Humour forced inward being of a more thin substance, is longer before it returneth to fill the Cavity, made in the soft Tumour by the com­pression of the Fingers.

As to the Cure: These Diseases are Cured principally by Chyrurgery. These different Tumours having one Matter, modelled into different Consistences, do obtain the same kind of Cure, which may be attempted after Purging Medicines have been Administred, to discharge the offensive Matter, which being not removed, Emollient Medicines are to be applied; which being uneffectual, Suppurating Topicks are to be used; and if these prove not Efficacious, an Incision may be made into the Tumours, which must be attempted with great Caution, by a Skilful Chy­rurgeon; that the Tumours being opened, the Matter, either like Lard, Pap, or Honey, may be taken away with their proper Membranes, in which they were inclosed.

Another Tumour is this of an Inflammation, proceeding not from a Phleg­matick Matter, as in Steatomes, Atheromes, Melicerids, but from Blood Ex­travasated; which that it might be plainly understood, it may not be amiss to Treat somewhat of the Circulation of the Blood, which passeth through the Heart in strong Contractions, to give it heat by Motion, and to break the Chyle (received by the Vena Cava, into the right Chamber of the Heart) into small Particles, in order to its Assimilation with the Blood, which is afterwards carried into the substance of the Lungs (to be embodied with Air impraegnated with Nitrous Particles) and thence transmitted into the left Cistern of the Heart (for the more perfect Assimilation of the Chyle) and the common Trunk and various Arterial Channels, into the sub­stance of the Muscular parts, into which it is conveyed not by Anastomoses of Arteries with Veins but by terminations of Arteries into the Interstices of Ves­sels; that the more mild parts of the Blood being confaederated with Liquor, distilling out of the Extreamities of the Nerves, may give Nourishment to the neighbouring Vessels, which being unable to receive the twentieth part of the serous parts of the Vital Liquor, it is requisite that they being associated with it, should be reconveyed out of the habit of the Body into the Ex­treamities of the Veins, to make good the Motion of the Blood towards the Heart, by greater and greater Channels leading to it.

Whereupon the Blood being impelled by the Arteries in too great a quan­tity, The divers causes of stag­nation of Blood produ­cing an In­flammation. or if the Blood be so gross, that the small Orifices of the Veins are not capable to receive it, or if upon some great contusion of the Vessels, which being torn, do immit too great a proportion of Vital Liquor into the empty spaces of the Vessels, not possible to be entertained into the Mi­nute Orifices of the Veins, whence the habit of the Body is immediately swelled: So that the continent cause of an Inflammation, is an exuberant Mass of Blood, stagnant in the habit of the Body, caused by the Circula­tion of the Blood stopped in that part, The distention of the adja­cent parts, causeth the troublesome Pulsation of the Artery. whereby it groweth Tumified, Red, and very hot, accompanied with a painful pulsation of the Artery, pro­ceeding from its free play intercepted, by the overmuch distention of the swelled parts, produced by a quantity of Blood (overcharging the Inter­stices [Page 145]of the Vessels) and by the separating the Nerves from each other, which doth violate their Union, and discompose them with Pain.

Whereupon the immediate and continent Cause of an Inflammation is a Plethora, or quantity of Blood, impelled out of the termination of the Arteries into their Interstices, and into those of the Veins and Nerves, lodg­ed in the Muscular parts of the Body, which are distended above their natural Dimensions, and affected with great heat, flowing from a check of insensible Transpiration, and from an exuberant Mass of Blood extravasa­ted, whence is raised an unnatural Fermentation, consisting of Heterogene­ous Elements, making great disputes with each other; tending to a dissolution of the Mixtion, and ending in the putrefaction of the stagnant Vital Liquor.

The antecedent cause of an Inflammation, is considered in Actu signato, The antece­dent cause of an Inflamma­tion, is a quan­tity of Blood moving in the Vessels. when the Plethora is in the next disposition to the production of an Inflam­mation, by reason of too great a quantity of Blood moving in the Vessels; which being transmitted out of the Capillary Arteries, into the empty spaces of the Muscles, is received into the Extreamities of the Veins with great difficulty, whence an Inflammation may arise upon easie terms, The continent cause of an In­flammation, a quantity of Blood extra­vasated. by turning the Antecedent into a conjunct Cause, if the current of the Blood be intercep­ted in the habit of the Body, produced either by its Grossness, or Supera­abundance.

The Procatarctick, or remote Causes of an Inflammation, are derived from the overmuch indulgence of our Appetite in generous Wine, and in the luxurious eating of various succulent Meats, easily turned into Blood, or from an idle Life, or too violent Motion, causing strong Contractions of the Muscles; which by compressing the Arteries, do impel a great propor­tion of Blood into the substance of the Fleshy parts, whereupon they grow unnaturally distended by too great a source of Purple Liquor, obstructing its Retrograde Motion, by reason the Minute Orifices of the Veins, are not able to give a reception to its extravagant quantity.

The continent Cause of an Inflammation being a quantity of Blood, A quantity of Blood settled in the habit of the Body doth denote Blood-letting to so­licite the mo­tion of the Blood, to take on an Inflam­mation. stag­nant in the Interstices of the Vessels, doth indicate the Circulation of the Blood to be made good, which is most readily effected by opening a Vein, and a fine emission of Blood, quickly easiing the parts affected, if the Purple Liquor is not grown too gross, or putride by its long Stagnancy.

Blood-letting also may prove beneficial in point of an Inflammation, by helping the parts affected by Revulsion, in diverting the Current of Blood another way; whence the greater increase of the Swelling is hindred, as the Course is not only turned, but also as the quantity of Blood is lessened, and the great Influx of it is abated into the parts Tumefied.

And after Blood-letting and Purging Midicines have been Administred, to repair the Motion of Blood, and to empty the Vessels of ill Humours: If the parts affected remain Tumefied, Emollient and Discutient Medicines are to be advised to ease pain, and by turning the Peccant Humours into Vapours to discharge them in a free Transpiration, and by thinning the Blood by the heat of the Discutients, and by opening the obstructed Extreamities of the Veins, the Circulation of the Blood may be promoted, and the swelled parts relieved. Repelling To­picks are dan­gerous in an Inflammation.

Repelling Topicks consisting of Cold and Astringent Medicines, are to be Administred with great caution in Inflammations, as proving very dange­rous in a great Plethora; especially if it be accompanied with a Malignant Fever, wherein the repelled Blood infected with a Venenate Disposition, having a recourse to the Noble parts, aggravates the Disease, and cutteth off the Patient.

If the swelled parts are not relieved by Blood-letting, Where Emol­lients and Discutients are not pre­valent, Sup­purating Me­dicines are to be applied. and by Emollient and Discutient Application, by reason of the Blood having been long Ex­travasated in the habit of the Body, groweth thick, and unfit for Motion, as dispoiled of its fine and Spirituous Particles, thereby tending to Putrefa­ction; whereupon Suppurating Medicines are to be applied, to assist the Elaboration of purulent Matter; which is produced by Coction, flowing from natural heat, raising the Fermentation of the Blood, and by opening the Compage of it, doth untie the bond of Mixtion, and let loose the Hetero­geneous Elements of the Blood: Whereupon the Chrystalline parts associa­ted with Chyle and Nervous Liquor are separated from the red Crassament, which being accomplished, produceth an Aposteme, arising from Purulent Matter concocted by the natural heat, much hightned by Suppurating Me­dicines; which being endued with a gross Emplastick disposition (as Turpen­tine beaten up, and dissolved with the Yolk of an Egg, and the like) do by obstructing the Pores of the Skin, hinder the Transpiration of warm and spirituous steams of the Blood, and so by consequence do encrease the natural heat, and promote the Elaboration of purulent Matter (which be­ing lodged in the habit of the Body) consisting of sharp Caustick parts, which having recourse to the Ambient parts, do Corrode, and Penetrate them, thereby to discharge the troublesome Guests through the broken Skin; whence ariseth an Ulcer, proceeding from a flux of sharp purulent Matter, which is best effected not by corroding putrid Humours making their own way, which giveth a great Vexation, and Torture to the Patient▪ caused by intolerable pain, before the purulent Matter breaketh the Skin: Therefore it is better to consult the good and ease of the Patient, by opening the Skin by a Launcet in a propendent part, for the more ready discharge of the offen­sive Matter, which naturally tendeth downward as a heavy body.

And moreover when Nature produceth an Ulcer by breaking the Skin, Tumours brought to Suppuration are to be o­pened by In­cision it maketh most commonly a small Hole, which cannot freely evacuate the cor­rupt Humours, and keepeth the Patient long under Cure: Whereupon to consult the good of the Sick, an artificial apertion of the Aposteme is more convenient, to make a large Incision, thereby quickly to discharge the purulent Matter; which consisting of a double Recrement, the one thick and the other serous, do indicate cleansing and drying Medicines; and be­cause in all Ulcers, there is Solutio unitatis partium affectarum, a violation of Union, (which is natural to all parts of the Body) Consolidating Medi­cines are to be Administred, to assist Nature (which is the best Chyrurgeon and Physician) to repair the lost union of parts, which receive Incarnation, principally by the good and Balsamick disposition of the Blood.

An Officer of one of the King's Ships, being a Patient of mine, was affe­cted with a Tumour in the Abdominal Muscles, accompanied with a great heat, and was Cured by Blood-letting, Emollients and Discutients, and above all, with Suppurating Medicines, helping the natural heat to Concoct, and separate the Serous and Nervous Liquors from the red Crassament; where­upon the Suppurated Tumour was opened by Art, and the Concocted Mat­ter discharged, and the Ulcer cured by Digestive, Cleansing, Drying, and Consolidating Medicines.

A Sea-Captain's Wife was severely treated by the hands of an unskilful Midwife, by making a great Contusion in the Muscles of the Belly, be­tween the Navil and the Share-bone; whence arose a large Tumour accom­panied with Redness, Heat, and a beating pain associated with a Sympto­matick Fever, the true Diagnosticks of an Inflammation, which proceeded [Page 147]from a Laceration of the Capillary Arteries, impelling a quantity of Blood into the empty spaces of the Vessels; whereupon she was let Blood, which could not be done largely by reason of her Weakness in her Child-bed, whereby the Tumour got the greater head: And in order to its Allevia­tion, Emollient and Discutient Medicines were applied, which were not prevalent enough to discuss the Tumour by Sweat, and insensible Transpi­ration, and therefore we advised Suppurating Topicks, which brought the Tumour to a Head; which was opened by a Skilful Chyrurgeon, who ap­plied Ointments to help Suppuration, and Cure the Ulcer, which was effe­cted with great difficulty, by reason the Patient had an illness of Blood, which fed the Ulcer with ill Humours, Corroding the parts affected, Cleansing and Drying Medi­cines are to be injected in­to hollow Ulcers. and rendring them hollow: Whereupon a Tincture was advised, prepared of Alloes, Saffron, and Mirrhe, in Spirit of Wine, which was Injected into the deep hollow Ulcer; and this and other Detergent, Exsiccatory, and Consolidating Medicines, perfectly restored the Patient to her former Health, with the Blessing of the Great Physician, to his eternal Glory.

A Fistula, a consequent of an ill cured Aposteme, is a Callous Ulcer, ha­ving many oblique Cavities, whose Lips are white, hard, and indolent; which being seated in the Muscular parts, hath a more white, large, and equal Pus, then that which floweth from Nerves, Tendons, and Mem­branes, which is of an Oily Consistence, and less in quantity; and that Matter flowing from Bones in Fistula's, is of a blackish Colour, and faetide smell, and little in proportion.

A Fistula is a Daughter of an ill treated Abscess, or an inveterate Ulcer encircled with a Callous substance, proceeding from the grosser parts of a purulent Matter, full of Saline and Earthy parts, concreted into a hard sub­stance, adhering to the circumference of a hollow Ulcer.

As to the Cure of a Fistula, a Probe or Wax-Candle may be immitted into the Cavity of it, to find out its length; and to that end an Injection may be made into one Orifice, and afterward an Observation may be taken, whether the injected Matter come out of one or more Holes, and how deep the Cavity may be: And in order to the Cure, the Callous Matter must be taken away by some Instrument, A Fistula is to be made a green Wound, before it will admit a Cure. or Caustick Injection of Aqua Medi­camentosa, and the like, or by an Actual Cautery; that the Ulcer may be made a Green Wound, else the Lips will never close, and the Ulcer heal.

If the Fistula reach to the Bones, made Carious by sharp Saline Particles, the Ulcer may be laid open, and Drying Medicines applied to scale the Bones; but if the Fistula penetrate into Nervous parts, great Caution must be had, lest the Incision of the Callous Matter be attended with Convul­sions; and after the Circumference of the Fistula is freed from the indurated substance, proper Cleansing and Drying Medicines used in inveterate Ulcers, may be injected into the sinus of the Fistula.

A young Gentleman of Sussex, being of a good Constitution of Body, was afflicted with a Fistula the consequent of ill ordered Abscess, and an Ulcer seated in the Muscles of the Abdomen, which was Cured by Vulnerary Drinks, and by Detersive, and Drying Injections, which corroded the Cal­lous substance, and cleansed and dried up the purulent Matter, and closed up, and consolidated the Concave parts of the Fistula.

Another Tumour, called by the Greeks [...], by the Latines, Bilious Blood the cause of an Erysipelas. Rosa a colore Roseo, & ignis Sacer, vulgarly called St. Anthonie's Fire, is derived from a Bilious Blood, as the Ancients will have it, and is a hot thin Blood, often raising Blisters in the Skin; which proceedeth from sharp Serous Par­ticles, [Page 148]secerned from the Blood in the Cutaneous Glands, transmitted by Excretory Ducts, into the Skin: Sometimes this thin and hot Blood, which is called Bilious from its Temper, and not from any mixture of true Bile, swelleth the Muscular parts, being Extravasated in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, and is near akin to an Inflammation in Colour, but differeth in Con­sistence, which is more thick in an Inflammation, and more apt to Suppurate, and doth not happen in a true Erysipelas, proceeding from a thin Serous Blood, impraegnated with many Saline Particles, which hinder the putrefaction of the Purple Liquor.

As to the Cure of an Erysipelas, it is primarily directed to the Fever, and indicateth cold and moist Medicines in reference to the hot and dry Distem­per; and in relation to the quantity of Blood, the Apertion of a Vein is to be Celebrated, and most gentle Diaphoreticks are to be taken to expel the hot and Serous Liquor mixed with the Blood, into the Confines of the Body, where it is often discharged by Blistering Plaisters.

If occasion serve, by reason the Tumour doth not abate, Blood-letting may be repeated, Purging Me­dicines im­proper in an Erysipelas. as very proper in this Disease, in which Purging some­times proveth fatal in the height of an Erysipelas, in recalling the Serous Humours, from the Ambient parts to the inward Recesses, from the Cir­cumference to the Center; which succeeded very ill in a Gentleman, a Friend of mine, who had an Erysipelas in his Neck and Face, which so highly disguised his Countenance, that I could scarcely know him, his Eyes being shut up with the high Swelling: Whereupon an Empyrick of his Acquaintaince, ordered him a Purge (in stead of Bleeding) which work­ed freely with him, and drew in the Humours settled in his Face and Neck (which abated the Swellings of a suddain) which the Night after the Purge, had a recourse into his Brain, and made him Apoplectical: Whereupon I was called out of my Bed to come to him, I thereupon order­ed him to be let Blood, both in the Neck and Arm, in the space of a few Hours, but all in vain; the Patient, notwithstanding all my attempts by all ways imaginable to preserve him, died Apoplectical: And, according to my desire, the Skull being taken off, the Dura Mater appeared highly Tu­mefied, and the Brain being opened, we discerned a great quantity of Ex­travasated Blood, lodged in the substance of it.

An Oedema is a white soft Indolent Swelling, An Oedema is caused by an indigested Chyme. seated very often in the Limbs, caused by reason of ill Sanguification, proceeding from a Phlegma­tick Matter, an indigested Chyle, associated with the Purple Liquor, which giveth a trouble to Nature, seeing it cannot be assimilated into Blood (and so improper for Nutrition) which being impelled out of the Terminations of the Arteries, into the Interstices of the Muscles, where it is lodged by reason of its great thickness, as not being able to be admitted into the Ori­fices of the Veins; whereupon the habit of the Body is distended, causing a great Tension and Stiffness in the parts affected; which being near akin to an Anasarca, hath the same Indications and Cure, recited in the discourse of the Leucophlegmatia.

A Student in Philosophy, being affected with an Ascitis and Timpanites, was restored out of a Quartan Ague, unto perfect Health; and afterward being unmindful of his former Distemper, applied himself to his Studies, and led a Sedentary Life, and thereupon fell into a great difficulty of Brea­thing, derived from a gross Mass of Blood, impelled out of the Pulmonary Artery into the substance of the Lungs, receiving frequent draughts of Air, to inspire the Mass of Blood with fine Volatil Particles, to promote its Cir­culation [Page 149]by the Pulmonary Veins, into the left Chamber of the Heart; and within a very short space, this gross Mass of Blood was carried down by the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, into the Iliack Branch, and so into the Muscles of the Thighs, which were much swelled with this pituitous Mass of Blood, not lodged only in the empty spaces of the Muscles, but also in the Minute Glands of the Skin, very much swelled in Oedematous Tumours, and Anasarca's, which very much resemble one another, both in Pathology, and in Pharmaceuticks.

A Scirrhus is a hard Indolent Tumour, taking its rise from gross Blood, A Scirrhus is caused by a gross indura­ted serous of pituitous Li­quor. or from a thick Lintous Humour, mixed with the Vital Liquor, transmitted into the habit of the Body, where the more thin and watry Particles being Evaporated, the gross parts of the Blood do communicate a hardness to the distended Fleshy parts; which may also arise from gross Humours (settled in the habit of the Body) consisting of Saline Earthy Particles, which are dispo­sed for Concretion.

In order to the Cure of a Scirrhus, two Indications do offer themselves, the Indicative, and Curative: The first hath relation to the Antecedent Cause, the gross Mass of Blood resident in Scorbutick habits of Body, which are to be Cured by Purgatives, Antiscorbuticks, Diureticks, and Chaly­beats; so that the more gross parts of the Peccant Matter being carried off by Catharticks, the more thin may be discharged by Diureticks, and the Fermentation of the Blood may be renewed by Chalybeats.

As to the Curative Indication of a Scirrhus, derived from the continent Cause of gross Humours, settled and indurated in the empty spaces of the Muscles, it doth denote Emollient and Moistning Medicines, which must be applied again and again, to soften the Indurated parts; and afterward gentle Discutients mixed with Emollients, may be used; else if hot Dis­cutients be first applied, before the parts be softned, they acquire a greater Induration, and the Scirrhus will be rendred more difficult to be Cured.

A Cancer is a hard round Tumour, (of a Blew or Blackish Colour, A Cancer is a hard painful Tumour like Crabs Claws. full of sharp pain) beset with many Veins (big with a Black Humour) resem­bling Crabs Claws; from whence it borroweth its Denomination, and ta­keth its origen from Blood, infected with a Malignant Disposition, and Ve­nenate Nature.

This Humour concreteth it self in the beginning, not exceeding the big­ness of a Pea, and afterward groweth greater in Bulk; especially if it be enraged with sharp Medicines, whereupon it encreaseth in acute hot pains, somewhat like the pricking of Needles, derived from sharp Vitriolick Parti­cles, and the poysonous quality of the Blood, grievously torturing the Nervous and Membranous parts, the subject of pain in this Disease.

The antecedent cause of a Cancer, according to the Ancients, is a Me­lancholick Humour: But in truth, the Blood affected with a Venenate Na­ture, while it circulates in the Vessels; but when this Poysonous Humour is Extravasated, and lodged in the Interstices of the Vessels (as not received into the Veins) it is the continent cause of a Cancer, which is a Black vene­nate Blood, making a Tumour in the habit of the Body, tormenting the Nervous parts with severe pains,

Cancers are of two kinds, the one not Ulcered, the other Ulcered: A Cancer not not Ulcered. The first proceedeth from a more gentle, and less malignant Mass of Blood, easily confining it self within the empty Spaces of the Fleshy parts, without intole­rable pains, as not offering any great Violation to the union of the Muscular, and Cutaneous parts.

The Ulcered Cancer is derived from a most hot Mass of Blood (full of fierce Saline and Malignant Particles) which being settled in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, A Cancer Ulcered. parteth them from each other, and raiseth a Tumour, ari­sing from these sharp Vitriolick Humours, corroding the Fleshy parts and Skin, whence gusheth out a thin sharp Gleet, sometimes mixed with a depraved Blood, very offensive to the adjacent parts.

As to the Curative parts of a Cancer, it is so stubborn by reason of its great Malignity, that it cannot be subdued by the most powerful Phar­macy: In order to hinder the growth of it, Blood-letting may be advised, as also Decoctions of China, Sarsa Parilla, and Antiscorbuticks, and other Medicines which do cool, purge, and sweeten the Blood by Diureticks, of a mild nature; a cooling and moistning Diet may prove very Be­neficial, and above all Milk, and the most choice is that of Asses; which being of a serous substance, may be easily Concocted, without any Coagulation in the Stomach, and hath a cooling and moistning quality.

Topicks in this Disease prove often prejudicial, Sharp and hot Topicks are very prejudi­cial in Can­cers. especially hot and sharp Applications, that enrage the Fiery and Malignant disposition of a Cancer, and outward Medicines of an Emplastick Oily nature, are very poysonous, By reason they hinder Transpiration; and by deteining the hot and poy­sonous steams of the Blood, do much Exasperate the fierce Saline Atomes of this Disease, rendring it Ulcerous, whose sharp Matter doth Corrode the Neighbouring parts with intolerable pains.

An Ancient Woman, a Victualer by Profession, being affected with a Scorbutick habit of Body, was afflicted with a Cancerous Tumour in her Breast, to which an unskilful Chyrurgeon applied sharp and Emplastick Medicines, to bring the Tumour to Suppuration, which could not be affe­cted, but at last ended in a most Malignant Ulcer; whose thin Caustick Matter did eat away her Breast, and penetrating the Intercostal Muscles into the Thorax, did destroy the Noble parts; whereupon this devouring Disease gave a close to her most painful and miserable Life.

In Ulcered Cancers, Cooling and Drying Medi­cines are to be applied in Ul­cered Can­cerss. Caustick Medicines give great pains, and can no ways Cure the Patient; therefore it is best to apply Cooling, or at least tempe­rate Drying Medicines that give ease, and keep the Sore clean and sweet, that the Patient may spin out the Thread of Life, with as little pain as pos­sible.

In Cancers not Ulcered, it is most safe to flie to Chyrurgeons, as to a San­ctuary, to Cut out the Cancerous Tumour, in a Fleshy part, if it be not too deeply rooted, near some eminent Vessels, which may endanger Life in a great Flux of Blood.

CHAP. XXVI. Of a Rheumatism.

THe Muscles are obnoxious to another vexatious Disease (that giveth a high discomposure to the Patient in violent Pains) a Rhematism, Nervous and Membranous Fibres rela­ting to the Muscles, are the subjects of a Rheuma­tism. that hath for its remote subject, the Fleshy part of the Body, not much con­cerned as composed of various Tubes of Arteries, Veins, and Lymphaeducts, but are framed of Nervous and Membranous Fibres, which are the parts chiefly affected in this Disease, as the great Ministers of Sensation.

The Muscular parts of the lower Limbs, The Muscles of the lower Limbs, are most liable to a Rheumatism. are most oppressed with a Rheu­matism, because the Blood enraged with Salt Particles, is propelled down­ward by the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and Iliack Artery, into the Thighs, Legs, and Feet, as most distant from the Noble parts, which Na­ture is ambitious to preserve.

This troublesome Disaffection, Rheumatisms have Types and Periods. is not Afflictive perpetually after one man­ner, by reason it doth not take one constant Course, but hath its Types and Periods, its Exacerbations and Remissions, more gentle, and more violent pains, and seldom hath in the beginning any eminent Swelling; which is more frequent about the state or declination of the Disease, and is caused by the sharp Particles of the Blood, transmitted into the empty Spaces of the Muscles; where they being lodged, give great Alleviation of pain to the discomposed Patient.

The subject of a Rheumatism, is not the same with that of a Joint Gout, The fine Coats encircling the body and heads of the Bones, constituting the Joints, but the various Membrane, the fine contextures of Nervous Fila­ments, immuring the body of every Muscle, and many Nervous and Ten­dinous Fibres, branched through the whole substance of the Muscles; so that these Membranous and Fibrous parts, as consisting of many Nervous Fila­ments, are the parts affected in a Rheumatism, as instruments of acute Sense, whence they are rendred capable of pain, produced by the unnatural Fermen­tative Elements of Vital and Nervous Liquor.

The main matter of Rheumatism is the Blood, The matter of a Rheumatism is Blood made up of Fermen­tative Parti­cles. which is impelled into various Muscular parts by several Arterial Branches, whence arise those wan­dring pains, that torment now one, then another part, as afflicted with Fer­mentative unkindly Blood, making several gesses through the Muscular parts relating to the whole Body: Whereupon the Blood consisting of Heteroge­neous and unnatural Elements (doth give a disturbance to the Sensitive parts) which are not liable to Suppuration, because the Acid and Saline parts do preserve the Blood from Putrefaction; and an Inflammation happening in a Rheumatism is not the Disease, but a Symptome of it, flowing from a source of Blood settled in the empty Spaces of the Muscles; and the nature of this disaffection is founded in most irksome vellications of Nerves, tortured with Acid and Saline Particles.

It may be worth our enquiry, What parts of the Blood are most concern­ed in a Rheumatism, whether the Chrystalline, or Red Crassaments are most active in the Production of it? To which I make bold to give this Reply: That the Serous Particles, and not the other, are a great Cause of [Page 152]this Disease, The serous parts of the Blood are most concern­ed in a Rheu­matism. as acted with sharp and Saline Atomes, which do highly dis­quiet the Nervous Filaments; and as I apprehend, the Nervous Liquor doth claim a share in the production of this Distemper, as it is disaffected with Acid Atomes, which being in conjunction with the Serous parts of the Blood (as they both concur to Nutrition) do assault the tender frame of of Nervous Filaments, and vehemently prick them.

Whereupon, The pituitous Matter is not the cause of a Rheumatism. I humbly conceive, that pituitous Matter, or indige­sted Chyme, is not the matter of a Rheumatism (but of an Oedematous Tu­mour, as being of too soft an ingeny, to produce such a churlish and angry Disease, speaking so great a torment to the Nervous Filaments) no way agreeable to the more mild nature of the Chyle, holding great analogy with the temper of Milk, which sweetneth, and not enrageth; and being associ­ated with the Mass of Blood, giveth rather an allay, then raiseth an unkind­ly Fermentation, proceeding from Acid and Saline Atomes, chiefly resident in the serous parts of the Blood.

The best account (as I conceive) as most agreeable to Sense and Reason, is Mechanical, fetched from the principles of Nature (Chymically descri­bed) constituting the Mass of Blood, which being unnaturally Heteroge­neous in a Cachexy, do cause extraordinary Ebullitions, highly afflicting the parts of the Body through which it passeth; whereupon the main Ingredi­ents of this Disease are Salts of different dispositions, Different kinds of Salts the causes of a Rheumatism. residing in the Mass of Blood, and making great Effervescences, when they endeavour to enter into a mutual association, which is intended by Nature for each others In­terest and Perfection; because the end of these sharp Encounters, is to refine each other, and by subduing their Dissimilar Natures, to become nearer akin to each other by a harmony of Temper, in which they being Assimilated, do leave their hostile disputes, and kindly entertain each other in an amica­ble Converse.

And those different Saline Principles (which have so stubborn and un­compliant disposition that are not capable to be reconciled, by being made Similar by natural Effervescences; Acids and Al­kalies mak [...] great Ebulli­tions. Nature turneth out of Doors (as disser­viceable to the Body) by several Excretory Vessels, terminating in the In­testines, Bladder, or Ambient parts. These various Saline Elements are fixed, as Alkalies and Lixivial Salts, and being highly indisposed in diffe­rent Tempers, and meeting with exalted Acids, do produce extravagant Fermentations; The Mass of Blood and Nervous Li­quor, resem­ble the diffe­rent Elements of Vegeta­bles. as Oil of Sulphur poured upon Oil of Tartar, or any other Acids mixed with Volatil or fixed Salts, do cause great Ebullitions.

And the Mass of Blood and Nervous Liquor, being made up of different Elements, of disaffected Acids and Alkalies of unkindly Volatil and fixed Salts, do hold a great Analogy with the Fermentations, flowing from the mixture of Spirit of Vitriol and Tartar, which entring into disputes with each other, do produce fierce Ebullitions; and they insinuate themselves in order to Nutrition, into the pores of Membranes and Nervous Filaments, which being of acute Sensation, are highly irritated and enraged by diffe­rent Elements, fretting and gauling their most tender Compage, productive of tormenting Agonies, Nutrition is performed by various Li­quors. and most racking pains in a Rheumatism.

To render this Hypothesis more clear, I will speak somewhat of the man­ner of Nutrition (as more conducive to the better understanding of it) which is accomplished by various Liquors; the one is the more mild part of the Blood, which much resembleth the Albuminous Juice of an Egg, and will Coagulate l [...]ke it, when held over the Fire in a Spoon: Another Li­quor is that of the Brain, transmitted between the many Filaments of Nerves into all parts of the Body.

These two Liquors of several Families and Dispositions, associating in the habit of the Body (wherein they being severed from the Red Crassament) are transmitted into the Pores of numerous Vessels integrating the Muscular parts, and these Chrystalline and Nervous Liquors being of a clammy nature, do easily admit an accretion, and assimilate with the substance of the Mus­cles, when conveyed into their innumerable Pores. Heterogene­ous principles make great Fermentation in the Body. Whereupon these vari­ous Juices, consisting of Heterogeneous principles of Acids and Alkalies, of Volatil and fixed Salts (which being highly indisposed and embodied in ill habits of Body) do raise great Tumults and Ebullitions, in different Liquors, endued with disagreeing Tempers, which being compounded of fierce Salts and Acids highly disputing each other, and being Extravasated in the Interstices of the Vessels, into whose numerous Pores they are immit­ted in order to Accretion and Assimilation, with the substance of the Fleshy parts.

So that the Nerves being Systems of many Filaments, are most highly aggrieved and tormented with Vellications in a Rheumatism, produced by enraged Fermentative Atomes of various furious Salts, and Acids, relating to the serous parts of the Blood, and Animal Liquor, endeavouring in the empty Spaces of the Vessels, to unite and incorporate with the substance of the most delicate parts of Body, the subject of Sensation.

Whence may easily be inferred, The antece­dent cause of a Rheumatism, proceedeth from Humours in the Vessels. what are the antecedent and continent Causes of a Rheumatism; the one being In fieri, the other in factu esse. The antecedent relateth to the serous parts of the Blood, and Nervous Liquor (immitted into it by the Termination of the Nerves) discomposed by tumul­tuary Alkalies and Acids, raising high Ebullitions in different Juices, while they are immured within the confines of the Vessels.

The continent cause of a Rheumatism, obtaineth the same Matter with the antecedent, and differeth in the parts affected, and both agree, as be­ing derived from divers Salts, the one fixed, the other brought to a Fluor, and so turneth Acid; and they are Discriminated, by reason the Antecedent cause flowing from various fixed Saline, and Acid Elements embodied in the Mass of Blood, are contained and circulate in the Arteries and Veins; and the Continent cause proceedeth from the same principles, The continent cause of a Rheumatism, is derived from different ill Liquors sea­ted in the In­terstices of the Vessels. disaffecting the Serous parts of the Purple and Nervous Liquor confaederated, and then impelled out of the Arteries into the empty spaces of the Muscles, in order to be transmitted into the Veins, and in their passage some Particles are received in order to Nutrition, into the pores of the Vessels, to repair their lost Particles by Assimilation, whereupon the Preternatural Fermentative parts of different Liquors, making angry Effervescences in the substance of the Nervous Filaments, do produce vexatious pains; the immediate, or continent cause of a Rheumatism.

The Procatarctick cause may proceed from ill Diet, Ill Diet is a Procatartick cause of a Rheumatism. from too large an assumption of variety of gross Flesh, not well digested, by reason of Acid Ferments, transmitted out of the extreamities of the Arteries, or from De­praved Liquor, distilling out of the Terminations of the Nerves, into the Cavity of the Stomach, perverting its laudable Concoction, or from eating of Meats highly salted or dried with Smoak, or from drinking of small Wines full of Tartar, which produce an Alimentary Liquor in the Sto­mach (impraegnated with gross Saline Particles) which being carried through the Intestines, and Thoracic Ducts, into the Subclavian Vessels, doth em­body with the Blood, vitiating its temper, and disposing it for the producti­on of a Rheumatism.

The various Seasons of the Year do much disorder the Constitution of the Body, Heat and cold do alter the Constitution of the Body. occasioned by different tempers of the Air, sometimes Hot, and pre­sently after Cold (as in the Spring and Autumn) wherein Nature is sur­prised, in a suddain different alteration of Air; and when the Pores have been enlarged by heat, they are immediately shut up by Cold, and the fiery and Saline Particles, and Acid steams of the Blood and Nervous Liquor are suppressed a prohibita Transpiratione; whereupon the various sharp Saline Recrements, endued with Fermentative Particles, do make great bussles in the Body, and vex the parts.

Violent Labours and Exercises, Violent La­bours and too great indul­gence of Ve­nery, and the suppression of wonted Eva­cuations are a Procatartick cause of a Rheumatism. and extravagant Passion, and an immode­rate indulgence of Venery, as also the suppression of the wonted evacuation of Blood by the Nostrils, Haemorrhoides, or Menstrua, do highly dis­compose the Vital and Nervous Liquor in the Vessels, and enrage the Mor­bifick Matter of a Rheumatism, by raising the Fermentation of various Juices, consisting of Acid, and Saline parts (the antecedent cause lodged in the Vessels) impelled into the habit of the Body (and so become the continent cause of the Disease) disquieting the Nervous parts, by giving them sharp pains.

Thus having given a brief Account of the Procatarctick Causes, I will now with Permission, attempt to shew the different Influences these various kind­ly and unkindly primitive causes do produce, by making good or ill Dis­position and Concoction in the Stomach, Blood, and Nervous Liquor, in the Vessels and habit of the Body, in reference to Nutrition; whence arise Na­tural, or Preternatural Fermentations of several Liquors, composing, or di­sturbing the quiet of the Nervous parts.

The Blood affected with a laudable Disposition, The Blood in a natural state is not too fixed nor too vola­til. obtaineth a kind of Me­diocrity of state (as Learned Dr. Willis hath well observed) as being nei­ther too Fixed, nor too Volatil: And the parts of the Blood may be said to be too fixed, when the Elements of Sulphur, Salt, and Earth, are so firmly united in a close bond of mixtion, that they cannot easily be parted; as when Liquors are not well Concocted, by natural heat, and due Ferments, as out of Wine made of unripe Grapes, it is difficult to extract a Salt and Spirit in Distillation; but when the Saline associated with Spirituous Atomes are rendred Volatil, they are somewhat freed from the strict combination of Sulphur and Earth: As it is evident in the Distillation of Wine, after it is made fine by parting with its gross and earthy Lees, fallen to the bot­tom of the Cask; whereupon out of Wine secerned from its Faeces, the Spi­rituous and Volatil parts will easily ascend, and a Spirit of Wine may be readily extracted.

The Liquors (expatiating themselves in the body of Animals, The Liquors in the Bodies of Animals, hold some proportion with those of Vegetables. and espe­cially in a Humane Body) may have some analogy in their Fermentation with those of Vegetables; whereupon the Liquors of our Bodies, are endu­ed with a moderate Fixation, when first the Chyle is duly elaborated in the Stomach, by the help of good Air, Meats of easie Concoction, and proper Ferments of Serous and Nervous Liquor, distilling out of the Arteries and Nerves (inserted into the inward Tunicle of the Stomach) into the Cavity of the Ventricle, whereby the well digested Chyle being secerned by a kind of Precipitation from the gross Saline, and Sulphureous, and earthy Faeces, is transmitted through the Intestines, wherein it is farther Concocted by the Pancreatick Juice, and Arterial and Nervous Liquor, by which the Chyle being rendred more attenuated, is carried through the Thorax by proper Lacteae into the Subclavian Veins, where it espousing the Blood in a [Page 155]near union, receiveth a farther Exaltation, and is assimilated into Vital Liquor, whose more mild parts associated with Nervous Juice, Nutrition of the solid parts is made by Assimilation. become a good Suc­cus Nutricius; which being conveyed by innumerable Pores into the solid parts, is made one uniform substance with them by Accretion.

But if upon the reception of highly salted Meat, dried in the Sun, or Smoak, and other Meat hard of Digestion (by reason the Succulent parts are dried up, by the Salt and Smoak) a crude Milky Humour is extracted; The crudity of Chyle is produced by the Compage of the Aliment not duly open­ed. because the too solid Compage of the Aliment is not duly opened by a gross Air, a faint heat, and ill Ferments of the Stomach, whereby the Chyle is not well separated from the gross Saline, Sulphureous, and earthy Elements of the Meat and Drink; whereupon the Intestines, by reason of an impure Pancreatick Liquor, and other ill Ferments, do not attenuate the Chyle, which is imported through the Breast into the Vital Liquor, wherein it is not exalted by a dispirited Blood, affected with gross Sulphureous and fix­ed Saline Atomes, which being transmitted into the Interstices of the Ves­sels, do highly torture the Membranous and Nervous parts of the Muscles producing a Rheumatism.

This Disease doth not only proceed from the fixed Saline parts of the Blood, but from a depraved Nervous Liquor, A Rheuma­tism proceed­eth from ill Blood and Nervous Li­quor. which may be backed by pro­bable Reason; because Persons liable to Rheumatisms, are often afflicted with Nervous disaffections, as gentle rigors (dispersed through the Membranous and Muscular parts of the Body) which are a kind of Convulsive Motions, seated in the Nervous and Tendinous Fibres, involuntarily contracted by some sharp Humours.

And again, the unnatural Contractions of Nerves, proceed from a disaffected Nervous Liquor, of which this Conjecture may be made, because these Convulsive Motions, were attended with the excretion of Urine, as salt as Vinegar, an Argument that part of the Acid Particles affecting the Nerves, were discharged by Urine, which were first secerned in the Glands, and afterward imparted by the Veins, or Lymphaeducts to the Mass of Blood, carried by the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta and Emulgent Artery, into the Glands of the Kidney, where it is severed from the Blood, and transmit­ted by the Urinary Ducts and Papillary Caruncles, terminating into the Pel­vis, the entrance into the Ureters, by which it is conveyed into the Bladder, and so out of the Body by the Urethra.

Furthermore it may be conjectured, An ill Nervous Liquor the cause of a Rheumatism. That this Disease may partly borrow its production from vitiated Nervous Liquor, disaffecting the sensible parts: Because in the beginning of Rheumatisms, Patients are often troubled with Dulness, and pains of their Heads, attended with Sleepiness, which may come from a depraved Animal Liquor, disaffecting the Coats of the Brain; whence upon good grounds, we may be induced to believe, that a Rheu­matism is not wholly derived from a disordered Mass of Blood, but also from a Nervous Juice impraegnated with Saline Particles, brought to a Fluor, thereby rendred Acid; whereupon the fixed saline parts of the Vital entring into a confaederacy with the Animal Liquor, do raise brisk Fermentations, exasperating the Membranes, Nervous and Tendinous Fibres of the Muscles, whence ensueth a high discomposure, and torture of the Sensible parts: So that the igredients of a Rheumatism, may be truly judged the Fermentative part of the Nervous and Vital Liquor.

As to the Prognosticks of this Disease, it is rarely attended with fatal Symptoms; and after the great storms of disquiet and pain are allayed, A Rheuma­tism is not dangerous. a Calm ensueth: and therefore a Rheumatism is not in it self liable to great [Page 156]danger, but is a kind of Preservative, as by its mediation other Diseases are discharged, and the most discomposed Patient afterward is restored to Health; by reason the Matter of the Disease, the saline and acid Recrements, most offensive to the inward and noble parts, are discharged into the outward, and into the upper and lower Limbs, to secure the principles of Life, from the assaults of a troublesome and impetuous Enemy.

Sometimes in a Rheumatism, A Rheuma­tism flowing from saline and earthy parts concre­ted into a Chalky sub­stance. these fixed Saline in combination with earthy Particles, are concreted into a Chalky substance, accompanied with Extra­vasated Blood (sometime tending to Suppuration) which being of a Cau­stick nature, doth corrode the Fleshy parts and Skin, through which the Chalky Matter is discharged.

A Person of Honesty, keeping a Livery Stable in the Strand, was high­ly afflicted with a Rheumatism, productive of divers Swellings in the Mus­cular parts, accompanied with violent pains: These Tumours proceeded from Saline and Earthy parts Concreted, which did vent themselves very freely with Ulcerous Matter in divers parts of the Body; and upon Blood-letting, and Purging, and Diet Drinks, of Sarsaparilla and China, boiled in Water, and streined, and mixed with new Milk, the Pains were taken away, and the Ulcers Cured, by gentle detersive and drying Topicks, and the Patient perfectly recovered his Health, which he hath enjoyed for some Years.

Sometimes a Rhematism long afflicting a weak Chachectick Body, A Rheuma­tism associa­ted with an Atrophy. viti­ateth the Ferments of the Stomach, producing an ill Chyle and Mass of Blood, causing an Atrophy of the whole Body.

A Knight, a Person of great Worth and Integrity, being of a weak Con­stitution and ill habit of Body, frequently fell into a Rheumatism, accom­panied with Vomitings, proceeding from Acid Particles, transmitted by the Capillary Arteries terminating into the Stomach, and from Bilious Humours transmitted from the Liver through the Hepatick Duct into the Duodenum, and from thence into the Ventricle; which took away his Appetite, and spoiled the Concoction of Aliment, making a crude Chyle, and an ill Mass of Blood (consisting of fixed Saline parts) and a depraved Succus Nutricius, infected with Acid Atomes, which raised the Ebullition of the Blood, im­pelled into the empty spaces of the Vessels which gave him Pains, which were often alleviated by Blood-letting, gentle Purgatives, Diet Drinks, and distillations of Milk prepared with temperate Antiscorbuticks: But at last, this worthy Gentleman being impatient at his frequent returns of his Rheumatism he made use of Empyricks (great Promisers, and little Per­formers) who contrary to Art, he being much weakned by an inveterate Disease, gave him churlish Purgatives, and ill prepared Minerals, which wholly took away his Strength, and motion of his Limbs; and at last his Mass of Blood, and Succus Nutricius being depraved, fell into an Emacia­tion of his whole Body, which gave a period to his Life, to the great grief and trouble of all that were known to him; he having been a Person of high Honour and Generosity, Treating at his House Strangers as well as Friends, with a most obliging Civility and Kindness.

Doctor Glysson is of this Sentiment, A Rheuma­tism derived from Sulphu­reous and fla­tulent matter. That a Rheumatism taketh its birth not from Saline, but Sulphureous Vapours, associated with a Flatus; which, as I humbly conceive, being very fierce raiseth a great Ebullition of the Blood, and is very afflictive to the Nervous parts, in its passage through the substance of the Body.

Whereupon the Blood in violent Gouts, being affected with enraging Oily Particles, and accompanied with restless Wind, is impelled by the terminations of the Arteries, Pain proceed­ing in a Rheu­matism, from the tension of Nervous Fi­brils. into the Interstices of the Membranes encir­cling the Muscles; which being of a close and tender Compage, the tumultuary Purple Liquor is forced through it with great pain, proceeding from the great tension of many Minute well-struck Nervous Fibres.

And these Membranes immuring the Muscles, are not only afflicted with troublesome Tensions (caused by the Elastick Particles of Wind) but with sharp pricking pains, derived, as I conceive, Tension of the Nerves is caused by the Elastic parti­cles of Wind. from the impulse of the Blood (affected with hot Sulphureous parts) making its way through the Inter­stices of the numerous Fibrils, endued with most accute sense.

The beating, pricking and tensive pains in a Rheumatism, Pain is hight­ned by the in­terstices of the Membra­nous parts ob­structed. are much aggra­vated (as I conceive) by reason both the Interstices of the Filaments con­stituting the Membranes, enclosing the Muscles, and the empty spaces of the Tendinous and Nervous Fibres integrating in a great degree the body of the Carnous parts, are often much obstructed, which rendreth the passage of the furious Blood (consisting of Sulphureous and Flatulent Vapours) very difficult and torminous.

A Rheumatism doth sometimes afflict the whole Body, An universal Rheumatism is caused by the Muscles of the whole Bo­dy disaffected which may be stiled a Universal Rheumatism, proceeding from an ill Mass of Blood, trans­mitted into the proper Membranes, or into the Interstices of the Tendinous and Nervous Fibres, relating to all, or the greatest part of the Muscles of the Body, afflicted with universal pains, when the Patient looseth the use of his Limbs.

A Waterman of a hot plethorick and ill habit of Body, Rowing hard, put himself into a great Sweat, and a very free Transpiration, which was suddainly checked by a cold Air, shutting up the Pores of the Skin, where­upon Nature was surprised, by hot Sulphureous Particles of an ill Mass of Blood (intercepted by a checked Transpiration) returning to the Heart by the Veins, and thrown out again from the Center to the Circumference by the Arteries, into the Interstices of the proper Membranes (encircling the Muscles) and into the empty spaces of the Nervous and Tendinous Fibres, chiefly framing the Carnous parts; whence do ensue raging pains, proceed­ing from Oily flatulent Particles, torturing the tender Compage of Membra­nous and Nervous Fibrils.

In order to a Cure, I advised repeated Blood-letting, Bleeding, Pur­ging, Diure­tick, and swea­ting Medicines are proper in a Rheumatism. contemperating Diet Drinks, Purging, Diuretick, and Sweating Medicines; whereupon the Pa­tient was perfectly restored to his former Health.

Universal Rheumatisms are rare, wherein the Muscles of the greatest part of the Body are surprized with pain at one Instant, as in the former case; but most commonly some few Muscles are afflicted in one part of the Body, which proceedeth from some Particles only disaffected with hot Fermenta­tive Atomes, conveyed into the empty spaces of the Membranous and Ner­vous Fibres; and as more parts of the Blood are more infected with the Minera Morbi, they run into several Muscles, by the branches of Arteries in­serted into the body of Muscles: This kind of Rheumatism admitteth a easie Cure, by reason some Muscles of the Body are only afflicted, and an great part of the Mass of Blood hath a good Constitution, as not acted with ill Ferments productive of this Disease.

The method of Curing a Rheumatism, is made up of three Indications: The Curative Indication. The first is Curative, which relateth to the Paroxisms, in speaking a quiet repose and ease to the Patient.

The second Indication is preservative in reference to the Intermission of the Fits of a Rheumatism, The preserva­tive Indicati­on. to take off, or at least to prevent the Violence of the Fits.

The third is Vital, The Vital In­dication. which consists in the choice of proper Aliments, or in the Administration of Cordial, or Restorative Medicines, to comfort and give strength to the Patient, to render him able to encounter high afflictive pains very frequent in this Disease.

The first Indication relateth to the continent cause, to Cure the Dis­ease, by wholly appeasing, or at least mitigating the pains (affecting the Membranous, Nervous, and Tendinous parts of the Muscles) proceed­ing from the high Fermentations of the different, Vital and Nervous Liquor, enraged by fixed Salts and Acids, and sometimes with Sulphureous; which are all accompanied with Flatulent Matter, making great contests in the empty spaces of the Vessels; So that two Intentions do seem to offer them­selves in this Indication. The first is to take off, or at least abate the high discomposure of the Nerves: The second is the manner of doing it, which is by taking away the matter of the Disease, and by giving an allay to great Effervescenses, caused by various Ferments of the Blood and Nervous Juice, which is to be effected by Phlebotomy, and by Purging, Alterative and Anodine Medicines.

Blood-letting is chiefly to be celebrated in the beginning of a Rheumatism, Blood-letting is most benefi­cial in the be­ginning of a Rheumatism. when the Patient hath strength, and before the Disease is too much Con­firmed, when it is most beneficial in a hot Temper of Body, or in Youth and in Middle-Age, wherein Blood-letting may be most safely Administred, both to diminish the ill Mass of Blood, and to give controul to the Extrava­gant disputes made between fierce Combatants of disagreeing Dispositions; the fixed Salts and Acids, and sometimes Sulphureous and Flatulent Parti­cles associated with the Blood, and Nervous Liquor, inflicting great pains upon Nervous and Tendinous Fibres of the Muscles.

Purging Medicines are most safely advised after Blood-letting, Purging Me­dicines are most proper in the decli­nation of a Rheumatism. and in the declination of a Rheumatism (when the Paronysmes do abate) lest in the beginning of the Disease the pains should be aggravated, especially in strong Purgings, which being of a churlish disposition, do raise the Fermentation of different Humours, and highten the Disease; whose offensive Matter is best discharged, Purging is most profita­ble, when the ill Humours receive a Co­ction. when a Coction is made, and the Recrements of the Blood and Nervous Liquor, are severed from their more pure parts; whereupon the Matter of the Disease groweth more pliable after Coction, and is more easily transmitted by the Terminations of the upper and lower Miscenterick Arteries, inserted into the inward Coats of the Intestines.

The Purging Medicines serviceable in this Disease are numerous, The several kinds of Pur­ging Medi­cines good in a Rheumatism. as di­vers sorts of Arthritick Powders, Medicines made of Hermodactiles, Me­choacan, Diagridium, Syrupe of Buckthorn, given in Decoctions of Sarsa Parilla: Some Physicians advise Pilulas de Duobus, and other more strong Purgatives, which may prove less successful (except in Robust Constituti­ons) by reason they weaken the Body, and enrage its unquiet Humours, which do imbitter the pains of this Disease: When the Patient is strong, some do deem Vomitories very proper in a foul Stomach, which have fre­quent inclinations to Vomiting, caused by Bilious and Acid Ferments, thrown into the Cavity of the Stomach, out of which they are ejected by Emetick Tartar of Mynsicht, and by Sulphur and Flowers of Antimony, and most safely by Emetick Wine.

And not only Purgatives and Vomitories, but also Alteratives, Several sorts of Diet drinks and Powders, and Chaly­beats, proper in a Rheuma­tism. consisting of Diet Drinks, made of Sarsaparilla, China, Lignum Sanctum (in cold and moist tempers of Body) Testaceous powders of Crabs Eyes, and Claws, Egg-shells, Pearl, and the like; and Chalybeats mixed with Anti­scorbuticks, are very proper to sweeten the Blood, and alleviate pains, and to correct the ill habit of Body in Rheumatisms. And in order to repair the decaies of Nature in Emaciated Bodies, reduced to a kind of Hectick Scor­butick Fevers in this Disease (when highly Chronic) Restorative and Cordial Medicines are to be advised; as distilled Milk, prepared with Antiscorbu­ticks and Snails, mixed with new Milk, as also Asses Milk, and Decocti­ons of China, Sarsaparilla, &c.

Whereupon in inveterate Rheumatisms, Purging and Bleeding are improper in Hectic Bodies. when Patients are reduced to great Weakness, and thereupon are not capable of Purging and Bleeding, the Vital Indication is to be highly considered, and nourishing Medicines are to be prescribed, which will support Nature in a languishing Condition, and will dulcifie and refine the Mass of Blood, by rendring the fixed Salts more Volatil, and by sweetning the Acids, and the depressed Fermentation may be raised by exalting the Depauperated particles of the Blood and Nutricious Juice by proper Diet Drinks, and Milk mixed with distilled Milk, and at last to observe a Milk Diet, which I know hath Cured inveterate Rheumatisms.

A French Merchant of London, a Person of great Civility and Virtue, of a hot and dry Constitution, and of an ill habit of Body, was severely treated many Years, with a Rheumatism, which brought him very low, as being oppressed with a Scorbutick Hectick Fever, proceeding from the Scur­vy, and a tedious Rheumatism; whereupon I advised now and then gentle Lenitives, temperate Antiscorbuticks, A Milk-water prepared with Antiscorbu­ticks and Re­storatives. and Alteratives contemporating the heat, attenuating the fixed Saline parts of the Blood, and sweetning the Acids of the Nutricious Liquor: And in fine, I advised a Milk Water, pre­pared with temperate Antiscorbuticks and Restoratives, and ordered the distilled Milk to be drunk with new Milk; and at last, I prescribed as the Crown of all, that raised him to a great degree of Health (who was so weak, that he was confined to his House for many Years) and afterward, by the Grace of God, and help of proper Medicines, was able to walk Abroad with strength and vigor, leading his Life with great pleasure, to the joy of his Physician, and great comfort to his dear Friends and Relations.

When Purgatives, Blood-letting, and Alteratives have been advised, When Uni­versals have been premi­sed, Topicks may be appli­ed. Topicks may be applied (to breath out the offensive Matter, to ease pain and to strengthen the Nervous and Tendinous parts) consisting of Anodine and Discutient, Emollient Medicines: And my humble Advice is, not to make use of Astringent, cooling Opiates, outward Applications, which hinder Sweats, Repelling Me­dicines dange­rous in a Rheumatism. and a free Transpiration, whereby the hot, Sulphureous, Saline and acid particles of the Blood and Nervous Liquor, are not emitted through the pores of the Skin, and the matter of the Disease being repelled, have a re­course to the Noble parts, and produce sleepy Diseases, Inflammations of the Lungs and Pleura, Squincie in plethorick and ill habits of Body.

A Knight of Glocestershire, being of an ill Constitution of Body, did long la­bour under a Rheumatism, accompanied with Swellings of the Muscular parts, which were abated by the Application of improper Topicks, which repelled the ill Humours from the Ambient parts, to the inward recesses of the Body, and at last were transmitted by the Extreamities of the Caeliac Arteries into the Stomach, causing frequent Hiccops and Vomitings; which were much appeased by drinking free draughts of generous Claret, and warm Cordial [Page 160]Medicines, taking away the Hiccops and Vomitings, by remanding the peccant Matter to the confines of the Body, rendred painful and unquiet, which gave great ease and repose to the Praecordia, and inward parts; where­upon he enjoyed his Health and Repose for many Years.

A Knight of the Bath (being a Gentleman of Honour and Fortune) of an ill plethorick habit of Body, was highly afflicted with a Rheumatism, productive of severe pains, immediately alleviated upon the Application of a Cataplasm, whereby the Humour settled in the outward, were repelled into the inward parts; whereupon the Patient was surprised with a conti­nued Fever, associated with an Inflammation of the Lungs, in which he Cough­ed up great quantities of Blood, and phlegmatick Matter: Whereupon I advised Blood-letting, Cordials, Pectoral and Diaphoretick Medicines, to lessen the offensive Matter by Bleeding, Coughing up of the gross phlegm, and by throwing off the Sulphureous, Saline, and Acid particles of the Vital and Nervous Liquor by Sweats, and insensible Transpiration, whereby the Patient perfectly recovered his Health.

As to an Arthritis, A Rheuma­tism and a Joint Gout do not differ es­sentially, but in the parts affected. or Joint Gout, it doth not essentially differ from a Rheumatism, by reason it hath the same procatarctick, antecedent, and con­tinent Causes, derived from gross Saline, Sulphureous, and Acid particles, mixed sometimes with Flatulent Vapours, seated in the Mass of Blood, and is for the most part Discriminated in the parts affected, as a Rheumatism hath for its subject (as I conceive) the Membranous, Nervous, and Tendinous parts of the Muscles: And a Joint Gout is seated principally in the thin Membranes, encompassing the body and heads of the Bones, and the tendi­nous Extreamities of the Muscles, confining on the Bones, and in the Liga­ments tying the Bones to their Sockets (as some will have it) which I con­ceive have little or no sense, and therefore are not much concerned in this vexatious Disease.

The Blood is disaffected with divers kinds of Salts, as also Acids and Sul­phureous Atomes, mixed with Flatulent Steams; which being so many He­terogeneous Elements, do raise great Tumults, and unkindly Effervescenses enraging the Vital Liquor, carried into the Coats immuring the Bones, which being tender Contextures of small Nervous Fibrils, closely interwoven, are highly vexed by the important sollicitations of angry Fermentative particles of Blood, impelled by the Capillary Arteries, into the most narrow Inter­stices of the Periostea, and Tendinous Extreamities of the Muscles, whence arise shooting, pricking, and tensive pains.

As to the Cure of an Artheritis, I refer the Courteous Reader to that of a Rheumatism, which hath the same Indications, with this of a Joint Gout.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Peritonaeum, or Rim of the Belly.

THe curious frame of the lower Apartiments, relating to Humane Body, being dispoiled of the four Common Integuments (which immure its Anterior Region, finely lodged one within another) and the thicker moving Walls of the Belly (consisting of many thin Fleshy Expansions) being broken, the Peritonaeum appeareth; so stiled, because it is extended all over the Viscera, and parts of the lower Venter, and is also called [...], aut [...], Hipocrates calleth it [...], in the Plural: [...], Valde oppletum est Scrotum, Crura, & Peri­tonaeum.

It is the largest of all the Membranes, except the Common Integuments, The Rim of the Belly is the most large Membrane of the Body, ex­cept those common Inte­guments. and of so fine a frame, that it seemeth to resemble a Spiders Web, for its thinness; and though it be very fine, yet it is of a dense compact substance, and principally below the Navel, that it might better sustain the weight of the Viscera, and Intestines.

Fallopius, Spigelius, and others, derive it from a double principle, from the first and third Vertebre of the Loins, and from the third and fourth Plexus, arising from the Par vagum. But I conceive it is more probable, The Dura Me­nynx, the Pa­rent of all Membranes. to have its principle of Dispensation communicated to it from the Dura Menynx (the Mother of all Coats of Nerves and Membranes) whence ariseth that great sympathy the Peritonaeum hath with the upper Coat of the Brain. The Peritonae­um giveth a Coat to all the Viscera of the lowest Venter.

It is a received opinion of the Ancients, and some Modern Anatomists, that the Peritonaeum is a common Parent, giving a Coat to the Liver, Spleen, Mesentery, Intestines, Bladder, and Uterus; which others say, have the production of the upper Coat of the Periostium, belonging to the Vertebres of the Loins: But it seemeth very strange in my apprehension, that so small a stock should be so fruitful a Parent of so large a progeny, in propagating Membranes to so great a family of parts contained in the lower Venter. And it is very probable (with submission to better Judgments) that all the Membranes borrow their first Formation out of viscid particles of the Semi­nal Liquor, which by degrees groweth more solid till it formeth the Mem­branes, and Tunicles of Arteries, Veins, and Nerves.

The Peritonaeum is a large Membrane (seated immediately under the Abdominal Muscles) resembling a fine Hanging, The situation of the Rim o [...] the Belly. covering all the choice Furniture of the lowest Story; and being of a diffusive nature, is like a larg Vest overspreading the tender Fabrick of the Stomach, Intestines, and other Entrals, to enwrap them in a soft Vail, when compressed by the neighbour­ing parts in violent Motions of the Body.

This spacious Membrane is beautified with an Oval Figure, The Figure of the Peritonae­um. being some­what straightned in its Top and Bottom, and more Expanded in the Middle, as receiving its Model correspondent in Length and Breadth, to the Cavity, it encircleth.

The upper surface of this Capacious Membrane, is somewhat rough, and the inwards more smooth, as besprinkled with some Liquor ousing out of the Caul and Intestines.

It is fastned above to the Diaphragme (as to the Cieling of the lower Apartiment) which being inflamed, The connexi­on of the Pe­ritonaeum. draweth the Peritonaeum upward, which is seated below near the Os Ilium, Pubis, as the Floor of this lower Cham­ber, and before to the Linea Alba, composed of the various Tendons of the Abdominal Muscles, decussating each other, in their small Fibres, in which they make a kind of Lattice.

The substance of the Peritonaeum is not composed of Ligaments, The substance of the Peri­tonaeum. which are void of Sense, but of Nervous Fibrils, the true instruments of Sensa­tion, which is communicated to this Membrane a part of acute Sense, by vertue of them.

Wherefore this Membrane may be described to be a rare Compage fra­med of Arteries sprouting out of the Phrenick, Mammary, and Epigastrick Branches, and Veins passing between the Coats of the Peritonaeum, and the Vessels of divers Families do not Inosculate with each other, as the Anci­ents give out; The Arteries have Inoscu­lations with Arteries, and Veins with Veins. but only they of the same Tribe, have only Anastomoses with one another, and the Vessels of different alliance may associate, but not intimately converse by an immediate transmission of the same Liquor, into each others Tubes; which plainly appeareth, because the Mammary Arteries have no perforation through the Coats, into the Cavities of the Epi­gastric Veins, which would necessarily follow, if the Blood were im­pelled immediately out of the Cavities of the Mammary Arteries, into the Epigastric Veins, which is contrary to Autopsy.

So that this highly Expanded Membrane, is integrated by a number of different Tubes, displaied in fruitful Ramulets, composing its substance in a common Notion; because Nervous Fibres are the more peculiar constituent parts of this ample Robe (investing the select Housholdstuff of the lower Story) made up of numerous Threads, The Peritonae­um is made up of [...]everal Fi­laments, ma­king divers progresses. finely drawn out, closely struck together, and rarely enterwoven with each other; and some of these Fila­ments run long-ways, passing downward, from the Cieling to the Floor, from the Diaphragme to the Os Ilium, and Pubis; and others run transversly from one side to the other of this Story, from one Hypoconder to the other: And the third sort of Fibres making this Membrane, are oblique, taking their course this way and that way, in Bevil Lines, filling up the spaces of the other Filaments, which cannot every way have so close a Texture, but there must be some Interstices and Asperities left, rendring the Fabrick une­ven in rises and falls; unless it were supplied with a kind of Parenchyma, propagated originally from genital Concreted Liquor, which is afterward repaired either by a Coagulated Nervous Liquor, or rather the reliques of the Serous Juice (not received into the pores of the Vessels and Fibrils, at the time of their Nutrition) adhering to the outside of the Coats, rela­ting to the Vessels and Filaments.

These Nervous Fibres, The origen of the Peritonae­um. the chief and proper Ingredients of this extensive Compage, belonging to the Peritonaeum, take their first rise not from the Vertebres of the Spine, but from the Nervous Plexes, seated in the upper and lower regions of the Abdomen, to which the Peritonaeum is so firmly conjoyned, that it cannot be parted from the Abdominal Plexes, without Laceration; but it is so loosely affixed to the Vertebres of the Loins, that it may be severed from them, without the violation of its entire continued substance. But above all, as I have hinted before, these Nervous Fibres (of which the Peritonoeum consisteth) have their first production with other Membranes and Nerves, out of the viscid parts of the Seminal Liquor.

These Nervous Fibrils are in their nature oblong, slender, flexible bodies, The descripti­on of Ner­vous Fibrils. easily giving way to the Compression, and motion of the neighbouring parts, and when their force is taken off in rest, these Fibrils being relaxed, do re­duce themselves to their former natural tone and posture.

Some are of opinion, that the Peritonaeum, consisting of Nervous Fibrils, Some con­ceive the Rim of the Belly hath volunta­ry motion, which is very improbable, as having no fleshy Fibres. hath a power to move it self up and down, backward and forward, conform to the various positions, in which the Body is moved; but these various Mo­tions if voluntary, cannot be performed without the assistance of Muscles, or Carnous Fibres at least, which are a kind of Minute Muscles, the Ma­chines of Arbitrary Motion: But these Fibres being only Nervous, as far as I can discern, in the Fabrick of this Membrane, are not capable of Vo­luntary Motion, and have a Tensil nature, which hath only an accidental one following the Motion of the adjacent parts, as in Inspiration, the Dia­phragme enlargeth the Thorax, and by reducing it toward a plain, com­presseth the Stomach and Intestines, and forceth the Peritonaeum outward.

And in Expiration, the Stomach and Intestines return up again to their former station, and the Belly groweth more lank, and the Peritonaeum be­ing compressed inward by the Abdominal Muscles, is put into its natural tone and posture.

So that the Compage of the Peritonaeum, being for the most part Fibrous, consisteth of innumerable small Nervous Filaments, and is of a pliable na­ture, easie to be Distended, and Contracted, caused by the repletion, or ina­nition of the Stomach and Intestines: And in Women with Child, the Uterus being turgid with the Faetus, doth ascend upward into the Body, and highly distend the Peritonaeum, especially in the last Months.

And this Membrane is above measure distended in Hydropick Bodies, pro­duced by serous Recrements, or mixed with Flatulencies, lodged in the Cavity of the Abdomen.

The Peritonaeum hath a Duplicature in its hinder Region, The Duplica­ture of the Peritonaeum, is a Conduit and Repository for divers Vessels and parts. for the securer conveyance of the Seminal Arteries, and Veins, and before for the Umbelical Vessels; and in the Hypogastrium, in another process of the Peri­tonaeum, the Uterus, and Bladder, have their Repositories.

It hath two Processes near the Os Pubis, on each side one, The Processes of the Perito­naeum. no less in Men then in Women, and are two oblique Productions perforating the oblique and transverse Muscles of the Abdomen, giving conduct to the Spermatick Vessels, in their way to the Scrotum; but in Women they are carried to the Inguina, and are terminated near the upper parts of the Pudendum, in which the round Ligaments of the Uterus do degenerate into small Fibres, to which the Clitoris is fastned, on both sides of the Os Pubis.

The interior Coats of the Peritonaeum, is so firmly tied to the Spermatick Vessels, which if broken or relaxed, a Hiernia, [...], or [...], are caused, when the Intestines, or Omentum, pass through the rupture or relax­ation into the Scrotum, whence the parts grow immediately Distended: But in Women, the Ligaments of the Uterus bind the processes of the Peri­tonaeum more firmly, which being shorter, are rarely afflicted with an Hiernia Inguinalis; but above the Navil, where the Coats are more thin, are fre­quently tortured with an [...], produced by great throws in Child­birth.

The Peritonaeum being a large Membrane, The Glands of the Peri­tonaeum. hath many Minute Miliary Glands, lodged within its Duplicature, as so many Colatories of the Blood and Nervous Liquor: And, I humbly conceive, that all Membranes have many Glands besetting them, as the Dura and Pia Mater, the Intestines, [Page 164]Mesentery, Omentum, &c. Which is also very evident in Bruits, and par­ticularly in a Lion, the King of them, in which I saw many large Glands of a reddish Colour, and somewhat large, adorning the Peritonaeum.

This curious Membrane is rendred very serviceable by Nature, in its uses: The first use of the Peri­tonaeum. The first is as a common Parent, to propagate a common Integument to all the Viscera, lodged within its Circumference.

The second use is to cherish and conserve all the tender Bowels and Vis­cera, The second use of the Peritonaeum. within its safe embraces, lest any disturbance should be given to them, by the motion of the Neighbouring parts, the Abdominal Muscles.

CHAP. XXVIII. The Pathologie of the Peritonaeum, and Cavity of the Belly.

HAving discoursed, of the curious Structure and Uses of the Peritonae­um, we will now Treat of its Pathologie, and of the Cavity of the Abdomen, adjoining to it; of the several Diseases seated in the Perito­naeum, and its Confines, which are Inflammations, Abscesses, Ulcers, Rup­tures, Relaxations, and divers sorts of Tumours.

An Inflammation taketh its rise either from too great a quantity of Blood (in a Plethorick Body) impelled by the Arteries, The cause of an Inflamma­tion. into the substance of the Peritonaeum, in which the Blood is deteined also by too much grossness, by reason the Minute Veins of this Membrane, are receptive of it; where­upon the Vital Liquor being stagnant in the narrow Interstices of the Ves­sels (belonging to the Peritonoeum) groweth dispirited, by reason of its lost Motion, whence it acquireth a putrid disposition: So that the Inflam­mation degenerates into an Abscess, flowing from the suppurated Succus Nutricius, and the serous parts of the Blood (secerned from its Purple Li­quor) whose unquiet and unnatural putrid Particles do Corrode the tender Compage of the Peritonoeum, by which Nature designeth to make a breach in the Membrane (productive of an Ulcer) to discharge the offensive pu­trid Matter, into the Cavity of the Belly.

The Curative part of the Inflammation (seated in the Petitonoeum) is best accomplished by opening a Vein, The Cure of an Inflamma­tion. which lesseneth the Mass of Blood, and promoteth its Circulation, whereby it often dischargeth the aggrieved parts of its burden, and taketh off the Inflammation, whence the Abscess, and Ulcer receive a stop: But if so great a force of Blood be impelled into the Interstices of the Vessels, wherein it is sometimes stagnant; so that the Circulation cannot be made good by Blood-letting, and the Abscess and the Ulcer hindred: Vulnerary Drinks are to be advised, consisting of Deter­gent, The cause of a Rupture pro­ceedeth from a Relaxation or Rupture of the process of the Peritonae­um. Exiccating, and Corroborating Medicines, to cleanse, dry, and con­solidate the Ulcer.

Sometimes the Peritonoeum is obnoxious to a Rupture, but most common­ly to a Relaxation, when the Caul or Intestines are pressed down into the process of the Peritonoeum, passing down through the Abdominal Muscles, [Page 165]and by force opening and relaxing it, made by the motion of the Body, or by Coughing, Vomiting, hard Riding, or by carrying a great Burden, loud Speaking, or by fierce Crying, which most commonly force down the small Intestines, and more rarely the Caul into the Scrotum; the first is the Hier­nia of the Intestines, called Enterocele: The other Epiplocele; and if the Guts do gently relax the process of the Peritonoeum, they stop in the Groin, and then the Hernia is called Boubonocele.

And other times, the process of the Peritonoeum, is relaxed by a Flatus, The several kinds of Rup­tures. or watry Recrements passing through it into the Scrotum, whence the Hernia is called Ventosa, or Aquosa, which are more rare, but the most common is Intestinalis; which is often reduced (after an Emollient and Discutient Bath hath been Administred) by a dexterous Hand, into their proper Si­tuation, the Head being laid low, and the Thighs and the hinder parts be­ing elevated, that the Intestines may be put up into the Body by a gentle Hand: And afterward the Groin, is to be treated with an Astringent Bath, to close and strengthen the relaxed process of the Peritonoeum, to prevent the falling down of the Intestines into the Scrotum, Topicks are to be applied in Ruptures. and Astringent Diet Drinks are to be advised, and Cataplasms and Plaisters are to be applied to the Groin, with good Trusses to secure the Intestines and Caul in their proper Allodgments.

There are also many kinds of Tumours seated in, and near the Belly, Divers Tu­mours of the Belly proceed­ing from diffe­rent causes. proceeding from different sorts of Liquor, some Alimentary and Vital, as Chyle and Blood, and from divers Recrements, and Bloody Water, Puru­lent Matter, and Liquor resembling Fat, encircled with Membranes, and from Visicles of Serous Liquor, and from Lympha and Urine: These vari­ous Liquors are lodged in different places; sometimes between the Muscles of the Abdomen, and the Peritonoeum, and in the Duplicature of the Peri­tonoeum, and other times between the Peritonaeum and the Omentum, and In­testines; and in the Cavity passing between the Membranes of the Caul.

An Abdominal Swelling may arise from a quantity of Extravasated Chyle, A Swelling derived from Extravasated Chyle. which being gross, giveth a check to the motion of it through the Milky Vessels, caused sometime by the swelling of the Mesenterick Glands, com­pressing the Lacteous Veins, and intercepting the course of the Chyle into the common Receptacle, which being impelled by the contraction of the Diaphragme, and the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts, doth overcharge the Lacteae with too great a quantity; whence the tender Vessels are broken, and the Chyle forced into the Cavity of the Belly, making an Atrophy of the whole Body.

Sometimes a Tumour hath been discovered in the Abdomen, A Tumour of the Abdo­men flowing from Blood. deduced from a great store of Blood, flowing out of the Terminations of the Caeliac and Mesenteric Arteries, into the empty spaces of the Belly, where it first Coagulates, and then putrefieth, shewing it self in a blackish Colour, and a stinking smell.

A third Swelling of the Abdomen, is derived from a Bloody Water, ta­king its Origen from hot and thin Blood, which being not perfectly severed from the Serous and Watry parts, doth distil through the Extreamities of the Arteries belonging to the Caul and Peritonoeum, into the Cavity of the Belly.

A young Woman about Twenty Years old, after a proper Method of Physick, could not be Recovered: And the Belly, after all Art had been Administred to Reduce it, was very much Tumified, soft in some places, and hard in others. And after the Skin, the Muscles of the Belly, and Perito­noeum [Page 166]were taken off, a great quantity of putrid Bloody Water discovered it self after an Incision had been made in a Membrane, in which it was lodg­ed between the Peritonoeum, the Caul, and Intestines.

A fourth Tumour disguising the Belly, A Tumour of the Abdomen caused by pu­rulent Matter. may be fetched from a great quan­tity of purulent Matter, taking its Origen from an Abscess, and Ulcer of the Peritonoeum transmitting a large proportion of purulent Matter, into the empty spaces of the Belly.

A Woman conceived her self with Child, long feeding her self with that fondness, denied her self the use of Medicines, till she was far spent, and at last concluded her troublesome Life; and after the four common Integu­ments being Cut in form of a Cross, a great Tumour appeared, encircled with a Membrane, which being opened, a great Flux ensued, of a thin stinking putrid Matter, giving a great annoyance to the Company.

Another Instance may be given of a Tumour arising from a purulent Mat­ter, contained in the empty spaces of the Belly, in a Person of Honour, about Twenty Years old, whose Belly was swelled to so prodigious a great­ness, rigid and tense like a Drum, and her Navil was so much distended, that the neighbouring parts seemed to shine; and the Gentlewoman be­ing Dead, the four common Integuments were opened, and presently gush­ed out a gross stinking Matter of a darkish Colour; and the Abdomen be­ing farther opened, afterward the parts being dried with a Spunge, was dis­covered a Tumour enwrapped within a Membrane, which being Cut, pre­sently appeared a number of large Glands, besmeared with a fatty stinking corrupt Matter.

A fifth swelling of the Abdomen, A fifth Swel­ling of the Peritonaeum, deduced from a pituitous Humour. is a Steatome, derived from a pitui­tous Humour, or indigested Chyme (resembling Fat in consistence when Concreted) impelled out of the Misenteric, and Caeliac Arteries, into the Cavity of the Belly, where it acquireth a greater Consistence, as being long Extravasated; and is afterward enwrapped in a Coat, produced out of the most clammy part of the pituitous Matter.

A Wife of an ordinary Tradesman, was long afflicted with a swelled Belly, which robbed all parts of the Body of its due Nourishment, and at last was freed from the burden of her great Belly by Death, the Exit of all Sickness and Trouble: And then her Belly being opened, a large Tumour was discerned enclosed in a soft Membrane, which being pierced, an Un­ctuous Matter presented it self, not unlike Fat; whence it may be judged, a Steatome lodged between the Peritonoeum, and Intestines.

All these Tumours flowing from different Liquors and Recrements, The several seats of a Dropsie. di­stending the Belly, obtain the appellative of a Dropsie, commonly called Ascitis; which most properly denoteth a quantity of Watry Tumours (en­larging the Belly) sometimes lodged within the Peritonoeum, and Muscles of the Abdomen, and other times between the Coats of the Peritonoeum.

A young Woman had her Belly much Swelled (proceeding from a quan­tity of Watry Recrements) or rather Serous Liquor, A Dropsie causing an Atrophy. which more encrea­sing, made an Atrophy of the whole Body, and at last cut off the Thread of her Life; and the Muscular parts of the Belly being opened, a great Tumour offered it self, which being Cut, a source of Serous Liquor did issue out, which was placed between the Muscles of the Abdomen and the Perito­noeum, and oftentimes in the Duplicature of it.

The antecedent cause of an Ascitis, The antece­dent cause of an Ascitis. is a large quantity of Watry, or Se­rous Humours associated with the Blood; and was impelled out of the left Cistern of the Heart into the Common, and then into the descendent [Page 167]Trunk of the Aorta, and Emulgent Artery, into the Glands of the Kidneys; wherein the watry Recrements being not secerned from the Blood, and dis­charged by the Urinary Ducts, and Papillary Caruncles, into the Pelvis, the petulent Matter accompanying the Purple Liquor, returneth again by the Emulgent Vein and Cava, into the right Ventricle of the Heart, and by the Pulmonary Vessels into the left Chamber of it, and from thence into the Trunk of the Aorta; and afterward by the Extreamities of the Caeliac and Mesenteric Arteries, into empty spaces of the Abdomen: Which groweth Tumefied by great proportions of Watry and sometimes Serous Liquor, secerned in the Glands of the Caul and Peritonoeum, and thence conveyed through the Pores of the Coats, relating to the adjoyning parts, into the Spaces interceding the Peritonaeum and Abdominal Muscles, and between the Rim of the Belly, Omentum, and Intestines, and into the Spaces be­tween the Membranes of the Caul.

The Extravasation of the Blood, depressed with too great a proportion of Watry Liquor, is the cause of an Ascitis, because the Veins are not able to entertain it: Whereupon the Watry Particles are separated from the red Crassament in the Colatories, Dr. Lower's Experiment to prove an Ascitis in a wounded Dog. belonging to the Membranes adjoyning to the Cavity of the Belly. Which Learned and Ingenious Doctor Lower, my worthy Friend and Collegue, hath Demonstrated, by an Experiment made in the Thorax of a Dog, wounded between the seventh and eighth Rib; and the Cava being tied with a straight Ligature, the Serous or Watry parts of the Blood were discovered in a large quantity in the opened Abdomen; which I conceive, proceeded from the Arteries inserted into the Glands of the Peritonoeum and Caul, wherein the watry Particles are secerned from the Purple Liquor, and conveyed through the Pores, com­mensurate to the watry Atomes, into the empty spaces of the Belly, while the parts of the red Crassament being disproportioned in Figure and Size to the Pores of the Membranes, are either contained in the Arteries, or recei­ved into the Extreamities of the Veins.

Whereupon we may well judge the Continent cause of an Ascitis, The continent cause of an Ascitis. to be the watry Recrements distilled out of the Terminations of the Arteries, and lodged in the Cavity of the Belly, from whence it is very difficult for the watry Humours to make a retreat into the Veins, when they are Extra­vasated in the Vacuities, running between the Rim of the Belly and Mus­cles of the Abdomen, or between the Peritonaeum, Caul, and Intestines.

The antecedent cause of Diseases belonging to the Rim, The antece­dent cause of a Dropsie. and Cavity of the Belly, is fetched from the Matter at a distance from the spaces of the Abdomen, while the Watry Humours do circulate in the Vessels, as being in a perpetual Motion; but when the watry Recrements do quit their con­finement of the Arteries and Veins, and settle themselves in the Cavity of the Belly, as a fixed Allodgment, they are a Conjunct Cause of a Dropsie.

The Procatartic causes of an Ascitis, The procatar­ctick cause of an Ascitis. are principally the too free eating of great variety of Meats, making a crude watry Chyle, caused also by depraved Ferments of the Stomach, and above all, the taking frequent draughts of strong Liquors, of divers sorts of Wine, and Spirits, which confound the heat of the Stomach, and Blood, and produce a quantity of watry Humours; which being associated with the Blood, do render it full of serous Recrements, and deprave its disposition, and by relaxing its Com­page, doth make the watry parts fit for a separation from the Purple Li­quor, in the terminations of the Arteries; so that the Circulation of the red [Page 168]Crassament being intercepted, the Serous Particles are severed (by the bond of Mixtion being in some manner dissolved) and then most easily trans­mitted through the Extreamities of the Capillary Arteries, into the empty spaces of the Belly. The cause of an Ascitis from the suppressed Haemorrhoids,

Sometimes an Ascitis taketh its Origen from a suppression of the Hemor­rhoids, by which the Faeces of the Blood being deteined in the Body, do vitiate its Constitution, and hinder the Elaboration of Chyle, and Assi­milation of it into Blood, and there by filling it full of Serous Particles, do render it Crude and Watry; whence the Vital Liquor having its union violated, tendeth to a Dissolution, and then the Watry parts grow fit to part with the Purple, and distil through the Terminations of the Capillary Vessels into the Interstices, being between the Rim of the Belly, the Caul, and the Guts.

A Noble Lady about Five and Forty years of Age, made use of Excel­lent Medicines, prescribed in a good Method, which were not Crowned with a happy Event, in order to recover her of an Ascitis, caused by a sup­pression of the Haemorrhoids; whence the current of the Faeculent Blood be­ing intercepted, her Body grew very much Emaciated, and full of watry Recrements, discharged into the Cavity of the Belly, which being inspe­cted after Death, it was found overcharged with a quantity of Watry Humours.

Sometimes this kind of Dropsie ariseth from the stoppage of the Men­strua, A Dropsie ari­sing from a suppressing of the Menstrua. whose watry Faeculencies do despoile the Body of the bounty of Blood, as not being Purged off by the Arteries, inserted into the inward Coat, relating to the Body, Neck, and Vagina Uteri; whereupon the Blood degenerates into a cold and moist Constitution, as growing big with watry Impurities, and hath its native heat, and Spirituous parts depressed, cau­sing an unkindly Fermentation and Assimilation of Chyme into Blood, and spoileth the Succus Nutricius, so that it cannot be united and turned into the substance of the solid parts, whence proceedeth an Atrophy of the whole Body in inveterate Dropsies, derived from different Causes, all producing a watry Mass of Blood, which cannot be intimately conjoyned by Assimi­lation with the numerous Vessels of several Tribes and Families, which inte­grate the Fleshy parts of the Body.

An Ascitis may also flow in good Fellows, An Ascitis flowing from a Rupture of the Bladder. Drinking to a hight, from a large quantity of Urine, which is commonly immured within the Walls of the Bladder, which being overmuch distended and broken, giveth a freedom to the Urine, to expatiate in the more large Territories of the Belly, filled up by this troublesome Liquor; which causeth a great distention of the Pe­ritonaeum, Abdominal Muscles, and the common Integuments of the Body, rendring it uneasie and deformed.

Platerus maketh mention of a good Fellow, after he had indulged him­self in the too too free Cups of generous Liquor, was forced (his Legs not being able to support him) to lay himself upon the Ground for repose; whereupon an ill conditioned Man out of a Frolique, leaped upon his Belly and broke his Bladder, whence a great quantity of Urine gushed out of its lacerated Receptacle, into the Cavity of the Belly, which was more and more enlarged upon the unnatural recourse of Urine, into the empty spaces of the Belly, A Dropsie flowing from watry Recre­ments lodged in divers Ve­sicles. which gave a period to his Life.

A kind of Dropsie may borrow its rise from watry Recrements, enclosed in divers parts of the Body in proper Membranes, as so many Vesicles of divers Magnitudes; sometimes lodged in the substance of the Caul, and [Page 169]between the Rim of the Belly and Intestines, and between the Peritonaeum and Muscles of the Abdomen.

An Ascitis also may be produced (which is very frequent) by the Lace­ration of the Lymphaeducts; which being Vessels of a most thin and ten­der Contexture may easily be broken, as being obstructed either by too great a quantity, or by the grossness of the Lympha stopping its course to­ward the common Receptacle; whereupon the Lymphaeducts being surchar-charged with too great a quantity of Lympha, are cracked, and the Lympha doth flow through the breaches, into the more free and empty spaces of the Belly.

A young Gentlewoman being troubled many Years with a Dropsie, An instance of a Dropsie pro­ceeding from the broken Lymphae-Ducts. was at last freed from it by Death, the last remedy of all Diseases; and her Body being opened, no fault could be found with the Viscera, but only a discovery was made of the broken Lymphaeducts, through which a great quantity of thin Transparent Liquor was vented into the Vacuities of the Bel­ly, which proceeded from her severe usage in her Minority, by her Gover­nours.

As to the Cure of an Ascitis, three Indications present themselves: Three indica­tions do offer themselves in order to the Cure of Dis­eases, the Pre­servative, Cu­rative, and Vital. The Preservative, Curative, and Vital. The Preservative is founded in Tuenda sanitate, which is accomplished by removing he antecedent Cause, while the Disease is at a distance in Potentia solummodo, wherein the Body is only in a disposition to a Distemper: So that in reference to an Ascitis, the watry Humours, the remote cause of it, is to be Purged off by Hydra­gognes, which do empty the Body of serous Excrements, while they are in motion in the Vessels, before they are Extravasated in the spaces of the Belly.

The Curative Indication of a Dropsie, is more difficult, because it rela­teth to the Continent cause, the watry Faeces (stagnant in the Belly) which being thrown out of the confines of the Vessels, are hard to be Purged off; but Nature being ambitious to preserve it self, findeth out secret ways, which are not obvious to Sense, to free her self from Diseases by Purga­tives (which are very beneficial in an Ascitis) though the manner of their Operation is very obscure, and hard to understand. And the most gentle Catharticks are first to be advised, as Dwarf Elder, Gentle Purga­tives are first to be advised in Dropsies. Syrup of Peach Flow­ers, Mechoacan, Extract of Elder; and afterward Syrup of Buckthorn, Jailap, Juice of Iris; and last of all, refine of Scammony, Gummi Gotte, Elaterium, which is a rough Powder, and to be given only to strong Bodies, in very few Grains, to exalt a Medicine; which must be given with great Caution, because strong Hydragogues, do weaken the Body, Strong Hydra­gogues are to be given with great caution, because they increase the Tumours of the Belly. and aggravate the Disease, by rendring the Tumors of the Belly greater; derived from a larger proportion of serous Recrements, impelled into the spaces of the Ab­domen, by the agitation of churlish Purgers, as finding it more easie to throw the watry Excrements, through the wonted passages of the Caeliac, and Mesenteric Arteries, into the Abdominal Vacuities; then by unaccu­stomed ways, the Terminations of the Mesenterick Arteries, inserted into the inward Tunicle of the Intestines.

Diureticks may be also advised, with good success, Diureticks are very pro­per in Drop­sies. as the most proper means to discharge the potulent Matter of the Blood, by transmitting it into the Kidneys, whose obstructed Glands are opened by Diureticks, where­by the Blood is refined by disburdening its Faeces into the Ureters and Blad­der, whence the Tumour of the Belly is lessened.

And because the Urine of Hydropick Persons is of a red Colour, and of a Lixivial nature, produced by over strict union of the fixed and crude Sulphureous parts, so highly Confaederated, that it is hard to sever the wa­try Particles in the Glands of the Kidneys, and thereupon are reconveyed by the Emulgent Veins, into the Cava and Heart, and thence recommended by the Extreamities of the Mesenterick and Caeliac Arteries, to the Abdo­minal Spaces; whereupon it is well consulted for the advantage of the Pa­tient, Diureticks do refine the Blood, and the most pro­per are com­posed of Vo­latil Salts. labouring with an Ascitis, to advise such Diureticks, as will repair the Depauperated Particles of the Blood, by exalting the crude Sulphure­ous Atomes, and by rendring its fixed parts more Volatil; whereupon the Compage of the Blood being opened, that the Serous parts may be separated from the Purple Liquor, it is not convenient to give Diureticks, consisting of Acids and Lixivial, but rather of Volatil Salts: And, I humbly conceive, that Salts of Tartar and Broom, are not always so beneficial, as the Juices of Scurvy-Grass, Watercresses, Brooklime (and Millepedes Alive, infused in White-wine) which being highly impraegnated with Volatil Salts, and Spirit of Wine, and Salt dulcified, do speak great Cures of this Disease.

And as to the Vital Indication, by reason this Dropsie doth take its rise A laesa Sanguificatione, Chalybeats very proper in Dropsies, by reason they refine and sweeten the Blood. from an ill Constitution of Blood, Chalybeats may be advised to rectifie its Elements, and to exalt its Saline and Sulphureous Particles, and to make good the Ferments of the Stomach in reference to Concoction, and to advance the Succus Nutricius, in order to Assimilation with the solid parts of the Body.

Diaphoreticks speak a greater advantage in an Anasarca, Diaphoreticks are improper in an Ascitis. seated in the Muscular parts, then in an Ascitis, lodged in the Spaces of the Belly; so that the Humours Extravasated, having no communion with the Vessels of Muscles and Cutaneous Glands, cannot be discharged by Sweat, and insen­sible Transpiration, but produce a great Ebullition of the Serous Humours settled in the Belly, and rather make precipitation of the watry Recre­ments, and force them as being rendred more thin and fluid by warm Me­dicines through the terminations of the Arteries, into their wonted Recep­tacles of the Belly.

And Fomentations also are of an ill consequence in this Disease, Fomentations are hurtful in an Ascitis. by rea­son their great heat putteth the Blood into a Fermentation, and thereby raiseth a kind of Feverish Distemper, accompanied with the pain of the Head, Vertigo, and sometimes fainting Fits, produced by great expense of Spirits in an over-free Transpiration, causing a Relaxation of the Compage of the Blood; whereupon the watry Particles do quit the fellowship of the Purple Liquor, and have recourse by troden Paths, into the repositories of Serous Liquor.

Clysters may be applied in this Disease with a better effect, by reason their sharp Particles sollicite the Mesentery, and Intestines (whose Vessels are full of watry Faeces) to discharge the Recrements of the Blood by the Mesenterick Arteries into the Guts, and from thence into the wide World.

Plaisters are also of great use in an Ascitis, as having some Astringency in them, to Comfort and Corroborate the Bowels, and do keep them by shutting up the Extreamities of the Vessels, from throwing their watry Contents into the Capacity of the Abdomen; upon which account, Para­celsus his Plaister, and De Minio, and Diasapomi, are applied and approved by Dr. Willis, as very good in this case.

A Waterman having frequently treated himself with free Cups of strong Drink, and having often exposed himself to the cold Air in violent Sweats, An Ascitis in a Waterman proceeding from high Drinking and from Cold, on a suddain shut­ting up the pores of the Body. occasioned by hard Rowing; with which his great negligence of himself, and his high Intemperance, so far depraved his Mass of Blood, that he fell into a great Swelling of his Belly, the result of watry Humours (upon his Debauchery) settled in the Cavity of the Abdomen, having a recourse by the Processes of the Peritonoeum into the Scrotum, which was highly Tume­fied, growing Black, and tending to a Gangreen, had it not been prevent­ed by warm Fomentations: And afterward, when the Patient was in a de­plorable condition, I advised a Method of Physick, consisting of gentle Purgatives, Antiscorbuticks, Diureticks, and a proper Plaister to be ap­plied to his whole Belly; whereupon, to the Glory of the Almighty Physi­cian, he was restored to his Health.

Many Artists do advise a Paracentesis, A Paraconte­sis only relie­veth, where the Viscera are found. an opening of the Navil in an Ascitis, which is to be done with great Caution, and to be prescribed when the Tumour riseth to a great hight in a small space of time, and when other Medicines have been used, and when the Patients is of a Vivid Colour, and no way Exhausted by a long Sickness, and hath no Ulcer of the Lungs, no long Diarrhaea, no Scirrhus of the Liver, or Spleen; else the Life and Serous Liquor will be let out at once, which most frequently happeneth in an Apertion of the Navil, in this fatal Disease.

CHAP. XXIX. Of a Tympanitis.

TYmpanitis (one kind of a Dropsie in a common acception) seemeth by reason of order to claim our notice in the next place, whose out­ward face is obvious to Sense, if considered as a hard Tumour of the Belly, highly resisting the pressure of our Fingers upon a stroke, and giving a noise somewhat resembling a Drum; but its more inward recesses deduced from its Morbifick Causes, and manner of Production, will entertain us with a deeper Inspection, and greater Consideration, how in a short space, the Belly should obtain so great an Increment in its Dimensions; and it is a matter of as great difficulty as moment, to discover how a Flatus, the matter of the Disease, should be produced in so large a proportion; And by what ways it may be transmitted into the Cavity of the Belly, as to generate so hard, and so great a Swelling, in so little a time, as hath been often seen in a multitude of Patients.

Many Physicians of great Name, and worthy of our Esteem, A Bastard Tympanitis, when the Bel­ly is distended upon a Flatus lodged in the Stomach and Guts. do assert in their Works, that they have Dissected many Bodies (that have been conceived to die of a Tympanitis) wherein no Flatus hath hissed out of the Belly upon its Apertion; and the Intestines only were discovered, to be high­ly distended with great store of Flatulent Matter.

The great Current of Physicians runneth this way: That a Tympanitis doth proceed from a gross quantity of Wind, not lodged in the Stomach and Inte­stines only, but between them, the Caul and the Rim of the Belly, arising out [Page 172]of a distention of them upon a Flatus, which being of a thin fluid nature, is apt to move; especially when forced by the contraction of the Fibrous parts of the Intestines, finding themselves aggrieved upon over much Ten­sion: Purgations also, and Fomentations, would discharge the Flatus, if it were contained within the Stomach and Intestines, out of which there are large Ducts, fit for Evacuation: But it is found by sad Experience, that notwithstanding all proper Medicines have been Administred, yet the Flatus is not discharged, and the Disease remaineth fixed, and sometimes past Cure.

Another difficulty seemeth to perplex this Opinion, that the Membranes of the Abdomen, the Caul, and Rim of the Belly, being fine Contex­tures, made of numerous Filaments, curiously interwoven, are endued with an acute Sensation, and would be tortured upon high Tensions, produced by a great Flatulency, overmuch enlarging the Membranes of the Belly.

Wherefore, that I may give you a more full satisfaction in the Production of this Disease, I will speak my Sentiments, what method Nature useth in disposing of Causes and Passages, in order to propagate this Disaffection (consisting in Aucta Magnitudine) deforming the native Elegancy of the Belly.

And it is most evident to those who are most curious in the search of Diseases, by Anatomical Observations, that the swelling of the Membranes of Muscular parts relating to the Abdomen, are formed by the various Tu­mours of the Viscera and Glands (lodged in the lowest Apartiment of the Body) acquired by a quantity of Humours extravasated in their substance; Tumours of the Membranes of the Belly, do often arise from the Tu­mour of the Viscera and Glands. where they being Consolidated and Concreted, do breed a Scirrhus, Stru­mous, and other Swellings, rising to a strange greatness, which do elevate the Membranous and Fleshy parts of the Belly; which being hightned by a great Lake of watry Recrements, stagnated between the Rim of the Belly, Caul, and Intestines, distend it in a high degree, to the Disease, commonly called Ascitis, A Tumour of the Be [...]ly may proceed a Laesa [...]octione V [...]riculi, pro­ducing a num­ber of Va­po [...]s turned ed into a Fla­tus. which we have already Discoursed.

Another cause of the Tumours of the Abdomen, proceedeth from an ill Concoction of the Aliment in the Stomach, often caused by gross Air, and ill Ferments of Serous and Nervous Liquor, distilling out of the Capillary Arteries and Nerves, into the Cavity of the Ventricle; whence ariseth part of the ill Concocted Aliment, turned into an infinite number of Vapours, which being hightned and united do produce a Flatus, distending the Sto­mach and Intestines, commonly stiled Tympanitis: But in truth (as I hum­bly conceive) it is improperly so called; Because a Swelling of the Inte­stines, produce rather Colic and Iliac Distempers, then a Tympanitis, which is rarely found if strictly taken from Wind, as unaccompanied with watry Humours.

To give a clear Explication of this Disaffection founded in Wind, A Tympanitis arising from Wind. it may seem very proper to explain the nature of it, which is very subtle, and difficult to be understood; and in reference to it, these Considerables may be offered. First, The Materia Substrata, the ground out of which it ariseth, as from a Fundamental and Original Cause, speaketh its va­rious Discriminations. The second is the Ratio Formalis, the very Essence, that constitutes it. The third is the different kinds, proceeding from various Elements, which integrate the several mixed bodies.

The ground of a Flatus may be taken in a remote capacity, or in a more immediate Disposition, and the Matter, if apprehended under a general no­tion at a distance, Vapours the ground of a Flatus. intimateth a greater or less inclination to the producti­on of Vaporous Matter naturally disposed; and as it is easily turned into [Page 173]Steams, it obtaineth the name of a more near, or immediate material cause, as it receiveth ultimate Dispositions, productive of it; whence a Flatus doth flow as a result of exalted Vapours.

First, The matter of Vapours ta­ken under a cold and moist disposition. The matter of Vapours may be conceived under a cold moist Dis­position, as Aliment of a watry temper, as Whey, Broth, Posset Drink, and the like; which in a disaffected Stomach, may be easily rendred Va­pourous: But hot and dry Meat, as highly roasted, and biscoct, are not capable of the same vaporous disposition

But Aliments heavy of Digestion, as Beef, Pork, and the like, Steams pro­ceeding from an ill conco­cted Aliment hard of dig [...] ­stion. are of a Vapourous nature, in reference to their different Elements (of which they are composed) which being hardly subdued, do make an unkindly Fermen­tation in a weak Stomach; whose faint Heat and ill Ferments, cannot per­fectly open the Compage of the Meat, and digest it into good Chyle; whereupon a considerable part of it is turned into Steams, which do irritate the Stomach, and throw them off by Belchings.

Fish being Pituitous, and clammy Aliment, Gross Fish not easily digested produce Va­pours in the Stomach. are much more inclinable to produce Vapours, then those of a Friable nature; and well Baked, Boiled, and Roasted Meats, being less liable to an ill Concoction in the Stomach, do not easily degenerate into a crude vapourous Matter.

Whatsoever is offensive to the Stomach, Steams do al­so flow from contrary El [...] ­ments, not ea­sily subduing each other. raiseth a tumultuary Concocti­on, generating an indigested Alimentary Liquor, accompanied with trouble­some Steams, flowing from irreconcileable Principles, causing great disputes in the Ventricle; and Vapours, that first arise, not capable to be rectified by a previous disposition of the Matter, most easily fall into a Flatus. Wind is cau­sed by exalted Vapours.

So much of the remote Matter of a Flatus, the near ground of Vapours; The more immediate support of Wind, are Vapours themselves, Vapours the subject of Wind. as they are confined within some close subject, whence they are not able to make their escape; and the most essential part of a Flatus, is not a Vapourous Matter, taken in a low Capacity, but as modelled into an exalted nature, above the meaner state of Steams.

So that I humbly conceive, the subject in which a Flatus doth exist, are Vapours, which being elevated, do constitute the essence of a Flatus, as they are rendred more thin, and fluid, consisting of Elastic Particles, in re­ference to their Spirituous and Volatil temper, impatient to be immured within narrow Confines, to which they give great trouble by a strong Re­nitence.

The differences of several Flatus, are founded in their various Matter, The differen­ces of Wind, are founded in variety of Vapours. as receiving their Discrimination from variety of Vapours; but their great Specification is derived from an essential Constitution, imparted to them by the Effervescence of the Vital Liquor, animating the Stomach, and turning the Steams into a Flatus.

There are many several Flatus's, as there are different Vapours, some Spi­rituous, and others Sulphureous; some Saline, and others Watry; and the Earth is so compact a body, strictly taken, that out of it no Vapours can arise. So that if Vapours be Sulphureous, the Flatus being elevated, Steams must participate an oily nature; and if the Vapours have salt Particles brought to a Fluor, the Flatus will borrow an acidity from its Matter; and if Vapours take their origen from liquid and watry parts, the Flatus will par­ticipate an insipid nature from them.

To come more closely to our purpose, The Vapours differ accord­ing to their several sub­jects. Vapours that are produced in the Stomach, as first arising, are more thin and volatil, and those of the small Guts grow more gross, especially in the greater Intestines; and the Stomach [Page 174]it self a great difference of Vapours, and Flatus, which according to the different Aliment and variety of Concoction, some are Volatil and Mer­curial, some Sweet and Oily, others Watry and Insipid, some Saline and Acid, others Rancid and Nidorous; as Learned Doctor Glysson hath well observed.

Vapours and Flatus do somewhat resemble a Destillation, Vapours and Wind illustra­ted by destil­lation. in which the watry and spirituous Elements do first rise, as the more thin and volatil; and afterward the more gross Sulphureous and Saline Particles, are at last accompanied with an Empyreuma: After the same manner in the Stomach, the more light and spirituous parts of the Aliment are first elevated, and after a more long Fermentation, the more gross and sulphureous are ex­tracted by a descent below, in the Intestines: The watry Steams do associ­ate with Sulphureous and Saline, and no Vapours are so pure, and spirituous and volatil, but they admit some mixture with the more gross saline and sulphureous Steams, which do frequently embody with each other.

The mixed Vapours constituting the Halitus (out of which the Flatus do issue) are receptive of many Discriminations, Vapours do differ accord­ing to divers Elements, out of which they arise, and do con­stitute divers kinds of wind. as they participate divers Principles; whereupon they are endued with different tempers, some more mild, and others more fierce; the more gentle are those Steams, which are most of all propagated from watry Particles, and the more fierce from gross sulphureous Atomes, causing great storms in the Body, and somewhat more quiet are those vapours, that proceed from saline Particles, and are of a mid­dle temper between the watry and sulphureous Steams.

Whereupon a Flatus immediately propagated from hightned Vapours as its next matter, are differenced by the various Elements from whence they take their Origination, and the more quiet and sedate, are derived from more gentle material Principles; and others more violent and tumultuary, are derived from hot and raging Elements, as in Hypocondriacal Winds, that give high discomposures, caused by violent tensions of Nervous and Membranous parts; but a Tympanitis borrowing its origen from milder Prin­ciples, maketh less disturbance in the Membranes, seated in the Belly.

Having treated somewhat of the matter of a Flatus, how vapours are the Materia Substrata, The manner of production of Flatus, which if gentle, is caused by a mild heat. out of which it ariseth, with your leave, I will dis­course briefly, of the more Essential Principles, of which a Flatus is con­stituted, and by what means vapours are turned into it, which is accom­plished by divers Modifications of more mild, or intense heat; whereupon when Vapours do arise out of a disposed Matter by a more gentle heat, they have a less rarefied Matter, and retain somewhat of the Element from whence they are propagated, and will upon easie terms resolve into it again, as is most evident in divers kinds of Distillation.

But Wind proceeding from vapours, Wind prucee­ding from ex­alted Vapours by an intense degree of heat. exalted to such a degree of Volati­lity, as to obtain a peculiar nature different from that of vapours, will no ways admit such a Condensation, as to return into the Matter from whence it is generated, and is much differenced from vapours, which are more quiet and easie to be confined; but Wind that is restless and turbu­lent, giveth a great trouble by a great tension of Nervous and Membra­nous parts, by endeavouring to its ut most to break Prison, offereth a great violence to the thin Walls immuring it: Which ought not to be understood of a Flatus, flowing from watry Particles (which are much in fieri, as not fully produced and consummated) as mixed with vapours, from whence they arise, and are of a mild temper, as may be probably conjectured in a Tympanitis, which is accompanied with little or no pain, by reason the [Page 175]Flatus seated in the empty spaces of the Belly; Tympanitis ari­sing from wa­try Vapours is of a gentle Emollient na­ture without great pain. is confaederated for the most part with watry Recrements, and vapours flowing from it, being of a soft emollient temper, do by degrees relax, and distend the Membranes, with­out any great pain.

Learned Doctor Glysson, my late worthy Friend, hath an excellent Dis­course of a Flatus, wherein he maketh a Comparison between the causes of Vapours and Wind, of which the last as I conceive, is an ex­alted degree of Steams, caused by an intense heat; the production of Va­pours may be resembled to the heat of B. M. but that of a Flatus requi­reth a greater degree: So that in some sort, the Vital Liquor is productive of natural Steams, which do degenerate into a Flatus, and suppose a preternatural disposition of the Blood (exalted in an unkindly Fermenta­tion) which by its serous Particles, injected into the Stomach, vitiateth its Concoction, and turneth some part of the crude Chyle first into Vapours, and then into Wind, elevated into a higher degree to a greater thinness and volatility, by acquiring Elastick and Tensive Particles, which do consti­tute the nature of a Flatus, essentially different from that of Vapours, who are mild, and easily encloistred within any Confines.

Whereupon it may be thought with no small Reason, A Flatus a dif­ferent essence from Va­pours. that a Flatus doth not only differ in Degree, but Essentially, by reason volaticed Vapours do arrive a different Form, and cannot be Condensed into its Materia Substrata, from whence it first issued, into which Vapours may be easily changed by Cold.

Wind being volatil and of thin disposition, The various subjects of Wind. is seated not only in the large Cavities of the Ventricle, and Guts, but in the empty spaces of the Belly, interceding the Rim, Caul, and Intestines; and also insinuates it self into the Milky Vessels, Veins, and Arteries, and associates it self with the Mass of Blood, causing Hypocondriacal Diseases and Pains of the Head, The different kinds of wind. and also croudeth it self between the Membranes, in divers parts of the Body, as into the Duplicature of the Peritonaeum, and Caul; out of which, I have often heard Wind come hissing forth upon Dissections.

To give a farther insight into the nature of a Flatus, this distinction may be offered, That they differ in the whole kind, some are Natural, as being compliant to the temper of the subject in which they are conversant; and others Preternatural, which give a trouble and discomposure to the parts confining them.

A natural Flatus is very much confederated with Steams, The discripti­on of a natu­ral Flatus. flowing out of the Alimentary Liquor in the Stomach and Intestines, and is of a quiet and inoffensive temper, not speaking a disturbance to the soft and tender parts in which it is enclosed, making no tension or vellication of the Nervous and Membranous parts.

A preternatural Flatus is of a different disposition, A preternatu­ral Flatus is very trouble­some, as it consisteth of Elastic Parti­cles, produ­ctive of many Diseases. having little or no mixture with benigne vapours, issuing from a well Concocted Chyle, but from crude and indigested Aliment in the Ventricle, and afterward Steams being advanced into a more thin and volatil nature by the unkindly heat of the Stomach and Blood, obtaineth an Elastick temper, and not willing to be restrained, as being ambitious to expand it self, doth violently distend those fine sensible parts, which give it Controul; whence ensue great Infla­tions, and Pains, most evident in Stomacic, Iliac, Colic, and Hypocondriacal Distempers.

So that this troublesome Inmate, A Flatus is de­rived from ill Fermentation of Blood, vi­tiating the Ferment of the Stomach. highly perverting the Oeconomy of Na­ture, is chiefly deduced from an ill Fermentation of the Vital Liquor, con­sisting of Heterogeneous Elements, which are of so contrary a disposition, that they cannot be reduced to a Similar temper, whence proceedeth an Ef­fervescence of the Blood; which having a recourse to the Stomach, depraveth the Ferment of it: And by reason of this irregular heat, and Serous and Nervous Liquor, the Compage of the Meat and Drink is not duly opened, whence arise troublesome Vapours; which being sublimed by the extrava­gant heat of the Stomach, are turned into a Flatus, raising Tumults in all parts in which it is encloistred.

Thus the Material and Efficient Causes, and differences of Wind, being premised as Ambulatory to a Tympanitis; now I will make the best Infe­rences I can in order to it.

The Flatus being generated in the Ventricle, The progress of Wind from part to part. by a distempered heat, and ill Ferments, the Efficient Causes, working upon Chyle (as a remote Cause) and by Vapours, as the more immediate Materia Substrata, which passeth first out of the Stomach, into the Intestines, as associated with an indigested Chyle, and is thence conveyed through the Thoracic Ducts, and the Subclavian Veins, and Cava, into the right Chamber of the Heart, and afterward through the Lungs by the Pulmonary Vessels, into the left Cistern and into the common and descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and from thence the Flatus accompanying the watry Particles of the Blood, insinuateth it self through the Terminati­ons of the Mesenteric and Caeliac Arteries, into the Cavity of the Abdomen, whereupon its Membranous parts are blown up, and enlarged by great quantities of watry Humours and Wind, the most received continent causes of a Tympanitis.

This Disease is not attended with any extraordinary Pain, but with an Uneasiness, proceeding from a Flatus, taking its rise from watry Vapours, mixing with it; which being of a soft Emollient temper, do distend the Membranous parts, without any great disturbance.

If a Tympanitis did receive its production from a high and consummated Flatus, arising out of Volatil, Saline, and Sulphureous Atomes, it would cause great Storms, and violent Tensions, flowing from Elastic restless Par­ticles, which have a bustling refractory disposition, highly resisting and af­flicting its soft Membranous Boundaries, very conspicuous in flatulent dis­orders of the Stomach, Intestines, and Hypocondres; but these torminous Pains are not felt in a Tympanitis, A Tympanitis is generated by an imperfect Wind, partly Vaporous and partly Flatu­lent. produced by an imperfect Wind, of a mixed nature, partly vaporous, and partly Flatulent, and participate much of its origen of mild Steams, which are of a gentle ingeny, not highly irri­tating their soft inclosures, lodged in the inward Recesses of the Belly.

Learned Doctor Willis, Dr. Willis his opinion, that a Tympanitis ariseth from the Animal Spirits mo­ving in great disorder. my dear Friend and Colegue, is of an opinion, that a Tympanitis is not produced by a Flatus, confined either within or without the Intestines; which this great Author saith, is rather an Effect, then a Cause, that Windy Matter is detained within those parts. And farther affirmeth, That this Disease springeth from the Animal Spirits (re­siding in the Nervous and Membranous parts of the lowest Apartiment) which being hurried in great disorder, do raise a Storm in the Nervous Fi­bres, caused by a high Inflation, whence ariseth a Tumour of the Peritonae­um; hence the Mesentery, Intestines, and their empty Spaces, are stuffed up and enlarged, and Humours inwardly confined in them, being first rare­fied into Vapours, are afterward turned into a Flatus.

This worthy Author, A Ligature made upon the Par Va­gum on each side of the Neck, produ­ces an Inflati­on of the Sto­mach. backeth his Hypothesis with an Anatomical Obser­vation, in the Dissection of a living Animal, in which the Neck was opened, and a Ligature made upon the eight pair of Nerves, descending on each side of the Neck, whence immediately followed a Swelling of the whole Stomach, as blown up with Wind, which proceeded from Animal Spirits residing in the Fibres of the Ventricle; and being parted from their origen, did move in great Confusion, puffing up the Nervous Filaments of the Stomach.

Whereupon to confirm his Assertion, he reciteth a History out of Smetius, A strange Hi­story out of Smetius. of a young Man labouring with a Tympanitis, in these words: Qui cum conflictu sub axilla dextra, vulnus punctim factum, in pectoris Cavitatem pene­trans, accepisset, postridie toto corpore post unam noctem, mane turgidus appa­rebat, non solum pectore, sed & dorso, ventre, lumbis, immo & scroto quoque, praeterea & Brachiis, humeris & collo vultuque, ut ne palpebras quidem deducere possit, quinetiam in vertice ipso, Cute ubique distenta, & tumefacta, Tumor ubique erat tensus, & cum dolore non pauco. Learned Smetius calleth this Disaffection of several parts, a Universal Tympanitis. And Doctor Willis giveth a Reason of this strange Disease, most suitable to his Hypothesis, That in the Breast near the Axillaries, are seated great plexes of Nerves, with which being wounded, the whole Nerves of the Body do sympathize, viz. The Trunk of the Eight pair, with the Intercostal Nerves; and both with the Spinal Marrow, the Elongation of the Brain, from which Branches are propagated into most parts of the Body: Whereupon this great Ner­vous Plex being wounded by the point of a Sword, first the Spirits dwelling in that part grew unquiet, and being hurried here and there into divers Branches of Nerves, and the Spirits, their Inmates, take the Alarum, and further the Tumult, which afterward is raised in all parts of the Body, by the propagation of numerous Nervous Fibres, blowing up the whole Body.

And after this ingenious Author hath Explained, and confirmed his Opinion of a Tympanitis, he summeth up all in a pithy Discription of it: Quod sit Tumor Abdominis fixus, constans, aequabilis, durus, renitens, & a pul­satione s [...]nitum edens, a partium, & Viscerum Membranaceorum inflatione [...] ortus propter Spiritus Animales in fibras istas nimia copia adductos, ibi­dem (que) succi Nervei obstruentis vitio, a recessu impeditos, cui affectioni conse­quatur Flatuum in loci vacui aggestio, velut complementum accidit.

The Tympanitis is a fixed Swelling of the Belly, and being constant, equal hard, giveth a noise upon a stroak, arising from a tensive inflation of the Membranous Viscera and parts, by reason the Animal Spirits insinuate them­selves in too great a quantity into the Nervous Fibres, which are obstru­cted by the fault of the Animal Liquor hindred in its Motion, whence ensueth as a Complement of all, an accumulation of Wind in the empty spaces of the Belly.

This Disease is extraordinary, but the more ordinary Cases are those which refer to the high Tumour of the Belly, either following the immo­derate tension of the Stomach, and Intestines, A true Tympa­nitis caused by a meer Flatus lodged in the Cavity of the Belly, is rare. which is a spurious Tympani­tis, caused by a great quantity of Wind (lodged in the Ventricle and Guts) producing Stomacic, Iliac, and Colic pains: Or when the Abdomen is swelled by a meer Flatus settled in the Cavity of the Belly, between the Peritonaeum and the Intestines, which is rare; or that more common, The more common Tym­panitis is deri­ved from Wind mixed with watry Humours. issuing from a large quantity of watry Recrements, mingled with a Flatulent Mat­ter, enlarging the Peritonaeum, Abdominal Muscles, and the Skin encircling the Belly.

As to the first Case of a Bastard Tympanitis, An instance of a spurious Tympanitis. this Instance may be given of a Maid, by name Ursula, living a Sedentary Life, and eating all man­ner of Cooling Diet, fell into a great Swelling of the Belly, which being opened after Death, a great quantity of yellow Water flowed out of her Stomach, and her Intestines were strangely puffed up with a large proportion of Wind.

A second Instance may be propounded of a true Tympanitis, An instance of a true Tympa­nitis. a Tumour proceeding from simple Wind, seated in the Abdomen of a Maid, afflicted with a Fever, giving her a fatal stroak: And afterward an Incision being made into her swelled Belly, nothing of watry Recrements appeared, but only a hissing proceeding from a great quantity of wind.

The third Case of a Tympanitis, An instance of a Tympanitis, which is com­monly deri­ved from Wind, accom­panied with watry Recre­ments. which is more ordinary, is produced by Wind, accompanied with watry Humours, lodged in the lower Venter of which an Example may be offered of a young Lady, the Wife of an Artist, about Twenty Years of Age, who never had her Menstrua; and having been long afflicted with an Intermittent Fever, often complained of a pain in her Side, being oppressed with frequent Vomitings and Beltchings, which ended in a swelled Belly, speaking a Prologue to the sad Scenes of her troublesome Life: And after Death an Apertion being made into the Bel­ly, a great quanty of Wind and Faetide Humours, were discerned to be lodged between the [...]im of the Belly, and the Intestines.

The Cure of this Disease, is performed by satisfying three Indications: The Curative, Preservative, and Vital.

The first relating to the taking away the Continent Cause, immediately productive of the Disease, doth denote brisk Purgatives, mixed with open­ing Medicines, frequent Carminative Clysters, prepared with Venice Turpen­tine, dissolved with the Yolk of an Egg; and other Clysters prepared with the infusion of Stone-Horse Dung, or Urine, mingled with Emollient, Dis­cutient, and gentle Catharticks.

I conceive, Blee ing not proper in a Tympanitis. Bleeding is not so proper in a Tympanitis, because the Pati­ent seldom laboureth with a Plethora, which truly indicateth a Vein to be opened; but with a Cachexy, which indicates Purging, Alterative and Diu­retick Medicines, very proper as mixed with Antiscorbuticks; as Bay-ber­ries, Juniper-berries, the Chips of Orenges, Limons, and Citrons, the tops of Pine and Fir, Garden Scorby-Grass, Watercresses, Brooklime, distilled in Mumm, or Whey, and White-wine, to which Millepedes may be ad­ded (as very powerful in this Disease) which may be also given bruised, and infused in White-wine.

Topicks are often applied with good success, Topicks may be applied af­ter Universals have been premised. after Universals have been Administred; as Plaisters of Soap, and Red Lead, and Emollient and Dis­cutient Fomentations, prepared with Lixivial Salts, Sulphur, &c. And after the Fomentation hath been celebrated, Cow-dung may be applied as a Cataplasm.

The second Indication being Preservative, hath a reference to the Ante­cedent, and more remote causes of a Tympanitis, which denoteth bitter De­coctions, Purging away the gross Humours of the Stomach, and Intestines, which vitiate the Concoction of the Aliment. And proper Alteratives may be used, as Bitter and Discutient Medicines, which expel Wind, and recti­fie the Ferments of the Stomach, and correct its Tone, by taking Medicines both inwardly and outwardly, that strengthen the Fibres of the Ventricle; and also Chalybeats may be properly advised in this case, which refine the Mass of Blood, and Succus Nutricius, and make laudable Ferments in order [Page 179]to open the Compage of the Meat and Drink, and hinder the production of a Flatus in the Stomach and Intestines.

As to the Vital Indication in this Disease, Testaceous Powders of Crabs Eyes and Claws, Coral, Egg-shells, and Shells of Fish powdered, may be taken in a large Cordial draught of Centaury water, Carduus, Compound Gentian, Doctor Stephens his VVater, and the like,

CHAP. XXX. Of the Omentum, or Caul.

THe Caul lodged between the Rim of the Belly and the Intestines, in­vesteth the latter as with a Garment, in which many Considerables offer themselves, the Situation, Connexion, Surfaces, Magnitude, Figure, Substance, and Structure of it.

As to is Situation and Connexion, its Membranes being two in number, The Situation and Connexi­on of the Caul. are seated in each side one, between which the Vessels and Fat have their Allodgments: And the Membranes being taken in other Habitudes, may receive various Denominations, of Superiour, Inferiour, Anterior, Poste­rior, Exterior, Interior. That which is Superior in Men, is called Inferi­or in Bruits, as being lodged under the upper Membrane; and the Supe­rior in a Humane Body, is so named improperly, because it doth not tran­scend the other in hight. But we will sit down with the Ancient and Mo­dern Anatomists, not disputing their Terms, which Custome hath rendred Authentick, and easie for Distinction, Use being the great Master and Ar­bitrator of Language.

The Omentum is composed of divers Membranes, as so many Leaves or Wings (enwrapped within each other) as they are phrased by Aquapendente, Spigellius, and others.

The upper Leaf of the Caul is extended from the right Hypoconder, The upper Leaf of the Caul. to that part of it in which somewhat of the Liver is lodged, from hence bend­ing toward the first Intestine, the right Orifice, and bottom of the Ventricle, and Suture of the Splene, to which it is most firmly affixed; and again it passeth from the Splene toward the Back, where it altereth its Appellative, and is named the Inferior, or Posterior Leaf of the Caul, and then taking its course toward the right Hypoconder, is fastned in its progress to the Back, and then hath its recourse to the Liver, where it is invested with a por­tion of the Caul, which is continued to the origen of the Anterior Leaf; and so we have Treated of the whole Circuit of the Anterior VVall of the Caul.

The hinder VVall, or Membrane of the Caul, The hinder Leaf of the Caul. immediately after its first rise, tending downward toward the Pancreas, is thence extended toward the first Intestine, and then descendeth from the Pancreas: And its lower Membrane is fastned to the Colon, encircling all that part of it, which is lodged under the Base of the Stomach, performing the office of the Mesen­tery to it, by keeping it tight and firm in its own station, as also the upper [Page 180]and lower Wings of the Caul in their various Connexions, with the Sto­mach, Splene, Duodenum, Pylorus, do secure them in their peculiar seats, which is effected by the upper Circuits of the Membranes of the Caul, which are firmly tied to the said Viscera, because the lower Margents of the Caul are left loose, and may easily be severed from the Intestines with­out any violation of the Caul, or Intestines

The Surfaces of these Membranes, The surfaces of the Caul are adorned with evenness and uneven­ness. are beautified with great evenness, and unevenness of rises and falls, which make diversities of Figures, seated in the different divarications of the globules of Fat, and the several Areae interposed; so that the greater branches of Fat, accompanying the fruitful Ramulets of Vessels, do render the surface of the upper and lower Mem­branes of the Caul (interceding the ramifications of Fat, and Vessels) uneven, and the empty Spaces remain smooth in the upper and lower Surfaces, of the Anterior and Posterior Membranes.

As to the Magnitude of the Caul, The Magni­tude of the Caul is vari­ous in divers Persons. it is in divers Persons very different, as more or less Expanded, and thereupon investeth greater or less porti­on of the Intestines: It is commonly extended no farther then the Navil, and then it is folded up in divers wreaths, as I have often seen in divers Bodies, which are observed in lean Persons; but in those that are well lined with Fat, it is extended from the Diaphragme to the Os Pubis. As we lately saw it in a Woman (Dissected at the Colledg of Physicians) in whom the Caul lay more smooth, and free from wrinckles then ordinarily.

It is the Opinion of divers Anatomists, that it's farther Expanded in Men, then in other Animals; which I humbly conceive, is upon this account: Be­cause Man going in an upright posture of Body, the weight of the Caul naturally draweth down toward the Os Pubis: But Bruits, being prone in their Progressive Motion, the Caul is more apt to Contract it self

The Figure of the Caul may be in some sort stiled Orbicular, The figure of the Caul, is after a manner of a Circular Figure. if it be considered, Transversly, as it runneth from side to side, and involveth the Anterior, and Posterior region of the Intestines; so that the progress of the Caul, The manner of the produ­ction of Cir­cular Figures of the Caul. maketh a Circle as derived from the middle of the Back, to the en­trance of the Vena Porta into the Liver, and from thence carried all along the bottom of the Stomach, to the hollow of the Splene, and then to the middle of the Back; so that the Inferior Semicircle may be assigned, as pro­ceeding from the concave region of the Splene, and so passing along the Back to the right side of the Ventricle, according to the lower Membrane of the Caul.

And we may ascribe the upper Semicircle, to the Superior or anterior Membrane, and so beginneth the Semicircular course of the Caul from the right side, and is carried all along under the bottom of the Stomach, to the concave surface of the Splene, which formeth the Superior Semicircle of the Caul. And Bauhinus will have its Figure resemble that of a Fish Net.

The substance of the Caul is very thin and Transparent, The substance of the Caul is fine and tran­parent. pinked with di­vers Minute Perforations, where it is free from Divarications of Vessels, associated with larger Ramifications of Fat, making the most bulky part of the Caul, because the Membranous part is a vail finely doubled, over­shading the greatest part of the surface of the Intestines.

And as to the whole Compage of the Caul, it is Organick, composed of many Similar parts, or an Aggregate body consisting of Membranes, Fat, Vessels, of different Families, Arteries, Veins, most Sanguiferous, and a few Milky, and Nerves: And also of Minute Glandulous bodies, besetting the Caul in divers parts of it.

The Fat in its first Rudiment, being of an oily substance, The nature of Fat is oily and fluid original­ly, and is after­ward concre­ted. and so of a fluid nature, is confined in the thin walls of many fine Concave Membranes, to secure the fluid fatty Matter within more solid limits, in order to Concretion: So that the minute globules of Fat, modelled into various Fi­gures, seated in the Ambient parts and more inward Recesses of their fruit­ful Divarications, are every where encircled within the Concave Spaces of many Membranous Cells, which are emptied of the lumps of it in great Colliquations.

The innumerable Minute Membranes, appear to an Eye, The Cells re­sembling the cavities of Hony-combs, are the reposi­tories of Fat. assisted with a Microscope, to be hollowed with many small Circumferences, resembling the Minute Cavities of a Hony Comb (enclosing that Elixir of Nature) or the small Holes, seated in the pulpy part of an Orenge, as so many Re­positories of an Acid grateful Liquor.

The Fat of the Caul may offer divers things to our Notice, the first mat­ter and manner of its Production: As to its Stamina Radicalia, or first Ru­diments: The Ancient and Modern Anatomists derive it from the Blood, Blood the ori­gen of Fat. and so it must be produced either out of the Red Crassament, or Serous Liquor; it seemeth very improbable, that it should be propagated out of the Red Crassament, because it is very hot and spirituous, and contrary to the nature of Fat, which is oily, and of a temperate heat.

And as to the other serous part of the Blood, it holdeth much Analogy with the Albuminous part of an Egg, and being Concreted with such a heat of Fire, as will Colliquate Fat, is turned into a white tenacious sub­stance, much different from the unctuous nature of Fat, which is Colliqua­ted, and not Concreted by heat, as is the serous part of the Blood: Again, Fat is inflammable, which is not found in the Crystalline Liquor of Blood.

Wherefore, I humbly crave Pardon of Learned Anatomists, The sulphure­ous parts of Blood are not the material cause of Fat. deriving it from Blood, as conceiving in my Judgment, that it borroweth its Prima Sta­mina, its material Origen, from the sulphureous and the more unctuous and buttry parts of the Milky Humour.

The great difficulty that rendreth the manner productive of Fat, very perplex in the Caul, is the want of Secretory Organs, reputed to be Glands, which are few, according to divers Anatomists; but in truth, upon a strict search, are found in most parts (where this Unctuous Matter is gene­rated) numerous Glands, dispersed through the spacious Territories of the Body, which is very evident in its habit; the Mesentery, Groins, Musculi Glutaei, and many other parts, where Fat is Exuberant.

And it is very observable in Fat lodged under the Skin, Many small Glands placed in the Fat of the Caul. that there are many Minute Glands seated: Learned Bartholine is of an Opinion, the Caul is furnished with many small Glands. And Vesalius, an Oracle of Anatomy, calleth the Caul a Glandulous Body; and it is very probable, that all Membranes have many Miliary Glands, affixed to them, Glands the co­latories of Blood in order to the produ­ction of Fat. which are very conspicuous in the Dura and Pia Mater, the Mesentery, and the like: And I have often discerned, many Glands lodged in Fat, and I believe that there are many Minute ones all covered with Fat in the Caul, which may be so many Colatories, severing and transmitting the oily parts of the Milky Humour, into the substance of those Glands, which exuding through them, are conveyed to the outside of the Sanguiducts, to which they are accreted, when they are secerned from the Chyme.

But if this seems only Conjectural for want of Glands in the Caul, Numerous Membranes in the Caul may be streiners of the oily parts of the Blood. I will take the freedom, with your Permission, to offer other instruments of Se­cretion, which may be the numerous thin Membranes, through whose fine [Page 182]Contexture, the Minute oily Particles of Fat may be streined, as they are configured to the Pores of the Membranous Cells, in size and shape; be­cause, I humbly conceive, that the secret passages of Membranes, when agreeing in Figure and Magnitude, with the Minute Particles of Liquor, may be Colatories as well as Extreamities of Vessels, which hath some shew of probability at least; because the unctuous substance of Fat, doth every where accompany the Vessels, adhering to the Ambient parts of their Coats, which are invested with this oily white Robe.

But if this Conjecture of mine doth not please, I shall take the Boldness, with the leave of the Courteous Reader, to propound another way of pro­ducing Fat in the Caul, which may be this: The Chyme passing with the Blood out of the Caeliac and Mesenteric Arteries, into the substance of the Membranes, and the more serous parts of the Chyle are transmitted into the Extreamities of the Veins, and the more oily parts may be received through the configured Pores of the Membranes, into the bosom of their Cavities, where this Colliquated Unctuous Liquor being Extravasated, may be readily Accreted to the insides of these numerous Membranous Cells, as so many Receptacles, in which the Fat Globules of the Caul are enwrap­ped.

And this Assertion may be farther confirmed with greater probability, as to the manner of Generating Fat, by streining the more oily Particles of the Alimentary Liquor through the minute perforations of the numerous Coats, The minute pores of the Membranes may be Cola­tories, as hold­ [...] a Configu­ [...] with the oily par [...]s of Liquors. of the various hollow Membranes, to which the fluid Fatty Particles do adhere, when they are stagnant, thereby gaining a Concretion; which is removed according to Experience, when the Fat is Colliquated in Acute and Hectic Fevers. Of which Learned Doctor Cox, my worthy Friend and Collegue, gave me an Instance in a Knight, a Patient of his, in whom was discovered a large quantity of Oyl, Fat may be colliquated in­to Oyl, by heat in Acute Fevers. lodged between the Coats of the Caul: and oftentimes the Fat being Colliquated in Acute Distempers, returneth again by the same minute passages of the Membranous Cells, through which it made its former entrance into those small Cavities, out of which the Oily parts of the Fat being melted, are received first into the habit of the Body, and are afterward transmitted through the Extreamities of the Capillary Veins, into the Mass of Blood, to support it by supplying its de­fects, by Colliquated Alimentary Liquor, Circulating and mixing with the Blood: It being very evident by Observation, that Sick Persons labouring with Acute Fevers, and Cronic Diseases, loose their Fat, both in the Caul, Membrana Adiposa, and Interstices of the Muscles, and other parts of the Body, which is not at all Evacuated by Stool, Urine, Sweat, which would be discovered as being mixed with the more solid Faeces of the Intestines, or with the other more watry and saline Recrements, either passing out of the habit of the Body, through the Cutaneous Glands, into the Minute Excretory Ducts terminating in the Skin, or transmitted out of the Glands of the Kidney through the Pelvis, and Ureters into the Bladder, out of which it is conveyed by the Urethra, out of the Confines of the Body; which would be easily discovered if the Colliquated Fat was thrown off with the Excrements of the Blood.

Whereupon it is reasonable to believe, that this Fatty substance being dissolved, is transmitted through the secret pores of the Membranous Cells appertaining to the Caul; first into the empty spaces of the Vessels, and thence imported into the Terminations of the Veins, into a confederacy with the Blood, which is as rare, as Preternatural.

Having given my mean Sentiments of the Original matter and manner of Production of Fat, I conceive it may not be amiss to Treat of the Adipose Ducts, and their numerous Ramifications, which are as Admirable, as plea­sant to behold,

The Caul being a very thin Membrane, or rather Membranes, do sur­round the Intestines Cross-ways, in a kind of Orbicular manner, and are extended Long-ways, for the most part to the Navil, and sometimes in very Corpulent Persons, to the Os Pubis. And out of this large Membrane, Many transpa­rent little Ves­sels the pro­per places of Fat. which is very fruitful, are propagated many other small Membranous tran­sparent Vesicles, like so many little Wombs, big with Globules of Fat, con­tained in these Adipose Ducts, beautified with various Models, which are most large above E. E. Tab. 1., near the great Trunks of Vessels, and grow less in their progress downward, and sideways, The Adipose Ducts accom­pany the Ves­sels which of­ten meet and part, making a kind of Net­work. and do wonderfully expatiate themselves in Ramifications like Trees, overshading the Transparent Mem­branes of the Caul, and do associate, and embrace the Vessels with their softer Arms, every where following and courting in their company the Divarications of Arteries and Veins, not only in their greater Trunks, but in their more Minute Ramulets and Terminations, which often meet in Arches, and part again, making a kind of Net-work, very curiously wrought, like a Spiders Web, Natures great Masterpiece, accompani­ed in like order with a curious Workmanship of the Capillary Adipose Ducts Υ Υ. Tab. 1., which being white and small, cannot be discovered, unless the Caul be held up against the Light in a bright Day.

The greater and smaller Branches of Adipose Ducts, do swell with Oily Liquor, Concreted within their Circumferences, in small Lobes of diffe­rent Figures and Sizes, invested with thin Membranes, not unlike those of Pulmonary Lobes, which are clearly discernible in the Caul of Men, Dogs, Hogs, and some Fish, and many other Animals.

So that this fine Compage of the Caul, is embossed with numerous Bun­ches of Fat, accompanied with many empty Spaces, as so many small Areae of different forms and greatness, lodged within the several Verges of the Adipose Ducts; whereupon the Surfaces of the Caul, are embelished with great unevenness, full of Ridges and Plains, Hills and Dales.

The nature of the Adipose Vessels, confining on the Walls of the Bloody, The nature of the Adipose Ducts is diffi­cult to be un­derstood. being intricate and profound, is difficult to be fathomed, because they are encircled with so fine a Membrane, enclosing a Concreted Liquor, that they will admit no Ligature; which leaveth us much in the Dark, in order to the disquisition of their Nature. And we must rest content with proba­ble Conjectures, when we cannot be determined by the more clear and cer­tain assistance of Sense.

As to the structure of these Adipose Vessels, it may seem worthy our en­quiry, whether they be Nervous Fibrils, out of which the first Rudiment of the Coats are propagated: But this seemeth improbable, because the Minute Ducts, which are very conspicuous in the Areae, relating to the Cauls of Deer, Goats, Sheep, Dogs, and other Animals, are a very curi­ous Contexture of Vessels, passing out of the greater Adipose Protube­rancy E E. Tab. 1., and creeping over, and not entring into the Membranous Com­page of the Caul; do beautifie them with a fine Net-work, The minute Adipose Ducts do resemble Network in their curious frame. made up of Minute Filaments; which are so curiously spun by Natures dexterous Hand, that they transcend Hairs in smalness, which wheeling in divers Modes do often associate, and then turn off again, making different Shapes and Sizes.

Again, The frame of the Membranes, composed of Nervous Filaments, is so closely conjoyned and filled up, with a thin Parenchyma of the same Colour, that it is very intricate and difficult to be seen; but these Adipose Ducts are more obvious to our sight, and shade with their well wrought Texture, the Membranous surface of the Caul, from which the Minute wheelings and turnings of the Sanguiducts being Sripped; These nume­rous Adipose Ducts do accost our view, passing up and down in various Figures. And if you shall be pleased to make a near Inspection into them, while the Caul is warm in new-killed Animals, you may discover these Ducts to be great, The Adipose Ducts do asso­ciate with the blood Vessels. with fat Particles: In a Deers Caul, they sprout out of the sides of the Membranous Cells, and are frequently interwoven with the Sanguiducts, and the progress of these Adipose Vessels, is very different from the Nervous Fibrils of the Membranous Cells, and do expatiate themselves much beyond them in the empty Spaces (interceding the greater Vessels) which are well garnished with their rare Texture. The progress of the nervous Fibrils much different from the Adipose Ducts. And I conceive it most probable, that beside these Adipose Ducts, there are other Fibrils seated under them, derived from Nerves, as also other Nervous Filaments, originally propagated out of Seminal Liquor, which are the prime and con­stituent parts of the Membranes, belonging to the Caul; and do not make any Net-work after the manner of the Adipose Ducts, because these Fibrils have no regular Inosculations with each other, in a kind of Knots and Joints, but are more closely conjoyned then those of the Adipose Ducts.

By these and the like Arguments, The Vessels of Fat do not proceed out of the Mem­branous Cells. it may be proved, the vessels of Fat are not spun out of the Bowels of the Membranous Cells, to render the Fabrick of the Caul more firm, because although, where Nature hath not wholly obliterated Membranes, we may discover the footsteps of their Cells, which growing less are like a Tail, carried in a kind of continued Course, to the opposite Membranous Cavities: In these, beside the Membranous Produ­ction, we may discover these Minute Adipose Bodies, corresponding with each other in likeness, which do not sensibly grow less as the Membranous Cells, but are of a various Figure, and take a different progress from them.

It may be some will apprehend, that these Adipose Vessels, may be the progress of the Membranous Cavities, propagated from Fat, which being Colliquated by heat, do form winding passages between the Membranes accidentally, without any design of Nature: But this may admit a Reply, because these Adipose Bodies may be discerned in a Porcupine, wherein the reticular structure of these Vessels, passing in Maeanders, is made without any Membranes lying under them; and this Net-work of Adipose Bodies, consisting of Ramulets, propagated out of the sides of others, are extended a great space, being lifted up very much, if they be observed in the Caul of an Animal new killed.

It is farther worth our notice in Deer, Calves, Sheep, Hogs, Dogs, where the empty spaces are covered with Membranes, that these Adipose Ducts, are not terminated into the adjacent Membranous Cavities, but passing through many Globules of Fat, The Adipose Ducts do arise out of Bodies made of Fat. do end into the most Minute Membranous Cells, and they do creep one over another, without discomposing each others frame; which if they did proceed from Bodies made up of Fat, they would easily close, making a Bulk only of Fat in their progress, and do meet with each other; and no way form such Reticular Mashes, founded in frequent Inosculations, and part again with various turnings and wind­ings.

Ingenious Malpighius, A Question propounded whether Adi­pose Ducts are like Blood Vessels, or Nerves made of many Fila­ments. hath made a strict inquiry into these Minute Adi­pose Tubes, and propoundeth whether they be hollow, because they re­semble in their Figure, Arteries, or Veins, as if the Fat substance, was dif­fused through them, as through Minute Cavities; or whether they be Sy­stems like Nerves, composed of very small Filaments, between whose spaces, the unctuous particles of Fat, before they be Concreted, may insinuate themselves from part to part: But these subtle Conceptions are difficult to be resolved, where Sense cannot interpose by giving a more clear evidence, which is occasioned by the thinness, and transparency of these Adipose Bodies. But I humbly conceive, that these fine clear Vessels, which seem equally turgid in new-killed Animals, do resemble Minute Ves­sels big with Globules.

These Adipose Vessels (making various Inosculations in the empty spaces seated between the Divarications of Fat) do pass in several windings and turnings, from one side to the Areae to the other, and at last in their Ter­minations seem to insert themselves into the Veins, into which they may seem to discharge some part of their Oily Liquor, when fluid, into the Mass of Blood.

But it may well deserve our Consideration, The Adipose Ducts have an obscure Ori­gen, because they are so small. in reference to the origen as well as the insertion of these Adipose Vessels, and from what part they bor­row their first rise, which is very hard to discover, because they are so mi­nute and subtle, that they very much evade our sight.

But to give you my Conjecture in so nice a Point, The Splene may be proba­bly conjectu­red to be the fountain of the Adipose Ducts. there are two eminent parts (which may contribute to their origen) to which the Caul hath a firm connexion, the Ventricle, and the Splene: For the latter, these Rea­sons may be offered, Because a principal Vein is branched through all the coasts of the Caul, taking its beginning from the Splene; which in more perfect Animals, is seated about the Margent of it, and in Fish about the Center.

To this may be added, according to the unanimous suffrages of Anato­mists, that many Fibrous bodies do expatiate from Membrane to Mem­brane through the Parenchyma of the Splene, not having a common Con­nexion with the Sanguineous Vessels: And these Nervous Filaments (as far as may be discovered) are firmly conjoyned to the Membranes of the Caul, which do with the Splenick Vessels, enter into the line of the Splene; so that it is in some sort probable, that the Adipose Vessels, may derive their origination in some part from the Nervous Filaments, which are very nume­rous in the Splene, and may thence be propagated into the Membranes of the Caul, which is not only united, but entereth into the Splene.

Another considerable part with which the Caul hath communion and entercourse, in reference to Connexion and Vessels, is the Stomach, The Caul hath connexion and enter­course with the Stomach. to whose bottom it is strongly conjoyned: And the Caul entertaineth Vessels, whose Extreamities, or rather Beginnings, commence in the Ventricle, which is plainly discerned in perfect Animals, and in large Fish, and also in Fowl, it overspreadeth the Muscular Stomach (commonly called the Gizard) as also the Intestines. And also in Fish, at the bottom of the Maw, ariseth a Membrane, which is encircled with many Vessels (distinct from those of the Blood) beset with small Glands.

With this structure of the Caul, somewhat of probability may seem to comply, because in the Ventricle, and adjacent Intestines, the Concoction of Alimentary Liquor, is celebrated by divers Ferments, entring into the Compage of the Meat, which being discovered, a Colliquated Liquor is [Page 186]separated from the grosser Faeces, The Pancrea­tick Liquor r fineth the Chyle in the Intestines. and entertained into the Intestines, where it adopteth a greater perfection procured by new Intestine Motion, produ­ced from the Pancreatick Juice, impraegnated with Liquor, dropping out of the Extreamities of the Nervous Fibrils, inserted into the inward Coats of the Intestines.

Whereupon the Alimentary Liquor, may, as I humbly conceive, be trans­mitted by proper Tubes out of the Ventricle, and Intestines, into the Mem­branes of the Caul, The oily parts streined from the serous part of the Blood through the Membranes as so many streiners. where the more Creamy, or Oily parts, being streined from the Serous Particles, through the fine Colatory of the Membranes of the Caul, may be accreted (as Extravasated) to the outward walls of the Vessels, which it doth accompany, with various Divarications, suitable to the branches of the Blood Vessels: And other Oily parts are transmitted into the small Adipose Vessels, sporting themselves in divers Inosculations, in a kind of Reticular Work, through the several Areae, carried from one side to the other, of the Membranous Cells, and are inserted into the Veins, Colliquated Fat supplieth the Blood in the desect of Alimentary Liquor. which at last are receptive of the Oily Liquor, the Materia Sub­strata of Fat, which being Colliquated by unnatural heat, doth supply the Blood in defect of Alimentary Liquor; and doth happen in Acute Fevers, wherein the Caul is very much despoiled of its Ramifications of Fat, and the Concreted Sulphureous Matter, being attenuated by immoderate and unkindly heat, doth insinuate it self through the Pores of the thin Mem­branous Cavities of the Caul, and is thence entertained into the Extreami­ties of the Splenick and Mesenterick Branches, and afterward communica­ted by the Porta, into the substance of the Liver, whence it is transmitted into the Cava, and right Chamber of the Heart.

Whereupon, Fat colliqua­ted is received into the Ves­sels, and asso­ciates with the Blood. these Oily Particles derived from the Caul, do Circulate with the Blood (contributing Nourishment to it) they being originally the more buttery parts of the Milky Liquor, separated from the Blood, as exuding the Pores of the Vessels, and being Extravasated, are Concreted into Fat, and lodged in the Membranous Cells; or else the more oily parts of the Chyle are carried immediately out of the Ventricle by the Lacteae of the Caul, into the roots of the Adipose Vessels and being Col­liquated in great Cases, are transmitted into the Orifices of the Veins, and associate with the Blood.

From whence by many Arguments, The origen of Adipose ducts are the Spleen and Stomach. it hath been made evident, that the origen of the Adipose Ducts, is dispensed from the Ventricle and Spleen; and they, that are propagated from the Stomach, are seated in the upper region of the Caul, near the bottom of the Ventricle, and pass the whole length of the Caul in great Divarications, which are largest above, near the great Trunks of the Gastrepiploick Vessels; and as they descend down­ward, and pass lower and lower, make smaller and smaller Divarications, as they approach nearer and nearer to the lower region of the Caul.

The Adipose Ducts, which are seated on the left side of the Caul, are somewhat smaller then the other, and are dispensed from the Spleen, passing cross-ways toward the right side, in numerous Branches and Ramulets, which are affixed to the outward surface of the Splenick Vessels; which Ramifica­tions of the Adipose Ducts, creeping from the Stomach downward, and from the Splene transverse overthwart the Caul, I have plainly discerned in Men, Calves, Sheep, Dogs, and other greater Animals.

The Common Ingredients, The common integrals of which the Caul is com­posed. of which the Membranes of the Caul are com­posed, are Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Lacteal Vessels, and Glands.

The Caeliac Artery, The progress of the Caeliac Artery. after it sprouteth out of the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, is entertained into the inward Leaf of the Caul, near its Origen, and then is parted into two, the right and left Branches; the right insinua­ting it self into the substance of the Caul, entereth into association with the Porta, and being secured by the Coats of the Caul, addresseth it self to the concave surface of the Liver, before it displayeth the Pyloric Branches, dispensed to the hinder region of the right Orifice of the Ventricle, and the Cystic Twins.

The right Epiploic hath one part distributed into the Colon, The right Ep [...] ­ploic branch. and ano­ther Branch relating to the smaller Intestines, is imparted to the Duode­num and origen of the Jejunum; and the Gastrepiploic right Branch is dispensed into the bottom of the right side of the Ventricle, and into its fore and hinder Region.

The left stiled the Splenic Branch, being more enlarged then the right, The left Epi­ploic stiled the Splenick Branch. is enwrapped within the Coats of the latter Leaf of the Caul, and is car­ried in a straight course under the bottom of the Ventricle, to the seam of the Spleen; and in its progress it dispenseth many Divarications upward, and an eminent Branch, called the Gastrick Artery, sendeth forth many Ramu­lets into the lower region, sides, and orifice of the Ventricle, where it ob­taineth the denomination of the Coronary Artery from encircling the Sto­mach.

Another left Gastrepiploic Branch, is divaricated into the bottom, rela­ting to the left side of the Stomach, and is distributed with numerous Circles into the fore and hinder part of it.

The third Caeliac, named the short Arterial Branch, The third Cae­liac stiled the short Arterial Branch. is dispensed into the region of the first Orifice of the Ventricle. And more downward, the left Epiploic Branch, being divided into two, is partly displaied into the hin­der Membrane of the Caul, and partly into the Colon, and distributeth al­so a little Branch, emitting numerous Ramulets into the left side of the lower Leaf of the Caul.

The Veins adorning the Caul, are the off-spring of the Porta, The progress of the Vena Porta. and not at all related to the Cava, either where it taketh its rise from the lower Re­gion of the Stomach, or any other adjoining part: For if we make a curi­ous inspection into the Veins, branched into the Inferior Membrane of the Caul, we may plainly trace them chiefly into the Splene, The left bran­ches are deri­ved from the Splene. which are called the left Branches of the Porta. And truly, the Caul hath this prerogative, to have the first Trunk of the Porta communicated to it.

And the lower Membrane is planted with three-fold Roots, The first roots of the Porta are seated in the Spleen. divaricated from the lower region of the Trunk, appertaining to the Porta, which are disseminated into the Splene. The first, which is of a considerable Magni­tude, is propagated with fruitful Ramulets, into the right part of its Mem­brane: The second is larger then the former, The second Root of the Porta are divi­ded into two Branches. and a little space after its Origen is divided into two Branches, from which some Ramulets are distri­buted into the middle region of the lower Membrane; but most bend them­selves toward the left part of the Membrane.

The third Root of the Porta is so small, that it can scarcely be discerned, The third Root of the Porta is so small, that it can scarce be discerned. and is dispensed into the left side of the Inferior Membrane.

But the Superior Coat doth borrow Roots, relating to Branches, coming from the lower seat of the Stomach, from which a numerous progeny creep­eth down to the Margent of the upper Membrane of the Caul B B. Tab. 1. The branches of the Porta derived from the bottom of the Stomach, run in arches., not in a straight course, but in a kind of Arches, the Veins now and then meeting; and then parting again, do aemulate in a wonderful manner the mashes of a Net.

And the Extreamities of the numerous Divarications of Veins relating to the Porta, take their rise partly from the Ventricle, and are thence propa­gated to the top of the upper Coat of the Caul; and those other Divarica­tions of the Porta, called the left Branches, borrow their Origen from the Splene, and are from thence dispersed into the lower Membrane of the Caul.

And the Stomacic, The Stomacic and Splenic Branches of the Porta sha­ding the Caul, do resemble the Fibrils making the substance of Leaves. and Splenic Divarications of Veins, do overspread the Coats of the Caul, and their Ramulets often uniting with each other in the Spaces, interceding the greater Branches, do make frequent Inosculations, much resembling Fibrils, framing the greatest part of the substance of Leaves, the green and beautiful attire of Ttees.

And the Superior and Inferior Membrane, is also embelished with nume­rous branches of Arteries, sprouting out of the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, out of which the Caeliac and Mesenteric Artery derive themselves, imparting many great and small Branches, which display themselves through the Coats of the Caul, aemulating those of Trees, and the more Minute Ramulets garnishing the Areae, seated between the more considerable Branches, do often accost each other, and part again with fruitful Inoscula­tions, not unlike the curious textures of Fibrils, variously besetting the Fo­liage of Trees.

The Caul is furnished with small Nerves, The Nerves of the Caul do sprout out of the Par Va­gum. derived from the Par Vagum; but its fine texture is beautified with numerous Nervous Fibrils, running several ways, and curiously woven; and chiefly take their first rise from the Seminal Liquor, and so constitute the rare Compage of the upper and lower Coats belonging to the Caul.

The fine Contexture is not only composed of Arteries, The Lacteal Vessels do pass through two eminent Glands of the Caul. Veins, and Nerves, but of Lacteal Vessels also, passing through five eminent Glands, much like those of the Mesentery, both in greatness, figure, and use. The first is seated in the Caul, near the place, where it is in connexion with the Pylo­rus, and entertaineth the Lacteal Vessels of the first kind, taking their rise near the bottom of the Stomach, and make their progress the whole length of the Caul: Which Doctor Wharton discovered in a Dog lately fed. The Milky Vessels of the first sort, The first kind of Lacteal Vessels in the Glands of the Caul. The second kind of Milky Vessels pass over the Pan­creas. after the same manner with the other, do distribute themselves into the substance of the Glands, and afterward those of the second kind do arise; which being carried downward, do in­tersect the right side of the Pancreas, over which they pass, and discharge themselves into the common Receptacle.

Another Gland somewhat less then the former, is seated in the Caul to­ward the Spleen, The Pancreas is beset with many minute Glands near the Spleen. where in some Bodies, two, three, four, and more, may be discovered, because Nature sporteth it self after divers manners in va­rious bodies; and in great Bruits, many more have been observed. And I humbly conceive, All Mem­branes are dressed with small miliary Glands. that the Membranes of the Caul, as well as others in a Humane Body, are beset with numerous small Glands (which are com­mon to all Membranes, relating to the Bowels, and Viscera, and other parts of the Body) which being very Minute, cannot be discovered without a curious search.

The use of the Glands belonging to the Caul, The use of the Glands of the Caul, is to refine the Chyle. is to Depurate the Chyle, and to Exalt it, by entring into confaederacy with the Nervous Liquor; by reason the Milky Vessels of the first kind, branching and inserting them­selves into the inward Recesses of the Glands, do import the Chyle into their substance, wherein the Recrements of the Milky Humour are received into the Lymphaeducts, and the more pure part of it is mingled with the Liquor [Page 189]destilling out the Extreamities of the Nerves, inserted into the Body of the Glands, and afterward the refined and improved Chyle is received into Extreamities of the second sort of Milky Vessels, and carried into the com­mon Receptacle.

Having given an account of the curious Fabrick of the Caul, The first use of the Caul is to secure the vessels in their progress to­ward the Splene, Liver, and Pancreas, and Milky Ves­sels, toward the common Receptacle. consisting in a fine texture of Membranes, enameled with Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lacteal Vessels, and embroidered with Divarications of Fat, and Adi­pose Ducts, and beset with Glands: Now perhaps it may be worth our enquiry, to discover the Uses, to which Nature hath consigned this well wrought part, which may be conceived in some manner a Convoy, to guard the Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Milky Vessels, whose various Milky, Pur­ple, and Nervous Liquors, being surrounded with tender Membranous enclo­sures, are further immured within the more soft and thick Walls of Fat, which every where accompany the fruitful Vessels, and give them a safe passage in their long progress through the large Territories of the Caul, to­ward the Splene, Liver, and Pancreas, and the Milky Vessels toward the common Receptacle.

And I conceive the Caul may be farther subservient to the Stomach, A second use of the Caul is to keep the Viscera in their proper Situa­tion. Splene, Pancreas, Colon, Duodenum, to keep them in their proper seats, which is contrived by the Grand Architect, with rare Artifice: So that their Connexion with the Caul, doth not bind them so close, but it leaveth them in some sort a free play, in reference to their various Postures on several occasi­ons: The Stomach being conjoined to the Caul in its bottom, hath liberty to enlarge and contract it self in point of Repletion and Inanition, and also permitteth the Colon, and other Intestines, to obtain different Situations, when they are empty and full, as being more or less distended with gross Faeces, or more thin Flatulency.

The Conjunction of the Caul, with the neighbouring parts above, boun­deth their more exorbitant Motion, and not suffereth them to entangle with the Intestines, by hindring their twisting one with another; which would produce the Iliack Passion, in perverting the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts, by forcing their Carnous Fibres to contract upwards, by which the Faeces recoiling through the Intestines into the Ventricle, do abuse the entendment of Nature, in the unnatural ejectment of Excrement through the Mouth, destined to the reception of Aliment.

And I conceive, it is Natures great design to make the Caul Membranous, consisting of numerous Filaments (well ordered in variety of Interwea­vings) which being of a pliable nature, can easily be Expanded and Con­tracted; The Caul is expanded in Inspiration, and contra­cted in Expi­ration; the Caul being Membranous easily compli­eth with the motion of the Viscera. so that the Diaphragme in inspiration being Contracted by its fleshy Fibres, reduceth it self from an Arch toward a Plain, thereby pressing down the Ventricle and Intestines, which extend the Caul outward; and when in Expiration, the Diaphragme is relaxed and brought to an Arch, the In­testines and Stomach are reduced to their natural situation, and the Caul is contracted, falling close to the Intestines.

Whereupon the Caul being of a Membranous extensive disposition, easily conformeth it self to the various motions of the Ventricle, Colon, and other Intestines, and safely enwrappeth the Vessels within its tender Wings; and addresseth it self to the Interstices of the Guts, preserving them in their natural positions, which is most conspicuous in the Intestines of Fish, which are covered with a curious Caul, insinuating its thin Membranes between the Guts, by whose interposition, their several Circumvolutions are pre­served [Page 190]in their proper places, and kept from being entangled with each other, by which the motion of the Guts are secured.

The whole Cavity of a Lamprey, The Caul of a Lamprey is composed of fruitful bran­ches of Fat re­sembling the Gyrs of the Intestines. where the Liver terminateth, is filled with the Caul, which running all along in a straight course in the inward Recesses of it, is invested with fruitful Divarications of Fat, somewhat re­sembling the Intestines in variety of Maeanders, or numerous Glands of different shapes and sizes: These several Divarications, are surrounded with proper Membranes, and are seated in Files two or three deep, one under another, and in their Interstices are lodged many Arteries and Veins, wheel­ing all up and down between the Gyres, as in the Anfractus of the Brain, and processes of the Cerebellum: So that these numerous Globules of Fat, encircled with peculiar Membranes, do enclose the long single Gut for some space (to whose Concave part it is firmly affixed) covered above with the Liver, and all the other space is the Intestine lodged in the Globules of the Caul, as within so many soft Beds to warm and fasten it, and to guard it from outward accidents that might give offence to its tender frame.

Another use of the Caul may be assigned, Another use of the Caul in re­ference to its numerous branches of Fat, is to ren­der the Inte­stines slippery. as it is embelished with nume­rous Branches of Fat, overspreading a great part of its Membranes, is to ren­der the Intestines (which it encloseth) slippery and emollient, which is effected by often rubbing against the oily substance of the Fat, relating to the Caul, which is rendred soft by the heat of the Blood, and hereby im­parteth its Unctuous Liquor by frequent motion in respiration to the neigh­bouring Intestines, by making them pliable, that they readily perform their Peristaltick Motion, without grating against the Caul.

May be, The Caul is like a Hawk­ing-Bag in Fi­gure in the round circum­ference of its Origen. some Person may be so inquisitive, as to desire the Information, How the Caul obtaineth the Figure of a Hawking-Bag; which I conceive may be accomplished after this manner. As the Caul taketh its rise from the upper Abdominal Plex of the Nerves, and that the hinder Leaf is the most principal part, as it first entertaineth the Nerves, the Caeliac Artery, and both the Arterious, Venous and Splenick Vessels, displaying many Branches in their Progress: Wherefore, it being a sanction of Nature, to conjoin Membranes (first above their origen) to each other (except where some important cause interposeth) therefore its most suitable to Reason, that the Exterior Region of the Caul should be continued to the Posterior, as to its Original; which could not be well accomplished, unless they had been united to each other in the bottom, commonly seated near the Navil, to which the lower Membrane of the Caul is first Expanded, and then taketh its retrograde progress upward; and so may be stiled, the origen of the Superior Membrane, which terminateth in the bottom of the Stomach, Li­ver, and adjacent parts. So that the continuation of the Posterior Mem­brane of the Caul, from the upper Abdominal Plex to the Navil, and from thence to the bottom of the Ventricle, being taken out of the Body, and parted, doth resemble a kind of Hawking-Bag, from its round Circumfe­rence in the first entrance of it.

Learned Fabricius ab Aquapendente, The use of the Caul, as Aqua­pendente con­ceiveth, is to assist the dige­stion of the Stomach, by enclosing the Steams of it within its Membranes. assigneth divers uses of the Cavity intervening the Anterior, and Posterior Membrane of the Caul, one of them is this: That the Steams of the Ventricle being confined within the inclosures of the Membranes, might not Evaporate, which would advance the concoction of Aliment; as this Learned Author imagineth. But this may seem improbable, because the warm vapours may easily be discharged by the Pylorus, before they can have a reception between the Duplica­ture of the Membranes; into which, if these fumes should be admitted, [Page 191]they would be soon breathed out, through the Minute Perforations of the Coat of the Caul.

Another use of this Cavity, seated between these Membranes, The second use assigned by Aquapendente is to contain Recrements within its Leaves. pro­pounded by this great Author, is to lodg Recrements between the Leaves of the Caul, which would be very prejudicial to Nature, except she had instituted an Excretory Duct to discharge them, which cannot be disco­vered.

The third use assigned by this Skilful Anatomist, The third use as Aquapen­dente concei­veth it to be a seat of Hypo­condriacal va­pours. is to be a seat of Hypo­chondriack Flatulency, which he endeavoureth to make clear by the croak­ing sounds occasioned by Wind, squeesed up and down within the narrow confines of the Coats of the Caul; which being pervious in many places, cannot contain those fine fluid Particles of Hypochondriacal Wind. And as to those various murmurs of Wind, they are produced within the cavities of the Ventricle, and Intestines, which may be Experimented in a dead Body opened, full of Wind, which being forced up and down by Reci­procal Motions through the Cavities of the Guts, and Stomach, will from those ill tuned, uncouth sounds.

Ingenious Riolan is of an opinion, Riolan's Opi­nion, that it is possible to form a speech in the Belly. That it is possible to form a Speech in the Belly, and from its inward Recesses, to impart the more remote Sen­timents of the Mind; which he conceiveth may be performed by an Arti­ficial Collision of the Flatus lodged between the Coats of the Caul, and then to be formed into Words, consisting in the Articulation of Sounds, which cannot be modlelled but by an Arbitrary Motion of Muscles, con­signed to the Formation of Words, which are no where to be found but in the Laryn. I confess it is possible to find Inarticulate sounds in the Stomach, and Intestines, which casually proceed from the pro­trusion of Wind, floating up and down the Cavities of the Ventri­cle and Guts, which are not any ways accommodated with Organs for the Articulation of Sounds: It may be, if not more easie to speak through the lowest Intestines by Articulate Sounds, which may seem someway to be regulated by the Sphincter Muscles; but this way of Speaking is as ridi­culous as unnatural, and void of all Sense and Reason, as that of the Belly, and no way worth the Mention, or Contrivance, of so Learned an Au­thor.

And now it may be expected afterward, we have not approved the Uses of the Cavity interceding the Coats of the Caul, some other should be assigned, by reason Nature hath appointed a use of all parts she hath for­med; She having like a wise Architect, contrived nothing in vain, and therefore this Cavity (which is rather a Conception then Truth) is nothing else, but a result of the Coats parted one from another, when taken out of the Body, in which they are closely continued one to another; The Vessels of Arteries, Veins, and Nerves, con­veyed by the Caul to the Viscera. Nature being sollicitous to form those Membranes, to be Repositories of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, by whose mediation they are conveyed to the Ventricle, Liver, Splene, Pancreas, and Colon, and by whose Connexion they are secured in their proper stations, lest they should be entangled with each other, and violate the Functions of the adjacent parts, and the motion of the Sto­mach, and Intestines, and intercept the passage of the Alimentary Liquor into the Milky Vessels, and the evacuation of the gross Faeces through the greater Cavities of the Intestines.

CHAP. XXXI. The Pathologie of the Caul.

THe Pathologie of the Caul, The Caul is li­able to Inflam­mations, Ab­scesses, Ulcers, Steatomes, Scirrhus, and Dropsies. is occasioned upon many accounts, be­cause it is an inward Integument of a curious Structure, made up of various parts (as it hath been discoursed) of Coats, Mem­branous Cells, Adipose Ducts, Arteries, Veins, Lacteous Vessels, Glands, and I conceive, Lymphaeducts too as their attendants: Whereupon, this choice covering of the Intestines, is rendred obnoxious to divers Diseases, In­flammations, Abscesses, Ulcers, Steatomes, and Scirrhous Tumours, and Dropsies.

As to Inflammations, Inflammation of the Caul is derived from Blood extra­vasated in its substance. they may proceed originally from an Exuberant Mass of Blood, stagnant, produced by the large Ramifications of Fat, com­pressing the neighbouring Sanguiducts, with which they associate, so that their Cavities are lessened, and the Circulation of the Blood rendred slow; whereupon the Vital Liquor groweth gross, and being impelled into the Interstices of the Vessels relating to the Caul, An Abscess floweth from the serous part of the Blood turned into purulent Mat­ter, and pro­duceth an Ul­cer by its cor­rosive quality. cannot afterward be received into the Minute Orifices of the Veins (straightned in gross Persons, by the adjacent Membranous Cells highly stuffed with Fat) whence ariseth an inflammation of the Caul, caused by too great a plenty of Blood (lodg­ed in the substance of the Caul) which seeing it hath lost its Motion, as not capable to be returned by proper Vessels toward the Heart, the Se­rous and Nutricious parts of the Blood are turned into Purulent Matter (producing an Abscess) which corrodeth the tender frame of the Caul, and maketh an Efflux of corrupt Matter into the Cavity of the Belly, ren­dring it Ulcerous; hence the whole Compage of the Caul is subject to Pu­trefaction, which hath been often found upon Dissection of Bodies

A Commander of a Man of War, An Instance of a putrid Ulce­rous Caul. often having exposed himself to Wind and Weather, and being of a sickly Constitution, fell into a great Swelling of his lower Apartiment, which was much mitigated by a proper Course of Physick, and yet notwithstanding he was troubled with Vomi­ting, and an ill Stomach, so that he was not able to digest his Meat, and at last was overcome with an Atrophy; and after his Departure, we found the Caul very much putrified and consumed.

The Caul is a kind of Sink, A Steatome proceedeth from a con­creted pitui­tous matter concreted and enclosed in a Coat like Fat. into which Nature transmitteth by various Channels, a quantity of gross Humours of different consistences, whereof some are indigested Chyle, or Serous Liquor (whose watry Particles being Evaporated) concreted into a whitish Matter, somewhat like Lard, enclo­sed in a thick Membrane, whence ariseth a Steatome: And other Humours also growing more and more Indurated, do thicken the substance of the Glands, and turne it into a Scirrhus, which sometimes is so great, that it highly distendeth the whole Abdomen.

A Tradesman's Wife, An Instance of a Steatome. labouring with a great Tumor of her Belly, which could not be reduced by any Method of Physick, but received Day by Day greater addition, till it arrived to a prodigious Magnitude, which made a high difficulty of Breathing, as hindring the free play of the Diaphragme; which was greatly compressed by the stupendous Tumor of the Caul, which [Page 193]robbed the Body of its due Nutriment, causing an Emaciation of all the Muscular parts: And after her Death, an Apertion of her Belly being celebrated, the Intestines appeared thrust toward the right side in an unu­sual posture, and afterward a wondrous Swelling presented it self, being encircled with a strong Membrane, filling up the Cavity of the Belly, and was easily separated from the adjoyning parts, and being taken out of the Body, weighed many Pound, to the admiration of the Spectators: This vast Swelling was enwrapped within a thick Coat, which being cut, first a white Tumor like Lard, discovered it self, which was accompanied with many smaller Glandulous, and Scirrhous Tumors.

The Caul is furnished with a multitude of Glands, which sometimes are swelled to great Dimensions, proceeding from a large proportion of gross Chyle extravasated in the substance of the Glands (in their passage through the Caul toward the common Receptacle) as spued out of the Termination of the Milky Vessels of the first kind, into the Interstices of Vessels belong­ing to the Omental Glands, A Disease de­rived from many Scirrous Glands. wherein the gross Chyle is lodged and indura­ted, by reason it cannot be admitted into the small Extreamities, of the second kind of Lacteal Vessels, in order to be transmitted into the common Receptacle.

A Country Woman was tortured with great pain in her Belly, and was highly opinionated she had divers living Animals in her, which gave her a great Discomposure, and at last ended in a great Swelling of the Belly, speaking a close to her Life: And afterward, an inspection being made by Incision, into the inward recesses of the Abdomen, the Caul appeared beset with numerous Scirrhous Glands.

Sometime the rare Contexture of the Caul, An Instance of the Caul very much indura­rated. is enlarged by a quantity of Recrements (flowing into its substance by a great company of Vessels) whose more fluid Particles being breathed out by its Pores, so that its sub­stance becometh hard and thick, resembling a Hide: As it hath been seen in a Maid of an ill habit of Body, who had the Caul adjoyning to the Na­vil, highly thick and indurated; which was discovered upon a Dissection celebrated after her Death. And Learned Doctor Wharton, giveth an In­stance of this Case, in his Discourse of the Glands relating to the Caul.

The choice integument of the Intestines, A Dropsie produced by intemperate Drinking, so that the watry Particles be­ing severed in the Kidney, were convey­ed into the Caul. is frequently infested with Hy­dropick Distempers, which may arise from an overmuch Indulgence of our selves in strong Liquors, and cold and moist Diet overcharging the Blood with watry Recrements; which not being secerned in the Glands of the Kidneys, and thence transmitted by Urinary Ducts, and Papillary Caruncles, into the Pilvis, they recoil with the Blood by the Emulgent Veins into the Vena Cava, and afterward into the Heart and Lungs, and Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, into the Caeliac and Mesenterick Arteries, and thence into the substance of the Caul, in so great a quantity, that the small Capillary Veins are not able to entertain them; whereupon the thin tender Membranes of the Caul being overmuch distended by too great a plenty of watry Humours, do break, and let loose the confined Liquor, which freely streaming out of the Lacerated Caul, An Ascitis de­duced from an Ulcered Caul▪ ever overchar­ged with wa­try Recre­ments flowing from the bro­ken Lymphae­ducts into the Ulcered Glands. do make a Lake in the Cavity of the Abdomen (which is sometimes swelled like a Barrel, in a most prodigious manner) so that Fifteen Gallons of watry Faeces, have been let out of a Tapped Belly.

Another kind of Ascitis proceedeth from an Ulcered Caul, wherein it is every way encompassed with watry Recrements (flowing from the bro­ken Lymphaeducts in the Ulcered Glands of the Caul) in which it is so long Macerated, till it is fretted and gauled by the Serous Liquor (impraeg­nated [Page 194]with gross Saline Particles) discharged out of the Terminations of the overburdened Caeliac and Mesenteric Arteries, into the Cavity of the Belly, whereupon the tender compage of the Caul is dissolved, and rendred Pu­trid; often produced by Sanious and Purulent Matter, issuing out of an Ulce­red Caul, which I have seen in Hydropick Bodies Dissected.

The inward Membranes of the Caul, are often disaffected with a great company of Vesicles (big with Transparent Liquor) commonly called Hydatides, The Hydatides of the Caul, are great store of Vesicles a­rising from watry Recre­ments distend­ing the Lym­phaeducts seat­ed in the Caul. which I conceive do flow from the Coats of the Lymphaeducts, distended in the Caul; not mentioned by any Author whom I have read. But I have reason to believe, that the Glands of the Caul, are attended with Lymphaeducts, which are Vessels, receiving the Recrements, secer­ned by the Glands, which being Tumefied by the grossness of the Liquor, or by the substance of the Glands, which being much increased in Dimen­sions, do compress the Lymphaeducts; whereupon the motion of the Lym­pha is intercepted in its passage toward the common Receptacle, whence arise numerous Swellings of the Lymphaeducts, seated in the Caul in man­ner of Vesicles, great with Liquor.

An Instance may be given of this case in a Hydropick Woman, An Instance of the Hydatides in an Hydro­pic Woman. whose Belly being highly swelled, and the Integuments being taken off after her Departure, and her Caul opened, a number of Vesicles (full of watry Particles) presented themselves in the inward surface of the Membranes, constituting the Duplicature of the Caul. The manner of the produ­ction of the Hydatides flowing from a quantity of watry Recre­ments (sepa­rated from the Blood in the Glands) and distending the Coats of the Lymphaeducts placed in the Caul. And I humbly conceive, that all Membranes, as the Peritonaeum, Membrana Adiposa, and the like, as well as the Caul, are liable to Vesicles, rising from the distended Lymphaeducts, attendants of all Membranes as they are furnished with numerous Glands, the colatories of the Blood, and Nervous Liquor; whereupon the Lympha being separated from them, and received in great quantity into the Lym­phaeducts, do sometimes overcharge and enlarge them beyond the due con­fines of their Vessels, producing Swellings like Vesicles full of Liquor: But if the Lymphaeducts be obstructed, as overburdened by too large a proportion, or by the grossness, or corroded by the sharpness of the Lym­pha or purulent Matter, the tender Membranes of the Lymphaeducts are broken, and the Limphalic Juice is emptied into the Cavity of the Belly, producing an Ascitis, which is the most common cause of it.

And the Caul is not only incident to an Ascitis (flowing wholly from watry Recrements) but also to a Tympanitis derived from Wind, A Tympanitis flowing from Wind ming­led with wa­try Humours, filling the Ca­vity interce­ding the Coats of the Caul. which is seldom pure, but most frequently accompanied with Potulent Matter; which renders it a Bastard Tympanitis, proceeding from great store of watry Fa­ces (mixed with Vapours and Wind) impelled through the Fruitful Caeliac and Mesenteric Arterial Branches (implanted into the insides of the Mem­branes belonging to the Caul) out of whose Extreamities the watry Drops and Vapours confaederated with Wind, do fill the Cavity, lodged between the Membranes of the Caul; whence sometimes a Tumour ariseth, won­derfully distending the tender Fabrick of the Caul to such a greatness, that it Lacerates the fine Walls immuring it, whereby it acquireth more free­dom to Expatiate in the larger Territories, interceding the Peritonaeum and Intestines.

As to the Cure of Diseases relating to the Caul, Inflammations in the Caul do indicate Vul­nerary Poti­ons, and clean­sing and dry­ing Diet Drinks. if they be Inflammations, Abscesses, Ulcers, Vulnerary Potions, and cleansing and drying Diet Drinks, may be safely Advised: And as to the Cures of an Ascitis, and Tympanitis of the Caul, proceeding from Humors, Vapours, and Wind extravasated in the Interstices, or empty Spaces of the Belly, it is very difficult to perform, [Page 195]because the Matter stagnated without the Vessels, is not easily recalled into their Extreamities: But the utmost is to be attempted, And in a Tym­panitis, Pur­ging, Anti­scorbuticks, and Chalybe­at Medicines may be advi­sed to refine the Blood, and discharge the Flatus which is hard to effect. rather then leave the Patient (as in a case Desperate and Deplorable) without Medicines. Because Nature, by great Contrivance of the most Heavenly Mind, preser­veth it self by secret ways and passages, beyond our apprehension: There­fore, I conceive it very prudent, to advise proper Medicines, as Purging, Antiscorbuticks, and Diuretick Medicines, and Chalybeats, that refine the Blood, and assist the Ferments of the Stomach, in order to the good Con­coction of it; the Defects of it being a remote cause of an Ascitis, and Tympanitis. But I forbear to give further Advice, in reference to the Cures of these Diseases, which have been more fully set down in the Method of Physick, relating to the disaffections of the Peritonaeum, and Cavity of the Belly, to which I refer the Courteous Reader.

Now I will give a Close to the First Part of the First Book, Treating of the outward and inward Skin, the Fatty and common Membrane inve­sting the Muscles, as so many spacious Walls, encircling the whole Fabrick of Mans Body, and the Muscles and Rim of the Belly, the more narrow Allodgments of the lowest Apartiment, constituted for the Preservation of the more inward Parts.

CHAP. I. Of the Three Apartiments of Mans Body.

HAving Treated of the Walls, enclosing the Ele­gant Building of Mans Body, of the Four Com­mon Integuments (as so many fine Expansions, encircling each other) the outward and inward Skin, of the Fatty Membrane, and common Coat of the Muscles; and of the Rim of the Belly and Caul. My intendment at this time, is to shew you the three Apartiments, and their excellent Furniture (as so many fine sights) the Allodgments of Mans Body, in which the Noble parts are safely reposed: And how the Streams of the Milky and Vital Li­quor, do pass through the Viscera, and are entertained and associated with a more noble Juice, the Succus Nutricius, by which they are Exalted, and brought to greater perfection.

The stately Fabrick of Mans Body, The upper, middle, and lower Story of Mans Body. is beautifued with three, the Lower, Middle, and Upper Sories; and the Lower is the greatest, and meanest of of all, and the most Eminent for variety of Parts; and is immured back­ward, with the But-end of the Muscles, stiled Sacrolumbares, and Longissimi Dorsi, the Tensors of the Back, and is Walled more inward with the Sacri, and Quadrati, the Tensors and Flexors of the Loins; and is enclosed in its Anterior and Lateral Region otwardly with the Four common Integuments, and more inwardly with the oblique Descending, and Ascending, as also with the Transverse, The Muscles of the Belly keep the Inte­stines in their proper Situa­tion, by rea­son of the va­rious progress of their Fi­bres. Right, and Pyramidal Muscles of the Belly: Which are so finely lodged one within another, in an excellent order, and seated in such several Postures, by reason of the different progress of their Fibres, that they keep the Intestines so tight, that they cannot start out of their proper places in violent Motions, which is hindred by the various Bandage of these curious Muscles.

The Right pass straight down the whole length of the Belly, and the Oblique descend in Bevil Lines and the Oblique ascend oblique­ly upward, and the Transverse go in straight Lines cross-ways the Bel­ly: Whereupon the frail Intestines, by reason of the different positions of these Abdominal Muscles, running counter to each other in the several progresses of Carnous Fibres, are safely confined within their due Situations, which else would hinder their Peristaltic Motion, and intercept the passage of the Excrements, a Disease of fatal Consequence.

The lower Story of Mans Body is enclosed without with the common Vestments, and more thick Muscular Walls, and supported within with a jointed Column, made up of the Vertebres of the Loins, elegantly Carved, with Transverse, Oblique, and Acute Processes.

This lower Apartiment is encircled within with curious Hangings, with the more soft coverings of the Viscera, the Rim of the Belly and Caul, rare­ly embroidered with great variety of Vessels.

It is founded and floored below on the fore part with the Os Pubis, and Coxendicis, on the sides with Os Ilium, and behind with the Os Sacrum, and is covered above with the Circular Seeling of the Midriff, which in motion tendeth toward a Plain, and in its Relaxation to an Arch, in which its con­cave Surface faceth the lower, and its Convex the middle Apartiment.

This lower Story is encircled with great abundance of good Furniture, and may be stiled (as I conceive) an Elaboratory, consisting of a Retort, Recipients, and divers kinds of Colatories of the Vital Liquor (and Ner­vous Juice) imported and exported in many different Tubes, and the va­rious Recrements being severed from these Nourishing Liquors, are trans­mitted into their proper Receptacles.

The Aliment passing down the Culet, The Stomach is an Elabora­tory in which the Alimenta­ry Liquor is extracted. as through a Neck, into the more large Repository of the Stomach, wherein a Milky Humour being extra­cted by a gentle heat and proper Ferment, destilleth out of the bottom of the Retort, into the Intestines, as into so many Recipients, made up of Ser­pentine Ducts; in which the Chyle, receiving a farther Elaboration, is con­veyed into the Milky Vessels, while the grosser Faeculencies, as a Terra Dam­nata are separated from the Chyle, and do gently move through those grea­ter Membranous Pipes, to ease them of their troublesome Guests.

The Blood being impelled out of the Caeliac, The Liver is the streiner of the Blood, wherein it is depurated from its Bili­ous Humours. and Mesenteric Arteries, into the Vena Porta, is thence conveyed through the substance of the Liver, wherein its defaecated from its Bilious Recrements, of which the most sincere and thin parts are carried through the Vasa Fellea, into the Bladder of the [Page 199]Gall, and the grosser Choler is transmitted by proper Vessels, belonging to the Ductus Choledochus.

And on the other side, the Vital Juice being dispersed by the Extrea­mities of the Caeliac Artery, into the substance of the Splene, is there be­dewed and enobled with Nervous Liquor, distilling out of the Terminati­ons of the numerous Nervous Fibres, every way besetting the whole Com­page of the Splene.

And the Blood being imported below on both sides by the Emulgent Ar­teries, into the bodies of the Kidneys, The Nervou [...] Liquor exalt­eth the Blood in the Splene. The Kidneys are the Cola­tory of th [...] Blood from its watry Faeces. is there secerned from its watry Faeces, and transmitted by the Urinary Vessels, and papillary caruncles into the Pelvis, and thence distilleth down the Ureters, as by Aquaeducts, into the Bladder, the common Cistern of these watry Recrements.

Thus having touched upon part after part of the lower Story, let us as­cend up to the Middle, and more noble Apartiment, which is encircled without with the four common Vestments; and more inwardly in its Ante­rior Region, with the Musculus Pectoralis, and Serratus Anticus Major, and behind with the Latissimus Dorsi, and the upper region of the Sacrolumba­ris, and Longissimi Dorsi, and with the Serrati Superiores, and Inferiores, and Semispinati, all of them except the Serrati, being Tensors of the Back.

The middle Story being more excellent then the lowest, is more strongly guarded with many long crooked Bones, seated in a manner of Twelve Arches on each side, encircling for the most part the Chambers of this Apartiment, and interlined with the Intercostal and Triangular Muscles; which in their various Motions, enlarge and contract the Cavity of the Thorax.

This Story is well fortified in its fore parts with various Bones, compo­sing the Sternon, and behind with a Column made up of Twelve Vertebres, finely wrought in variety of Processes, from, and into which the Muscles of the Back, have their Origen and Insertions.

This middle Apartiment is adorned within with fine Hangings of the Pleura, and parted in the middle with the Mediatinum, dividing it into two equal Camera's, which are beautified with the noble Furniture of the Heart and Lungs; this being a Machine of the Air, and the other of Motion, which containeth within it two running Lakes, the one discharging it self into the Lungs, and the other into the common Trunk of the great Artery.

Thus I have given you a glimpse of the Wall, and Furniture of two Apar­timents, by climbing up from part to part, as step by step, from the lower and middle Stories, as Antecamera's, leading to the highest Apartiment, which is as eminent in Dignity as Place; and is composed of an Ivory Cab­binet, Embelished with many fine Coverings, and rarely indented with divers Sutures: This Cabinet is a Repository of many excellent Jewels, the admirable processes of the Brain. But before I Treat of these, I will take the freedom, with your leave, to give a brief Account of the Animal Liquor, as well a Product of, as Ambulatory to the highest Apartiment, and is the great end and perfection, to which all the various Coats, Processes, and Nerves of the Brain, are consigned, giving you ( [...]) a short History of the Production, and Progress of the Animal Liquor; and what improve­ment it maketh in the several Local and Intestine Motions of the Chyle, in the Stomach, Intestines, Mesentery, and Thoracic Ducts; and how it eno­bleth the Blood in the Kidneys, Splene, Liver, and Chambers of the Heart, and in its passage through the Lungs, and the Ascendent Trunk of the Aorta, leading to the Carotide Arteries, which import Blood impraegnated with [Page 200]Nervous Liquor, and attenuated with Lympha, into the Membranes and substance of the Brain.

The Anim [...]l Liquor, The Nervous Liquor made in the Brain, is thence car­ried by Nerves into all parts of the Body. the seat of the most refined Spirits, the Ministers of the Sensitive, and Intellectual Operations, oweth its origen to the upper region of the Brain, and is thence propagated by innumerable Fibres, through its various Processes, through its lower Confines, and then is transmit­ted through the numerous Filaments of Nerves (as so many fine Outlets) and Channels, The salival Li­quor is im­proved by Juice flowing out of the third, fourth, and seventh pair of Nerves into the Mouth producing the first rudiment of Concocti­on, which is after perfected in the Stomach by an access of Nervous Li­quor distilling out of the Stomacic Nerves. leading to the middle and lowest Apartiment of the Body.

So that Liquor destilling out of the Third, Fourth, and Seventh pair of Nerves, maketh the noblet part of the Juice, squeesed in mastication out of the Tonsillary, and Maxillary Glands, as well as those of the Palate and Tongue, all beset with Minute Conglomerated Glands; whereupon the Masticatory Liquor being highly improved with Nervous Juice, is min­gled with the Alimentary Liquor (exstracted out of the Meat chewed in the Mouth) which embodying with the fluid and Elastick Particles of Air, doth open the Compage of the Meat, rendring it fit for Intestine Motion, and as a Ferment giveth the first rudiment of Concoction of Meat in the Mouth, in order to the generation of Chyle afterward elaborated in the Stomach, assisted with new access of Liquor, flowing out of the numerous Nerves, derived from the Intercostal, and Par Vagum, and divers Mesenteric Plexes, seated in the Belly, and emitting fruitful Branches into all parts, and at last do terminate into the inward Coats of the Stomach; out of which the Ner­vous Juice is crushed by the gentle Contractions of the Carnous Fibres (en­closing the Aliment) into the Crust, investing the Nervous Coat all beset with minute Annular Glands, in which the Nervous Liquor is Percolated, and thence destilleth into the Cavity of the Stomach: And being impraeg­nated with volatil saline Particles, insinuateth it self into the body of the Aliment, and openeth its Compage, severing by a kind of Precipitation, or Colliquation at least, the Alimentary Liquor from the more gross Faeces; whereupon the Nervous Liquor exalted with Spirituous parts, The serous part of the Blood is also ferment of the Stomach in Concoction. embodieth with the serous parts of the Blood, and flowing out of the Extreamities of the Arteries into the Cavity of the Stomach, doth fitly qualifie a Menstru­um, to dissolve the Compage, and Colliquate the Meat, out of which the Chyle is exstracted by way of Tincture (Ad lenem balnei calorem, by the Ambient heat of the Stomach) which is afterward more matured by its far­ther progress through the Intestines, The Chyle is more attenua­ted in the Guts by Liquor coming out of the Mesenteric Plex of Nerves. by Liquor dropping out of the Ter­minations of the Nerves, derived from the Mesenteric Plexes, and implan­ted into the inward Coats of the Intestines, surrounded with Minute Glands. In order to which, the Milky Humour is thence transmitted into the Pores of the first Lacteae, suitable in shape and size to the Atomes of the Chyle, which is afterward dispersed into the body of the Glands, where it incor­porateth with the Nervous Liquor, The Chyle is attenuated by Lympha into the common Receptacle, is thence carried by the Stoma­cie Ducts into the Subclavi­an Veins. issuing out of the Mesenteric Nerves, and is then conveyed by the second kind of Milky Vessels into the common Receptacle, in which the Lympha impraegnated with Nervous Juice, doth both Dilute, and farther Elaborate the Chyme, by rendring it more fit as atte­nuated, to be transmitted through the minute Thoracic Ducts, into the Sub­clavian Veins, where it again encountreth the Lympha (hightned with Nervous Liquor, conveyed thither by the Lymphaeducts of the upper Re­gion) terminating into the Vessels, seated under the Clavicles, where the Chyme is first of all received into the Blood, and adopted into the Vital family, and is forthwith carried through the Descendent Trunk of the Cava, into the right Cistern of the Heart; where it groweth more exalted by a mix­ture [Page 201]of Liquor, squeezed by frequent Contractions out of the Extreamities of many Nervous Fribres inserted into the inward Wall of the right Cham­ber of the Heart; out of which the Blood being impelled through the Pul­monary Artery, into the substance of the Lungs, where (as I humbly con­ceive) it receiveth a tincture of a Liquor destilling out the Nervous Fibres, implanted into the Interstices of the Pulmonary Arteries, whence the Blood being transmitted through the Pulmonary Veins into the left Ventricle, is farther meliorated with a Juice coming out of the Nervous Fibres, ending in the inside of the Heart, The Animal Liquor made in the Cortex of the Brain, from whence it is impelled into the common Trunk, and afterward into the ascendent Trunk of the Aorta, whose out­ward Coat is encircled with many Nervous Divarications, and also divers Nervous Fibres inserted into the inward Coat, destill their Liquor into the Blood, passing through the Aorta, and inward Carotide Arteries into the Cortex of the Brain; in whose Minute Glands a Percolation being made, and the more refined serous parts being severed from the Red Crassament of the Blood, are improved with volatil saline Particles in the substance of the Cortex, from whence they are transmitted into the Extreamities of the Fibres, taking their rise in the body of the Cortex, and thence are propagated by nu­merous Minute Fibres, through the various Processes of the Brain to the Trunks of the Nerves (first formed in the Medulla Oblongata) and thence destilling between the Filaments of the greater and lesser Branches of the Nerves, are imparted to all parts of the Body, to give Sense, Motion, and Nourishment.

The substance of the Viscera, and all Muscular Flesh, The substance of the Viscera and Flesh, are Systemes of Vessels. are for the most part, if not altogether, divers Systemes, made up of greater and lesser Ves­sels, consisting of Trunks, and numerous branches of Arteries, Veins, and Caudexes, and Fibres of Nerves, and Lymphaeducts.

Membranes are also Contextures, Membranes are Contex­tures of Ner­vous Fila­ments. composed for the most part of nume­rous Fibrils of Nerves, rarely interwoven with each other, interspersed with Branches, and Capillaries of Arteries and Veins.

The Blood in the Viscera being impelled out of the Terminations of the Arteries into the Interstices of the Vessels, its more soft Particles being im­proved with Liquor, dropping out of the Extreamities of Nervous Fibres, giveth it a power to separate from the Red Crassament; and afterward this Serous Liquor is the Matter, and the Nervous Juice is the form of the Suc­cus Nutricius, which being embodied, The Succus Nutricius is made up of se­rous and Ner­vous Liquor. is transmitted from the Interstices into many minute pores of the Coats of the Vessels, which perfectly correspond in Figure and Magnitude, with the Particles of the Succus Nutricius, carried by the said Pores into the substance of the Vessels, wherein it groweth more solid, and uniting it self by Accretion to the body of the Vessels, becom­meth one entire substance with them; Nutricion is made by the Succus Nutri­cius, both ac­creted to the surfaces, and by entring in­to the Pores of the Vessels and assimila­ted. which is vulgarly called Assimilati­on, and is principally performed by Nervous Liquor (inspiring the serous part of the Blood with Animal Spirits) which giveth the Succus Nutricius a power of Accretion, and by configuring it self to the unequal inward surfaces of the lank solid parts, doth replenish their spaces rendred empty by the heat of the Blood, opening the Pores of the Body, and sending out constant Effluvia.

Thus I have hinted as in a passage some short Remarks, relating to the embroidered Hangings and fine Furniture of the middle and lower Story of Mans Body, wherein I have mentioned the Elaboratory, consisting of the Retort of the Stomach, the Recipients, and Serpentine Ducts of the Inte­stines, and the Viscera, as so many Colatories of the Blood, attended with Dreins, discharging its Recrements into common Receptacles.

Now I shall make bold to give a more full History, in presenting a rough draught of the fine Pieces of Housholdstuff, belonging to these Apartiments, in describing the Structure, Actions, Uses, Pathologie of divers Membranous parts, composed of many Fibres, propagated from Nerves, and originally derived from the Fibrous parts of the Brain.

I may also Delineate the Viscera, The various Liquors of the Body are ex­alted by Ner­vous Juice pas­sing through the noble parts. as various Contextures of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lymphaeducts, and sometimes of Excretory Vessels, as the Vasa Fellea in the Liver, and Serosa in the Kidneys, and other Recre­mental Ducts in the Pancreas, Parotides, Maxillaries, Orals, and other Conglomerated Glands, dispensed through the whole Fabrick of the Body; so that by laying open the various Compage of these parts, we may make our Hypothesis more clearly appear, by the farther illustration of it in seve­ral Instances, how the Chyle is exalted by entring into confaederacy with a choice Liquor, issuing out of Nerves in its several gesses, made through the Stomach, Intestines, and Mesenterick Glands, and afterward how the Vital Liquor is enobled with excellent Juice destilling out of the Nervous Fibres in its constant progress, and circuit through the Liver, Splene, Kid­neys, and Testicles, the noble parts of the lowest Story; as also through the Heart, Lungs, and Brain, those more excellent parts of the middle and upper Apartiment, and how the Chyle and Blood, and Animal Liquor are percolated and refined in their passage through the Viscera, lodged in the seve­ral Stories of the Body.

CHAP. II. Of the Lips and Cheeks.

HAving Treated of the choice Liquors of Chyle and Blood, as they are exalted by entring into Association with the Animal Juice, it may not seem improper at this time, to give some Account, how these Li­quors are originally produced, and how they receive greater Improvement, and what parts concur to their Propagation. And having already given you a prospect of the thick and thinner Walls, relating to the three Stories of Mans Body, we will now make a step, with your leave, into the inward parts of this Elegant Building, and view their fine Hangings, and excellent Fur­niture, as so many Sights full of beautiful Order and Perfection, which are glorious to behold.

In order to a farther Discourse, I will divide the parts of the Body into Fluid, and Solid, as they may give an illustration to our ensuing Senti­ments: Liquors acted with Vital and Animal Spirits, are the immediate organs of the Soul and solid parts, and Mus­cles are Sy­stemes of va­rious Vessels. The first are the more noble parts, which being Liquors impraegna­ted with Vital and Animal Spirits, are the immediate ministers of the Soul, and give Life, Sense, and Nourishment to the whole Body. And all Solid parts are dedicated to their service; and the Muscular, Glandulous, and Mem­branous Substance, are several Systemes of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lymphaeducts, as so many various Channels conveying different fluid bodies from part to part; that by keeping them in perpetual motion, they may be rendred Active and Spirituous, and free from Putrefaction, the ill consequent of Stagnation.

The more solid parts of Bones, Bones are en­dued with Ar­teries, Veins, and Nerves. are endued also with the Terminations of Arteries, Veins, and Nerves, inserted into their substance, imparting to it Life and Nourishment, and are subservient to the fluid parts of the Body, as they support the Muscular, Glandulous, and Membranous parts of it; which are composed of great variety of Tubes, as so many Conduit Pipes of several Liquors.

So that the generous Juices, the remote Matter, Fluid parts are the more es­sential, and the solid the organical parts of the Body. or the more immediate subject of Life and Sense, are the essential parts of the Body, and the more solid substances of it, are Organical, as paying a duty and service to them, and are parts belonging to the Mouth, in which the Chyle is prepared, as receiving its first rudiment by Mastication, and Impraegnation with Sali­val Liquor, and is farther Elaborated in the Stomach, and Intestines, and after­ward is assimilated into Blood in the Sanguiducts, and Ventricles of the Heart, from whence it is carried down by the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, and Caeliack Artery, and Vena Porta, into the Liver, the Colatory of Bilious Humours received into the Choledock Duct and Bladder of Gall, as the Receptacles of them; and afterward the Blood is impelled by the Emulgent Arteries into the Kidneys, the secretories of watry Recrements, transmitted into the Uriters, and Bladder of Urine.

Whereupon very much of the Body, if not the whole, are either parts preparing or perfecting Chyle, or transmitting it from part to part, or Chan­nels, Exporting and Importing Blood, or Colatories of it, or Receptacles of gross and thinner Recrements, or preparatories of Seminal Liquor, the Testicles, or of Animal, the Cortical Glands of the Brain, from whence Nerves are propagated, conveying Liquor to all parts of the Body.

The Chyle, the materia substrata of Blood, The Aliment is first prepa­red in the Mouth. is prepared in the Chamber of the Mouth, consisting of various parts, of a Cavity, surrounded with strong Bones, and enclosed on its sides with the Cheeks, and fringed in its entrance with the Lips; and the greater part of its Circumference is guard­ed with two Semicircles, placed in the upper and lower Mandible, The Mouth, and its adja­cent parts. beset with a double row of Teeth: This fine Apartiment is adorned above with a bony concave Roof, curiously arched, and suited with the more soft Glan­dulous substance of the Palate, and is founded below with the arched Bones of the lower Mandible, enclosing the moving floor of the Tongue, sport­ing it self by the help of Muscles in various Postures, ordered for the Ar­ticulation of Letters, and Words, the product of conjoined Elements of Speech.

So that the Mouth may be stiled a fine Room of Entertainment, The Mouth may be called a Dining Room, in which we are treated with variety of Meat and Drink. appoint­ed for Meat and Drink, Discourse, and the best of Musick, being that of the Voice; and as to the first part of the Entertainment, the Mouth may be called a Banquet-House, furnished with several sorts of Meat and Drink, to which we are invited by Hunger and Thirst (as by Natures pair of Officers) and afterward Treated with variety of pleasant Tastes (seated in the Tongue) to court us to our Advantage, to the use of proper Aliments, to support our selves with Pleasure and Delight.

My aim in this Chapter, is to Treat only of some parts, relating to this small Apartiment, the Lips, Cheeks, Gooms, and Teeth: Which I will (God willing) Treat of in order.

The Lips are composed of a delicate Ta. 2. Fig. b b. The Lips are a spungy Flesh, invested with a thin Skin. soft thin Flesh, with which the Cutis is so curiously blended, that it may be stiled a Muscular Skin, or a Skinny Muscle. These Fringes of the Mouth are invested without with a thin Skin, and more inwardly with a thicker Membrane, common to the Gulet [Page 204]and Stomach, whose Fibres being contracted in Vomiting; the motion is thence communicated by the mediation of a Common Membrane to the upper Lip, causing a Tremulous Motion, the forerunner of Vomiting.

And the Lips are not only composed of a Skin and Membrane, The Lips have minute glands mingled with its flesh. but also of most tender Flesh, interspersed with numerous Minute Glands, of seve­ral shapes and sizes; which being obstructed by gross Recrements lodged in their substance, do produce Scrophylous Tumors, which I have frequent­ly seen in the Evil.

The Lips are furnished with a company of Capillary Arteries, which being dispersed through the Carnous Membranes, do give them that love­ly Red Colour, which render them very acceptable to the Eyes of the Spectators.

These beautiful Confines of the Mouth, have many Nervous Fibres, to give them Sense and Motion, and are seated between the Arteries and Veins, the last of which are ordered by Nature to give reception to the Purple Li­quor, and reconvey it to the Cava, and impart it to the right Ventricle of the Heart.

The Lips have divers Organs of Motion, some common, and others pro­per; The first pair of Muscles of the Lips. the last are five pair, beside the Orbicular Muscle. The first pair, according to Bartholine, Diemerbroeck, take their boad origination from the upper Mandible, which Learned Fallopius assigneth to the Angles of the Eyes, and passing down a little obliquely, are inserted into the upper Lip, near and into the Alae of the Nose; and this Muscle by many Fibres, doth make various Contractions, whereby it doth move the upper Lip and No­strils upward.

The second pair of Muscles appertaining to the upper Lip, The second pair of Mus­cles. borroweth its small and fleshy origen from the upper Mandible, where the Cavities of the Cheeks are seated; and being overspread with store of Fat, do terminate on both sides into the upper Lip, almost in the middle, and in an equal di­stance from the first and third pair of Muscles, and do elevate the upper Lip.

The third pair of Muscles, The third pair of Muscles. stiled by Riolan, Par Zygomaticum, being round and fleshy, taketh its beginning à processu jugali, and descending ob­liquely through the Cheeks, doth end in the Confines of both Cheeks, and are Adductors of the upper Lip, drawing it obliquely upward.

The fourth pair hath a broad fleshy Origination, The fourth pair of Mus­cles. derived from the infe­rior region of the lower Mandible, and is inserted into the middle of the lower Lip, and in its Contraction doth move it outward and downward.

The fifth pair also is endued with a flat Carnous beginning, The fifth pair of Muscles. which it bor­roweth from the sides from the lower Mandible, and is extended sometimes to the middle of the Chin, and climbing upward, is lessened by degrees, is inserted obliquely into the lower Lip near its Termination, and in their Contractions draw the lower Lip obliquely downward and outward.

The orbicular Muscle is single, The Orbicu­lar Muscle is placed in the center of the five pair of Muscles. seated in the middle of the five pair of proper Muscles relating to the Lips, called Constrictor labiorum, which being common to both Lips, consisteth of a soft spungy substance, adorned with many Fibres running round its whole Circumference; whence it is truly stiled Orbicular, as encompassing the Margent of the Mouth, and closing the Lips in nature of Sphincter.

Round about the Skirt of the upper and lower Mandible, in a Holybut, is seated a Nervous Membrane, very thick, representing the Segment of a Circle, every way above and below encircling the entrance of the Mouth, and being furnished with variety of fleshy Fibres, shutteth up the Mouth [Page 205]of a Holybut, not unlike the Orbicular Muscle in Humane Lips; and un­der this narrow thick Membrane, is placed a thin Glandulous substance, every way enclosing the entrance of the Mouth.

The Orbicular Muscle in a Humane Body, lodged in the Center of the Muscles, belonging to the upper and lower Lips, is an universal Anta­gonist to all the Muscles, keeping them tight; and by giving them an equal ballance, putteth them into a Tonick Posture, by checking their ut­most Contractions (to which they have natural inclinations) unless the Elevators and Depressors of the Lips are invigorated with additional supplies of Animal Spirits, which making greater appulses upon the Nerves, do render them more tense and rigid, and by putting them upon Action, do open the Doors of the Mouth, by overpowering and relaxing the Fi­bres, both of the upper and lower region of the Orbicular Muscle, apper­taining to the Lips.

This Muscle hath its Vessels interlined with many small Glands, The Orbicu­lar Muscle is interlined with many Glands. seated near the inside of the Lips, not unlike little Grapes, growing about the Confines of the Mouth: These Glands are associated with many Arteries, Veins, and Nerves, and have proper Excretory Ducts (ter­minating into the inner Skin of the Lips) by which they discharge their Salival Juice into the Cavity of the Mouth, and principally when they are compressed by the motion of the Lips and Teeth, in time of Mastication.

The use assigned to the Lips, The use of the Lips. when they are opened by the assistance of the Muscles, is to give reception to the Aliment, at the time of treating our selves with Meat and Drink; or when we entertain each other with useful or pleasant Discourse, and sometimes when we close our Lips, to speak a greater grace to our Mouth, and Lineaments of our Face.

The Muscles named Quadrati, from their Figure, are more truly stiled Common, as being subservient to divers parts into which they terminate, and take their rise from the upper part of the Sternon, Clavicle, Neck and Scapula, and are inserted with oblique Fibres into the Chin, Lips, and Nose: These are Antagonist Muscles to the Temporal, which elevate the lower Madible, and close the Lips; and the Quadrati assisting the Diaga­strici, do in their joynt Contractions depress the lower Mandible, and open the Mouth, by parting the nether from the upper Lip, and the lower from the upper Mandible.

These Muscles being Contextures of many carnous oblique Fibres, a great care must be taken in Incisions, lest they should be wounded in a cross Se­ction, whence the Spasmus Cynicus doth partly arise, but principally from an involuntary Contraction of the Muscles of the upper Lip.

The Cheeks do make the sides of the Face, and are composed of the outward and inward Skin, and the Muscles called Buccinatores, which are vulgarly assigned a pair of Common Muscles, assigned to the Lips and other parts, and do borrow their origen from the top of the Gooms belong­ing to the upper Mandible, and are terminated into those of the lower; so that I cannot imagine upon what reason they are accounted the Common Muscles of the Lips, when they have their rise and termination in the upper and lower Gooms, and therefore cannot (as I conceive) be guilty of the Spasmus Cynicus, which is a Distortion of the Mouth.

The use of these Muscles, The use of the Buccinatores is to thrust the Aliment in­ward in chaw­ing. is by moving the Cheeks inward in Mastica­tion, to thrust the solid Aliment upon the Teeth, for the better Commi­nution of it.

And a farther use may be attributed to these Muscles, when a large pro­portion of expired Air is enclosed within the Confines of the Mouth, (where­upon the Cheeks are blown up, and afterward Contracted by the stronger and gentler motion of the Muscles) that the confined Breath may be ex­pelled with greater or less force into several sorts of Wind Instruments of Mu­sick, An Excretory Vessel passeth from the Pa­rotides into the Mouth. as in Cornets, Sackbuts, Flagellets, Trumpets, Horns, and the like; and through the middle of the Muscles of the Cheeks and Buccinatores, and Excretory Vessel passeth, derived from the Parotide Glands, by which the Salival Liquor is transmitted into the Mouth.

Bruits have the inside of the Cheeks all beset with Glands Tab. 3. Pruits have their Cheeks all furnished with Glands,, and in some Animals, they seem to make one entire continued Body (running all in length, and leaning all along upon the lower Mandible) but in truth they are many Conglomerated Glands, united to each other by Membranes, seeming to be one large continued Body, full of many Excretory Vessels, which speak them many Glands, of which every one claimeth a peculiar Duct, by which Salival Juice is conveyed into the Mouth: And Bullocks have the interior part of the Cheek, fraught with an innumerable company of small Protuberances which I conceive to be so many Minute Glands Tab. 3., plainly distinguishable from each other, somewhat resembling Barley Corns in figure, but not in bulk, being much greater, and terminate in Cones.

As to the Pathology of the Muscles of the Lips, they are obnoxious to Convulsions and Palsie: And Convulsions, I conceive, proceed chiefly from the sharp or acid Recrements of the Nervous Liquor, vellicating the Fila­ments of the Nerves, the tender instruments of Sense and Motion: And if one side only of the upper Lip be affected, it is rendred tense and rigid; and at last being contracted in one part of the Lip, draweth it upward, making a Distortion of the Mouth, The Spasmas Cynicus, so cal­led, because it is like the Grinning of a Dog. different from the Spasmas Cynicus, which I con­ceive is more Universal, and by forcing the Lips upward and downward, resembleth the Grinning of a Dog, derived from sharp Nervous Recrements, irritating the Filaments of Nerves seated in the Elevators and Depressors of the Lips, which do violently draw them upward and downward, some­what representing the posture of the Lips caused by immoderate Laughter.

A Palsie also is incident to the Muscles of the Lips, A Palsie in the Lips is derived from a Relax­ation of the Nerves. and proceedeth from a Relaxation of the Nerves, by which they are divested of their natural Tenseness, and Vigour, issuing commonly either from the obstruction of the Interstices of the Nervous Filaments, caused by the gross Recrements of Nervous Liquor, whence the influence of the Animal Liquor is intercepted, or from the Compression of the passages of the Nerves produced by Extra­vasated Liquors, or by neighbouring Tumours, squeesing together the empty Spaces, interceding the Filaments of the Nerves, or from the Animal Liquor, impoverished by the defects of Spirituous Particles, upon which a Relaxa­tion is made of the Labial Muscles: So that the Distortion of the Mouth proceeding from the Palsie is different, as I conceive, in the parts affected, because the Orbicular Muscle being relaxed above, in this or that part, the Tonick Motion relating to the Muscles of the Lips is more or less taken away, and the Elevators of the Lips left at liberty in one side to Contract themselves, and to draw the upper Lip upward; whence followeth a Di­stortion of the Mouth in the Palsie, which differeth from a Convulsion of the upper Lip, proceeding from the irritated Fibres of the same side, where­in the Distortion is made; but in a Palsie the Disease is seated in the oppo­site side, whose Muscles (called the Elevators) being Relaxed, their Antago­nists [Page 207]placed in the other side, wanting a due ballance in Tonick Motion, do Contract themselves to the utmost, and Distort the Mouth.

CHAP. III. Of the Goomes and Teeth.

THe lovely Fabrick of Mans Body (being a Systeme of various parts, made and disposed in excellent Order by a most Wise Agent) is principally maintained by Food, and Raiment, as great Necessaries to sup­port our Life. We have already Discoursed that of Raiment, in the four common Integuments, as the natural and large Vests of the whole Body, and of the Abdominal Muscles, Peritonaeum, and Caul, as the more narrow Coverings of the lower Apartiment. My province at this time, is to Treat of the Mouth, the first Receptacle of Aliment, and the parts entertained in it, the Gooms, Teeth, Palate, and Tongue, The Goomes, teeth, Palate, and tongue, are Instru­ments of Ma­stication. as the Organs of Mastica­tion, whereby the Meat is prepared, as broken into small Particles, and im­praegnated with a Liquor flowing out of the Salival Glands, into the Cavity of the Mouth, wherein the Aliment receiveth the first rudiment of Conco­ction in order to Chylification in the Stomach.

The World in all Ages, hath had high esteem for Teeth, Teeth are parts of use, as instruments of Eating. as parts of great Dignity, and most useful instruments in Eating, wherein a grateful pleasure is imparted to the Tongue, as an Organ of Tasting: Whereupon the Su­pream Legislator in the Mosaick Law, gave his Commands to a severe Ma­ster, who brake his servants Teeth, to do him Justice in giving him his Fre­dom, as a due recompence for that great Violation.

The Ancient Inhabitants of this lower Orb, The Ancients had great e­steem for the teeth. have had such a veneration for their Teeth, as the more excellent parts of the Body, that they hung them up in their Temples, as holy Reliques dedicated to their Gods.

And the Americans, out of the great honour they have for Teeth, as so­veraign parts, do Sacrifice them with great Devotion to their Idols.

The Teeth are encompassed in some part with a solid firm Flesh, The teeth are fastned with the Goomes to the Cavi­ties of the Mandibles. like a Wall, whereby they are fastned to their Cavities, for their greater repose and security.

The several kinds of Teeth have a divers Structure, expressed in different Figures, and Magnitudes (designed to various Offices) some broad and thin, and sharp, called by the Latines Incisores Ta 2. Fi. 1. f f f f., as most fit for the cutting of Meat; and others are more large, and round, Divers sorts of teeth, Inci­sores, Canini, and Molares. furnished with divers In­equalities and Asperities, seated in their tops, as more disposed for grinding the Aliment, whereupon they receive the appellative of Molares T. 2. F. 1. g g., or Grin­ders, and others Canini T. 2. F. 1. e e., from their likeness with Dogs Teeth.

The Teeth, The Cavities of the Mandi­bles are repo­sitories of the teeth. in reference to their frequent and strong motions to break Aliment (which is now and then tough and hard) into small Parti­cles, have a firm insertion into the Cavities of the Mandibles, as so many Cells and Repositories, to which they are fastned by strong Ligaments, and have a peculiar way of Articulation, called by the Greeks [...], wherein the Teeth being smaller in the Roots, and bigger toward the Basis, are as it [Page 208]were fastned to their Cavities after the manner of Nails, which being less in their Points, and greater toward their Heads, are firmly drove into Holes, bored for them.

As to their substance, The substance of the Teeth is most firm and solid. they have a firm and hard Consistence, fitted by Nature for the Comminution of hard Aliment; and are endued, saith the Philosopher, with such a peculiar hardness, that they blunt the edge of Iron. And Woodmen (if we have the faith to believe them) give account of Wolves, who are able to receive Leaden Bullets, shot out of a Gun against their Teeth, without any dammage. And Teeth in dead Bodies laid in Char­nel Houses, as their Dormitories, remain sound and untouched, when other solid parts of the Body are rendred Carious: And farther it may be urged, as an argument of their Solidity and Hardness, that they retein their Figure and Magnitude, although they have been many Years exposed to frequent Attrition, for the Comminution of hard and solid Bodies in point of Nou­rishment.

The Teeth are accommodated with divers sorts of Vessels, The teeth are furnished with divers sorts of Vessels. Arteries, Veins, and Nerves: That they have Arteries, is most evident in those that are afflicted with severe pain in the Teeth, wherein they perceive a high beat­ing, proceeding from the troublesome Pulsation of the Artery. And Per­sons who have their Teeth drawn out by Violence, are obnoxious to great fluxes of Blood, caused principally by the Laceration of Arteries inserted into the Teeth.

Platerus maketh mention of the Drawing a Tooth, The drawing of teeth is sometimes ac­companied with a fatal Haemorrhage. that proved fatal to the Patient, who laboured with so great a Flux of Blood gushing out of the Cavity of the Mandible (upon the Laceration of an Artery) that no Art could suppress it.

The Arteries importing Vital Liquor into the Teeth, are propagated from the Anterior and Posterior Branches of the external Carotides; of which, two enter under the Ear into the lower Mandible, and are inferted into the Roots of all the lower Teeth, and by these Vessels sharp Humours associa­ted with Blood, do enter into the Cavity of the Teeth, and afflict the Mem­branes (encircling outwardly the Roots, Pains of the teeth do pro­ceed from sharp Humors torturing the teeth. and inwardly the Marrow of the Teeth) consisting of many Nervous Fibrils, endued with most acute Sense; whence arise those severe pains of the Teeth, wherein the Mem­brane is vellicated with the Saline Particles of serous Humours (confaede­rates of the Blood) carried into the Coat, investing the inward Cavity of the Teeth, by the external Carotides passing under the Ear. Whereupon to prevent the Pain of the Teeth, lodged in the lower Mandible, Astringent Medicines may be properly applied under the Ears, to hinder the recourse of Humours into the lower Mandible.

The Anterior Branch of the external Carotide Artery, The teeth are furnished with external caro­tide Arteries. doth also immit many Capillaries, into the upper Mandible, and Teeth seated in it, and the external Carotides do insinuate many Ramulets into the Roots of the Teeth through minute Perforations, which may be seen in the lower Region of the Teeth of Infants, when they are soft and Mucous, but cannot be dis­covered in the Teeth of Persons of more Mature Age; in whom though the entrance of the Arteries cannot be made good by Autopsy, yet it may be proved by Reason and Experience (who are great Masters in Art) by rea­son of the great Haemorrhages, that proceed from the Laceration of Arteries, upon pulling out of Teeth, which hath been more fully discoursed above.

Teeth are not only furnished with Arteries, The teeth have branches of external Ju­gular Veins. derived from the external Carotides, but with Veins also derived from the Jugulars, which are divided [Page 209]into two, the Exterior, and Interior Branches: The first transmitteth Ca­pillaries into Teeth of the upper Mandible, and the Exterior into those of the lower Jaw.

Nerves are imparted from the third, and principally from the fifth, The teeth bor­row Nerves from the third and fifth pair. which are divided into a greater and less Branch of the fifth Pair.

The greater is distributed into the entrance of the Ear, and the External Coclea, and the lesser Branch of the fifth Pair, passing through a Cavity be­tween the Processus Stiloides, and Mastoeides, doth fall into the Fauces, and transmit divers Branches into the Ears, and Cheeks, and most chiefly into the Root of the Teeth, the Tongue, and Larynx; hence ensueth a great Sympathy between the Teeth and Ears, whence it hath been observed, that the Teeth have been offended by some great Sound. And if any Person shall have so little Faith, as not to believe the entrance of the Vessels into the Roots of the Teeth, the hole into their Mucous parts will confirm it, where the Capillary Arteries may be discovered to enter into them; and the Membrane investing the inward Cavity of the Teeth, hath been seen to be Bloody, and that the Nerves do insinuate themselves through the sub­stance of the Teeth into their inward Recesses, their acute Sense will con­vince us: Whereupon, if one of the Grinding Teeth hath a Perfora­tion by some Corroding Matter, into which a Needle may be immitted, a troublesome Sensation will follow, which cometh from pricking the Membrane, lodged in the Penetrals of the Teeth: And though the in­sinuation of the Vessels cannot be discerned in the Teeth of Men of riper Years, yet it is very visible in Bruits, whose lower Mandible being opened in the inside of the Cavity containing the Marrow, the Artery, Vein and Nerves, do offer themselves to our view, as loving Associates, encircled with one common Membrane, which being opened, a Nerve appeareth, compo­sed of many Fibres, between which, divers Branches of Arteries and Veins are lodged, and the Membrane being lifted up, many Fibrils may be dis­cerned, which resemble a Spiders Web, and tend to the Roots of the Teeth, and if any of the Teeth be taken out of its Cavity, we may see those Mi­nute Fibrils conjoined to the Roots of the Teeth.

The Teeth, in reference to their Connexion, The first ori­gen of the teeth is from Seminal Li­quor in the Uterus. are enclosed about their middle Region in the Gooms, as within soft Repositories, and their Roots are lodged within the Cells of the Mandibles, as within more strong Walls; and when these parts are immured above with a more tender, and below with a more hard Confinement, they are covered with a more thin Mem­brane, as with a softer Vail.

The Teeth borrow their Origen, with all other parts, out of the Genital Matter, and have their first Rudiment in the Uterus; where they lie obscure­ly within the Cavities of the Goomes and Mandibles, as in safe Allodg­ments, in which step by step, they arrive unto greater and greater Matu­rity: And upon the opening the Goomes and Mandibles of Abortives, a treble principle of the Teeth may be discovered, consisting of a Membranous, Osseous, and Mucous part.

The first is a Membrane, as a Case encircling the Bony and Mucous parts, and resembleth a Cortex, encompassing the Medullary Matter of the Seed; and is not wholly Membranous, but somewhat Mucous, The first rudi­ment of the teeth is Mu­cous. having Perforati­ons above and below, out of which the Teeth do sprout in their first more rough, and imperfect Delineations, made up of a Bony and Mucous Mat­ter; the Osseous part is the base of the Teeth, and beginneth after the man­ner of a Shell, and by degrees is Consolidated into a firm white substance, [Page 210]and afterward shooteth out of the Mandibles and Goomees, and appeareth first in young Children in the Fore, and then in the Dogs Teeth, and after some time in the great Teeth, which require greater degrees of Perfection.

The soft and Mucous Rudiment, is seated in the lower Region and Roots of the Teeth, which are fastned to the Mandible, by the interposition of strong Ligaments; this tender principle of the Teeth, is clothed with a thin Scale, or rather with a Membranous Coat, enwrapping the transparent clammy Liquor, arraied in White, interspersed with a blush of Red, in which the rough draughts (as Natures first designs) of Vessels may be dis­covered: Whereupon this delicate Compage, being squeesed by a power­ful touch of the Fingers, doth emit some shew of Blood, after the manner of Quills of Fowls, not come to Maturity, whose upper Region is rendred solid, but its lower is soft, which being strongly compressed, doth send forth drops of Blood.

The Mucous and tender Rudiments of the Teeth, The mucous matter of the Teeth is first Concreted in the outward, and afterward in the inward part. is first Consolidated in the Ambient parts, which are first of all Concreted into Bone, and af­terward the more inward recesses of the Mucous Matter are indurated, and minute Cavities left in the Teeth about the Gooms, and reacheth to the Roots of the great Teeth, and are scarce visible in the lesser.

The inward Cavities of the Teeth are encircled with a thin Membranous Expansion, The inward Cavity of the Teeth lined with a fine Membrane. consisting of many fine Nervous Threads, the instruments of Sensation; and as the Mucuous matter being more and more Consolidated, the Teeth acquire greater Dimensions, and their Roots do perforate the Membranous Case, which afterward degenerates into a Ligament, fastning the Teeth to the Mandibles, to secure them in their proper places for fu­ture use, speaking a great advantage to the support of the Body.

The Teeth speak an Ornament as well as Use, The Teeth are Ornaments to the Mouth. subservient to the whole Body, as Instruments to maintain it, and are rendred Graceful in the fine­ness of their Set, composed in great variety, and elegant order, and are placed in a fit Decorum, encircling in each Mandible a great part of the Mouth, beautifying it with a double rank, seated in the upper and lower Jaw; The beauty of the Teeth con­sisteth much in their white­ness, as also in their likeness of proporti­on one with another. and their Elegancy is very much accomplished in their white Array, and their Symmetry and Proportion is eminent, as they observe a likeness and equality in each Jaw: In which, when they are duly modelled by Na­ture, they answer each other in an exact Similitude in reference to Number, Magnitude, Figure, and Vessels; and are different from all other Bones, by reason their upper Region is not invested with any Membrane, and hath no Periostium, which would give a trouble to Nature, as being a fine Con­texture, made up of Nervous Fribres; which being of an acute Sense, would highly discompose us in the motion of the Teeth, and hinder the due Comminution of Aliment in keeping the Teeth, from an immediate Con­tact in Mastication.

The second use of the Teeth, The second use of the Teeth is to contribute to Speaking. is to be Instruments of Speech, which is very conspicuous in those of the fore part of the Mouth, contributing very much to the Articulation of divers Letters, by giving a stop to the expired Air, and by receiving the appulses of the Tongue; whereupon the fore Teeth either being ill set in a disorderly Position, or being fallen or pulled out, the formation of our Words are rendred imperfect, whereby we lose the grace of our pronunciation in a Lisping Tone.

The third use of the Teeth in Bruits, The third use of the Teeth in other Animals [...] to guard them. is to perform the Office of Wea­pons (as in Lions, Dogs, Wolves, Bears, and the like) as Instruments of Nature, which is always Ambitious to preserve it self, by encountring [Page 211]those with fit instruments that are reputed Enemies to their quiet, and secu­rity of their being or well-being.

The fourth use of Teeth in Fish, is to catch their Prey, The fourth use in Fish, in to catch their Prey. and to detain it till by degrees they can dispose it by Deglutition, whereupon Nature hath wisely provided, not only one Row, but divers ranks of Teeth, sometime besetting the Mandible, Palate, Tongue, and parts near the entrance into the Gulet, to secure live Fish caught in their Mouths, which else would leap out and quit their Confinement, were they not violently siezed by nu­merous Teeth, as so many Engines darted into the bodies of these slippery and nimble Animals.

The fifth and prime use of the Teeth in Men, and more perfect Animals, The fifth and prime use in Men and other great Animals, is the commi­nution of Ali­ment. is ordained for the Mastication of Aliment in the Mouth, whereupon Nature hath most prudently ordered divers kinds of Teeth; some Incisors, which are first in Production, and are placed in the fore part of the Mouth, and do divide and cut the Aliment, and the greater Teeth, called by the La­tines, Molares, seated in the sides, and hinder part of the Mouth, consist­ing of various unevenness, of divers Cavities, and Prominencies, and being acted with different Motions, made by the several agitations of the lower Jaw, lifted up, and pulled down again by the temporal and digastrick Muscles, and drawn backward and forward by the Musculi Pterigoeidei Externi, and Interni; whereupon the Meat is broken into small Particles, and moistned with Salival Juice, to render it more fit for Concoction in the Stomach.

CHAP. III. The Pathologie of the Teeth.

THe Teeth are subject to divers Disaffections of Colour, undue Dimen­sions, Figure, Order, Laxity, and Shedding, Pains, and Gnash­ing of Teeth.

As to the alteration of Colour, The causes of the discolour­ing the Teeth. they are frequently dispoiled of their Ivory Whiteness, and degenerate into an unnatural Yellow, Livid, and Black Colours, which proceed from nasty Humours, adhering to the sur­face of the Teeth, disrobing them of their fine native hue, which is pro­duced also by foul Vapours arising out of the Stomach, and from Humours destilling out of the Termination of the Arteries, relating to the Gooms, and from the common use of Sugar, and other Sweets; and from frequent eating of Black Cherries, Mulberries, and other black Fruits, as also from Meat, and Broth boiled, and kept in Copper, and Brass Vessels, and from Mercurial Ointments, used in order to Salivation in Venereal Distempers, and from Washes prepared with Mercury, which Women use to Beautifie their Faces, thereby rendring their Teeth disfigured with Blackness, which is also derived from Scorbutick, and Venereal Distempers tainting the Blood, which is transmitted by small Capillary Arteries, insinuating themselves into the cranies of the Teeth.

These Instruments of Mastication loose their due Dimensions, The causes why the Teeth loose their due propor­tion. both out­wardly and inwardly, when their Exterior and Interior parts, are Corro­ded by sharp Humours, in Venereal and Scorbutick Diseases, which perfo­rate the Teeth; and by depraving their proper Nutriment, do corrupt their substance, and render them Carious and Rotten, whence they are scabed piece by piece, and are lessened in their Dimensions; which is caused also fre­quently by Mercurial Medicines, by way of Unction, and Fucus made with Mercury.

Curious Artists have discovered Fistula's in Teeth, Fistula's in the Teeth produ­ced by cor­rupt matter. out of which being perforated, doth destil a thin Gleet, and sometimes corrupt sanious Hu­mours, which give a faetide taste to the Tongue and Palate; this noisome Matter passeth sometime through the Roots of the Teeth (into which the Arteries and Nerves do creep) and afterward dischargeth it self through the Cavities of the Jaws, the Allodgments of the Teeth, and at last ma­keth its way between the Gooms and Teeth, into the Cavity of the Mouth: And this corrupt Matter destilling through the Roots of the Teeth, some­times falleth down to the bottom of the Chin, making Apostemes, full of purulent Matter, An Ulcer of the Chin from putrid matter, destilling out of the Roots of the Teeth disburdened by an Ulcer (and is hardly Cured, except the Tooth be drawn out) which else will constantly supply it with a source of new Matter. And there is another way proper to the upper Mandible (by which salt and sharp Humours are transmitted) which is a large Cavity, seated under the lower region of the Eye, in a Bone of the upper Jaw, which hath a Protuberance wisely framed by Nature, for the preservation of the Eye: This Cavern is very large, and somewhat of a Sphaerical Figure; in the lower region of this hollowed Bone, may be dis­cerned many Minute Prominencies, in which the Roots of the Teeth are reposed, and the Cells, in which the Teeth are fastned, are engraven in the lower margent of this Bone.

This Cavity is often found empty (and sometimes full of a Mucous Mat­ter) into which Humours destil out of the Os Ethmoides.

A Gentlewoman of Quality was severely treated for many Years, with a Destillation of Salt Humours, rendring divers Teeth carious or rotten; whereupon she ordered them to be pulled out, to free her self from a far­ther discomposure, which did not answer her expectation, because she was still afflicted with Pain, which she endeavoured to discharge, by pulling out her Eye-Tooth; and thereupon was broken a thin Bony Intersepiment, par­ting the greater Cavern of the upper Mandible, from the lesser Cavity, the Repository of the Tooth, through which Nature discharged a quantity of Salt Humours flowing from the greater Cavity of the Jaw, reaching to the lower region of the Eye.

CHAP. III. The Pathologie and Cures of Teeth.

TEeth, as rendred Carious, cannot be restored to soundness: The rotten­ness of the Teeth is pre­vented by cleansing and drying Medi­cines, by Den­tifrices and Gargarisms. And the only Remedy left in this case, is to preserve the part, not affe­cted with Rottenness, by preventing a farther Corruption of them; which is effected by Purging, Cleansing, and Drying Medicines, which do take away the overmuch Moisture, and foulness of Humours, besmearing and corroding the Teeth; which are made clean by Dentifrices, and Garga­rismes, prepared with Antiscorbutick, Detergent, Exsiccating, and Healing Gargarismes, and the hollow Teeth are to be stopped with Drying and Astringent Powders of Mastick, Franckincense, Mirrh, Pellitory of Spain, and the like.

And if the greatest part of a Tooth be grown Carious, or Fistulaed, Carious teeth are to be pul­led out. and highly afflicted with Pain, productive of any Swelling, Abscess, or Ulcer in the Gooms, or foulness in the Mandible, it will be requisite in order to the Cure, to pull out the Tooth, else the Ulcer cannot be Cured, and the Mandible preserved.

And Teeth are not only lessened in quantity, as being rendred Carious by sharp and salt Recrements of the Blood, but also acquire greater Dimensions, as crusted with Tophaceous Matter, and disfigured with Nodes, whose Cause is ascribed by some Anatomists, to Vapours arising out of the Sto­mach; and others derive it from Humours destilling out of the Brain, and from the reliques of Aliment, Nodes cannot proceed from Vapours and Humours flow­ing from the Head. sticking to the surface of the Teeth after Ma­stication. But these Conjectures seem improbable, by reason Vapours, or Humours, flowing from the Head, which in truth, proceed from the Sali­val Glands; and the reliques of Aliment cannot be so highly indurated, as to be turned into a Bony substance.

Vanhelmont is of opinion, That the Nodes of Teeth are propagated from the Gooms, which administer Aliment to the Teeth: Quia gingivae (ait ille) nutriunt dentes, tophos istos ab Excrementis earundem provenire. Nodes are not propagated from the Ar­teries relating to the Gooms. But I humbly conceive, If the Nodes should borrow their Birth from a Recrement destilling out of the Extreamities of the Arteries, relating to the Gooms, the Roots only encircled with the Gooms, would be affected with Nodes, and not the whole surface of the Teeth; which hath been observed by Learned Maebius.

Zacutus Lucitanus, Lib. 1. Praxeos, giveth an Instance, worthy our re­mark, in which he proveth Nodes to be produced by a Mucous Matter, indurated by the heat of the Teeth. And this Learned Author giveth a farther account of a Woman, Fifty year old, obnoxious to great Catarrhs, and long tormented with severe Pains of the upper Teeth, where he disco­vered a Stone, not inferior to a small Egg, which did stop up the left No­stril, and much intercept the course of the Breath.

Riolan the younger, A Fungous Bone adhear­ing to the Tooth cured by a Cautery. mentioneth a Fungous Bone arising out of the Ca­vity of a Tooth, that grew to so prodigious a bigness, that it would have filled the whole Cavity of the Mouth, and totally hindred Respiration, had [Page 214]it not been prevented by the Dexterous Hand of a Skilful Chyrurgeon, Cutting and Burning the spungy Bone.

Other Disaffections are incident to the Teeth, Teeth defici­ent in num­ber. wherein they are some­times superabundant, and other times defective in number: Of which Sken­kius giveth an Instance in his Observ. 381. of a Cardinal, who had only Twenty six Teeth, whereas according to the ordinary course of Nature, each Jaw should be beset with Sixteen Teeth, placed in elegant order, and fitly conjoined to each other for the greater advantage of Mastication.

Teeth are sometimes excessive in number, Teeth exces­sive in num­ber. out-doing the rule of Nature: As Learned Maebius instanceth in a young Man, in whom he saw the fore Teeth doubled; and the Daughter of King Mithridates, was furnished with a double row of Teeth. And Columbus speaketh of his Son Phaebus, that had a treble Rank of Teeth. Sometimes Persons have been found wholly destitute of Teeth, and instead of them, have had one entire Bone encom­passing the Mandible; as hath been observed in Erypheus, and Eryptolemus of Cyprus, and in Prusius, Son of the King of Prussia, who had no distinct Teeth, but one confused Bone, supplying the defect of numerous Teeth.

Other Animals far exceed Man, Animals have various ranks of Teeth. in number and rows of Teeth: Ser­pents have a double row, and an Indian Beast a treble row: And the Mouths of Fish, do far transcend those of Bruits, in various sets of Teeth; Lam­preys have Four, Dolphins Nine ranks, and Pikes have their Mandibles, Palate Ta. 5. Fig. 3., and Tongues Ta. 5. Fig. 4., accommodated with numerous Teeth, and Crabs have their Stomachs dressed with them.

And Teeth are not only extravagant in Number, Teeth are sometimes ir­regular in Si­tuation, Fi­gur, and Mag­nitude. but irregular too in Situation, Shape, and Size, not observing the Symmetry, Proportion, and Magnitude, instituted by Nature, when the fore Teeth of the upper do not suit those of the lower Mandible; and the Eye, and great Teeth above, do not hold a perfect Analogy, in order, figure, and greatness with those below, whereupon the Teeth of each Jaw not exactly answering each other, cannot be fit Coadjutors in reference to a due comminution of Aliments.

A troublesome disorder happens to the Teeth, A Laxity of Teeth procee­deth from the Gooms not well closed to the Teeth, which is cau­sed by sharp and salt Hu­mours. in relation to their Laxi­ty and Shedding, when they are not firmly fastned to the Mandibles, which proceed either from the disproportion between the Cavities of the Jaws, and the Roots of the Teeth, when they are not exactly fitted to each other, or when the Gooms are not well closed to the surface of the Teeth, caused in the Scorbute, and Venereal Distempers; by sharp, salt, and Ma­lignant Humours, eating away the substance of the Gooms, and the Liga­ments, and Roots of the Teeth, whereupon they either grow Loose, or slip out of their Sockets.

In order to Cure the Laxity, Antiscorbu­ticks, inward Decoctions, and Garga­risms, are pro­fitable in the looseness of the Teeth. and Shedding of the Teeth, Antiscorbutick, and Antivenereal Medicines, are to be advised; as Decoction of Lignum Sanctum, Sarsa Parilla, China, with the Tops of Pine and Fir, infused in them: As also Cleansing, Astringent, and Drying Medicines, Administred in the form of Powders; and also Gargarisms, to take away the Foulness, adhering to the surface of the Teeth and Gooms, and to fasten them to their proper Repositories.

CHAP. IV. Of the Pains of the Teeth.

THe Pain of the Teeth, by some, is rather made an object of Laugh­ter, then Compassion; but in truth, it much deserveth our pity and help, as it is often productive of great Agonies, giving a high Discomposure to the Delicate, and choice aeconomy, relating to the curious frame of our Body, by taking away its Quiet and Repose.

The Pain of the Teeth hath for its seat, The pain of the Teeth is seated in Ner­vous and Mem­branous parts. the Nervous and Membranous Filaments, as they are the subjects of Sensation, to which the Bony part can lay no claim, as being wholly destitute of Sense.

The Antecedent Cause of pain relating to the Teeth, are ill Humours, con­fined within the Vessels at some distance from the Teeth; whereupon the Pain is then only in Posse, and in Actu signato, before the depraved Vital and Nutricious Liquor arrive the parts affected, the Nerves and Membranes of the Teeth.

The Continent Cause of this Disease, proceedeth either from a gross­ness, quantity, or quality of the Blood, or Succus Nutricius, affecting the Nerves or Membranes belonging to the Teeth.

The Blood being very thick, or transmitted in too large a proportion, by the External Carotide Arterial Branches into the Membranes (encir­cling the outward Surface, The obstruct­ed Interstices of Mebranous Filaments cause a pain in the Teeth. and inward Cavity of the Teeth) doth obstruct the Interstices of the Membranous Filaments, and cause great pain, by ma­king a Solution of the Unity of parts (integrating the Coats, both enwrap­ping the middle and roots, and inside of the Teeth) by severing the ten­der Filaments one from another, productive of painful disorder.

The Blood also is incumbred with Heterogeneous, Saline, Saline and Acid Particles of the Blood produce a pain in the Teeth. and Acid Par­ticles, whence ariseth a great Fermentation of the Vital Liquor, which being impelled by the Pulsation of the Heart, through the Carotide Arte­ries, into the empty Spaces of the Membranes (enclosing the Ambient and inward parts of the Teeth) doth produce sad dolorous effects.

Another Continent Cause of this troublesome Disease, Flatulency in the Blood is often a cause of pain in the Teeth. issueth from a sharp vaporous Mass of Blood (associated with Flatulency) which being con­veyed by the Carotides to the narrow Spaces of the tender Coats, immu­ring the Exterior and Interior parts of the Teeth, doth by its flatulent Ela­stick Particles, produce shooting afflictive Pains, putting the Patient into an Agony.

A Continent Cause also of this high Discomposure, Sharp and A­cid Particles of the Ner­vous Liquor do discompose the Nerves of the Teeth. may arise from sharp and Acid Particles, disaffecting the Succus Nutricius; which being trans­mitted from the Brain, by the mediation of Nerves into the Membranes, (appertaining to the Teeth) constituted of numerous Minute Fibres, which being of an acute Sense, are highly incensed by the angry Particles of an ill Nervous Liquor, speaking a great torture to the afflicted Patient.

Infants not come to Maturity, being endued with a most tender frame, Infants much tortured in Dentition, whence pro­ceed Fevers, Convulsions, Loosenesses. and an impatient Temper, are highly discomposed with Pain in breeding their Teeth (in which they alarm their Nurses and Attendants with impor­tunate Crying) whereupon many sad Diseases do accompany the pain of [Page 216]Dentition. As the great Master of our Art, hath well observed in the Third Book of his Aphorisms, the 21. [...]. Ad Dentitionem progressus gingivarum prurigines, Febres, Convul­siones, alvi profluvia, idque praecipue cum caninos Dentes emittere caeperint, & iis qui maxime crassi sunt & alvos duras habent. Inflammation of the Gooms in Dentition, proceedeth from a quan­tity of stagna­ted Blood.

The Prurient heat of the Gooms in Dentition, proceedeth from a quan­tity of Blood, extravasated into the empty spaces of the Vessels, whence followeth the Inflammation of the Gooms, which is accompanied with a Symptomatick Fever, derived from violent Pain, raising an unkindly Ebulli­tion of the Mass of Blood, and Convulsive Motions (which are frequent and fatal to Children, in the time of breeding their Teeth); Which, I humbly conceive, arise after this manner; When the Teeth approach their Maturity, as having their Mucous Matter turned into an Osseous substance, proceeding from a new access of Saline and Earthy Particles concreted; whence the Teeth receiving greater Dimensions, both in breadth and hight, are impatient of any longer Confinement within the narrow boundaries of the Gooms, whereupon they break their Walls, and by lifting themselves up, do bruise and lacerate the tender Capillary Arteries, and Nervous Fi­brils, whence ensue an Inflammation (caused by Blood stagnated in the Interstices of the Vessels) and Convulsive Motions in the Muscles of the Body, and lower Mandible, and the Face drawn into Sympathy with the Nerves of the Gooms, Convulsive motions do flow from the contusion and laceration of tender Fibres, in the erupti­on of the Teeth. which are highly irritated by Pungent Pains, fol­lowing the Contusion, and Laceration of the most tender Nervous Fibrils (seated in the substance of the Gooms) and the Membranes immuring the surface of the Gooms; which being a fine Contexture composed of nume­rous small Filaments of most accute Sense, must necessarily suffer in a high manner, in the great violation of their close union, following the Eruption of the Teeth, forcibly piercing the tender Compage of the Coat, encircling the Gooms.

A Gnashing, or Grating of the Teeth, may be derived from the unna­tural Motions of the Musculi Pterigoeidei Externi, and Interni, hurrying the lower Mandible, and with it the Teeth, whence also may be deduced ma­ny other great Convulsions; The membranes of the Brain are drawn in­to consent with the mem­branes of the Teeth. wherein the neighbouring Membranes of the Brain being first drawn into consent, do immediately affect the Fibrous Con­texture of the Brain, and Spinal Marrow, and afterward the Nerves of the whole Body (propagated from them) whence ariseth an universal stiffness, imparted to the Trunk and Limbs; so that they will hardly admit any In­curvation during the time of Convulsions, which being ceased, the Muscles grow relaxed, and the Body readily complieth with the Hand, as being easily bent forward.

Vomitings do accompany the breeding of Teeth in Children, Vomitings in Dentition are derived from the Fibres of the Stomach, which are drawn into consent with those of the Brain. acted with Convulsive Motions, proceeding from the irritated Fibres of the Stomach, flowing from the discomposed Membranes, and Fibrous Contexture of the Brain, influencing the Fibres of the Par Vagum, inserted into the Neck and Body of the Stomach.

Vomitings also may be the associates of Dentition, wherein some Parti­cles of depraved Liquors, in an ill habit of Body, being enraged by vio­lent pains of the Gooms, are discharged by the terminations of the Caeliack Capillary Arteries, into the Cavity of the Stomach, whence its Fibrous parts being highly importuned by Saline and Acid Particles, do produce un­natural contractions of the Fleshy Fibres (related to the Stomach) to turn [Page 217]out of Doors, those unquiet Guests, that hinder the repose of the Ventricle. Great pains in Dentition do make an Effer­vescence in the Blood, and produce Diar­rhaea's.

And not only Vomiting, but Diarrhaea's, or Lasks also, do accompany Dentition, by reason the ill Humours (chiefly in a fat and foul Constitu­tion of Infants) are put into Fermentation, by the fierce pains of the Gooms, making an Effervescence in the Mass of Blood; whereupon Nature being provoked by the severe contests of the Heterogeneous Particles, doth impell them (in order to her own ease) out of the Descendent Trunk of the Aorta, into the Mesenterick Arteries, inserted into the Intestines out of whose Cavities they are discharged, for the better composure of the Body.

So that in short, the full Bodies of Childrens breeding Teeth, labouring with great quantity of depraved Humours, acted with ill Ferments, are highly aggrieved by the Inflammation of the Blood (lodged in the Gooms in time of Dentition) imparted by the Jugular Veins to the Heart, and from thence into the Membranes, causing Convulsive Motions and Fevers, and some serous Particles of the ill Blood being transmitted by the Arteries, into the Cavities of the Bowels, do generate Lasks, and Griping of the Guts; which are Continent Causes of many Diseases incident to Children, in breeding of Teeth; which great Hypocrates hath well enumerated in his Aphorisms.

In order to their Cure Diseases taking their rise of Dentition, Blood-letting is proper in the Inflammation of the Gooms flowing from Dentition in Plethorick Bodies. this Method of Physick may be advised: In great Inflammations of the Gooms, some Blood may be taken away in Plethorick Constitutions, by the application of Leeches behind the Ears, or in a great case by a Lancet; and some Hours before the Bleeding, a gentle Clyster may be injected, if the Child have not the benefit of Nature by Stool, and inwardly Medicines are to be pre­scribed, that suppress the unquiet Vapours and Flatulency of the Blood, and Comfort and Corroborate the Fibrous parts of the Brain.

When Universals have been Celebrated, Blistering Plai­sters may be applied in pains caused by Dentition, and the Gooms may be open­ed by a Lancet in order to the easier E­ruption of the Teeth. Topicks are proper in this Dis­ease, as Blistering Plaisters applied to the Neck behind, and between the Shoulders, and below the Ears, and to the inside of the Arms: And if Teeth be near their Eruption, the Gooms may be safely opened by a Lan­cet, or rubbed often by the Tooth of a Woolf, or by Coral, which is more used, which giveth great ease to pained and inflamed Gooms.

This and the like Course of Physick (proper for Fevers, Convulsions, and other Diseases in point of Dentition) hath proved very successful in ma­ny of my young Patients.

A Child of a worthy Knight, a Person of Loyalty and Honour, related to the Excise Office, having his Gooms very hot and inflamed, and after­ward was highly afflicted with a Fever, and Convulsive Motions, upon breeding of Teeth: Whereupon I advised gentle Clysters, Bleeding by Leeches applied under the Ears, Cephalick Julaps, and Vesicatories between the Shoulders, and under the Ears, which in a short space spake a period to the Symptomatick Fever, and Convulsive Motions, proceeding from the Teeth cutting the Gooms. Purgatives may be ordred in foul Bodi [...]s upon pains of the Teeth, and afterward Narcoticks may be taken.

If the pain of the Teeth be urgent in Persons of more mature Age, it denoteth Anodines, which prove not beneficial, except the Cause (the flux of ill Humors into the Membranes of the Teeth) be first removed; which is effected by Purging, Blood-letting, in the Veins of the Arms, Neck, and under the Tongue: And when Universals have been premised, Blistering Plaisters may be applied to the Neck, and between the Shoulders and Arms, and Astringent Plaisters to the Fore-Head and Temples, and also [Page 219]proper Gargarisms are very useful in this Case. And if the pain of the Teeth be not Alleviated upon these and such like Applications, we must ad­dress our selves to Narcoticks, as the last refuge.

CHAP. V. Of the Palate of Man, and other Animals.

THe Mouth may be stiled a Portal, or Antechamber of the goodly Fa­brick of Humane Body, immured outwardly with the Confines of the Cheeks, and before with the upper and lower Lip, as with Folding-Doors, which open for the reception of Aliment, and the utterance of Words, and shut for the enclosure and Ornament of the Mouth; and is encircled within with divers Circumferences of Gooms and Teeth (as so many Carved Banisters fitted to the Cavities of the upper and lower Jaw) as instruments of Mastication. The Mouth is arched above with the Pa­late, and floo­red with the Tongue.

The fine Room of the Mouth is seated above with an Arched Roof, and floored below with the Tongue (dressed with curious Prominencies of different shapes and sizes) playing up and down, and laterally in variety of Postures, The situation and connexi­on of the Pa­late. for the advantage of Eating and Speaking.

The Seeling of the elegant Apartiment of the Mouth, commonly called the Palate, taketh its rise near the fore Teeth of the upper Mandible, and determineth about the Fauces, and its inward Surface is conjoyned to the Os Sphaenoides, and is made up of a Glandulous substance, consisting of many Minute Glands, which are invested with a thick Membrane, borrow­ing its descent from the Dura Mater, and is continued to the outward Coat of the Gulet and Stomach, which highly sympathize with that of the Palate.

The origen of the Palate (confining on the inside of the Gooms) is be­set with numerous Glands T. 2. F. 1. h h. The Palate is? garnished with many Glands. (of irregular Figures, and different Magni­tudes) somewhat resembling Fruit crowning the top of a Tree, consisting of many arched Branches, arising out of each side of two Trunks, run­ning the whole length in the middle of the Palate, and end near the Uvula.

The Trunk of this beautiful Tree is double T. 2. F. 1. ii. The trunk of the Tree a­dorning the Palate is dou­ble., and parted in the midst with a Fissure passing in a straight Line between the two Trunks, which seem to support the Semicircular Branches, sprouting out of the two stocks of this fine Tree. The promi­nencies crow­ning the top of the Tree, relating to the Palate.

The white Protuberancies, adorning the top of the Branches of this rare Tree, are so many Glands, covered with a tough Membrane, enclosing a tender substance; but above all, the termination of the Palate is most thick and broad, integrated of numerous small Glands.

The Roof of the Mouth in Calves, is covered with a thick Membrane, rendred unequal with many Asperities, made up of two Rows, composed of many Comblike or indented Processes Tab. 3. Fig. 1. c c c c. The indented processes of a Calves Palate passing cross­ways. (running cross the Palate) seated directly opposite to each other; and are divided from each other with a Fissure Ta. 3. d d d d., running all along in the midst of the Palate, all covered with a thick white Membrane, under which is couched a Glandulous substance, as in a Humane Palate, furnished with numerous Glands.

The Palate of Sheep, much resemble that of Calves, in rows, and in­dented Processes, only they are much shorter, and smaller in Sheep, in re­gard their Palates are less, and shorter then those of greater Cattel.

The Palates of Lions and Cats, are like other Bruits in their indented Processes; only the Ranks of Cattel run in straight Lines, and Lions and Cats Semicircularly cross the Palate.

The Palate of a Bore beginneth narrow and thin, A Bore hath its Palate be­set with rows of plain pro­cesses. and afterward it enlar­geth it self, and groweth thicker, and terminateth at last in a kind of Point: And the whole Roof of the Mouth in this Animal, is dressed with a double row of oblique Processes, parted in the middle with a Fissure, as in other Animals; and differeth from them, because most of them have their Palates furnished with indented Processes, and Hogs with plain, whose Figure is harder and flatter in their lower Region, and have a kind of edge in their uppermost part.

The Palate of a Horse is also accommodated with many unevennesses (vulgarly called Bars) dividing the Roof of the Mouth into many Partiti­ons, and is composed of a Glandulous substance, framed like other Animals, of many small Glands.

The origen of the upper and lower region of the Beak, relating to a Swan, is of a Semicircular Figure Ta. 4. Fig. 1. a a a., and is of a Bony substance, adorned with many indented Processes (resembling Teeth) and those of the upper Beak are fitted to Cavities of the lower Beak, in which they play, Ta. 4. Fig. 1. b b b b. for the better taking and securing their Aliment, when it is received into the Mouth of a Swan.

To the upper part of the Beak, are conjoyned many oblong Membra­nous Processes Ta. 4. Fig. 1. c c c c. (running in oblique Lines) smaller in their origen, and larger in their termination, near the bony ridg of the Palate, and toward the middle of the Membranous Processes do arise other smaller, filling up the Interstices of some of the larger oblong Processes; and at the farther end of the Oblong, Transverse Processes, are placed many short ones Ta. 4. Fig. 1. d d., sprouting out of a Trunk after the manner of Branches of a Tree, and are pleasant to behold, and the termination of the Palate is made in two ob­long Glandulous Processes.

The Fissure of the Palate in a Swan (as well as in other Fowl) is frin­ged on each side with very slender pointed Processes T. 4. F. 1. f f.; and hath in its lower region (which is the origen of the Larynx) a great number of some­what larger pointed Protuberancies, and the bodies confining on each side of the Fissure, are of a Glandulous substance, and all the pointed Processes sprouting out of it, are small Conglomerated Glands T. 4. F. 1. g g., attended with Ex­cretory Vessels, discharging a clammy Liquor; which I have often seen in the Mouths of Birds.

The bony Ridg Ta. 4. Fig. 1. e e e., running in length through the middle of the Palate, hath divers Partitions, or Joints, which grow larger and larger toward their Termination (and end in a process of a Triangular Figure) and af­terward it is attended with a round Membranous Ridg of one entire sub­stance, confining in its Extreamity, on the beginning of the Fissure of the Palate.

The upper part of the Beak of a Goose, is garnished on each side with oblong Asperities, somewhat like Teeth, which are answered in like man­ner in the lower Beak with indented Processes; which in both Beaks do insi­nuate themselves into oblong Cavities, fitted to them in size and shape.

The Palate of a Goose, The Palate of a Goose is em­bossed with five ranks of bony Protu­berancies. lodged within the confines of the upper Beak, is imbossed with five rows of bony Prominencies (of which the biggest are those of the outside) which I conceive do contribute to break the Aliment, received into the Mouth, into small Particles; and beyond these bony Pro­tuberancies, is seated a more soft substance, composed of many small Glands.

The upper and lower Beak of a Duck, are much like a Goose, in their indented Processes, (which in a manner resembleth Teeth) seated on the Margents of each side of the Bill. And all Broad-billed Fowls have the like structure in reference to their indented Processes, which are found in Teal, The Palate of a Duck hath only four bo­ny processes, and is garnish­ed on each side with a row of pointed Glands. Wiggins, Shufflers, &c. And the Surface of the Palate of a Duck, doth differ from that of a Goose, as being most of all plain, without bony Processes, and hath a Membranous Ridg only running all along the middle of the Palate, except four bony Processes placed near the Fissure, which is dressed on each side with a row of pointed Glands.

The upper region of the Beak of a Bustard, is hooked in its Origen, and in its Margent on each side hath a sharp edge; which in pointed Beaked Fowls (as I conceive) serveth in stead of indented Processes: So that the edges of the upper and lower Beak being conjoyned, do close the Mouth, and help to detain and break the Aliment.

The Palate of a Bustard, The Palate of a Bustard con­sisteth of ma­ny rows of pointed pro­cesses. seated between the confines of the Beak, be­ginneth in a Point, and endeth in much larger Dimensions, and is composed of three Rows running in length, and the outward consisting of white pointed Processes, make their progress in Bevil Lines, or rather Semicircular, and are united in both Extreamities to the middle Row, which passeth the length of the Palate in a straight Course; and is framed of many joynted Processes, and beginneth in the middle between the Origens of the outward Rows of white pointed Processes, and terminates in the middle of the trans­verse Comblike Rows; and within each side of the outward Rows, are scattered here and there confusedly, some white pointed Prominencies. Be­tween the upper and lower ranks of Transverse Processes, is seated on each side of them a red Glandulous substance, consisting of Many small Protu­berancies, which I conceive are minute Conglomerated Glands, furnished with Excretory Ducts.

The Fissure of the Palate relating to a Bustard, is fringed on each side with a row of white pointed Processes, running in straight Lines in length for an Inch, and then are beset on each side for half an Inch, with a row of Transverse Processes, and the Fissure at last endeth with a Semicircular rank of Comblike Processes.

The upper and lower part of the Beak, appertaining to a Turkey, and all narrow Beaked Fowls, have no Indentments on each side, but only sharp Edges, which are very conducive to the detaining and breaking of Aliment.

The Palate seated within the Margents of the upper region of the Beak, is Glandulous, and beautified with four rows of Comblike Processes (which may be so denominated from their resembling the fine Teeth of a Comb) having the figure of two sides of the Triangles, and wanting the Base, run cross the Palate; the two first Ranks are very small, and scarce discernible, the two last are more visible, and especially the last, which determine the Palate.

The Fissure of the Palate in a Turkey, is much longer then in a Duck, or Goose, running the whole length of it, and is encircled on each side with small pointed Processes, which are defective in a Goose.

The Palate of a Pike is full of various Protuberancies, garnished with greater and less Asperities; and its Circumference on each side of the An­terior part, is encompassed with fine Cartilaginous Margents, ending in thin Edges: And the Palate, seated within these curious Enclosures, is for­tified in its fore part with three bony Protuberancies Ta 5. Fig. 2. a a a., of which those of the sides are broadest and shortest, all beset with pointed sharp Teeth, of which the longest are near the bony Intersepiment Ta. 5. Fig. 1. b b b b., which is double for some space, and afterward is united, and so passeth the whole length of the Skull like a Beam, to strengthen its lower Region. In the Interstices of the Ante­rior part of the Septum, where it is divided, is seated a third Protuberance Tab. 5. Fig. 1., bestudded for the most part with fine short Teeth, and are longer only in the origen of this rough Prominence.

The Palate of a Pike is outwardly covered with a thin red Membrane Tab. 5. Fig. 1. g g g g., full of small Plicatures, and is more inwardly enwrapped with a Glandulous Expansion, as a Contexture of many Miliary Glands, and the hinder part of the Palate is enclosed with Guills Tab. 5. Fig. 1. h h h h., beset in their lower region with many short Teeth, and the posterior part of the Palate seated within these Guills, is vailed with a thin Membrane outwardly, and more inwardly with a more thick Glandulous body, then that relating to the Anterior part of the Palate.

The Palate of a Thornback being broad in the midst, The Palate of a Thornback. and narrow in both Extreamities, is overspread with a Glandulous substance, invested with a thick white Membrane; and on each side of the Holes, leading out of the Mouth into the Nostrils, is seated a small flattish oblong Gland, and in the middle between these two Glands, may be discovered another Gland (of round shape, lodged in a proper Cavity) which being opened, I found full of Viscid Matter.

The Palate of a Fire, or Sting Flair, is enwrapped in two Membranes, The Palate of a Stingflair. the outward is thick, and the inward more thin; and between these Coats is lodged a Glandulous Expansion (which is somewhat plumper toward the upper Mandible) and is a Composition of numerous small Glands.

The Palate of a Holybut, The Palate of a Holybut. for the most part consisteth of a thick Mem­brane, covering the Arch of the Mouth, and is loose an Inch, or more, near the entrance of the Mouth, and confineth on the Teeth of the upper Man­dible, hanging down in a Semicircular Figure, adjoyning to the Surface of the Tongue, and closeth the entrance of the Mouth, intercepting the pas­sage of the Water into it: And also near the Teeth of the lower Jaw, an­other loose Membrane is seated, answering that above in Figure, and un­der this Coat, and between the loose Membranes of the upper and lower Mandibles and Teeth, is lodged a Glandulous substance; out of which be­ing squeesed, destilleth a quantity of Viscid Matter.

Somewhat beyond the Palate of a Holybut, are seated, as I conceive, two other Glands, which are of a soft white substance; and also near the termination of the Palate, about the Fauces of a Skait, on both sides of the origen of the Skin, are lodged two Glands, about three Inches long, and an Inch broad, which being affixed to the sides of the Chin, by the inter­position of thin Membranous Filaments, do terminate into the beginning of the Gulet: And these Glands having Excretory Vessels, through which a Liquor is conveyed into the Cavity of the Gulet, as a Ferment of Conco­ction.

The Semicircular Confines of the Palate of a Gurnet, somewhat resem­ble a Lip Tab. 5. Fig. 3. a a a a. in Figure, as it is placed in the Margent of the Mouth, and as [Page 222]moveable, and doth differ from the Lips of Man, as it is a Cartilaginous Bo­dy, adorned with a company of small Teeth.

The beginning of the Palate, is also graced with a small bony Semicircle T. 5. F. 3. b b., bestudded with numerous Minute Teeth, and is endued with a Concave Fi­gure Ta. 5. Fig. 3. c c c c., enwrapped in a Silver coloured Membrane Ta. 5. Fig. 3. d d d d, (full of Folds) in­vesting a Glandulous Expansion; which is thickest toward the termination of the Palate, attended with two plump Protuberancies (made rough by many small Teeth, to which the Guills Ta. 5. Fig. 3. e e e e. are affixed in their Extreamities) and have numerous Minute Teeth: Beyond the Palate is seated the origen of the Spine, covered with a white Membrane, to which is adjoyned a Glandulous Coat full of small Glands. The Palate of Bruits, Fowl, and Fish, hold a similitude with that of Man, in pro­cesses and Glandulous substance.

Thus I have Treated of the Palates of Bruits, Fowl, and Fish, as they hold some Analogy in the likeness of their various Asperities, Processes, and Glandulous substance (composed of many Conglomerated Glands, attend­ed with Excretory Vessels) with the Palate of Man; to which I will re­turn, and speak somewhat more of it, with your permission: As it is a Glandulous Body, which is most substantial and thick towards its termi­nation, near the Fauces, and is a Systeme of divers Glands, emitting Sali­val Liquor through many Excretory Ducts (most eminent in the hinder part of the Palate, as ending in Holes) into the Cavity of the Mouth.

The Uvula being an appendix of the Palate, The Ʋvula is composed of a soft Glandu­lous substance. is graced with a kind of Pyramidal Figure, whose Base is seated in its Origen, and its other Extrea­mity endeth after the manner of a Cone; and is composed of a glandulous fungous Substance, all beset with numerous Minute Glands, encircled with a white thin Membrane continued to the Palate.

Learned and Worthy Doctor Holder, The use of the Ʋvula is as­signed by Dr. Holder, to be a Vessel to o­pen and shut the passage out of the Mouth into the Nostrils, to give a stop to the Voice into it. assigneth this use to the Uvula, That it serveth as a Valve, to open and shut the Foramen of the Nostrils, leading into the Mouth, which being opened, the Air hath free access into the Mouth, and the Voice some admission into the Cavities of the Nostrils, and the Foramen being somewhat closed by the interposition of the Uvula, the Voice receiveth a check into the Nostrils, and Air from thence into the Mouth; whereupon the Nose giving a passage to Breath, and Voice in Speaking, alters its Sound, and gives a plain Discrimination, by which the sounds of the Breath and Voice may be entitled Nasal. Which I humbly con­ceive, with this Ingenious Authors leave, doth not proceed always from the opening of the Uvula, but sometimes from the strong Appulse of the Tongue, made upon the Arch of the Palate, which intercepting the Breath or Voice, as passing straight forward through the Mouth, maketh it recoil into the Caverns of the Nostrils, and causeth Speaking to be Nasal. And I do acknowledg, that the Assertion of this Learned Author, is also true, and the Uvula to be ordained by Nature as a Valve, to hinder the motion of the Voice into the Nostrils, by reason that this Appendix of the Palate is not found in Bruits, and other Animals (but in an Ape as a Monster in Nature) by reason they are not endued with Speaking, to which the Uvula is subservient; which may seem to be backed with very great Reason, because when this Appendage of the Palate, is eaten off by the Malignity of Venereal Di­stempers, the Voice hath a free passage into the Nostrils, which else for the most part is carried forward through the Cavity of the Mouth, promoted by the Uvula, which interposeth about the Hole (leading into the Ca­verns of the Nostrils) and doth hinder the progress of the Voice into it, unless the Tongue striking briskly upon the Arch of the Palate, doth divert the direct passage of the Voice, and forceth it up into the Nostrils.

The use of the Palate, consigned as peculiar to Man, The use of the Palate in Man is to tune the Voice, and to help the Arti­culation of Letters (and Words) whence they are called Li­terae Palatinae is to tune the Voice, and to assist the Tongue in the Articulation of some Letters; which upon this account, may be stiled Literae Palatinae. The expired Air passeth in an even current through the greater Channel of the Wind-pipe, till it arriveth the more confined space of the Rimula, where it receiving Vibra­tions against the sides of the Eure-like Cartilage, is formed into a Voice, which thence passing the Throat to the Arch of the Palate, the Articulated Letters and Words composed of them, are rendred more sweet and audible; whereupon, they that have naturally ill formed Palates, or disordered by Diseases (wherein they are lessened, or made rough by Tumours, Ulcers, pro­ceeding from virulent Humours in Venereal Distempers) whence the Articula­ted Voice groweth hoarse and unpleasant, and scarce to be understood, with­out the good attention of the Hearer, or often repetition of imperfect words made by the Speaker: And not only the Roof of the Palate doth aid the Voice, first formed in the Larynx, by speaking to it a great Grace and Loudness: But also the Margents of the Palate, confining on the Teeth, do serve the Tongue, in making several Appulses upon the skirts of it, which give divers Figurations of the Voice, expressed in the Articulations of different Consonants.

Some do assign another use of the Palate, which is that of Tasting, Tasting is not seated in the Palate. wherein it is commonly said, we indulge our Palates in the eating of savou­ry and delicious Meats, and drinking of pleasant Drinks, which are called palatable, in reference to their good Gust, which they attribute to the Pa­late. But this Opinion (as I humbly conceive) cannot be confirmed by rational Arguments, as it is opposite to Sense and Experience; because if any sapid object be applied to the Palate alone, as seperated from the Tongue, it cannot discern any taste of Meat, Drink, or any other thing nay, Salt it self (if put to the Palate solely) doth not affect the Palate, if the Tongue be kept from it: So that the ground of this Vulgar Error, proceedeth from the Tongue, touching the Palate in tasting of proper Objects, whereupon we attribute that to the Palate, which is peculiar to the Tongue, as being in conjunction with it.

A second use of the Palate, is to impart a Ferment to the Aliment, Second use of the Palate as Glandulous, hath divers fontanels of Salival Liquor re­ceived into the Mouth, by reason the Palate is chiefly framed of a Glandulous substance, which is a Collective Body, made of numerous Minute Glands, furnished with Excretory Vessels (perforating the Membrane of the Palate) out of which doth freely destil a quantity of Salival Liquor, embodying with the broken Aliment in time of Mastication, and giving the first rudi­diment of Concoction, to Meat and Drink in the Mouth, in order to a farther Elaboration in the Stomach.

The third use of the Palate, The third use of the Palate is to appease thirst by the emission of Sa­lival Juice. may be to gratifie the sollicitations of Thirst (which would be most urgent, and perpetually troublesome) were not the Palate and Tongue rendred moist by a constant flux of Salival Liquor, springing out of the Glands, relating to the Tongue and Palate, which else would grow rough and dry, by the hot fuliginous Steams, transmitted with the Breath through the Aspera Arteria, into the Mouth.

Another use (as I conceive) may be given of the numerous rows of in­dented Processes, and the many great and hard Asperities, A use of the Asperities of the, Palates of Bruits, is in reference to the chewing of Aliment. found in the Pa­lates of Bruits, is to supply the defect of the Teeth in the fore part of the upper Mandible, and somewhat to assist the lower in Mastication, wherein the motion of the broken Aliment against the hard prominencies of the Pa­late, giveth a farther Comminution to it by frequent Attritions; which [Page 224]may seem very probable, by reason I have often seen the chewed Grass and Hay, adhering to the indented processes of the Palates of Bruits.

CHAP. VI. Of the Tongue of Man.

THe Tongue of Man is little in Bulk, and great in Use, as an Instru­ment of Speech, to entertain others in pleasant Language, and a Fountain of useful Liquor, and a seat of the grateful sence of Tasting, to in­vite us to Treats of Meat and Drink, and to give it a disposition to a far­ther improvement of Digestion. The Structure of the Tongue.

To serve these ends, the Tongue is composed of several parts (as so ma­ny Integrals) of Coats, (beset with divers Prominencies) Vessels, Glands, Muscles, furnished with various Fibres.

The Coats of the Tongue, The Coats of the Tougue are Four. enwrapping the upper part near the tip, may be clearly seen to be Four: The first is thick and Membranous: The second Red and Feshy: The third thin, white, and Nervous: The fourth soft and Glandulous.

The first covering of the Tongue about its origen for three or four Inches being thick and Membranous, The first Coat is Membra­nous, inter­spersed with various Ves­sels and Aspe­rities. receiveth the terminations of Arteries, Nerves, Excretory Ducts, and the origens of Veins, with which it is every where furnished, and outwardly dressed with divers ranks of small pointed Promi­nencies (here and there embossed with greater white round Protuberancies) as also interspersed about the tip with divers Fissures; which I saw in a Wo­man lately Dissected in the Theatre of the Colledg of Physicians, but this I conceive is Preternatural: The Boss of the Tongue is outwardly covered with a more thin Membrane then that of the Blade, and is adorned with much larger pointed Prominencies of different sizes and shapes, and most are of a Conical Figure, which have manifest Cavities, covered with fine porous Tunicles.

The second covering relating to the upper part of the Blade of the Tongue, The second Coat of the Tongue is a thin fleshy Ex­pansion com­posed of many Vessels, inter­lined with a Parenchyma. is this Muscular Expansion, seated between the Exterior and Ner­vous Coats, and is a composition of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Excre­tory Vessels (framed in manner of a curious Network) interspersed with a red Parenchyma; which is some relict of Blood, Concreted in its pas­sage through the Interstices of the Vessels, to whose Coats it adhereth, and giveth a plainness to the unevenness of Vessels: This fleshy Coat is the Al­lodgment of the various Papillary Prominency, called Papillae, by Malpi­ghius.

The third Coat enwrapping the substance of the Tongue, The third co­vering is Ner­vous, made of numerous small Fibres. in is upper and Anterior Region, is white and Nervous, composed of numerous Minute Fibres (as so many Constituent parts) which passing Longways, Laterally, and Obliquely, do form this fine Tunicle, immediately investing the Glandu­dulous Coat, covering some part of the Muscles, appertaining to the Tongue.

The Glandulous and fourth covering of the Blade, The fourth in­tegum [...]t is Glandulous, framed of [...] ­ny small Glands. and the third of the Boss of the Tongue (by reason the fleshy Expansion is here deficient) is a Col­lective body of innumerable Minute Glands, so nearly united to each other, by the mediation of thin Membranes, that they seem to be one entire Frame, to a careless Eye, which being strictly inspected, plainly appeareth a company of small Glands, of various Figures, and Magnitudes: This fine Glandulous body, is most thin about the beginning of the Blade, and afterward groweth more thick, which is eminent in the Boss, or more protuberant part of the Tongue, and its more thin part is the seat of the red Protuberancies in Man, and of the white Cartilaginous ones in Cattel, Lions, Cats, and the like, whose Roots may plainly be seen in this Glandulous Coat, and afterward do per­forate the other Coats, and manifestly render the upper covering of the Blade rough and prominent.

The under region of the Tongue and sides confining it, are enwrapped with only two Coats, which are more thin then those above, which seem to be Membranous, immediately investing the Muscles, without the interposi­tion of a Muscular, and Glandulous Expansion, which are found only in the upper region of the Tongue.

The Membranes being discoursed, the Vessels offer themselves to our con­sideration, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Excretory Ducts, with which the Tongue is accommodated, as highly subservient to it.

The Arteries derive themselves from the External Carotides T. 11. F. 12. n n., The Arteries of the Tongue are the Exter­nal Carotides. sprouting out of the Ascendent Trunk of the Aorta, and do furnish the Tongue with numerous Divarications.

The Veins, the associates of the Arteries, do assist them in promoting the Circulation of the Blood, The Veins are the External Jugulars. in carrying on its Retrograde Motion toward the Center: The Veins of this part are the External Jugulars, and are denomi­nated Venae Raninae, which are very conspicuous in the lower region of the Tongue, wherein they are often opened in its Disaffections. These Veins take their origen in the Tongue, wherein after they have made numerous Branches, they are propagated to the Descendent Trunk of the Cava.

The Fibres of the Tongue being consigned to different offices of Tasting, The Fibres of the Tongue consigned to Tasting, are derived from the fifth pair of Nerves, and those to moti­on from the seventh pair. and Motion, do borrow their rise from various Nerves: The first, as I con­ceive, are derived from the Fifth Pair, which are implanted into the out­ward Membrane of the Tongue; and the other Fibres relating to Muscular Motion, take their Origination from the Seventh pair of Nerves, which do impart numerous Branches, into the several Muscles of the Tongue, where­by it sporteth it self in variety of Motions.

The Excretory Vessels of the Tongue, are (as I conceive) seated in the numerous red pointed Protuberancies T. 11. F. 11. e e., (interspersed with some round white Prominencies T. 11. F. 1 [...]. f f.) which do beautifie the Tongue with many Ranks, set in elegant order, and have their Roots seated in the Glandulous Coats, and from thence are propagated through the other Coats, emitting divers Asperities, crowning the surface of the Exterior Membrane, which is bedewed by them with Salival Liquor, and may be easily separated from the tops of these pointed Prominencies, which upon this account are ren­dred hollow, to give reception to the Limpid Liquor, destilling out of their terminations, into the Cavity of the Mouth: And this may be farther made clear, in the Cartilaginous Protuberancies of a Neats Tongue, which be­ing cut near their Roots, a clammy Matter may be seen to ouse out of their Cavities.

The Tongue of Man, is not only invested in its upper region with nu­merous Glands, but hath its Muscular parts interspersed with them; where­upon the substance of a Mans Tongue is rendred very soft, and those of Bruits gain a delicate tenderness, when eaten, which proceedeth from their Glandulous, as well as Muscular Compage.

At the Root of the Tongue, on each side, are seated two eminent Glands, called Tonsils, which indeed are not single Glands, but two Col­lective Bodies, composed of many, and every one hath its peculiar Mem­brane immuring it; but by reason these numerous Glands are fastned to each other, by the mediation of many fine Membranes, they seem to be but two entire Glands, which are Fontanels of Salival Liquor, which freely de­stilleth out divers Cavities, and chiefly out of two apertures in Masticati­on, and doth improve the Aliment with Volatil Saline Particles in the Mouth, in order to a farther Exaltation in the Stomach.

The Muscles of a Humane Tongue, may seem to claim our notice, by reason as a Machine of Motion, it is subservient to Speech and Eating, which cannot be accomplished without variety of postures in the Tongue, produced by different motions of Muscles.

The first pair of Muscles, The Stylogloss Muscles draw the Tongue upward and inward. called by the Ancients Stiloglossi, as taking their origen from the Styliform Process, and terminate into the middle of the Tongue; whereupon these Muscles being Contracted, do draw the Tongue upward and inward.

The second pair of Muscles appertaining to the Tongue, The Basiogloss Muscles do move the Tongue in­ward and downward. being stiled Ba­sioglossi, and Ypsiloglossi, do borrow their beginning from the Base of the Os Hyoides, and are inserted into the middle of the Tongue, and being Anta­tagonists to the former Muscles, do pull the Tongue inward and down­ward.

The third pair of Muscles, Thegeniogloss Muscles do pull the Tongue out of the Mouth. named Genioglossi, derive their Origination about the middle of the inside of the Chin, and do terminate about the middle of the Tongue, and being Contracted, do draw the Tongue out of the Mouth.

The fourth pair of Muscles, The Cerato­gloss Muscles in a joynt acti­on move the Tongue di­rectly down­ward, and one of them con­tracting mo­veth the Tongue to one side of the Mouth. are named Ceratoglossi, whose origen is de­duced from the Horns of the Os Hyoides, and endeth in the sides of the Tongue; and if they both concur in action, they draw the Tongue direct­ly downward, and if one of them act alone, pulleth the Tongue to one side (a posture very useful in Eating) whereby the Meat is put outward upon the Teeth, in reference to Mastication.

The fifth pair of Muscles, have the denomination of Myloglossi, and do begin about the farther end of the great Teeth, and are inserted into the Ligament of the Tongue; The [...]ilogloss Muscles do draw the Tongue downward. and are conceived by Diemerbroeck, to pull the Tongue downward, and by Westlingius, upward.

The substance of the Tongue, is composed of many small Fibres, so curi­riously interspersed, and so finely interwoven with each other, that some Illiterate Anatomists, have determined the Tongue to be altogether desti­tute of Fibres; which though they be somewhat obscure in the Tongues of Men, yet are more conspicuous in those of Bruits, which also may be seen in Mens, if inspected with a curious Eye, most stedfastly prying into all the Fibres from the upper Area, quite through the inward Recesses, to the Base of the Tongue; The first rank of Fibres in the Tongue doth pass the length of it. it will be difficult to find any more then three Ranks. The first and upper Rank to border upon the surface of the Tongue, and have straight Ducts, all along the length of it; the other two Ranks of Fibres do furnish the inward parts of the Tongue, the one incline downward, from the upper [Page 227]plain of the Tongue, in a straight course, The second rank of Fibres incline down­ward in a straight po­sture. The third in transverse Ducts. when the other Ranks of Fibres taketh it rise from the middle of the Tongue, and run in transverse Ducts laterally; and these two last Ranks are disposed in so rare an order, that they receive each other Alternately, each Rank being but one Fibre in thick­ness, and are made subordinate to each other, in a most admirable order, and may be truly called Stratae super Stratas, as the Chymists called in ano­ther Sense.

So that the more soft and inward Flesh of the Fibres, have long, The Fibres of the Tongue being seated in divers posi­tions, make different moti­ons in the Tongue. trans­verse, and oblique Positions, seated one under another in variety of Rows, and do marvellously intersect each other, whereby they are rendred capa­ble of different motions of Elevation, Depression, Elongation, Retraction, ministerial to Mastication, Deglutition, and Speaking; to all which useful Functions, in order to the preservation and pleasure of our Life, the Tongue very much contributeth by the different Contractions of its various Fibres, whose Interstices, especially those of the Base, are filled up with copious Fat, and a great company of Miliary Glands.

About the tip of the Tongue of a Woman privately Dissected in the Col­ledg Theatre, appeared divers Fissures T. 2. F. 2. e e. (which I conceive were Preterna­tural) interspersed on each side with many red pointed Prominencies, which for the most part did beset the outward Membrane; and here and there the middle and body of the Tongue, embossed with divers round white Protuberancies T. 2. F. 2. f f., of different sizes; and many of the greatest, seated near the Root of the Tongue, are of a more Oval Figure.

The Tongue of Man, near its Root, is beautified with two great Pro­tuberancies T. 2. F. 2. g g., somewhat of an Oval Figure, dressed with many Promi­nencies, of different Colours, Magnitudes, and Figures.

About the Root of the Tongue, appeared a round T. 2. F. 2, h h. Cavity, the termi­nation of a common Duct, into which many Excretory Vessels (relating to the Glands) did discharge their Salival Liquor.

The Tonsils T. 2. F. 2. ii. do confine below, on each side of the Boss of the Tongue, and more upward near the sides of the Uvula, about the termination of the Palate; these Tonsillary soft bodies, are not one continued substance, but a composition of many small Glands, closely conjoyned by the medi­ation of many thin Membranes; and discharge a thick Mucous Matter through an Excretory Duct into the Mouth.

By the Root of the Tongue, is placed the Larynx, or top of the Wind-pipe, guarded with the Epiglottis T. 2. F. 2. k k., (which is a thin Cartilagenous substance, covered with a fine Membrane) which is a kind of Tongue, or cover to defend the entrance of the Wind-pipe, against the assaults of Meat and Drink, as destructive, or troublesome at least to Respiration, and produ­ctive of a Cough.

In the Larynx, near the termination of the Tongue, is lodged a Rimula, or Chink T. 2. F. 2. l l. (passing between the Lips of the Eurelike Cartilage) whose greater or less Contraction, or Dilatation, maketh the Voice more acute, or grave; which is of great use in rising and falling our Voice in Speaking, and Singing.

Having given a Description of a Humane Tongue, in point of its Stru­cture, I will now give some Account of this part in Bruits, Fowl, and Fish, what similitude they have with that of Man, which is very Conducive to un­derstand the Actions and Uses of it.

The various pointed Prominencies, interspersed with flat and round Pro­tuberancies, placed about the tip of the Tongue, and the greater Promi­nencies [Page 228]seated about its Boss in Bullocks, Sheep, and the like; and the slen­der Brisles found about the tip of the Tongue in Lions, Cats, and the lar­ger about the more substantial parts of it, being attended with Excretory Ducts, hold great Analogy with the red pointed Prominencies T. 2. F. 2. e e., seated about the Anterior part of the Tongue of Man, interspersed with round Protuberancies T. 2. F. 2. f f., and larger pointed Asperities about the thicker part of of it; and these Acuminated Processes, as well of Bruits as Man, being hol­low, spue out a clammy Liquor into the Mouth, to meliorate the Mastica­ted Aliment, in order to a more perfect Concoction in the Stomach.

The Tongue of a Lion is sharp, The Tongue of a Lion is beset with ma­ny pointed Processes. and dressed with numerous pointed Pro­cesses (bent toward the Gulet) as so many Pikes, seated about the fore part of the Blade, by which he can catch and kill small Animals in his Mouth, as in a Slaughter-House, and suck out their Blood, which is of a delicate taste, and very grateful to this Animal.

The Tongue of a Chamel is very remarkable, The Tongue of a Chamel is dreaded with many Promi­nencies. hath the Anterior part be­set with Prominencies, coming from without, and tending inward, as in other Animals; but the hinder part near the Root, being thick, is beauti­fied with a small Circle, passing between many Protuberancies, and the mid­dle of the Tongue is garnished with many folds of Annular Figure, running between the Prominencies: The last and middle part, is also furnished with two ranks of Folds, springing out of the small Circles (seated between the Prominencies) and passing in a straight Line.

The Tongue of a Chameleon, A Chameleon can catch Flies with his Tongue. is as long as his whole Body, and is Con­tracted in his Mouth into divers Annular Folds, and can extend his Tongue in a moment, and girk it out of his Mouth a great length, to take Flies (which are his Prey) by his Tongue, as besmeared with a Viscid Matter (destilling out of the Glandulous substance of the Tongue) in which the Flies are ensnared, as in Bird-Lime: The Tongue of this Animal is hollow in its Origen, and near the Roots of it, of a Spungy, Carnous, or rather Glandulous substance, covered with a clammy Matter; and through its middle passeth a Cord (which this Animal can Contract, and Extend at pleasure with great nimbleness) which is inserted into the tip of the Tongue.

The Tongue of a Swan is thin, and smaller in its Origen, of a Semicircu­lar Figure T. 4. F. 2. c c c., modelled according to the shape of the Beak, in which it is lodged; and after a small space, the tip of the Tongue groweth somewhat broader and thicker, and is adorned with a Fringe (for some space) wrought with numerous Membranous Filaments Ta. 4. Fig. 2. d d d d., and is afterward beautified on each side toward the end of the Blade, with divers indented Processes Ta. 4. Fig. 2. e e e e., broad in the Bases, and pointed in their Extreamities, consisting of divers Threads: The Fissure of the Blade T. 4. F. 2. f f. runneth in the middle, dividing the the Tongue into equal parts, and hath pointed Processes Ta. 4. Fig. 2. g g g g. seated on each side of the Fissures, which I conceive to be Glands.

The white termination of the Tongue, is more thick then the Anterior part, and is composed of two Glands T. 4. F. 2. h h., and beyond its Fringes, is dres­sed with thin Rows of pointed Prominencies T. 4. F. 2. k k., set one above another, of which the uppermost are the largest.

The Root of the Tongue, consisteth of two Divisions, and is composed of a soft Glandulous substance, covered with a thin Membrane, and the first Division, or Story T. 4. F. 2. l l., is the broadest, and shortest, and most full of pointed Processes, enclosing the beginning of the second Apartiment in its Embraces.

The second Division, or Story, relating to the Roots of the Tongue of a Swan, is made up of many pointed Protuberancies Ta. 4. Fig. 2. m m., and encloseth some part of the Fissure (appertaining to the Aspera Arteria) with a double Arch, and is inserted into the Origen of it.

The Tongue of a Bustard, is pointed in its beginning, and endeth much broader, and is fringed with a double row of Comblike Oblique Processes, and towards its termination, hath on each side some indented Processes.

The Tongue of a Goose, being fringed on each side with Cartilaginous Saw-like Teeth, hath for the most part a red soft Glandulous substance, ex­cept in its termination, where it is furnished with a white plump body, ending in two or three Rows of white pointed Glands.

The Tongue of a Duck, The Tongue of a Duck is dressed on each side with indented Pro­cesses. is also garnished on each side with Saw-like Proces­ses, resembling those of a Goose, and hath two Glands like those of a Goose in Colour, and hath the same Rows of small pointed Glands, near the Root of the Tongue, which are only different in length and slenderness, and are much broader and shorter in a Goose, then a Duck.

The Tongue of a Turkey, being of a Pyramidal Figure, hath its Blade covered with a white Membrane, and is parted from the Root by an Inci­sure, fringed with a double Row of small indented Processes; and its Root is of a reddish Colour, and of a more soft glandulous substance, then the Blade.

The Tongue of an Eagle, being three transverse Fingers long, The Tongue of an Eagle beset on each side with a pair of Teeth. and one broad, and being somewhat Concave, was beset on each side about the middle, with a pair of Teeth, resembling in hardness and sharpness those of Fish, and with a whole Rank of smaller Teeth (guarding the upper surface of the Tongue) set in a Semilunary Figure, and bending toward the Throat, to give a check to the return of the Aliment received into the Mouth; and the sides of the Tongue are garnished with divers Minute Glands, furnished with Holes, which are the terminations of the Excretory Ducts, through which destilleth a thin Liquor, somewhat resembling Spittle.

Some Fish have no Tongues, but are endued with soft Palates, Fish having no Tongue, have their Glandulous Palates. supplying their Defect; which Learned Rondeletius calleth Fleshy: But indeed, are Glandulous, as being Compositions of many small Glands; which is very eminent in the Palates of Tenches, Breams, and Carps, and in other Fish destitute of Tongues.

Other Fish have Tongues, as all Ceteceous kinds, as Dolphins, The Tongue of a Dolphin is moveable. which have broad and short Tongues: And according to Rondeletius, have a free­dom to display themselves up and down.

A Porpess, is also a Cetaceous kind, The Tongue of a Porpess is Muscular. having a fleshy Tongue (beset with Salival Glands) fringed with divers Indentments about its Margents, and is fastned to the lower region of the Mouth.

The Semicircles belonging to the Mouth of a Gurnet, Ta. 5. Fig. 2. being parted in the middle, are composed of a Bony substance, and furnished with many small Teeth, which do adjoyn to the Tongue, in the Arterior part of the Mouth, which is encircled by it: These bending Confines, have some sem­blance with the under Lip Ta. 5. Fig. 2. a a, both in shape, and as capable of Motion up and down, and is discriminated from the under Lip of Man (which is Fleshy and Glandulous) as it is of a Bony substance, beset with Teeth.

Between the under Lip Ta. 5. Fig. 2. b b b., and the tip of the Tongue, is lodged a Glan­dulous Body, made up of small Glands, covered with a thin Membranous Coat.

The Tongue of a Gurnet is plump T. 5. F. 2, c c., and its Origen covered with a thin Membran, and is framed of a Bony substance (without any Glands, which are supplied by those seated between the Lip and Tongue) which is at­tended with a Bony Process, to which the Guills are fastned on each side.

The Guills of a Gurnet adjacent to the Tongue, are fringed with various Blood Vessels, Arteries, Veins, affixed to the lower region of the Bony Semi­circles of the Guills, and are embossed in their upper parts, with many Knobs, or Prominencies Ta. 5. Fig. 2. d d d d. (somewhat resembling the great Teeth of other Ani­mals) which are much smaller and more numerous in the Guills of Pikes.

Within the Circumference of the first Guill above the Heart, are lodged two Protuberancies Ta. 5. Fig. 2. e e e e., somewhat like Pectoral Lozenges in shape, and are dressed with a great company of small Teeth: Beyond these rough Protuberancies, in a Gurnet, are seated a number of small Glands T. 5. F. 2. f f., enwrapped in a thin Membrane, shrivelled up into many Folds, and about the termination of the Palate of this Fish, beginneth the entrance of the Gulet, which is Cir­cular and Large, and hath many Folds T. 5. F. 2. g g., which appear in the inside of the opened Gulet, the upper edges of the lower Mandible Ta. 5. Fig. 4. a a a a., are garnished with sharp Teeth in a Pike; and between the sides of the Mandible, near the forepart, and under the beginning of the Tongue, is seated a Glandu­lous substance Ta. 5. Fig. 4. b b b b., covered with a thin white Membrane. The Tongue of a Pike, is made of a Bony substance T. 5. F. 4. c c., covered with a fine white Coat, which is broad and thin in the Origen, and is attended with a long and narrow Bony Process, to which another Bony Protuberance is affixed, be­decked with numerous small Teeth: And these Bony Protuberancies, are encompassed on each side within a broad thin Bone Ta. 5. Fig. 4. e e e e., encircled with a Silver coloured Membrane, fastned in their Origen to the sides of the Tongue, and in their Bases to a thin Membrane, fixed to the inside of the lower Man­dible.

The Guills of a Pike in their Originations, are fastned higher and lower to the Bony Process Tab. 5. Fig 4. f f f f., joyned to the Tongue, and passing along the lower part of the Mouth; and the Guills are Fringed on each side with Blood Ves­sels, and their upper Region is beset with short Teeth Tab. 5. Fig. 4. g g g g.

Within the two inmost Guills, are placed two oblong Protuberancies Tab. 5. Fig. 4. h h h h., furnished with many rows of numerous Teeth, which are fixed to a Mem­brane, covering a fleshy Expansion, guarding the Apartiment in which the Heart is lodged.

CHAP. VII. Of the Sense of Tasting.

THus I have Treated of the Structure of the Lips, Teeth, Palate, and Tongue, consisting of the various parts of Membranes, Processes, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Conglomerated Glands, and their Excretory Ves­sels, as preliminary to their farther several uses of Tasting, Speaking, Ma­stication, and their Pathology; of which I will Discourse in order.

The Grand Architect, out of His great Love to His Creatures, hath com­placed them in the grateful Sense of Tasting, to invite them to the enjoy­ment of his Benefits with Pleasure and Satisfaction, in order to their Support and Preservation.

The Ratio formalis of Tasting, consisteth in Action and Passion, Action and Passion are different Mo­dalities of the same entity. which are different Modellings of the same Entity; Action deriveth it self from an Operative principle, Tanquam a termino a quo, the Motion proceedeth; And Passion is a termination, and reception of it into its subject, as being the Terminus in quem, the Action is received; Tasting flow­eth from Sa­line and Sul­phureous Par­ticles, making appulses upon the Nerves seated in the Tongue. so that Tasting is an Affe­ction flowing from the motion of Saline and Sulphureous Particles, often produced by Mastication, conveyed through the Pores of the upper Mem­brane of the Tongue to its proper Sensory, upon which an Appulse is made in Sensation; whereupon it may be truly stiled a Perception of a stroke made by the motion of a due Object, upon the proper subject of Sensati­on, and thence transmitted by the continuation of Nerves to the common Sensory, seated in the Brain, apprehending and discriminating the different Objects, and operations of the outward Senses.

But I will speak more distinctly of the sense of Tasting, and its Sensory, Tasting is not seated in the soft parts of the Tongue. which many famous Anatomists, as Bauhine, Bartholine, Westling, and others, have placed in the soft Carnous parts of the Tongue, which is com­composed of some part of the red Crassament, and oily Particles of the Blood (extravasated and adhering to the Interstices of the Vessels) when they are impelled out of the terminations of the Arteries, and are in some part accreted to the sides of the Vessels, while they pass through the habit of the Body, into the Extreamities of the Veins, and in the interim the con­creted and affixed parts of the red Crassament of the Blood to the Coats of the Vessels, is commonly called the Parenchyma (filling up some part of their empty Spaces) which cannot be a proper Sensory of the Tongue, as being void of all Sense. Worthy Doctor Wharton, was so much in love with the Glands, that he consigned the Glands of the Tongue (seated about the Root of it) to an Office they are not capable of, to be the Sen­sory of Tasting; which is somewhat improbable, as I conceive, by reason these Glands do not invest the upper Area about the tip of the Tongue, wherein our Taste is principally, if not wholly seated: But craving Pardon of this Learned Anatomist, The Mem­brane of the Tongue bese [...] with Nervous Fibrils is the subject of Ta­sting. I humbly conceive the Organ of Tasting to be founded in Gustatory Nerves, sprouting of the fourth and seventh pair of Nerves, perforating the inward and outward Coat of the Tongue, into whose Blade all about the tip, it transmitteth numerous Fibrils, the imme­diate subject of Sensation of Tasting, produced by the appulses of sapid [Page 232]Objects, made upon the Extreamities of Nervous Fibrils implanted in the upper Coat, not far from the tip of the Tongue.

Learned Malpighius, The numerous Papillae are not the subject of Sensation, by reason they do [...]o [...] perforate the thick [...]oat of the Tongue. doth constitute numerous Papillae to be the Organ of Taste, which do plainly appear in the red Expansion (seated under the thick Coat of the Tongue of a Beast) when some part of the upper Coat is parted by the Knife, and the other torn off by violence, and are inserted only into the inward surface of the Exterior Coat of the Tongue, and do not perforate it, by reason they appear short, and very minute in their Extreamities, which would be much longer, if they did penetrate the outward Coat of the Tongue: Whereupon, I most humbly conceive, those Papillary Protuberancies, not to be the instruments of Taste, as not recep­tive of sapid impressions, which cannot well be imparted through the hard Exterior Membrane of the Tongue, not perforated by the Papillary Pro­minencies.

Whereupon it may be farther replied, by most ingenious Malpighius, in his Favour, that the numerous small pointed Prominencies (springing out the red Expansion, are elevated above it) and do emit out of their Ex­treamities, Nervous Fibrils (which saith this Learned Author) are insinu­ated into the Sinus, appertaining to the Roots of the crooked Cartilagi­nous Processes, which perforating the Exterior Coat of the Tongue, are seated above it. To which I make bold, with the permission of this wor­thy and great Anatomist, to return this Answer: That if the Papillary Prominencies, do creep into the Cavities of the Roots of the Horny Pro­tuberancies, yet they arrive not the utmost Extreamities of them above; so that the Nervous Fibrils seated below, are not in a readiness to entertain sapid impressions (as being at a distance from the Masticated Aliment) which therefore cannot affect the Nerves through the Cavities of the Horny Prominencies, prepossessed with Salival Liquor, flowing into the Mouth, to impraegnate the chewed Nutriment in order to Concoction.

And furthermore, The Roots of the Cartilagi­nous Processes in Coats of the Tongue, are [...] [...] the Glan­ [...]ous Coat, [...]dged under [...] of the Papillae. I humbly conceive, that this Hypothesis of most Learn­ed Malpighius, to be somewhat improbable, who affirmeth the Extreami­ties of the Papillae to be inserted into the Roots of the Cartilaginous Pro­cesses, which are implanted into the Glandulous Coat of the Tongue of Bruits, lodged under the red Expansion, the seat of the Papillae; and ac­cording to the Supposition, that their tops should enter the roots of the Horny Protuberancies, their terminations of the Cartilaginous Processes should be planted toward the interior part of the upper Membrane of the Tongue: Which seemeth to oppose Autopsy, because I have often seen (if my sight doth not deceive me) the Papillae to be seated in the Red Coat, where the Exterior Membrane is stripped of both, in a Boiled and Raw Tongue; wherein I have also viewed the Horny Prominencies pulled up by the Root, out of the Glandulous Coat, and have seen the Papillae (seated between their Cavities, the receptacles of the Horny Processes) upon the Area of the red Expansion: Whereupon begging the excuse of the truly Renowned, and most Accomplished Malpighius, I deem it more reasonable not to found the Organs of Tasting in the Papillae, lodged un­der the Exterior Membrane (which I conceive to be Minute Glands) in the second Coat of the Tongue; but in numerous Nervous Fibrils, inser­ted into the surface of the upper Membrane, which can readily perceive Appulses made by sapid objects upon the surface of the Exterior Coat of the Tongue.

That I may give you a clearer notion of the Tasting Faculty, The faculties of the Soul are defined and determined to such parts of the Body dis­posed for their proper Ope­rations and Determi­ned by pecu­liar objects. and its Objects, they are most highly to be considered as Relatives. And by Fa­culty, I do not mean an empty Notion void of Reason (as some will have it) but thus far Significant, as being the sole Definitively existent in such a part duly qualified to accomplish a peculiar Operation, which is reduced into Act, as being specified and determined by a proper Object, which moveth upon the Organ of Sensation, by gentle, or brisk Appulses, whence Tastes are rendred more or less Pleasant, according to soft or strong Con­tacts upon the Sensory.

The Sapid Liquors, or more solid Substances, Objects of the Taste, inter­nally or exter­nally consi­dered. as the various Objects of the Taste may be noticed; either as they are Internally constituted of divers Elementary Principles, or Externally framed of different Solematisms, made up of several Figures and Magnitudes.

The various objects of Sapid Objects, as they relate to Elementary Bo­dies, are composed of different Saline and Sulphureous Particles.

Bitterness is made of bitter oily parts, Internal Ele­mentary prin­ciples are Sa­line and Sul­phureous Par­ticles the cause of bitter Tastes. which is frequently demonstrated in the destillation of bitter Vegetables by a Serpentine, whence it is easie to extract a very bitter Chymical Oyl; which being drawn out, the Magma of those Plants, which before were highly bitter, remaineth as it were in­sipid, and void of all bitterness: Which is a clear Argument to prove, that Bitterness in Plants, proceedeth from Oily Spirits, which do not grow sweet by Digestion, but thereby acquire greater and greater degrees of Bitterness, by reason Oily Bodies have such a Consistence, that it so confineth the Vo­latil Spirituous Particles, that they cannot easily breath out.

Sweetness borroweth its birth from sweet Oily parts (getting the domi­nion over the Saline) and are kept in a state of Mediocrity, or Maturity; The cause of sweet Tastes proceedeth from sweet oily parts evi­dent in ripe Fruits. which is conspicuous in well ripened Fruits, which being of a Vinous nature have divers Periods, and Intermedial Steps, before they arrive their Ma­turity.

Fruits in their greatest degrees of Crudity, and Fixation, Insipid tastes arise out of fixed oily in­digested parts. have their Sul­phureous parts so gross, and depressed, that they have a kind of sticky, and insipid taste in their first Production; but afterward, though by degrees the Oily parts are somewhat exalted, yet they are depressed by Saline, causing an Acidity, which afterward is much alaied by the Vinous Oily Particles, growing more exalted, and in conclusion acquire a sweetness and delicacy of Taste, as appeareth in Fruits perfectly ripened.

But a more rich, unctuous, and nourishing Sweetness, The unctuous sweetness is derived from sweet, oily, well tempered Particles. is derived from sweet and oily well tempered Particles, having the power over the Saline; this sweetness is eminent in delicious Aliment, highly Nutritive, as in sweet Flesh, Fat, Marrow, Butter, and the like, which being well fraught with sweet oily and well Digested parts (predominant over the other Elementary Bodies) do render them very grateful to the Taste.

Soureness, relating to Taste, springeth from Saline parts, Soure Tastes flow from Sa­line parts o­verpowring the Oily. overacting the Sulphureous, which evaporating in Vinous Liquors, the Saline grow more and more exalted, till at last they come to a Fluor; and Wine, Sider, and the like, loosing their Oily Volatil Particles, do grow more and more Green, and Acid, and at last degenerate into Vineger.

And as Sweetness hath its rise from the predominancy of Oily Particles, The pleasant Taste of sweet and soure, may be deduced from oily and saline parts e­qually mixed. and Soureness from Saline, so there is a mixed pleasant Taste, compounded of Sweet and Soure, brought to a Mediocrity, proceeding from Oily and Saline parts equally mixed, so that one of them is not at all exalted above ano­ther; and this taste in Wine is called by Italians, Dulce Pickante, and Multo [Page 234]Delicato, and Gustevole, which courteth our Taste with Pleasure and De­light: And as there is a sweet Taste made of sweet Oily parts, and soure of Saline, having the superiority, and also a mixed Taste made of Oily and Saline parts, Rancid tastes are derived from innate rank O [...]ly Particles. well and equally embodied, so there is a Rancid Taste, either springing from a Primogeneal Rancid Oil, extracted out of Galbanum, Sa­gapenum, and the like; or from secondary degenerate Oyl, where the sweet and thinner parts are exhaled, and the gross and faetide remain; as in Oyl ex­cted out of Olives, or Almonds: Or when the purer Volatil Oyl is first drawn out by a soft heat, and afterward the more gross and rancid, com­monly called the Empyreuma, because it is forced up by most intense and vio­lent heat of the Fire.

Another kind of insipid Taste, Insipid tastes come from few saline and oily Parts as in simple destilled Wa­ters, &c. is either produced by the defect or pau­city of Elementary Principles, productive of Taste, as in fair, and some destilled simple Waters, impraegnated with very few Saline and Sulphureous Particles, and in Phlegm, and the Caput Mortuum, which are wholly destitute of Active Principles.

Or also an insipid Taste may come from its Elements, immersed in too great a proportion of Crude Faeces, so that they cannot exert themselves, as when the Salt and Oily parts are bound up in the Caput Mortuum, of some Minerals and Stones; so that though they be beaten to Powder, yet they cannot at all affect the Tongue with any gust whatsoever.

Thirdly, Insipid tastes flowing from crude Sulphur and fixed Salt. An insipid Taste may be derived from a gross crude Sulphur, and fixed Salt, whereupon the Spirituous parts are so highly depressed, that they can impart little or no Taste, as in the first productions of Fruits, as Apples, Plumbs, Grapes, &c. but afterward, the Saline parts being rendred a little more Volatil, the Fruits first acquire a Soureness, and afterward their Oily parts are more and more exalted, till they overpower the Saline, and by a due Maturity, do partake of a grateful Sweetness in their accom­plished Perfection.

Having after my manner, The manner of Tasting wherein sapid objects make first appulses upon the Ner­vous Fibrils seated in the Coat of the Tongue, and are thence im­ported by the continuation of Nerves to the common Sense precep­tive of the va­riety of sapid objects. rudely Discoursed the several objects of Ta­sting, and their various Productions, as inwardly constituted of Elementary Principles, it may be Methodical in some kind, now to express how they are imparted to their proper Sensory, seated in the Tongue; which I hum­bly conceive, is thus performed. The sapid substance being broken into small Particles, and mollified and impraegnated with Salival Liquor, deri­ved from the Glands of the Mouth, communicateth its Oily and Saline Par­ticles, through the pores of the outward Membrane of the Tongue, ma­king Appulses upon the Nervous Fibrils implanted into it, and from thence are carried by the continuation of Nerves into the common Sense, judging and determining the outward sensible Objects; which do not only make impres­sions upon the outward Sensory, as they are inwardly constituted of Ele­mentary Principles, but also give various stroaks upon the Organs of Sensa­tion, Divers objects of Tasting are differenced by Schematisms. according to their different Schematisms, consisting in divers Shapes and Sizes; so that the Salts, the various causes of Tastes, being extracted out of the simple family of Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals, marvel­lously declare the Wisdom of the Omnipotent Creator, in speaking the great variety of Nature, clearly represented in the different, and beautiful Aspects of Salts, wherein we may see and admire different elegant Figures of Cubes, Pyramides, Cylinders, Trigons, Prismes, and an innumerable variety of Trapezia, Rhombi, &c. as the admirable Sportings of Nature, and the Heralds of divers Tempers and Vertues, relating to different Inani­mate, and Animate Beings.

Whereupon I conceive with some probability, that the several distincti­ons of Tastes, may be deduced from the various shapes and magnitudes of Salts, drawn out of Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals.

Sweetness may be derived from the round Figure, and well proportioned magnitude of Saline Particles: And a Stiptick Soureness (such as in green Fruits) from a large Figure, and acidity from an acute Conick crooked Fi­gure; and a sharp hot Taste (as in Spices) is borrowed from a slender Angular, and Saltness from an Angular distorted Figure, consisting of equal sides.

And Bitterness, may be deduced from a small distorted, and round shape: Bitterness may be derived from a little distorted round Figure. But perhaps to derive the several objects of Tasting, from various determi­nate Figures and Magnitudes, may seem more Curious then Rational: And it carrieth with it a greater shew of probability to derive the differences of Tastes, as taken in a more general notion from Minute Saline Particles, Tastes more probably may be deduced from Saline Particles affe­cted with pro­per dispositi­ons, motions, figures, sizes, agreeable to the pores seat­ed in the mem­branes of the Tongue. affected with peculiar Dispositions and Motions, Figures and Magnitudes, commensurate to the Pores, relating to the Membranes of the Tongue. And this Hypothesis, seemeth to be agreeable to the Sentiments of Epicurus, mentioned by Plutarch, [...]: Concinnitates & proportiones Matulorum, qui in ipsis Sensoriis, ac mistiones multiplices seminum, seu Corpusculorum, quae omnibus Saporibus, Odoribus, Coloribusque interspersa.

So that the Sapid Objects (being received into the Mouth, and enter­tained upon the Tongue, with frequent Appulses) mixed with Saline Juice, do insinuate themselves through the Pores, seated in the surface of the upper Coat of the Tongue, The causes of several tastes flowing from the atomes different in fi­gures and sizes. and affect the numerous Minute Fibrils inserted in­to it, and thereby give variety of Taste, produced by divers Motions, Mag­nitudes, and Configurations of Saline Particles; which if they be hard and poignant, are forced into the Orbicular Pores of the Tongue, and do give a pungent trouble, which happens in Acid, Bitter, and sharp things: But if the Saline Particles be round, soft, and pliable, they slip gently into the round Pores of the Tongue, and do gratifie it with a sweet and pleasant Taste, which succeedeth in generous Wines, Honey, Sugar, and the like.

CHAP. VIII. Of the manner of Speaking.

ANother use of the Tongue is more noble then that of Tasting, as it is an Instrument of Speech, by which we Complace and Instruct each other in order to Delight and Discipline. Man being of a sociable Na­ture, Carres­seth his Com­panions with pleasant looks and civil Lan­guage.

Man being of a generous and sociable Disposition, pleaseth himself in treating others with a Civil Converse, causing his Associates with chearful Looks, and kind Language, made up of various significant Terms, the lively Expresses of the Mind, clearly represented to us in fair Vocal Characters; which are so many different Models, formed by various Motions of the Instruments of the Voice, performed by divers Muscular Contractions, pro­ducing the natural Elements of Speech.

Use, Words are made signifi­cant not by Nature, but by Use. the great Master and Arbitrator of Language, hath rendred it Arti­ficial, as being taught, and is only significant, [...], Words being Representatives, designed to render the notions of the Mind intelligible: And hence Languages have their first Productions, by Institution and Mu­tual Consent, and are certain Systems of Vocal Elements, contrived to re­present such determinate things and their Modalities. Words are Articulated by divers stops modelling the Expired Air, which is the matter of Words, which are formerly constituted by the motion of the Tongue and Lips.

The several Principles, out of which Words are framed, have their first Formation by various stops, whence arise the different Modellings of Expi­red Air, in its retreat from the Lungs by the Larynx, through the Mouth, or Nose, produced by the Organs of Speech; well worth our Remark, as the first elements of Discourse, and expresses of Learning.

So that the Materia Substrata of Letters, is Expired Air, formally constituted by the Motions and Figures of the Tongue and Lips, the active Instruments of Speaking, Tuning the Breath with a proper Sound, by which every Ele­ment of Speech is distinguished. Other organs of the Voice are the Lunges, Wind-pipe, Larynx, Arch of the Palate, Gooms, teeth, Ʋvula, and Nose.

The Organs which concur in the forming the Voice, are the Lungs, Aspera Arteria, Larynx, the Arch of the Palate, Tongue, Teeth, Gooms, Lips, Uvula, and Nose.

The Lungs are the Machines of respired Air, squeezing it out of the Bronchia by their weight, and making it recoil through the Aspera Arteria, as a Pipe, or Channel, to reconvey it to the side of the Larynx, like the Sound-board of an Organ, to collect and transmit the Breath through the Aspera Arteria, to the Rimula of the Glottis; which by the assistance of various Antagonist Muscles (as so many curious Machines of Motion) hath a pow­er to Contract and Dilate it self, according to the different Motions of the Larynx (contrived by the infinite Wisdom of the Grand Architect) no way to be Parallel'd, The Words receive their first birth by Air, vibrating against the [...]de of the Eurelike Car­t [...]age. or fully imitated by Art.

The Expired Air being impelled at our pleasure, passeth readily to the Larynx, where it receiveth a Check against the sides of the Cartilages of the Arytaenoeides. So that the Air being impelled in Expiration, and conveyed through the Rimula of the Glottis, maketh an Appulse upon the inside of the Eure­like Cartilages, rendred tense by their various Muscles, outwardly besetting them, whence the Breath is modelled into a Vocal Sound; which being [Page 237]transmitted to the upper part of the Mouth, the Arch of the Palate, Breath being formed into a Vocal sound, is sweetned by the Arch of the Palate. is far­ther sweetned and increased, as by the Shell of a Lute.

And the Uvula moveth forward and backward by the Pterigostaphylini, and is instituted as a Valve, to open and shut the passage of the Voice into the Nose, which else by new modelling the Breath in its Conveyance, would give it a different Sound, and alter the tone of the Voice.

And it may be observed, Whispering being a soft kind of speak­ing is acted by Breath, making more gentle appulses upon the eurelike Cartilage. that we may also communicate our Notions one to another, without Voice, by a soft kind of Speech, commonly called Whispering; which is accomplished by a less expense of Breath, making softer Appulses upon the Eurelike Cartilages, and modelled by the Organs of Speech, contrived by a more secret Converse. But the more free and open way of Discourse, is framed by Voice, made by stronger Vibrations of repelled Air upon the Rimula, being so much the more a perfect way of Speaking as it is more diffusive, by which we can Treat a greater society in Allegrezza, or in more sober Concerns: The Voice being first formed by an impulse of Breathed Air upon the inward walls of the Arytaenoeides, is after­ward tuned by various Articulations of the Voice, giving distinct Sounds, expressing the several Elements of Speech, made by the Palate, Tongue, Gooms, Teeth, and Lips; of which some Organs are Active, The active or­gans of Speech are the Tongue and Lips, o­thers are pas­sive, as the Pa­late, Gooms, Teeth. as the Tongue and Lips; others Passive, as the Palate, Gooms, and Teeth.

Articulations are framed by the active Instruments of Speech, as the terms from which the divers Motions do proceed, and do determine in the Passive Organs of Speech, upon which the Appulses are received, and give several stops to the Breath, making distinct Sounds, the Heralds of our Minds. Among the Active Organs, the Tongue is most serviceable, and plaieth eve­ry way by the several Contractions of Muscles, to and from all parts of the Palate, Gooms, and Teeth, except the Arch of the Palate, which is left free to assist the Sound in its passage through the Mouth.

And the under is moved, to the upper Lip, and row of Teeth, by the Muscles of the under Lip; and Temporal Muscles, the Elevators of the low­er Mandible.

B, is pronounced by an appulse of Breath upon the Lips, B, is formed by an appulse of Breath upon the Lips. by closing the under Lip with the upper, caused by lifting up the lower Mandible, to which the under Lip is affixed, and is performed by the Contraction of the Temporal Muscles.

B, P, and M, are Articulated with the same Organs of Speech, B, P, and M, are framed by the same or­gans, B, is celebrated by a more strong appulse of Breath, P, and M, are made by softer vibrations of Air. only I conceive they differ in divers motions of Breath; B, being celebrated with brisker, and P, and M, with softer Vibrations of Breath, made upon the closed Lips, giving Checks to the gentler Undulations of Expired Air: M, is formed by a close stop of the Lips, much resembling that of B, but with this Discrimination, that at the same time the Uvula is drawn forward, and the Voice in M, is somewhat conveyed into the Nose.

The Letters T, D, and N, T, D, and N, are formed by an appulse of the tip of the Tongue upon the Gooms. are framed by an Appulse of the tip of the Tongue, to the Gooms, which is acted by the Genioglossi, Styloglossi, and Myloglossi: The first putting the Tongue forward, and the other lift it up to the Gooms. And though T, D, and N, are Articulated by the same Organs, yet they are distinguished by different Motions of Breath, impel­led more softly in T, and more strongly in D, and N, differeth from T and D, by some part of the Breath transmitting the Voice somewhat into the Nose, which is effected by the Pterigostaphylini (discovered by Dr. Croone) which in their Contraction, pull the Uvula toward the Mouth, and give a freedom for the Voice to pass out of the Mouth into the Nose.

K, K, is framed by the boss of the Tongue moved toward the Palate. is Articulated by the Boss-end of the Tongue, moved upward to­ward the Palate near the Fauces, by the assistance of the Styloglossi.

Learned Doctor Holder is of an Opinion, That divers Consonants are Articulated by Breath not Vocalized, receiving stops by the Organs of Speech: For, saith the worthy Author, it is one thing to Breath, or give an appulse to Breath alone, and another to Vocalize that Breath in its pas­sage through the Larynx, to give it the sound of Humane Voice. Thus the same Articulation of Breath alone, maketh one Letter, and Breath Vocali­zed another; which seemeth to me a nice Distinction. For according to my meaner Sentiments, all Letters vocally pronounced, are Breath first stop­ped, and then rendred Sonorous in the Larynx, and afterward receive new models of more exact Voice, made by several appulses of the Organs. For I cannot well apprehend, how Letters spoken out, can be Breath Articula­ted without Humane Voice, which is rather Whispering then Speaking. And now after this Diversion, I will proceed to the other Letters.

F, F, is produced by lifting up the under Lip to the Teeth inward. is Articulated by raising the under Lip to the Teeth inward, which is performed partly by the Temporal Muscle, lifting up the lower Mandi­ble and Lip to the upper row of the Teeth, and the other Motion of draw­ing in the Lip to the Teeth, is performed by the lower region of the Con­strictor Labiorum; which is done (as I conceive) by various Fibres decussa­ting each other, whereby the Lips are closed, and also drawn inward, to the upper Teeth, as in the formation of F, causing a Lisping Sound, the Breath being impelled, and as it were percolated through the Teeth.

S, S, is articula­ted by lifting up the tip of the Tou [...]ue to the upper Gooms. is somewhat akin to F, the one being Lisping, the other Sibilant; and S is framed by raising up the tip of the Tongue to the upper Gooms, produced by the Genioglossi, drawing the tip of the Tongue forward, and then lifted upward to the Gooms by the Styloglossi; whereupon the Breath having but a narrow passage, giveth a hissing Noise, while the outward Margents of the Tongue are firmly stretched out by strong Fibres to the Dentes Molares, on which they rest during the Sibilant pronounciation of S.

L, L, is formed by putting the Tongue to the Gooms. is Articulated by the apposition of the tip of the Tongue to the Gooms, which is exerted first by the Genioglossi, thrusting the Tongue forward, and then by the Styloglossi and Myloglossi, the tip of the Tongue is elevated to the Gooms; The same mo­tions may be observed in T, and D. which Motions are also observable in T, and D, but with this difference in L, in which the Margents of the Tongue are pulled inward, by vertue of strong Fibres, and an open passage left on both sides of the Tongue, for the free conveyance of the Voice.

R, R, is framed by the Tongue making a stroke upon the Gooms, and by a ten­sion of it to the sides of the Mouth. is formed by the same appulse of the Tongue to the Gooms, and de­teined in that posture by the Genioglossi, Styloglossi, and Myloglossi, making a strong tension of the Tongue to the sides of the Mouth, conducting the Breath to the tip of the Tongue with a strong impulse, and a brisk tremu­lous motion made by the various Fibres discussating each other, which give short girks up and down, producing shakings of the Breath, whence ariseth the jarring tone in the pronounciation of R.

All Consonants receive their first formation by Breath, Vowels are formed by Breath passing through an o­pen Mouth, by the secret mo­tions of the Tongue, with­out any mani­fest appulse of one organ of Speech upon another. first striking against the sides of the Arytaenoides, and thence transmitted to the arch of the Pa­late, and afterwards Articulated by different appulses made upon the Or­gans of Speech: But the Vowels are formed in an open Mouth, and the Breath prepared in the Larynx, passeth through the Mouth, and receiving no apparent stops, is Articulated with secret Motions of the Tongue, a lit­tle [Page 239]inclining it toward the Palate, without any appulse of one instrument of Speech upon another.

So that the formation of Consonants, Consonants are formed by, the appulses of the organs of Speech, as by so many stops in Musical strings, and Vowels by the vibration of the open. resembleth the stop made upon the strings of a Musical Instrument, and Vowels a vibration of them open; and the Consonants are like the stop of a Wind Instrument, and Vowels resem­ble a free and open Inflation of it, without any appulse of the Finger.

Consonants abstractly taken are Mutes, and like Ciphers without Figures have no value of themselves, receiving their significancy from association of Vowels; because Consonants denuded of Vowels, either preclude all Sound, or at least give a check to it, Consonants, are rendred significant by the association of Vowels. they being Articulated by the apposition of one organ of Speech to another: Hence ariseth the easiness of uniting Con­sonants to Vowels, because it is more facile to pass from the appulse of one organ of Speech upon another, to the Aperture, Vowels make Speech intel­ligible and easie, as pas­sing from an appulse of one organ of Speech upon another, to an aperture of the Mouth. then to go from stop to stop without an Aperture; and the Articulation of some Consonants is caused by the closure of the Mouth, which is made by the Temporal Muscle, drawing up the lower Mandible with Lips joyned to it till it kiss the up­per, and the Aperture is successively produced in the pronounciation of Vowels, derived from the secret motions of the Tongue, with the free pas­sage of the Breath in an open Mouth, caused by the contraction of the Di­gastrick Muscles, pulling the lower Mandible and Lip downward.

Again, Besides the significancy and easiness of Speech, Vowels are al­so easie in re­ference to free play of breath in an open Mouth in Vowels, which is more close in the forming of Conso­nants. proceeding from the joyning of Consonants with Vowels, there is also less expense of Breath made, or at least a freer play of it, every Consonant being framed by a stop of one organ of Speech upon another, hindreth Respiration, detaining the Breath within the Mouth, whereas the Vowels are pronounced with open Lips, wherein we entertain a free entercourse of inspired and expired Air.

CHAP. VIII. Of Spittle.

HAving spoke of the nature and situation of divers Conglomerated Glands, Oral Glands emitting Li­quor into the Mouth. it may not seem altogether amiss to Treat somewhat of the several Liquors, such and such Recrements, emitted by Excretory Vessels into the Mouth, comprehended under one general term of Spittle, A fourfold matter of Spittle. consisting of a fourfold distinct Matter: The first called Bronchus, a pituitous Matter coughed out of the Lungs. The second is Coriza Narium. The third Mucus Tonsillarum. The fourth Saliva; which I handle chiefly, in reference to Mastication and Digestion of Aliment.

Bronchus is a crass viscid Humour, Bronchus is a clammy mat­ter derived originally from the ill concocted Chyme. often deriving its origen from an ill Concoction of the Stomach, producing a crude Chyle, which being con­veyed by the Mesenterick, and Thoracic Lacteae, to the Subclavian Ves­sels, is thence transmitted by the Cava, into the right Chamber of the Heart, where the Milky Humour is so gross and clammy, that it cannot receive so exact a comminution into small Particles, by the motion of the Heart; whereupon the Chyme remaining unmixed to a great degree, cannot be well turned into Blood, and is squeesed out of the right Ventricle, by the [Page 240]contraction of the Heart, into the Pulmonary Artery; where although this Lacteous Juice receiveth a farther Comminution, yet remaineth so unassi­milated, that the more Minute Capillary Veins of the Lungs, cannot give a reception to this gross clammy Matter, The crude Chyme sepa­rated from the Blood in the Lungs, is discharged by a Cough out of the Bronchia and Aspera Arteria. commonly called Pituita; which is impelled with the Blood by the Pulsation of the Artery into the In­terstices of the Vessels, where this gross Recrement is streined from the Blood, and forced into the Branches of the Bronchia, which being irritated, forcibly contract themselves, to throw out this unwelcome Guest, with the Breath, out of their more Minute Ducts, into the greater Channel of the Aspera Arteria, whose lower region being first Contracted by its right and Circular Fibres, The pituitous Matter is eje­cted the Bron­chia, by the contraction of the right and circular Fi­bres. and then the upper move higher and higher with great quickness, till this pituitous Matter is discharged into the Mouth, and at last spit out.

This Recrement of the Blood, is (as I conceive) more thin and frothy, when it is first landed out of the substance of the Lungs into the Bronchia, where it acquireth a greater Consistence, and is endued with various Co­lours, as White, speaking its race from the Lacteous Humour, as also with Yellow and Green, proceeding either from the mixtures of Purulent Mat­ter in Ulcers of the Lungs, or from the impurities of the Serous Liquor of the Blood; from whose red Crassament, the Ulcerous Pituitous Matter is tinged with Red, and thrown up in violent Coughs.

But if the Chyme be so far attenuated by the Motion of the Blood, that it can be entertained with it into the Pulmonary Veins, it is afterward com­municated to the left Chamber of the Heart, and thence impelled by a brisk Motion, first into the Common Trunk, and afterward into the Ascendent Trunk of the Aorta, The second kind of Spit­tle, the Mucus Tonsillarum, is the gross Mat­ter severed from the Blood in the substance of the Tonsils, as in a Colatory. and by the External Carotides, terminating into the Tonsillary Glands; in whose substance as by a Colatory, the Blood being depurated from its grosser Recrement (called by Doctor Wharton, Mucus Tonsillarum) is returned by the External Jugulars, while its Recremental Mucous part stayeth behind, being lodged sometime in the substance of the Tonsils; where it being more thickned, is at last Exonerated by hawking through the smaller Excretory Vessels, into a greater Channel, terminating into the Mouth.

Furthermore, The Tonsils being accommodated with divers Fibres issuing from the Nerves, of the Third, Fourth, and perhaps from the Fifth pair of Nerves.

These Glands being not endued with Motion, A Nervous Li­quor doth im­praegnate the serous parts of the Blood, and is the nourish­ment of the Tonsils. nor with much of Sense, a small portion of Nerves would be sufficient for them, unless they were de­signed to some other use; which is to convey (as I conceive) Nervous Liquor into the substance of the Tonsils, where a Defaecation being made, the purer part is ordained for their Nourishment, and the less pure, and in some degree profitable Particles of the Recrement, are returned into the Lymphaeducts, while the more gross being longer deteined and incrassated in the substance of the Glands, are at length ejected by the Excretory Ves­sels, terminating near the Root of the Tongue; and these Faeces of the Ner­vous Liquor, make a considerable part of the Mucus of the Tonsils.

The third kind of Spittle, The third kind of Spittle is Mucus Na­rium. is that Recrement of the Nostrils, called Co­ryza, sometimes exuding out of the terminations of the Capillary Arteries and Fibres of Nerves, inserted into the inward Coat of the Nose, and other times descending from the Brain into the Caverns of the Nostrils, and is distinguished from the three other Recrements, and is more thin then the Phlegmatick Matter, lodged in the Bronchia of the Lungs, more Glutinous, [Page 241]and less slippery then the Mucus of the Tonsils, less diaphanous and more gross then the Salival Juice of the Parotides, and Maxillary Glands.

This pituitous Humour, The Mucus [...]arium may either be de­rived from the crude Chyme, or from the Recrements of the Nerves. may either borrow its descent from Chymous parts mixed with the Blood, or from the Nervous Liquor issuing from the Brain. If considered under its first apprehension, it taketh its rise from the indige­sted and pituitous parts of the Blood, which are dispensed into the Cavi­ties of the Nostrils by the External Carotides terminating into the Mem­branes, investing the inside of the Nose.

This Recrement truly bedewing the Nostrils, if it proveth Acrimonious, produceth a simple Ulcer, which if it be not speedily Cured, often dege­nerateth into a putrid Faetide Ulcer, called Ozaena: But if this Recrement destilling out of the Extreamities of the Arteries be more milde, it some­times generateth a Carnous Excrescence, called Polypus, often filling the Cavities of the Nostrils.

The Recrements of the Nervous Liquor, The Recre­ments of Ner­vous Liquor are discharged sometime by Fibrils inser­ted into the inward Mem­brane of the Nostrils. may be conveyed by the Ex­treamities of the Nerves, and also Glands, seated about the Pinnae Narium, by which the Brain being overcharged with Recrements, dischargeth them by numerous Fibres, derived from the fifth pair of Nerves, implanted into the Membrane enwrapping the inside of the Nostrils: And for the defence of this Hypothesis, it may be said, that Vertiginous, and other Cephalick Distempers, have critically determined in the end of their Paroxisms, with free evacuations of a Limpid Liquor, plentifully destilling out of the Cavi­ties of the Nostrils.

A Person of Quality, being highly afflicted with a violent Head-ach, and a Vertiginous Indisposition, when she found an Alleviation of the Fit, she felt in the top of her Head, as it were an Undulating motion of Water, gently carried forward and downward, which was presently after attended with divers drops of clear Liquor, flowing out of the Nostrils; whence it is also probable, that the Ventricles of the Brain are the Caverns of Se­rous Liquors, and Recrements, which are softly streined through the Os Eth­moeides, into the Caverns of the Nostrils.

The fourth is the most common thin Limpid and Insipid kind of Spit­tle, claiming its Origen, The fourth kind of Spittle is the Salival Liquor. from the Recrements of the Nervous and Vital Li­quors.

As to the first, it oweth its descent to it, partly upon this account, The Oral Glands spue out a Salival Liquer bor­rowed from the Nerves implanted in­to them. that all the Salival Glands, and more particularly the Maxillary, as the chiefest, are accommodated with many eminent Nerves, derived from the third, fourth, and seventh pairs, whose prime office is to convey to these Glands, large proportions of Nervous Liquor, giving them first a support by its more pure Alimentary Liquor; and then the most useful part of its Recrement is received into the Lymphaeducts, and Capillary Jugulars, while the most im­pure and unnecessary Particles are entertained into the Excretory Vessels, and thence vented into the Mouth.

Another probable Argument may be brought to confirm this Hypothesis, that Persons labouring with Hypocondriacal Distempers, do most freely Spit; because their Nerves being affected with overmuch Moisture, do act by the consent of a Nauseating Stomach, into which considerable Branches of the Par Vagum are inserted; and the origen also of these Stomacic Nerves, do nearly confine on those belonging to the Maxillary Glands, so that the Maxillary Nerves are easily drawn into consent, by the irregular motion of the neighbouring Par Vagum; which being irritated by Luxuriant Moisture, do produce the like motion in the Nerves appertaining to the Maxillary [Page 242]Glands, causing them to spue out of their substance great quantities of Salival Juice, into their Excretory Vessels terminating into the Mouth.

Furthermore, This may be urged in favour of this Assertion, because in large Salivations raised by Mercurial Medicines, the Nerves are rendred dry, and their Exuberant Moisture much Exhausted, speaking that the Nerves do plainly contribute to the production of a Ptyalisme. The Vital Li­quor contri­buteth to the Salival.

And moreover, I most humbly conceive, that the Salival Liquor doth not wholly proceed from the Nerves, by reason the Arteries also claim a great share in the generation of it, which is more conspicuous in high Salival Evacuati­ons, having often so great and extravagant Current into the Mouth, that it cannot probably be supplied by the smaller, and more slow Rivulets of the Animal Liquor, destilling between the Filaments of the Nerves.

Thus having Cursorily run over the Origen of the Vessels, through which the Salival Liquor is conveyed, it remaineth that we take a short view of the Qualities of it, Salival Liquor is a thin, watry, diaphanous body. and Uses, to which it is destined by Nature.

As to the Qualities of Salival Liquor, it is a thin, watry, Diaphanous Body, somewhat grosser and viscid, and therefore less fluid then Water, in­sipid in Healthy Persons; but sometimes Salt, Sour, Bitter, as in disaffe­cted and disordered Habits of Body, from Saline, Acid, or Bilious Particles, derived from the serous part of the Blood.

The Composition of Saliva is so rare and wonderful, that it will be dif­ficult to describe it; Saliva will as­sociate with various bo­dies. and it is easily embodied with all sorts of Dry, Moist, Saline, Oily, Watry Aliments, of which none can be ingested into the Body, with which it will not Mix and Associate, and out of the Body it will In­corporate with Quick-Silver: And when other Heterogeneous Liquors, as Water, Spirits, Oyl, and Saline Bodies, being jumbled together, seem to unite a little while, being no true Mixture, but only a Confusion: So that these various Bodies, of a disagreeing and inconsistent Nature, do easi­ly sever themselves one from another, to which this Salival Liquor being added, Salival Liquor is a kind of universal Men­struum, and entreth in con­faederacy with all kinds of Aliment, whose com­page it open­eth, in ord [...]r to dissolution. its mediation reconcileth all differences, making these various sub­jects unite and enter into consaederacies with each other; so that this Salival Juice, is a kind of universal Menstruum, containing in it a large proporti­on of watry, and a little Volatil Spirits, so exactly mixed and contempered with less oily and acid Particles, by whose interposition the Salival Later entreth into a speedy association with all kinds of different Aliments, taken into the Mouth, insinuating it self into the inward Recesses of all Alimen­tary Bodies, disposing their Compage to a dissolution when entertained into the Stomach, wherein by its assistance, a separation is made of the finer Nutricious Juice from the grosser and unprofitable Faeces, which is the first use to which the Salival Liquor is assigned. Another use of salival Juice is to incorpo­rate with bro­ken Aliment, and assist swal­lowing.

Another may be probably this, that its moister substance embodied with the Aliment broken into small Particles by Mastication, might facilitate De­glutition, especially in Bruits, who feed upon Hay and Oats; whereupon a greater proportion of Salival Liquor is requisite as a Vehicle, to subdue this dry and solid Aliment, Bruits have numerous sali­val Glands to facilitate Ma­stication. rendring its Mastication and Deglutition more facile: Whereupon Nature hath given Bruits, greater and more numerous Salival Glands, every way besetting the Palate and inside of the Cheeks, out of which Rivulets of Lympha run over the Aliment, The third use of Salival Juice is to mix with solid Aliment, and to help to mo­ [...]ifie and open its hard Com­page. torn into small Particles, by the constant strong motions of the Tongue, and upper and lower Mandi­ble in Rumination.

The third use of the Salival Glands, may be thus rendred, that its Limpid body, being mixed with hard and solid Aliments, might be a fit Menstruum [Page 243]to dissolve the Saline parts, thereby to extract a savory Tincture to affect the Membrane of the Tongue in Tasting.

The last may be given to quench the Thirst by bedewing and cooling the inside of the Mouth and Tongue, with a pleasant Liquor, The fourth use of this thin Limpid Liquor is to gratifie our Thirst. smoothing the organs of Speech, which doth very much contribute to the sweeter and more distinct Articulation of Letters and Words.

CHAP. IX. Of the Muscles and Glands of the Cheeks.

MY Design at this time, is to Treat somewhat of the Muscles, The Buccina­tores borrow their rise from the Gooms of the upper Jaw and do end in­to the Gooms of the lower Mandible. rela­ting to the Cheeks, and lower Mandibles, in order to Masticati­on, described in a subsequent Discourse.

The Buccinatores, so called, because they fill the greatest part of the Cheeks, are in their margines of a Circular Figure, and borrow their origen from the top of the Gooms, belonging to the upper Mandible, and are terminated into the Gooms of the lower. So that I cannot reasonably ima­gine, upon what account they are named by divers Anatomists, the Muscles of the Lips, when they have their rise and termination in the upper and lower Gooms, and fill up the inside of the Cheeks, and have little or no relation to the Lips; and therefore in their unnatural Motion, cannot (as I conceive) be guilty of the Spasmus Cynicus, a distortion of the Mouth, but rather move the Cheeks inward, toward the upper and lower Man­dibles.

Bruits have the inside of their Cheeks all replenished and beset with Glands, and in some Animals, Bruits have their Cheeks dre [...]ed with many Glands, attended with Excretory Vessels, trans­mitting Li­quor into the Mouth. they seem to make one entire continued body, running all along in length, and leaning all along upon the lower Mandible: But in truth, they are many Conglomerated Glands, united to each other by Membranes, and seem to be one large continued Glandulous substance, full of many Excretory Vessels, which speak them many Glands, every one claiming a peculiar Excretory Vessel, through which Salival Juice is discharged into the Mouth. Bullocks have the interior part of the Cheeks fraught with an innumerable company of small Protuberancies, which I conceive to be so many Minute Glands, plainly distinguished one from another, somewhat resembling Barley Corns, though greater in bulk, and terminating in Cones.

CHAP. X. Of the Muscles of the lower Jaw.

THe strong and various Motions of the lower Jaw, The lower Mandible hath various moti­ons celebrated by six pair of Muscles. upward, downward, outward, inward, are rarely accomplished by the diffe­rent Contractions of Six pair of Muscles, among which the Temporal lead the Van: Upon the Dissection of this Muscle, it is most pleasant to treat the Eyes, The various progress of the Fibres of the Temporal Muscles is per­formed in an elegant order. with the various course of the Fibres, presenting an elegant Scheme, curiously drawn by Natures fine Pensil, from the acute Process of the lower Jaw to the Skull.

The lower Tendon climbing up into the body of the Muscle, is by little and little, as it were shaved into a thin Expansion, accompanied on each side with fleshy Particles, resembling in a manner the Feathers of Birds, beautifying their Quills. The Tempo­ral Muscles do take their ori­gen from seve­ral Bones of the Forehead, Temples, and Synciput, and are inserted into the acute process of the lower Mandi­ble, and do raise it up­ward.

This pair of Temporal Muscles, invested with the Pericranium, for their greater security, do borrow their origen from the several Bones of the Fore­head, Temples, and Synciput, from which they spring in a thin fleshy be­ginning, adorned with a Semicircular Figure; and as they descend lower, they grow more Fleshy, and at last thinner again, as they make their near approach to the Os Jugale, which is raised in a segment of a Circle, both to secure, and give reception to the lower region of the Temporal Muscle, which creeping under it, is inserted with a short and strong Tendon, into the acute Process of the lower Jaw, and drawing it upward by a strong Contraction, closeth the Teeth of the upper with those of the lower Man­dible; which may be acted with so great force, that the Mouth cannot be involuntarily opened, unless by the interposition of an Instrument, which we are constrained to make use of in giving Medicines to Distracted sullen Persons.

This pair of Muscles exert the strongest motion of all the Muscles of the lower Jaw, which is more remarkable in Bruits, then Men; as Lions, Wolves, Dogs, Hogs, and the like, which proceedeth from many large Nervous Fibres, springing from the Third and Fifth pair of Nerves: Where­upon it is dangerous to make transverse Incisions, chiefly in the lower part of these Muscles, by reason of the great variety of Fibres, seated there; which being wounded Cross-ways, are frequently attended with dangerous and fatal Convulsions: Whereupon our great Master Hypocrates, asserteth the Laxation of the lower Mandible to be fatal, unless it be speedily re­duced.

The second pair of Muscles appertaining to the lower Mandible, The second pair of Mus­cles, called Di­gastrici, take their begin­ning behind the Mammi­forme Proces­ses, and do ter­minate into the fore and middle part of the Chin, and do pull the lower Jaw downward. are sti­led Digastrici, by reason of their double Belly; they take their rise behind and near the Processus Mammiformes, and first grow fleshy, and after dwin­dle into a Tendinous body in the middle, and afterward are rendred fleshy again; so that they seem a double Muscle, conjoyned in the middle by the mediation of a small round Tendinous substance, and afterward growing fleshy again, are terminated inwardly into the fore and middle part of the Chin, and are Antagonists to the Temporal Muscles, which in their Con­tractions do close the Teeth and Mouth, by drawing the lower Jaw [Page 245]upward; but the Digastrici give a contrary motion to them, The third pair of Muscles ap­pertaining to the lower Mandible are the Quadrati, and do take their rise from the top of the Sternon, Cla­vicle, Scapu­ia, and hinder part of the Neck, and are im­planted with oblique Fibres into the Chin, and do draw the lower Jaw downward. and by pulling them downward, do open the Teeth and Mouth.

The third pair of Muscles, which concern the lower Mandible, are the Quadrati, and are Muscular Expansions, or Membranes interlined with Mus­cular substances, and deriving their origen from the upper parts of the Sternon, Clavicle, Scapula, and hinder part of the Neck are inserted with oblique Fibres into the Chin: These also being Antagonists to the Temporal Muscles, do assist the Digastrici: and in their Contractions, do depress the lower Mandible, thereby parting the upper Teeth and Lip from the nether, do open the Mouth.

These Muscles having a contexture of many carnous oblique Fibres, great Care ought to be taken, least they be wounded in a transverse Incision, whence may ensue Convulsions; to which some attribute the cause of a Spasmus Cynicus, The fourth pair of Mus­cles of the lower Mandi­ble the Masse­teres, do bor­row their rise from the Os Jugale, and are inserted into the lower mandible. because the Musculi Quadrati being chiefly inserted into the Chin, do also transmit some Fibres into the Lips, which being violently Contracted, may contribute somewhat to the distortion of the Mouth.

The fourth pair of Muscles of the lower Mandible, are called Masseteres, and having partly fleshy, and partly Nervous Originations, are derived from the lower and inward region of the Os Jugale, and from the upper Mandible, beginning in a kind of Angle near the Ear, and running along with a broad Origination, and descending, are implanted very broad and strongly into the lower Mandible. The fifth pair are the Pteri­goidei Interni which arise from the inside of Pro­cessus Pterigoei­dei, and do terminate in the lower mandible, which they carry out­ward.

These Muscles being furnished with great variety of Fibres running dif­ferent ways, do by several Contractions move the lower Mandible inward, outward, and forward.

The fifth pair of Muscles serving the lower Mandible, are the Pterigoeidei Interni, short and thick Muscles, arising from the inside of the Processus Pterigoeidei, do terminate with broad and strong Tendons, into the inferior and inside of the lower Mandibles, which they carry outward in their Con­tractions.

The sixth pair of Muscles subservient to the lower Mandible, The sixth pair of muscles of the lower Mandible, the Pterigoeidei Externi, do arise out of the outward region of the Os Pterigoei­dei, and are inserted into the inside of the lower Jaw and pull it in­ward. are the Pte­rigoeidei Externi, consisting of double fleshy and Nervous Origens, and take their rise from the outward region of the Processus Pterigoeides, are inserted into the inside of the lower Mandible, and pull them inward in their Con­tractions.

CHAP. XI. Of the manner of Chewing, preparing the Aliment for Concoction.

THe act of Mastication, The Muscles concerned in Mastication, are those of the lower Man­dible. is performed by the joynt concurrence of some Muscles, and successive Motion of others, in which the Tem­poral, Masseteres, Pterigoeidei Externi, and Interni, are most concerned with the Buccinatores, and the Tongue; for the motion of the Digastrici is ambu­latory to the other Muscles; which by depressing the lower Mandible, open the Mouth for the reception of Aliment, and immediately after the Tem­poral Muscles do elevate the lower Mandible, and close the Teeth with the Meat.

So that the Musculi Digastrici, The Musculi Digastrici and Quadrati, are the depressors of the lower Mandible, and the Temporal Muscles are the elevators of it. and Quadrati, often depressing the lower Mandible, do part the Teeth, and the Musculi Temporales, as frequently closing them, do by their contrary Successive Motions, stamp the Meat as it were in a Mortar.

And the Pterigoeidei Interni, and Externi, with the Masseteres, break it also into small pieces after another manner, grinding it as it were in a Mill.

The Pterigoeidei Interni, The Pterigoei­doi Interni, do draw the low­er Mandible outward. And the Pte­riogoeidei Ex­terni do move the lower Mandible in­ward. drawing the lower Mandible outward, and the Pterigoeidei Externi pulling it inward, and the Masseteres, by reason of vari­ous Fibres decussating each other in several Angles, perform both the moti­ons of the Pterigoeidei Interni, and Externi, assisting them in their different Contractions, by which they force the lower Mandible inward and out­ward, for the better Comminution of the Aliment in Mastication, and for the more easie Celebration of it, the Buccinatores and the Tongue, give a very useful Concurrence in keeping the Meat in its due place: The Buccina­tores by their Contractions put the Meat inward into the Mouth up­on the Tongue which being moved by one of the Styloglos­si, throweth the Aliment out­ward. When it is too much inward, the Tongue by its Oblique Motion, caused by one of the Musculi Styloglossi (for both moving together, carry the Tongue upward) throweth it outward upon the Teeth; and if the Aliment be carried too much outward, the Buccinatores Contracting themselves inward, reduce the Meat from the Cheek to the Teeth.

CHAP. XII. Of the Ʋses of Chewing.

HAving Treated of the Instruments and Manner, how Mastication is Celebrated, I conceive it not improper to lay before you the Uses of it. The use of Mastication is to break the Meat into small Parti­cles, and to mix it with Salival Liquor which giveth it a preparati­on to Conco­ction.

The first may be to give a Comminution of Aliment, not only for the easier Deglutition, but also to blend it with Salival Juice, and Aery and Aethereal Particles, as so many different Ferments, to give the Aliment a kind of Concoction, or at least the first Rudiments of it in the Mouth.

The lower Mandible, by the assistance of Antagonist Muscles, being variously moved up and down, outward and inward, doth squeese the Parotide Glands, seated near the hinder Process of the lower Mandible, as also the inward Maxillary Glands, The motion of the lower Mandible in various po­stures, squce­seth out the Salival Liquor out of the Pa­rotide, Max­illary, and Oral Glands, into the Mouth. lodged in the inside of the Maxilla In­ferior; and the Tongue moreover in the time of Mastication, being often elevated and depressed, and moved laterally, compresseth the Glands, be­setting its substance, as also the adjacent Glands of the Tonfils and Palate: Whereupon the Salival Liquor freely destilling as well out of the Parotide, Maxillary, and Tonsillary Glands, as those of the Tongue and Palate, in­corporates with the Aliment, broken into small pieces, which is the second use of Mastication. The Air mix­ed with the broken Ali­ment in respi­ration, and be­ing of active and fluid Par­ticles doth ex­alt it.

The third is, That the Aliment divided into very Minute Portions, is not only impraegnated with Salival Liquor, but also with Aery Particles, imparted to the Meat, in frequent Respiration, during the repeated acts of Masti­cation. The upper Particles of incumbent Aer still depressing the lower, the one crowding the other forward, do by their subtle parts, acted with [Page 247]brisk Motion, easily insinuate into the loose contexture of Masticated Aliment.

And the Aer consisting of most active fluid Particles, imprinteth its ver­tue upon the Meat broken into minute parts, and so less able to resist, puts it into motion, by exalting its Spirituous parts, which work upon the more gross, by refining them, that they may associate with the purer parts, causing a secretion of the Recrements utterly unfit for Assimilation.

So that, as I conceive, The Air rai­seth a Ferm [...]n­tation in the Aliment by its Elastick Particles, the task which Air performeth in raising a Fer­mentation into the Chewed Aliment, is much effected by its Elastick force, producing Motion by pressing its thinner parts into the loose Compage of the Alementary Liquor, which as part after part, is dilated by the Spring of Air, the enlarged spaces are more and more filled with the Expansive parts of it, and do thereby beget a more quick Motion in the Alimentary Juice, by which it is brought more and more to a Concoction; and at last so nearly espoused to Air, which by reason of its more Volatil Particles, have such affinity, and are so embodied with the more refined Spirituous Alimentary, that they seem in fine, as it were constituent parts of each other.

The fourth Use of Mastication, The Aliment is impraegna­ted with aethe­real Particles, carried into the Mouth with Air in Mastication. is not only to render the Aliment into Minute parts, the easier to impraegnate them not only with Salival and Airy, but also with aethereal Ferments, emaning from Caelestial Bodies, which be­ing of a Divine Extract, are the common parents of Life and Motion.

These aethereal influences darted into Air with Light and Heat, are carried with it into the Mouth in Respiration, and being subtle Spirituous Bodies, do easily insinuate into the Laxe Meatus of Aliment, opened by the several motions of the Tongue and lower Mandible, and more expansive Spring of Aery Atomes, which do thereby excite the more defaecated and Spiri­tuous Particles of the Masticated Liquor, by reducing them to greater activity and intestine Motion.

In short, The Salival Juice is a universal Menstruum embodied with oily, sa­line, watry, and earthy Particles of the masticated Alimen [...]. The broken Aliment con­sisting of dif­ferent figures and sizes, and by meet­ing with ae­thereal and airy Particles and Salival Li­quor, whose various Ele­ments do pro­duce a Fer­mentation in order to Con­coction. the Aliment is reduced by various postures of the lower Man­dible into small parts, and being mingled with Salival Liquor, a universal Menstruum which is freely associated with the different oily, saline, watry and earthy parts of the broken Meat, whence these Heterogeneous parts of different Figures and Magnitudes being affected with irregular sides and various angles, cannot readily close one with another, as having great in­termedial Spaces, which being fraught with thin aethereal Atomes, derived from Caelestial Bodies, and numerous aery minute Particles, do fill up the Spaces, interceding the unequal sides and angles of Heterogeneous Masti­cated Aliment, highly expanding them by their Elastick power, do give them Intestine Motion; which is much promoted, if not primarily caused by the Volatil and Nitrous Particles of Air, received by frequent acts of Breathing into the Mouth, and being mixed with the crude Sulphureous and fixed Saline parts of the Meat, do also meet with the Volatil, Saline, and Acid parts of the Salival Liquor: So that the Masticated Aliment is impraeg­nated with Airy, aethereal, and Salival Particles, consisting of many Hetero­geneous Principles, which entring the Lists, have many great Debates, and Intestine Motions with each other; the Volatil aspiring parts endeavouring to quit their station, are stopt and confined by the more fixed and grosser: and the cruder Sulphureous are digested, and the more fixed Saline are vola­tized, by the more Spirituous and Volatil, Aery, Aethereal and Salival parts; which by opening the compage of the chewed Nourishment, do so dispose, that the exalted Homogeneous parts, being akin, do endeavour to associate and preserve each other, while the Heterogeneous Recrements have [Page 248]an inclination to separate from the purer Alimentary, which is commenced and conceived in the Mouth first, The different Figures of broken Ali­ment, are made uniform by Intestine Motion. and afterward more matured in the Sto­mach, in which the different Figures of Heterogeneous Alimentary Parti­cles are rendred uniform, and their unequal sides by degrees made regular by Intestine Motion; wherein they easily close one with another, and the irregular sides and angles of the Recrements, The irregular sides and an­gles of the Recrements are precipita­ted from the Aliment, as not able to close with it by reason of their great In­terstices. which cannot possibly be so rectified, as to unite by reason of their great Interstices, are precipitated and severed from each other, and in fine, thrown out of the Stomach into the Intestines.

And I do most humbly conceive, that in some kind a Concoction is made in the Mouth, in which the Alimentary Liquor is someways dissolved by the Watry, Oily, and Saline Atomes of the Salival Liquor, flowing from a Nervous Limpha, and the serous parts of the Blood, are impraegnated with Volatil, Nitrous, Aery, and Spirituous aethereal Particles; out of which, being well embodied, a sapid Tincture is extracted, and transmitted into the various parts of the outward Coat of the Tongue, giving an appulse upon the Nervous Fibrils, The spiritu­ous parts of Liquors may be received into the ex­treamities of the Gustatory Nerves. into whose Extreamities, the more Volatil and Spirituous being insinuated by the apertive Nitrous vertue, and carried by the elastick force of Air all along, between the Nervous Filaments to the origen of the Gustatory Nerves, and thence dispersed into the Medulla Ob­longata; whereupon, Persons tired with immoderate Labour, receiving Strong Waters into their Mouth, are immediately refreshed.

The Messengers of France and Italy, An instance of this Hypothe­sis in Horses, when they are very much spent in Travel. spurt nourishing Liquor into the Mouths of tired Horses, whereupon they go immediately more cheerfully, and mend their pace. Vintners tasting great variety of Wines upon an empty Stomach, grow dizzy in their Heads, though they swallow little or no Wine. Which is produced (as I conceive) from the more Subtle and Spirituous Particles of Wine, firs [...] admitted into the extreamities of the Nerves implanted into the Tongue and Palate, and thence transmitted by the empty spaces interceding the Filaments of the Nerves, into the substance of the Brain; which is thereupon affected with the Narcotick steems of the Wine.

And furthermore, It may not seem altogether improbable, that somewhat of the subtle parts of the Aliment, The subtle parts of Ali­ment, or Spi­rituous Li­quors may be received through the Venae Raninae, and so carried into the Cava, and right Chamber of the Heart. improved with Salival Juice in time of Mastication, may be admitted into the terminations of the Venae Raninae, and thence ushered into the Jugulars, and Descendent Trunk of the Cava, tending to the right Chamber of the Heart, where suffering a greater Com­minution, they are incorporated with the Mass of Blood: And by this more short passage, we may give some account of a speedy refection in time of Faintness; of which, we are immediately sensible when we have Mastica­ted Meat in our Mouths, before it can be swallowed down, and Concocted in the Stomach, and conveyed into the Intestines, and thence transmitted through the long Thoracic Ducts into the Subclavian Vessels, and right Ven­tricle of the Heart.

CHAP. XIV. The Pathologie of the Tongue, Palate, and Uvula.

THe Palate, Uvula, and Tongue, are curious Contextures, The various parts of the Mouth, the Tongue, Pa­late, Ʋvula, are affected with variety of Diseases. embossed with various round and pointed Prominencies, and composed of fine Membranes, Glands, Muscles, Embroidered with variety of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Excretory Vessels, as Channels of Vital, Animal, and Salival Liquor, to give Life, Sense, and Motion to the Tongue, and the first Ru­diment of Concoction; whereupon these delicate parts of the Mouth, when disaffected, are obnoxious to variety of Diseases, of ill Tastes, Foulness, Driness, Blackness, and Swellings of divers kinds, Inflammations, Erysipe­la's, Oidema's, Abscesses, Ulcers, Gangraens, Mortifications, and Cancers.

The Tongue is the proper organ of Tasting, The Tongue as the organ of Tasting, is dis­affected when the origen of of the Nerves is obstructed, sometime the Taste is depra­ved by ill Ner­vous and Se­rous Liquors, other times the Taste is vitiated by fae­tide Matter. to endear us with Pleasure and Delight, in order to the enjoyment of Meat and Drink; and some­times this useful as well as pleasant Instrument of Speech and Motion, is out of Tune, when the Nerves are disordered, as being obstructed in their ori­gen in the Brain, whence the soft stream of the Succus Nutricius is wholly intercepted, or much checked toward the Gustatory Nerves, lodged in the Tongue, whence ariseth the loss, or diminution of the faculty of Ta­sting.

Sometimes the Taste is depraved, by ill Nervous and Serous Liquors, vi­tiated by Saline and Acid Particles, perverting the proper taste of the Tongue, whence sapid objects sweet in themselves, become Salt and Acid, and so loose their natural Taste, as infected with unkindly dispositions of the Salival Liquor, proceeding from the disaffected Nervous Juice, and Chri­stalline parts of the Blood.

Othertimes, the proper Taste is depraved by faetide purulent Matter, sometime transmitted to the Mouth from the Stomach, and adjacent parts of the Tongue, arising from Ulcers.

An Ancient Woman, about Fifty Years old, for a long time, giving a trouble to others in a stinking Breath, and to her self in an offensive Taste, was often disquieted with a great pain of her Stomach; which was appeased for a time by a Bag, applied to the Region of her Stomach, composed of Herbs, Seeds, and Spices; and she being at last Emaciated by a Chronick Dis­ease, was freed from her Misery, by a happy close of her Life, which was derived from an Ulcer in her Stomach. The Taste dis­ordered from purulent Mat­ter thrown out of the Lungs by the Aspera Arteria into, the Mouth.

Sometimes an ill Taste in the Mouth, may take its rise from Faetide Mat­ter, thrown up by Coughing, through the Bronchia and Windpipe into the Mouth, in an Ulcer of the Lungs.

A Child about Six Years Old, being long vexed with a troublesome Cough, often complained of an ill Taste in her Mouth; and being Opened after Death, an Ulcer was discovered in the left Lobe of her Lungs, big with sanious purulent Matter, which was transmitted by a violent Cough into her Mouth, rendring her Meat and Drink very unsavoury, as mixing with it in the time of her repast, which rendred her Life very unpleasant. An ill Taste arising from offensive steams com­ing from the Guts.

An ill Taste in the Mouth may also arise from noisome Vapours, commu­nicated from the Intestines to the Stomach (and through the Gulet to the [Page 250]Mouth) by a great Relaxation of it in the right Orifice, which was left open in the lost tone of the Carnous Fibres (not able to Contract them­selves) weakned by overmuch Drink in Good Fellows, upon high and fre­quent Debaucheries; whereupon the offensive steams of gross Excrements, lodged in the Guts, have recourse to the Stomach, Gulet, and Mouth.

Another disaffection of the Mouth, A discompo­sure of the Mouth may proceed from the heat of the Blood. discomposing the Palate, Uvula, and Tongue, may proceed from the great heat of the Blood, parching the parts of the Mouth, in Acute and Malignant Fevers, and rendring the Tongue black and rough, which is generated, as I conceive, by the hot reeking of the Blood, breathed out of the Lungs, by the Aspera Arteria into the Mouth.

A Centlewoman, about Thirty Years Old, labouring with a violent Acute and Malignant Fever, was very much afflicted with a dry and black Tongue, full of great Roughness, and divers Fissures; whereupon I advised Blood­letting, Contemperating Julaps, and gentle Sudorificks, and proper Gar­garisms, whereby her Mouth grew moist, well tempered, and the breaches of her Tongue well repaired.

The Palate and Tongue are often besmeared in Acute Fevers, The Palate and Tongue are often made foul by a mucous mat­ter spued out of the Oral Glands. with a Mu­cous Matter facing them, which I conceive, is an indigested Chyme, or the serous parts of the Blood, spued out of the Oral Glands, by their Excre­tory Ducts, and Concreted by the heat of the Blood, so that ejected Re­crements being clammy and thick, do easily adhere to the surface of the Pa­late and Tongue; and are taken off by Proper, Cleansing, and Healing Gar­garisms, which ought not to be too Astringent, least they repel the Recre­ments of the Blood, and render the Fever more violent and dangerous.

Inflammations of the Tongue and Palate, The inflamma­tion of the Tongue in a Squinancie, flowing from a plenty of Blood. do often happen in Squinancies, and do proceed from a great quantity of pure Blood in a Plethorick Body, called by the Greeks, [...], which is more gentle then the other, arising from more sharp Humours, mingled with the Vital Liquor; whereupon Blood is impelled by the External Carotides into the body of the Oval Glands, and Muscles of the Tongue, in a great quantity, or is gross in quality, so that the minute extreamities of the Veins, are not capable to give recepti­on to it, and make its returns toward the Heart; whereupon the Blood being forced in a large proportion into the spaces of the Vessels (belonging to the Palate and Tongue) and having no vent by the Veins, must of ne­cessity sever the Vessels one from another, and make the Interstices greater, and by consequence enlarge the Dimensions of the Palate and Tongue.

If the Inflammation proceed from Bilious Blood, An inflamma­tion of the Tongue, deri­ved from bili­ous Blood (called an [...]) making Bli­sters in the Tongue. the swelled Tongue and Palate, are tormented with Blisters and Pustles (which is called by the Greeks, [...]) and is derived from the serous parts of the Blood, as­sociated with Sulphureous Atomes, lifting up several parts of the Membrane encompassing the Tongue, and rendring it full of Vesicles, big with a hot thin transparent Matter, corroding the Tongue, and making it very uneasie and painful, especially in its motion upon Speaking and Eating.

In these cases of Inflammations, Cures in case of an Inflam­mation of the Tongue. I conceive Blood-letting to be very requi­site, and cooling Cordial Julaps, and proper Gargarisms, made of the Leaves of Hony Suckles, Columbines, Fluellin, Jews Ears, the inward Rine of an Elm, and the like, and sweetned with Hony of Red Roses, which is of a cleansing and healing temper, and very safe in the Apthae; a Disease very frequent in Infants, which are Ulcers of the Mouth, arising out of the foulness of the Blood, discharging it self by the Excretories, be­longing to the Oral Glands, and perhaps in some parts by the terminations [Page 251]of the Arteries, inserted into the Membrane investing the Palate and Tongue: These Ulcers of the Mouth, both in Children, and those of more Mature Age, are discriminated according to the several Humours, with which they are acted, some Red and Inflammatory, as proceeding from Blood; others more fierce and yellow, as flowing from Bilious Particles, ac­companying the Blood; others more mild, and White, derived from un­assimilated Chyme, commonly called Pituitous Humours, which being Con­creted, do case the Tongue and Palate with a Mucous Matter, as with a Crust. And sometimes the Apthae, which are the worst of all, are faced with Black, or Blew, a great note of Malignity in Fevers, proceeding from the Fuliginous Steams thrown out of the Lungs, by the Wind-pipe, with the expired Air into the Mouth, tinging it Black and Blew, often the mourn­ful heralds of Death.

The Apthae, being Ulcers of the Mouth, Ulcers of the Mouth called Apthae, defa­cing the Tongue, Pa­late, Gooms, with a clam­my matter. are not only attendants of Fevers, but of Scorbutick Distempers too; wherein the Palate, Tongue, Gooms, and the whole bosome of the Mouth, are defaced with a white, thick, clammy lining, and often blistered with Saline, and Acid Particles of the Blood, and Nervous Liquor, infected with a Malignant disposition in the Scorby; which being transmitted by the Carotides, and Nervous Fibrils, terminating into the Membranes of the Mouth, do corrode their tender Fa­brick, thereby rendring it rough, and Ulcerous.

A Grocer, my worthy Friend, being of a Scorbutick Habit of Body, was highly disaffected with a sharp Corrosive Matter issuing out of the Glands, relating to his Tongue and Palate, whereupon they grew foul, and Ulcered, threatning a Cancer; this giving him a high trouble and fear, he sent to me for my Advise, which was to have him freely Bleed, which was repea­ted seven times in six Weeks, or two Months; in which time, I ordered frequent Purgatives, and Diet Drinks of Sarsa Parilla, Impraegnated with mild Antiscorbuticks of Pine, and Fir, and also advised him Gargarisms of cleansing and drying Medicines, which Cured the Ulcers of his Mouth, and perfectly restored him to his former Health.

Sometimes the interior parts of the Mouth, Venereal Dis­eases often disaffect the Mouth, and its parts with Ulcers, Gan­greens, Mor­tifications. are infected in Venereal Dis­eases, with Ulcers, Gangraens, and Mortifications, upon the anointings with Mercurial Medicines ill prepared; which are received first into the extreamities of the Veins, terminating into the Skin, and are thence carried and associated with the Blood in small Particles, which have recourse to the Mouth and Brain, and are destructive of them by its venenate nature.

Bonnetus, giveth an Instance out of Doctor George Gardners Observati­ons, Vincentius Boniventus, Patricius Clodiensis, a juventute omnibus carnis voluptatibus addictissimus, indeque quasi consumptus, postquam quinquies Ligni Sancti, Sarsae Parillae, Mechoacae Decoctum assumpsisset: Terque sed frustra in­unctus fuisset, tandem cuidam meretriculae se curandum tradidit, quae quidem illum tali Medica dignum ita tractavit; ut magna Inflammatio in Palato, osse cribroso, in columella, & partibus omnibus illius adjacentibus, a Mercurio male extincto, & aliis corrosivis facta, subito in Gangraenam, & mox in Cancrum verum terminaverit, adeo ut quotidie aliquid ex partibus illis Corruptis, & pu­trefactis, excrearet, & gurgulione, partibusque vicinis, primo ejectis, eousque progressum est, ut demum Cerebrum ipsum excreatu per os expueret, cum faetore tandem miserrime obiit.

Mortui Caput cum serra aperui, suisque Membranulis liberavi, prout potui, erat enatus tantus ibi faetor, etiam sub dio, ut nullus astare possit, nihilominus magna patientia, summo videndi desiderio ductus, superiorem cerebri partem cultello satis [Page 252]amplo amputavi, & confusis omnibus cerebri Ventriculis, multum Argenti Vivi cum Cocleari in eis Collegi, & illud ipsum chare, reservavi: Atque in­tol rabili faetore victus, & exturbatus, vespertilioni cadaver sepeliendum re­liqui.

Sometimes the Glands besetting the Palate and Tongue, The Salival Liquor is stop­ped in great obstructions of the Glands appertaining to the Mouth. and parts adja­cent are liable to Distempers in great Obstructions, whence they are not able to discharge the Salival Liquor, as being too gross, by the Excretory Ducts, by reason of their straightness into the Cavity of the Mouth.

A Boy long tortured with wandring pains, successively seizing all the sensible parts of the Body, and other Symptoms of the Scorby, seldom or never threw out any Salival Liquor out of his Mouth, whence his Palate and Tongue grew very much disordered with heat and driness; the ill con­sequents of the obstruction of the Oral Glands, which was most eminent in this Scorbutick young Man.

On the other side, The Salival Li­quor is some­times dischar­ged in too great a quan­tity out of the Salival Glands. the Oral Glands are too profuse in emitting Luxuriant streams of Salival Liquor, by reason of its great thinness, or too great a quantity of Serous Liquor, and Lympha transmitted out of the Extreamities of the Carotide Arteries, into the substance of the Glands of the Mouth, into which this Lymphatick Juice is discharged by their Excretory Vessels.

A Dyers Wife of Southwark, highly disaffected with Scorbutick Pains, was surprized with a great Salivation (as if she had been Fluxed by Mer­curial Medicines) wherein she discharged Rivulets of Lympha out of the Fontanels of the Oral Glands, to the quantity of three or four Basons in a Day; and in reference to this troublesome Distemper, I advised her to take Purgatives, Antiscorbuticks, and Diureticks, which so diverted the course of the Salival Liquor, that the Patient in a short time, was restored to Health again.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Gulet.

I Have given a sight of the fine Apartiment of the Mouth, and its select Furniture of the Palate, Uvula, and Tongue, as so many Utensils of Speech, to Caress others in this Chamber of entertainment with variety of Language, as also to Treat our selves with several delicacies of Meat and Drink, rendred grateful by a pleasant Gust, seated in the Tongue; by whose help, and principally by the set of Ivory Instruments of Eating, the Aliment is Chewed, and besprinkled with Salival Liquor, flowing out of the Oral Glands, as so many Fontanels, to give it the first rudiment of Concoction in the Mouth; from whence, as from a curious Dining Room, the prepared Nutriment is conveyed through the long Gallery of the Gulet, into the more large Kitchin of the Stomach, to be farther Cooked in refe­rence to support the elegant frame of Mans Body.

The Gulet is a Tube, The use of the Gulet in Man, is to convey Aliment into the Stomach. or a round Concave, soft tensil body, instituted by Nature in Man, not for a Repository of Aliment, as in Fowl and Fish, but as a passage through which it is transmitted from the Mouth into the [Page 253]Ventricle; and is endued with an upper and lower Orifice, the one con­joyned to the Fauces above, and the other to the Stomach below.

It taketh its rise from the Jaw, near the Root of the Tongue, The origen and progress of the Gulet. where it is stiled Pharynx, which is the head or top of the Gulet, which creepeth down under the Winde-pipe, first in a straight course, till it arriveth the fifth Vertebre of the Back; and then that it may give way to the Trunk of the Aorta, it inclineth somewhat to the Right-side, till it approacheth the ninth Vertebre of the Thorax, where it is a little lifted up from the Vertebres, and then passing over the Aorta, after a small space perforateth the Midriff in the Left-side, and about the eleventh Vertebre of the Back, is inserted in­to the left Orifice of the Stomach.

Perhaps some inquisitive Person, may ask a Reason why the Gulet, The reason of the situation of the Gulet behind the Wind-pipe. is seated behind the top of the Wind-pipe, because at the first sight, it might seem, Nature had been better advised, if it placed the Gulet before the La­rynx, wherein it might have prevented the descent of Aliment into the Wind-pipe, and so took away all danger of Suffocation: Against which Nature hath wisely provided the Epiglottis, as a covering to guard the en­trance of the Aspera Arteria, and to give a check to the falling down of Meat and Drink into the Lun [...]s. And I humbly conceive, the Gulet to have its situation behind the Aspera Arteria in order to Deglutition; which is performed first of all by the lifting up of the Root of the Tongue, and the top of the Wind-pipe, whereupon the Aliment is thrown down upon the entrance of the Gulet, which is forthwith opened by proper Muscles, to give it reception.

As to the structure of the Gulet, it may be termed a Collective Body, The Gulet as to it compage is made of Muscles, Ves­sels, and Glands. made up of Muscles, Membranes, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Lymphaeducts, and numerous Glands.

The motion of the Gulet is performed by seven Muscles: The first pair are stiled Cephalopharyngaei, The first pair of Muscles en­largeth the entrance of the Gulet, for the admission of Aliment. and are derived from the confines of the Head, and Neck, and are implanted with a fair expansion of numerous Fibres, into the origen of the Gulet, which is lifted up by the Contraction of these Muscles, and its entrance enlarged for the reception of Meat and Drink.

The second pair of Muscles are called Sphenopharyngaei, The second pair of Mus­cles dilateth the Gulet. and borrow their origination from the bosome of the inward side of Os Spheneoides (whence it deriveth its Denomination) and terminates with an oblique insertion into the sides of the Gulet, which are dilated by the motion of these Muscles, to give entertainment to the chewed Aliment.

The third pair of Muscles appertaining to the Gulet, The third pair of Muscles do also enlarge the Gulet, are named Stylc­pharyngaei, which take their rise from the Styliform Process, and descending with a round fleshy body, do also terminate into the sides of the Gulet, and are auxiliaries to the former Muscles, whom they assist in a Concurrent mo­tion, and do enlarge the Cavity of the Gulet.

The seventh Muscles is named Oesophagaeus, and Sphincter Gulae, The seventh Muscle con­tracteth the Cavity of the Gulet, and protrudeth the Aliment, into the Ven­tricle. and ta­keth its origen from each side of the Buckler Cartilage, and afterward gi­veth a soft fleshy covering to the Gulet; and by its various Fibres, doth con­tract the Cavity of the Oesophagus, and force the Aliment into the bosome of the Stomach.

This useful Cylinder, The various origen of the Gulet as to its first Coat. made for the transmission of Aliment into the Sto­mach, doth not consist only of various Muscles, but of Tunicles too, which are Three in number.

The First, is most outward, which by some is derived from the Rim of the Belly, by others from the Pleura, and Ligaments of the Verte­bres of the Spine, and by Doctor Willis, from the Midriff: And in some sense, all these Opinions may be said to be true, if they be meant of the origen of Connexion: Because it is very evident, that this Membrane is conjoyned to the Pleura, where it pierceth the Midriff; as Learned Doctor Glysson hath well observed, and to the Rim of the Belly, where it is joyned to the Stomach, and is often fastned with Fibres to the Ligaments of the Spine, relating to the Vertebres of the Neck and Back; this outward Tu­nicle of the Gulet is very thin, and is composed of many Minute Mem­branous, Fibres, finely interwoven, and covering the Orifices of the Vessels.

The second Coat of the Gulet, The second Coat of the Gulet is more fleshy, and is made of Spi­ral Fibres. is more thick, and fleshy, whose Carnous Fibres are vulgarly reputed to be Round, and Transverse: But Ingenious Steno, hath discovered them to be Spiral, framed of two Ranks, intersect­ing each other: Et binas (saith he) veluti Cocleas oppositas constituunt. So that this Coat may seem to be composed of two thin Muscular Expansions, which make four Paralelogramms; two being seated in the upper, and two in the lower surface of this fleshy Tunicle, adorned with divers opposite rows of ascending and descending Fibres, decussating each other, of which the last being Contracted, do serve Deglutition, and the other Spitting and Vomiting. This Coat in some Fish, is Glandulous, as in Skaits, and Thornbacks.

The third and inward Tunicle of the Gulet, The third Coat of the Gulet is Ner­vous. is continued above to the Mouth, Palate, and Lips, and below to the Stomach, which produceth the mutual consent between them: Its substance is Nervous, composed of seve­ral Fibres, diversly interwoven, and is encircled with a thin Veil, consisting of many fine Fibres, somewhat resembling Doun.

The inward Coat of the Gulet, The inward Coat of a Sea-Turtle, is be­set with nume­rous pointed Protuberan­cies. in a Sea-Turtle, is all beset with white pointed Prominencies, of a Pyramidal Figure, broad where they are fastned to the Nervous Coat of the Oesophagus, and narrow pointed in their outward Extreamities: These white Protuberancies are covered with a thin Carti­laginous substance, which being stripped off, a thin Membrane discovereth it self, enwrapping a Glandulous body.

The Gulet is not only invested with variety of Muscles and Membranes, The Gulet is furnished with various sorts of Ves­sels. but also accommodated with divers kinds of Vessels, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lymphaeducts.

The Gulet deriveth Arteries in the Neck, The Arteries of the Gulet are branches of the Caro­tides. from the Carotides, and Bron­chial Arteries in the Breast, from the Intercostal, and in the lower Aparti­ment, from the Coronary Branch of the Stomach.

And borroweth Veins in the Neck, The Veins are Jugulars. from the Jugulars, in the Thorax from the Azygos, à Vena sine pari, in the Belly, from the Coronary Veins of the Stomach.

The Oesophagus, The Nerves are derived from the Par Vagum. hath Nerves communicated to it from the Par Vagum, and principally from its Anterior Branches, and many Nervous Fibres; as Doctor Wharton will have it, from the Twelfth pair of Vertebral Nerves.

The Gulet is also furnished with Lymphaeducts (which discharge them­selves into Thoracic Lacteal Vessels) which Bartholine took for Milky Chan­nels receiving the more refined Particles of Aliment, The Lymphae­ducts of the Gulet, which Bartholine cal­led Lacteae. carried by the Sub­clavian Branches and Vena Cava, into the right Ventricle of the Heart.

The Gulets of Quadrupeds, The Gulets of Bruits, are akin to that of Man. do little differ from that of Man, in refe­rence to their structure, as having the same Muscles and Coats, which very much agree in Spiral, Circular, and long Fibres, relating to their several Coats.

The Gulets of Birds and Fishes, and Insects, have a Compage, The Gulets of Birds are thin, and less fleshy then that of Man. much dif­ferent from that of Man, by reason the Coats are more thin, and less fleshy, endued with more thin Muscles, or Carnous Fibres, and beset with Glands of different shapes and magnitudes. The Gulet of a Stork being of a red Colour, appeareth knotty near the Stomach, proceeding from Glands, lift­ing up the Coats of the Oesophagus, which seemeth to resemble a small Ven­tricle, conjoyned to a greater below.

The first Membrane of the Gulet being stripped off, The Gulet of Birds is ador­ned with ma­ny Glands at­tended with Excretories. through which a ferment may be squeesed into the Cavity of the Oesophagus. a thin Muscle disco­covereth it self, adorned with right Fibres; and under this fine Muscular Expansion, is seated another (Enameled with transverse Fibres) under which is lodged a third, furnished with straight Fibres: And all the Mus­cles being taken away, many small Glands or Globules present themselves, seated in an elegant order, and furnished with divers kinds of small Vessels, every way encircling the Gulet; into which an Incision being made, where it was Protuberant, many Holes appear (as it were in a Strainer) and the small Globules or Glands being compressed, a kind of Ash-coloured Li­quor ouseth out of their Extreamities, into the Cavity of the Gulet; which I conceive, is a Ferment propagated from the Blood and Nervous Liquor, subservient to the Concoction of Aliment: And many Tubes about an Inch long, hollowing the Coats of the Gulet, as so many Cells, contain a Fermentative Liquor, in order to a further use.

The Gulet of a Heron, is composed of four Coats: The Gulet of a Heron, is made of four Coats. The first is thin and Membranous, made up of numerous fine white Filaments. The second is Carnous, furnished with long and Annular Fibres. The third is a more thin Expansion, then the other, dressed with straight Fibres, passing the length of the Gulet. The fourth and inmost, is strong and thicker then the former, of a Nervous nature, composed very much of Minute Fibrils, curiously interwoven. The Gulets of Hawks are Membranous, not attended with Crops and fleshy Sto­machs.

Hawks have Membranous Gulets (without Crops and Gizards) inter­lined with rows of small Glands; they are Taper in Figure in most Birds, biggest above, and narrowest near the Stomach, where they are encircled with Muscular Necks in manner of Sphyncters, to contract the Termina­tions of the Gulets, The Corn in Birds recei­veth the first rudiment of Concoction in the Gulet. and to give a check to over-hasty passage of the Ali­ment into the Stomach; by reason the Gulet keeps it some time, to impraeg­nate it with a Fermentative Liquor destilling out of the Glands, in order to Digestion, of which the Corn receiveth the first Rudiment in the Gulets of various Birds.

The Gulets of Birds accommodated with Crops, consist of two parts, The longest part of the Gulet is above the Crop. an upper and the longest, and greatest Region above the Craw, and the short­est below it; wherein, as it is beset with Glands, the partly Concocted Ali­ment in the Crop, receiveth an impraegnation of Liquor, and a farther Con­coction,

The Gulet in a Hen, Turkey, and all Long-necked Birds, The upper part of the Gulet is long in long-Neck Birds, and short in o­thers. have the first or upper Gulet very long, which in a Pidgeon, and other short-necked Birds are very short; by reason the Crop is seated near the Mouth: The upper Gulet beginneth near the Throat, and endeth in a Hen, into top of the Crop, inclining toward the Left-side; the lower Extreamitis of this up­per Gulet, is beset with many minute Miliary Glands.

The second or lower Gulet relating to Birds (that have Crops) taketh its rise in the Right-side, toward the upper Region of the Craw, The lower Gulet taketh its origen in the Right-side of the Crop. about an Inch from the insertion of the upper Gulet into the Crop; and the Gulets of most Birds have a fleshy substance covering them near the Stomach for in Inch, which is a kind of little Ventricle.

I saw the first part of the Gulet of a Hen, The inside of the Gulet is lined with a clammy mat­ter in Birds. lined with a white Mucous Matter, which was, as I conceive, a Fermentative Liquor, bedewing Corn or other Aliment, in its passage through the Oesophagus into the Crop, wherein it receiveth its first Rudiment of Concoction. The lower part of the Gulet in a Pidgeon, is much larger then in other Birds. The lower re­gion of the Gulet in a Pidgeon, is beset with ma­ny minute Glands.

The lower part of the Gulet of a Pidgeon (which is much larger then in other Birds, resembling another Ventricle) had its outside faced with a red Carnous substance, and was inserted into the top of the Gizard, about the middle of it: The lower region of this Gulet was furnished with many Glands, emitting a Liquor, much conducive to the digestion of Aliment, which receiveth a farther Elaboration in the Gizard.

A Sea-Turtle hath a Culet much resembling that of Fish in substance, its outward Coat Membranous, The inward Coat of a Sea-Turtle, is fur­nished with white poin­ted Protu­berancies en­circled with Cartilaginous Shells. its middle full of Carnous Fibres; but the in­most is Nervous, and very remarkable, as all beset with white Protuberan­cies of a Pyramidal Figure, having their Bases affixed to the concave surface of the inward covering of the Gulet, and end in Points; these Prominen­cies are invested with thin Cartilaginous substances, which being stripped off, a thin Membrane was discovered, enwrapping a Glandulous body.

A Cod hath a Gulet, integrated of many Coats: The first is Membra­nous, The Gulet of a Cod hath many Coats, the first mem­branous, the second glan­dulous, the third nervous. overspread with many Blood Vessels, making their progress the whole length of the Oesophagus, and Stomach; the Gulet in this Fish, hath another Coat, which is more thick then the former, and is glandulous, and may be stiled a Systeme of many numerous small Glands, lodged between the up­per and inmost Coat; which is numerous, as composed of many small Fila­ments, running in different postures: This Covering is perforated in divers places, to transmit Liquor destilling out of the Glands, into the Cavity of the Gulet.

The Gulet of a Skait, The Gulet of a Skait hath four Tunicles, the first mem­branous, the second fleshy, the third glan­dulous, the fourth ner­vous. consisteth of four Coats: The Exterior is a most thin, white Membranous Expansion (composed of many fine Filaments, rarely interwoven) different in Colour from that of the Stomach.

The second is somewhat thicker then the former, of a reddish Colour, and may be called a Carnous Coat, from its fleshy Fibres (with which it is highly furnished) some of which are Circular, others long, imparting Mo­tion to the Gulet, in order to Deglutition.

The third Coat is much thicker, then any of the other, and is of a glan­dulous substance, integrated of many small Glands, so neatly conjoyned to each other by their small Membranes, that it seemeth to be one entire glan­dulous body, much thicker then that of the Stomach.

The fourth Coat of the Gulet, relating to a Skait, is thicker then either of the two first, and much thinner then the glandulous Integument, and is Nervous, and very tough, as composed of Nervous Filaments; this cover­ing is Porous, to transmit a Liquor destilling from the Glands, into the Ca­vity of the Stomach, The Gulet of a Kingston, is largest in the first entrance, and afterward the Cavity is endued with equal dimen­sions. which assisteth its Concoction as a Ferment.

The Gulet of a Kingston, is very large in its first entrance near the Mouth (which is common in most Fish) and afterward passeth down in an equal greatness of Bore, inclining to the Left-side, and at last inserteth it self into the Stomach; the Gulet of this Fish is hued with Red (being full of fleshy Fibres) which rendreth it different from the body of the Sto­mach, which is of a white Colour.

The Gulet of a Fire-Flaire, The Gulet of a Fire-Flair, hath a mem­branous, fleshy glandulous, and nervous Coat, they being pierced in many places for the transmission of a Liquor into the Cavity of it. is a Cylinder of a different form from the Stomach, and is of Membranous, fleshy, glandulous, and Nervous substance, which is most conspicuous in the first, second, third, and fourth Coat perfo­rated [Page 257]in many places for the trammission of a Fermentative Liquor, flowing from the Glands, into the bosome of the Stomach.

The Gulet of a Lamprey, is very different from the Stomach, The Gulet of a Lamprey is accommoda­ted with nu­merous glands, and hath ma­nifest citcular and long Fi­bres, and the Orifice of the Gulet is guar­ded with a Py­ramidal Car­tilage. both in thickness and largeness, and especially in its Orifice, and is beset in its lower with a thick glandulous substance (composed of many united Glands) and is covered all over in its inward Circumference, with a more thin glandulous Expansion: The Oesophagus of this Fish, is beset with Circular, running cross-ways, and long Fibres, passing long-ways down the Gulet (and Sto­mach) whose Orifice is covered for an Inch or more, with a Pyramidal Car­tilage, whose Base lieth near the Mouth, and point downward toward the Heart.

The Gulet of an Eel (as in many other slender and long Fish) is nar­row and long, about four or five Inches in length, The Gulet of an Eel is long and narrow. and is composed of a dissimilar substance, which is an aggregate body, made of Membranous, Fleshy, Glandulous, and Nervous parts, which being very thin, can hardly be separated and distinguished from each other, in this slender Fish.

But the four Coats may be clearly discerned in a Salmon, The Gulet of a Salmon con­sisteth of four Coats, of which the Glandulous is most thick. of which the Glandulous is most substantial, and of greater Dimensions in the Gulet then Stomach in reference to thickness, and is of equal Magnitude in point of its Bore.

The Gulet of a Viper is very slender, and about five Inches long, and for some space passeth under the Aspera Arteria, The Gulet of a Viper is nar­row and long, and afterward goeth down the Left side of the Wind-pipe, and creeping under the Heart, inserteth it self into the left Orifice of the Stomach.

The Gulet of Insects is very short and small, proportionable to their Bodies, The Gulet of Insects is short and small. and is in a Worm, of a fine Membranous substance, accompanied with thin Carnous Fibres, and descending in a straight Course, is implanted near the top of the Ventricle.

The Gulet of a Silk-Worm is very short, and as it were a small passage only into the Stomach, which is very long, and filleth up a great part of the lower Apartiment; and from the Oesophagus do arise many Minute round Fibres, which make their progress toward the Anus.

Learned Doctor Swammerdam, The Gulet of an Ephemeron resembleth a Thread in smallness. giveth an account of a Gulet (relating to an Ephemeron) which he calleth the Throat Gut, or upper Gut of the Stomach, which shooteth forward in the form of a small thin Thread from the Mouth, through the Back and Breast, and constituteth the upper part of the Stomach; near which the Gulet is very much straightned, being Con­tracted, as I conceive, with a Membranous Sphyncter, encircling the Gu­let about the upper Orifice of the Ventricle.

CHAP. XV. Of the Gulet of Man.

HAving Treated of the various Structures of the Gulet in Man, and other Animals, as it is an Aggregate body, composed of variety of parts, I will now make bold to entertain you with the Uses of it, as it is an Instrument of Transmission of the Aliment, from the Mouth into the Stomach; Deglutition is acted chiefly by the Gulet, and by the Tongue, La­rynx, and Epi­glottis, which are concur­rent to it. which is accomplished by Deglutition, and is not seated only in the Gulet, but in the Tongue, Larynx, and Epiglottis, and Salival Liquor, which do all Concur as Ambulatory to the action of Swallowing, chiefly performed by the peculiar Muscles of the Gulet.

The Meat, after it hath received a Comminution by the Teeth, is placed in a due Position, The Tongue is lifted up by the Stylogloss Muscles, whereupon the Aliment is couveyed to­ward the Fau­ces. and directed by the Tongue, as lifted up to the Palate by the Stylogloss Muscles; which being more and more Contracted, do throw the Meat and Drink step by step toward the Fauces, and to assist this motion of the Aliment, the head of the Wind-pipe is lifted up by the Musculi Hyothyroidei; which taking their rise from the lower region of the Os Hyoides, are inserted into the Base of the Buckler Cartilage, and being Contracted, The Musculi Hyothyroidei lift up the La­rynx, and throw the Aliment to the entrance of the Gulet. do elevate the Larynx, and force the Aliment toward the en­trance of the Gulet in order to Deglutition, which is facilitated by the Epi­glottis, closeing the head of the Wind-pipe, to hinder the falling of Aliment into its Cavity, in its passage over it.

And in reference to Swallowing, the motion of the lower Mandible and Tongue in the Mastication of Meat, The motion of the lower Jaw doth squeese the Salival Li­quor out of Oral Glands, which make the Fauces and Tongue slip­pery, so that the moistued Aliment pas­seth the more nimbly down the Gulet. do squeese the Parotides, Tonsils, Max­illary, and Oral Glands, and cause the Salival Liquor to flow out of them, whereby the Palate, Fauces, and Tongue, are rendred slippery, and the Ali­ment broken into Minute Particles, and moistned with Oral Juice, glideth more nimbly toward the entrance of the Gulet.

The Cavity of the Mouth, is enlarged by the depression of the lower Mandible (caused by the Digastrick Muscles) and retraction of the Tongue inward and downward, performed by the Basiogloss Muscles, and by the pulling of the Larynx downward, effected by the Musculi Sternothyroidei; whereupon a free admission may be made of Potulent Matter into the Mouth, The Mouth is opened, and the Tongue drawn inward and Larynx depressed by various Mus­cles in order to the recep­tion of Ali­ment into the Mouth assisted by the weight of the Atmo­sphaere, or ra­ther by Su­ction. which is very much promoted by the weight of the Atmosphaere, pressing the Liquor with the Air into the Mouth, in the time of Inspiration: Or rather, as learned Doctor Glysson will have it, by Suction, wherein the Drink is attracted into the Mouth; which we may easily experiment in our selves, when we take draughts of Liquor, and afterward the Cavity of the Mouth being lessened, by the lifting up the Tongue and Larynx, a compression is made of the Potulent Liquor, whereby it is protruded toward the Pharynx: And in like manner, the Mouth being rendred narrow in the time of Eat­ing, by the elevation of the Tongue and Larynx, the prepared Meat is forced taward the entrance of the Gulet; whereupon, it being lifted up and enlarged by the Musculi Cephalopharyngaei Sphaenopharingaei, and Stylopha­ringaei, the chewed Aliment is received first into its bosome, and afterward pressed more and more downward, as the Cavity of the Gulet is narrowed part after part, immediately above the Meat, by vertue of the Tongue and [Page 259]Circular Fibres of the Sphincter Muscle contracting themselves downward, whereby the Meat and Drink are transmitted into the Stomach.

A Question may be started, Whether Li­quid or Solid bodies are swallowed with greater case. Whether Solid or Liquid bodies may be more easily swallowed? To which it may be replied, That in some cases So­lid, in others Liquid Aliment, hath a more ready Deglutition, whereupon Meat being rendred dry, as not moistned with Salival Liquor in Eating, when the Excretory Ducts of the Oral Glands are obstructed; or when their moisture is very much exhausted in great Fevers, and Inflammations, is hardly swallowed: And thereupon, Liquid nourishment being easily put into motion, as Fluid, may slip down the Gulet with greater ease. But in another case, when Solid Aliment in chewing, is very much softned with moisture (flowing out the Glands besetting the Mouth) their swallow is more expeditely performed, then that of Liquids (when the tone of the Carnous Fibres is weakned, relating to the Gulet) by reason Liquids con­sisting of more Minute bodies, do require greater Contractions of the Muscles, to accomplish their Deglutition, then solid parts of Nourishment, which are sometimes more easily forced down the Gulet.

And the Gulet is not only acted with Deglutition (which is its more na­tural Function) but with Vomiting, and Belching too, The natural motion of the Gulet, is De­glutition. which are Preter­natural, as derived from some disaffection of the Stomach or Gulet, The unnatural actions are Vomiting and Belching. pro­duced by a troublesome Object, offending the Ventricle, or Oesophagus, when it taketh its rise first in one part, which draweth the other into consent; wherein the Stomach sometimes affecteth the Gulet, The Gulet and Stomach do sympathize, caused by one common in­ward Tunicle enwrapping them both. and other times the Gulet the Stomach, which ariseth from a mutual consent, by reason these neighbouring parts are invested with one common, inward Membrane, continued from one confining part to the other; when the disgust beginneth in the Gulet, causing a ketching motion: it is caused by some ill tasted Meat, Drink, or Medicinal Potion, Pill, or Bole, whereby the Gulet is strongly Contracted by Muscular Fibres below the noisome objects, and throweth it up into the Mouth, before it arriveth the Stomach, which is drawn into Vomiting by consent; and on the other side, the scene of unnatural motion sometimes ariseth from the Stomach, first aggrieved by a troublesome object, provoking its Carnous Fibres to move from below upward, and thereby to expel the offensive guest first into the lower part of the Gulet, which violently contracteth its Muscular Fibres higher and higher, till they throw the unpleasant Matter into the Mouth. Belching de­scribed.

Belching, is a disaffection sometimes lodged originally in the Stomach, pro­ceeding Aut a laesa facultate Concoctrice, aut ab errore externo, vitio Alimenti: Whereupon the ill digested Aliment is turned into Wind, which giveth a trou­ble to the Ventricle, whose Fleshy Fibres contract themselves, and force the Flatus into the Extreamity of the Gulet, where its Muscular Fibres first take the alarm, and afterward prosecute it upward, till they eject the tem­pestuous Matter into the Mouth.

CHAP. XVI. The Pathologie of the Gulet.

THe Gulet is discomposed by variety of Diseases, where the power of Swallowing suffereth a total loss, or at least a Diminution of its Operation, proceeding from a disaffection of the Brain, spoiling or weakning the tone of its Fibrils, or from some Tumour in the Gulet, or from vari­ous Swellings of the adjacent parts, compressing the passage of it; or from a strange degeneracy of the substance of the Gulet, rendring it unca­pable to Contract it self; or from some External Error, as being stopped by some Extraneous Matter: And last of all, the action of the Gulet is de­praved by unnatural Motions, and Convulsions.

The Operation of the Gulet is very much discomposed, Deglutition is wholly lost by the defects of Nervous Li­quor, or by its grossness. or wholly taken away by reason of a disaffected Brain, causing a Resolution, or weakning of the tone of the Muscles, belonging to the Gulet, for want of Animal Liquor and Spirits, when the origen of the Nerves is obstructed in the Cor­tex of the Brain, caused by the grossness of the Nervous Liquor; or when the Nervous Fibrils are more or less straightned by the Swellings of the Membranes, or Ambient parts of the Brain compressing its Fibrils: Where­upon the Current of the Animal Liqour and Spirits is wholly intercepted, or checked in its Motion, The course of the Animal is intercepted by Tumours of ambient parts compres­sing the origen of the Fibres of the Brain. into the Extreamities of the Nervous Fibrils, so that it cannot be transmitted at all, or only in a small quantity into the Par Vagum, implanted into the Muscles of the Gulet, whence its Nervous and Ten­dinous Fibrils are despoiled of, or lessened in their Motion, and thereupon not able at all, or not vigorously to Contract themselves to lessen the Cavity of the Gulet, and thereby to protrude the Aliment into the Cavity of the Stomach, whence ensueth an Abolition, or lessening the faculty of Deglutition.

The lost power of Deglutition, The Animal Liquor stop­ped in the processes of the Brain. may also proceed from a straightness of the Nervous Fibrils, in their progress through the Processes of the Brain, made by stuffing its Ventricles with a gross clammy Matter, squeesing the Interstices of the neighbouring Filaments so close together, that they are not receptive of Animal Liquor, whence its course is impeded into the Par Vagum, and its Branches terminating into it, whereupon the Nervous Li­quor is rendred destitute of its Motion, and the Swallowing Faculty, seated in the Gulet, is taken away.

A Countryman, having often Debauched himself to Intemperance with strong Liquor, was surprized with a sudden loss of Swallowing, which he survived but a small time; and then his Head being opened, the Ventricles were found full of a gross Viscid Matter, compressing the Nervous Compage of the Brain.

In order to the Cure of Sleepy Disaffections of the Brain (producing Diseases in the Gulet) proceeding from gross Humours, Purging and Cephalick Potions are very proper in sleepy Dis­eases of the Brain. obstructing the Fi­bres of the Brain, Purging Medicines may be advised, mixed with Lime Flowers, Lilly of the Valley, Paeony, and other Cephalicks, which may be given also in Decoctions without Purgatives, mixed with Cephalick Wa­ters of Langius, Compound Paeony, Compound Lavender, sweetned with Syrups of Cephalick Flowers, and with Simple Waters of Paeony, Lavender, [Page 261]Betony, Black Cherrys; and to every Dose of these Vehicles, may be added twelve drops or more of Spirit of Harts Horn, or Salt Ammoniack, succina­ted in Spirit of Castor, &c. Clysters are also very proper in these Distem­pers, made of a common Decoction, to which may be added, Leaves of Rue, Mel Anthosatum, the Lenitive Electuary, or any other proper Purgative Ele­ctuaries: And last of all, when Universals have been Administred, Fumes of Amber, and Sternutatories, Blistering Plaisters may be advised, Blistering Plai­sters are useful in these Dis­eases. which are very proper in all Cephalick Distempers, disordering first the Brain it self, Per Idiopathiam, and afterward the Gulet, and other parts, Per Sym­pathiam.

Another cause of the Abolition, or Diminution of Swallowing, Lost or dimi­nished Swal­lowing, may be derived from an In­flammation, or any Tumour compressing the Bore of the Gulet. may pro­ceed from an Inflammation, or any Tumour, shutting up, or lessening the Cavity of the Gulet, by bringing its sides more or less close, whereby the passage of the Meat and Drink is hindred in its motion toward the Sto­mach.

Another cause of ill Swallowing, may arise from a lump of Flesh, grow­ing in the Fauces, and stopping up the entrance of the Gulet: Of which an Instance may be given in a Young Man, which had a large fleshy sub­stance filling the hinder part of the Mouth, so that the beginning of the Gulet was so closed up, that it was not capable to give admission to Meat and Drink.

The Gulet is subject also to a lessened, or abolished Deglutition, Lost or lessen­ed Deglutiti­on may also proceed from the swelling of the Palate, Tonsils, and parts adjacent to the en­trance of the Gulet. by rea­son of the Palate, Tonsils, and other parts adjacent to the entrance of the Oesaphagus, are more or less swelled by a quantity of Blood, Pituitous, or Salival Liquor, transmitted into the Interstices of the Vessels; whereupon the neighbouring parts of the Gulet, growing very much distended beyond the bounds prescribed by Nature, do more or less obstruct the Mouth of it, and either lessen or take away Deglutition. Swallowing may be disaf­fected by some hard Body fal­ling into the Cavity of the Gulet.

Sometimes Swallowing may be disaffected by some hard Body, a Bone, or the like, transmitted into the passage of the Gulet, in which it sticketh, causing a great Torture, and difficulty of Deglutition; which offereth a great Violence to the Gulet, and by great Pain, and sometimes Laceration of the Capillary Arteries, the Blood is Extravasated in the substance of Oeso­phagus; whence sometimes followeth first an Inflammation, then a Gan­graen, and last of all, a Mortification of the Gulet.

Fabritius Hildanus, among his Observations, giveth an Instance of this Case: Juveni (ait ille) cum inter caenandum ossiculum in Gula remansisset, & tota nocte, ut illud rejicere possit, occupatus fuisset, sequenti die Circa vespe­ram ad me venit, Cathaeterem incurvatum clementer in Oesophagum immisi, & ea qua potui diligentia exploravi quo in loco infixum posset esse ossiculum, sed nihil praeter naturale invenire potui, praeter augustiam quandam Oesophagi, ere­gione laryngis, & ea quidem in parte, ubi de dolore, non tamen pungitivo, sed obtuso conquerebatur. Cum itaque Curationem instituere vellem, Barbitonso­rem accedit, qui per aliquot vices, instrumentis in guttur immissis, malum adeo exacerbavit, ut aucto dolore, tandem nihil amplius deglutire possit, quare iterum Octavo Die in consilium vocor, tum collum undique durum, tensum, supra mo­dumque ad ipsum pectus Tumefactum inveni, dolor erat maximus, respiratio difficilis, Pulsus celer & debilis, neque guttulam jusculi deglutire potuit; quare ipsum in periculo esse astantibus significavi: Interim tamen ut dolor, reliquaque Symptomata mitigarentur, omnes Nervos intendi, collum & pectus Oleo Lilio­rum & Amigdalarum dulcium inunxi: Cataplasma & sacculos Emollientes & Ano­dynos applicui: Decoctum etiam è radicibus, & foliis Altheae, Malvae, Florum Cha­maemeli, [Page 262]Liliorum, & Meliloti cum pauco Melle è Cocleare lambendum dedi: sed omnia frustra, sequenti enim die placide obiit.

Post obitum Inciso collo Cesophagum cum vicinis partibus, sed eo praesertim loco, ubi ossiculum infixum fuerat, plane sphacelatum, cum maximo faetore inve­nimus; ossiculum vero nusquam, immo nec in ipso Ventriculo; pulmones ob prae­cedentem Inflammationem lividi erant, & Ventriculus plane vacuus; ossiculum vero illud prima nocte, & antequam ad me veniret, in maximis istis conatibus, quos immisso digito in Gulam sibi excitaverat, per superiora, rejectum, aut ad Ventriculum, & Intestina delapsum fuisse.

Deglutition is sometimes violated, when a straightness of the passage re­lating to the Gulet, proceedeth inwardly from some fleshy substance grow­ing in the inside of the Oesophagus, thereby lessening its Cavity, so that it cannot give a reception to the Aliment.

Other times Swallowing is prejudiced more or less, Deglutition is much disor­dered by an Inflammation of neighbou­ring parts. when the Gulet is straightned by a Tumour of the neighbouring parts; as in the Inflammation of the Muscles of the Larynx and Neck, which by the Compression of the Gulet, doth lessen its Cavity.

A Gentlewoman of Quality, endued with a Fat Plethorick Body, caused by often indulging her self in the foul feed of gross Flesh, Cabbage, Colly-flowers, and the like; whereupon she fell of a sudden into a violent Sqi­nancy, flowing from a large quantity of Extravasated Blood, lodged in the Muscles relating to the head of the Wind-pipe, which being highly Tume­fied, made a Compression upon the top of the Gulet, and gave a stop to the reception of Meat and Drink into the Oesophagus: so that the [...]ips be­ing shut after the taking of Liquid Aliment, it recoiled when it arrived the Pharynx, through the passage of the Mouth into the Nostrils: Whereupon she took her ultimate Vale of her Friends, and recommended her Spirit by a holy Resignation, into the Hands of her Gracious Redeemer. This Dis­ease of the Gulet, being a consequent of the Inflammation of the Muscles of the Larynx, is Cured by Blood-letting, and other proper Medicines, which I will mention hereafter, in the Cure of a Squinancy, when I do Treat of the Diseases of the Aspera Arteria.

Another cause productive of an abolished or lessened Swallowing, Lessened or or abolished Deglutition may proceed from a Carti­laginous Gu­let. may arise (which is very rare) from the unnatural substance of the Gulet, high­ly indurated by Concreted, Earthy, and Saline Particles, turning the Mem­branous and Fleshy substance of the Oesophagus, into a Cartilaginous nature, which being hard and stiff, cannot be Contracted in order to protrude the Aliment into the Stomach.

A Gentlewoman of Vertue and Honour, had her Deglutition first lessened, and afterward wholly taken away, as not able to receive any suste­nance through the Gulet, into the Stomach, whereupon she grew more and more Languid, and at last Expired: And afterward, upon opening the Neck by Dissection, the Musculus Oesophagaeus encircling the Membranous parts of the Gulet, was found Cartilaginous, which took away the use of the Fibres, by wholly disabling them to Contract, for the transmission of Ali­ment into the Ventricle.

A difficulty or loss of Swallowing, Lost or lessen­ed D [...]glutiti­on may be de­rived from the swelling of the Wind-pipe. may also be derived from the Swelling or Induration of the Membranous parts of the Wind-pipe, confining on the Gulet, whereby its Cavity is lessened, or wholly closed up; and the Aspera Arteria being rendred hard, is not capable to give way to the Aliment en­larging the Gulet, and compressing the Aspera Arteria in its passage through [Page 263]it; whereupon it cannot be conveyed through the entry of the Oesophagus, into the Chamber of the Stomach.

The third kind of ill Swallowing, is its depraved action, Depraved Do­glutitio [...] is accomparied with Convul­sive motions. accompanied with Irregular and Convulsive Motions, flowing from the unkindly contra­ctions of the Carnous Fibres, relating to the Oesophagaean Muscle; which I have lately seen in a worthy Gentlewoman, Wife to an Officer of the Navy who was highly afflicted with unnatural motion of the Gulet, in the act of Swallowing, produced (as I humbly conceive) by Acid and Saline Particles, disaffecting the Tendinous and Carnous Fibres of the Muscles (encircling the inward parts of the Oesophagus) which were hur­ried with violent Agitations, when they were Contracted in reference to Deglutition.

A depraved action of Swallowing, Depraved De­glutition may proceed from the Muscles of the Gulet ren­dre convulsed. may be derived not only from Con­vulsive Motions, which are tremulous agitations of the Carnous and Nervous Fibres of the Muscles of the Gulet; but also from Convulsions, in which the Musculi Cephalopharingaei, Sphenopharingaei, Stylopharingaei, are rendred unnatu­rally tense and rigid in disorderly Postures; so that they cannot accomplish their due Operations in regular Contractions, for opening the entrance of the Gulet, to give admission to the Aliment, and afterward the Musculus Oesophagaeus being Convulsed, is not capable to Contract and lessen the Ca­vity of the Gulet, upon the reception of the Aliment into it, and thereby to protrude the Meat and Drink into the Stomach.

An Instance may be given in the Daughter of a worthy Merchant of London, who was highly afflicted with Hysterick Fits (as they are common­ly called) producing an Universal Convulsion of the Muscles, relating to the Gulet and whole Body, named by the Greeks, [...], in which the whole Body is rendred so stiff, so that it cannot be bent backward, forward, or sideways: In which unnatural posture, the said Gentlewoman remained Eleven Hours in Twelve, and was not able to Swallow but one Hour in a Day; whereupon I ordered an Hysterick Plaister to be applied to her Na­vil, and opening Hysterick, and Cephalick Potions and Pills, both Purging and Alterative, to evacuate the gross offensive Humours, and to sweeten the Blood, and to rectifie the Nervous Liquor: And above all, I often ad­vised Bleeding (which was most significant in reference to the Cure) where­in some of the depraved Blood being let out, and the rest Depurated, and the weakned Nerves Corroborated by proper Medicines; the Convulsions ceased, and the Patient, through the Almighty Physicians Goodness, was perfectly restored to her former Health.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Stomach.

I Have described the parts relating to the fine Apartiment of the Mouth, in which we treat our selves with Delicate Fare, and others with Pleasant Language and Musick, as in an elegant Room of Entertainment, beauti­fied with Red, and White, with the Vermilion confines of the Lips, and Ivory rows of various Teeth, answering each other in Symmetry of parts, in proportions agreeing in Shape and Size; and is Arched above with the Roof of the Palate, and graced below with the moveable Area of the Tongue (all beset with variety of Minute Glands) as so many Instruments of Speech, Tasting, and Mastication, for the Comminution of Aliment, to impraegnate it with Salival Liquor, as a Fermentative Menstruum, to give it the first rudiment of Concoction; and afterward the broken Aliment is con­veyed through the long entry of the Gulet, into the larger room of the Sto­mach, to improve it with a farther Digestion.

Whereupon, having handled the parts of the Mouth and Gulet, as Am­bulatory to the Ventricle; my Province at this time, is to Treat of its Situ­ation, Connexion, and Structure, in reference to Man (and other Ani­mals) and of its Appetitive, Retentive, and Expulsive Faculty; and also of its Serous and Nervous Ferments, as they are ministerial to Chylification, for which useful Operation, the Stomach and all its Functions are principal­ly, if not wholly instituted by Nature.

The Ventricle is lodged in the upper part of the lower Apartiment, The Situation of the Sto­mach. and the greater portion of it is placed in the left Hypoconder, or Side, and in some part it resteth upon the Spine, and toward the right part it groweth less and less, to give way to the Liver; to its left side the Spleen is fastned, and to its bottom, according to its whole length, the Caul is affixed, and the hinder part of it is lodged upon the Pancreas, as upon a soft Pillow.

The Stomach is united and affixed to the neighbouring parts, by firm Con­nexion to secure it in its proper Station, and is continued in its left Orisice to the Gulet, by whose mediation it is fastned to the Midriff, and is conjoyn­ed in its right Orifice to the Duodenum, and by the interposition of the Caul is tied to the Liver, Back, Spleen, Colon, and Pancreas.

Under the notion of Structure, the Magnitude, Figure, and substance of the Stomach, may seem to be comprised.

The Dimensions of Mans Ventricle, The Magni­tude of the Stomach. if compared with those of other Ani­mals, are small, because Humane Bodiesare fed with Flesh, and other high Nutriment, which are delicate and great in Vertue, and small in Bulk, and do quickly gratifie the Appetite, and refresh the Body, which needeth not such a great extent of Stomach, as is requisite in other Animals, when fed upon a lower nourishment of Plants, which arise to a great Bulk, to satisfie the Ap­petite of Bruits, and to repair the decays of Nature in the large bodies of Bullocks, Horses, Asses, Mules, &c.

The Stomach, The Figure of the Stomachs when full, is somewhat like a Bag-Pipe. when extended with Meat, Drink, or Wind, somewhat resembleth a Bag-pipe in Figure, when it is blown up; and as the Ventricle is adjoyned in its left Orifice to the Culet, by which, as by a Pipe, it re­ceiveth [Page 265]Aliment, and in its right Orifice to the Duodenum, into which, as into a Receptacle, the Chyle and the grosser Excrements are transmitted: The Stomach extended, is endued with an oblong and round Figure, where­by it is rendred more capable to retain the greater quantity of Meat and Drink; and its outward Surface convene, and its inward Concave, and is oblong and round, and more Protuberant in the left side, which being con­tracted by various Fibres, more easily presseth the contents of the Stomach, toward the right Orifice.

The Substance, the chief integral of the Structure, The substance of the Sto­mach is vari­ous according to its different Coats. The first is Mem­branous. relating to the Sto­mach, is composed of many Coats, finely seated within each other: The first is Membranous, consisting of many well spun Filaments, making their progress the whole length of the Stomach, from the left to the right Orifice, and do immure the Carnous Fibres within their soft embraces, and thereby keep them from starting out of their proper places, in violent Contractions, up­on which account, the Fibres of the outward Tunicle do not only pass in right, long, parallel Lines, but also in short and oblique Lines, and accord­ing to the various surface of the outward Coat, the Fibres have sometimes a long and straight Course Ta. 7 Fig. 2. d d., and othertimes a short and oblique, and are more thick and as it were fleshy about the Orifices, and both Extreamities of the Stomach, to be as it were Auxiliary Sphincters, to shut up the Orifices of the Ventricle, which is chiefly performed by the Carnous Fibres of the se­cond Coat.

And the Membranous Coat, is not only beset with several Fibres, but also Enameled with great variety of Blood Vessels, sporting themselves in different manners; the greatest descend in numerous Trunks and Ramulets, from the top toward the bottom, and other ascend from the bottom toward the top, and are much less in Dimension then the other.

The second Coat of the Stomach, is much thicker then the outward, The second Coat is made of divers ranks of Car­nous Fibres., con­sisting of divers rows of Carnous Fibres, of which those that encompass the Convex and outward Surface, are called Transverse Ta. 7. Fig. 1. e e., as they pass Cross­ways, and intersect the straight Fibres of the first Coat in right Angles: These Fibres seated in the outward surface of the second Coat of the Ventricle, The first row is composed of transverse, or rather An­nular Fibres. may be called Annular, as they encircle the whole Circumference of the Stomach. And other rows of Carnous Fibres may be seen if the Ventricle be opened, and the inward surface, which is naturally Concave, be turned outward, and rendred Convex; and the Stomach being boiled in this posture, and the Glandulous and Nervous coverings being taken off, the Carnous Fibres ap­pear, which in their origen about the left Orifice, run a little space in right, and afterward make their progress in Oblique Lines, The second row is for a little space made of right Fibres, and afterward of Oblique. the whole length of the top of the Stomach to the Pylorus. A second sort of Carnous Fibres are seated in the Concave, and inward surface of the Carnous Coat of the Ven­tricle, and do begin below the upper Fibres, and make their progress ob­liquely Crossways towards the bottom of the Stomach, wheeling in their Bevil Lines toward the left Orifice and Origen.

So that the second Coat of the Stomach is laced with various ranks of Car­nous Fibres, which are pleasant to behold, and speak the great Contrivance of the Architect, and have several motions, The Circular Fibres do nar­row the Sto­mach in depth. to draw the Stomach into va­riety of postures, subservient to divers uses. The Fibres seated in the Con­vex surface of the Ventricle being Circular, and running on each side Cross­ways, do narrow the Cavity of the Stomach in depth; and if these Annu­lar Fibres do begin their motions about the right Orifice, and bottom of the Stomach, and move successively, they throw its contents toward its Origen and the Gulet.

And in opposite manner, if the Annular Fibres do commence their Con­tractions near the left Orifice, and are carried toward the right, they pro­trude the Contents of the Stomach toward the Pylorus and Intestines; this Motion is assisted by the right Fibres (seated in the upper region of the surface of the inward Carnous Coat) beginning their motion near the Ori­fice, and thereby Contract the length of the Stomach, and force the Con­tents of it toward its Termination, about which, if these right Fibres do be­gin their Contractions, and so act toward the left Orifice, the Contents of the Stomach are forced in Vomiting toward its Origen, and the Extreamity of the Gulet.

Below these rows of right are placed another rank of Oblique Fi­bres in the Concave Surface, which when they take the rise of their Mo­tions in the Origen of the Stomach, they narrow its Cavity first about the left Orifice, and press the contents towards the Pylorus; wherein if the Ob­lique Fibres do first act their parts, they throw the Contents toward the left Orifice.

So that various rows of Fibres, making different progresses in the outward Convex and inward concave surface of the Carnous Coat of the Stomach, do every way lessen its Dimensions, by their various Motions: The Annular and Oblique Fibres, do several ways lessen the Cavity of the Ventricle ac­cording to its depth, The right Fi­bres running in length, do pull one Ex­treamity of the Stomach to the other, and lessen its length. and the right Fibres (passing along the top of the Stomach, from one Orifice to the other) being Contracted, do pull the Extreamities nearer each other, and thereby do shorten the length of the Ventricle; whereupon the various Carnous Fibres contracting according to their different Situations and Postures, do every way lessen the hollowness of the Stomach, and do throw the Contents of it to its several Extreamities, according to their various beginnings and terminations of their Motion, in and to the left and right Orifices of the Stomach.

The third Coat is Nervous, The third Coat of the Stomach is Nervous. made up of numerous Filaments, finely inter­woven with each other, and have several progresses, some in length, and others in depth; which being closely conjoyned, do chiefly integrate the choice Compage, accommodated also with Arteries and Veins, whose Ex­treamities are inserted into its lower Surface, invested with a Crust, full of right Filaments, perpendicularly terminating into the Nervous Coat, which it covereth in manner of Velvet, as Doctor Willis expresseth it; and is beset with numerous Minute Glands, whence this Coat is denominated Glandu­lous, The fourth Coat is Glan­dulous. and may be called the fourth covering of the Stomach, into whose substance many Nervous Fibrils are implanted, importing a select Liquor into it, whose more refined Particles being severed in the body of the Glands, are carried by Pores or Minute Ducts, into the Cavity of the Ventricle, and the more recremental parts of the Nervous Liquor are received into the Ex­treamities of the Veins, or into the Lymphaeducts (if any in the Stomach) and so transmitted into the common Receptacle.

Thus having Treated of the various Coats of the Stomach and their seve­ral Fibres, I will give a brief account of the retentive and excretory Faculty of the Stomach, performed by the greater or less Contractions of Straight, Oblique, and Circular Fibres.

The Retentive Faculty of the Ventricle (ordained by Nature to enclose the Aliment in order to Concoction) is accomplished by various Fibres, The retentive faculty is per­formed by the gentle contra­ctions of dif­ferent Fibres, enclosing the Aliment in the Stomach. whereof the long do run the length of the outward Tunicle, Contracting it Longways; and the Subsequent Fibres passing down the depth of the Con­vex surface of the Carnous Coat in straight Lines, do narrow the hollowness [Page 267]of it deepways, and a third rank of Fibres making their progress Obliquely in the concave surface of the fleshy coat of the Ventricle, do contract it ob­liquely inward. Whereupon the Cavity of the Stomach being narrowed every way in its Dimensions, by the gentle Contractions of various Fibres, doth purse it self up to encompass the Aliment within its soft embraces du­ring the Concoction; which being effected, and the Alimentary Liquor extra­cted, the Faeces grow troublesome, and the Fibres seated in the bottom of the Stomach, contracting themselves, do reduce the Arch of the lower Re­gion to a Plain, and lift up the Recrement and Alimentary Juice, and press them forward toward the right Orifice, till they arrive the Antrum, or Ca­vity of the Pylorus, where by its Fibres, they are forced to the entrance of the Duodenum.

The Excretory Motion of the Stomach, The excretory power of the Stomach is acted with the more strong motion of the Carnous Fi­bres. is more briskly performed in Purging, by Fibres beginning about the left, and moving toward the right Orifice, and by Contracting one part after another successively, do lessen more and more the Cavity of the Stomach, and thereby squeese the Con­tents of it from the Origen to its Termination.

The Excretory Motion in Vomiting, is more strong then that of Purging, The expulsive motion of the Stomach in Vomiting, is exerted by the more violent of the Car­nous Fibres, then that of Purging. to which the Stomach runneth Counter in this unnatural Motion, perfor­med first by the Carnous Fibres, violently contracting in the bottom of the Ventricle, whereby they lift up its Contents with great girks, which are seconded with strong Contractions of the various ranks of Circular, Ob­lique, and Long Fibres, seated in the convex and concave surface of the Carnous Coat, which move in an inverted Peristaltick Motion, from the Pylorus, and bottom to the origen of the Stomach, whereupon it grows narrower and shorter in its Dimensions; and the Contents are forced from the right to the left Crifice, and thence into the Gulet.

And now a Question may be started, The Carnous Fibres are drawn into consent by the appulses first made upon the Nervous Fibrils, and then upon the Carnous by sympathy, as near to them. How the Fibres of the outward and Carnous Coat of the Stomach are incited to move, when they are so remote from the Contents, which make their first Appulses upon the Fibres of the Nervous Coat, and afterwards draw into consent, the Carnous and Mem­branous Fibres, of the second and outward covering, whose great action and use are instituted by Nature, to encompass the Aliment in the tender bosome of the Stomach, lessened in its Dimensions by the contractions of various Fibres, in order to the concoction of Aliment; which being per­formed, the Alimentary Liquor, and the Faeces separated from it, are car­ried through the Pylorus, and right Orifice of the Ventricle, into the Inte­stines.

And that the grosser parts of the Meat may not be transmitted, The left Ori­fice of the Stomach, into which the Gulet is im­planted. till the Alimentary Juice is duly Extracted, Nature hath most prudently guarded the left and right Orifices with Fibres to contract them, least the Aliment should be discharged the confines of the Stomach, before it is duly Con­cocted.

The left Orifice of the Ventricle, seated in its Origen, hath a straight and perpendicular passage, which is guarded with Carnous and Membra­nous Fibres narrowing its Bore, least the Stomach being disgusted after the reception of Aliment, should throw it up immediately into the Gulet; and this Orifice is opened in time of Deglutition, performed by the Carnous Fi­bres of the Musculus Oesophagaeus, contracting the Cavity of the Gulet, and thereby forcing the Aliment down to the Origen of the Stomach, whereup­on the Fibres, guarding the left Orifice, are relaxed, and the Meat and Drink received into the bosome of the Ventricle.

The right Orifice of the Stomach, The right Ori­fice of the Sto­mach, called the Pylorus, or termination of it is encircled with an Orbi­cular Muscle. commonly called the Pylorus, hath a Cavity seated in it (named Antrum, by Learned Doctor Willis) which be­ing more and more lessened, endeth in a small Hole, which being formed after the manner of an Arch, is conjoyned to the Origen of the Intestines: And the Coats of the Stomach are much thicker about this Orifice, then in any other part; and the Nervous Coat is rendred rough by many folds, and the Pylorus terminates in a Neck, somewhat resembling the Cock of a Ci­stern, which being lifted up in the upper Region, descendeth gradually, to give a check to the recourse of the Chyle into the Stomach, which is much assisted by the Annular Fibres, contracting the Cavity of the Pylorus; which are relaxed by the various ranks of Carnous Fibres (seated in the second Coat) contracting the Dimensions of the body of the Stomach, and there­by presseth the Alimentary Liquor, and Faeces severed from it, through the opened Pylorus, into the Duodenum.

The curious structure of the Stomach, The Stomach hath four kinds of Ves­sels, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, and Lymphae­ducts. is not only made up of various ranks of Fibres, as so many proper Integrals, framing the rare compage of the Ventricle; but is composed also of divers kinds of Vessels, as common parts Enameling the various Coats, and are Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Milky Vessels, and Lymphaeducts.

As some will have it, The Stomach hath fi [...]e bran­ches of Blood Vessels. the Stomach is adorned with five Branches of Blood Vessels; the Pylorick, Artery and Vein, the right Gastre-Epiploick, the Gastrick (and out of each of them springeth the Coronary Branch) the left Gastre-Epiploick, and the Vas breve: All these Arteries are accompanied with Veins, which have the same Appellatives, and are akin to the Arteries, their Companions, in their numerous Divarications; which are distributed into all parts of the Tunicles, with fruitful Ramulets and Capillaries, giving heat and life to the Stomach, and are terminated into the Nervous and Glandulous Coat, into which the Vital Liquor being transmitted, its loft serous parts are severed from the Red Crassament, and conveyed by Ducts and Pores, into the cavity of the Ventricle, as a Ferment to farther the concoction of Aliment.

The Veins of the Ventricle, also first shading the coats of it, with a num­ber of greater and smaller Branches are implanted into the most inmost c [...]t, wherein they reconvey the Vital Liquor, imported by the Arteries; and the extreamities of these Veins, relating to the Nervous and Glandulous Coat, may perhaps receive the more thin Particles of the Chyle (and chiefly Pur­ple-Juice) and convey them to the Blood.

The Nerves of the Stomach are propagated from the Par Vagum, The Nerves of the Stomach do come from the Par Vagum a [...]d first con­sist of an out­ward and in­ward Branch. and creeping down on each side of the Gulet, are divided into an outward and inward Branch, and the Interior Branches approaching each other, do coalesce into one, which first passing down the Oesophagus, doth at last encompass the bottom of the Stomach: And in like manner (as Doctor Willis has well ob­served) the Exterior Branches, accosting each other, do afterward unite, and passing down into the inside of the Stomach, are reflected and enter in­to the upper part of it. And from the outward and inward Branches be­setting the sides of the left Orifice, many Ramulets do sprout, which mu­tually Inosculate, and constitute a Reticular Plex.

The lower Stomacick Branch, The lower Stomacick Branch. transmitteth many Nervous Fibrils into the left part of the bottom of the Stomach, which afterward espouse a union with the Mesenterick and Lienary Plex.

Also other Branches (seated in the right side, The Stoma­cick Nerves of the left side, associate with the Hepatick Plex. relating to the bottom of the Ventricle) do spring from the outward and inward Stomacick Nerves, and confaederate with the Hepatick Plex, and about this place both Trunks of the Per Vagum do terminate; and the last Branches, that can be percei­ved, are sprouts of the Stomacick Nerves, and do associate with the Fibres, derived from the Mesenterick Plexes.

The Milky Vessels of the Stomach, The Milky Vessels of the Stomach, are fewer then those of the Guts. are not so numerous as those of the Guts, and take their rise from the bottom of the Stomach, and after a small space, do rest upon the Anterior Membrane of the Caul, and do pass un­der its larger Glands, into the right Extreamity of the Pancreas, and af­terward the Lacteae coming from the Stomach, originally do pass in a straight course, and discharge themselves into the common Receptacle.

The Stomach hath also Lymphaeducts, as Learned Bartholine will have it: The Vasa La­ctea are mi­staken by some for Lymphae­ducts in the Stomach. Of which (saith he) Rudbeck hath given a Figure, perforating the Sto­mach, and passing into a Gland seated between the Pylorus and Ventricle, and Exonerating their Liquor into the common Receptacle. But I humbly con­ceive, that these Learned Men, have taken the Vasa Lactea for Lymphae­ducts, which are very like them in colour and substance.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Stomachs of Beasts.

ALion, the King of Beasts, is furnished with a Stomach, The Stomach of a Lion. having larger Dimensions in the bottom, and toward the left side, and more nar­row toward the middle, and is endued in his Anterior and upper Region, with two unequal Protuberances; and the Pylorus is sometimes hard and Car­tilaginous, which reached to the middle of the Duodenum, which Thomas Bartholine saw in a Dissected Lion.

The inward Coat of the Stomach, is contracted into many Folds, The inward Coat is full of Furrows. by which the Ventricle is laid into Furrows, and one part of it is distinguished from another, as by so many Partitions, of which Twelve were disposed in elegant order by Equidistant Circles, and each of them were conjoyned to other smaller ones (as the Valves of the Heart are fixed to its Columns) in which, as so many Repositories, the Aliment is safely lodged for its better concoction.

A Camel, hath four Venters, as so many Allodgments, A Camel hath four Venters. in which the Ali­ment is prepared and concocted, as in other Bruits, chewing the Cud: These four Receptacles, are distinguished one from another; the first is the Panch, which being larger then the other, is attended with a second, much less in Di­mensions, which is accompanied with a third, much less, but longer then the first, and then the fourth bringeth up the Rear, and is much akin in extent to the second Venter. The upper re­gion of the second Venter hath many Cavities, as so many Ci­sterns to con­tain Water.

In the upper Region of the second Apartiment of the Stomach, are lodg­ed many Cavities like so many Cisterns, to retain Water, which are seated between the coats of the Stomach, which make the whole substance of it; these Sacks, accommodated with Glandulous Muscles, Nature hath most [Page 270]wisely framed, as so many Receptacles of Water, which are drawn out, when this Beast travelleth through dry Countries, for the support of Na­ture in time of Necessity.

The structure of the Stomach in a Beaver, The Stomach of a Beaver. is admirable (as Blasius hath well observed) and is very rare and large, somewhat resembling in Figure, a Hog, except where it is divided by a kind of Furrow, or Cavity running downward, and making it as it were a double Stomach; in the left side near the Orifice, is seated a fleshy substance, about the length of four Inches, adorned with an Oval Figure.

And in the Stomach being cut in length, were discovered many pieces of Barks and Roots of Trees, and nothing of Fish found in the Cavity of it, whose inside appeared all lined with a Mucous Matter: And over against the Furrow (which was discerned outwardly) in the inside of the Sto­mach, was placed a Nervous Prominence, which did not extend it self so far to the bottom, as to part the Ventricle into two parts.

Where the red Protuberance appeared, in the outside, and in the inside, might be seen many little Holes, or extreamities of Vessels chiefly of a round Figure, receptive of a Tare; and some of these Orifices seemed to be of a Semilunary shape, which are placed near the upper region of the Stomach: And some of the outward parts of the Orifices being sliced away, under­neath were discovered other more Minute Orifices, which were part of the Excretory Ducts being cut off; and out of the remanent Holes, the red substance being compressed outwardly, a Mucous Matter distilled, re­sembling Castoreum in sent; and Breath being immitted into the Orifices by a Blow-pipe, the red substance was immediately Tumified, which be­ing stripped off from its Exterior Membrane, The fleshy part of the Stomach was beset with Glands, at­tended with Excretory Ducts, carry­ing a clammy matter. a fleshy substance offered it self, full of right Fibres, running parallel to those of the Gulet: This Muscular substance was beset with numerous Minute Glands, attended with Excre­tory Vessels, perforating the inward Coat of the Stomach

These small Glands of one bigness, were set in many Rows, passing in right Lines, according to the progress of the Fibres: These Glands being squeesed, a clammy Matter oused out, and the Glands grew lank, and af­terward Breath being immitted into them by a proper Instrument, they grew big again, and assumed their former Figure.

Whereupon, The Glands have various Arteries and Veins, I most humbly conceive, that these small Glands being ac­commodated with numerous Arteries, and Veins; the first import Blood into the body of the Glands, where the more soft parts are severed from the Purple Liquor, and carried by Excretory Ducts into the Cavity of the Stomach, and serve as a Menstruum and Ferment to moisten, and to impraegnate its dry Aliment of Barks and Rinds of Trees, in order to extract an Ali­mentary Liquor.

Four Venters are assigned bp Nature to Beasts chewing the Cud: Beasts chewing the Cud have four Venters, the first is the Panch, the second is called the Ho­ny Comb, the third is named the Feck. The first is called by Grecians, [...], the Panch, which hath the most large bosome for to Macerate and Concoct Aliment, before it is reconveyed to the Mouth, in order to the more easie Chewing; and is composed as well as the Gulet, of four Coats, the Membranous, Carnous, Nervous, and Glan­dulous covering. It hath several inequalities, which are the Duplicatures of Muscular Membranes; as Learned Doctor Grew hath observed.

The second Venter, called by the Latines, Reticulum, in English, the Hony Comb; hath three Orifices, the first is conjoyned to the Gulet, from which it receiveth Aliment: The second conveyeth it into the Panch; and the third into the Feck. The second Venter is hollowed in divers places, in [Page 271]reference to its inward surface into many Cells, somewhat resembling the cavities of a Hony Comb (whence it borroweth its denomination in English) and are instituted by Nature to stay the Aliment, for the better Con­coction of it before it is imparted to the third Venter, called by the Greeks, [...], and by the Latines, Omasus, and by the English, Feck; which is of a rare Frame, as composed of many broad transverse Membranes, as so ma­ny Repositories of Aliment, till it is farther Digested, and Intenerated, as a disposition to a better Concoction in the fourth Venter, which somewhat resembleth the Stomach of Man in Figure, called by the Greeks, [...], and by the Latines, Abomasus, in English, the Reed; The fourth Venter is cal­led the Reed. and is endued with more and greater Plicatures, then that of Man, which take their progress in a straight course: This Venter receiveth the Aliment prepared in the former Venters, and giveth it a more perfect Elaboration. This Venter almost wholly emploied, and the former of no other use in young Animals that Suck, but to transmit the Milk into the fourth Venter, which alone giveth its Conco­ction, and so transmitteth it into the Intestines, to receive a greater refinement caused by proper Ferments in the Guts.

Before I part with the Stomachs of Bruits, The manner of chewing the Cud. I will take the freedom to of­fer my Sentiment about the chewing of the Cud in Horn Beasts, which is ordered first by a reconveying the Aliment out of the Panch into the Mouth, to receive a further Comminution by the Teeth: Of which Doctor Glysson giveth this Account, Cap. 2. de Histor. Ventriculi. Modus, quo tota actio per­ficitur, sic se habet: Collecta bona cibi portione, & aliquandiu in [...] pe­nu coacervata, laetatur Phantasia, & de fruitione bonorum partorum cogitare incipit. Hinc paulo fortius solito tensis Musculis, Abdominis, & una Diaphragma. magno ven­tri dat ansam se quoq conformiter comprimendi: Adeo (que) motus peristalticus ab infra sursum excitatur, qui ascendens in reticulum, & inde in gulam, cibum in os re­fundit. With the permission of this great Author, I humbly conceive that the crude Aliment is not thrown out of the Panch, as being only grateful to it, wherupon the Muscles of the Abdomen and Diaphragme do not Con­tract themselves, to give the Hony Comb and Panch, more close em­braces of the crude Aliment, upon the account of greater Pleasure and De­light; but as rather lying somewhat heavy upon the Panch, by reason of its great and indigested quantity, so that the Hony Comb and Panch, do lessen the Cavities by the contraction of the Carnous Fibres, assisted with the Muscles of the Abdomen, to gulp up the Inconcocted Grass or Hay, to be farther moistned in the Mouth, by Salival Liquor, flowing out of the Oral Glands; and then to be broken into small Particles, by the grinding of the Teeth, put into various postures and motions by the Muscles of the lower Jaw, and afterward it is swallowed down the second time into the Panch, to receive a greater Concoction.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Stomachs of Birds.