PHYSICK REFIN'D, &c.
SECT. I. Scurvey.
THere are wandering Pains running up and down the Body; Spots appear in the Fleshy Parts; and (if the Disease be confirmed) the Gums [Page 8]are affected with Bleeding and Soreness. This Disease of it self is more Troublesom, than Dangerous; but (if it be not cured) it many times brings Dropsies, Consumptions, and other Distempers arising from Obstructions of the Spleen; and is oft the Usherer in of such Acute Diseases, as terminate in the Grave.
The Cure.
The most Excellent Medicines in this case, are Tincture of Tartar, Tincture of Antimony, and Tincture of Corals: Twenty Drops at a time, taken at Night, going to Bed (of any of them) in Spirit of Scurvey-Grass, [Page 9]or (which is better) Spirit of Tartar. Use it forty Days together. I have often cured it with Antimonium Diaphoriticum, taken as the former, in Beer or Broth, twenty Grains at once, every Night for forty Days together; using in the mean time, a Diet Drink, made with Horse-Radish, Celandine, and Mustard-Seed. Crocus Martis Apperitivis in this case is very proper; but Oleum Martis is better, and may be taken eight Grains at a time. A Spirit distill'd from Antimony one part, and Salt-Peetre three parts, taken to the quantity of five Drops at a time, is highly Famous in this Distemper.
SECT. II. Dropsie.
THis Disease is a Watery Habit of the Body: 'Tis call'd by three Names, according as it affects this, that, or the other Part.
The First is called Ascitis; (that is) When much Water is between the Peritoneum, and the Bowels.
The Second is called Timpanites; (i. e.) When 'tis of a Windy Cause, known by the Hardness of the Place, (where that of Water is more soft) and [Page 11]all other Parts of the Body wax lean.
The Third is called Anasarca, or Leucaphlegma; (that is) When all the Flesh of the whole Body appeareth moist and swelled. 'Tis generally concluded to be a Defect of the Liver. There is great Thirst, shortness of Breath, an ill Colour, and great Heaviness.
If in the Beginning of the Disease, there be a Flux of the Belly, with Concoction, or the Ʋrine Made be more than what is Drunk, there is hope of Recovery.
The Cure.
Let all the Patient's Drink be sharpned with Spirit of Salt, or Oyl of Sulphur. They that [Page 12]fancy Purging Medicines, use Syrrup of Buckthorn, an Ounce at a time in the Morning: But Syrrup of Pellitory of the Wall is better, taken a Spoonful at once, two or three times a day. The Root of Hog-Fennel, powder'd, and taken a Dram at a time, is excellent. I use Ens Veneris, twenty Grains at once, every Night going to Bed.
SECT. III. Small Pox.
THere is first a Pain in the Head and Back; the Body is feaverish, hot, and the [Page 13]Face is red and swell'd; they are sleepy, have Red Urine, and Pricking all over the Body. The Third or Fourth Day small Pustles arise, and break out in the Skin.
If they soon come forth, and Ripen easily, appear white, round, and the Breathing free, there is great Hopes of Recovery: But Bleeding at Nose, great Third, difficulty of Breathing, Loosness, Bloody Flux, black or livid Urine, a great Feaver, the Pustles appearing Green, Black, or Blueish, or go in again, or black or blue Spots appearing; all these are dangerous signs.
The Cure.
First provoke Sweat with Bezoar Mineral; six Grains for a Child, and sixteen Grains for one of full Age. Take it at Night going to Bed. Or Antimonium Diaphoriticum may be given after the same manner, and the same Dose. Take them in Sack. Tincture of Saffron, in this case, is excellent; taken a Spoonful or two at a time, three or four times a day, in good Wine. Ten drops of Tincture of Corals, or six Grains of Tincture of Tartar, given at Night in Sack, is very good. Take a little Red Fennel and Saffron, and boyl in Posset-drink, and give the Patient [Page 15]to drink often, before they come out. I make up a Medicine thus: Take Spirit of Wine, or Aquae Mirabolis, two Ounces, Syrrup of Clove-Gilly-Flowers one Ounce, Confectio Alkermes one Dram; mix, and give a Spoonful at a time, four or five times a day.
SECT. IV. Cachexia.
'TIs caused through Obstructions, and Hardness of the Liver and Spleen; which brings the whole Body into an ill State and Disposition.
This Disease commonly follows some long Sickness, as a Dysenteria and Lienteria. The Flesh waxes loose and soft, the Patient is weak, hath bad Digestion, loatheth Meat, desires Drink. The Body is whitish, and he goeth weakly. 'Tis mostly incident to Old Men and Children.
If it continue long, it brings the Patient into a Dropsie.
The Cure.
All Medicines, that potently open Obstructions, are proper in this Case. Take Pulvis Cachecticus, half a Dram at a time, every Morning, and stir after it; taking every Night ten [Page 17]Grains of Sweating Antimony. Pilulae Anodynae (which is most commonly known by the name of Matthew's, but more properly Starkey's Pill) in this Case is excellent, being taken to the quantity of twenty Grains at Night, going Bed, two or three Hours after a light Supper. Crocus Martis Apperitivus, in this Case, is proper; but Oleum Martis is better, taken eight Grains at a time. I distill a Spirit from Antimony one Pound, and Nitre three Pounds; whereof I give five or six Drops in white Wine or Ale: It must be drawn in an open Retort, and cast in by two Drams at a time, and the Retort stopt quickly.
SECT. V. Worms.
THere are three sorts of Worms; as first, Round ones, about six or eight Inches in length. Such as are troubled with these, feel a gnawing in the Stomach and Bowels: They start in their Sleep, have a small dryish Cough, and the Body wastes.
The second sort are broad Long-Worms, which do continually gnaw the Stomach. There is great Appetite, slenderness and weakness of the Body, and [Page 19]certain small things, much resembling Cucumber-Seeds, avoyded with the Excrements.
The third sort are thin, short, and small Worms; mostly in the Fundament, and in the Right Gut. They are known by these two signs; they cause the Fundament to itch, and provoke to Stool, which gives the Patient ease
Worms voyded in the declining of a Disease, (without taking Worm-killing Medicines) is good: But if they leave the Body in the beginning of a Disease, 'tis a sign of Death.
The Cure.
Take thin slices of fat Cheese, set them in a Pewter-dish before the Fire, and melt out the [Page 20]Oyl; put an Ounce of it to half a Pint of sweet Wort; warm, and drink it in the Morning, fasting two Hours after it. Take Earth-Worms, slit them, scowr them in Salt, dry them with a gentle Heat, and give the Powder inwardly. Take Salt of Wormwood, drop on Spirit of Salt till it cease broyling; dry it, and give twenty Grains at Night.
SECT. VI. Gout.
TIs a Disease of the Joynts, where there is tormenting [Page 21]Pains. It hath got five Names, according to those five Places of the Body it uses to torment. In the Shoulder, it is called Omagra; in the Hand, Chiragra; in the Hip, Sciatica; in the Knee, Gonogra; in the Foot, Podagra. If it be knotted in the Joynts, or the Patient very old, Physicians count it uncurable. If the Pain run from one Joynt to another, 'tis then call'd a Rheumatism, or the Running-Gout. If this be with an Asthma, the Cure is difficult.
The Cure.
Take twenty Grains of sweating Antimony at Night, and twenty Drops of Tincture of Antimony in the Morning, or the like quantity of Spirit of [Page 22] Tartar. Take seven Grains of Salt of Lead, or twenty Grains of Ens Veneris at Night, or Bezoar Minerale. Sixteen Grains taken as the former, sweats excellently, anoynting the Place with the Oyl of Man's Blood, or with a Lye made of the Salt of Cow-dung, dissolved in the Air, and the Part bathed there-with. Take Pigeon's-Dung, Vinegar, and Mustard-Seed, of each a like quantity; beat it into the form of an Oyntment, and apply it (on Linnen) to the Place grieved: Then lay on Emplastrum Arthriticum, till the Pain cease; then apply Emplastrum de Minio, spread on Linnen, and let it lie on a Month; and renew it six times.
SECT. VII. Head-Ach.
IF then Pain be extended to the Root of the Eyes, the Pain is within the Skull; otherwise 'tis without the Skull. It commonly lasteth long, and invades the Patient with pain on light Occasions; as Blows, Heat of the Sun, violent Exercise, and the like; with extream sharp Fits. In some it continues all times; in others it goes and comes by fits. If the Pain be inward, and extent to the Roots of the Eyes, the Films that cover [Page 24]the Brain are inflamed: But if the Pain be outward, the Films that cover the Skull are grieved. 'Tis for the most part curable; but if it be of long continuance, 'tis difficult, and is in danger of Returning.
The Cure.
Take Oyl of Vitriol an Ounce, Spirit of Wine (or good Brandy) a quart; mix them, cork it well, and set it two or three days in a warm Place; and take half an Ounce at a time, in Wine or Ale, two or three times a day. Flowers of Antimony (not Vomitive) taken ten Grains at a time, are excellent. Give it every other Night; and five Grains of Laudanum, dissolved [Page 25]in Sack (or made into a Pill) may be taken the other Night. I use Ens Veneris, twenty Grains taken at Night in unsalted Broth; or the like quantity of Matthew's (or rather Starkey's) Pilulae Anodynae. Boyl Verjuice, and put them hot into a narrow-mouth'd Bottle, and receive the Fume at the Ear, anointing the Temples of the Head with Ʋnguentum Populeon, or rather with this Oyntment. Take Ground-Ivy, stamp it, and boyl it well in White-Wine; strain out the Herbs, and add Sallet-Oyl, and boyl it to the Consumption of the Moysture; and anoynt the Head and Temples therewith; warm it well.
SECT. VIII. Megrim and Vertigo.
THe Megrim is a Pain in one half of the Head; wherein if the Films that cover the Skull be inflamed, the Pain is so vehement, that the Patient cannot suffer the Skin to be touched with the Hand; being more violent, than dangerous; for 'tis commonly quickly cured.
The Vertigo is a Swimming of the Head. 'Tis said to be caused by a windy Exhalation. There is Giddiness; things seem to [Page 27]turn round; sometimes the Patient falls down. There is many times dimness of Sight, hardness of Hearing, a decay of Taste and Smell; the Head is heavy, and acheth; some feel a gnawing in the Stomach, and have a disposition to Vomit. This distemper commonly turns to some other Disease. If the things which the Sick sees, seem Purple-colour'd, it is the Forerunner of the Epilepsia. If they seem red, or bloody, there is danger of Madness. Sometimes it degenerates into an Apoplexia.
The Cure.
For the Megrim, take ten Grains of Confectio Anodyna, or twenty Grains of Pilulae Anodynae; [Page 28]or else five Grains of Laudanum at Night, and two Drams of Essence of Rosemary in the Morning. Mix twenty Grains of Euphorbium finely powder'd, with an Ounce of Oyl-Olive; and drop one Drop into the Ear warm, on the pained side. Also take Euphorbium, boyl it a little in Vinegar, and apply it to the contrary side; or apply a warm Cataplasm of Goat's—Dung and Vinegar.
For the Vertigo, anoynt the Nostrils with Oyl of Nutmegs, Marjoram, or Rosemary: Give inwardly Essence of Rosemary in Wine, or Peacocks-Dung dryed and powder'd, a Dram at a time; or a few Grains of Native-Cinabar in Oyl of Caraways.
SECT. IX. Phrensie and Madness.
THe Phrensie is a kind of madness, or fury joyned with a Feaver; affirmed by some to be an Inflammation of the Brain, or the films, hurting the internal senses; there is little sleep, they speak without sense, rise up, leap, and cry furiously, pulling as though it were straws, or the like from the Bed-clothes, they breath lightly, and the Pulses are small; some laugh, others are raging, angry, and hardly ruled.
This disease is commonly [Page 30]mortal, and if the Urine be white and clear, 'tis a dangerous sign.
Madness hath a great affinity with the Phrensie, the signes are evident, they are both hard to cure, they differ in this; the Phrensie is accompanied with a Feaver, Madness is without; the Phrensie is dangerous, Madness is tedious, not perilous.
The Cure.
For to help the Phrensie, give 10 grains of salt of Pearl in Poppy water, for one dose, or 5 grains or Laudanum given at twice, 6 hours betwixt, dissolve it in Sack. Potable Silver taken 6 grains at a time in this [Page 31]case is excellent. Tincture of Antimony or the flowers corrected, are powerful. Black Helibore is a famous specifick, make it into powder and boyl it twelve hours in water to the thickness of a Syrup, add its weight of Sugar, and give half a dram at a time.
Madness is cured with the same medicines (Laudanum excepted) give now and then a dram of the blood of an Ass, taken out of the veins behind the ears, and sweat after it, oyl of Rosemary is good; I use salt of Lead, and Ens Veneris with good success, 8 grains of the first, and 20 of the latter.
Sect. X. Lethargy and Deep or dead sleep.
THe Lethargy is a drowsie distemper conjoyn'd with a Feaver, the patient breaths weakly, sleeps profoundly, the Pulse is great, and strikes seldom; though the party be often spoken to, he (through sluggishness) scarcely answereth to the question, only openeth his eyes, and shuts them again, sometimes raves, and is very forgetful. If he be old, Gross, Fat, and the disease of long continuance, 'twill hardly be cured.
The deep or dead sleep is a disorder of the Brain, wherein [Page 33]the Patient sleeps with his eyes continually shut, and he will say nothing, though he be stirred and pricked with needles, it's difference from a Lethargy is only in degrees, and this is without a Feaver; the cure is difficult.
The Cure.
The principal cure of these diseases is potable silver, taken 5 grains at night, and as much in the morning. The Chimical oyl of Rosemary is excellent, and may be given from 10 to 15 drops at a time in a little Sack, and the Temples and head (being shaved) may be anointed with it, or oyl of Caster, then lay a Plaister of Stickticum Paracelsi on the head, [Page 34]taking now and then in the day time 20 or 30 drops of Elixir Proprietatis, and sweating with 15 drops of spirit of Harts-horn, or 10 grains of Bezoar Mineral is good.
Sect. XI. Apoplexia & Catalepsis.
THe Apolexia is a depriving the whole body of sense and motion; they have pain in the head, sleep deeply, gnaw the Teeth, feel not when hurt, open not the eyes, Answer no questions, make little Urine, its sediment is like meal, and its colour like Rust or Canker, they snore, and breath [Page 35]little. 'Tis said to be caused through obstruction of those passages whereby the spirits are carryed from the Heart to the Brain. If this distemper be a strong one 'tis uncurable, and how weak soever, not easily helped: 'tis the worst when it seizeth young people in the summer. And if Medicines prove effectual against the Apoplexia, yet commonly it leaves a Palsie either in the whole or part of the body.
Catalepsis is a kind of Congelation, sudden detention or benuming both in Body and Mind, the Patient lies as though he was dead, moves not the eyes. Sense and Motion are lost, the pulse is weak, [Page 36]and he remains in the same figure of body in which he was taken, whether he lye, stand▪ or sit, with his eyes shut or open, the disease (if cured) degenerates many times into an Apoplexia, or Lethargy.
The Cure.
In both these distempers, the Essence of Rosemary is excellent, a quarter of an ounce at a time or 10 drops of the Chymical oyl taken in 2 or 3 spoonfuls of wine, or 15 drops of the spirit of the brains & blood of a sheep, taken often. Aurum Potabilie 6 grains at once, transcends all other medicines; bath the head with tincture of Papper, and anoint it with Balsamum Polychrestum. Elixir Proprietatis 15 [Page 37]grains in wine, is proper in these cases.
Sect. XII. Epilepsia.
THe Falling-sickness is a Convulsion of the body, hurting the mind and senses at some certain times, for when the fit comes, the patient is pluckt together, falls down, trembles, cryes out, and (if the disease be violent) foams at mouth. Van Helmont saith tis caused by an infensitive, befooling and mad poyson, afflicting for a space, being installed in the Midriff. It commonly happens to children, but if it happen to persons of full age, tis seldom cured.
The Cure.
Provoke sneezing with Helebore, and administer Elixir Proprietatis, or Elixir Vitae, a dram at a time, the Antepileptick spirit of Vitriol, 8 grains at once in some cordial spirit, is excellent, take 12 grains of Pulvis Antepilepticus twice in a week. Take the Livers of forty Frogs, dry them with a gentle heat, and give them in fine powder at five times, morning and evening. The powder of native Cinabar is much commended mixt with the oyle of Carraways. Oyl of Amber, ten grains at once may be often administred; dry the brains of a Weesle, make the same into fine powder, and drink it in vinegar. [Page 39]The volatile Salt, and spirit of venal blood is famous in this case, 5 grains of the Salt, or ten drops of the spirit for one dose; Take every morning 2 drams of the Opeate of Moniagnana, commended by Riverius. Give a new born child 2 drams of oyl of sweet Almonds, mixt with sugar before it suck, or take any thing for preventing this distemper.
Sect. XIII. Palsie and Trembling.
THe Palsie is a distemper in which the whole body, or some particular part or member doth lose its sense or [Page 40]motion, or both, according as all, or some of the Nerves are obstructed. If the back bone be principally affected with the obstruction, the lower parts are afflicted, but from the affection of the brain, the face and upper parts are offended, this disease is more frequently seizing in the winter than in summer, and happens oftner to old people than young ones, If it be not occasioned from the cutting of a sinew, it may be cured.
Trembling commonly goes before a Palsie, and is caused through weakness of the sinew, either by reason of old Age, or excessive drinking.
The Cure.
Tincture of Tarter, 10 drops, or spirit of Tartar, 20 drops at a time are proper in the case; take 12 grains of Pulvis Antepilepticus once in two dayes, and provoke sweat by 10 grains of Bezoar Mineral taken at night, or six grains of potable silver; bathe the place grieved with an essence of Green Tobacco leaves, made with Malmsey wine, rub and chafe it well in and use it often.
Then anoint with Balsamum Hystericum, or Ʋ [...]guentum Martiatum. A cataplasm of the greater Walnut-root is much commended, and often bathing the part with Milk and Oyl.
Trembling is helped by the use of Elixir Proprietatis, a dram taken at once, morning and night, and by all the former medicines mentioned against the Palsie.
Sect. XIV. Melancholia.
THey that languish under this distemper, have strange imaginations conceiting themselves to be like what they resemble not; and that they are what they are not. 'Tis known by fearfulness, sadness, hatred, and such doleful passions of the Mind, some conceiting themselves to be [Page 43]beast of this kind, others of that. Some are fearful of what will not hurt them, others would hurt or kill themselves, (cause no body else will) some weep, others laugh. Some foretell strange things to come, others cannot tell what was done yesterday. 'Tis a deplorable disease, very uncomfortable state, long and tedious, and in Aged people, seldom cured.
The Cure.
The best thing is Potable silver, taken 6 grains at night, and a dram of Elixir Proprietatis, Elixir Vitae, Essentia Magna, Essence of Saffron, Syrupus Alkermes or Spiritus Analepticus in the morning. The Chymical [Page 44]oyles of Cinanion, Cloves, or Rosemary, given to the quantity of 8 drops at once in wine or warm broth, is excellent. So are flowers of Antimony (corrected) 6 grains, at night taken in London Treacle, Take Black Hellebore, salt of Tartar, and as much white wine as will work them into stiff past, put it in a glass, stop the Air from it, and after it is two months old, give 5 or 6 grains at a time in a pill and increase the dose. Twenty grains of Matthews Pill is excellent.
Sect. XV. Night-mare and Cramp.
BY the Night-mare, I mean that oppressive weight and nocturnal suffocation which the Greek Physitians call Ephialtes, and the Latines Incubus. It commonly seizeth the Patient 'twixt sleep and wake, he thinks he feels something very heavy upon him; he strives hard, yet cannot move, or stir himself, only groans but cannot speak; 'tis caused by eating full and late suppers, of such meats as are hard of digestion, excessive drinking or such like intemperance, and if it continue long [Page 46]many times turns to the falling sickness, madness, or an Apoplexia.
The Cramp or Convulsion is a shrinking or contraction o [...] the Nerves, either of the whole body, or of some particular part▪ That of the whole body proceeds either from the marrow of the back, when the Muscle that move the head and back are drawn together, or from defect of the brain, when th [...] face is pluckt also with the body. That of a part is a particular obstruction of its original. If it be taken in time i [...] may be cured, else not.
The Cure.
Both these distempers are cured with the same Medicines [Page 47]have prescribed to be used in the Epilepsia, at the 12 Section. In the Cramp, you may Annoint the part shrunk with oyl of Amber, mixt with oyl of Roses, and apply over it Emplastrum Histericum.
Sect. XVI. Pearl and Cataract.
THat which is vulgarly known by the name of a Pearl, is sometimes called Pin and Web, being a white spot, contracted by the Cornea, and comprehending a small space of the Pupilla.
the Cataract, or suffusion, is a distemper wherein the watery [Page 48]Humour of the Eye becomes too thick. In the beginning of the disease, the patient thinks he sees small things before his eyes, as Gnats, hairs, and the like; it commonly affects but one Eye at once, when the disease is confirmed, the sight totally perisheth; there appeareth dark matter in the Pupilla, or white spots about it; there are red veins about the Circle, and a thick skin over the whole Eye. The Green coloured Cataract, and that wherein the Pupil of the Eye is dilated, so far that no circle may be seen within the Tunicles, the Eye seeming all black or all white, are both uncurable: but if the patient be [Page 49]young and can see as through a mist he may be helped.
The Cure.
For a Pearl put into the Eye a whole seed of Oculus Christi, and wash it with this water, Honey two ounces, juice of Celandine three ounces, white Vitriol a dram (dissolved in a ounces of water) and drop it into the eye. For the Cataract wash the eye 5 times a day in the infusion of Crocus Metallorum in white wine, giving ten drops of Oyle of Rosemary every morning, in warm wine or broth.
Sect. 17. Blindness & Inflammation of the Eyes.
BLindness is sometimes Total, and yet the Eye to look upon ails nothing. If the disease proceed through obstruction of the Optick nerves, (as commonly it doth) through super-abounding Humidity, and the sight totally extinct, 'tis accounted incurable: but if it be occasioned through the gathering of humours in the forepart of the head, (as some affirm it may) compressing the Nerves, there is some small hopes of recovery.
Inflammation of the Eyes, Is [Page 51]that which is commonly called Blood-shot, caused through defluctions, occasioned by heat; blows, great grief, and the like, and 'tis easily helped.
The Cure.
In Blindness, 'tis convenient to sharpen the Patients drink with Oyl of Vitriol, or Oyle of Sulphur, and take Oyle of Rosemary ten drops at a time, morning and night, in four spoonfulls of warm wine.
Take Tutia and Aloes, of each three drams, white Sugar 2 drams, Rose-water and white wine, of each 6 ounces mixt, and in a glass well stopt, digest in the sun, or in some other such heat, for a mon [...]th, shake it every day, then let it settle, [Page 52]pure off the clear, and wash the Eyes with it, both morning, noon and Night, both for this distemper, and for a Cataract. Inflammation, or bloodshot, is cured by salt of Lead dissolved in fair water, or Rose-water, or white Vitriol one ounce dissolved in three pints of water, and the Eyes washed with it, or with whites of Eggs beaten to water, or wash with the water squeezed out of rotten Apples.
Sect. 18. Deafness.
IF this distemper proceed from a Feaver, 'tis remedied by curing the Feaver, if it be [Page 53]some times better and sometimes worse, or proceed from a distemper of the Brain, it may be helped. But if the Tympany be broken, the disease from the birth, or absolute, and of long continuance, there is no hope of recovering.
The Cure.
Take the Gall of a Partridge, mix it with so much Oyl of Amber, and drop in three or four drops at a time, and do it three times a day; for want of that use the fat of an Eele, a Mole or Hedghog, as the former. The juice of Radishes is much commended, so is the juice of an Onion soaked in Brandy, and roasted, but I think oyl of Carawayes, two [Page 54]drops at once is better. Some use the water that drops out of a green Ash stick (laid with one end into the fire) boyled a little with the said fat of an Ele, and dropped into the Ear warm, but above all, take snakes or Adders, being fat, (which is in July) cast away the heads, tayles, bowels, and skins, put the other in a glass, pour spirit of wine three inches above them, stop it well, and digest in a warm place, till the substance be turned to an oyle, keep it for use, and put two or three drops at a time into the deaf Ear.
Sect. 19. Bleeding at Nose.
'TIS caused by stripes, blowes, falls, heat, vehement exercise, or else through an abundance of thin blood, with pain and inflammation of the head, and if it be not soon stanched is dangerous.
The Cure.
Put a Tent into the bleeding Nostril dipt in the white of an Egg, and cover'd over with Bole Armoniack. Give the Patient inwardly Syrup of Vinegar, and apply Sticticum Paracelsi to the Crown.
Burn blew wooling cloth [Page 56]to Ashes, and snuff them up the Nose, and cast cold water in the face.
Tye up a spider in a linnen Cloth, bruse it a little, and hold it near the Nose, but touch it not.
Dry the Patients blood to powder, and snuff it up the nose, and take Inwardly six grains of Salt of Lead.
Take Vinegar and Plantain water, of each two pound, mix it, dip folded Linnens and apply them to the soles of the feet, palmes of the hands, and against the Liver; drinking Vinegar, and holding some of it in the mouth, or take twenty drops of Tincture of Corals in wine or ale.
Bind the Head very hard with Incle, and let the knot be in the neck, and lay a spunge dipt in Vinegar to the Nose. Wet a Linnen cloth in Vinegar and wrap it about the Members of him that bleedeth.
Take Century, Green Rue, and red Fennel, of each a like quantity, stamp them, strain the juice into Ale; and so drink it. Wet a Cloth of Linnen in sharp Vinegar, burn the cloth, and blow the Ashes into the bleeding nostrils.
Sect. 20. Tooth-Ach.
THe common opinion of Physitians is, that this [Page 58]distemper is caused either simply through heat, or cold, or else complicately through defluction of Rheum, &c. But old Hippocrates said that hot, cold, moist or dry was not diseases, but that which is sharp, bitter, sour and harsh; And Helmont affirmeth, that the Tooth doth not Ake from Rheume falling on it, but by either the Goome being uncovered, it is made too sensible, or else matter of the last nourishment being badly digested, doth putrifie about the root of the Tooth, hence comes pain, It is most common to rotten and hollow Teeth, and these are seldom cured without they be taken out.
The Cure.
Take 20 Ivy leaves, a little long pepper, boyl them well in old Wine, with a handful of Salt, and hold the liquor in the Mouth on the Aking side.
Take Primrose roots, Infuse them ten dayes in Brandy, and snuff a little up the Nose.
Take Opium and Saffron, of each two grains, ty it up in a bit of silk (or thin rag) and hold it between the Teeth. If the Tooth be hollow, put a piece of a Crowfoot root into the hole, or dip lint in Spirit of Sal Armoniack, and apply it thereunto.
Drop three or four drops of juice of Rue into the Ear on the Aking side, and lye an hour after on the other side.
Take white Pepper in powder one dram, Oyl of Origanum ten Grains, mix and keep it in a box, and snuff a little up the Nose on the aking side.
Sect. 21. Quinsey.
IN a true Quinsey there is difficulty of swallowing, and breathing, Redness of the neck and face, a Tumor and swelling in the Throat, and sometimes a Feaver, and is commonly very dangerous.
The Cure.
Most Physitians in this case draw blood. The juice of Orpin taken two or three spoonfuls at a time is excellent, [Page 61]so is the juice of Housleek, or Crabfish: the juices may be mixt with the distilled water of the Herbs, and if a few drops of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack be added it will be the better, and let the tongue be rubbed with the said juice of Crab-fish or Housleek, let the Patients drink be Sal Prunella dissolv'd in water, or take Spirit of Nitre two drams, Spirit of Wine, and Spirit of Salt of each half a dram, put them to a pint of water, and drink it at three times, and to sweeten the blood (which in this case offends by reason of the sharpness of the Liquor Latex) the Tincture of Corals is a famous Medicament, taken ten drops at once [Page 62]in Wine or Ale. The Ashes of burnt Crabs, or Swallows, taken inwardly are much commended, and the Ashes of an Owl (feathers and all) well calcin'd, blown into the throat, is an excellent thing to break the Imposthume.
Sect. 22. Pleurisie.
THis disease is an Inflammation of the Pleura, or skin, girding the Ribs, caused through abundance of Venal blood sent thither, chiefly offending in quality, for the Archeus being exasperated, an exorbitant Pestilent Impression is made in the Latex, taunting it [Page 63]with a superabounding sharpness; the which lighting into the flesh, between the Ribs, causes a Pleuretical pain, and sometimes the fibres of the Pleura are rent asunder from the Ribs, and while it doth but never so little slacken it self, the neighboring Blood runs to it, in the place of the wrinkles, made by contracting of the Fracture, and this by repeated turns, is the cause of a great Aposthume, according to the frequency and sharpness of the contractures. 'Tis known by a Feaver, difficulty of breathing, hard Pulse like a saw, a Cough, pricking pain, and sometimes a Tumor. If the Feaver be violent, spittle bloody, very white, green [Page 64]or black, or the Patient very old, or Astmatical, 'tis dangerous.
The Cure.
In this disease most draw blood, and affirm the necessity of that way, but this hath only the power of privation, leaves the root of the disease, from whence commonly springs up a Relaps. A dram of Goats blood taken at once (first dry'd and powdr'd is the best remedy I know, take it in Poppy water, at night going to bed, (every night repeating it) in want of this give Spirit of wine and Spirit of Sal Nitre, of each twenty Grains in Poppy water as the former. Tincture of Corals and Tincture of Tartar [Page 65]twenty drops at once of either, sweetens the blood notably. When the Imposthume is broke, give Syrup of Succory, and Spirit of Ground Ivy mixed with its own Salt.
Sect. 23. Cough and Asthma.
THis disorder call'd a Cough, is commonly caused through cold taken, or through some sharp matter contain'd in the Breast and Lungs, which causes a cough without spitting. If it happen to Aged people, having a great obstruction of the Lungs, and cease suddenly, 'tis very dangerous [...]
The Asthma is of two sorts, viz. the moyst, and the dry; the moist Asthma produceth a Cough, to expectorate the offending matter, yet differs from Cough, in that it hath a mattery Imposthume, or secret flegm obstructing in the bowel, whereby it brings forth excrementitious matter, and corrupts its proper nourishment.
The dry Asthma commonly comes from the Gass of Mettals and Minerals, to diggers Melters, and Chymists, vitiating the Channels of the wind-pipe, whereby nourishment degenerates into Excrements.
There is swelling in the Lungs, and stoppage in the Throat: In Children it turns [Page 67]into a Catarrh, in men, it generally ends in a Chachexia, Plurisie, or Dropsie.
The Cure.
For a Cough, cut the flegm with Syrup of Vinegar; then use Syrup of Succory, taking at night Elixir Proprietatis, Tincture of Sugar, or extract of Elecampane, and hold in the mouth Trochisci Bechici. All these medicines are good in the moist Asthma, as also juice of Radish Roots, with Tincture of Sugar. The dry Asthma is cured with Epilepticals, as Section the 12th.
Sect. 24. Inflammation of the Lungs, and Ʋlcer of the Breast.
AN Inflammation of the Lungs is accompanied with a sharp Feaver, caused by some preceding diseases for the most part, known by great heat, difficult breathing, and stretching out of the breast, with a redness there, the breath is hot, the eyes swell, a dry Cough, Appetite is lost, the Tongue is dry▪ the Patient is desirous of cold Air, and cold water. If this disease follow a Pleurisie, 'tis very dangerous.
An Ulcer of the breast is [Page 69]generally from an inflammation of the Lungs, being suppurated, and the Rupture of the Impostume, whereby the matter falls into the cavity of the Breast; while the suppuration is perfecting, the Feaver increaseth, but being broken, the Patient spits Matter, is faint, with heaviness in the bottom of the Breast, a Cough and great pain: If the matter spit up be green, livid, froathy, or brought up with difficulty, and the belly loose, 'tis very dangerous, If the matter be not spit up in a Moneths time, it turns to a Consumption.
The Cure.
An Inflammation of the Lungs is cured wih the same [Page 70]Medicines mentioned for a Pleurisie at Section the 22th.
For an Ʋlcer in the breast, Take 10 grains of Antimonium Diaphoreticum at once four times a day, Anoint the stomach with Oyntment of Tobacco, and then lay on a pultis of Figs and Raisons (stoned) mixt with oyl of Amber, and Juniper berries, sharpning the Patient drink with oyl of Sulphur, or Vitriol.
Sect. 25. Consumption
THis distemper is a wasting of the whole Body the Patient breathes difficultly, the Eyes are hollow, the Nostrils sharp, is Thirsty, [Page 71]and hath a Cough sometimes, and the hair falls off, spits either froath, blood, or matter, from an Ulcer in the Lungs. If the matter spit up stink; If the body be very loose or an acute disease conjoyned, 'tis very dangerous, But if the Ulcer be but new begun, there is hope of Recovery.
The Cure.
Balsom of Sulphur is excellent, take it 3 or 4 grains at a time, Morning, Noon, and Night, and let the Patients drink be sharpen'd with oyl or Sulphur 20 or 30 drops to a pint. The oyles of Rosemary, Cinamon, and Carawayes, help much, taken ten drops at a time in brothe Lukewarm, [Page 72]there is a Syrup made of Corals, or Tincture of the same used with good success, so is Syrup of Turneps, and extract of Elecampane, a spoonful at once in any convenient Vehicle. Trochischi Bechisi taken 5 grains at once 3 times a day hath proved effectual; so hath a Syrrup made of the juice of Cabbage 1 ounce a day. Take Choyce Myrrh 4 ounces, Saffron half an ounce. Nutmegs two ounces, Aromaticum Rosatum, two ounces, Olibanum, one ounce, Honey three pound, make it into an Electuary, and take as much as a Hazzle nut 3 times a day.
Sect. 26. Spitting of Blood.
IT may be caused by excessive crying, leaping, blows, or falls: or inwardly through Plenitude, or sharpness of the Liquor Latex, corroding the vessels. 'Tis commonly ill, more especially when 'tis from the Lungs; and many times foretells a Consumption, if it be not critical, &c.
The Cure.
All those Medicines mentioned in the last Section, for the cure of a Consumption, are proper to be used here, to which these following may be [Page 74]added. If the disorder be caused through sharpness of the Latex, Goates blood gently dry'd and pouderd, and given a dram at a time is excellent, Henbane-seed powdered and mixed with Electuarium ad Tabidos, and given morning, noon, and night, is commended. The Electuary is thus prepared. Take Nutmegs and Cinnamon, of each 3 ounces, Ginger, three drams, M [...]gistry of Pearl, two ounces, clarified Honey, twelve ounces, beat the species severally, then mix them together with the Honey; given half a dram at a time, morning and evening, Trochisci Beehici, taken 5 or 6 grains at once is profitable; 'Tis thus made [Page 75]Take juice of Liquoris, one pound, white Sugar 2 pound, Opium one ounce, with the mucilage of Gum Tragocanth, make it into Roles or Troches, and dry them. But above all is Roche Allome; dissolve it in water, and distill off the water to a dry bottom, and give 20 drops at a time in any drink.
Sect. 27. Pain of the Stomach.
THere is sometimes accompanying this disease a pain in the Head, which shews the distemper to arise from Wind, and continuing unremoved, a Timpany follows: [Page 76]If there be a perpetual gnawing felt in the stomach,—then it is caused by Worms, and so less dangerous; if there be a looseness, vomiting or the patient thereunto inclined, it shews a sharpness in the stomach, and if it be accompanied with a Feaver, or the extream parts be cold, 'tis very dangerous.
The Cure.
If the distemper be occasioned by Wind, things Carminative are most proper. Take the distilled oyls of Cummingseeds, half an ounce of Fennel, Annis and Caraway, of each one dram, of Dill and Camomil of each half a dram, mix and take 3 or 4 grains in luke warm broth. If worms cause [Page 77]the disorder take the cure from the 5 Section. If it be caused by some preternatural sharpness in the stomach; some anoint outwardly with the oyntment of Tobacco, and use Laudanum 3 or 4 grains, given at night in a pill, but 8 or 9 drops of oyl of Cinamon in lukewarm broth is much safer, spirit of Camomil in Mint-water, is famous in the case, so is Essence of Elder, Angelica and Rosemary.
Sect. 28. Swounding, and Beating of the Heart.
SWounding in some is caused through extraordinary fear, Immoderate grief, &c. and in [Page 78]this case 'tis the least dangerous: in others its without manifest cause, and these commonly dye suddenly, but in a Feaver 'tis dangerous and pernitious. Immoderate and unnatural beating and trembling of the heart, may be known by feeling, and is sometimes caused through shame, joy, fear or Anger: In others 'tis continual, and in these cases the least to be feared. But if it be caused from a Tumour in the Perecardium or Arteries of the Lungs (as some Physitians say it may) it is incurable, and coming upon an acute disease, very dangerous.
The Cure.
Of both these distempers are [Page 79]performed with Cordials, mongst which Aurum Potabile, and Species Alexipharmaca, taken 5 or 6 grains at a time of either, is excellent, so is Elixir Proprietatis, and Elixir Vitae, 20 grains, taken in Wine or Syrup of Clove-gilly slowers. Oyl of Citrons and juice of Alkermes mixt with Spirit of Wine, is highly commended; so is the Essence or spirit of Bawnt, Borage, and Buglose. Magistery of Pearls, and Corals. There are a sort of Flies which Children call Lady Cows with Golden colour'd wings, being gently dryed and powdered, are given inwardly with good success.
Sect. 29. Depraved and Lost Appetite.
A Depraved Appetite is that which fondly covets, longs for, and desires to eat hurtful things, not fit for food, as Oatmeal, unripe fruits, Chalk, Coals, Ashes, &c. it commonly happens to Women with Child, and Maids troubled with the Gren sickness; this may be of long continuance, but (of it self in Maids) it is not dangerous, yet if it be not cured, great obstructions, Cachexia's, Dropsies, and pain of the stomach follows.
Want of Appetite is cause by obstruction of the mouthes [Page 81]of the Meseraicks, or through too much fullness and over glutting of the stomach, or else weakness, want of natural heat, &c. and if it happen in the declination of a disease, it signifies a relapse, if it be caused through want of natural heat 'tis most dangerous, and worse to be liked in children than in men.
The Cure.
To women with child, the blood of a Vine is commended. Maids may remove the cause which is best performed by Elixir Proprietatis, Essence of Garlick, Savin, or Penroyal; Tincture or spirit of Tartar, taken 4 or 5 times at Night going to bed, 8 drops at once.
In a depraved appetite, give 9 drops of oyl of Cloves, or oyl of Cinamon in warmish broth, sharpen the Patients drink with the oyl of Vitriol, or oyl of Sulphur, and in both cases strengthen the stomach as at Sect. 30.
Sect. 30. Vomiting.
THis disorder is generally caused through weakness or foulness of the stomach; weakness may arise from Antecedent causes, as too much emptiness, want of natural rest, superlative Anger, boundless Passion, and the like. If the matter vomited up be green, [Page 83]black, livid, or stinking, it is for the most part dangerous, but being of none of these colours, but coming after a Flux of the belly, 'tis good or on a Critical day, 'tis accounted by the Galenists a plausible sign of Recovery, provided the matter vomited up be such as they call Flegm and Choler.
The Cure.
Most Physitians in this case (when it is caused through the foulness of the stomach) give a gentle vomit. The stomach must be strengthened with Syrup of Corals and Pearls, and Spirit of Mint, take a spoonful at a time morning noon, and night. Crude juice of Quinces is wonderful powerful, [Page 84]and Syrup of Vinegar is none of the worst Medicines. Let all the Patients drink be sharpned wirh oyl of Sulphur; give 15 Grains of Elixir Proprietatis in Sack, at night going to bed, or the like quantity of Elixir Vitae, applying to the stomach a Cataplasm of Bread and Vinegar, or a plaister of London Treacle. There may be a Magestery made of Oyster-shells and given to the quantity of 20 grains at a time, with good success.
Sect. 31. Iliac Passion.
THis is a distemper of the small Guts, commonly occasione through obstruction [Page 85]of the Bowels, with a coldness, and putrifaction of food: it is known by most vehement and horrible pain, the stomach abounds with too much moisture, there is a great rumbling in the Bowels, Wind and belching without ease; the dung is stopt, and if the disease increase, the Patient voyds all the excrements upward, and then 'tis mostly accounted deadly, and being accompanied with the Stranguria 'tis the worse.
The Cure.
'Tis performed by those Medicines prescribed for removing the Colick at the 32 Section, a dram of Cream of Tartar dissolved in a mess of unsalted broth, hath been [Page 86]found effectual; so hath oyl of Almonds and Malmsey wine. I use to sharpen the Patients drink with oyl of Vitriol, to a pleasant acidity, which hath proved effectuall when all hope from common means hath been past, and clisters was vomited upward.
Sect. 32. Cholick.
TIS a pain in the Gut Colon, sometimes caused by Wind, and then there is a stretching forth and swelling of the belly; if it be occasioned through Inflammation of the said Gut; there is an inward burning hear, stoppage of Urine, the body is bound; sometimes [Page 87]there is vomiting, thirst, and a Feaver. If the distemper be behement, the belly bound, with watchings, vomiting, Hiccough, coldness of the extream parts, and cold sweats, all these are desperat symptomes; but if the disease be gentle, and the body soluble, there's little danger.
The Cure
Take Salt of Wormwood, and drop on it spirit of Salt, till it cease broyling, dry it and give 8 or 9 grains at a time in broth, Infuse Hawthorn flowers in Rhenish wine, distill off the spirit, and take a spoonful at once.
Take Lemmon, Orange, and Citron peels, of each two ounces, spirit of wine one pint, infuse [Page 88]them together 20 dayes, pour off the Tincture, and give a spoonful at once in wine, with a few drops of oyl of Cinamon. Take spirit of Salt and spirit of wine, of each a like quantity, mix them in a Glass, and administer 40 drops at once in a draught of wine or Ale. Take 6 or 7 grains of salt of Lead in white wine, or ten grains of Ens Veneris taken in broth, at night going to bed, and the like quantity at morning and noon two hours before and after meat hath been found very effectuall. If the disease be caused by wind, give Oyl of Anniseeds, Fennel, or Carawayes in warm broth, proper spirit or distilled water.
Sect. 33. Flux of Blood and Matter.
A Bloody Flux is an Exulceration of the Bowels, known by vehement pain and bloody Excrements, when the disorder is in the Great Bowels, the dung is as at other times, comes forth with wind, froathiness and Blood aloft, but if the small Guts be exulcerated, there is pain about the Navel, the Excrements are of various colours, (if black and stinking the case is desperate) commonly they are of a Lead colour, and there is a gnawing felt: If there be pain in the Liver [Page 90]and Midriff, Vomiting and Hiccough, Loathing of meat, a Feaver, thirst, or pieces of flesh voided, the ease is dangerous. A Flux of Matter generally follows a Flux of blood; the Patient continually goes to stool, the Excrements are crude and pale, and the taste is lost; if the disease last long, it may turn to a Dropsie: when it follows other diseases, 'tis for the most part deadly.
There is also an ordinary flux of the belly, which in a dropsie shews recovery, but if it happen to a woman with child or the Excrements be Green, Blew, Black or Yellow, 'tis of evil signification.
The Cure.
Let the Patient drink Cows Milk plentifully, Potable Gold, and tincture of Corals are excellent, so is the juice or pulp of Quinces, or a dram of crude Allum dissolved in water, and so drank, but Roach Allum dissolved in water, and it distilled off in Ashes is highly famous, so are Bramble Berries gathered unripe, dried and powdered, and given in Red wine, the juice of sloes or Poppy water. Tincture of Emeralds is excellent, 5 grains at a time. See the following Sect.
Sect. 34. Tenasmus.
THis distemper is a continual desire in the Patient [Page 92]to go to stooll, without voiding any thing, except bloody or filthy matter like snevil, some say it is generally caused by cold, or that it may be by means of a Flux of Blood or matter: if it continue long, there is danger of an Ʋlcer; and if it happen to a woman with child, there is great danger of Abortion.
The Cure.
This distemper is helped with those Medicines mentioned in the foregoing Section of Fluxes, to which these may be added, being a like proper in all four cases. Take new butter (unsalted) melt it in a Bason set in hot water, pour off the clear from the feces, and then boyl it for half an hour, and [Page 93]therewith mix verjuice, juice of sloes or Rose Vinegar, and use the same as sauce to the Yolkes of Eggs boyled hard; dry the blood of a Hare to powder, and take it inwardly. Take a large Apple, fill up the middle part (where the core lay) with a piece of an Honey comb (the Honey being squeezed out) Roast it in embers, and so eat it wax and all. Take the outward bark of black thorn, dry it and powder it, and drink it in red wine. Take white stones with red veins, boyle them in new milk till half the milk is wasted, and drink plentifully thereof, or new milk wherein steel hath been often quenched, works the same effect. Take yellow wax, and ducks grease, make an oyntment for the fundament.
Sect. 35. Hemorroids.
THis Distemper is also called the Piles, 'tis the flowing of-blood to the Fundament by the veins, which in some sent forth much, in others they send out little or no blood, and these latter have commonly vehement pain in going to stool. And at other times also: if the Flux of blood be very immoderate, 'tis dangerous, and brings great weakness, Dropsies and an ill state of body to the Patient, but if the flux of blood be moderate Critical or otherwise for the benefit of nature, 'tis— healthful
The Cure.
If the Piles be swell'd or the pain vehement, apply to the place Crocus Metallorum, take inwardly the binding Crocus of the binding Crocus of Iron 30 grains at a time, if the flux of blood be great. There is an herb called Pile-wert, being made into an oyntment hath been found succesful, but if it be made up with the ashes of burnt cork and Capons grease 'tis the better, or mix salt of Lead with fresh butter, and therewith ancint the place. Take Conscrve of Roses, and therewith mix a little fine Bole, and take a knifpoint full at a time; but above all is the fume of Frankinsence, put it on some live coales in a deep pot, and let the patient sit over it.
Sect. 36. Obstruction of the Liver.
IN this Distemper the Urine is watery, thin and white, the Excrements of the belly are moist and Chylous (of the same Colour as the Urine is of) the Patient is commonly lean of body, yet very pursie and dull, the face is pale, and after eating there is a pressure in the right Hypocondria, with ill digestion: If it continue long, it is not to be cured.
The Cure.
The best and most absolute Medicine in this case is the spirit or Tincture of Tartar taken to the quantity of 8 or 9 [Page 97]drops at a time in Wine or Ale. Tincture of Corals may be taken as the former; many in this case use the filings of Iron crude, whereof they give twenty or thirty grains at a time thrice a day, but the oyl of Iron is better; its thus prepared. Take filings of steel, dissolve them in spirit of salt, put the dissolution into a Glass retort; place it in a sand Furnance, and distill off the spirit, which come off sweet in taste, whereof you may give 8 or 9 drops at a time, the common way of curing this disorder is by giving every morning a dram and half of Pulvis Cachecticus, and stiring well after it, The Yellow Jaundice are [Page 98]cured by all these Medicines which are proper for the cure of the Green-sickness, and therefore I shall say no more of that disease; see Section the 37.
Sect. 37. Yellow-Jaundice.
TIS known by yellowness of the skin, most discoverable in the Cheeks and whites of the Eyes: the tongue is bitter, and some have a hiccough and vomiting, the Urine is Reddish, or Yellow, in so much that it will dye a piece of Linnen Cloth of the same Colour. If this disease come to the Patient in the beginning of a Feaver 'tis dangerous; if it comes upon an Inflammation [Page 99]of the Liver, it foretells an Impostume, if upon a Scirrhus, it ends in a Dropsie.
The Cure.
All the medicines mentioned in the 36 Sect. for to open obstructions of the Liver, are also proper for the cure of the Yellow Jaundice. Drop oyl of Vitriol, on Salt of Tartar, till it cease making a noise, then dry it, and give twenty grains at a time in broth, or any other convenient liquor. Take the Gall of a Raven, dry it to powder, and drink thereof in Ale a week together. Take a great Apple, pick out the core, fill it up with Butter, Turmerick and Saffron, Rost it, and give it the Patient to Eat, do so four or five mornings together. Elixir [Page 100]Proprietatis is excellent, half a spoonful at a time, boyl in the Pat ents broth Ground Ivy, and the Rootes, wires, and Leaves of Strawberries.
Sect. 38. Obstruction of the Spleen.
TIS known by heaviness, pain, beating & swelling on the left side under the Ribs, there is loathing of meat; blackness of the Tongue, Thirst, a Feaver, lying on the right side is very painful, and on the left is not easie. If it continue long, it degenerates into the Scurvy, and a Schirrus; afflicts the Patient with Melancholy and pain in the side.
The Cure.
Give every morning a dram of Pulvis Cachecticus, and ten drops of spirit of Harts Horn at night. The Tincture of Tar-drawn with its own spirit, or the spirit alone, are famous in this case, whereof 6 drops may be taken at a time in Sack. Drop oyl of Vitriol on Salt of Tartar, till it cease making a noise, then dry it and give Twenty grains at a time in broth, Tincture of Corals is much commended, take 8 or 9 drops at a time in fragrant Wine. Take the roots of Polipody, stamp them to an Impalpable pap, boyl them in common water six hours, strain out the feces, clarifie the decoction and make it into a [Page 102]Syrrup, whereof take a spoonfull at a time, two or three times a day, Anoynt outwardly with the oyl of Rue, and apply a Plaister made up with the juice of Hemlock.
Sect. 39. Stone in the Reins and Bladder.
'TIS known by pains about the Loynes, there is some times sand and redish gravel voyded in the Urine, which is oft bloody, thin and in small quantity; the thigh on that side where the stone is most commonly, is pained, and as it were benummed.
Stone in the bladder is known by vehement pain there after [Page 103]making water, and the bigger the stone is, the greater is the pain, the Urine sometimes stops suddenly; the Patient Pisseth with most ease lying on the Back; and there is many times white Gravel sent out with the Ʋrine.
The Cure.
Both these distempers are helped by such Medicines as strongly provoke Urine, 'mongst which there are a sort of wood Lice call'd Sows, are famous, being washt in white wine, and the juice squeesed into a draught of white wine, and so drank; you may begin with the juice of three at a time, and so increase every day one till you come to 20, [Page 104]and then decrease the number. You may pierce a Birch-tree in the moneth of March, and it will send forth abundance of Liquor, which being drank with Gromwell seeds, is highly Famous in this case; so is the water distilled from an herb called Arsmart, used as the former, or three spoonful of the juice drank in a glass of white Wine works the same effect, there is a fruit grows on white Thorn call'd Haws, the stones where of (being gathered full ripe) powdered and mixt with Gromwell seeds gives great ease to the Patient, being drank in white wine. See the 41 Section.
Sect. 40. Diabetes.
IT is commonly call'd unmeasurable Pissing, for the Retentive faculty is so weak, that whatsoever is drank by the Patient is sent forth again by urine as it was taken, there is an unquenchable Thirst, heat in the Bowels, Leanness, and if it be not suddenly cured 'tis deadly, bringing the Patient into a Consumption.
The Cure.
Tincture of Emeralds in a his case is excellent, so is the salt and Tincture of Corals, to the quantity of ten grains (of any of them) at once taken in Malaga Wine.
Take harts horn, burn it till 'tis white, powder it, boyl the same in common water, and let the Patient drink thereof, or take 4 or 5 handfuls of the inner bark of the young and tender branches of the Hazel-tree, (branches of one years growth) boyl them well in common water (or rather in small beer) and let the Patient take thereof for his common drink; or in its stead, if steell be often heated and extinguished in water, and that water drank, 'tis said to be helpful in this case. But binding Crocus of Iron is very powerful in this Distemper, and muy be taken 20 grains at a time. Dissolve salt of Lead in water, and therewith bathe the back, and let a drying diet be used.
Sect. 41. Stoppage and Difficulty of Ʋrine.
SToppage of Urine may be caused by a stone, clotted blood, hardness, swelling or hurt of the Nerves, relating to the bladder, 'tis very dangerous if it continue long, and the Patient is troubled with a Hiccough, and his breath stinks of urine.
Difficulty of urine is with Heat and Inflammation of the part, causing hot Ʋrine, but is less dangerous than the former, but it the Patient be old, if it continue long and so ulcerate the neck of the Bladder it is not easily helped.
The Cure.
The most potent medicines to cure these diseases are those set down in the 39 Section, where I treated of the stone, to which these following simples may be joyned, being proper in both cases, viz. Camomil, Centaury, Burdock (Roots and seeds) Asparagus, Brooklime, Winter Cherries, Garlick, all sorts of Parsley, rest-Harrow, Betony, Caraway seeds, Cummin seeds, Anniseeds, Fenugreek seeds, wild Carrot seeds, Juniper-Berries, Bay-Berries, 8t. Johns-wort, Guaiacum, Fennel, Broom, Endive, Ragwort, Lavender, Cloves, Feaverfew, Smallage, Pellitory of the Wall, Rue, Garden-Cresses, Cicely, Nutmegs, Cocle, Peniroyal, [Page 109]Radish, Saxifrage, Wild-Time, Time, Lavender, Tamerisk, Vervain, Tansie and Nettles.
Sect. 42. Feaver.
THe cause (according to Van Helmont) is an Alcalie abounding, and there is a Poysonous excrement in the Midriffs; the most gentle feavers continue but one 2, 3, or 4 dayes, wherein the Pulse is equal, and Urine not much differing from its natural colour, and these are not dangerous; if it continue longer, 'tis call'd a Putrid Feaver, wherein the Ʋrine hath no sediment, but is thick and red, [Page 110]the Pulse is unequal, and there is great heat; if there be a looseness and vomiting there is hope of recovery. There is also a continual Feaver, which is sometimes accompanied with a Pleurisie, Quinsie, Ʋleer, or Inflammation of the Lungs, and this is very dangerous. There is moreover a Burning Feaver, wherein the Tongue is dry, rough and blackish, there is a burning heat, thirst, gnawing in the stomach, Pale and thin Excrements and great watchings, and this is very dangerous, but if the Ʋrine be red; with signs of Concoction, there is hope.
The Cure.
The best and safest way to cure [Page 111]a Feaver, is by such universal Medicines as simpathize with nature, and fortifie the heart; as Potable Gold 5 grains at once in Sack, or take spirit of Wine 2 ounces, Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers 1 ounce, Confectio Alkermes, 1 dram; mix and give a spoonfull at once in good Wine.
Sect. 43. Ague.
THere are three sorts of Agues, (properly called Feavers) the first is named an Intermitting Quotidian; afflicting the Patient every day, the cold fit comes colder and colder by degrees, yet is not very excessive on the one hand, nor [Page 112]the hot fit much vehement on the other, but the disease commonly lasts long, and many times degenerates into a Dropsie, Cachexia or Lethargy.
The second is call'd an Intermitting Tertian, it cometh every other day with pricking and vehement cold, the pulse is equal, and anon a violent heat increaseth, with much thirst, and sometimes vomiting.
The third is call'd an Intermitting Quartane, and comes with two days intermission between the fits: in the beginning the pulse is slow, the fit comes with vehement cold, and afterwards comes a hot burning fit, the Ʋrine is white, thin and watry, this sort of Ague [Page 113]commeeth long, sometimes turns to a Diopsie, and to old people is oft mortal.
The Cure.
Take ten drops of spirit of Sal Armoniac (in Centaury-water) at right going to bed, 3 or 4 times a weak, keep very warm, and expect sweat. Crude Allum twenty grains at once in warm Ale is excellent, Take Bay Salt and fresh English Hops of each two handfuls, and 4 ounces of Blew ourrans; beat them all well together, spread it on Linnen, and apply it to both the wrists.
Sect. 44. Hectick-fever.
IN this disease there is an unnatural heat kindled, as well [Page 114]in the fleshy and sollid parts, as in the spirits; yet so without pain, that the Patient cannot tell that he hath a Feaver, there is a slack and hard pulse, dry cough, Eyes hollow, shedding of Hair, Nose sharp, the face is Leady, Ʋrine thine, crude white, or pale and at last oyly; the stomach is drawn in almost to the Ribbs and the whole body consumeth.
This distemper is for the most part mortal, when it turns to a Marasmos, and that is when all (or most of) the foresaid symptomes joyntly appear, but if it be taken in time, and good means used, they may prove effectual.
The Cure.
This disease is cured like a Consumption at the 25 Section. Let the Patient feed much upon Raisons of the Sun, and Almonds, and let him drink Milk with a few drops of oyl of Cinamon, But Asses Milk with salt of Pearl is said to transcend. Annoint the back bone with oyl of Bay-berries mixt with oyl of Almonds. Take Nutmegs and Cynamon of each 3 ounces, Ginger 3 drams, Magistry of Pearl 2 ounces, Honey prepared 12 ounces, make it into an Electuary, and take thereof 4 times a day, the quantity of an Hazlenut at once. Spiritus Analepticus, taken half an ounce at once is excellent. The Essence of Borrage and Bugloss is highly commended [Page 116]in the case▪ so is the Magistry of Corals 10 grains at a time.
Sect. 45. Spotted-feaver, and Plague.
A Spotted Feaver is a continual malignant burning-Feaver, the Patient is tormented with pain in the head, faintings, excessive Heat, Thirst, and watchings; having (after a few dayes) spots coming out, sometimes all over the body, and sometimes only on one part, being small and of a reddish, purplish, livid, Leaden, or sometimes blackish colour; the distemper commonly ends in [Page 117]seven dayes time; if the spots turn livid or black, and the Ʋ rine look as it did in health, 'tis exceeding dangerous.
The Plague is a continual Malignant burning Feaver, wherein the Patient is hot within and cold without; there is excessive pain in the head; with heaviness, weariness, Lumpishness, carelessness, sleepiness and Sadness of the mind, loss of Appetite, vomiting, thirst, bitterness, and driness of the mouth; Ʋrine thick and stinking. The Pulse small and deep; there is Bubo's behind the Ears, under the Arm-holes, or in the grom; or else Carbuncles or Blew, Reddish, or Lived spots, the Disease is dangerous, but 'tis most [Page 118]deadly when no Buboe's come forth, or when they come forth and go in again, or if they the spots appear of a Livid or black Colour, 'tis commonly mortal. The Cure.
These distempers are helped by such Medicines as chear the spirits and comfort the heart, as the Tincture of Life. Which is thus made. Take spirit of Wine one quart, Cochineal (or English Saffron) one ounce, put them in a large glass well corked, set it in warm place for 20 dayes, pour off the tincture, and give a quarter of an ounce at once in the Patients drink. Spirit of Hartshorn 20 drops at once is excellent, but the most transcending medicament is 5 grains of Potable Gold.