The Kinds.

VVE cal that a Conſternation of the mind when the Senſes either only oppreſt or almoſt wholly taken away, either they ſleep after a non-natural manner, or are Stupid; and that either with a languiſhing and reſolution of the body, or with an Agitation or Convulſion of it, or with a Rigidity or Stiffneſs; which four are the chief and higheſt Kinds of Conſternation of mind, particularly here to be explained.

That is a preternatural ſleep which laſts longer then a natural, and then 'tis called immoderate, and which doth more lull the Senſes, and therefore 'tis called profound; ſomtimes too great a propenſion to ſleep, or a very proprofound ſleep happens to them that are well; at other times it befals them in Diſeaſes, and ſomtimes without, ſomtimes with a Fever, ſomtimes alſo it invadeth with Ravings or with Stupidity.

Too great a propenſion to ſleep in thoſe otherwiſe well, is a frequent fault in ſome men; Immoderate ſleep. not when this befals certain natures by reaſon of their Age, as in Infants and old folks, 'tis accuſtomary and good; or by reaſon of the Country▪ (in which 'tis natural for ſome to ſleep night and day) but when it proceeds from a cauſe that ought not to be, whence not onely too long indulging to ſleep by night, they riſe late in the morning; but alſo by day time, eſpecially preſently after taking of meat, and chiefly in a hot place or ſeaſon, they are ſo forced to ſleep, that it is altogether neceſſary for them to ſleep, to which ſome are ſo prone, that though they do no waies at all compoſe themſelves to it, but do ſomwhat to ſhake it off, Profound ſleep. yet notwithſtanding they fall aſleep in that very work, and I have ſeen one of them, even when he drank at Table, and moved the cup to his mouth, in that poſture fallen aſleep; or doing ſomwhat elſe, he was wont to ſleep in that form of body.

Profound ſleep ſomtimes doth ſteal upon ſound men after drinking of Wine in Drunkards, or ſome other Narcotick taken; which is not laſting if the uſe of them hath been gentle; but if more vehement, 'tis turned into a Stupidity, as ſhal be ſaid there.

In a Diſeaſe heavy ſleep is called, Caros, Coma, Cataphora, Lethargus, Veternus, Subeth, in which as in that naturall, they ſleep with their Eyes ſhut, and Body proſtrate: but in that that the internall Sences, and by conſequence the externall do not only reſt, as in a naturall ſleep, but are as it were overwhelm'd, they are more or leſs dulled, ſo that they can ſcarce or never be rouſed up, and being wakned, they complain of no Pain, onely that they feel their Head heavy and weighty, and ſo fall aſleep again. The motion alſo of the body is more languid, yet not aboliſht as in the Apoplecticall with a reſolution of the Limbs, neither is their breathing hindred as in them, but free and eaſie, unleſs in ſome it be depraved with yawning and noiſe, their pulſe alſo although it be weaker, yet it doth not ceaſe as in a Syncope.

Sometimes a Fever is joyned with Sleep which if it begin together with this, Sleepineſs with a Fever is a Lethargie. it hath obtained the name of a Lethargie, which notwithſtanding is common to the reſt alſo, in which beſides the ſigns of ſleep, a preternatural heat of the body, a quick pulſe, a deep dyed Urin, declare a Fever preſent: but alſo a Caros ſomtimes following a Fever, and is its Symptome.

Beſides theſe Species of Sleep, there is one alſo found in which though there be the greateſt propenſion to ſleep, Sleep with Deliration. and they expreſs the ſame by lying down with their Eyes ſhut, notwithſtanding they watch, and divers ſhapes and apparitions are preſented to them; or if they do ſleep, they are troubled with divers horrible dreams, which afterwards when they awake they declare; who being forced do hardly lift up their Eyes, and look upon him that toucheth them, but know him not, and though they do feel and are moved, yet they cannot riſe out of the bed, and do the work of one awake; this they call a Cataphora or a ſleepleſs Coma; Some cal it a Typhomania, as it were an aſtoniſht madneſs; neither may it unfitly be called a Raving ſleep and be refer'd to Delirations, or a heavy ſleep with terrible dreams: another Species of it is deſcribed; the common people call them Exſtatical, as if they were taken with an Extaſie.

Hither alſo may be refer'd the Daemoniacal ſleep of Witches, Diabolical ſleep. in which they think that they are carried through the Air, feed deliciouſly, dance and lie with the Devil, and waking they continue in the ſame error.

I have ſeen another kind ſomwhat like to theſe, in a certain Baron who for a long time aſtoniſht and ſleepy, Sleep with Stupidity. did nothing according to reaſon, he would ask for no meat, nor take it unleſs thruſt in by force,; neither would he go to bed unleſs compel'd, but all day long leaning with his Arm on the Table, and with his eyes ſhut, he ſate as one aſleep; neither would he anſwer any thing unleſs asked and often admoniſht, and then that which was little to the purpoſe.

A Stupidity with a Languidneſs or Reſolution of the body is called Obſtupeſcentia, Ecplexis, or an Apoplexy; and tis an affect in which they do not ſleep, Stupidity with a reſolution is an Apoplexy. but aſtoniſht they lie ſtupid like ſtocks, all the Sences alike, and motion alſo being aboliſht together: which accidents are ſomtimes more mild, at other times more grievous, in which both the internal and external ſenſes are taken away together, whence they have underſtanding of nothing; neither do they ſee, though ſome of them do ſeem to look upon a man with fixt eyes, neither do they hear a noiſe, neither do they ſhow any ſign of ſence, though you prick them or burn them: Alſo being deprived of all motion of the body in a moment, they fall down, and all their members being reſolved do languiſh: they neither ſpeak nor ſwallow, breathing only remaining, and that very obſcurely, the blowing forth of which from the mouth or noſtrils can ſomtimes hardly be diſcern'd, by the motion of a piece of Cotton applied to them, or the motion of the breaſt to detect that, by the motion of a cup of water placed on the breaſt; or the breath is drawn with a great deal of difficulty and noiſe, as in dying people; the pulſe being in the interim full and ſtrong in this difficulty of breathing, but diſcovering it ſelf to be very unequal; and that ſo long, till their Senſes returning tthey come to themſelves again, which happens in a gentler ſpecies of it; or if it be more grievous, they continue reſolved; or if it be worſt of all, their breath being wholly taken away they are by and by choaked, froth then flowing out of their mouth.

A Stupidity with a Convulſion or vehement agitation of body is called an Epilepſie and 'tis an A Stupidity with Convulſion is an Epilepſie. diſeaſe in which all the Senſes are ſuddenly taken away, and the whol body for a time is ſhaken and pulled with an inordniate motion, aſſailing a man by turns or fits, which becauſe it doth ſuddenly apprehend one, hath the name of Epilepſie; becauſe it puls him, the name of Convulſion, of which we meet with chiefly two different kinds, in as much as one is of Continuance, another Short.

The Diuturnall is that which laſts long, and whether it happen before the age of youth, and doth not leave them when that comes; or whether it begins firſt after that age, for the moſt part it aſſails the ſick for the whole life time, ſomtimes at certain times, hours, daies, months, years, or changes of the Moon (whence 'tis alſo called the Lunatick Diſeaſe) whoſe Functions becauſe it doth not ſuddenly deſtroy them, but only weakens them by degrees, therefore it comes to paſs that when they are free from the fit, they can nevertheleſs go about their buſineſs, and becauſe they fall, if they be taken with this evil, whiles they are about their buſineſs, hence alſo it is called the Falling ſickneſs, and whenas their ſudden fall, and horrid ſymptoms, are wont to ſtrike a great terror, ſo that ſome from the apprehenſion of it only, have preſently fallen into the ſame affect, and upon that account moſt men do fly the ſight of them; and if it happen in a Congregation of people (as in our age in aſſembles) the company is diſſolved, amongſt the Ancients their meetings upon the ſame cauſe were diſſolved, whence called by them the Comitial Diſeaſe which name it retains; which alſo by reaſon of its pertinacy, was called the Great, Sontick, and Herculean Diſeaſe, and 'tis to this kind to which they have applied the name of Epilepſie rather than to the reſt, when notwithſtanding it agrees with them all.

The Short and not ſo continued Cinvulſion is which either preſently ceaſes, or at leaſtwiſe is not protracted ſo long as the former, which again as 'tis either Gentler or Worſe is divided into two Species

The Gentler though it be not free from danger, is accounted that, whoſe cauſe is neither great not perſevering; as that which happens to Infants, when their Teeth firſt break forth, or Worms diſturb them, and by amd by ceaſeth: and that which befalls Virgins before their Courſes flow, but they coming it remits: and that which betides great-bellied Women chiefly at the firſt month; but at the middle time of their going, or after the birth preſently ends: This, that they might not bring fear by the dreadful name of the Falling-ſickneſs, becauſe it often happens in Child-hood, they call the Childrens Diſeaſe, mitigating the cruelty of the Diſeaſe by the ſmoothneſs of the name.

The Worſe and highly dangerous Species is, which following grievous diſeaſes, as Wounds, Fevers, pains of the Collick, and others, at any age, ſomtimes with one or two fits, ſomtimes with more, and that continual, or ſomtimes with intermitting acceſſions, doth perplex the Patient with a terrible aſpect, and for the moſt part kil him; or if he be helped, yet ſomtimes it leaves behind it the worſt of ſymptoms, as Contraction of the Limbs, hurts the Voice and Senſes, or other diſcommodities; which Species they call a Convulſion or Spaſm only, not an Epilepſie, when notwithſtanding thoſe affected with this Species, are no leſs ſuddenly taken in this caſe than the Epileptical, and cal that general to difference it from a particular Convulſion or Spaſm: of which kind alſo there may be found, in the Senſes being unhurt only ſome parts are convelled, we ſhall ſhew in the hurts of motion: But this Species if it happen to Children, as it is wont often to kill them, both Infants, and of riper years: they call it alſo the Childrens Diſeaſe.

The accidents in all the Species of an Epilepſie both continued and ſhort do almoſt concur the ſame; and they may as well vary in all, as well thoſe which are obſerved in the hurts of the ſenſes as of motion.

For all the Internal ſenſes and by conſequence the External too, are aboliſht in all, the whol time they are poſſeſt with the fit, they underſtanding, judging or feeling nothing at all: wherefore they refrain not from violent motions though thereby they hurt themſelves; and after they come to themſelves, they remember none of thoſe things they have ſufferd, neither do they know that they have ſufferd this evil, unleſs they be told of it, or ſuſpect it, by taking ſome ſignal, from the marke of ſome hurt left behind, as a Wound or Contuſion.

All Motion alſo both voluntary which wholly depends on our power, and that which is performed by help of Nature, as breathing and evacuating; and that of the Pulſes which Nature alone performs, continuing in all theſe Species diſtinguiſheth the Epileptical from the Apoplectick, and Syncopal in whom theſe motions do fail (the Pulſe only remaining in the Apoplectick.) The which notwithſtanding being deprived in the Convulſive, doth cauſe that they fal, and uſe inordinate motions.

But they fall, not by reaſon of a privation of the ſenſes, but becauſe their whol Body at once and of a ſuddain is convelled; ſo that unleſs they be forewarned by a Vertigo which is wont ſomtimes to go before it, or being taught by Cuſtome of the fit at a day or hour, if it be wont to come at ſet times, they have a care of themſelves, being ſeazed with it whiles they are upright, they preſently fall down like to the Apoplectick and thoſe that fall into Swonings and as tis commonly ſaid are free neither from Water nor fire, but are in the greateſt jeopardy by danger of the fall: and if upon this account tis leſs danger for thoſe, who lying in their Bed by reaſon of ſome ſickneſs, cannot fall when the Convulſions come upon them, yet they are more hazarded by the cruelty of the Diſeaſe: So that every Epilepſie is horrible and abominable, which the ancients therefore called the ſacred Diſeaſe as ſent by the Gods by way of puniſhment, and others have Superſtitiouſly impoſed the Names of the Gods on it.

They alſo ſo ſtir their Body with inordinate motions. That oftentimes tis all of a fire, and the pulſe becomes more ſwift, and ſomtimes ſweats break forth. Wreathing and diſtorting their Back, Neck, Head Arms, Feet, into divers Figures, and with them beating and ſhaking every thing in the way as the Bed, Walls, Ground, bruiſing and wounding their own Limbs, gnaſhing with their Teeth ſet, and bitterly biting their Tongues if they be out, rowling their Eyes about, which being opened and very much drawn aſunder, as alſo the bending of the Face towards the hinder parts, do uſually give the firſt ſign of the fit aſſailing; which at length in the end of the fit, lying as men wearied and aſtoniſht, they keep fixt and ſterne, til they come to themſelves again.

Their breathing alſo is very unequal, whenas ſomtimes they hold it for a while ſo that from the ſtopping of their breath, and vehement ſtriving, they ſomtimes caſt forth their ordure and Urine, and ſeed to, eſpeciif it abound. But at other times they fetch their Breath with difficulty and noiſe, both when an Epilepſie of the Womb hath the ſaid ſtrangulation its companion and cauſe, and when Flegm falling upon the Jawes and Noſtrils hinders it; and they bring forth a froth at the Mouth and Noſe, ariſing from Flegm, confuſed and ſtirred there with the Air (which happens not to the Apolectick and Strangulated unleſs they die, ſaith Hippocrates;) and oftentimes they make a noiſe with crying out.

But theſe accidents which we have related, as they come on a ſuddain, ſo the fit ceaſing they preſently remit: Yet ſomtimes certain relicks of them do remaine, and the ſenſes being yet weakned, they cannot rightly underſtand Reaſon, or remember any thing; or an alienation of Minde coming upon it, they do all things amiſs and blaſpheme, or they break forth into a great Laughter, perhaps that which Cicero calls Sardonian; and that till a new fit return, which is wont to attend theſe foretelling ſigns: but before and after theſe fits, ſome particular convulſions ſomtimes either went before or remain, as a diſtortion of the Mouth, a difficulty of ſwallowing or a ſpaſme of ſome other parts as ſhall be explained in its place; or that Spaſme which they call Flatulent which ſomtimes alſo threatens Convulſions if it be by reaſon of the Nerves as ſhall be ſaid; as alſo that convulſive Palpitation which alſo cauſed from an affect of the Nerves doth oftentimes along while forego an Epilepſie and remain ſtill in the Members after it, and exerciſe it ſelf: or other Symptomes of motions do ſomtimes trouble them, as with Geſticulations, ſomtimes Dancings or ſome other diſturbance of the Limbs, and tremblings of them.

A Stupidity with Rigidneſs of Body, is a rare and wonderful affect, A Stupidity with rigidneſs is a Catalepſis. which is called a Catoche or Catalepſis, that is, a laying hold off, which they cal alſo a Congelation whenas they are as ſtiff as if they were frozen: in which all the internal ſenſes and external are ſuddainly aboliſht; but only the motion of the Body is depraved, whenas they keep that form which the Body had before it was ſeazed on with this evil, whether Lying, Sitting, or Going, and being taken like a ſtatue they cannot change it, neither of their own accord nor by compulſion; and with their Eyes open, whence they have called it the watchful Stupidity, yet bl • hd and altogether ſpeechleſs, breathing in the interim not taken away, or very much hindred nor the Pulſe. But it happens alſo in ſome, A Stupidity with hearing remaining. that though they lie rigid like a ſtock without motion and ſpeech, yet nevertheleſs they perceive thoſe things, which the ſtanders by do ſpeak off, and can afterwards relate them, which they have called Ecſtatick. But others remaining in the ſame ſtate like to dead Men, although they heard nothing, A Stupidity with motion remaining. nor ſaw not, now being prickt fet nothing, yet if any thing were put into their Mourh, they ſwallowed it, and being lift up do ſtand, being forced do walk, and keep their Members fixt in that poſture as they are bent for them. In a certain Woman thus taken, only the Belly and Breaſt were very much moved, all the reſt of the Body being ſtupid.

The Cauſes.

In all the foremention'd kinds of Sleep and Stupidity with Languiſhing, Convulſion or Rigor it muſt needs be that the Brain is affected whenas all motion and ſenſe proceed from that. Neither here as they would have it, are the Functions diverſely weakend, as the former, middle or hinder Ventricles of the Brain are hurt; nor as the Brain is affected before or behind, whenas the ſubſtance of the Brain doth on every part perform its Functions, but as it is more or leſs hurt, it looſeth more or fewer Functions. For if the hurt be great ſo affecting the Brain that all the ſenſes be aboliſht, then it muſt needs be that motion alſo doth ceaſe; other Functions in the interim remaining, which the Brain is not the cauſe of, as the Pulſe which the Heart yeids; and whenas the motion of breathing is partly Natural, partly Voluntary, and therefore doth proceed from the Or-Organs of both motions, both the Midrif and Lungs, tis no wonder, that that alſo, if the Brain be very much hurt, ſo that all Voluntary motion do ceaſe as it comes to paſs in the Apoplectical the Midrif or Muſcles of the Breaſt then contributing nothing to Motion, but the Lungs only after a ſort moving themſelves ſtil, and whils they are dilated and filled with Air, which they do by their prover Natural motion, a little lifting up the Breaſt) do a little while Perſevere, but very much hinderd and difficult, ſo that unleſs that hurt of the Brain do ſpeedily ceaſe, the Patient muſt needs be choaked breathing being wholly taken away; but when voluntary motion is not wholly taken away with the ſenſes, that then reſpiration doth remain ſtill more free. But if the Brain be affected with a leſs affect compared to the former, by which the ſenſes are only oppreſt as in a ſleepineſs or gentle Stupidity, then motion, though it do reſt a little by reaſon of Sleep and Conſternation, yet nevertheleſs it doth perſevere; or if this come to paſs only by reaſon of the ſpirits of the Brain only extravagant, as ſhall be ſaid in a Convulſion and Catalepſis that motion doth alſo continue, and they ſooner return to themſelves; as ſhall be explained how this comes to paſs, in the Particular cauſes from which theſe proceed. But the cauſes of all Conſternation of Minde that happen are, either ſome offect ſo hurting the Brain (which gives Senſe and Motion) by it ſelf or by conſent that theſe its Functions do more or leſs fail; as are Diſtemper, Repletion from a flegmatick or ſanguine Humor: ſome eminent hurt; a Tumor, a diſtemper of the Brain proceeding from a Vapor or Malignant quality; or a defect of the Animal ſpirits of the Brain; of all which cauſes and their effects we will now treat in Particular.

A cold Diſtemper only without matter altering the Brain, A cold Diſtemper, the Cauſe of Stupidity; a Moiſt; of immoderate Sleep. becauſe it is wont to hurt the Functions, may make it Stupid. And if it be Moiſt too, which is ſeldom without matter, it may alſo cauſe Immoderate Sleep; as ſomtimes by Reaſon of Age or the continuance of a Diſeaſe, a diſtemper left in the Brain, doth make men perpetually Prone to Sleep or as it was ſaid in the Weakneſs of the Minde more dul; which we have taught doth happen rather by reaſon of Weakneſs then Coldneſs.

Or induced by other cauſes, eſpecially from the cold external Air, the North Wind blowing, outwardly cooling the Head, or by the Pores percing to the Brain, it may cauſe a great Stupidity.

They write alſo that a watchful Stupidity or Catalepſis may ariſe from a Cold and dry diſtemper congealing the Spirits: but whenas the Spirits cannot be congealed, or if they could be, then a greater Stupidity would follow, we cannot at all allow of this.

That Convulſions are ſomtimes cauſed from Dryneſs which they call Inanition is a common opinion, which doth not happen in this Convulſion, but in a Particular one as we ſhall there explaine.

Flegm is very often the cauſe of Sleep and Supidity (under which Name we comprehend all the Watery, Cold and Moiſt Excrements of the Brain) which immoderately heaped up within the Skul (as the Brain doth ever and a non heap up ſuch things, from Flegmatick blood varried up to it. and the weakneſs of the part) if it be ſuppreſt and flow not forth through the paſſages appointed for it, then if it perfuſe the ſubſtance of the Brain with a large humor, and cool it, it cauſeth a Carus. Or if by its long impulſe it ſo moiſten the ſame, that that great bulk of the Brain becoming more ſoft and lax, do ſuddainly flow abroad and ſink and preſs the original of the Nerves at the baſis of the Skul proceeding from the Brain, and ſtop the paſſage of the Animal ſpirit, it procures a grievous Apoplexy. As when Flegm doth ſuddainly fill the Ventricles or Cavities of the Brain, not by obſtructing, whenas the Animal Spirit is not ſeated in them but every where in the ſubſtance of the Brain and Nerves, neither doth it paſs through the Ventricles but after the ſame manner by oppreſſing the baſis of the Brain, it may alſo induce an Apoplexy; the which notwithſtanding, if the humor deſcending from them, do follow the courſe of the Nerves, may end in a Palſie. That all theſe things are thus in a Carus and Apoplexy we have learnt from the dead, becauſe this humor hath ſomtimes flown from their mouths in a plentiful manner. And we have obſerved alſo by diligent diſſection, that the thick Membrane of the Brain open'd, in ſome abundance of Humor hath preſently lept forth, by the Region of the Head, and deſcended even to the Breaſt: and the very ſubſtance of the Brain in a certain old Woman which died of an Apoplexy diſſolved like to Cream, after the ſame manner hath run all over her Face. But we know that theſe affects proceeded from the Cauſe, by the precedent conſtitution of the Body, eſpecially in old Age, which is Obnoxious to this evil; and from a cold conſtitution of the ſeaſon and Air; and becauſe they have firſt complained of a heavineſs in the Head and a weight with ſlaggiſhneſs, darkneſs of the ſight, and alſo of a want of that accuſtomary voiding of Flegm by the Noſe and Mouth: and becauſe in the dead, of an Apoplexy eſpecially, oft times a great quantity of Flegm flows forth by the ſaid paſſages.

From the ſame Flegmatick Humor obſtructing the paſſages of the Brain; many have written that as an Apoplexy ſo alſo an Epilepſie may be cauſed; and therefore as in that ſo in this, that all the ſenſes are aboliſht, but do preſently return again, becauſe the Brain by concuſſion, doth ſpeedily ſhake it of; and then that motion with the ſenſes doth no way ceaſe here, as is an Apoplexy becauſe the Ventricles are not altogether, but only in part, obſtructed, or as others will have it, the former only are obſtructed, the hindermoſt being unhurt, ſo that a portion of the Spirits may nevertheleſs paſs by to the Nerves. Which though it may be condemned for many things, yet let it ſuffice to have brought this eſpecially to deſtroy this opinion; viz. that if a ſufficient quantity of the Animal Spirits did not deſcend, the Functions of the Brain would rather follow to be impared in ſenſe and motion, then partly aboliſht, partly depraved; and that if Flegm were the cauſe, and that ſuddainly ſhaken of from the Brain did flow down, it would induce that Palſie which is wont to follow an Apoplexy for the ſame Reaſon.

They teach that Flegm putrifying in the Brain, doth Cauſe a Lethargie, and a Feaver its companion is kindled from thence: but whenas we have ſhewed in Feavers that from the Putrefaction of Flegm eſpecially in the Head, that a Feaver can in no wiſe be kindled; and we find no reaſon, how the ſame Flegmatick Humor being putrified, by its coldneſs can cauſe a Carus, and by its heat a Feaver, and one and the ſame thing can be cold and hot, when as contraries are inconſiſtent in the ſame ſubject; we ſhall aſſign a far different cauſe of a Lethargie by and by when we treat of a Carus cauſed by conſent, and that not much different, from the Carus which follows Fevers.

They teach alſo that flegm not ſimply but mixt with choler, doth cauſe a watchful ſtupidity or Catalepſis for this reaſon, Fleam cauſeth Sleep, Choler, Watchings, and ſo from the mixture of contrary cauſes are produced contrary effects; which indeed might be, if they were in divers places, but two contraries mixt and confounded in the ſame ſubject, do produce a certain middle effect, or rather one compounded of them both, than contrary: for which reaſon, theſe cauſes were found out rather from the effect, than their certain ſigns, that they might ſhew by what means at the ſame time, a man might be ſtupid and watchful (not ſleeep, ſince tis impoſſible to ſleep and watch at the ſame time) and attribute to each its proper humors.

Blood alſo continued as yet in the ventricles of the brain, Blood the cauſe of a Carus and Apoplexy. as there is at other times a great quantity of it there, ſo it abounding more yet, if it be more crude, ſerous, cold, by oppreſſing the brain may make it more ſtupid, or by cooling it, may make it ſleepy; The which doubleſs a pain of the head praeceded, and ſomtimes doth ſtill remain its companion, and this is known by a fulneſs of blood and redneſs of the face.

Aetius tels us that from much blood abundantly and ſuddenly overwhelming the ſubſtance of the Brain, that Species of a Catalepſis is generated, from which a yong man was freed by a flux of blood from his noſe; which flux of blood being often accuſtomary in ſolution of Diſeaſes by natures motion, cannot therefore argue this Diſeaſe proceeding from blood, for which we ſhal propound another cauſe; as we can neither grant that lighter ſpecies of it, called an Aphony when the voice only is intercepted, to proceed from a fulneſs of blood intercepting the paſſage of the animal ſpirit, as Hollerius writes, for which we ſhal by and by alleadg another cauſe. Neither can we allow that an Epilepſie which ſome alſo have delivered from plenty of blood poſſeſſing the Ventricles of the Brain, and obſtructing the paſſages of the ſpirits, doth ariſe from this humor and after this manner. As neither from Blood or a melancholly or Cholerick juyce from which ſome teach, that ſpecies of a Catalepſis is generated, which is wont to happen to perſons melancholical: and by reaſon of the coldneſs and drineſs of that humor the ſpirits to be ſo congealed, as was ſaid in the like diſtemper, which we have denied to be for that reaſon, and from Melancholly we have thought to proceed melancholly accidents rather than thoſe of a Catalepſis unleſs ſome other cauſe be joyned, as ſhall be ſaid; neither can we by any means admit an Fpilepſie alſo to ariſe from the ſame obſtructing the Ventricles as ſome have ſpred abroad theſe opinions: when as the aforementioned affects as laſting no longer, but ſeazing and ceaſing by courſe have no fixt cauſe in the Brain, but happen, that being affected only by conſent, as ſhal afterwards be declared.

The Blood carried out of the Veſſels, if infuſed into the ſubſtance of the Brain, it breeds not an Inflammation, and then a Phrenſie would follow, but it obſtruct the Windings and Ventricles by ſuddenly filling of them, and it oppreſs the beginning of the Nerves then it cauſeth a Stupidity and Apople y •• as it often happens a Vein being broke, and that ſomtimes by reaſon of a fulneſs of the Veſſels, eſpecially in thoſe in whom ſome accuſtomary Haemorrhages of the Courſes, Haemrods or Noſe are ſtopt: in whom yet living, and after their death, I have obſerved that a great quanttity of blood hath broken forth from their mouth and noſe, that ſomtimes I have perſwaded my ſelf, that this was the chief cauſe of an Apoplexy. The ſame may happen from an external violent cauſe, as a Contuſion of the Brain from a Blow or Fall although the ſubſtance of the Brain be no waies wounded that the blood alſo may fil up the Cavities of the Brain, and its ſubſtance, in thoſe places eſpecially where it is contuſed; as Women do daily ſee comes to paſs in the Brain of Buls killed with a Hatchet, whenas they firſt purge the Brain from the clotted blood, before they boyl it; fromwhence it muſt needs be that an Apoplexy doth ſuddenly ariſe unleſs the blood preſently break forth by the Noſtrils, Ears, and other parts or adjoyning paſſages, as ſometimes alſo it doth; or if the fall be lighter, there follows rather a lighter obſtupuleſency: though oftentimes alſo the flux of blood turned into clots and retained a long time if it putrifie it cauſeth a Phrenzy, Convulſions which before death do follow Lethargies and Apoplexies and kill the Patient.

But alſo from the ſame violent external cauſe, if the ſubſtance of the Brain be hurt, by Contuſion, or by cutting or pricking, ſeeing it is a principal part, whoſe action is then deſtroyed, it muſt needs be that an Apoplexy doth ſuddenly follow. A hurt of the Brain is the cauſe of a Stupidity & Apoplexy. Or if the Skull be only broken thereby or deprest ſo that it preſs the Brain lying under it, it happens alſo that a Stupidity doth follow. Or if from ſome ſtronger force the bulk of Brain ruſh together and preſs the beginning of the Nerves, an Apoplexy likewiſe follows; all which are made manifeſt from the cauſes foregoing.

A hard preternatural Tumor, A Tumor of the Brain is the cauſe of a Stupidity and Apoplexy. affecting rather by its weight, than diſtemper cauſeth a Stupidity by degrees ingendred with the Tumor, but of long continuance: which is hardly diſcovered till after death the Skull being opened, as was found in Noble Bonecourtius who for ſome years like to one aſtoniſht as was ſaid before, lay Stupid; viz. a great hard Glandule being generated over a callous body with plenty of humor, which watring the Brain, did cauſe a ſleepineſs joyned with a Stupidity, as we have formerly expounded this kind. The cauſe of which might be a blow with which he was ſtruck on the head, although it were done a long time before he fel into the diſeaſe; but they being ignorant alſo of the true cauſes of a Catalepſis, phancying many other beſides thoſe above mentioned, they have thought alſo that it might proceed from a Tumor of the Brain. And ſome alſo have writ that a Lethargie doth proced from a flegmatick Impoſthumation; the which whenas we have formerly ſhewed, that a Fever could not be cauſed from any cauſe lying in the brain, the ſame we aſſert cannot happen here: and ſome alſo have held that an Abceſs may be the cauſe of it, the which notwithſtanding generated in the brain from hot ſtumors, doth cauſe rather a Phrenſie and Convulſions than a Lethargy A Vapor carried up to the Brain, A Vapor the cauſe of fleep. or heaped up there, may be the cauſe of immoderate ſleep cauſed by conſent if it be carried thither plentiful and ſteeming do oppreſs the ſpirits, or being crude it do ſo moiſten the brasn, that it becomes languid to perform its actions.

Such a one is raiſed from plenty of Meat or drink, or from that which is vaporous or more moiſt; which if they be more moderate, procure that ſleep which is wont • o moleſt men after dinner or ſupper, eſpecially if they drink Wine as 'tis uſually the cuſtom, which we ſhal by and by ſhew hath certain narcotick vertue, and the conſtitution of the brain be moiſt, as it is in old folks which propenſion to ſleep is cuſtomary after meat, the reſt of the body alſo doth very much further, which after labour whiles they take their repaſt, is compleated by ſitting ſtil, and ſo much the more alſo inviting the mind to reſt by ſleep by how much they are longer at dinner or ſupper, and if the heat of a South Sun be joyned, or of the Country or place as of a hot-houſe, it helps ſomwhat, both becauſe heat cals the vapors upwards, and becauſe recreating the wearied bodies, and more aptly diſpoſing them to quiet, it cauſeth that the mind alſo is inclined to reſt. But immoderate Sleep alſo may be cauſed from the immoderate uſe of meat and drink or certain nouriſhments not dulling the brain by a ſtupefactive quality, but filling of it with many vapors: which is known by this, if after carrouſing though not to drunkenneſs, of which hereafter, or after the uſe of certain meats, they ſuffer thus, and afterwards come to themſelves.

Vapors raiſed up and and down the body from humors and vaporus and moiſt excrements are ſomtimes wont to beget ſleep. A Vapor the cauſe of deep ſleep. If they be gathered together in the Stomach or Womb, whence many other diſeaſes of the brain cauſed by conſent do proceed, and ſomtimes alſo they induce immoderate ſleep, if the brain be troubled with thoſe vapors which is eaſily known by the affects of thoſe parts, that it proceeds from thence, from Worms putrifying in the Guts, ſuch evaporations ſent to the head do often cauſe ſleep eſpecially in Infants: and by the ſigns of Worms 'tis ſhewn from whence it proceeds although this ſleep is commonly promoted by reaſon of a Fever accompanying.

The matter intermitting Feavers putrifyfying in the meſaraick Veins as the moſt capacious receptacle of humors corrupting for a light cauſe by reaſon of the neerneſs of the Guts, A Vapor the cauſe of a Carus and Lethargie in Fevers. and the moſt dangerous fuel of many diſeaſes, being attenuated by heat and carried plentifully up to the head ceſpecially at the firſt invaſion, breeds this Sleep hapning in ſome Tertians and Quartans at the beginning of the fit, while coldneſs yet poſſeſſeth them, and the body is not yet through hot, and ſomtimes it laſteth to the end of the fit. And alſo in continual Fevers I have often obſerved that the Brain weaken'd with a long continued and grievous pain foregoing in the vigor or after it, being ſtruck with a Carus following, hath brought the Patient into a great deal of danger. The which alſo if it happen in the beginning of continual Fevers and by and by, by reaſon of too much evaporation, this principal part the brain, eſpecially by ſome means diſpoſed to a Carus, be ſo weakened, that a heavy ſleep do follow, it wil be that Lethargie which is coupled with a continual Fever and preſently after invades with it, no otherwiſe differing from that other Carus which happens in the declination of Fevers, which is alſo dangerous, but in this that it preſently begins with the Fever.

Many aſſert that from evaporations from the Stomach, Womb, and the reſt of the body aſſailing the brain, an Epilepſy by conſent is cauſed: as alſo ſome have written that ſome ſpecies of a Catalepſis doth proceed from Melancholly vapors, and how it is done they variouſly aſſign, whenas ſome of them think it is done by filling up the Ventricles of the brain, or affecting it ſome other way, or by irritation; the which notwithſtanding how it comes to paſs by reaſon of the nervous kind affected, we ſhal by and by explain.

Somtimes an occult quality by an unknown propriety is wont to be the cauſe of Sleep and Stupidity of which kind is the narcotick vertue, which acts not by coldneſs as hath hitherto been beleeved, but by that propriety by which it lulls aſleep the ſenſes; and by ſuch medicines taken and entring into the body (although by their ſmell alſo they may offend ſomwhat, A Narcotick vertue is the cauſe of ſleep and ſtupidity but being only applied they ſcarce work ſo far as to induce a Stupidity) if they be gentler they cauſe a ſleep not natural but as it were artificial • but if it work more powerfully ſtronger things being given, it makes them ſo ſtupid, that like to the Apoplectical they lie without ſenſe and motion, and unleſs they come to themſelves they are choaked for want of breath; as we have often found hath hapen'd from the juyce of Poppy and other things, upon which account their uſe is very dangerous; and alſo from the immoderate uſe of Wine; not by reaſon of the evaporations as ſome have thought, but by reaſon of its narcotick vertue, immederate ſleep and ſtupidity alſo do follow in Drunkards, which makes them no leſs aſtoniſht, than if they had taken Opium and often kils them: as it happens alſo from the Liquor extracted from Wine which they call the Spirit of Wine, and by ſo much the more powerful, as its force is reduced and collected into a narrower compaſs, by the drinking of which we have ſeen killed ſome Infants that drink of it by chance, and ſome of riper age lying aſtoniſht.

Some venemous things do cauſe the ſame effects by a hidden vertue, A poyſenous quality is the cauſe of ſleep and ſtupidity being outwardly infer'd, by a ſtroke of certain Beaſts, as from the biting of the Aſp a deadly ſleep follows, as Plutarch writes in the death of Cleopatra which kind of malignant vertue may be raiſed alſo in the body from the humors degenerating into a poyſonous quality: in malignant and peſtilent Fevers, by whoſe evaporations the brain infected, may be oppreſt with a heavy ſleep and Lethargie which happens alſo in an Epilepſie proceeding from thence, towards the end of the fit, that they are longer oppreſt than with ſleep or ſtupidneſs; not ſo much by reaſon of the brain tired by too much ſtirring, as becauſe theſe malignant vapors which before did cauſe thoſe Epileptical motions by affecting the nervous parts, as ſhal be ſaid by and by, afterwards weakning the brain do induce a ſleep or ſtupidneſs for a while, til theſe vapors are diſcuſt, and the fit be ended: which alſo may happen in a Catalepſis for the like reaſon, ſince that it is a certain ſpecies of Convulſion.

If the cauſe of that doting ſleep proceed from the Devil with which he deludes Witches 'tis not our task to ſearch out thoſe hidden cauſes, The Devil the cauſe of Daemonical ſleep. which the Witches attribute to the oyntments with which they anoint things, by the Devils command, or to Decoctions with which they dream they can cauſe Hail, and draw Clouds from Heaven: ſuch as Eotis in Apuleins and Homers Circe did prepare by bruiſing together Garlick Wild Time and ſtinking Plants which we renounce.

By reaſon of a defect of animal ſpirits in the brain, it muſt needs be alſo that a ſtupidity follow, the functions of the brain being taken away; which may happen upon a double account, they being either waſted or at leaſtwiſe poured forth and extravagant.

The Animal ſpirits being waſted in the brain, The Conſumption of the animal ſpirit is cauſe of an Apoplexy▪ if they were only impaired or too few whence follows a weakneſs of the brain, its functions alſo muſt be weakned, as hath been ſaid in the Weakneſs of the mind: but if they be altogether, or ſo far conſumed as that not only a weakneſs of the functions do follow, but a total Oblition of them, there wil be a grievous Apoplexy and ſuddenly killing the Patient, of which we have oftentimes ſeen old men die of, and the common People ſtill hath believed it cauſed from a Flegmatick Humor; as we ſee the vital Spirit being impared there follows a want of ſtrength, but being wholly conſumed Death.

The Animal Spirits being ſhed or poured forth from the Brain into the Nerves continuous with the Brain (for they can be extravagant no where elſe, Too great a pouring forth of the Animal Spirit from the Brain into the Nerves is the cauſe of a Stupidity of divers kinds of a Catalepſis and Epilepſie. whenas they can conſiſt no where but in the Brain and Nerves) then it happens that the Internal ſenſe, either all or ſome do ceaſe, according as a greater or leſs quantity of them leaves the Brain; but the motive power is no waies aboliſht, ſince as thoſe Spirits do yet perſiſt in the Nerves, neither are the Nerves left deſtitute of them, as it comes to paſs in a reſolution, their paſſage from the Brain to the Nerves being then hinderd: furthermore ſince that the Animal ſpirit is contained alſo in the Nerves, as well as in the Brain, of which they are portions, though the the Functions of the Brain may ceaſe for a while, yet they nevertheleſs may ſtill for a time exerciſe the power of moving, which they contain in themſelves: the which alſo we may very well gueſs doth proceed rather from the Nerves, then the Brain in ſome creatures, who excel more in motion then in the ſenſes, becauſe they have none or a very little Brain, but a marrow of the Back, large and plentiful, part of which alſo cut off from the reſt, yet nevertheleſs moves for a while: and this is the true and Legitimate cauſe, why the ſenſes being aboliſht, yet motion nevertheleſs may perſiſt for a time: in ſinding out of which both the ancient and moderne Phyſitians have ſo much tormented themſelves, and delivered their far different opinions, viz. This effuſion of the Spirits into the Nerves: which proceeding chiefly from two cauſes produceth accidents ſomwhat diverſe, as ſhall preſently be explained.

The firſt of which is the too much, Vehement, and Perſevering operation of the internal Senſes by which, as in great paſſions of the Heart, we ſee the vital Spirits ſo carried forth, that thence follows a Fainting away: and ſo if there be a diſſipation of the Animal Spirits into the Organs of the external ſenſes by a more vehement Cogitation and intention upon ſome thing, it may come to paſs that as men aſtoniſht they may be lightly ſtupid, and either by and by, they returning again they may come to themſelves, or if they continue longer, thoſe diverſe Species of a Catalepſis may proceed, which we have demonſtrated in the explication of the former kinds, to have ſomtimes happen'd from too much Study, or Love, or ſome other great affects of the Minde, eſpecially Melancholly (whence it came to paſs that many have put a Melancholly juyce as the Cauſe of a Catalepſis) In which if the Spirits being not wholly poured forth, ſome portions of them remain in the Brain, ſome Sences alſo wil remain, the other ceaſing, and as they are poured forth into the Nerves, Motion may alſo either at leaſt remain, or exerciſe it ſelf with a rigidneſs without concuſſion, if there be no contraction of the nerves as ſhal be ſaid in an Epilepſie and this ſeems very likely to be the cauſe of the diverſity of Species of a Catalepſis as we have ſhewed formerly in diverſe Hiſtories of it, yet as alſo if the ſpirits be ſo carried forth, by a violent affect of the Minde, that for awhile they cannot recollect themſelves, we have ſeen them fal down like to the Epileptical their pulſe remaining, by which they were diſtinguiſht from thoſe that faint away and ſome when they made a ſpeech or deſpute at great meetings, by reaſon of the too great contention of the Minde and Senſes, fear ſomtimes or ſhame coming upon them, the Spirits being troubled, have ſufferd the like; from whence perhaps becauſe the ſame was wont to happen for this reaſon at ſome meetings, an Epilepſie was called the Comitial Diſeaſe. In which vehement motions of the Minde as it may come to paſs, ſo it is commonly believed alſo that from Anger Convulſions may eaſily proceed; which opinion happily had its riſe, becauſe in thoſe diſpoſed, the fit is by this means promoted: unleſs perhaps this may happen by the ſtirring of Choller through Anger, as we ſhal declare by and by.

But the other and more frequent Cauſe of pouring out the Spirit into the Nerves, from whence follow the more grievous Symptoms of an Epilepſie and Catalepſis is an irritation of the Brain: ſuch a one by which its expulſive faculty ſtirred up, riſing to caſt of that which is troubleſome to it, doth together drive forth the Spirits: as Nature every where feeling pain and trouble is wont to thruſt Spirits thither, and together with them blood alſo, oftentimes ſo powerfully that there follows an inflamation of that part which receives them.

Which trouble or irritation of the Brain indeed, they demonſtrate to happen rather by conſent, and compaſſion with ſome part then from its proper effect; becauſe we ſee Convulſions happen rather from an affect and Diſeaſe of another part. Somtimes alſo far diſtant from the Brain, then of the Brain it ſelf, as from a Nerve Prickt, or ſome violent Medicine taken: where as if it did happen from ſome grievous Diſeaſe of the Brain (as indeed it muſt needs be a grievous Diſeaſe, which muſt induce ſo vehement a Symptone) the accidents of Convulſions which it cauſeth, would not ſo ſoon remit; as alſo in other hurts of this principal part, we ſee there ſucceeds long continued and laſting ſymptoms as you ſee in an Apoplexy: and thoſe affects which hapning to the Nerves do cauſe Convulſions as a Puncture Inflamation if they were in the Brain would not cauſe them, but an Apoplexy and Phrenſie; although the Brain thus moleſted by conſent alſo, if the cauſe offending be great, and follow continually, not only irritating the Brain it ſelf, but alſo by its vehemency and frequency ſo hurting it, that it contract alſo its proper diſeaſe, then the contention of Convulſions laſts almoſt continually, neither do the ſick exactly come any more to themſelves, or the fit wholly ceaſe, till the Patient be quite dead. Yet it may be alſo that from the ſame Cauſe as we ſhall by and by ſpeak of that which is Poyſenous, both the Nervous kind and the Brain hurt together, Convulſions may happen coupled together with other hurts of the Minde,

But that we may find out this part which is firſt affected, and with which the Brain condoles, if we conſider the Symptoms, viz. the inordinate motion and privation of ſenſes, that muſt be it which hath ſo great conſent with the Muſcles exerciſing voluntary motion, and with the Brain communicating ſenſes, that that being hurt, the Muſcles are forced and the Brain ceaſeth a while from its Function which we ſay is that Nervous kind becauſe it proceeds from the Brain and ends in the Muſcles, under which Name we underſtand all the Nerves of the whol Body both within and without the Skul, eſpecially thoſe endued with the ſenſe of feeling and the Nervous parts which are compounded of them, which are of moſt exquiſite ſenſe: the which being ſo hurt, that the Functions of the Brain are aboliſht by ſympathy and thoſe of the Muſcles augmented, it muſt needs be that Convulſions follow; which how it comes to paſs we will Explain.

The offence of the Nervous kind, not that which weakens its Functions, but that which by bringing trouble to it doth rather ſtir up its faculty, if it be cauſed either in one place or more, a Nerve or Nervous part is affected; and if the offenſe be great, then the whol nervous kind riſing up, whiles it endeavors to ſhake off that with which tis offended, doth together exagitate the Brain from whence it proceeds, and draws it into conſent, ſo that that alſo feeling theſe affects of the Nerves whiles it endeavors to help them to expell the trouble, driving the animall Spirits from it ſelf into the beginning of the Nerves, tis a while left deſtitute of its Functions: no otherwiſe then we obſerve ſomtimes in a Syncope that the Heart without any proper affect of its own, the Spirits wandring for ſome other cauſe, doth ceaſe from its Function til they return again. In which effuſion of the Spirits into the Nerves, it happens that the motive Power doth continue in them, not only as was declared formerly, by alſo by reaſon of the plenty of Spirits of the Nerves, the Muſcles alſo are ſtirred up to exerciſe Motion; but cheifly that inordinate and violent Motion in the beginning of Epileptical Fits is performed for this cauſe, that whiles the nervous kind doth endeavour to expell this Offenſe, it is contracted into it ſelf, and then again dilated, and it forceth the Muſcles of the whol Body, into whoſe beginnings the Nerves are inſerted, by conſecution to commit thoſe inordinate Motions, by pulling or drawing, and then remitting them; and that ſo long till the hurtfull Matter is expel'd from them, or by reaſon of dejection of ſtrength and as it were wearineſs, when they can no longer exerciſe Motion, yet notwithſtanding they retain their Limbes convulſed or artracted, ſtiff and fixt for a while, till at laſt they come wholly to themſelves. The which happens in a Catalepſie preſently at the beginning, no agitation of the Body foregoing, perhaps becauſe in that there is not ſo great an effuſion of ſpirits into the nerves, whenas in that ſomtimes ſome ſenſes do yet remain, and there is a leſs irritation of the Nerves, whence it may be accounted a certain lighter ſort of Epilepſie, yet very ſeldom happning, otherwiſe proceeding from the ſame cauſe which breeds an Epilepſie, but which either doth leſs affect the nervous kind by irritation or elſe hath that propriety, that it produces that ſtupidity or rigidneſs of the Members rather then Convulſions.

But that theſe cauſes of offenſe to the Nervous kind, from whence an Epilepſie often proceds, a Catalepſis more ſeldom, are diverſe and frequent it is no wonder, whenas the Nerves by reaſon of their moſt exquiſite ſenſe, are not only unable to endure great troubles or pains, but alſo are ſo eaſily offended by the ſlighteſt, that they cannot ſuffer the touch of a Body, (on which account, whiles they are carried in the body, Nature hath provided for them that they touch not the bones, neither are they joyned to any other parts, beſides thoſe into which they are inſerted) from which notwithſtanding they are not exaſperated by divers incurſions; unleſs they be great and violent, ſo that they be convulſed; of which ſort are thoſe which may happen to them from a wound, irritation or infection either acting ſingly, or more of them together.

That a Convulſion may be cauſed from a Wound made either in a Nerve, or nervous part ſuch caſes frequently hapning, do ſufficiently declare; yet not from every wound of a Nerve, but only from that almoſt, by which a Nerve is hurt by pricking, Convulſions are wont to follow its function, being there ſtirred up by reaſon of the offence, which if the Nerve be wholly cut in two, is rather aboliſht; for which reaſon alſo, if we cut off a Nerve convulſed, we cure the Convulſion cauſed in it; but this moleſtation of the Nerve, proceeding from the ſolution of its continuity, is yet more increaſed by an Inflammation, or putrefaction from the corruption retained in the narrow hole of the Puncture of the Nerve, and by the great pain from thence, which for the moſt part do attend this affect: or if the Wound happen from Iron of its own Nature an enemy to the Nerves, commonly by reaſon of its Ruſt, or becauſe tis infected; or a bite or blow of a poyſenous Beaſt.

But alſo a nervous part being wounded eſpecially in that place, where the Nerves go under it, and conſtitute the greater part of it; as the Bladder being hurt at the Neck, the Muſcles about their beginnings either by chance or whiles the Chirurgion and lithotomiſt attempt a Section of the Body, moſt commonly dangerous Convulſions ſucceed; which a difficulty of ſwallowing going before (which the Chirurgions ſo greatly fear, calling of it as was ſaid before, a ſpaſme of the Stomach) is wont moſt commonly to foretell.

An irritation of the nervous Kind, if it be vehement, may alſo cauſe Convulſions; the which proceeds either from the cauſe which becauſe it torments the Nerves with grievous pain, maketh Convulſions by accident, or the which by it ſelf ſtimulating the Nerves by a manifeſt Quality, and cauſing Pain or none together with it, doth convell them: which cauſe proceeds either from Medicines or internall Humors as Blood, Choler and Flegm moleſting the Nerves by their proper ſubſtance, or by a Vapor only.

But Convulſions are chiefly cauſed by occaſion of pain, either if the Torments be unreaſonable and of long continuace ſuch as in Cholicks do often cauſe Convulſions, or if they trouble Bodies endued with moſt exquiſite ſenſe and which by reaſon of their Tenderneſs, do hardly undergo ſuch torments: on which account alſo Infants, not only in diverſe ſorts of ſickneſſes, but when they begin to breed Teeth, being exaſperated with pains, are often times convulſive: and alſo immoderate Tickling made in the like Bodies, becauſe that alſo gives trouble and a ſad ſence, experience doth teſtiſie hath cauſed Convulſions in ſome; nay tis confeſt by all that even a light Tickling cauſed by Wormes creeping up and down the Gutts and Stomach, and ſucking them with their Mouths, doth move in Infants not only horrors, and ſcratching of the Noſe, but alſo light epilepticall Convulſions.

Medicines taken which ſtimulates the expulſive Faculty of the ſtomach and Guts, if they excite thoſe parts too much, as they cauſe a convulſive Motion which is by Hiccoping; ſo if they be very biting and burning, as thoſe things put up into the Noſe, they move Sneezing; and ſo a purging Faculty eſpecially joyned to them, by which they ſollicite Nature at once very much both by Vomit and ſtool, by reaſon of their eminent efficacy they often produce Convulſions, ſuch as happen from Hellebore and the uſe of other things; and thoſe deadly too if by too much inſinuating themſelves into thee parts, they ceaſe not to exagitate them: but not yet deadly if when they firſt begin to ſollicite Nature, being repulſed by her, they be caſt forth upwards and downwards; as I have obſerved from the uſe of Antimony and Aſarabacca ſome feeling only forerunings of a Spaſme in their Thighes but others alſo convulſive, to have returned to themſelves.

Corrupt and putrifying Blood if it be carried into the nervous kind by affecting of them, may alſo cauſe Convulſions. As it ſometimes happens from a blow of the Head penetrating the Skull, yet not deviding the ſubſtance of the Brain (whence rather an Apoplexy would follow) but only wounding the Membranes of the Brain; the Blood then being poured forth, and retained under the Skull, which putrefying infects the Membranes of the Brain with a maligne quality, by conſent of which and alſo that ſinking, and poſſeſſing and affecting the beginning of the Nerves produced from the Baſis of the Brain, it breeds Convulſions which follow Wounds of the Head: which ſort of Convulſions alſo in Impoſthumations, are ſomtimes wont to follow a Phrenzie that went before.

Choler of all humors is wont to be the chief, both the Yellow, and the Green and Black, which by its acrimony is wont to ſtimulate and irritate the Nerves and nervous parts the which alſo by its thinneſs it eaſily enters: which in Pains of the Colick doth cauſe thoſe Convulſions, not only becauſe it breeds theſe Torments, but alſo becauſe inſinuating it ſelf into the Stomach and Guts, it doth too much ſollicit them with a kind of cauſtick vertue, which Convulſions laſt, as long as this acrid humor ceaſes not to irritate; that there is no need to fancy any other reaſon that it is far fetcht to the Nerves, if it ought to cauſe Convulſions: and alſo if a Convulſion proceed from anger, they think it may happen by reaſon of the boyling and effuſion of Choler, although that rather proceed, from this too much motion of the mind, ſtirring up the ſpirits as was ſaid before.

Alſo from thin ſalt and acrid flegm falling down from the brain into the ſpaces through which the Nerves are carried and pulling of them, an Epilepſie may be cauſed; as in a Palſie ſomtimes bedewing the Nerves, it firſt cauſeth Reſolutions, afterwards by its acrimony, which it either had before, or by putrafaction hath newly acquired, ſoliciting the Nerves, it raiſeth thoſe Convulſions which ſometimes follow Palſies; which, ſneezing ariſing, from the ſame flegm, diſtilled alſo from the Brain into the Noſe, is wont to go before and foretell; whence perhaps the cuſtom of praying after ſneezing took its firſt riſe, whenas they had ſomtimes obſerved that ſneezing was a forerunner of an Epilepſie.

Alſo filthy and acrid vapors eſpecially if ſome malignity be joyned, as ſhal be ſaid, being raiſed in the body and eſpecially pulling the beginning of the Nerves or elſe where ſolliciting, eſpecially the greater, do beget an Epilepſie which they ſay is cauſed by conſent ſuch as are from vitious, corrupt and putrid meats, humors, excrements, worms, collected in the ſtomach, guts, womb, veins, in divers diſeaſes of thoſe parts, or of the whol body as thoſe raiſed from Fevers which do produce Convulſions which are wont to follow theſe diſeaſes.

But thoſe things which cauſe Convulſions by a poyſonous and pernicious quality are various; which according to the divers nature of the poyſons, and as they are either inimicous only to the nervous kind, they do infect that only, or alſo the brain together with that, do produce either Convulſions or the brain being hurt alſo other accidents, which ſomtimes alſo after the Epilepticall fit is over do continue in the hurts of the ſenſes, eſpecially in an alienation of mind and depraved motion, as hath been ſaid. Amongſt which poyſonous cauſes that ſomtimes alſo offers it ſelf, which by its propriety and private hurt brings forth the accidents of a Catalepſis rather than of a true Convulſion; yet becauſe 'tis a diſeaſe very rare, it evidently ſhews, that ſeldom ſuch a venenate quality, is raiſed in our body, which may produce ſuch an effect in the body, as alſo that which cauſeth true Convulſions is moſt often: but of what kind ſoever that be, its Fountain and Original ſomtimes lurks intrinſecally in the brain, or bowels, or in the veins or babit of the body and ſometimes extrinſecally to the body.

Fernelius witneſſeth that he hath found by diſection, an Epilepſie of long continuance cauſed in the Brain from the corruption or impoſthumation of the membranes of the brain and by reaſon that a filthy vapor raiſed from them, at ſet times entring the ventricles did cauſe the fits; but that theſe things do cauſe rather ſhort and deadly than long continued Epilepſies and not becauſe they ſend a filthy vapor to the Ventricles, but for another reaſon, hath been demonſtrated formerly, whenas if they did poſſeſs the ſubſtance of the brain or its Ventricles and ſo much hurt them, they would induce rather an Apoplexy than Convulſions. In the interim notwithſtanding we do no waies deny the cauſe of an Epilepſie oftentimes to lie in the head; and we confeſs we meet with many faults within the Skul, both in the membranes of the brain, and in its ſubſtance alſo, or in its humors, which raging with their poyſonous and adverſe quality at ſet times as the nature of the poyſon is, by ſoliciting the membranes and nervous kind, do cauſe that long continued Epilepſie and almoſt incurable. Yet the nature of which cauſe as alſo of other poyſons, we can no otherwiſe know, then as by diſſection made, ſomtimes a Speck is diſcovered, ſomtimes ſome humor black or froathy in ſome inward part of the Skul or bone or membrane or brain, but ſomtimes nothing at all; but that 'tis a poyſenous faculty we collect from this, becauſe it is not with a manifeſt cauſe, or of ſuch moment, nevertheleſs produces ſuch horrid ſymptomes, and yet in the interim doth not kil the man, nor yeilds to no Remedies.

And alſo this poyſonous cauſe lying in the bowels produceth the like long continued and pe • inacious Epilepſies; as poyſons taken in the Stomach and Guts which have ſome propriety of begetting an Epilepſie: or meat changed into the nature of poyſon or excrements putting on a venenate quality conteined in thoſe places, or alſo in the Womb as they would have it. Of all which that theſe are the cauſes and do lie in the veins is judged and known from the affects concurring with them, as hath been ſaid, or from others offering themſelves about the heart ſtrings and the veins, and from the faults of the womb and ſtomach.

The Veins alſo if they be filled with malignant and venenate humors of this kind, as it often happens in pernicious diſeaſes eſpecially in the peſtiferous, epidemical, and contagious, and that malignant vertue do beſiege not only the heart but eſpecially the nervous kind, then deadly Convulſions do follow, ſuch as are wont to happen in Fevers, not by reaſon of too much extinction of the Nerves from vehement heat, but by reaſon of the malignant nature of the humor: or alſo if without theſe diſeaſes a humor heaped up in the veins changed into a malignant quality do put on that nature inimicous to the brain and Nerves, that induceth rather epileptical accidents than others (as in melancholy that ſuch a poyſonous quality is there alſo wont to cauſe the true melancholy and madneſs we ſhal ſhew in the alienation of the mind) then I ſuppoſe that long continued and incurable Epilepſie doth chiefly proceed from this cauſe: as alſo a poyſonous cauſe raiſed from the ſame place, doth cauſe that madneſs that laſts ſo long; the which alſo for the like reaſon 'tis probable doth happen in the meſaraick veins ſuch matter being collected there, which do produce rather an Epilepſie than hypochondriack melancholly: where alſo many do write that a Catalepſis is conteined, to wit a melancholly humor which we moreover hold to be malignant, from whence vapors raiſed up do cauſe it. And the manner of curing a Catalepſis they apply to this place and humor, as we ſhall by and by ſhew.

And alſo in Women ſuch matter is wont more commonly to be heaped up about the veins of the Womb; where alſo the blood reteined and corrupted rather than the ſeed (which we think can ſcarce come to that malignity) doth cauſe Convulſion, ſuch as are often wont to happen in Virgins and Women that are hyſterical their courſes being ſtopt before and after their childing, and it may alſo give an occaſion for a Catalepſis.

That the like quality may ariſe in the habit of the body and cauſe an Epilepſie experience witneſſeth; with which Galen and Fernelius being inſtructed they write that they have obſerved, the one that an Air in an Epileptick Child aſcending from his Foot, the other that a Vapor running from the Crown through the outward parts of the head, did give occaſion of the Epileptical fits as often as they came; and we alſo have ſomtimes obſerved that an Air running from the hand where afterwards an Impoſthume hath bred as alſo from the feet other or places hath done the like.

That the like poyſon entring the body from without doth occaſion Epilepſies for the like reaſon, as in other Countries the bitings of virulent Beaſts eſpecially of the Viper and ſtinging of the Scorpion do ſhew; ſo in our Countries 'tis manifeſt that it doth happen from the biting of a mad Dog and beſides the ſymptomes of madneſs and other cruel ones, they are endangered by Convulſions and at length by many fits the Patients are carried away.

'Tis not yet ſufficiently manifeſt, whether there be any things found out, which can produce an Epilepſie anew only by their malignant ſmel yet that epileptical fits are furthered by the ſmel of ſome things is certain, which do it either by a certain propriety, of which are reckoned, the aſhes of an Aſſes hoof, Goats horn, Weathers feet burnt, alſo the ſmel of Bitumen, Myrrhe, Smallage, and alſo the breathings of the Goats fleſh, or the Liver of the Hee-Goat and ſo much the more if they be eaten: or becauſe by a vehement and ſubtile vapor they aſſail the head and the nerves, made weak by the continuance of this diſeaſe (as alſo Wine which beſides this, doth eaſily alof its own nature trouble the Nerves) they occaſion Epileptical fits.

The Cure.

In theſe kind of caſes proceeding from the brain, all the operation of the Phyſitian which conſiſts in prediction and Cure, muſt be applied to the Cauſe, nor neglecting in the mean time that ſymptome which is moſt urgent.

If therfore from a ſimple diſtemper cold and moiſt imprinted on the brain as we have ſaid in old folks might happen by reaſon of their age, The Cure of ſleep and ſtupididity from a cold diſtemper. or from a diſeaſe of long continuance, they become ſleepy or ſtupid yet are not altogether ſick, as that is hardly corrected, ſo this fault is hardly taken away; yet this diſtemper may be ſomewhat mended, as was ſaid in a weakneſs of the mind generated from the like cauſes, by the ſame altering medicines and nouriſhments, both taken and applied.

As alſo if the ſtupidity happen from a cold and dry diſtemper thoſe things wil ſerve which are ſpoken of there in mending of the ſame diſtemper; but if a ſtupidity follow the brain actually cooled by the external air or wind, it wil be amended by applying of skins and feathers and other things actually hot, alſo by ſuffumigations, which becauſe they ſerve alſo in a flegmatick cauſe they ſhall there be explained more fully.

But if a heavy ſleep be from flegm or an afflux of a cold humor or from the excrements of the brain as was ſaid, The Cure of a Carus and Apoplexy from flegm. although the common people deſpair of them, which they judg not oppreſt with ſleep but toucht with an appoplexy and indeed they are not free from danger, yet the hopes of Cure is not to be caſt off, whenas many of them are cured, unleſs ſome grievous accident ſupervene, as a Convulſion and the humor putrefying an accute Feaver as ſhal be ſaid, do accompany it, as in a Lethargie which in old folks is deadly; though I have ſeen alſo after ſome fits of Convulſions they have nevertheleſs recovered of a Carus, yet there was left in the ſight and memory ſome error which afterwards by reaſon of old age could no waies be amended.

But if flegm cauſe an Appoplexy then unleſs that falling downwards into the beginng of the ſpinal marrow do cauſe a Palſie as was ſaid, the breath being taken away it preſently kils the Patient.

Whether flegm cauſe a ſleepineſs or ſtupidity the Cure is almoſt the ſame, but that ſtronger things muſt be uſed in an Apoplexy whenas its cauſe is greater, and there is more haſt to be made in the Cure by the reaſon of the danger; that which ends in a Palſie muſt be cured as a Palſie: and they apply alſo to a Lethargie no other Cure than to a Carus only a few things changed as ſhall be ſaid, by reaſon of the Fever.

In all theſe therefore we will revell the flegm from the head by general and particular evacuations; and we will derive it alſo by neighboring places deſtined for the evacuation of flegm, as the Mouth, Noſe: and we will endeavor to reſolve it with things that draw it to the Superficies of the head: and with things altering inwardly and outwardly applied we wil endeavor to diſſolve and waſt it, to heat and ſtrengthen the Head by proceeding as followeth.

In ſleepineſs if there be a great fulneſs they perſwade drawing of blood by opening that Vein of the Arm which is called Cephalick, and in an Apoplexy the ſame ſigns appearing they grant it alſo ſomtimes for Revulſion, but done ſparingly, and if it ſeem to have done any good they reiterate it: ſomtimes alſo they open the vein of the Forehead, others in theſe diſeaſes would rather open a Vein in the Foot, all which muſt be done conſiderately eſpecially in the Apoplectical left we may ſeem thus to have haſtned death.

The belly muſt be provoked in both ſpecies, and be ſtimulated that they may ſtool, both for Revulſion and to ſtir up the faculties laid aſleep, and that by caſting in ſharp Clyſters and Suppoſitories, whenas otherwiſe they ſcarce go ſtool.

Suppoſitories ſeeing they do egregiouſly irritate, and may quickly be prepared and by reaſon of their dulneſs they cannot keep Clyſters, are very convenient and oftentimes to be repeated, eſpecially in the Apoplexy, in which alſo thoſe things that burn, whenas the ſick are without ſenſe, can no waies do any harm.

Therefore the gentler being firſt tried, if they do no good, the following ſtronger things ſhall be uſed: Take of Honey two ounces, juyce of Mercury, half an ounce; Bulls Gall half an ounce: boyl them, add towards the end of the root of white Hellebore and Pellitory of Spain of each half a dram; Coloquintida half a ſcruple, Salt Gem half a dram: make a Suppoſitory, or that it may be prepared ſooner let theſe pouders be mixt with raw Honey and make Suppoſitories.

Clyſters are good not only before opening a vein if that be done, to waſh the Guts, but alſo after it, made firſt of things emollient and hot ſtimulaters proper for the head, by and by alſo of ſtrong irritaters, which alſo whenas they do not keep them long muſt be repeated, and by ſo much the oftner as the diſeaſe is more urgent, as in the apoplectical.

At firſt therefore let ſuch a Gentle one be given. Take of Mallows, Mercury or Beets, Sage, Rue, Pennyroyal of each one handful; freſh Orrice roots three ounces, Bran, Chamomel flowers, Roſemary flowers of each one pugil; Carraway ſeed two drams; make a Decotion, diſſolve in a fit quantity of it, of Honey one ounce, Benedicta Laxativa two drams, Oyl of Bayes and Rue of each one ounce, Salt one dram, make a Clyſter.

A ſtronger may be made thus, which may be given after the firſt, preſently at the beginning, if the evil be urgent. Take of the Roots of freſh Orris, Solomons ſeal, Sows bread, of each one ounce; Maſter wort, ſix drams; the Herbs Rue, Time, Sago, Bayes, Penny-royal, Organy, Calamint, Hyſſop, of each one handful; French Lavender, Roſemary flowers, of each one pugil; Caraway, Cummin ſeeds, of each two drams; Baſtard Saffron ſeed, Bay, juniper Berries of each half an ounce; Agarick tied in a Rag, two drams; Make a Decoction: Diſſolve in a ſufficient quantity Hiera of Coloquintida, three drams; Honey of Roſemary flowers, one ounce; the juyce of Mercury, or Beets, one ounce; of Oxe Gaule, half an ounce; Oyl of Rue, two ounces; of Caſtor, half an ounce; of Foſſile ſalt, one dram; Make a Clyſter.

The ſtrongeſt of all highly irritating in an Apoplexy: Take of the Roots of Orice, Pellitory of Spain, of each one ounce; of Cuckow-pintle or graſs Plantane, half an ounce; Hellebore Roots, one dram; the Herbs Rue, Sage, Time, the tops of Centory, Water-creſſes, of each one handful; Caraway ſeed, half an ounce; Nettles and Rue, of each one dram; Muſtard ſeed, two drams; the Pulp of Coloquintida tied up in a Rag, half a dram; Roſemary flowers, two pugils; Make a Decoction; Diſſolve of Hiera of Coloquintida, half an ounce; Honey, one ounce and an half; Oyl of Rue, three ounces; Caſtor, Euphorbium, of each one ſcruple; Foſſile ſalt, one dram: Make a Clyſter,

Although it were good to move Vomiting both becauſe that ſtraining doth rouſe them up, and alſo revel, yet in the Apoplectical tis not to be attempted, for fear of ſuffocation, whenas if an endeavoring to Vomit do urge them of their own accord; or a Cough, they are ſooner ſtrangled being forced by that violent motion, as I have ſeen it: Yet, in a Sleepineſs if their ſtrength be firm, a vomiting cauſed, for the ſame reaſon doth very much help; which may be actually done by irritating the Throat, or by giving of a Vomit deſtined alſo to Evacuate Flegm.

Purgers given to the Apoplectick by the Mouth, when as they ſwallow nothing, either flow forth again without any benefit, or if, as it often comes to paſs, they fal into their rough Artery, they induce a danger of ſuffocation, but when they are come to themſelves, then they are to be purged as thoſe palſied as ſhall be faid in a Palſie. But in a Carus or lighter Stupidity when as they can take ſomewhat; at firſt preſent Purging Medicines muſt be adminiſtred to them, but ſuch as in a ſmall quantity may quick be ſwallowed by them, whiles they are rouſed up, as at one draught, with little pains, whenas they are ſcarce obedient.

And therefore if we would give Pills whenas tis hard to take them, we rather diſſolve them nothing fearing here their ingratefulneſs, whenas they being a little ſtupid, do little obſerve that, as Take of Cochiae, foetidae Pils half a dram, Caſtor half a ſcruple, diſſolve them with Sage or Roſemary or Cinnamon Water, and give to drink.

But we ſhall more rightly give Lozenges diſſolved as of Diacarthamum, Diaturbith, of the Citron ſolutive or the like Electuaries as Diaphaenicon, Indum majus, and other purgers of Flegm; the Heirae of Coloquintida we may infuſe, unleſs their extraordinary bitterneſs do hinder.

In the progreſs alſo purgers muſt be repeated, the humor being firſt prepared, eſpecially if it be thick, and they muſt be reiterated again, if the evil yeelds not to the former and that the Patient recover.

It ſhall be prepared therefore after this manner. Take of the Syrup of Bettony, of Hyſop each two ounces, Oxymel of Squills one ounce Syrup of french Lavender half an ounce Roſemary, Sage, Bawmwater each two ounces, make a Julep for four doſes, aromatize it with Cinnamon or ſomwhat elſe.

Or take of the opening Roots ſteeped in Wine each one ounce, of Orice half an ounce Angelica two drams, Lyquoris ſix drams, the herbs Sage, Marjoram, Time, ground Pine, Bettony each half an ounce, Aniſe, Fennel ſeed each one dram, Gith, Parſley each half a dram, the flowers of Roſemary, Lavender, or french Lavender, Elder, Primroſe each two drams, make a Decoction and to a pint and half add Sugar or Honey, or ſome of the foreſaid Syrups to ſweeten it, clarifie it and aromatize it with Cinnamon for four doſes.

Or let theſe ſimples be infuſed in white Wine adding the Topps of the leſſer Centory two drams, becauſe it doth very much devide Flegm, Wormwood three drams to give it a good ſmell, and let him uſe it.

If you will make the Syrup for your uſe add to the forementioned Decoction of baſtard Saffron, Sena each an ounce and an half, Agarick three drams, Turbith two drams, Ginger one dram, and with Honey or Sugar let it boil, let him take one ounce at a • ime.

After the ſame Rule you may make a purging Wine by mixing theſe Purgers with other things according to art.

A purging Potion alſo may be made thus, Take of Agarick infuſed in Oxymel and Sage and Roſemary Waters one dram and an half, of Ginger likewiſe infuſed one ſcruple; ſtrain it, diſſolve afterwards of Diaphaenicon and Diacarthanum each two drams and an half, make a Potion.

By the paſſages deſtined to purge Flegm as the Mouth, Noſe, and Eyes, we muſt derive the Flegm from the Head, with thoſe Medicines which do this by irritating the coat of the Mouth and Noſe which is very ſenſible, that the expulſive faculty being ſtirred up by theſe may drive forth the Flegm and Tears by theſe parts and the Eyes adjoyning; but when as they are not able to Gargle or Maſticate we do not uſe this form of Head Purgers till they come to themſelves.

But we rub the Palate with thoſe things that draw forth Flegm, yet in that quantity and form, that if they do fal into the rough Artery of the Apoplectical they may not ſuffocate them.

Muſtard ſeed which is very powerful; doth ſo provoke Flegm, that it preſently moves teares. Tis boyled in Aqua vita or ſtrong Wine and the Palate is rubbed with that Decoction; or reduced into a Pouder and mixt with Honey, tis anointed: inſtead of which the common Compoſition will ſerve, which being made of Muſtard ſeed is uſed at meals for ſavce, which we may have quickly ready at hand.

The Root of Pellitory of Spain boyled in Oxymel doth the ſame, uſed after the ſame manner.

Euphorbium alſo diſſolved in Aqua vita, and other things that fire the Jaws,

As alſo Caſtor mixed after the like manner and given.

Some rub the Hierae and other Purging Electuaries on the Palate, but without any fruit or benefit, inſtead of which tis better to uſe the Confection Anacardine which doth ſomwhat inflame.

Or make ſuch a Compoſition; Take of Muſtard ſeed, long Pepper, the root of Pellitory of Spain, Pouder them and mix them with Honey and the juyce of Rue, Horſe-Radiſh. Make an Oyntment. we omit the Vinegar which they add, becauſe it duls the vertue of thoſe acrid things, as we ſee itcomes to paſs in Onions and Radiſhes if they be eaten with Vinegar.

A vellication of the coat of the Noſtrils which is very ſenſible, doth Egregiouſly draw forth Flegm, either dropping from the Noſe without violence and flowing forth by Tares from the Eyes, or with a certain violence by ſneezing; which if it happen to the Apoplectical, is a good ſign. Yet this violent rouſing up is not to be attempted in a Sleepineſs before the matter be a little emptied, leaſt the humor yet filling the Brain being moved do oppreſs it, or ſuddainly falling into the beginning of the Nerves, do breed a convulſion or reſolution the which is ſcarce to be feared in the Apoplexy when as they are no otherwiſe cured, unleſs a Palſie follow it; but theſe things may be done divers waies, amongſt which Errhines are leſs proper, when as the ſick do not attract them, there fore this may be performed after another manner. Thus,

Let the Noſtrils be anointed with the ſame Oyntment which we ſaid ought to be rubbed on the Palate, or leaſt that thicker things ſhould ſtop up the Noſtrils, which ought to be free for reſpiration ſake in the Apoplectical, we muſt uſe theſe that are more thin; Take of the juyces of Radiſh, Onions, Orrice, of each equal parts; Let a Feather dipt in theſe be often put up into the Noſe.

Let the Pouders of Hellebore, Pellitory of Spain, Pepper, Euphorbium be blowed up, but in a ſmal quantity.

The actual Irritation of the Noſtrils with a Fibre of Hellebor, or a Hogs briſſel, or ſome thicker Hair, doth powerfully worke and draw forth Flegm.

The ſmel of Onions doth wonderfully provoke Tears upon which account if the thin outward Rinde be taken off and they applied to the Noſe it doth much good: the ſmel of Muſtard ſeed alſo and Radiſh do the ſame, and the Leaves of Spear wort bruiſed and ſmelt to do it moſt powerfully.

Theſe being done, if ſo they come to themſelves that they can uſe Errhines, Maſticatories, Gargariſmes, then theſe muſt not be neglected, as ſhall be explained in their place.

We will endeavor alſo to revel the Humor from the part affected by thoſe things that draw to the ſuperficies of the Body whether they do it by heat or pain, the which alſo will work more powerfully, if together by diſſolving the continuity they open a paſſage for the Humor attracted by which it may be emptied.

Upon this account ſtrong Frictions muſt be made with the Hands or with a rough Cloth, beginning with the Head and going downwards by the Back: Alſo of the Arms, Thighs, and thoſe places which are moſt cold, which we ought to rub til they grow hot and red, adding ſomtime alſo hot Oyl or Salt.

For which cauſe alſo Ligatures muſt be made in the extream parts which may cauſe pain which muſt be ſomtimes looſed and tied again.

Lotions alſo of the Feet will do good, of the Decoction of Sage, Rue, Bettony, Penny-royal, Calamint, Dill, Chamomel, Roſes.

Cupping-glaſſes alſo with a great deal of Fire, muſt firſt be applied to the hinder part of the Head, if perhaps the Humor may be derived through its great mouth, for which cauſe they muſt by and by be applied to the hinder part of the Neck; then to the Shoulder blade and Shoulders.

And ſomtimes alſo Scarification muſt be made in thoſe places before the Cupping-glaſſes be applied, and the Wounds made muſt be rubbed with Pickle.

Pulling of the Hairs about the Privities, from under the the Armpits, alſo vellications of the Beard and Hairs made up and down the Body, and Prickings and Burnings will profit much.

A frying Pan or Shovell, or ſome other Iron plate red hot, ſo long applied to the Region of the Head till it heat it very much, and as it were curle the Hair yet doth not burn the Head, by egregiouſly drawing outwards, hath oftentimes cauſed the Apoplecticall to come to themſelves; the uſe of which the Arabians brought up.

A Dropax alſo or Pication applied to the Region of the Head being firſt ſhaved and being often taken off whiles tis yet hot and renew'd, doth help alſo by calling forth the Humors to the ſuperficies; both if it be ſimple, and if it be Compounded, the which alſo may be thus made more effectual, by the addition of moſt hot things and it will raiſe bliſters; Take of Pitch, half a pound; Oyl of Rue, as much as will ſuffice that it may melt, perhaps to one ounce and an half; add of the Root of Pellitory of Spain, M • ſtard ſeed, Pepper, of each one dram, Euphorbium, half a dram. Mix them.

Sinapiſmes will do the ſame applied upon the Head and thoſe both ſimple, or thus Compounded; Take of the Pulp of Figs extracted from a light Decoction of them, Muſtard ſeed, of each one ounce and an half; Pigeons or Swallows Dung (which is found every where in their houſes) three drams; Pepper, Euphorbium, of each half a dram; Caſtor, one dram; Oyl of Spike, ſix drops; Mix them with the ſharpeſt Vinegar.

The leaves of Nettles, do as it were actually raiſe bliſters, which are rubbed on the Nape of the Neck, and for revulſion on the Thighs.

Alſo Spearewort bruiſed doth do it moſt powerfully, if it be laid to the hinder part of the Neck.

Alſo a Potential cautery applied to the Region of the Head, or to the ſaid part of the Neck, although when neceſſity doth require as in an Apoplexy an actual one is more rightly applied, whenas it works ſooner, and they do not feel it, by which the Hairs of the Head may be burnt, and the Skin alſo a little.

Things altering which ought to diſſolve and diſcuſs the Humor and ſtrengthen the Brain, are given by the Mouth rather in thoſe that are ſleepy, then Apoplectical who ſwallow nothing almoſt, the which notwithſtanding if they be prepared in a very little quantity and yet eflctual, may be by drops alſo poured into the Mouth of the Apoplectical, when as being contained in the Mouth they exert their vertues; the which notwithſtanding falling into the rough Artery, that they may not move coughing or ſuffocate them, ought rather to be Liquid.

So ſtilled Waters are chiefly commended ſuch as are eſpecially that of Roſe-mary, Sage, Rue, Lavender, which being dried and infuſed in Wine, if they be diſtilled, do yeild a more efficacious Water: the diſtilled Water of cinnamon as it is pleaſant and Odorous ſo tis highly effectual, the water extracted from the flowers of the Lilly of the Vallies and of the Linden Tree whiles they are yet freſh in this caſe is highly eſteemed amongſt the vulgar: Some alſo commended the water of Ma • igold flowers and the water of the Herbs Celandine and Balm.

Thoſe Compound are more effectual, of which ſort there are deſcribed innumerable we from the more choice and appropriate may prepare ſuch a one, As, Take of Sage, Roſemary, Time, Marjoram, of each half an ounce; Rue, two drams; Lavender flowers, three drams; French Lavender, one dram; Rocket ſeed, one dram; Cinnamon, half an ounce; Nutmegs, two drams; Cloves, one dram and an half; Cubebs, one dram: Pouder them, infuſe them in the moſt excellent Wine that it may be above them the ſpace of two inches, then diſtil them; give one ſpoonful, two, or three, according as he can ſwallow: Caſtor may be mixed with the ſame Water being ſomtimes ſtrained and ſo given; neither is it to be mixt with the whol conpoſition as they are wont to do; for it is better to reſerve that which is grateful ſtill for your uſe, and when there is need, to mix theſe ungateful things with ſome part of that and ſo give it: they think that Maſtick mixt with theſe ſtilled waters or infuſton doth very much increaſe their vertue.

Alſo if you infuſe the above mentioned Herbs in the ſpirit or moſt excellent ſtilled liquor of Wine; and macerate them a long time in the Sun or ſome other heat or make it ſtronger by reiterated infuſions you ſhall make a moſt excellent liquor for theſe uſes, or if out of every herb a part, you make ſuch an infuſion every one ſhall be effectual for the ſame; as alſo if you mix many of them ſo together then alſo you may ſo give a ſtrong compound water; amongſt which the water which is made of the infuſion or diſtillation of Roſemary is extold above the reſt; but though the ſpirit of Wine have ſome ſtupefying vertue, yet becauſe by the extream ſubtilty and heat with which it is endued, it carries the vertue of other things ſtrongly to the brain, and caſts forth flegm and ſtirs up the native heat and drowzied faculties, by reaſon of theſe commodities, the aforeſaid ſimples commodiouſly infuſed in it, do lay down their vertues in it & dulling its narcotick vertue do make it a fit medicine for the cure of the foreſaid affects: the which ſpirit of Wine yet to give alone, as ſome do adviſe we think is not good by reaſon of its ſtupefactive power; as neither can we allow Treacle waters or others made of Opiates, as neither the Electuaries themſelves by any means, by reaſon of the Opium which they contain, which though they be old, yet do in no wiſe leave their narcotick vertue which in a ſtupidity and ſleepineſs we ought by all means to ſhun.

Oyls extracted by the art of chymiſtry from the aforementioned things above all the reſt do exert the greateſt power, given in the leaſt drop, and therefore in all thoſe that are ſtupid are moſt profitable, if one or two drops be powred into the mouth or diſſolved in a convenient liquor be given to thoſe that can ſwallow, of which ſort is the Oyl of of Marjoram, Sage, Lavender and that ſweet Oyl of Cinnamon and of Cloves. Hollerius extols the Spirit of Vitriol rather than which they call the Oyl which becauſe it is ſharp may cauſe watchings; they attribute much alſo to the Oyl of Amber.

More ſolid Medicines may be given after the like manner infuſed and diluted as long as they hardly admit of medicaments, and when they are to come to themſelves that they can alſo take groſſer things, then, as alſo in the whol proceſs of the diſeaſe afterwards theſe may be given alſo in other forms.

The Confection Anacardine as 'tis approved of in all cold diſeaſes of the brain, ſo here alſo chiefly, which we wil uſe rather than Treacle or other Opiates giving it by it ſelf or diſſolving with Aqua Vitae in which the aforementioned are firſt infuſed. Galen gives Caſtor four or five grains weight with Oxymel in a Lethargie the which we may uſe alſo in the other ſpecies, to which we may add ſome grains of Euphorbium the which alſo may be given with ſpirits of Wine made by infuſion.

Muſtard ſeed bruiſed and given in like manner half a dram weight is wonderfully convenient, becauſe its vertue is carried upwards to the head, or give the condite of it, and add it to the meats by way of Sawce.

The juyce of Onions may be given with Rue or Sage water or with the ſaid infuſion to two drams or with Wine that it may be more grateful.

The cating of Woter-creſſes alſo is approved, whoſe ſharp juyce for the quantity of one ſpoonful may be given after the like manner as the reſt.

The following Electuary is very convenient, the which we may uſe in the progreſs of the Diſeaſe. Take of the Conſerve of Orrice, the true Acorus that is the Calamus in ſhops of each one ounce; of Sage. Roſemary, Marjoram, French Lavender or Lavender each half an ounce; Confection Anacardine two drams, the pouder of Diambra Diimoſcum each half a dram; the ſeeds of Rocket, Rue, of each one dram: with Oxymel of Squils or Honey Anacardine make an Electuary, let him take the quantity of a Cheſnut every other day.

One dram of this Confection may be taken, and ſome grains of Caſtor or Euphorbium may be mixt with it, when neceſſity urgeth, and ſo drank off.

The Chymiſts give the Extract of Sage in an Apoplexy for a great ſecret.

Of thoſe things which are applied outwardly for alteration ſake, thoſe things alſo which are moved to the Noſe do it moſt effectually, ſeeing their vertue penetrates in a ſtrait way to the brain, wherefore the noſtrils muſt be anointed with theſe juyces. Take of the juyces of Rue, Marjoram, the ſtrongeſt Vinegar (which is chiefly uſed in a Sleepineſs that it may cauſe watchings) of each alike quantity, and with a Pencil or Feather dipt in them anoint the noſtrils within,

Or thus, Take of Caſtor, Aſſa Faetida each ſome quantity which diſſolved in the ſtrongeſt Vinegar apply it after the ſame mannerr

Alſo take of Oyl of Rue two drams, Vinegar of Squils one dram, the juyce of ſea Onions half a dram, Caſtor one ſcruple, mix them for an oyntment for the noſtrils.

Oyls extracted by the art of Chymiſtry are moſt powerful, if one drop be put into the Noſe ſuch as we have formerly ſaid might be exhibited; eſpecially Oyl of Spike which by its ſubtile evaporation doth wonderfully hear, and by mordication of the Eyes, doth alſo draw forth Tears.

Odors alſo by penetrating to the upper parts do very much help, ſuch as is the moſt ſtrong ſmel of Vinegar received at the Noſtrils which by drying doth cauſe Watchings.

A Suffumigation alſo from that if it be poured upon a red hot plate, and received by the Noſe is convenient.

Groſſer Fumes, ſo that they choak not, admitted at the Noſe wil do good, as the fume which is raiſed from mans hair burnt, eſpecially if before they be burnt, they be firſt moiſtned with Vinegar; and that which is cauſed from feathers burnt whoſe matter is the ſame with that of hairs, amongſt which the common people judg the feathers of Partridges and Peacocks to be beſt.

And being made thus alſo it will very much help. Take of the hairs of a man cut ſmal and moiſtned with the ſtrongeſt Vinsgar half an ounce, the ſhavings of Harts horn half a dram, Gum. Galbanum, Amoniack, Opopanax, the Agat each one dram; Caſtor half a dram, Gith ſeed one dram; mix them: let ſome of it be caſt upon the coals, and let him receive the fume.

The ſmoak of Brimſtone fired is wonderful effectual, which is ſufficiently apparent by this that makes red Roſes white.

Alſo things put into the ears if they be very effectual, may do ſome good, as if Oyl of Spike be dropt into them, or ſpirit of Wine with the infuſions as was ſaid formerly; alſo the Oyl of Rue, but that which is extracted by diſtillation rather than by maceration.

Alſo the following things are applied to the ſuperficies of the Head firſt ſhaved for alteration ſake, as fomentations or embrocations as followeth, Take of the roots of Orrice, Cyperus, the true Acorus of each one ounce; the herbs Marjoram, Bayes, Sage, Wild Time, Penny royal, Savory, Balm, of each one handful; flowers of Lavender, French Lavender, Chamomel, of each one pugil; ſeeds of chaſte tree one dram; boyl them in a Lye adding a little Wine, foment or irrigate the Head.

Or thus. Take of the Oyl of Nuts two pound, Aqua vitae one ounce and an half, juyce of Rue one ounce, Pennyroyal, Wild Time, Sage, of each two drams; cut them and boyl them for a fomentation of the Head.

Afterwards anoint the Head with theſe things following. Take of the Oyls of Rue, Bayes, of each two ounces; the juyce of Rue one ounce, Vinegar one ounce, Aqua vitae one ounce: boyl them to a conſiſtence adding Caſtor one dram, Euphorbium half a dram, anoint the head.

It wil be more effectual thus. Take of the Oyls of Rue two ounces, of Pepper, Muſtard ſeed of each one ounce; the diſtilled Oyl of Spike, Oyl of Roſemary or Time made by diſtillation of each half a ſcruple; the Gums of Opopanax, Bdellium diſſolved in Aqua vitae of each half an ounce; the ſeeds of Rue, Muſtard each one dram; Caſtor, Euphorbium, of each half a dram; the Hairs of a man burnt half a dram, Wax as much as is ſufficient, make a Liniment.

A Plaiſter, may be prepared of the ſame adding Pitch or Rozin, or a Cerote the quantity of the Wax being increaſed, in the preparing of which the weight of the Gums is augmented, adding alſo Ammoniacum and Aſſafoetida, which being thus prepared, they are applied to the head like a Cap.

Cataplaſms of herbs and roots bruiſed may be made after the like manner. As, Take of the Leaves of Rue, Pennyroyal, Sage, of each one handful; freſh Orrice roots two ounces; boyl them in ſtrong Wine, to which you ſhal mix of Vinegar, Aqua vitae each one ounce, adding afterwards of Sea Onion roaſted under the aſhes one ounce, rotten Apples one ounce and an half, bruiſe them and afterwards add Oyl of Orrice, Rue, of each one ounce, Oyl of Spike half a dram, the root of Pellitory of Spain one dram, Pigeons or Swallows dung, two drams, Caſtor, Euphorbium, of each half a dram: mix them and make a Cataplaſm.

Some apply the Lights of a Hog in a Lethargie.

Others anoint the Head with the blood of a Batt.

Beſides theſe Remedies which are applied to the Head, there are Remedies alſo applied to the Back-bone in the Apoplexy that the matter may be carried downwards, to the beginning of which this attractive Plaiſter is applied. Take of Gum Opopanax, Sagapen, of each one ounce; diſſolve them in Aqua vitae, afterwards mix of Muſtard ſeed two drams, Caſtor, Euphorbium, of each one dram; make a Plaſter, apply it to the nape of the neck, and afterwards anoint the whol Back-bone with hot oyls ſuch as is Oyl of Rue drawing your hands downwards.

It wil not be unprofitable alſo to rub the palms of the hands of Perſons apoplectical with Sulphur and Vitriol diſſolved in hot Oyl and mixt together.

Amongſt Amulets they affirm that the Emrold hanged about the neck doth very much good if it touch the bare fleſh: a Nightingale laid under the Pillow, the head of a Bat laid between the Tiles of the houſe, are thought by a propriety to rouze up from ſleep.

If the ſleepineſs be from blood, The cure of a Carus and Apoplexy from Blood. becauſe the blood is then remaining in the veſſels 'tis eaſily cured, unleſs ſome more grievous diſeaſe lie hid: but if a vein being broke the blood poured forth into the brain do cauſe an Apoplexy, whether this happen from a plenitude, or a violent cauſe, unleſs it preſently break forth out of the Skul by the Noſtrils or Ears, as it often comes to paſs, being preſently turned into clots it bringeth death, and ſo much the ſooner if the ſubſtance of the brain be alſo hurt; a Convulſion then going before, if the blood firſt putrefie, before the Patient die.

But we ought preſently in caſes of this nature, and that very ſpeedily whiles the matter is yet flowing, to revel, derive, and drive forth the blood in the order following,

Firſt of all a vein is to be opened if nothing hinder, to wit the ſhoulder vein in the Arm and if the plenitude be great in both Arms; then alſo in the Leg the vein of the Ham or Ankle muſt be opened, which ſome do before that of the ſhoulder that there may be the greater revulſion the which notwithſtanding is more rightly performed in the Arm, and then the vein of the Forehead and Noſe may be opened, which Rondoletius doth by pricking with briſtles, or under the Tongue for derivation ſake Revulſions being premiſed, the which wil ſuffice if the plenitude be not very great for it is dangerous to open the jugular vein, as ſome teach: and thus ſleepineſs proceeding from plenty of blood is eaſily remedied; and in a contuſion of the Head it brings great help.

Scarrification with Cupping-glaſſes applied there eſpecially where the jugulars run up by the neck, doth very much derive, the which alſo they approve done upon the chin: the which alſo may be continued by Leeches if time give leave, eſpecially if they be applied to the fundament the Haemroides being ſuppreſt, the which if they were accuſtomary before, and now are ſtopt, or otherwiſe ſwel, we ought to open.

Cupping-glaſſes alone alſo applied to thoſe places, and to the ſhoulders and ſhoulder-blades when the plenitude is not ſo great may ſuffice.

The which alſo Ligatures and Frictions of the extream parts may perform.

Moving of the Belly in this cauſe, doth equally revell, as if it were from flegm; and that by Suppoſitories or clyſters highly ſtimulating, yet leſs inflaming than in another cauſe, and that preſenly after a vein opened which here ought to go firſt as the better.

Such wil be this following Clyſter which that it may be preſently at hand is thus eaſie to be made. Take of herb Mercury or Beets in the winter time two handfuls, Of Violet Leavs one handful, pour to them of Lye as much as is ſufficient, make a Decoction, and in one pound of it diſſolve of Honey two ounces, Foſſile Salt one dram, Butter or Oyl one ounce (leaſt the too great quantity may infringe the vertue of the others) make a Clyſter.

'Tis good to cauſe ſneezing in the Apoplectical after ſome Clyſters adminiſtred yet not too violently.

We muſt repel with Oxyrrhodines if it appear that the head be very hot, but with ſuch as are aſtringent rather by drying than cooling, yet by warily uſing of them, leaſt we drive the matter inward if it be in the ſuperficies; and therefore Rondoletius doth uſe only a drying Oyntment and Sinapiſm in a Carus yet when neceſſity requires ſuch a one made, Take of Roſewater three ounces, juyce of Plantane one ounce, or the water of it two ounces, becauſe the vertue of this inhibiting the influx of blood is wonderful, of Roſe Vinegar one ounce, the Whites of Eggs beaten two, mix them. Oyls are omitted by reaſon of their laxneſs.

A yong Pidgeon Chicken or Puppy dog cut in the middle and applied to the head, have a wonderful vertue in diſcuſſing the blood, as alſo other things expreſt in a Phrenſie, Rondolenius writes that Water-creſſes eaten in Broth or Sallets do heal a Carus proceeding from blood.

If a Contuſion appear in the head and there is ſuſpicion of clotted blood in the brain thoſe things which ſhal be ſpoken of in Contuſions, muſt be outwardly applied.

Of which ſort is this Cataplaſm. Take of Wormwood one handful, Flowers of Red Roſes and Chamomel of each one pugil; make a pouder, boyl it in Oyl of Roſes, beat it adding of Bean flower one ounce, Sanguis Draconis two drams, Mummy three drams, and apply it.

When they can take any thing by the mouth upon the ſame account things diſſolving clots of blood are given, of which we ſhall treat in their place.

But if that the ſubſtance of the brain being hurt doth cauſe an Apoplexy, whenas it is deadly, both becauſe the continuity of a principal part is diſſolved, The Cure of an Apoplexy from the hurt of the brain. and becauſe by the injury offered from without, it muſt needs be that the boſomes of the membranes are hurt too from whence comes a great flux of blood, they are to be left to Prognoſticks, yet in the interim as long as they live, the Wound nevertheleſs whether cut, prickt or coneuſed, ſo it ought to be handled.

But if a depreſt part of the Skul broken do cauſe a Stupidity by preſſing the Brain it muſt be lifted up and drawn forth by an Inſtrument and other Arts, if there be any ſmal Bones the which alſo do often prick they muſt be taken out: the Blood muſt be waſht out, and as Fractures and Wounds ought to be healed, muſt here alſo be proceeded, for ſo if the ſubject part be no waies hurt, they come to themſelves and are reſtored to health.

If a Tumor in the Brain cauſe a Stupidity or as ſome have thought a Lethargie, The Cure of a ſleepy Stupidity from a Tumor of the Brain. becauſe it can hardly be known the man living, there is ſcarce any other Cure applyable to it, then that which is due to cold Humors, when as this Humor muſt be cold, which can cauſe that, for a hot one would rather cauſe a Phrenſie; but the Stupidity, will then be of long continuance, and Mortal when this Tumor hid in the Brain, cannot be mollified nor reſolved.

Vapors alone, unleſs there be ſome occult quality, as ſhall be ſaid, ſcarce breed a Stupidity, though ſome write that an Apoplexy may be cauſed thence, which by the toſſing and concuſſing of the Body only, the vapors being diſcuſſed, is healed: but they often cauſe a ſteedineſs in which we ought to have reſpect unto the part that ſends them, or the Stomach, Womb, Guts and the Veins in Feavers, and the part receiving them, viz. the Head.

If by default of the ſtomach after eating and drinking that inclination to ſleep do happen, which is wont to trouble many after Dinner and Supper, in thoſe accuſtomed and ſome Natures, it doth good rather then harm by refreſhing the wearied Body and therefore they become afterwards more chearful to undergo their Duties; but if ſo be that it oppreſs the Head and cauſe plenty of Excrements in it, it will be prevented by parſimony and temperance in means by the moderate uſe of Wine and that ſmal, if alſo they protract not their Dinner too long nor ſit too long at Table but after a ſhort Dinner, preſently riſe, Walk, and do things ſportful, which by inviting the minde another way, do no waies ſuffer it to be at reſt: the which in ſome is done by Muſick in others by Play or ſome other actions agreeable to every ones Genius; and when heat cauſeth ſleep, if at that time they take their Victuals in a temperate or rather ſomwhat cold place, and and be converſant there, and ſtuddy to correct this ill cuſtome by degrees leaving it off,

But if a deep ſleep be cauſed by reaſon of the plenty of Meat and Drink taken that is too much Vaporous, The Cure of a deep ſleep from a Vapor. a Vomit will help, being repeated if it do no good at the firſt time; and emptying the ſtomach by Pills will be profitable.

But if Vapors raiſed up from Humors exiſtent in the ſtomach induce a Carus they muſt be emptied, and the ſtomach ſtrengthened, as alſo if they proceed by reaſon of the Womb, the remedies muſt chiefly be applied to that; and if from Worms the ſcope of curing muſt be directed to the killing and voiding of them.

But if that a Vapor elevated in Feavers from the Veins, The Cure of Carus or Lethargie in Feavers. do cauſe a ſleepineſs, the companion of the Feavers, in the Cure of that we muſt alſo have reſpect unto the Feaver, which if it begin preſently in the ſaid Lethargie, finceu it is very dangerous, and for the moſt part kills old folks, and upon that account doth draw the Cure rather to it ſelf then to the Feaver it muſt be thus ordered, that when as hot remedies do agree with that alſo as in another Carus; by reaſon of the Feaver accompanying, In other Feavers if a Carus ſupervene in the declination, becauſe the Feavers is now ceaſed, the whol Cure muſt be directed to the turning away of this grievous Symptom. In intermitting Feavers ſleep invading at the beginning of the Fits when as it is not very dangerous, it requires no other private Cure then what is agreeable to the Feaver only as ſhall be ſaid by the way, reſpect muſt be had unto the Head.

But for the Brains ſake which receives thoſe Vapors which produce ſleep, thoſe things muſt be adminiſtred, which may hinder the aſcent of them.

By giving thoſe things which do as it were depreſs and beat back thoſe Vapors raiſed in a part; which may be done if they riſe from the ſtomach by aſtringent remedies and thoſe which diſcuſs them and alſo Wind: and in Feavers if altering things be given which repreſs their Evaporation, as was ſaid in thoſe places.

Then we muſt draw back thoſe Vapors already carried to the Brain by things that revel and derive them from the part affected, eſpecially if that grievous Lethargie invade and a Feaver after the ſame manner as in a ſimple Carus with the ſame things which we ſaid did revel Flegm from the Head, and by ſo much the more here, becauſe Vapors do aſſail the Head, therefore in a Lethargie alſo this muſt be attempted by Bleeding, Scarifications, Cupping Glaſſes, Clyſters and other things: the which alſo take place when a Carus follows a Feaver.

Outwardly thoſe things muſt he applied to the Head which do repreſs Vapors in all the Species cauſed by conſent eſpecially in Feavers and a Lethargie alſo at the beginning.

Of which ſort are theſe following Oxyrrhodines: Take of Roſe water, three ounces; Vinegar of Roſes, three ounces; Oyl of Roſes, one ounce: Mix them, apply it to the Head as it ought to be, or anoint the Head with it.

In the progreſs make it thus if the Diſeaſe continue: Take of Vinegar of Roſes, two ounces; Oyl of Roſes, one ounce; of Camomel, half an ounce; Oxymel of Squils, one ounce and an half: Make an Oxyrrhodine according to Rondeletius.

Afterwards we muſt proceed to ſtronger and hotter things by degrees, if the Lethargie do not yet ceaſe, ſuch as already are explained in a Carus when as in the progreſs of the Diſeaſe, the cure of a Lethargie ought little or nothing to differ from that of a Carus and therefore for the moſt part they are deſcribed by Practitioners in the ſame Chapter.

If a certain hidden quality cauſe a heavy ſleepy and Stupidity the Cure muſt firſt be diſtinguiſhed, whether they come from a Narcotick or Malignant quality or whether they proceed from the Devil.

If the ſaid Narcoticks being taken do induce ſleep or Stupidity then Vomiting muſt be procured ſpeedily, The Cure of ſleep and Stupidity from a Narcotick quality. by actually irritating the Throat, or giving of Vomits if they can ſwallow.

Alſo thoſe things muſt be given to drink which can abate the vertue of the Narcoticks of which ſort hitherto hath been beleeved hot thing are, which by abating the coldneſs of the Narcoticks do ſo do good, and therefore they give the hotteſt things, ſuch as are juyce of Onions, Garlick, Pepper, Caſtor, Euphorbium. But we who have elſewhere ſufficiently declared that Narcoticks alſo are hot, do think, if theſe do any good they do it rather becauſe they ſtir up the benumed faculty and the native heat then that they abate the ſtrength of the Narcoticks, but Treacle which many approve of in this caſe, we do no waies allow, by reaſon the Opium which is in it, wherefore it rather encreaſeth than impaireth the ſtrength of the Narcoticks, whence neither do we give the ſtrongeſt wine as they teach alſo much leſs its ſpirit upon this account, ſince that theſe alſo are Narcoticks; whence Dioſcorides writes truly that Hemlock if it be given with Wine doth kil the ſooner, although here they feign another cauſe why it doth i • ; viz. becauſe it carries the vertue of the medicine ſooner to the brain.

But thoſe things which indeed do debilitate the ſtrength of Narcoticks are thoſe which by leanifying by a certain temper do correct their heat rather than coldneſs, the which we then chiefly uſe when the body is vehemently inflamed by a Narcotick as we have ſaid by Spirits of Wine a deadly Stupidity and alſo an exceſſive heat is raiſed in which caſe as alſo in others raiſed from the like cauſe, we give Natural Milk and Factitious made of Almonds and Guord Seeds alſo Butter, common Oyl and Oyl of Almonds and other Fat and mucilaginous things the which alſo we ſaid were proper in corroding poyſons.

Alſo Acid things given, as they do quel the heat of Acrid humors and Choler, ſo alſo the efficacy of Narcoricks which I am wont rather to give, as Acid juyces or ſyrups or Vinegar it ſelf which therefore we have ſaid elſewhere is the moſt certain Remedy for Drunkenneſs, the other things which do it by a certain propriety ſhal be explained in the Remedies.

If a malignant quality, The Cure of a ſleepineſs & ſtupidity from a malignant quality. which we cannot rightly explain, come from without from the Stroke of a Beaſt from whence a Sleepineſs or ſtupidity enſues, then things antipharmacal reſiſting theſe Poyſons muſt be given, ſuch as are deſcribed in their place, but if that ſuch a Malignity be raiſed up in the body as in Malignant Feavers we have ſaid that then alſo a Sleepineſs and Stupidity doth happen, and then applying thoſe things which the malignity of the ſame method of cureing is to be obſerved which was mentioned in a Lethargy.

If a Daemonical Sleep delude Witches as we have ſaid, The Cure of Daemonical ſleep from an evil Spirit. ſeeing the cauſe is preternatural, it will not be cured by natural Remedies but by prayers and amendment of life, but if they refuſe to do that they are worthy to be purged by ſire.

The animal ſpirits being ſpent in the Brain, The Cure of an Apoplexy from the waſting of the animal Spirits. if a man become Apoplectical death it ſelf prevents al manner of cure, which we ought to foretel to be ready at hand.

But the Spirits being ſpent in the Brain by great meditations if ſometime they become ſtupid they eaſily come to themſelves again upon the return of the ſpirits, The Cure of an Epilepſie Catalepſie and Stupidity from the too much profuſion of the animal ſpirit out of the Brain. but if that by ſome vehement affection of the mind the ſpirits be ſo carried forth, that being taken with a grievous ſtupidity, with Rigor they become Cataleptical; then the evil is very pertinacious and that eſpecially if this diſeaſe have its original from Melancholly for thoſe thus affected are hardly cured, and though they be freed from it, yet they continue Stupid and Melancholly. And if from Anger alſo they fall into an Epilepſie they are not free from danger, in which ſpecies whiles they are in the Fit, the ſame Remedies are likewiſe applied, which are uſed in the reſt of the Epilepical to the quickly taking off of their fits, the which ceaſing, the cauſe muſt be turn'd away, this being done if the evil do ſtil return, whenas by that we know that the internal cauſe is yet preſent, which the external did firſt move, then the care muſt be fitted to the taking away of that, which in a Catalepſis they apply to Melancholly, in an Epilepſie to the purging of Flegm, as ſhal be ſaid.

But if that a Convulſion, or which ſeldomer comes to paſs, a Catalepſis do follow from a Diſeaſe of the Nerves drawing the Brain into conſent and ſomtimes affecting of it too, the Cauſe it ſelf muſt be diligently conſidered, and according to that we muſt foretell and order the cure; which we have ſaid was in that continued Epilepſie as alſo ſomtimes in a Catalepſis, but ſeldom hapning, a certain malignant, melancholly, and poyſonous humor, conſiſting in the hidden parts of the body, of the Veins, about the inward parts of the body, or alſo the outward parts, and otherwiſe lurking in the habit of the body or alſo within the Skul ariſing from ſome fault that doth not yet deſtroy the brain, but by courſe affecting the Nerves, but of a milder and Shorter Epilepſie, certain evaporations proceeding here and there from the inward bowels from a Cauſeleſs perſevering and ſometimes alſo Pains or only Troubles, when though they have no ſuch great cauſe, in weak Children, yet they may produce Epileptical fits, but of the reſt of Convulſions which are Short we ſaid the internal cauſes were a poyſonous humor, alſo in the Veins in Feavers, which theſe Convulſions do follow; or otherwiſe Acrid, Pernicious cholerick or ſerous humor, or blood corrupted, or it depends on the taking of things deſtructive or poyſonous, or proceeds from grievous pain, either from a Wound, or the biting of Beaſts.

In all which ſpecies ſince they are all difficult, we muſt not raſhly foretel any thing of good, although a fit cure and benefit of nature doth ſomtimes mitigate the Prognoſtick: to wit, The long continued Epilepſie ſo called, if it begin before the time of youth, and ceaſe not when that time comes, viz. when men can eject ſeed, or when women have their courſes, as alſo that which firſt begins after youth is Incurable and deſperate which will afflict them to the laſt day of their lives for a long time, unleſs the cruelty of the ſymptomes doth make death more ſpeedy; but from the Shorter Epilepſie that Convulſion which is called the Worſe is deadly, and that alſo which is called the Milder ſpecies, wants not its danger.

Which things ſince that they are thus, theſe Prognoſticks being premiſed, the Cure muſt nevertheleſs be attempted, which we ſhal not firſt of al divide according to the Cauſes ſeeing they are ſo various and abſtruſe, but proceeding by the manner of operation we ſhal explain how by medicines emptying and altering found out partly by Uſe and partly appropriated to the Cauſe for ſome Reaſon, we ought to heal Epilepſies and Convulſions or at leaſtwiſe to keep off or mitigate their fits.

Evacuating Remedies are thoſe which do carry another way the Cauſes procreating or Fomenting Convulſions, whether they be vapors or humors, either by revelling and deriving from the part affected, or by Repelling and hindring them to come to the part, and that either by opening made by Cutting, Sucking, Burning, or by Purgations ordered by divers paſſages of the body, or by other operations outwardly applied.

Amongſt the kinds of Cutting, Phlebotomy preſents it ſelf for the leſſuing of the blood, which in a long continued Epilepſie wil take place, if the Patient be Plethorick or the Hemthoids which before were accuſtomary, be ſuppreſt, ſome general eminent and appearing Vein being made choyce of for this purpoſe; yet many do adviſe to open the Shoulder-vein called the Cephalick for the heads ſake, alſo blood taken from the Veins of the Ham and Ankles is very convenient, and ſo much the more if the Courſes be ſtopt in Women: the which alſo ſome commend if taken from the Veins of the Forehead and Tongue, and if we do conjecture its cauſe to depend upon malignant blood, theſe detractions of blood muſt be often repeated, whenas we have ſhewed that in Madneſs, in a Cauſe not very much unlike, this is the Principal Remedy; whence here alſo, if it proceed from corrupt blood this kind of Remedy often uſed wil profit very much, as alſo in a Catalepſis if it ariſe from the like reaſon, whenas 'tis ſometimes cured by a Haemorhage flowing voluntarily from the Noſe: But in other cauſes placed out of blood eſpeally in bodies waſted with a long Epilepſie, and alſo in Convulſions following Diſeaſes in which the ſtrength of the Patient ſuffering the Convulſion is impaired by the cruelty of the Diſeaſe, it is no waies to be adviſed to draw blood, but Scarification is not unprofitably ordered inſtead of bleeding in Children and Aged, whenas we would rather turn the blood another way, then let it out, making it at thoſe places where our intent is to draw the blood: and alſo a Paracentheſis, and Opening made by Setons and Trepanning by taking out part of the Skul-bone may be made tryal of in theſe deſperate Diſeaſes.

Sucking drawing forth blood is done by help of Leeches which being applid to the Forehead and the reſt of the compaſs of the Head they write doth good in Curing of an Epilepſie, but eſpecially when the Hemroids are ſuppreſt being faſtned to the Fundament by ſucking out this blood, which we can otherwiſe hardly provoke by any other Art, in this caſe they are very convenient.

Burning made both by an actual and potential cautery as in deſperate Diſeaſes it is the laſt Remedy, ſo here alſo the evil preſerving, eſpecially if the cauſe be in the Head it may at length not irrationally be applied, if by chance by this means the cauſe may be derived from the Nerves to the more ignoble parts; by which means 'tis reported that at Florence they are wont to burn the the Head of new born Infants to avert the Epilepſie which in thoſe places is accoſtomary to Infants; for which cauſes and being moved by experience we think it not unadviſed to attempt burning with a red hot Iron (the which whiles they are poſſeſt with the Fit, and are ſtupid we may act in them without any ſenſe of pain) or by applying a Cauſtick to experiment the ſame, in a long continued Epilepſie if it reject all other Remedies; which ſome alſo do apply not only in that part of the Head, where the Sutures meet but alſo in the Neck and Feet: or if in ſome certain place an Air elevated doth cauſe an Epilepſie a Cauſtick applied to this part doth very much revel it.

Purgations by the appointed places of the body the Belly, Mouth, Noſe, and Womb in Women are ordered divers waies; amongſt which that dejection which is made by the belly carrying forth divers excrements, which is wont to be cauſed by the uſe of Purgers is diverſly accompliſht according to the divers kinds of Convulſions.

For in a long continued and falling Epilepſie whenas in all long continued diſeaſes there is plenty of excrements, that the body may be made pure it muſt be purged again and again by courſe, and as often as they are heaped up anew, at convenient times; firſt by waſhing the Belly, afterwards by preparing and bringing forth humors which give occaſion of this affect. In which whenas Authors as it was ſaid do ſo much vary, 'tis no wonder that alſo divers purging medicines are ordered by them, for many uſe above the reſt Phlegmagoges and thoſe which draw Flegm from the head, who are perſwaded that an Epilepſie is bred from that humor; others who hold that Yellow or black choller is the cauſe contend that amongſt Purging medicine, Cholagoges rather, or Melanagoges, are more prevalent than the reſt; but we as we find the body either ſtuft or polluted with humors do fit our Remedies to the drawing forth of this or that humor, making our choice of them from this eſpecially, whether there be need of Gentler or Stronger Catharticks to expell the humor (ommitting that too ſcrupilous and obſcure propriety and ſimilitude of Catharticks with the humors) we chooſe thoſe which are either more mild or more efficacious as the nature of the humor, and the ſtrength and conſtitution of the body do require, and thoſe which are approved of by the ancient and modern, eſpecially in this caſe commended by the authority of Dioſcorides of which ſort for the Gentler we allow of Whey, Agarick, Seny, and for the Stronger Hellebore, and being according to the aforeſaid intention, we think them conducible in an Epilepſie; but chiefly having a care, that when an acrid or malignant matter doth cauſe an Epilepſie we do not ſtir the body beyond meaſure, with too Hot or Acrid or too ſtrong Purgers, and if the cauſe be doubtful or abſtruſe, that by too ſolicitouſly relying on the emptying of one humor according to the common opinion, we do not more weaken the bodies than help them, and alſo to the like fit Cathartick medicines thoſe things muſt be mixed which by a peculiar vertue viſit reſiſt an Epilepſie, are proper to the Nerves, amongſt which the juyce of Peony taken plentifully doth alſo looſen the Belly, and thoſe things which do prepare to, if it have need of preparation) all which ſhall be explained in things that alter) and alſo thoſe things which do open the Courſes and Hemorrhoids if they be ſtopt, being mixt with them do procure that they are eaſier provoked, becauſe the expulſive faculty is then forced divers waies.

But that we may demonſtrate theſe thinge alſo by examples, obſerving this method in a long continued Epilepſie as alſo in a Catalepſis, we muſt thus proceed.

Firſt of all the Belly muſt be moved, that the excrements and the filth mixt with them may be brought forth from the firſt paſſages, and that both before the uſe of Purgers and alſo ſometimes in the Fit that they may fooner come to themſelves, or by courſe alſo if the belly do not ſufficiently anſwer your deſire.

Which may be done by any Suppoſitories or by putting up theſe following. Take of Honey, the juyce of Rue of each alike quantity; boyl them and add towards the end as much Salt as is ſufficient, and a little pouder of Peony root.

Or caſt in Clyſters, Firſt Laxative, then Stimulating, at laſt Stronger, appropriate both to the Brain and Nerves.

Of which ſort this may be the chief for the Flegmatick. Take of the roots of Lillies, freſh Peony, of each one ounce and an half; of round or common Birthwort, half an ounce, the herbs Mallows, Beets, Sage, Rue, the leſſer Century of each one handful; the flowers of Lavender or french Lavender, Roſemary, Primroſe, Chamomel, of each one pugil; Bran one pugil, Seed of Peony one dram and half, Carawaies one dram. make a decoction, diſſolve of juyce of Mercury or Beetss Honey or Red Sugar of each one ounce; Hiera Piera and Logadij of each two drams; Oyl of Rue one dram and an half, a little Salt make a Clyſter.

The humor abounding is prepared before Purging as it is either Flegmatick or Cholerick, or Melancolick, giving what follows for three or four daeis.

The Flegmatick after this manner. Take of Syrup of Hyſop two ounces ('tis very much commended in this caſe) of french Lavender, Oxymel of Squils, of each one ounce, the waters of Betony, Piony, Hyſſop, Balm, of each two ounces; mix them, aromatize it, or let him take a convenient Lozenge, by and by after the taking of it.

Or make a Melicrate. Take of Hyſop, Calamint of each one handful; french Lavender flowers, red Cicers of each one pugil; adding Honey boyl it a little.

Or a Decoction. Take of the Roots of Peony, thick Galangal of each one ounce, Miſsleto of the Oak, Elecampane roots, round Birthwort, of each half an ounce, the roots of Graſs, Aſparagus, Liquoriſh of each one ounce; the herbs Hyſop, Betony, Balm, Calamint, of each one handful; flowers of french Lavender, Roſemary, Sage, of each one pugil; Aniſe, Fennel ſeed, of each two drams; ſeed of Baſil, Peony, of each one dram; Raiſons two ounces, make a decoction, diſſolve in one pound of the ſtreined Syrup, of Hyſſop, of Vinegar, of each two ounces, mix it, make an Apozem.

Or a Wine. Take of the herbs Wormwood, Groundpine, Germander, Calamint, Hyſop, the flowers of french Lavender of each alike, infuſe them in Wine.

Amelancholly humor wil be prepared thus. Take of ſyrup of Fumitory two ounces, of french Lavender, of Hyſop each one ounce; with the waters of Betony, Bugloſs, Fumitory, Hyſop as much as is ſufficient.

Or this Decoction which will be proper alſo in a Catalepſis. Take of the opening Roots ſteept in Wine of each half an ounce; the roots of freſh Bugloſs one ounce, Peony half an ounce; the bark of Tamarisk ſix drams, the herbs Balm, Fumitory, Hyſop, the tops of Tune of each one handful; of the Cordial flowers of each one pugil, the ſeeds of Parſly, Fennel, Carawaies, of each one dram; and in one pound diſſolve of Sugar as much as is ſufficient make a Julep clarified and aromatized with Cinnaraon.

If a Cholerick humor abound make it thus. Take of ſyrup of Endive, of Vinegar ſimple of each three ounces, the water of Endive, Sorrel, Peony, of each as much as is ſufficient.

Or make this Decoction. Take of the roots of Graſs, Aſparagus, Succory, of each one ounce, the roots of Piony, miſſleto, of each half an ounce; the herbs Endive, all the Capillary, both Bugloſſes root and all, of each one handful; Betony, half a handful, Violet flowers one pugil, Aniſe ſeed one dram and an half, Peony ſeed one dram, Raiſons one ounce, Prunes in number ſix, make a Decoction, diſſolve Syrup of Violets and Endive of each two ounces, mix them.

The humor being prepared ſuch like Purgers may be adminiſtred, firſt of all in a flegmatick body.

The following Potion made of uſual Electuaries is effectual but bitter. Take of the Electuary of Diaphaenicon three drams, Hiera of Coloquiutida and Rufus one dram and an half, Syrup of Fumitory compound one dram, the waters of Hyſop and Piony as much as is ſufficient make a Potion, in ſtronger bodies alſo the ſhops Hiera Logadij may be given.

Another with a convenient decoction. Take of the roots of the Acorus, Peony, of each half an ounce, Liquoriſh ſix drams, Miſsleto of the Oak two drams, the herbs Hyſop, Balm Betony, of each two drams; the flowers of french Lavender one dram and an half, the flowers of both Bugloſſes of each one dram; Peony ſeeds two drams, Fennel ſeed one dram, Polipody, Senna of each ſix drams, Dodder of Time two drams, Raiſons one ounce, make a Decoction, infuſe Agararick one dram and an half, Ginger half a dram, and ſtrein it, diſſolve of the Electuary Hiera of Coloquintida one dram, or if they refuſe bitter things, of Diaphaenicon two drams, ſyrup of Roſes ſolutive one ounce, make a Potion.

Or in the form of Pills after this manner; Take of pills Cochiae half a dram; Sine Quibus of Sarcocal, of each one ſcruple; with ſyrup of French Lavender, or Hyſop water: Make Pills.

In the Cholerick and Melancholy the things following are more convenient; Take of Polypody ſix drams; Senna half an ounce; Dodder of Time two drams; Fennel ſeed one dram; Piony Roots half an ounce: Infuſe them in Goats Whey, Boyl them; Diſſolve of Catholicon half an ounce; Confectio bamech two drams; Syrup of Fumitory, one ounce: Make a Potion.

Or thus, Take of french Piony Roots one ounce; the Herbs of Betony, Clary, Succory, Endive, Hops, of each half a handful; the Cordial flowers, Broom flowers, of each one pugil; Annis, Fennel ſeeds, of each one dram; Raiſons twenty, Prunes, Sebeſtens, of each ten; Polipody, ſix drams; Senna half an ounce; Tamarinds, half an ounce; Citren, Myrobalanes rubbed, with the juyce of Roſes, one dram and an half: Make a Decoction, infuſe choice Rubarb one dram; Spicknard one ſcruple; Strain it, diſſolve ſyrup of Roſes ſolutive, or of Fumitory, or of ſweet ſmelling Apples half an ounce: Make a potion.

Thoſe things which are uſed many times either continually or by intermiſſions are preſcribed in theſe forms.

Such a Syrup may be made; Take of the freſh Roots of Piony two ounces; the true Acorus Roots, Miſleto of the Oak. of each one ounce; round Birthwort half an ounce; Squil prepared, Pellitory of Spain Root, of each two drams; Fennel, Liquoriſh Roots, of each one ounce; the Herbs Hyſop, Betony, Sage, Marjoram, Balm, of each one handful; Rue, Time, Prim-roſe, Ground-pine, Endive, Hops, Fumitory, of each half a handful; the flowers of French Lavender, Roſemary, Burrage, Bugloſs, Broom, of each one pugil; Piony ſeeds two drams; Seeds of Rue, Fennel, Annis, Mountain Hartwort, of each one dram; Raiſons forty; Figs, Prunes, of each ten; Polipody, four ounces; Dodder of Time ſix drams; Senna, wild Saffron, of each three ounces; Agarick five drams; Rhubarb three drams or half an ounce; Turbith three drams; black Hellebore, thick Galangal, Nutmeg, of each two drams; Gingar, Spik, Cardamom, of each one dram: Make a Decoction according to art in water and a third part of Wine, and add to that ſtrained of the juyce of Piony Roots, and ſweet ſmelling Apples, of each two ounces; the juyce of Mercury one ounce; the juyce of Hyſop half an ounce; Sugar half a pound. Boyl it to a conſiſtence, of which let him take from one ounce to two ounces with Pionywater.

A Wine to be taken for ſome daies, may be made of the ſame things or fewer, Thus; Take of Senna, one ounce and an half; Agarick trochiſcate, half an ounce; Turbith two drams; Pulp of Coloquintida half a dram; Tartar three drams; the Roots of Piony, Acorus, of each half an ounce; the herbs Wormwood, Hyſop, Bettony, of each three drams; the leaves of Rue one dram; flowers of French Lavender or Lavender two drams; Fennel ſeed one dram and an half; thick Galangal two drams; Ginger one dram; Cardamome half a dram: Bruiſe them, add Wine that they may be well ſteeped; let him try the quantity of one draught, and drink it for ſome daies after.

A uſual Electuary may be made, thus: Take Hiera of Coloquintida one ounce; Diaphaenicon half an ounce; Diacarthamum, Diaſena, of each two drams with Syrup of French Lavender and Hyſop: Make an Electuary for your uſe, beginning from two drams.

Or in form of Pils. Take the ſpeacies of ſimple Hiera half an ounce; Agarick two drams; Rhubarb one dram and an half; black Hellebore one dram; Trochisks of Alhandal two ſcruples; Lazulus ſtone prepared one dram; the pulp of Piony ſeeds, Arabian Saechas, of each one dram; Caſtor ſix grains; Salt Gem one ſcruple with ſyrup of Hyſop; Make a Maſs: Let him begin with half a dram.

In the Gentler called the Childrens Epilepſie we muſt uſe Purgers alſo, but the gentleſt, becauſe it is not ſafe to purge Infants or great bellied Women, with ſtronger, which ſeeing they are vehemently hot, in thoſe they would too much inflame the body and in theſe they would expell the Child:

Therefore the Gentler of the aforementioned may be made uſe of, or if they be Infants ſtil, becauſe they refuſe ingrateful and bitter things, we may give ſweet things as Manna, or Caſſia with Sugar; or give Milk in which Roſes, Violets, Senna, and the like have been boyled; but if they ſuck ſtil, let the Nurſe alſo be gently purged, that the Milk which they Suck may be leſs excrementitious.

To others give of this Confection of Raiſons, which is thus prepared convenient for this caſe. Take of the Leaves of Senna one ounce, Agarick, Peony roots of each half an ounce; Hyſop leaves two drams, infuſe them in water and boyl them a little, ſtrain it, then put to it one quarter and an half of Raiſons boyl them again and ſtrain it, and boyl it to the conſiſtence of Honey, give firſt one drammaking tryal according to the age.

A Pouder alſo may be given which is thus. Take of Tartar two drams, Diagridium half a ſcruple, Aniſe one ſcruple, of Peony root half a dram, Sugar ſix drams; give half a dram.

But eſpecially if the Epilepſie do ariſe from Worms thoſe things muſt be made choice of, which beſides that they do purge, may alſo kil VVorms of which ſort are Aloe, Rhubarb; and we muſt mix with them, thoſe things which reſiſt putrefaction as are the juyces and ſeed of Citrons, Lemmons, Harts-horn and Corals, and thoſe things which reſiſt an Epilepſie, as the root and ſeed of Peony, Miſsleto of the Oak and the like, and they are given in the form of Pils, or Pouders, or Lozenges.

Pills are very convenient by reaſon of the Aloes if they can ſwallow them, ſuch as theſe are, Take of Aloes, Rhubarb, each one dram; Wormſeed, Coralline, the pulp Peony ſeed, of each half a dram; Diagridium ſix grains, mix them up with Syrup of Lemmons, make little Pils, let him ſwallow them.

For the moſt part they are more pleaſed with Lozenges which may be made thus, Take of Rhubarb one dram and an half, VVormſeed half a dram, the pulp of Citron and Peony ſeed, the ſhavings of Har •• horn, Ivory of each one ſcruple; Coral two ſcruples, Miſsleto of the Oak one ſcruple, Diagridium half a ſcruple, Sugar diſſolved in Purſlane water, adding the juyce of Lemmons or a little Vinegar to one ounce and an half make Lozenges, let him take for one doſe one dram.

But in the worſer Convulſion which caſts down the ſtrength already weakned by the cruelty of the Diſeaſe which it follows, or whoſe cauſe hath a ſudden progreſs from things external; to enervate the body with Purgers is either ſuperfluous or dangerous; yet if it happen after pains of the Collick from the ſame humor not yet, or not ſufficiently purged forth, then with one and the ſame labor, by purging we ſhal provide againſt the Colick pains and Convulſions ariſing from thence; amongſt which Clyſters for the moſt part performing both, are commended above the reſt (although the common people do evilly think that by uſe of them the Convulſions and Palſies do happen which are wont to follow thoſe Colick paſſions) the which alſo being uſed in other evil Convulſions in which otherwiſe we ought not to uſe Purgers, they are to be preferd before all other forms of Purging, becauſe they revell, and in the interim do not too much offend nature.

Amongſt the kinds of Evacuations which are made by the Mouth, and Noſe a Vomit wil help them, when the Epilepſie hath its riſe or increaſe from things taken, or other repletions of the Stomach; which alſo in the Fit it ſelf being cauſed by thruſting down a Feather into the Throat, or by other means, doth make the Fit ſhorter if Vomiting do follow.

The which alſo may be done by Sneezing cauſed at the ſame time (the which as it doth ſomtimes go before the falling in an Epilepſie ſo ſomtimes it ends it) the which is commodiouſly moved in this caſe, by blowing up of Pellitory of Spain into the Noſtrils or with this following pouder, Take of the roots of white Hollebore half a ſcruple, Pellitory of Spain, Pepper, of each one ſcruple, Peony root, Freneh Lavender flowers of each half a ſcruple; make a ſneezing pouder.

Errhines put up into the Noſe wil do the ſame, ſuch a one as this may be, Take of the juyces of Rue, Sowsbread of each two drams, the juyce of Peony one dram, Caſtor, Gall, of each half a dram; Honey one dram, make it like a Liniment for the Noſtrils: Errhines alſo when the Patient is out of his Fit being uſed by courſe, will yeild ſome benefit if the head be ſtuft with flegm.

As alſo Spitting upon the ſame account cauſed much in a morning is convenient, which as Dioſcorides teacheth is here profitably moved, by chawing of Pepper or by other Apophlegmatiſms as maſticating the following forms. Take of Maſtick half an ounce, Roots of Pellitory of Spain three drams, Cubebs, Muſtard ſeed of each one dram; Root of Peony, Nutmeg, of each half a dram; Make a Pouder, mix them with Wax and make Maſticatories. They very much commend the root of Acorus candied and chawed a good while.

The Courſes promoted through the Womb in the Faeminine ſex, both by thoſe things which are given by the mouth and thoſe that are put up into the orifice of the Womb and applied to the Region of that, if the cauſe of the evil do lie in the blood retained there, they do oftentimes cure an Epilepſie.

Amongſt thoſe things which do it theſe Pills are very profitable, Take of Agarick trochiſcate, Aloes of each one dram; Rhubarb one dram and an half, Myrrh half a dram, Caſtor one ſcruple, the pulp of Peony ſeed half a ſcruple with the juyce of a Leek make Pills; let him take from half a dram to a dram at midnight.

Alſo ſuch a Peſſary put up doth powerfully move the Courſes, Take of the root of Orice, the ſeed of Gith, of each one dram; Electuarium half a ſcruple or Coloquintida one ſ •• uple, Caſtor half a ſcruple, mix them with Honey, the which let them be boyled to a convenient thickneſs with ſome part of juyce of Sows-bread or Mercury, and make Peſſaries.

To move the Haemorrhoids by things given and applied, is a ſingular Remedy, if the cauſe of the Epilepſie lie chiefly in the meſaraick Veins as was ſaid; the which alſo may be done by Leeches, and other Remedies expreſt in their place.

Amongſt the other operations which are outwardly performed for Evacuation ſake, both in the Fit and out of it, the application of Cupping-Glaſſes is numbred, which ſomtimes are applied to the hinder part of the Head, ſomtimes to the Shoulders, ſomtimes to the Hypochondries, ſomtimes to the Groyns for diverſion; as alſo frictions of the extream parts, by all which revelling vapors and humors from the nerves we make the Fits both fewer and ſhorter; and alſo Galen on his Epileptical Child hath committed to memory upon experience, that a certain Air giving cauſe to an Epilepſie from ſome part which may be bound, if ligature be made above the Riſe of it, it may be hindred that it ſhall not run forth to cauſe an Epileptical Fit: as alſo ſome do teſtitifie, that by Repellers outwardly applied to the Head the ſame ſucceſs hath ſomtimes been.

Tht altering Remedies which are applied in the Cure of Convulſions, are fetcht from things which do reſiſt the malignity of their Cauſe by a certain Propriety, and that rather by an occult then manifeſt Propriety viz. by which they are adverſe to an Epilepſie in generall, from what cauſe ſoever it is raiſed; or they are alexiterial the which whether an Epilepſie or Catalepſis proceed from ſome venenate quality, are contrary to ſuch kind of Poyſons, or the which helping the Nervee do effect, that it is not ſo readily afiected by the Cauſe, and that becauſe they render it firm by ſtrengthing it, or ſmooth it by lenifying or make it impatible by ſtupefying it; or which altering the whol Body do change its Conſtitution which was pron • to an Epilepſie.

Uſe hath found out and approved of many Remed •• that do drive away an Epilepſie by a certain Propriety, as are Piony, Miſleto of the Oak, the Skulls of a Man, an Aſſe hoof, a Swallow, and many other ſuch like helps explained in the Remedies; which though they may be uſed in all Cauſes of it, yet whenas beſides this Vertue they are alſo either hot or cold or temperate, although they uſe them confuſedly without reſpect to theſe we think it more adviſed, that they ought to be ſelected according to the Nature of the Conſtitution of the Patient or the Diſeaſe and this or that to be preferred before the reſt; what things do return the venenate quality inducing an Epilepſie or Catalepſis, beſides thoſe which we have ſaid already do by a propriety reſiſt an Epilepſie, and what Antidotes are privately adverſe to this Poyſon, (as in other Poyſons there are found thoſe things which do reſiſt them,) hitherto no Experience hath found them out which can readily and quickly do it: wherefore if the Epilepſie be from a poyſonous Humor or Vapor, thoſe common Remedies Alexipharmacall which in generall are adverſe to all poyſons, as Treacle and the like Compoſitions as they are uſed in all venenate and peſtiferous Diſeaſes, ſo alſo in theſe caſes being mixed with thoſe things which by a propriety reſiſt the Epilepſie, they are given to deſtroy and correct the cauſe thereof; and if Poyſon from without by the blow of a Beaſt, or the biting of a mad Dog entring into the Body hath cauſed an Epilepſie, we cure the ſame with things alexiterial, as the reſt of the Symptoms ariſing thence.

Thoſe things which add ſtrength to the Nerves are apppropriate Remedies, which being repared of capital and arthritical Simples, Sage, Roſemary, Marjoram, Bettony, French Lavender, Primroſe and Ivy, are good in the Palſie and other cold and moiſt Diſeaſes of the Brain, which ſoeng they furniſh the Nerves as it were with new forces, that it may the ſtronger reſiſt thoſe things which do moleſt it, they are wont not unprofitably to be added to the reſt of the Medicines which we uſe in an Epilepſie, but not for that end or intention, but becauſe they beleeved that an Epilepſie was cauſed by Flegm obſtructing the Brain, they have applyed not only theſe hot things appropriate to the Nerves, but thoſe things which are moiſt, hot that the thick Flegm might be cut and attenuated, Caſtor, Euphorbium, Pellitory of Spain, Squills and divers Spices, for the moſt part Remedies in the Cure of an Epilepſie; the which notwithſtanding we, if an Epilepſie be from an irritation of the Nerves, becauſe they do more inflame the Body, as we do no wayes ſee it is cured by theſe things, ſo we have known by Experience that they do irritate more, promote and exaſperate its fits; and therefore whenas we have either found or received from apvroved Authors and worthy of Belief that they do more hurt by their heat then they can do good, unleſs in a cold and moiſt Conſtitution of Body or when they are furniſht with another Propriety above, by which they reſiſt Poyſon or this Diſeaſe we think them otherwiſe not raſhly to be adminiſtred.

Of which ſort for Examples ſake we will deſcribe the more choice Remedies from the Obſervations of the Ancients and modern, and our own, as well thoſe endued with an occult contrariety as thoſe appropriate to the Nerves or thoſe compounded of them both together in their different formes in which are either given or propoſed for ſmell or are otherwiſe applied to the Body.

Amongſt thoſe things which are taken many of thoſe appropriated many be uſed amongſt Nouriſhments as the brain of Swallows, Kites, Dawes, Cuckows, Chickens, Hare eaten. The reſt which Nature abhors and which are not accuſtomary we omit, as Blood drunken up hot from a man killed, which the Common people ſo much approve of; dry Figgs alſo are commended Plantane with Lentil, the Topps of the black Vine as Dioſcorides teacheth the which may be taken with Vinegar and Oyl, as alſo Capers which Fontanous ſo much commends; and if the Meats be ſauced with Hyſop, Sage, Marjoram and other ſimples appropriate to the Nerves.

Amongſt things medicinal this Drink may be given. Take of the Roots of Piony one ounce, of Miſletoe of the Oak half an ounce, the Roots of Aſarabacca, Birthwort each two drams, Piony ſeeds one dram, Aniſe half a dram, Chamels hey one ſcruple: make a Decoction in Broth, or Wine and Water or an appropriate Water, diſſolving Honey of Squills half an ounce, make a Draught, give it when the Fit is feared.

In plethorick Bodies this Decoction may be prepared; Take of the ſhavings of Guaicum half a pound, Miſletoe of the Oak a quarter of a pound, Piony root one ounce: boyl them in twelve pound of Water to the conſumption of a third part, let him drink it inſtead of wine or allay wine with it.

They put into the Mouth in the fit, the juyce of the greater Houſleek or Rue preſently preſt forth, ſometimes adding a little Caſtor.

Or ſuch like Medicines may be thus prepared, that they may be alwaies ready for uſe. Take of the juyces of Miſletoe, Rue the greater, Houſleek, bleſſed Thiſtle each two ounces, of Sage, Marigolds each one ounce, Sugar four ounces: boyl them to the conſiſtance of a Syrup, let him take often one or two ſpoonfulls.

A Syrup of Piony may be made for uſe after this manner, of the juyce of Piony ſix ounces, Honey of Squills an ounce and an half, Vinegar of Squills half an ounce, Sugar two ounces: boyl them to the conſiſtance of a Syrup, tis laxative, and becauſe ſomwhat ſharpe, by ſo much the more pleaſing: Syrup of Succory is much commended for Children.

A Compound one may be made thus; Take of the roots of Piony one ounce and an half, the Roots of Eringoes, Dropwort, white Dittander, Birthwort each one ounce, the Roots of Maſterwort, Pellitory of Spain, Squills prepared each half an ounce, Miſletoe of the Oak ſix drams, the herbs Hyſop, Sage, Marjoram, Rue, Bettony, bleſſed Thiſtle, Ground pine, Germander, Milfoil, Cinquefoil, St. Johns-wort, Plantane, white Vine each one handful, Flowers of French Lavender, Lavender, Violets, Clove Gilliflowers each one pugil, Piony ſeed three drams, of Rue, Trifoyl each one dram and an half, Aniſe, Fennel ſeed each two drams: make a Decoction and to that ſtrained ad of the juyce of the Roots of Piony and of Hyſop each two ounces, Honey of Squills three ounces, Sugar five ounces, aromatize it with Cinnamon two drams, and make a Syrup boiled decently that it may keep, of which let him take often from half an ounce to one ounce by it ſelf or diſſolving it with ſome convenient Liquor.

A Wine may be prepared in a Veſſel from the ſame things and infuſed in four or ſix meaſures of Wine or the ſame may be done with fewer of them, either if you put in Wine, Guaicum ſhaved, Miſletoe of the Oak, adding Piony root, as was ſaid formerly of the Decoction, or if you give the Wine of Squills as Dioſcorides teacheth.

There are uſual Waters prepared for theſe Uſes, and reſerved, which either a part or mixt may be made after this manner. Take of the waters of Piony flowers, Lilly of the Vallies, Linden-tree, black Cherries ripe each half an ounce, give it from half an ounce to one ounce in two ounces of which Water if you infuſe one ſcruple of Caſtor it will be more effectuall, and much more if you add ſo much of Aſſa foetida, the which notwithſtanding by reaſon of its ſtinkingneſs is ſcarcely admitted by the Patient unleſs in the fit being then ſtupid.

A moſt effectual Water made up of divers things may be prepared thus; Take of young Swallows fifteen, the Daws, Cuckows young ones four or if they cannot be had, Swallows twenty five, of Mans or Goats Blood three ounces, the skull of a Man one ounce, Caſtor half an ounce, Piony Roots one quarter of an ounce and of the ſeed one ounce, Squills prepared two drams, Miſletoe of the Oak, half an ounce, the herbs Rue, Hyſop each two handfuls, Bettony, Marjoram, Sage, Roſe-flowers, Lavender one handful, Cinnamon two drams, Cloves, Cubebs, Pepper each one dram, the moſt excellent Wine or Malligo three pound, the water of Lilly of the Vallies, and the flowers of Linden-tree each two ounces, Aqua vitae one ounce, let them ſteep only a few hours that they be not corrupted, then diſtil them; it is given from half an ounce to one ounce for prevention, the which Water alſo given in the fit doth rouze them up, and the ſooner if you infuſe Aſſa foetida in part of it, as was ſaid before.

Another may be prepared out of Blood after this mannir. Take of the Blood of a Man newly killed, or gathered from a Vein opened in a ſound Man half a pound, freſh Piony Roots ſliced two ounces, Piony ſeeds half an ounce, Hyſop, Rue each one handful, the Skull of a Man one ounce, draw forth a Water preſently whiles it is hot, of which give one ounce for prevention.

Pouders are made thus; Take of the Root and ſeed of Piony, Miſletoe of the Oak each one dram, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Aniſe ſeed each half a dram: make a Pouder. You may add of the Skull of a Man poudered one dram, and if there be worms in Children, Dittander root, ſhavings of Harts Horn each half a dram, Wormwood and Purſlane ſeed each one ſcruple, Coral half a ſcruple: make a Pouder, give it by it ſelf or adding of Sugar make a Tragem, or Lozenges, the Sugar being diſſolved in Piony water or other.

Or thus, Take of a Mans skull one dram, an Aſſes hoof, Swallows aſhes each half one dram, ſhavings of Ivory one ſcruple, red Coral one dram, Pearl prepared half a dram, filings of Gold one ſcruple, Piony ſeed half a dram, Diamoſcum one ſcruple, (which Pouder is thought appropriate for curing an Epilepſie) make a Pouder, there may be added as much Sugar as is ſufficient and the Pouder remain, or it may be reduced into Lozenges with ſome convenient water.

Electuaries and Conſerves are made thus; Take of the Conſerve of the flouers of Peony, and french Lavender, Roſemary, Sage, Betony each one ounce; Conſerve of the flowers of Succory and Violets each half an ounce; of the roots of Peony and its ſeed one dram and an half, Roots of Pellitory of Spain, Leaves of Hyſop, each one dram; ſeeds of Baſil half a dram, a mans Skul one dram, with Honey of Squils as much as is ſufficient, make an Electuary.

Or thus, Take of the roots of Peony, Pellitory of Spain, each one dram an half; Hyſop, ſeeds of Peony each two drams; Honey of Squils as much as is ſufficient, make an Electuary.

Galen doth very much comend a Remedy made of Squils which wil be more proper made thus, Take of freſh Squils ſliced, the choiceſt Honey each half a pound; add to it of the pouder of Peony root one ounce, and of the ſeed half an ounce, the root of Pellitory of Spain one dram, Miſsleto of the Oak, Leaves of Hyſop, Rue, Agarick, each two drams; 〈◊〉 of a man three drams: let theſe be receiv'd in a 〈◊〉 ſhut up and ſuffered to ſteep in the heat of dung or of Sand in the Sun for fifteen daies daies, afterwards give the Juyce preſt forth by it ſelf, or let it be firſt gently boyled, that it may be kept for uſe, let the Patient take one or two full ſpoonfuls twice or thrice in a week.

Or thus make a Remedy compoſed of divers things, and as it were an Antidote againſt the Epilepſie, Take of the roots of Peony, Miſsleto of the Oak of each two drams; Roots of Tormentil, Round Birthwort, Dropwort, Cinquefoil, Dittander, of each one dram; Squils prepared one dram and an half, Agarick, the Leaves of Hyſop, Marjoram, of each two drams, flowers of french Lavender, and Lavender of each one dram; Peony ſeeds one dram and an half, ſeeds of Clary one dram, ſeeds of Hartwort of Candy, Baſil, Creſſes of each half a dram, Cinnamon, Cubebs, Cardamom, Nutmeg, of each one dram; Long Pepper, Ginger, of each half a dram, Pouder of ſweet Diamoſcum, two ſcruples; Pleres Archonticon, cold Diamargaritum of each one ſcruple, the Skul of a man poudered half an ounce, Aſſes hoof two drams, Swallows and Cuckows aſhes of each one dram and an half; the ſhavings of Ivory and Harts-horn, of each half a dram, a Hares Runnet two drams, Benjamin, Maſtick, Ammoniacum diſſolved in Vinegar of Squils of each one dram; with Hony of Squils make an Electuary.

Or thoſe things which reſiſt Poyſon in general, and privately the Epilepſie, and do ſomwhat dull the Senſe, make an Opiate thus. Take of old Treacle three drams, the root and ſeed of Peony Miſsleto of the Oak each one dram; ſeed of Clary, Baſil, of each half a dram; the Skul of a man twodrams, with Honey of Squils or Syrup of Poppy if you would ſtupefie more, make an Opiate, give one dram at night to him going to bed.

In form of Pils ingrateful things are given for prevention after this manner. Take of Caſtor, Aſſa foetida of each half a dram; Gum Ammoniacum, Sagapen diſſolved in Vinegar of Squils of each half a ſcruple; the Gall of a Bear half a ſcruple; Oyl of Amber (which is highly commended of the Chymiſts) four drops, with the juyce of the root of Peony, make a Maſs: give him half a ſcruple going to bed.

The ſame things diſſolved in the juyce of Rue put into the mouth whiles they are poſſeſt with the fit, do ſhorten it, as alſo Caſtor alone mixt with Oxymel, anointing the inner parts of the mouth with it; the which alſo done with Gall doth very much help, whenas theſe ingrateful things by powerfully moving the ſenſe of taſting do cauſe that they come ſooner to themſelves.

Upon the ſame account Odors and Suffumigations are applied to the Patient to ſmel to, which though they do oftentimes further and diſcover Epileptical Fits, yet by diſcuſſing them, as they ſay, eſpecially put into the Noſtrils in the Fit, they make them ſhorter, and rouze up the Patient.

This is chiefly performed by Caſtor, Aſſa foetida, Galbanum, Rue applied to the Noſtrils which are endued with a ſtinking and ſtrong ſmel.

Or make a Suffumigation of theſe things following, Take of Ladanum two drams, Benjamin, Styrax Calamite, Mummy (by reaſon of the Bitumen) Maſtick of each one dram; ſeeds of Gith, Peony of each half a dram; make a pouder, burn it upon the Coals.

And alſo out of the Fit the Chamber may be fumed, yet with things not too much ſtinking.

And carry a Pomander, and ſmel to it often, which is made thus, Take of the roots and ſeeds of Peony each three drams; Leaves of Hyſop, Rue, ſeeds of Gith, Coriander each one dram; Ladanum half an ounce, Styrax Calamite two drams, Gum Ammoniacum as is ſufficient make a Pomander.

Of things applied to the Head, Pouders may be ſewed in a Cap which they may wear a nights, or be applied in Bags or put into Pillows uſed to lie under their head, or the hairs of their head being firſt anointed they ſtrewed on them.

Such a one as this is, Take of the roots of Peony two ſcruples, Cyperus, Orrice, Miſsleto of the Oak each one dram and an half; Rue, Hyſop, Marjoram, Coriander ſeed prepared, Peony ſeed each one dram; ſeeds of Baſil, Gith, each two ſcruples; Cloves, Red Roſes, Lavender flowers, each half a ſcruple; Gallia Moſchata one dram, make a Pouder.

Or thus, Take of the roots of Orrice two drams, Galangal, Cyperus, each one dram; Nutmeg, Cloves, each half a dram; Leaves of Marjoram, Balm, each one dram; flowers of Lavender, Roſemary, Roſes, each one dram; Dying berries half a dram; make a Pouder.

The Head being firſt ſhaved is anointed with theſe things following, Take of the Oyls of Chamomel, Lillies, Elders, each one ounce; Aqua vitae one ounce, mix them together.

The Head alſo muſt be ſomented with things moderately hot, as with this Fomentation, Take of the roots of Marſh-mallows, white Lillies, each one ounce; herb Mallows two handfuls, Betony, Sage, Marjoram, Balm, each one handful; flowers of Chamomel, Elder, Roſemary, each one pugil; ſeeds of Flax, Foenugreek, each half an ounce; Caraway ſeed; one dram, make a Decoction in Water and Wine or in a weak Lye, for a Fomentation or Lotion of the Head.

Repelling Oxyrhodines are applied to the Head if it be from Vapors, Or this moſt fine Pouder is ſtrewed on the Hairs, Take Coriander ſeed prepared two drams, Myrtle berries, flowers of red Roſes, Maſtick, red Saunders, the root, of Cyperus, and Peony each one dram, of Cloves, Roſemary, flowers each half a dram; make a Pouder.

If the Back-bone be anointed with Oyl of Lizards 'tis good, or with other things ſtrengthning the Nerves, as was ſaid in the Remedies.

Alſo the following Plaſter may be applied to the Region of the heart and to the Pulſes, Take of Treacle or Mithridate half an ounce, the Roots of Peony, the Leaves of Rue bruiſed each two drams, mix them with Vinegar into a body.

Add this applied at the ſame time to the Region of the Neck wil do good.

Lotions of the extream parts or Baths made of Plants appropriate for an Epilepſie, and for the Head and Nerves, as of Peony, Rue, Hyſop and and other things as was ſaid in the Remedies wil benefit much.

The uſual Amulets that we hang and bear about, for the moſt part are, Peony, Miſsleto of the Oak, Elks hoof, the reſt have been explained in the Remedies.

But thoſe Remedies which by Lenifying do aſſwage the Nerves as they are profitably applied in all kinds of Convulſions ſo eſpecially when there is great danger imminent from the Nerves ſo much affected, by reaſon of the vehemency of the Cauſe, to wit, in thoſe which are called The worſer Species of Convulſions, which by their moderate heat, humor and temper by Moiſtening and Mollifying may Relax and Refreſh the contracted and convulſed Nerves, many of which ſort are explained in a particular Convulſion in which the Muſcles with the Nerves are truly bound up.

Which for the moſt part are applied outwardly to the Back-bone where is plenty of Nerves and their original, by anointing Oyl of ſweet Almonds, of Violets, Butter, Mucilages and the like; and by application of Cataplaſms ſuch as are prepared of Mallows, Marſhmallows, Oyl of Violets, and the flower of Flaxſeed.

Or they are adminiſtred in form of a Bath, moiſt, Fat, and Warm, in which let him ſtay a while, in which Mallows, Peony, Chamomel, and other things may be boyled.

Or they apply them to the Head alſo, embrocating them with Milk, eſpecially in Infants, for which Cauſe their Mothers do milk out the warm Milk from their Breaſts upon their Heads; or by anointing it with Oyl of Violets.

The ſame alſo is done by benefit of emollient and moiſtning Glyſters.

And by giving fat things with the meat or Medicines, as freſh butter, and Oyl of ſweet Almonds drank plentifully, which is counted a ſingular Remedy for Convulſions; upon which acount Dioſcorides commends the drinking of Whey and the Decoction of Violets, the Syrup alſo is approved of in Children, and Almond Milk is profitably given to drink, to which may be commodiouſly mixed an Emulſion of Peony ſeeds, of which a Lambitive being made by adding of Sugar, and given to the Child before it be ſuckled, is made a a profitable Preſervative againſt the Epilepfie as ſome write.

Things that ſtupefie the Nerves, becauſe by dulling their ſenſe, they cauſe them to be leſs affected with their trouble when they are irritated, and for that reaſon are not ſo eaſily convulſed; if the Gentler of them be given in Grievous and Dangerous Convulſions which proceed from an acrid and malignant matter, I have often found by experience they have done very much good; upon which account I think Treacle and other Opiates to be convenient in Convulſions (which in this caſe practitioners allow of to ſtrengthen and heat the Nerves) not only becauſe they do infringe the povſonous cauſe of an Epilepſie, but becauſe alſo they do in a manner lay aſleep the Exquiſite ſenſe of the Nerves.

Experience hath proved that thoſe things which do change and alter the conſtitution of the whol body, and make as it were its Temperament new as in many long continued deſperate Diſeaſes, ſo alſo in a long continued Epilepſie and otherwiſe incurable they may ſomtimes do ſomwhat ſingular: which are perfected by great changes and new evacuations, made in the body.

By change of Age it ſometimes happens, whenas the temperament of the body either is changed too, as that which invaded in Child-hood is cured when Youth comes; and that which firſt happens to thoſe of ripe age, if it ceaſe not in old age, yet it undergoes ſome change; ſo alſo the change of the Country, eſpecially if it be from a place where this diſeaſe is Popular, or otherwiſe from an unhealthful to a healthful place, it brings much help for the cure of this evil; and a change of the ſex as it were, which by eunuchiſm makes the body which was virile and maſculine to be effeminate, done by the ancients by Gelding, hath been commended as the laſt Remedy in an Epilepſie.

New and not yet accuſtomary evacuations eſpecially thoſe natural ones of ſeed and blood coming at their due time, whenas they do alſo very much alter the body, 'tis no wonder that if the years of youth beginning, the Epilepſie doth then ceaſe, not only by reaſon of the change of age, but alſo becauſe that then they begin to eject ſeed, and Maids have their menſtruous blood flow; and the Haemorrhoides breaking forth in ſome natures, the ſame ſometimes ceaſes; and the Epilepſie forſakes Great-bellied Women after they are delivered and wel purged: the which whenas Phyſitians ſee ſucceeds well by theſe like Purgations which nature attempts, they alſo in a deſperate Epilepſie make triall of divers evacuations, ordered oftner by chance than method.

By reaſon of the Symptomes of which ſort we meet with divers in the ſundry kinds of conſternation of minde, beſides the lawful cure which is due to removing the cauſe, the which being taken away they alſo ceaſe, preſently when they are urgent, we muſt adminiſter ſome things; the chief of which to which we ought to have reſpect, are Suffocation, Falling, Violent motion, Sleep and Stupidity, Dotage, Weakneſs.

From a ſuddain and unexpected fall the Apoplectick and Epileptick are in very great danger, by which oftentimes daſhing their head they are killed; or otherwiſe grievouſly hurt, unleſs by cuſtome, or a Vertigo going before, the Epileptical be forewarned of the time, and then by ſitting or lying do prevent their fall.

Danger of ſuffocation hangs over thoſe that are ſick of a grievous Apoplexy becauſe they are not troubled only by reaſon of breathing hindred, but alſo by an impediment that their Teeth being faſt ſet, and their mouth ſhut, the free paſſage of the Air is intercepted. Therefore their Teeth muſt be preſently opened and if they yeeld not eaſily they muſt be puld a ſunder by an inſtrument thruſt in by force, and keeping that between them we muſt have a care that they be not ſhut again, and it muſt be hard, that they do not bite it off, for which purpoſe either a bone or hard piece of wood will ſerve' whatſoever we light on firſt (as ſpoones for the moſt part are moſt readily found for this uſe. whoſe handle may be interpoſed) the which if they cannot be thruſt in betwixt the Teeth already cloſed, they muſt be parted by a dividing Inſtrument made for that purpoſe, and by interpoſition of that as was even now ſaid they muſt be kept that they be not joyned, or if they cannot be disjoyned thus neither, then a Tooth or two muſt be pulled out; then the Body muſt be ſo placed that the Breaſt being leſs preſt may be moved more freely, yet we muſt not ſtir it too violently whiles we move it whence follows quick breathing, the which whenas they cannot ſo ſpeedily perform, they are ſuffocated, as it often happens for want of care.

We ſhall prevent the Epileptical from wounding themſelves, or otherwiſe hurting by that vehement commotion and Agitation of the Body, if by interpoſing ſoft Cuſhions, Clothes, we take care they hit not their limbs againſt hard things; for it is no waies ſafe either to hold them or to bind them, ſeeing the matter of the Epilepſie is ſhaken of and diſcuſt by motion; and becauſe in ſuch like Convulſions of the Body they bite alſo, and ſomtimes vehemently wound their Tongue, we muſt put preſently between their Teeth before they be ſhut, not our finger, which ſtanders by offentimes raſhly do with danger, but an inſtrument; as this in the Apoplectical ought to be done for fear of Suffocation, ſo in the Epileptical to relieve the Tongue when as they are no waies endangered of ſuffocation; and if the Tongue be already laid hold on by the Teeth, we muſt ſuccour it with a dividing Inſtrument.

Sleep and Stupidity in theſe affects; if they continue long, or returne often do oppreſs the Native heat, therefore the Apoplectical alſo being taken with to much or profound Sleep and a vehement Stupidity they muſt be rouſed now and then, and hinder'd that they relapſe not, which may be done by moving the outward ſenſes with ſtrong objects that they may force and provoke the internal ones into act: thus the hearing is moved with crying in the Fares making a high ſound and noiſe; the ſight with much ſhining of light and fire; the taſt with bitter and ſharp things the ſmel with ſtinking things mentioned before, but eſpecially the feeling ſeeing it doth very much move the ſence, if it be done with pain in parts endued with exquiſite ſenſe, as in the Skin by pulling the hairs, Burning, Pricking, doth very much rouſe them up which alſo may be done by irritating the Noſtrils, which have an excellent ſenſe, with ordors and other things which move ſneezing too, by which the Body ſhaken is more rouſed up; as alſo if we ſtir up the Eyes with a ſuddain light, and prick them with other things that move Tears; alſo we may ſollicite the belly with ſuppoſitories to excretion, the throat with our finger, a feather to vomiting: of all which whenas they do at once revel and derive the cauſe we have already ſpoken formerly.

The weakneſs is not ſo urgent, that there is due to this any other reſtauration of ſtrength then to other Diſeaſes, by courſe of Diet or Cordial Medicines amongſt which notwithſtanding External things which are wont to be applied to the Region of the Heart and Pulſes challenge the firſt place, when as before they come to themſelves, they ſcarcely take any thing, and if the Diſeaſe be of long continuance, they muſt be reſtored with an efficacious courſe of Diet, and other means.

The Kinds.

AN Alienation or error of the Minde is called a Paraphroſyne when they feigne judg and remember thoſe things which are not, as if they were, or thoſe things which are unlikly and beſides reaſon, and that either together or a part, whether this be done only by Cogitation, or they expreſs the ſame by words and deeds.

This for the moſt part coming from inbred Cauſes is a certain innate fooliſhneſs otherwiſe proceeding from external cauſes if from things taken tis called Temulency, if it ariſe from ſome vehement affect it ſhall be called a commotion of the Mind; but ſomtimes depending upon internal cauſes it is deſipiency, which happening either without a Feaver accompanying it, is Melancholly, or with fury is Mania or Madneſs, or coupled with a Feaver, tis called a Phrenſie, all whoſe accidents we ſhall explain ſingly.

Fooliſhneſs although it be not aſcribed to children only when they are yet deſtitute of Judgment, Fooliſhneſs and old Folks who are ſaid to be twice Children (the which notwithſtanding is rather a weakneſs of Minde in them, then a depravation) but alſo to every Age and all men upon that account, that all their humane actions ſeem to be fooliſh as Eraſmus in his Moria Brandus in navi Stultorum have elegantly ſhewed it in all ſtates of men; yet tis properly ſaid of them who being borne truly Fools and Silly do preſently even in their very infancy give ſigns of folly by geſticulations beſides the cuſtome of other Infants, and do not eaſily obey, are blockiſh, ſo that oftentimes they learne not to ſpeak, much leſs to performe other Duties, in which any induſtry is required; which in ſome Countries is a common evil as they write of Egypt, and at Bremis a Village off Valeſia as I my ſelf have ſeen, and in the Valley of Carinthia, it is wont to befal many Infants, which beſides an inbred fooliſhneſs, ſomtimes with an unſhapen head, a great and ſwel'd. Tongue, being dumb oftentimes with a ſtrumous Throat, do ſhew a deformed ſight, and ſetting in the waies and looking upon the Sun, and putting little ſticks between the ſpaces of their Fingers, and variouſly wreathing their Bodies, with an open Mouth, they move Laughter and admiration to thoſe that paſs by.

But others on whom ſome mark of folly was firſt imprinted from their birth or afterwards, although they rightly perform all other actions of their life, and in ſome things are able to do ſingularly well beyond others, and are ſtrong in wit and excel in ſome Art, as of Painting, Engraving, Building, Muſick, and others, yet betray their Folly by theſe things, that they willingly hear themſelves praiſed that they tell and act ridiculous things, for which thing great men are delighted with their company, whom alſo by reaſon of the divers Phantaſms that preſent themſelves to them, they call Phantaſtical.

But others yet more fools with divers Trifles, geſtures and jeſts, as 'tis ſaid, do thruſt forth their Aſſes Ears, ſome of which have in them vices not acceptable to all and thoſe oftentimes grievous ones, which according to the variety of their natures they bring forth ſomtimes in Anger, ſomtimes in Fury, ſomtimes in Sadneſs, ſomtimes in other things, all which it were ſuperfluous to expreſs.

Temulenlency or Drunkenneſs proceeding from Wine and certain other things, Temulency as ſhall be ſaid in the Cauſes, and not yet going ſo far, as to cauſe ſleepineſs and ſtupidity of which we have already ſpoken, but going beyond the bounds of Mirth, in which Wine moderately doth cheer the heart of man, making them mad, according to the diverſity of natures as afore was ſaid alſo of fools, doth diſcover divers effects of Temulency and Drunkenneſs; whenas ſome Drunkards are rather like to fools in their profuſe and immoderate laughter, laying open their folly by their laughing and cackling (whence is the Proverb, By much laughing you may know a Fool) alſo by prating, Singing, laughing, kiſſing, loving: but others do rather expreſs the manners of mad folks by Clamors, Anger, Blows, Biting. Others are ſad like melancholly men, Weep, talk much of Religion and Death, which deſipiency of theirs for the moſt part ſleep or ſtupidity following, as was explained there, it doth ſo far alay it, til rouzed up they return to themſelves again being oftentimes forgetful of the madneſs that went before, and ſome time after being troubled with a pain and heavineſs in the Head they do pennance for their Folly.

A vehement or laſting commotion of the mind, The Commotion of the mind. ariſing from ſom affect of it as ſhal be ſaid in the Cauſes, is likewiſe a ſpecies of alination of mind ſo much depraving it, that that it either acts or thinks many things eſtranged from reaſon; as is that fooliſh too much Joy with which being puft up they ſpeak many and ſtrange things childiſhly, and undertake them vaporing, and in laughing do cry for joy as the Comaedian ſaith. Alſo that ſhort madneſs in which the Anger-ſtrucken do ſwear and are carried headlong, fearing no dangers that they may be able to revenge themſelves, and then that melancholy conceived out of ſadneſs and fear, which oftentimes is wont to degenerate into a true and laſting one, as ſhal appear in the Cauſes; and hitherto alſo ought to be refer'd the pertinacious Phanſio of them who are oppreſt with great Love ſpringing from a corrupt judgment & imagination, Love is a Species of commotion of mind. which doth ſo change men, that as he ſaith, you cannot know them to be the ſame; which doth not only make men mad but women alſo young men and old folks, which ſort of madneſs they call by the name of Heroical becauſe 'tis wont to happen to Heroes or rich men but very inconſiderately, whenas the pooreſt cannot ſcape Cupids darts; this conturbation of the mind is a certatn affection compounded of all the other paſſions of the mind, whenas ſomtimes the effects of joy ſhine forth in it, ſomtimes of Sadneſs, ſomtimes of Anger, and nothing is more unconſtant than Lovers, who that they may enjoy their love, become ſo thoughtfull, that they neglect things neceſſary for the body, as to take meat, to ſleep, or other duties, who omitting weighty and ſerious buſineſſes, or following them ſlowly, ſpend their time rather in Neatneſs, Muſick, and other things which may pleaſe their Miſtreſs: and when they perſwade themſelves that they can obtain ſomwhat of their love, breaking forth into profuſe joy, they often ſpeak many fooliſh and obſcaene things, and act them too, and laying aſide all ſhame ſomtimes commit filthy wickedneſſes, and fear not to expoſe themſelves to grievous dangers; or if they deſpair of mutual love and good wil, they continually afflict themſelves with mourning and lamenting, and by no means admit of comfort, they refuſe good counſels, and expreſs their grief by ſhedding of tears, often ſighs, paleneſs (for every Lover is pallid) and pain of the heart with which they chiefly complain they are troubled; whoſe pulſe alſo is inſtable according as their mind is raiſed or depreſt, and by beholding or remembring their Miſtreſs 'tis raiſed & ſtird up (by which ſign Eriſiſtratus diſcovered love) or by deſpair it becomes languid and calmed: with which accidents being oppreſt, at laſt they fall into grievous Diſeaſes and haſten their own death, or oftentimes in deſpair lay violent hands on themſelves.

Melancholly denominated from black Choler, Melancholly is a ſpecies of alienation of the mind in which the imagination and judgment are ſo perverted, that without any cauſe they are very ſad and fearful, and they can alleadg no certain cauſe of their ſadneſs and fear, but that which is of no moment, or that falſe opinion which they have conceived from depraved apprehhenſion.

As when they perſwade themſelves that they are damned, that God takes no care of them, that they are not predeſtinated, although in the interim they be godly and religious, and they fear the laſt judgment, and eternal puniſhment, which horrible melancholly (and oft times driving men to deſpair) is the moſt frequent ſpecies, in the curing of which I have oftentimes been much hindered, with which thoſe that have been taken have oftentimes confeſſed to me with many tears, deep ſighs, great anguiſh of heart and trembling of the whole body, that they have been ſtirred up to Blaſphemy againſt God, to commit horrible things, to lay violent hands on themſelves, to kil Husband, Wife, Children, Neighbours, their Prince, being moved with no jealouſie, no envy towards them whom they intimately love, but are compel'd as it were againſt their will, and ſuch thoughts do ſteal upon them whether they will or no, when in the mean time they ceaſe not inſtantly to begg of God, that he would vouchſafe to free them from thoſe wicked thoughts.

But others are very much troubled with the terrors of death and the fears thereof, whiles they falſly imagine with themſelves, that they are out of favor with the Princes and Magiſtrates, and that they have committed ſomewhat, and are drawn to puniſhment; or who otherwiſe do highly fear death, which they fancy is even now hanging over their heads.

Others by other triffling falſhoods conceived and imprinted in their mind, do deceive themſelves, as he who thinking himſelf to be made an Earthen veſſel gave way to every one he met, leaſt they ſhould break him with a touch: as ſome have beleeved themſelves turned into brute beaſts: and another who thinking he had a very large Noſe, would not change this Opinion, til the Chirurgeon deceived him by a Counterfeit ſtroke, and ſhewing him a piece of fleſh, that he had cut a part of it. And as that Woman who was wonderfully grieved that ſhee was forced every day to put on her cloaths and put them off again: and another woman who as often as ſhe though that when ſhe was dead, her Husband would marry another Wife, ſhe was tranſported to theſe accidents: ſome think they have ſwallowed Serpents and Frogs and that they carry them ſtil alive in their body, or by other tricks are deluded; and they dream of many and wonderful things of this nature, which ſomtimes relating with a great deal of affection and grief, I have heard ſomtimes with laughter, ſomtimes with great admiration and Pitty: in all which caſes they ſhew marks of ſadneſs and fear, whiles they complain, cry, with many and continual tears, and do wonderfully exagitate both body and mind.

Otherwiſe they are idle and ſilent, being asked anſwer not, being driven ſcarce go forward, they love ſolitudes and ſhun the company of men which ſpecies for that reaſon is called Miſanthropia from the hatred of men; and if hating the light, they covet darkneſs repair to woods, and hide themſelves in lurking places and caves as the holy writ teſtifieth of Nabuchadnaeſor then they call it Lycanthropia from the cuſtom of Wolves, others the wolfiſh melancholy.

With which perverſe imaginations, pains and cruel tortures of mind, thoſe afflicted oftentimes not only many months, but years alſo, and at laſt overcome, unleſs they return to themſelves and be helped by Counſel and Art, either they die waſting, or that death which before they feared they haſten to themſelves by hanging or drowning, or by ſome other violence, as we have known many ſad examples of this nature.

Which forementioned paſſions of Sadneſs and Fear as they do not produce equal effects in all, but do pervert the mind in ſome more in ſome leſs, ſo they do continually poſſeſs thoſe which they have once invaded. Yet they have by courſes their exacerbations and remiſſions, as we have, ſhewed alſo they did otherwiſe happen in continal Feavers for a cauſe contained in the Veins after the like manner; yet we have obſerved ſome to be thus troubled only at certain times, as ſome ſeaſon of the year or change of the Moon, and eſpecially Women while they are with Child, or have brought forth, or have their Courſes.

There is alſo another ſpecies of it which they denominate from the place affected Hypochondriacal Melancholy, Melancholy Hypochondriacal a Species. in which the forementioned accidents do often intermit and again return upon the ſame day, and thoſe who are ſick of it, as oft as they come to themſelves, otherwiſe then the reſt (who unleſs ſome other thing be joyned, do only complain of a pain of the Head, or ſomtimes of a Heavineſs) do acknowledg that they are truly ſick, and though they ſcarce or ſeldome lie by it, and notwithſtanding are able to undergo other duties, yet they complain perpetually of a pain of the Hypochondries eſpecially in the left ſide (which they call a pain at the Heart) a Heat, Pulſe, Murmur, Belchings, Vomiting, Spitting, pain of the Head, Vertigo, a ringing in the Ears, beating of the Arteries, and innumerable other affects which they feel, and ſometimes Phanſie to themſelves; and they trie Phyſitians, deſire Cure, and trie divers Remedies, and unleſs they be eaſed preſently, they change Phyſitians and Medicines.

Mania or Madneſs is ſo great a depravation of all the the Functions of the Mind, Madneſs. that they feign judge and remember moſt things falſly, acting not only as the mournfull an fearful Melancholick, but all things beſides reaſon, and ſomtimes without fury they commit more modeſtly thoſe things which they ſpeak and do, but moſt commonly being turned to Madneſs, by their ſtern aſpect and by their words and deeds they expreſs the violence of their Minds, whenas they tell falſe, obſcoene and horrid things, cry out, ſwear, and with a certain brutiſh Appetite they go about diverſe things like beaſts, and ſome of them otherwiſe unuſual even to men; and eſpecially ſome of them deſire Venery very much; as I have ſeen it befal a noble Matron otherwiſe moſt honeſt, who did invite both men and dogs to Copulation by moſt filthy words and geſtures. Moreover they ſtrive to offer violence both to themſelves and others, wherefore they pull out their hairs, tear their cloaths and ſomtimes hurt their own Body, by biting, and other waies, and unleſs they be diligently reſtrained with Bonds and Chains, the which they ſtudy to break with all endeavor, and be kept cloſe in cuſtody, where they try to break open the gates, and oftentimes by a certain induſtry digging their Pryſon to make a paſſage for themſelves, falling violently on the ſtanders by, like Beaſts they endeavor to ſcratch them, bite, ſtrangle, kill.

But ſome amongſt theſe maniacal or Melancholick ſom times ſhewing forth theſe accidents more vehement, Poſſeſſion by the Devil a ſort of Madneſs. ſomtimes more mild, and alſo acting and ſpeaking things preternatural and monſtrous, do manifeſtly declare that they are poſſeſſed by the Devil, which for that reaſon they call men poſſeſt and Daemoniacal; who beſides the depraved actions of the Mind, as was ſaid, are wont diverſly as the Divel doth to impoſe marvellouſly upon Men, and to bewitch them, oftentimes they continue dumb for a long while; ſomtimes alſo they abſtain longer from meat, then Nature otherwiſe could bear, yet without any hurt: and ſometimes they ſo wreath their Body, bend and winde it, that as I have ſeen with my own Eyes, it could by no meanes be done Naturally without Luxations of the Joynts; or by gueſſing, propheſying, they divine and foretel things otherwiſe obſtruſe, or they ſpeak with Tongues which they learnt not, neither underſtood when they were well, the Divel as it were ſpeaking thorough their Mouth, the divers ſtories of which we could bring, we purpoſely omit.

There is alſo a certain ſort of Madneſs, Hydrophobie a Species of Madneſs. in which thoſe bitten by a mad Creature are converted into the ſame madneſs with which the Creature was troubled; as if this be done by a Dog they bark like Dogs, or if it happen from a Wolfe, they howl and ſet upon thoſe they meet to bite them, ſhunning the light and thoſe things which are clear and bright, when as in them doth appear the Image of the Dog, by which they were hurt, inſtead of the proper figure of a man, as ſome would have it, and eſpecially fearing water, and trembling at the ſight of it, whence this Species of Madneſs is peculiarly named Hydrophibia, long exerciſing the man with a diſtenſion of the Nerves, and a Redneſs of the whole Body eſpecially of the face, and with ſweat, and at length killing him unleſs releived.

Hither alſo is to be refer'd that horrid and wonderful but rare affect in which being ſtruck with a certain mad fury of skipping, Vitus dance. they continually deſire to dances, which Diſeaſe they therefore cal Vitus dance from a Saint by invocation of whom they beleeve they are freed from it; which though ſome counterfeit that they may extort the greater Almes, or are therefore ſuborned that they may imprint the falſe opinion of the common people the more in the minds of men; yet there are ſome found of both Sexes, which indeed being poſſeſt with this evil are carried with an inordinate deſire to dancing, as that no time interpoſed that deſire to dance with others without any reſt night and day not only for ſome daies but weeks alſo, and in the interim are ſcarce yet tired, but are wonderfully recreated and refreſht, and unleſs they do ſo they are very much hurt; whence when they take meat by compulſion, or being oppreſt with ſleep they are forced a little while to ceaſe from dancing, yet they do no waies obſtain from the Agitation of their Body, and preſently again laying hold on any body they ſollicite them to dance; and that ſo long till at laſt their ſtrength being wholly overthrown and feet bruiſed, comming to themſelves again they feel an exceeding weakneſs, from which they can hardly be reſtored and made up again; an example of which I when I was a young man ſaw in a Woman here at Baſil dancing thus a whol months ſpace in a publique place for whom the Magiſtrate ſuborned certain perſons, ſtrong men, that ſhould dance with her by turnes, ſeeing one was no waies able; and many writers do teſtefie, that it hath ſomtimes happen'd, and the common people alſo is wont to imprecate this as a known evil: and ſome Arabians have called it the dancing diſpoſition of the Limbs, and would have it to be a Species of Convulſion when yet here is no Convulſion of the Limbs, but the Mind Alienated is carried and forced into this madneſs and perverſe appetite, as alſo in other Species of Melancholly and Madneſs they are poſſeſt with a deſire of other things. which after another manner appear alſo too horrible; as even now we ſaid thoſe who are bitten by a mad Dog are rather tormented with the fear of water, as according to the nature of the venenate cauſe theſe different accidents proceeds, as we ſhall ſay in the Cauſes: if ſo be that this inordinate dancing alſo do not proceed from the Devil, and befall men by way of puniſhment by Gods permiſſion, becauſe they have offended by dancing.

A Phrenſie is a Dotage, Dotage. in which equally as in Madneſs, the Mind is wholly Alienated, yet more or leſs as the affect is great, the which alſo they make known after the ſame manner by words and deeds, now ſporting it more pleaſingly with Laughter, Jeſts and Trifles, now raving Angrily with Scoldings, Clamors, Blaſphemies and deſiring alſo to do hurt as the Maniacal: to whom this happens peculiarly, that becauſe they think, that Flies, Locks of Wooll. Straws are before their Eyes, and divers apparitions do appear from their falſe Imagination, they endeavor to hunt them, pull them, gather them, drive them away.

But beſides theſe like faults of the Mind which are common to them with the Maniacal there is a companion another grievous hot Diſeaſe, A Phrenſie is a Species of Dotage. eſpecially a Feaver to which if a Dotage be preſently coupled at the firſt invaſion, A baſtard Phrenſie is another Species of Dotage. this affect is called a Phrenſie; if that come after the Feaver hath laſted a little while, and a pain of the Head alſo went before, about the ſtate eſpecially if the Feaver be continual; or if it come firſt at the beginning of the fit, or in the vigor, if the Feaver be intermitting then it is deſigned by the name of a Baſtard Phrenſie.

Therefore together with a Dotage which is ſomtimes very grievous ſomtimes more milde, as was ſaid, the Symptoms alſo of a continual Feaver do concur, more vehement or gentler alſo as the feaveriſh heat offers it ſelf greater or more pleaſing, as are by Reaſon of the heat of the heart a ſwift pulſe quick breathing and ſomtimes drawn with ſighs by long intervals, faintings away, and by reaſon of the Natural parts enflamed, thirſt, drineſs of the Tongue but eſpecially by reaſon of the Brain over heated beſides a Delirium, Watchings, Dreams, Suffuſions, Vertigoes, which if the Brain be more vehemently inflamed, do preſent themſelves more and more grievous, as ſhall be ſaid in the Cauſes.

The Cauſes.

The Cauſe of every Alienation of Mind, is one Preternatural proceeding from an evil Spirit, the other Natural, a certain affect ſo affecting the Brain the ſeat of Reaſon, by it ſelf if the Cauſe lie hid in that, or by conſent if it be elſe where that the Functions of the Mind are rather depraved then impaired; but there is ſomtimes aquality working by an occult propriety, which doth it, the which ſeeing we are not able to explain, from the effect we will call one the drunken vertue, the other the poyſonous: but otherwiſe it will be ſome Diſeaſe to wit a certain diſtemper of the Brain, of which ſort is that abſtruſe and unknown one, whoſe high efficacy is ſufficiently known by this, that it vehemently diſturbs the Mind, but ſeeing that makes an evil of long continuance, and yet in the interim the ſick do no waies lie by it, when nevertheleſs other manifeſt diſtempers of the Brain if they continue long, are very dangerous for hurting the Brain; certainly it is very difficult to be explained which we do certainly find that this comes to paſs by reaſon of the Spirits of the Bain which are every where implanted in it, and connate and bound up to the ſubſtance of it, do call a to great Agitation and Confuſion of the Spirits of the Brain and the other Species we would rather call a perturbation of them, or a mixture of them with a ſtrange matter, then feigne ſuch a diſtemper, which cannot cauſe that, as they write of the cold one: but a manifeſt diſtemper of the Brain, alſo inducing a dangerous Diſeaſe, may likewiſe cauſe it; of which ſort is a vehement hot one, eſpecially if it be joyned with a Tumor: and alſo a fault in conformation; alſo ſome ſpeck or putrefaction found in the Brain, all which how they do Alienate the Mind, we ſhall expreſs in order.

An Evil Spirit the Devil, becauſe he is the enemy of mankind, An Evil Spirit the Cauſe of thoſe poſſeſſed. doth not only continually infeſt the Mind, the moſt ezcellent and as it were the divine Function of Man, and ſo trouble them, that acting many things evilly againſt the divine Law he leads them into ſin; but alſo exagitating, bewitching with his Arts doth oftentimes induce a grievous Melancholy, or a Diabolical. Madneſs, or altogether entring the Body, makes them called the poſſeſſed and Daemeniacal the which to diſpute or enquire how it is done, is not our intent, (although Matthiolus that he might refer all theſe kind of Madneſſes to black Choler, affirms that the Cacodaemons do this by Mediation of that Humor, in which he ſaith they have their reſidence) this ſurely is certain, that there were ſuch alſo in old time, as divers Hiſtories Sacred and Prophane do teſtifie, as alſo we can no waies deny but that they may be found in our Age too.

The Drunken Diſpoſition ſo called becauſe it aſſailes the Head, The Temulent quality cauſed by Drunkenneſs. ariſing from the propriety of certain things, produceth an Alienation of the Mind, which they call Drunkenneſs or Temulency, this proceeds from thoſe things, which according to the diverſity of Natures, and as they are uſed can induce Sleep and Stupidity and for that reaſon alſo are called Narcoticks.

Some of which taken inward do it, as Wine more commonly then the reſt, becauſe it is ordinary Drink, which cauſeth this ſpecies of Temulency called Drunkenneſs if it be drank too immoderate or ſtrongly, yet not ſo far as to cauſe a perfect ſtupidity; and that for this cauſe, becauſe by its propriety it lightly obſcuring the Senſes (whence is the beginning of Stupidity) amongſt which the memory for the moſt part is wont firſt to fail, by producing a certain oblivion of griefes and labours, it brings a fooliſh joy and that effuſion which happens with reaſon from Wine yet moderately taken; its heat moreover helping, by which at once heating and inflaming the ſpirits it doth to much exagitate the actions; which happens more powerfully from diſtilled Wine, becauſe its concenterd Vertue, and heat is greater, upon which account Country Fellows are wont to drink it in the morning, that afterwards they may be more chearful to perform their ſervices. This alſo the Juyces of ſome other Plants will do, if thoſe Plants be eaten, or their Juyce preſt forth be given or extracted by Decoction; as are Hops from which Beer takes its Vertue of foxing, and flies if they drink of it do dye taken with ſtupidity, Hemp alſo, whoſe Pouder if it be given with Wine, doth fox the ſooner; the ſeed of Darnel and Gith perhaps the falſe Nigella in Bread, which faults of Corn if they abound, the Bread made of theſe makes Men ſleepy, and by continual uſe hurts many every where, the which notwithſtanding they do not obſerve: and ſuch is that Plant, or rather the ſeed of it, a ſort of Millet called Avate of which the Indians make an intoxicating Drink called Caou-in; but alſo other Narcoticks may do it, eſpecially if they be uſed mixt with things very hot, both Vertues then acting, as was ſaid even now of Wine as if Henbane ſeed be boiled in Beer as ſome are wont to do, it foxeth ſooner and vehemently; if the Bark of Mandrake be boiled in Wine till it look red; if Opium be drank with the ſtrongeſt wine; as Bellonius relates Turks do drink without any harm Opium half a dram with Wine when they go forth to battel, that being more bold and furious they may leſs fear danger; as alſo Dioſcorides writes that Hemlock taken with Wine doth work more effectual and kill the ſooner; yet all which as we have ſaid formerly of wine do more or leſs make mad, according to the variety of Temperaments: as alſo I have obſerved, that a weakneſs of the Brain may be the cauſe that they are ſooner affected, in him who by reaſon of a fall had a peice of his Skull taken out, and therefore was quickly drunk.

Some things applied to the Head can do the ſame as Rondeletius witneſſeth bringing an Example of him, who whenas he had applied Henbane leaves to his Head to procure ſleep, became mad.

By Inſpiration alſo drawing in the fume of Henbane of Peru, which they cal Petum or Tobacco, ſucking it through their mouthand Noſe, or as the Engliſh call it drinking it who for the voiding of Flegm, and alſo to induce Mirth do highly eſteem the accuſtomary uſe of it, that men are made like to Drunkards, and looſe all Appetite of eating and drinking and ſo can ſuffer Hunger a long time, thoſe that have writ of it, and tried the ſame, do witneſs. The which alſo happens as Matthiolus ſhews if the root of the greater Nightſhade, which they cal deadly be infuſed in wine, & the Infuſion given that hunger & thirſt do ceaſe; til by taking of Vinegar that fault is corrected but Sleep coming doth cure them both, as alſo in others.

A poyſonous Quality entring the Body from without, A poyſonous Quality the cauſe of Madneſs. or proceeding from things taken in (for concerning that which is raiſed intrinſecally in the humors, ſhall be ſpoke off in a Melancholly humor) from ſome poyſons which hurt rather by Alienating the Minde then any other way, as the effects and hurts of Poyſons are Various, may alſo diſturbe the Mind; of which ſort Dioſcorides propoſeth many things which can do it rather by a poyſenous then narcotick quality and we purpoſely omit them when as they are rare with us: amongſt which alſo Pliny thought, that menſtruous blood devoured, was able to make Mad both Men and Dogs.

As alſo we oftentimes find by experience that from biting of Creatures turned Mad, the Poyſon entring mans Body by the Spittle, the like Madneſs doth befal them, eſpecially from Dogs, which do eaſier become Mad then other Creatures, to wit, about the heat of the Dog daies, ſo called for this Reaſon; or alſo about the greateſt cold as Dioſcorides will have it; and they are known by this, that they loath meat, ſend forth a foam, hang down their tail, and fly upon thoſe alſo which before they loved, and bite them: whoſe biting though at firſt it bring no greater diſcommodity then the wound and pain, yet if it be neglected, ſomtimes the firſt fortieth day, ſomtimes ſooner, ſomtimes after ſix months or a year, it induceth that Hydrophobite and Madneſs wonderfully changing the Mind of a man, as was ſaid formerly, and converting it into doggiſh manners. In which there is ſo great vertue of Poyſon, that ſome amongſt whom Avicen is one, have dared to teſtifie for truth, that ſome have piſt forth Whelps or ſome fleſh like to them: and Dioſcorides proves by the Teſtimony of one that this evil hath layen hid for ſeven years, and then firſt of all broke forth; and Matthiolus writes that the touching of certain woods eſpecially the Dog-tree and the Bloody-rod, will occaſion that this Madneſs do ſooner appear: and Dioſcorides alſo hath delivered, that by the Converſation only with one infected, a certain man contracted the like affect; and Galen teacheth that the ſpittle of Mad Dogs, if it touch the naked parts of the Body, is able to make Men Mad, all one as if they were bitten.

Which things as they do more commonly happen from Mad Dogs becauſe they live with men in great plenty and more familiarly then other Creatures, ſo alſo they witneſs that they happen from Wolfes run Mad and I have twice obſerved a dreadful and deadly Madneſs proceeding thence, and doubtleſs as Ariſtotle hath write the ſame from the bitings of other Mad Creatures as of the Camel and Horſe, and Avicen of the Mule ſo alſo the ſame may happen from the bitings of a Fox, a Weaſil, a Poulecat, a Ferret whoſe bitings at other times have ſomwhat of Poyſon in them, Nay of an Ape alſo, and even of a Man himſelf now ſick of this Madneſs whoſe ſpittle hath put on the Nature of Poyſon.

As it is very likely alſo that Madneſs may be raiſed from the Blood of ſome Poyſenous Beaſts as other accidents from other Poyſons, of which ſeeing we are deſtitute in our Countries, and therefore no danger hangs over us from them, tis needleſs here to ſpeak more.

The too great Agitation or Confuſion of the Spirit of the Brain, The Agitation of Spirits the cauſe of commotion of Mind. inducing not only a light or ſhort affection which preſently ceaſeth, but ſomtimes an imprinted and permanent affect, is the cauſe of a commotion of the Mind in thoſe eſpecially which are diſpoſed to it, or who by reaſon of their cowardize, or weakneſs of reaſon, cannot reſiſt affects; but that is done by that Commotion which is done ſuddainly with a certain violence as by Joy, Anger, Fear, or by that which is wont to happen vehement and of long continuance as in Grief, or that which happens long continued and depraved in counterfeit Folly.

Great joy for ſome thing obtained, eſpecially if it happen unexpectedly, and that to the weaker ſort as old Men and Women it begets that fooliſh ſpecies of perturbation of the Mind with fooliſh joy as was ſaid, the ſpirits being ſo poured forth with the Blood, that the Face is not only over ſpread with red, but tears drop forth of their Eyes and all their Members being heated are unquiet.

Anger for ſome offence raiſeth that furious ſpecies of commotion of the Mind the ſpirits and blood being vehemently inflamed, and caſt forth with deſire of revenge, yet by and by returning again by reaſon of grief of mind, whence they look ſo red at firſt, by and by wax pale and yellow; the which happens more eaſily to hotter and cholerick Natures, and to thoſe who are firſt heated with Wine, and made ſottiſh, hence then many Cauſes concurring together, they are as it were mad.

A Fright or grievous Fear eſpecially happning of a ſuddain doth not only aſtoniſh the Mind, but if it be ſo imprinted in the mind, and move, change and confound the whole Body and Spirits, eſpecially in thoſe diſpoſed, that it can either never, or very difficultly be got out of it, it oftentimes induceth a true Melancholy and that moſt grievous and worſt almoſt then that which happens from an internal Cauſe, as ſhall be ſaid by and by, the impreſſion being ſo made upon the Spirits and Humors, and the Brain it ſelf, that it can hardly be drawn forth, unleſs the whole Maſs of Blood be exhauſted, as ſhall be explained; and this is that ſpecies of Melancholy in which as it hath been ſhewed, they are vext with horrid and wicked Temptations, the which ſpecies I have often met withal, poſſeſſing both Women and Men, not ſparing even the younger ſort.

But this proceeds either from ſome horrid Viſion appearing either by Dreams or in deed as of ſome Ghoſt, or the Carkaſs of a Man hanged, as in that Maid who beholding one hanging upon a Croſs without the citty, fell into ſuch a Mnlancholy which ending in Convulſions cauſed her Death; and a Woman who paſſing by a Gibbet late, and fearing leaſt being ſhut out of the, City ſhe ſhould be forced to lie there all Night fell into a long continued Melancholy; another alſo who by chance be holding the Carkaſs of a Theefe, who hanged himſelf in the Priſon, whiles he was put into a Barrel to be caſt into the River, being aſtoniſh't in Mind, miſerably remaining many years Melancholick could ſcarce any more come to her ſelf: the which alſo oftentimes proceed from the Imagination only and fear of ſome Danger of Theeves when they converſe alone in Woods, or at night in the dark, in which all things become more dreadful; or they proceed from fear of eternal Judgement for ſome grievous ſin committed, as that Concubine of the Prieſts pretended in her grievous Melancholy, becauſe ſhe had brought forth ſo many Children from an unlawful Bed; which imagination and perſwaſion conceived from that, even thoſe that do now ſuffer this affect do retain, and do expreſs by words and very deed ſuch like things which gave them the occaſion, as was ſaid in the accidents of Melancholy.

Sadneſs or vehement Grief laſting long doth alſo beget a Melancholick Perturbation of the Mind, which alſo may degenerate into the true one if it take deeper roote and diſturb the Spirits, and change the Temperament of the Body; or it induceth a certain Phanſie ſometimes fooliſh, ſometimes maddiſh, and ſometimes deſperation as we have deſcribed in explaining the kinds.

But this Sadneſs of Mind proceeds from grief or mourning moſt commonly for ſome things loſt of Money, Honour, or any other thing, as the Death of Children, Parents, Friends, with which the Mind oftentimes is wonderfully tormented and afflicted for a long time; or from Shame and Baſhfulneſs, with which generous minds eſpecially are ſo troubled for ſome error commited, that it is plain ſome have thereby been driven to deſpair; as they write it happened to Homer, becauſe he could not reſolve the Fiſher-men their Riddle. Envy alſo doth ſo afflict a man, and as they are wont to ſay gnaw the Heart, that theſe alſo become wholly Melancholick and by their Face and Geſtures expreſs envy all manner of waies, as Ovid ſets it forth. Alſo divers affects of the Mind proceeds chiefly from the too great Appetite or Concupiſcence of ſome thing honeſt or diſhoneſt which they perſwade themſelves will be profitable or honeſt; as ſeeing by the immoderate ſtudy or Science men oftentimes being too intent, do procure to themſelves a certain Phanſie, and thoſe whom ambition and vain glory torments, and who are taken with the love of themſelves (Philauty) boaſtingly, they talk and do many fooliſh and ridiculous things, which the Comaedians have elegantly ſhown in the vain glorious Souldier under the perſons of Thraſo and Pyr, Gopolynices in their Comaedies, or when the deſire of revenge not ceaſing after anger, being carried into a permanent Hatred, and Enmity, which can ſcarce any more be blotted out, continually thirſting Revenge, and intent on that, they do nothing rightly, but moſt things unhappily, being troubled in Mind; or carried on the Coveteouſneſs, the love of Riches; they are ſo madded, that they run headlong into many Vices, Sins and enormous Deeds; whether. alſo that Dotage of the Alchymiſts ought to be referredwho ſeeking the Phyloſophers ſtone with ſo great heat, all though they ſee they looſe their Labour and Coſt, and can do nothing, nor know nothing done by others yet they bate not of their unwearied Labour, and led on by continual Hope, no waies ceaſing from their Labour, they waſt their whole ſubſtance; laſt of all and chiefly that vehement Heat and Concupiſcence proceeding from love in both ſexes, when they cannot alwaies enjoy it, or not all, 'tis a Cauſe of that Grief (for every Lover mourns) with which being overcome at laſt, they are vext and tormented with ſo many different Paſſions of the mind, that deſpairing they think attempt and perform, things ridiculous or weighty and dangerous, as was ſaid in the accidents to which love, ſometimes and elegant beauty, ſometimes lovely conditions, every one according to his Phanſie, for the moſt part with a blind judgment, ſometimes a certain Sympathy and confirmity of manners, gave the beginning, occaſion, and fomented it.

Counterfeit Folly and long continued, conſtantly exagitateing the ſpirits depravedly doth cauſe that by this cuſtom changing Nature, ſome Fools who for their gullet Belly and profit ſake, exerciſe their Folly before great Men, who delight in the Converſation of Fools, ſeeing they have fitted and accuſtomed themſelves to this from their Youth, they acquire that Habit in it, which afterwards ſeeing it can no waies be blotted out, they continue Fools indeed.

A perturbation of the Spirits of the Brain not that which raiſed from the Affections of the Mind doth too much exagitate and confound them, A perturbation of the Spirits the cauſe of Melancholy and Madneſs, or aflects them with an occult quality of which we have ſpoken already, but that which being raiſed intrinſecally from ſome matter mixt with the Spirits doth cloud obſcure, darken the animal Spirits which ought to be bright clear lucid and moſt pure; may induce the ſaid Melancholly and Madneſs alſo, if it Act more vehemently:

Which matter they cal Melancholick becauſe they think it is black, and they contend that it doth alter the Mind not only by troubling the Spirits, but alſo by cooling the Brain; ſeeing they hold this humor is cold and dry, but ſeeing we have ſhewed in Sleepineſs and Supidtiy that from the coldneſs of the Brain, whether joyned with moiſture or drineſs its Functions would rather be impaired or aboliſht, then intended; this Melancholick matter which we alſo call Turbulent impure and filthy doth not by cooling, but becauſe tis mixt with the ſpirits diſturbs them, and the Brain in whoſe ſubſtance the Spirits are every where connate, we have proved in Anatomy; and by a certain Malignity which it hath alſo attained it doth at laſt imprint that hurt from which follow ſuch enormous, accidents, the which notwithſtanding cannot therefore ſuddainly bring Death, becauſe it is an evil of long continuance. The which matter is either a Melancholick vapor or humor.

A Melancholick filthy Vapor troubling the Spirits and affecting the Head breeds that Species of Melancholy which they call Hypochondriacal, A Vapor the Cauſe of the perterbation of Spirits in Hypochondriacal Melancholy. becauſe they chiefly complain of that place affected; for the cauſe of this evil lurkes in the parts of the Belly under the Ribes or Hypochondries, which the Arabians call Mirach and from thence denominate this Species mirachal melancholly, and from that part a vapor raiſed upwards to the Head at a certain time, then when it aſſails it, it makes this melancholly exert it ſelf. Moſt men write that the fewel of this is the Spleen becauſe it is the natural ſeat of melancholly and becauſe they are moſt troubled in the left ſide, but others affirm that this matter is contained in the ſtomach alſo which doth moſt poſſeſs the left hypochondria, and in its neighboring part: others alſo place in the Liver and Meſentary and the Veins of that called meſaraicks: which we alſo affirm is heaped and lies hid in the meſarick Veins not only thoſe that through the meſentery and call, but alſo the other natural bowels, eſpecially in thoſe places where theſe branches of the Vena porta being more and greater do tend towards the Spleen and Stomach in the left ſide, although this matter may be heaped up alſo in other places, upon which account they feel their pain moſt commonly in the left ſide, yet ſomtimes in the right part of the hypochondries and back, where the Spleen and chief bowels lie hid.

But moſt do give out that the matter lying there, from which this evaporation riſing doth affect the mind, to be melancholly blood, which we alſo can no waies deny, but we deny it to be cold, ſeeing that burning which the Patient feels in that place where the humor lurks doth ſufficiently declare the acrimony and heat of the humor: for as it was ſaid in Feavers that the blood in the Vena cava did cauſe continual Feavers, but that in the branches of the Vena porta, being more cholerick and excrementitious which is continually heaped up from the meat and drink lately changed into chyle, when it putrifies it doth by its evaporation cauſe intermitting Feavers; ſo alſo it happens in this caſe, as we ſhall by and by ſhew, that as from melancholly blood contained in the branches of the Vena cava the true melancholly is cauſed, ſo from that which is accumulated in the branches of the Vena porta and there fils up the Veins in certain places, yet doth not putrefie, but is aduſt, faeculent, and hath alſo ſome malignity; if the vapors of that raiſed up, keeping the condition of the humor from whence they proceed, do aſſail the brain they wil cauſe a melancholly returning by courſe which laſts ſo long, til they being diſcuſt again do grant ſome eaſe to the Patient, ſo long til new vapors ariſe, which for the moſt part is every day.

And hence it comes to paſs that this melancholly otherwiſe than the true, hath its intermiſſions, then eſpecially when ſome excretion of wind chiefly, with which this evaporation doth fil the Stomach and Guts, is made by belching; which carries with it a heat by reaſon of the humor from whence it proceeds, and an acidity by reaſon of the Stomach, in which that a certain acidity is alwaies contained we ſhal declare in its proper place, or when theſe vapors which tend upwards are partly emptied by vomiting or partly reveld by Farts and Stools, or when by cold meat yet moderately taken, thoſe heats being mitigated and vapors repreſt they do a little eaſe the evil, as by taking that which is hot and plentiful, that affect by reaſon of the boyling of thoſe parts and plenty of wind, is exaſperated: becauſe the ſtomach is compreſt with theſe and pained puft up, and together with the Guts makes a murmuring, rumbling and waving the aforeſaid windes are ſo frequent in this affect, that it is called alſo the windy melancholly and divers Excrements thruſt thither from the meſaraick Veins are the Cauſes, by reaſon of which alſo they then feel hears in thoſe places where this matter principally lurks, as hath been ſaid: but alſo theſe filthy vapors aſcending upwards, becauſe the heart alſo by the way is oftentimes grieviouſly affected they complain of a palpitation of the heart, and beating of the Arteries and the Midriff being ſomwhat hindred of ſome ſuffocation: ſo that ſcarce any other evil doth ſo long torment a man as this affect doth, if he lie not down by the Diſeaſe, with ſo many accidents in the hurts of the natural, vital, animal parts infinite of which they continually complain.

But the cauſe and original of this melancholly blood collected in the meſaraick veins proceeds from an ill courſe of Diet long continued, begetting the melancholly juyce, or thick cholerick, whence by degrees a great filth of it is heaped up at length: as in intermitting Fevers for the like reaſon we ſaid that cholerick blood was produced; which may come to paſs from all meats of evil juyce, hard concoction, being corrupted, and from thoſe that are hot, rather than from the cold and dry (unleſs in as much as theſe being hardly diſgeſted do corrupt alſo) in which we offend chiefly for gluttony and pleaſures ſake, whenas they are ſweet, ſalt Fat, Acrid: although moſt men believe the fleſh which is taken from wild Beaſts and from ſolitary or melancholly creatures, as that of Hares, Veniſon, to be more apt to produce a melancholly juyce, as amongſt Plants, Colewares, and Lentils; and it gives a great and principal occaſion of this evil, if the excretions went to be made at ſome certaintimes, by which nature was wont to evacuate theſe things at firſt collected in the ſtomach or guts, as looſneſſes of the belly or Vomiting be no more; or if this filth being collected in the meſaraick Veins, the Hemorrhoids be ſuppreſt, eſpecially if they did once flow, which ſomtimes is the chief original of this evil.

The humor producing true melancholly and oftentimes madneſs is called a melanchollick blood ſuch as they think to be either black choler it ſelf, A melancholly humor is the cauſe of the perturbation of the ſpirits in melancholy and Madneſs. or that which is faeculent, but we have already ſaid formerly that this matter doth no waies want ſome malignity and we may by right alſo call it poyſonous ſeeing it cannot otherwiſe be rightly explained, as Galen ſhews l. 6. de loc. affect. that a poyſonous matter is generated from ſeed and blood corrupted; the which its enormous accidents do ſufficiently declare, which ſhow themſelves in them as if they were ſtruck with poyſon eſpecially madneſs; when notwithſtanding there is no other hurt, no manifeſt diſeaſe nor danger of death, and ſeeing they ſuffer theſe things for many years, oftentimes without any other damage; which certainly can no waies be cauſed from a cold humor, ſuch as they think the dregs of blood to be, nor from black choler which if it be confounded with the blood is wont to bring the black jaundies and other grievous diſeaſes of the Skin; therefore we ſhould rather recur to a malignant poyſonous and occult quality ſuch as we ſhal often declare is found in many the like pertinacious and horrid diſeaſes, which they thought did ſpring from black Choler, as hath been ſaid, and in which by reaſon of their malignity Mathiolus aſſerted the Cacodaemons had their reſidence; then teach and allow of thoſe things for true, which are thus believed out of a certain cuſtom and thought it to be ſeen in that blood let which is black, when notwithſtanding congealed blood of its own nature even in the ſound is wont to look blackiſh, and bein kept long, to appear black like pitch and we wil embrace truth rather than Opinions, or we will openly confeſs that we are not able rightly to explain the true cauſe.

But the blood now mentioned is contained in the branches of the Vena Cava as that which cauſed a hypochondriacal melancholly is in the branches of the Vena porta and therefore it raiſeth a melancholly or madneſs perſevering not invading by courſes as the hypochondriacal doth, unleſs as it hath its exacerbations and remiſſions, as we ſaid alſo it came to paſs in continual Fevers for the ſame cauſe; as hath been explained that by reaſon of the difference of theſe Veins, in which the matter of Fevers is contained, for the ſame reaſon they become continual or intermitting.

But it is certain that the matter is contained ſomtimes in the veins of the head only, & other times in the veins of the whol body, eſpecially in the greater, and upon that account doth cauſe more grievoius or more mild accidents; for as it was declared in continual Fevers if the matter putrifie about the heart there is cauſed a moſt burning Fever called a Cauſus, ſo it fals out here, to wit, that if ſuch matter be contained in the ventricles of the brain, where otherwiſe the blood of the Veins and Arteries confounded together is very hot, a madneſs or grievous melancholly is raiſed or if about a more noble part as the Womb the Blood which is wont to abound there and the ſeed alſo being retained be corrupted and changed into that poyſonous matter as was alleadged formerly by the teſtimony of Galen; it cauſeth that madneſs of the Womb in which they ſo much deſire enormous and brutiſh copulation, as hath been demonſtrated by the example of a Woman who by reaſon of a long continued ſickneſs of her Husband, by reteining her ſeed fell into this diſeaſe, and coveted copulation with dogs: and by how much the further ſcituation it hath from a principal part in the lower parts, by ſo much the more mild melancholly ariſeth.

All which things muſt be judged how they are, by the nature of the accidents, and from this that no other external cauſes went before, as was ſaid of a fright from which a grievous melancholly is commonly cauſed; rather then by the conſtitution, which they ſet forth to be melancholly from the hairs of the body, the color of the Skin, and the habit alſo from the excrements, ſeeing theſe diſeaſes may happen not only to people ſwarthy, lean, and ſad by nature, but to all Na •• tres, all Ages, as I have often obſerved.

But that the cauſe of it may depend upon a melancholly conſtitution, which they have contracted to themſelves by nature or by an ill courſe of living, as was ſhewed in the hypochondriacal, we do no waies deny, ſeeing melancholly blood being turbid and impure doth the eaſier acquire malignity; as alſo we have ſomtimes found that hypochondriacal melancholly hath paſſed into the true one, the blood in the Veins being at laſt infected by the long continued evaporation of heat: and alſo that melancholly which proceeds from the affection of the mind if it fall upon a fit conſtitution, called the melanchollick it wil have a double cauſe concurring to excite a true melancholly; laſtly from the ſuppreſſion of ſuch excrements which eaſily paſs into this poyſonous matter, as from the retention eſpecially of the menſtruous bleod or ſeed, as ſomtimes a Suffocation of the Womb doth proceed, ſo at other times a madneſs of the Womb as hath been explained.

A hot diſtemper affecting the brain and its membranes, A hot diſtemper the cauſe of dotage, a hot vapor the cauſe a hot diſtemper and dotage in a baſtard phrenſie. for the moſt part cauſe that firſt a pain of the Head and if it be more intenſe, a dotage, by too much exagitating the functions of the mind; but it grows hot ſomtimes from a hot vapor which is raiſed up either from hot meat and drink but unleſs then there be joyned a Narcotick or madding faculty as was ſaid of Wine, heat alone wil ſcarce bring a deliration but only a pain of the head: but this is ſooner done from hot humors, blood too much evaporating, eſpecially if it contract ſome malignity alſo which is wont preſently to make the brain mad, as hath been ſhewed in the cauſes of melancholly, which eaſily happens in blood altered or putrified whether in the Veins or out of them that by corruption it acquires ſome malignity, from that therefore the like vapor being carried up to the brain it breeds a baſtard phrenſie ſo called, in many diſeaſes generated from ſuch like humors, whoſe ſymptom it is.

So ſomtimes a dotage is wont to follow, a hot expiration raiſed foom blood in diſeaſes generated from inflamed blood, as in diary Feavers, a ſinochis and internal inflammations, which is known to proced from thence by the diſeaſe accompanying it: alſo from humors putrifying and ſo getting a preternatural heat a dotage doth ſomtimes invade all putrid Feavers at what time chiefly the hot expiration doth very much aſſail the head, as in intermitting Feavers oftentimes at the beginning, otherwiſe about the State, and then alſo chiefly in continual Feavers; the heat of the brain helping, which by reaſon of the Fever together with all the parts of the body is heated alſo; for the ſame reaſon alſo Children do oftentimes Rave, by reaſon of Worms when they putrifie a Fever for the moſt part coming upon it. Choller poured forth into the Stomach ſending alſo a hot evaporation to the brain, becauſe it is acrid and ſubtile, doth rather cauſe a pain and a Vertigo than a dotage as ſhall be ſaid in its place.

Alſo Blood made too hot and eſpecially too thin contained in the ventricles and Veſſels of the Brain, An hot Humor it the Cauſe of a hot Diſtemper and D • tage in a baſtard Phrenſit. inflaming the brain not only by a vapor but alſo by its proper ſubſtance induceth a baſtard Phrenſie; as it ſomtimes comes to paſs, when by a blow, or Fall, or in Feavers it flows thither.

But if that it be carried out of the Veſſels and poured upon the brain and its membranes, An Inflammation is the cauſe of a hot diſtemper or Dotage in a Phrenſie, it breeds an Inflammation or Eryſipelas according as the Blood is, then it cauſeth a true Phrenſie which alſo is called a Syriaſis eſpecially if it befal Children whoſe external and violent Cauſe may be that which ſhatters or hurts the Head, or the internal, a Fulneſs of Blood and inflammation of it whence a ſynochus Feaver ariſing, pouring forth a portion of its hotter blood into this principal patr, which before did very much abound with blood it makes this grievous Diſeaſe, whoſe Companion is a continual Feaver as hath been declared in Feavers: differing therefore from a baſtard Phrenſie, becauſe the feaver in that goes before the Dotage but in a Phrenſie they both invade together; by which ſigne alſo tis chiefly known.

An evil Conformation of the Brain, as if it be too big, or little, or otherwiſe be not rightly formed for the moſt part creates the ſaid Fooliſhneſs bred in ſome from their Birth, whenas this proceeds from implanted Cauſes, as from the ſeed of the Parents, who either were Fools themſelves, or their ſeed had contracted ſome fault; and tis eaſily known by this that they were Fools from their Birth, becauſe the Head anſwers the unſhapen Brain in Greatneſs or Smaleneſs or Deformity; An evil Conformation, the Cauſe of Folly. which fault if it reach to the Nerves alſo and other parts tis no wonder that theſe are ſomtimes born as we have deſcribed, either deaf or dum or crooked, or or otherwiſe faulty; the which certainly is the chief Cauſe of Original Folly, as ſomtimes this apparent Deformity of theirs doth ſhew, ſomtimes tis not diſcovered but by opening after Death.

So alſo we do not deny that this may happen from an evil Diſtemper of the Brain, Diſtemper the cauſe of Fooliſhneſs. the which notwithſtanding ſeeing it cannot be rightly explained, nor corrected, is no further to be enquired into.

It hath been ſomtimes found out, that a certain black ſpeck in the brain or membranes diſcovered by Diſſection, A ſpeck in the brain the cauſe of Madneſs. hath been the Cauſe of Madneſs, as ſometimes alſo Putrefaction bred in ſome part of the Membranes of the brain, Putrefaction in the Brain the Cauſe of Madneſs. from which tis likely that filthy Vapors being continually raiſed did trouble the Spirits, which ſome alſo have delivered may happen from Worms generated in the Brain; Worms in the Brain the Cauſe of Madneſs. which hidden faults ſeeing they are firſt manifeſted after Death by opening the Skull, we can hardly conjecture what they are while the Man lives, unleſs in General, from this, becauſe other ſigns are wanting here which ſhould demonſtrate other Cauſes.

The Cure.

In the Cure the Cauſes muſt be diſtinguiſht, and the Remedies fitted to them; which we ſaid were either a malignant Spirit, or a drunken or poyſonous Quality; an agitation or perturbation of the Spirits, a bot Diſtemper and ſome faults of the Brain.

The preternatural Cauſe proceeding from the Divel as it doth no waies belong to the Phyſitian, The Cure of thoſe poſſeſt with the Divel. ſo neither the Cure; for the Divel is forcibly expel'd by the Prayers of Divines and godly people in the Name of Jeſus; as Chriſt caſt forth Divels and gave his Diſciples that Power; but alſo the Divel ſomtimes feining himſelf of his own accord to be put to flight by certain Words and Ceremonies of men, doth delude Mortals.

If Drunkenneſs ariſe from Wine and other inebriating things as hath been ſaid, The Cure of Drunkenneſs from a temulent quality. after ſome hours the Vapors being diſcuſt, eſpecially by the intervention of ſleep, they come to themſelves of their own accord; and if Vomiting follow it, it is good, upon which account Avicen thought it good to be drunk once a month.

But if they continue this Courſe of life, the Nerves being weakned by reaſon of their frequent ſtupidity, which is diſcovered by this even then to come to paſs, if preſently after that they have not yet drank immoderately, they begin to ſtutter and ſtumble; they become Tremulous, Paralytical, Gouty, Hydropical, as ſhall be ſaid in thoſe places.

Therefore that they may have a Care of themſelves they are to be admoniſht from Drunkenueſs and to be frighted by declaring the Danger of it; and if they cannot refrain ſome have delivered that this may be effected, that they ſhall wholly loath Wine, by ſtrangling an Eele in Wine, or a Frog or the barbel Fiſh, or the Rotchet Fiſh being putrefied in it, or the Sea Grape, and that Wine afterwards being drunk off.

But if ſometimes a Neceſſity of drinking and contending in Cups do urge, as this is brought into uſe as a Civil thing at Banquets to the great hurt of mankind, for prevention it hath been obſerved that theſe things following being taken before do prevent Drunkenneſs or at leaſt wiſe make it more gentle.

Five or fix bitter Almonds eaten before meat.

Wormwood alſo, whoſe Wine notwithſtanding the Swillers do uſe rather the day after a Fox, that they may correct their Stomach offended with Choller, (whenas to contemperate that they fil themſelves with drink again) from whence theſe Verſes.

If thou be hurt by drinking over night Riſe early to't this Medicine is full right.

Rue becauſe it makes the Cup ſafe, as the Verſe ſounds, is commended for this uſe, which I think is rather ſaid ſo, becauſe it preſerves from Poyſon.

Coleworts taken at meat hinder Drunkenneſs, and ſo doth its Seed.

If one drink Milk faſting, he ſhall be ſafe that day.

Pliny teacheth that the Lungs of Creatures roaſted eaten and do keep of Drunkenneſs other expreſs by Name the Lungs of Sheep.

One writes that the pouder of Swallows burnt being taken, will not ſuffer one to be drunk to Aeternity.

A pouder hindring Drunkenneſs may be made thus, of which give one ſpoonful with Auſtere Wine. Take of the ſeeds of Coleworts one dram, Coriander half a dram, Camphire two grains: make a pouder.

A more Compounded one may be made thus, of which give one ſpoonful or two drams with Wine of Pomegranates, or with ſome other acid, ſtiptick, or with cold Water, or with Sugar let it be reduced into the form of Lozenges, Take of the ſeeds of coleworts one dram, of Plantane, Purſlane, Bar-berries each half a dram, Coriander prepared two drams, flowers of red roſes, water-lillies, red Sanders each half a dram, Maſtich, Amber each one ſcruple, burnt Ivory one ſcruple, ſalt half a ſcruple, Camphire ſix grains: make a pouder.

This may be uſed in the form of an Electuary, and given before drinking, Take of conſerve of Roſes, the Rob, of Currance and Barberries each half an ounce, bitter Almonds branched and bruiſed twelve ſeeds, of Coleworts one dram, red Roſes one dram, Syrup of Slots as much as is ſufficient make an Electuary.

An elegant Syrup of which one ounce ought to be taken before they drink Wine, Take of the juyce of white Coleworts, ſour Pomegranates, Currance each two ounces, Vinegar one ounce; boilthem together for your uſe.

They are leſs foxed who drink lareſt not till their ſtomach is well filled with Victuals; but they quickly who haſten to drink Wine faſting, or preſently at the beginning of a Meal.

Outwardly Ivy applied to the Head like a Garland or the Juyce of it moved to the Head keeps off Drunkenneſs.

Alſo the wearing of an Amethyſt ſton • is beleeved can do the like.

But to cure thoſe that are already drunk, that the wine may do them the leſs hurt, Vomiting doth very much help; or if you give them acid things preſently at the end of the Meal, or the ſooner the better, and let them be taken plentifully, becauſe as it was ſaid in Narcoticks they weaken the efficacy of the Wine, of which ſort are theſe following.

Frumenty of Milk and Barley flower with Vinegar alſo ſour Milk as it is wont to concrete.

Sour Apples eaten, alſo acid Peaches and their juyce as alſo Quinces.

The Heads of Coleworts condite, and Rapes till they grow acid, as our Country men are wont to prepare them, do very much help.

Vinegar drank diluted with water, or taken by it ſelf in a good quantity, is an Antidote againſt Drunkenneſs, with which a certain eminent Foxer, for a long time being dayly drunk, was wont to guard himſelf, that he might take no hurt by it.

Beſides theſe, Lettice, Mint, Wormwood, Myrtle-berries being eaten, or the Juyce • of them taken do keep off Drunkenneſs.

The diſtilled water of Saffron flowers being drunk doth the ſame.

The ſmell of Camphyre and Saunders likewiſe do good,

Alſo Oxyrrhodines applied to the Head.

And if the Cods be moiſtned with Vinegar or cold water.

All which doubtleſs will do good not only in that temulency which is contracted by Wine, but alſo in that which proceeds from the like inebriating things, as hath been ſaid, as alſo we have ſaid that Narcoticks for the ſame reaſon are corrected by acid things; and for the taking of mad Nightſhade we have ſhewed that Vinegar is a Remedy,

But what things beſides theſe mentioned, do by a certain propriety reſiſt ſome as wel Narcoticks as others, ſhall be explained in their place.

Melancholly or Madneſs ariſing from Poyſon either taken in, The Cure of Hydrophoby from the biting of a mad dog. or by a bite or blow entring the Body, that Madneſs only which is cauſed by the biting of a mad Dog is here propounded, whenas the other ſpecies are rarely exiſtent becauſe the Cauſe is rare, neither is there any other cure applied to them, then what is due alſo to other Poyſon.

In the biting therefore of a mad Dog or Wolf (for they differ not in the Cure) although it be a very dangerous affect, yet Remedies being ſuddainly applied very many are healed; but after the evil hath ſo far gathered ſtrength, that they now are afraid of the Water, they are very hardly reſtored, as Dioſcorides mentions and moſt of them die; in which notwithſtanding ſome hopes of recovery is conceived by this ſigne, if looking upon a looking Glaſs or the Water, in which the image of a Dog is repreſented to them, as hath been ſaid, they take notice that it is an error, and that they are deceived, or that not appearing they acknowledg their own figure offering it ſelf.

Preſently therefore the wound made by a bite muſt be dilated and the Lips of the wound muſt be ſcarified that the Blood may flow very well, and with Cupping glaſſes applied with much fire or with Leeches if they be at hand, the ſtrength of the Poyſon muſt be drawn forth, becauſe though the wound be great and large, which by reaſon of the plenty of blood flowing forth, with which part of the virulent ſpittle is exhauſted, is better then if it were ſmall and narrow, nevertheleſs it muſt be done, and the fleſh torn and cut round about with a Pen-knife muſt be cut off.

Burning alſo made with an actual Cautery ſeeing the fire doth tame Poyſon and ſuffer it not to go further, is a moſt ready Remedy: and we muſt have a Care that the eſcar falling off, the wound be not cicatrized, before the fortieth day or till after that time, and that either by a ſeptick or corroding Medicine ſuch as is precipitate the which alſo we may uſe at firſt if he will not endure burning inſtead of that, or elſe burning muſt be repeated; and we muſt take Care that the wound be rather ſordid and ill diſpoſed, then clean, and that it be not cloſed up, by applying thoſe things, which beſides that they do attract Poyſon, may alſo ſuppurate the fleſh.

Which may be done, if grains of Whea • chewed or baked be applied to the wound, becauſe they ſuppurate and dilate the wound, and when they are chewed by reaſon of the ſpittle they help alſo by a propriety.

An Onion, wild Garlick and Rue bruiſed together, and made up with Honey and Salt do egregiouſly attract Poyſon, and the more if Treacle alſo be mixt with them to which Dioſcorides adds the Cyrenaick juyce.

If a fourth part of Opoponax and a ſixth of Vinegar be added to Brutian pitch, or inſtead of it you may take the common, it will make an attractive Plaiſter moſt effectual for theſe things as Galen teacheth.

The ſalted fleſh of the Fiſh Smaris and Omotaricbus applied and other ſalt things do good; alſo the ſauce of all ſalt Fiſh applied for Fomentation.

Sour Docks, pounded, ſtinking Horehound, Fennel Roots, Rue, Angelica Roots, Laſer, Herculean Panax, bruiſed with Honey and Salt do the ſame.

Such Remedies alſo muſt be given preſently to drink as may by a propriety overcome the force of this poyſon, ſuch as are made of the true River Crab called Carcinus, which Diaſcorides and Galen have much approved; inſtead of which Rondeletius takes the ſea Crab, and that found in the ſtanding Pool by the Sea of Monſpeſſulus; and we perhaps may take with equal ſucceſs our River Crab ſince that alſo reſiſts poyſons.

But theſe Antidotes muſt be prepared after this manner, Take of the aſhes of the true River Crab burnt in the prunings of the white Vine and poudered two parts, the roots of Gentian moſt finely poudered, one part, mix them, give two ſpoonefuls with clear wine for four daies after which give the trebble weight, Dioſco • ide • doth witneſs that this one thing hath benefited many, and Damocrates before Dioſcorides deſcribed this Antidote in Verſe, and Galen ſo commends it, that he teſtifies no man died that uſed it.

Galen alſo prepares and gives the pouder of the ſimple aſhes the Crabs being burnt alive in a copper Diſh.

Or he gives it Compounded thus, which he relates he had from his Maſter Aeſchion the Emp • rick, and he highly commends it, Take of the aſhes of tiver Crabs burnt ten parts, the Roots of Gentian five parts, Frankincenſe one part, inſtead of which the Ancients added Roſin of the Turpentine tree, make a pouder, give every day the meaſure of a great ſpoonful ſprinkled in water for forty daies, or if the Phyſitian come late let him give two ſpoonfuls at a time.

There are who prepare this Medicine thus. Take of the aſhes of Crabs parts two, Gentian roots part one and an half, Myrrh part one, make a pouder.

Beſides theſe Antidotes Dioſcorides and Galen do magnifie the Liver of a mad Dog roaſted and given.

Alſo the blood and urine of a Dog, as alſo the Runnet of a Hare, Fox, or Goat.

Galen's Dry Alyſſon given forty daies together in Hydromel, he teſtifies is Archigenes Effectual Remedy.

Aetius teacheth that Iudiack Bitumen one dram, drank with Water doth cure this affect.

The roots of Swallow-wort drank one dram and an half weight, with the Water of Bleſſed Thiſtle for forty daies, is Mathiolus Remedy. Star-vervain alſo is good, and the bark of Wild fig tree, drank with water, alſo the root of Vipers graſs or the juyce of it, as alſo the root of Angelico with Niter.

Alſo Honey of Roſes drank ſaith Dioſcorides,

Mithridate and Treacle, as they are adverſe to all poyſons, ſo to this alſo.

But thoſe things which profit both taken and applied, are as follow.

The Sea-horſe wrought with Honey and Vinegar.

Balm, Mugwort, Wormwood, Centory, round Birthwort, Germander, Pennyroyal, the root of roundiſh leav'd Dock, ſhard Dock and Bryony.

For matter of Diet, 'tis good if they eat Garlick, Leeks Onions, alſo the true River Crabs, ſeaſon their meat with Spices, drink pure and ſweet Wine. Avicen commands to drink Irond, or ſteeled water, alſo Milk Curds which moves to ſtool, and tames poyſon,

In the firſt place drinking of water which they ſo much fear, doth cure the Hydrcphobous, wherefore they muſt be deceived by al means that they may drink it through a long pipe, or by ſome other ſleight and not behold it, for which cauſe they adviſed to boyl back Vetches in it which alſo reſiſt poyſon, that ſo the water being made more darkiſh to him to behold it, it may repreſent no Image which may ſtrike fear into them, and alſo that they may be made very thirſty a young Dogs runnet is given to drink with Vinegar for then Aetius writes that they are taken with a deſire of water, and he highly commends it.

Avicen teacheth that the provocation of urin, ſo far and with ſuch ſtrong medicines that they piſs blood too, doth very much help, who as it hath been ſaid, thought that puppy Dogs or ſomwhat like them hath been voided by urine.

And for this cauſe commends the uſe of Cantharides, which may more rightly be given thus, Take of Cantharides breaking off their tender wings one dram, Lentiles clenſed half a dram, Spike, Cloves, Saffron, of each half a dram; give halfia ſcruple with Wine to them faſting for three or fou • daies til they void blood.

Sharp Dock if it be given to drink cauſeth a plentifull and turbulent piſſing with which plant alone given, if alſo the wound be fomented with the Decoction of it and be anointed with the juyce of it, a certain man did perfectly cure thoſe bitten with a mad Dog, as Avicen teaches.

Dioſcorides teacheth that the provoking of ſweat before and after meat doth good.

The ſame writes that Evacuations by the Belly do alſo bring great help, if it be cauſed by Hiera of Coloquintida or by Hellebore whoſe quality he thinks is ſo great that it will cure almoſt the deſperate, the which alſo may be done by other purgers chiefly deſtined to melancholick Humors.

Dioſcorides alſo uſeth Dropaciſmes, Sinapiſmes over the whole Body as ſome alſo do allow of Cauteries applied to the hinder part of the Head and behind the Ears.

Amongſt Amulets a Tooth drawn from the Dog that bit and tied to the Arm alſo Hares pul'd from the ſame Dog and laid on the wound are thought to do much.

They write that in ſome places the Prieſts do cure this evil with exorciſmes which ſeeing they are things preternatural, we leave them.

A perturbation or commotion of the Mind conceived from a vehement or long continued affect of the Mind ſomtimes ceaſon of its own accord, ſomtimes hardly gives way, oftentimes can never be corrected: for profuſe joy eaſily vaniſheth, The Cure of commotion of Mind from agitation of the Spirits. anger alſo is a ſhort Madneſs eſpecially in thoſe, who preſently grow hot and look red but ſuddainly again abate, who then are wont almoſt to be ſorry that they were angry; Sadneſs from grief of Mind ceaſeth with time, ſeeing there is no grief as Cicero ſaith, which the length of time doth not either change or diminiſh, envy conceived is hardly blotted out; ambition in ſome, and coveteouſneſs eſpecially in the aged once imprinted in their Minds, can ſcarce be rooted out; all which notwithſtanding do not ſo much make men mad as Love doth in which although there ſeem to be onely a light Alienation of the mind at firſt, yet if it take deeper Root, it doth ſo diſturb it that ſomtimes it drives men to true madneſs and diſpair: a true and perſevering melancholy ariſing from fright is more pertinacious then al the reſt, and hard to be cured, oftimes tormenting and conſuming a man for many years and at length making them deſperate; and alſo we cannot correct that Folly contracted by cuſtom,

Yet the Cure muſt not be neglected, if the evil perſevere, and there be hurt or Danger, which may be done,

Firſt of all by taking away the Cauſe and the occaſions from which theſe proceed, if they being ſtill preſent do foment or increaſe the affect; as in anger by turning away that which offends, in ſadneſs that which troubles, and ſo of the reſt; but chiefly the principal Remedy of Love is to remove the object and ſting of it, ſpeedily a far off and a long time which the vulgar intimate by this Proverb, out of ſight, out of mind; and what is wont to be ſaid is good in the Plague quickly, a far off, ſlowly, here alſo is the principal Rule of Cure.

Oftentimes the affections of the mind are mitigated or driven away by Counſel, Admonition, Perſwaſion, by propounding according as the mind is affected that it is nothing or of no moment, then by explaining the Diſcomodities that follow from thence, ſomtimes the offence to God, and comforting them with the hopes of changing the preſent life for a future that is better and not far off: the which if they avail not, by ſeverely threatning alſo Gods diſpleaſure and the puniſhment of Hell, by reproving them, and chaſtiſing them alſo with ſtripes if they obey not, til thoſe things which they love be loathſome to them, as Gordonius writes.

But principally in ſome paſſions of the mind it brings a great deal of help, to move the affections of the Mind which are contrary to this affect that troubles, and ſo to bring them into a contrary paſſion, ſeeing they do bring them to a mean, as contraries are wont to be cured by contraries, and ſo thoſe things are taken away which otherwiſe would not give place; thus thoſe lifted up with too much joy, if they hear ill News, do preſently abate; and thoſe that are ſad are refreſhed with unexpected and vehement gladneſs; ſo the angry are mitigated if they be frighted, if thoſe frighted be ſtirred up to anger they are freed; thoſe that hate vehemently are reconciled being moved with mercy; and thoſe that are oppreſt with grievous Love if they can be driven to hate the perſon which they Love, they are moſt certainly freed, whether they may ſomtimes be brought, if they hear diſhoneſt and filthy things of her, which are either invented or true, but blind Lovers ſee them not, but eſpecially in generous minds, if they think themſelves deſpiſed by their Love and ſuffer a repulſe (for nothing foſters love equally as reciprocal love, and nothing is more deer than to be beloved again) preſently indignation follows which perſevering, unleſs it be extinguiſht by ſome falſe and extorted tear, breeds hatred: hither alſo is referd the vehement intention of the mind upon ſome other things which is wont to put out that conceived before, or at leaſt waies to diminſh it, whence the Poet ſaith, Shun Idleneſs and Cupids darts are loſt, and if the apprehenſion be divided into two or three affects though the ſame, it comes to paſs that being divided or diſperſed 'tis leſs ſtrong than if it were united; for the ſenſe intent on many things is leſs able for each particular whence Ovid reckon'd it amongſt the Remedies of love for one man to have two Miſtreſſes.

But what chiefly concerns the operation of the Phyſitian, in ſudden and vehement paſſions of the mind, he muſt diligently obſerve the commotion of the ſpirits and humors, which in ſome affects are moved from the Center to the ſuperficies, in others on the contrary, and muſt reduce them by a contrary motion to the ſeat deſtined for them; but we call forth thoſe which do as it were oppreſs the heart in frights and ſadneſs with frictions and pleaſant exerciſes and eſpecially with thoſe that are proper, & with a bath; and again thoſe which are poured forth with Anger, Joy, we repell again to the inward parts, not only by a contrary affect of mind as hath been ſaid, but alſo by ſprinkling of cold water and bleeding, the which notwithſtanding ought not to be done in the very madneſs, but a little after.

But in perſevering paſſions of the mind and thoſe that already change the body according to the conſtitution of the body, and redundancy of the humors viz. of a plenitude or Cacochymie, we wil order the evacuations and alterations both for the cure and preſervation if they be diſpoſed to theſe or thoſe affects; and if a true Melancholly or maddeſs do follow thence, as hath been ſaid doth chiefly happen from a fright, the cure muſt be perfected after the ſame manner as ſhall be explained there.

If a melanchollick, thick, burning and malignant blood contained in the meſaraick veins as hath been ſaid, by its vapor do produce the ſaid hypochondriacal melancholly, although it be milder becauſe 'tis ſomtimes mitigated or ceaſeth, than the true one ſeems to be, yet it is alſo very grievous, both becauſe it doth not only dlſturb the mind but alſo induceth ſo many other affects offering themſelves eſpecially about the natural parts, as hath been expounded; and becauſe tis an evil ſo pertinacious & laſting, and ſo hardly admitting of cure, and that therefore, becauſe the matter of it lying hid in the meſaraick veins and being ever and anon new, increaſed from the excrements of things taken continually heaped up, and cannot be drawn forth by drawing of blood unleſs this be done by the hemoroidal veins, nor doth eaſily give way to purgers, as alſo we have demonſtrated in Feavers that the cauſe of continuance of a quartan Ague doth happen by occaſion of this place, & almoſt the like matter, into which alſo this affect is often changed, if putrifaction invade the blood, or otherwiſe it breeds obſtructions and tumors of the neighboring bowels, the Spleen, Liver, and of their veins, and ſometimes by its vapor infecting the maſs of blood in the reſt of the body, it is converted into the true and perſevering melancholly.

The ſcope of curing conſiſts in this, that that melanchollick matter contained in the meſaraick veins, be emptied either by bleeding, or by calling it forth to the ſtomach and Guts, by vomit, and ſtool, with thoſe things which open obſtructions and ſolicit nature to excretion, than by preventing that new matter be not generated again, by ordering a good concoction; and by diverting the vapors that they be not carried upwards, and diſturb the head eſpecially, and create trouble alſo to the heart; and by ſtrengthening theſe principal parts, and providing for the ſtomach, Liver, Spleen, that they be not hurt.

Taking away of blood would be very convenient, if it could be done from the branches of the Vena porta, which ſeeing they can be opened no where unleſs about the Arſe, or the mouths belonging to the Stomach and Guts, and this unleſs nature do it of her own accord, 'tis dangerous to attempt otherwiſe with medicines which muſt be highly acrid, as Coloquintida (unleſs things vehemently bitter could do it as Aloes which is wont to open the veins, and is convenient here alſo as ſhall be ſaid) nothing wil be more excellent than to open the Hemorrhoids, unleſs they flow of their own accord, by applying of Leeches or by other applications, and if they ſwell, and appear, by Section: the which flowing either of themſelves or being opened by force this affect hath been often cured, which before could not be cured; alſo by the courſes Women will find very much help, ſeeing it is a natural evacuation, if being ſuppreſt they be provoked, becauſe by theſe alſo perhaps the meſaraick veins may exonerate themſelves; but to open the other cutaneous veins which are branches of the Vena Cava unleſs a plenitude perſwade it, or that blood alſo be already infected is, otherwiſe ſupervacaneous.

A Vomit, eſpecially in thoſe uſed to it, and the evil being now very far protracted, is very convenient, becauſe the excrements which in thoſe places are continually almoſt collected at the firſt concoction, are ſuddenly caſt forth, and ſomtimes the matter retained in the meſaraick veins alſo, by this paſſage, as was ſaid in intermitting Feavers, or ſome part of it, eſpecially the chollerick, the which notwithſtanding may be ordered with gentler things at firſt, afterwards if they help not, with ſtronger in ſtrong bodies.

An irritation and laxation of the belly do revell the vapors flying upwards, and makes a way for the wind generated of them, as alſo from crudities to break forth and it wil do ſo much the more good, if the belly be bound. This is done by Supoſitories, and to more benefit with Clyſters, which ſeeing they do wholly enter the Guts, they do empty part of the filth from the meſaraick veins alſo; which if they be caſt in every other day or daily, it wil be far ſafer than to give things too much purging, which they loath at laſt, and by reaſon of the long continuance of the diſeaſe do ſcarce endure, and ſo to draw down the mat • er ſucceſſively from the neighboring parts to the Guts, wherefore they muſt be often repeated, which are prepared after this manner, of things moiſt, lenitive, diſcuſſing, wind-ſtimulating, and purging. Take of the leaves of Mallows, Coleworts, Mercury or Beets, of each one handful; roots of Oak fern one ounce, Dodder of Time or Vetches, Time, of each two drams; Flowers of Chamomel, Feverfew, Dill, Violets (by reaſon of the heat) of each one pugil; of Bran one pugil, make a Decoction, and in a decent quantity of that ſtrained, diſſolve Honey of Roſes one ounce, red Sugar half an ounce, Hiera Picra, two drams, Oyl of Lillies, Chamomel one ounce and an half; a little Salt, make a Clyſter; if you would evacuate ſtronger, in the Decoction add Fumitory and Senna (we omit Hops becauſe they aſſail the Head) and diſſolve Confection of Hamech, or the juyce of Mercury, &c. as ſhall be explained in the Clyſters in Melancholy.

Purging muſt be uſed which may drive forth the matter from the Meſaraick Veins and often reiterated by courſe, the paſſages being firſt opened which are wont to be obſtructed, and the humor prepared for Evacuation, yet we muſt have a care of things ſtrongly Heating, Drying, becauſe they increaſe the Diſeaſe, adminiſtring them almoſt after the ſame manner, as they ought to be uſed in Quartane Feavers.

It ſhall be prepared therefore with this Julep taking it for ſome daies before Purging: Take of Syrup Bizantine ſimple, Endive, of each two ounces; ſweet ſmelling Apples, Dodder of Time, of each half an ounce; the waters of Bugloſs, Succory, Fumitory, of each three ounces: Make a Julep, Aromatiſe it with Pouder of Diarrhodon, or let him take a Lozenge of it afterwards.

Such a Decoction may be given inſtead of that after the ſame manner. Take of the Roots of Graſs, Aſparagus, Borrage, of each one ounce; Liquoriſh half an ounce; Endive, Succory, Maiden-hare, Ceterach, Betony, of each one handful; Flowers of Borrage, Bugloſs, Scabious, Tamarisk, of each one pugil: Roſemary flowers, half a pugil; the four greater cold Seeds, Annis ſeed of each two drams; Fennel ſeed one dram: Make a Decoction, and in one pound of it add, of the juyce of Apples boyled away to a third, three ounces: Aromatiſe it with a little Cinnamon.

Or, Let them uſe it with Wine if they would open more vehemently, after this manner, with better ſucceſs for the moſt part, becauſe our Wine doth not heat ſo much, as hath been ſaid elſewhere: Take of the roots of Succory, Graſs, of each one ounce; Elecampane (becauſe it makes merry) two drams; Miltwaſte, Aſparagus, Germander, Fumatory, of each two drams; of the Cordial flowers, of each one dram and an half; Fennel ſeed one dram: Being bruiſed, infuſe them in common white Wine, or if it be ſtronge dilute it, let him uſe it four or five daies in the morne.

Let him be Purged then with a gentle Decoction, for the evil is exaſperated by ſtrong Medicines, of which ſort this of many is convenient. Take of Senna clenſed, Oak ferne, wild Saffron, of each half an ounce; Dodder of Time two drams, Raiſons twenty, Prunes ten, freſh Borrage Roots one ounce, Liquoriſh one ounce, of the Cordial flowers, of each one pugil; Ann is ſeed half an ounce. Make a Decoction in Water and white Wine; in four ounces of that ſtrained, Diſſolve of Catholicon half an ounce, or ſyrup of Roſes ſolutive one ounce.

Or let him uſe this following: Take of Catholicon one ounce, Confection Hamech one dram and an half, Syrup of Roſes ſolutive with Rhubarb, infuſed one ounce with the waters of Bugloſs, Fumitory as much as is ſufficient, and a little Cinnamon, to Aromatiſe it.

Purgers muſt be repeated by courſe in a long continued Diſeaſe, eſpecially if he will not uſe Clyſters, or they muſt be uſed ſucceſſively, that the obſtructions being taken away, and Nature conſtantly ſolicited may the rather caſt off the Excrements to the Guts from the Meſaraick Veins; and that in divers formes of Syrups, Wine, Pills ſo prepared that they may be kept long for uſe: before which preparatives ought alwaies to be premiſed for ſome daies, or muſt be mixt together with them in the Compoſitions of which we will bring theſe few examples.

A thickned Syrup therefore may be made thus, which he may uſe every other day or three daies together; and after ſome few daies repeat it: Take of the Roots of Graſs, Succory, of each one ounce; Fennel, Parſly, of each half an ounce; Orrice two drams, freſh Borrage one ounce and an half, Aſarabacca two drams, the bark of Capers, Tamarisk, of each half an ounce: the berbs of Fumitory, Hops, Germander, Ground-pine, Milt-waſt, Betony, of each one handful; the four Cordial flowers, and of Tamarisk, of each one pugil; Annis ſeed half an ounce, Fennel ſeed two drams, Raiſons one ounce, Senna two ounces and an half, Oak Fern, wild Saffron, of each one ounce and an half; Dodder of Time half an ounce: Make a Decoction, and in that Strained, infuſe Rhubarb two drams, Agarick three drams, Cinnamon one dram, Ginger half a dram; the juyce of Appels thickned three ounces, of Borrage one ounce, Sugar three ounces: Make a Decoction to the thickneſs of a Syrup: give two ounces, more or leſs as it ſhall work, diſſolve it in Water, Broth, or Wine.

Matthiolus doth very much commend Syrup of Oak Fern againſt this affect.

A Wine may be prepared of the ſame thing dryed and infuſed, adding Wormwood three drams, Marjoram one dram: But becauſe it corrupts being long kept, let only one half of it be infuſed, and let him take it for two daies, afterwards when there ſhall be need again, make a new infuſion of the other part.

Pills in this caſe as in all the like obſtructions are moſt profitable, the which provoke both the Hemrods and Courſes: Take of Aloes two drams, Myrrh half a dram (againſt putrid Humors) Dodder of Time one dram, Roots of Gentian, Aſarabacca, of each half a dram; Gum Amoniack diſſolved in Vinegar one ſcruple (if there be a hardneſs about the Glandules of the caule and Meſentery, as oftentimes there is) Parſly ſeed half a dram, Choice Rhubarb one dram and an half, Spike one ſcruple. With joyce of Wormwood, Make a Maſs, let him take two ſcruples every other or third day, Meſues Tryphera of Dodder of Time if it be given every other day is a ſingular remedy in Hypochondriacal Melancholly.

After the uſe of Purgers let the Patient be ſtrengthened the next day, by uſing Conſerves of the roots of Bugloſs, or ſome ſuch like.

In the interim that the obſtructions may be diſſolved, and the matter be called forth from the Meſaraick Veins to the Guts, remedies muſt be applied to the whol Belly, becauſe through that, the Meſaraick Veins do enter into the caul and Meſentery

And firſt make a Fomentation after this manner, with which the Belly may be fomented warm with a Spunge, once a day before taking of meat, or twice in the morning and evening at the firſt: Take of the Herbs Wormwood, Southernwood, Feverfew, Time, of each one handful; Flowers of Chamomel, Melilot, Elder, Broom, of each one pugil; Bay berries one ounce and an half, Annis ſeed two drams, the Bark of Danewort, Roots of Oak ferne, Senna, Dodder of Time, of each three drams; Make a Decoction in equal parts of Water and Wine, adding a little white Wine Vinegar or of Squils, for a Fomeutation.

Inſtead of a Fomentation, a Bath of ſweet water, and other temperate and moiſting things is convenient.

After the Fomentation or Bath let the Region of the Stomach, Hypochondries and Belly be anointed with ſuch an Oyntment: Take of Oyl of ſweet Almonds, Chamomel, Dill, of each one ounce; of bitter Almonds, Elder, Capers, of each ſix drams; of Orrice, Spik, of each half an ounce; juyce of wormwood one ounce, white Wine Vinegar of Squils one ounce; Boyl them to a Conſumption of the juyces, add Gum Ammoniack diſſolved in Vinegar one ounce, Aſarabacca root one dram, ſeeds of Gith, Coleworts of each half a dram, Saffron one ſcruple, Wax as much as is ſufficient: Make a Liniment.

Cupping Glaſſes ſomtimes applied on the Belly without Scarification, with much flame, do egregiouſly diſcuſs wind, and call forth the matter.

Rnbefiers alſo upon that accompt are ſomtimes applied, amongſt which the Plaiſter of Muſtard ſeed is very much commended, there are alſo who do apply Veſicatories. Pication made on the Belly being firſt anointed with Oyl, is very much approved off in ſome.

But that matter may not be continually heaped up a new, we muſt take care by a good Courſe of Dyet of good juyce, temperate, and no waies windy. Upon which account thoſe things which diſcuſs wind, as Annis ſeed, Fennel ſeed, Carawaies, Pepper, Ginger are added to the Meats, yet in that quantity that they do not to much inflame which we muſt chiefly have a care on for which cauſe alſo if they can intermit the uſe of Wine, Rhazis ſaith they need no other Medicine, he underſtanding ſtrong wine, becauſe that which is thin and gentle can no waies hurt eſpecially thoſe that are accuſtomed to it.

Laſt of all the Vapors and Wine may be diſcuſt by giving a Pouder every other day after Meat or before, the weight of one ſpoonful, which may be prepared thus, Take of the ſeeds of Annis half an ounce, Fennel two drams, Carawaies one dram, the Cordial flowers, of each half a dram: Make a Pouder, add of the Tables of Sugar Roſate two ounces.

We muſt divert the aſcent of Vapors with Frictions, Ligatures, and Lotions of the extream Parts rightly applied to their due time.

We muſt alſo have a care of the principal parts; the Head, Heart, Stomach, Spleen, Liver, which are at laſt hurt by the long continuance and Malice of the Diſeaſe; by watring, Anointing the Head which is chiefly affected, as ſhall be ſaid in the true Melancholly; by ſtrengthing alſo the Heart with Epithems, Bags, which is hurt and palpitates by reaſon of theſe Vapors: by comforting the Stomach which belches being troubled with wind, with external and internal Confections that further Concoction, yet not too hot: and by taking care that the Liver and Spleen be not hardend, by external and internal means, as ſhall be propounded in their faults of this Nature.

A Melancholly blood in the Vena Cava, The Cure of Melancholly and Madneſs, from a Melancholly a Humor troubling the Spirits. ſuch as we have deſcribed to be Malignant, abounding either in the Head or about the greater Veins of the trunk of the Body, or about the Womb in the Blood there, which is the matter of the menſtruous Blood and Seed, producing a Melancholy or Madneſs, if it be worſe, becauſe it can hardly all be drawn forth as long as there yet remaines ſome portion of that blood, ſo long that pertinatious and long continued evil laſts; with which oftentimes they are miſerably afflicted, not only for ſome months but years alſo ſomtimes to the end of their life; and if they be Mad, they are kept incloſed in Priſons, nevertheleſs performing the other Vital and Natural actions; unleſs theſe be weakend, becauſe when they are troubled in Minde they offend in many things, and becauſe they waiſt themſelves with grief if they have yet any Reaſon left: therefore we ought not raſhly to promiſe any hopes of recovery, although we have known many Cured as ſhall be ſaid eſpecially by large Bleeding, and ſome Mad and Raging from their youth until extream old age, in which they have ſo come to themſelves, that afterwards going about free from their Priſon and Bands, they would no more hurt any Body, or provoke them with words; and then alſo there is better hopes, if they yet act all things moderately, and do things rather laughing then with a ſterne look, and are ſomtimes obedient to thoſe that admoniſh them, and do admit of Medicines.

The Method and Indication for Cure will be ſuch; that we Evacuate that matter out of the Veins and divert it from the more Noble Parts that are hurt by it, from the Brain chiefly and the Heart; for as experience hath taught that other Diſeaſes alſo generated from a certain Malignant matter are ſomtimes cured by many Evacuations (as is apparent in the French Pox) ſo we have ſeen oftentimes both in Melancholly and Madneſs proceeding from this Malignant matter that Empericks by many and frequent Evacuations have cured many left off by other Phyſitians, who were afraid to uſe them, and we our ſelves have often tried it with happy ſucceſs, which may be done by divers forms and manners as by drawing blood from the body, or deriving it to other places by Purgations made by ſtool and by vomiting; then we will correct with things altering or changing that diſtemper or Melancholick conſtitution in the Blood almoſt of the whol Body, and in the ptincipal body, and in the principal bowls eſpecially the Brain and Heart, by giving of Medicines and applying outward helps to the Head, Heart, Liver, Spleen, and certain other parts of the Body; alſo with actual operation by gelding, and hanging on Amulets, in the interim providing for the ſtrength alſo by a fit courſe of living which alſo may correct theſe faults. Laſt of all we muſt have reſpect unto ſome other Symptoms which ſomtimes are ſupervenient to them, all which how they muſt be prepared and adminiſtred we ſhall explain in order.

Letting of blood therefore in ſome great and apparent Cutaneous Vein when as it may not only Evacuate the Blood but together with that the matter of this Diſeaſe lurking in the Veins, it will be the prime and principal remedy for the Cure of theſe affects, if they proceed from this cauſe; which though very many I know have not taught it, and ſome alſo have diſallowed it, yet I have known by long obſervation that innumerable have been cured by this means, by certain Chyrurgeons or others who did profeſſedly labor in curing theſe Diſeaſes, who by opening of a Vein twenty nay fixty times have ſo reſtored the perfectly Mad or Melancholick, that afterwards they have yet lived in health a long life; who were not Scrupulous in chooſing ſome certain Vein but ſomtimes opend a Vein of the Arm, by and by this or that in the Foot, anon in another place without any difference, which kind of remedy therefore we alſo ought to uſe and no waies neglect, but with greater care and providence then they who undertake to cure only thoſe who are as it were given over, Methodically premiſing alwaies waſhings of the Belly, and Purgations intermixt, as ſhall be ſaid.

Therfore ſome Vein of the Arm which is moſt apparent muſt be firſt opened and reiterated; next muſt be opened a Vein in the Hand eſpecially the Salvatella of the left Hand, privatly for the Spleens ſake, with which it is thought to have conſent; and alſo in the Feet the Vein of the Ankle called the Saphaena and the ſooner if the Courſes flow not right; or that which runs to the great Toe which Empericks do open chiefly in this caſe, becauſe it is thought to communicate with the Head. Alſo the Vein of the Forehead, if the Evil do continue, and the Cauſe be diſcovered to lie chiefly about the Head, muſt be opened, and Blood muſt be provoked from the Noſtrils, by thruſting of Briſtles, applying of Leeches, and putting up other rough things, alſo knotted Veins appear in the Thighs or elſe where ſeeing they contain a great quantity of this like Melancholick matter thruſt thither by nature and there heaped up, they muſt be opened and the filth muſt be let out this way, which cannot but profit very much; a Provocation of the Courſes if they be not decently purged, or be ſtopt, wil help much, ſeeing they may be the cauſe of this evil as hath been ſaid; alſo the opening of the Hemorrhoids, although they be branches of the Vena porta in thoſe that are accuſtomed to them wil help very much: Hither alſo may be refer'd Scarifications, made eſpecially in thoſe places where otherwiſe we ought to open a Vein, as in the Arms and Feet, or ſomtimes where we are not wont to open a Vein as in the Shoulders, which certainly do not only evacuate the blood, but if Cupping-Glaſſes be applied, they do alſo egregiouſly revell the matter from the Head, and as I have obſerved do oftentimes profit much.

Upon which account alſo are applied, Frictions, Dropaxes, Veſicatories, Cauteries and Cuttings made in the Head, and Trepanning in thoſe that are deſperate, part of the bone being taken away, and the hole left open for a month.

It is conveninent to Clenſe the Guts often from their excrements with Suppoſitories and more rightly with Clyſters, which although they do not ſo much empty the Melancholly matter lurking in the more diſtant veins, as they do in the Hypochondriacal, in which it is neer to the Guts, yet before Bleeding and other Purgations, that they may ſucceed the better, 'tis ſafer firſt of all to bring forth the thicker excrements by Clyſters, to which ſometimes we muſt mix thoſe things which are good to evacuate Melancholly, which being continued will effect ſomething alſo in a cauſe more difficult.

A more ſimple one therefore which is moſt excellent Egregiouſly ſtimulating may be made thus, Take of juyces of Mercury or Beets two ounces, Mallows one ounce, common Honey two ounces, let them be diſſolved with the fat and ſalt broth of fleſh, and let it be given.

A more Compound one may be made thus which he may uſe by courſe, which is Emollient purging and ſtimulating, Take of the herbs Mallows, Orach, Bleets, Beets or Mercury, both Bugloſſes, Fumitory, of each one handful; flowers of Chamomel, Melilot, Elder, of each one pugil; Figs twelve, Bran one pugil, Flax ſeed half an ounce, Mallows, Fennel, of each two drams; make a Decoction, diſſolve Honey of Violets or Roſes two ounces, juyce of Mercury or Beets one ounce, Benedicta Laxativa two drams, Oyl of Chamomel, Butter, of each one ounce and an half; a little Salt, make a Clyſter.

In Mad Folks eſpecially, it ſhal be prepared of ſtronger Purgers, thus, Take of the roots of Marſh-mallows one ounce, the herbs Mallows, both Bugloſſes, Mercury, Hops, Fumitory, Time, of each one handful; flowers of Chamomel, Elder, both Bugloſs, Violets, of each one pugil; Flax ſeed, Guords, of each half an ounce; ſeeds of Mallows, Fennel, of each two drams; ſeeds of Rue, Chaſt tree, of each one dram; Figs twelve, Tamarinds half an ounce, Bran, Barley, of each one pugil; Oakfern, Senna, wild Saffron, of each ſix drams; white Hellebore half a dram, or black one dram, make a Decoction, diſſolve Honey of Violets, red Sugar, of each one ounce; Hiera of Coloquintida, Diaſena ſolutive, Confection Hamech, of each two drams; juyce of Mercury one ounce and an half, Oyl of Violets, Chamomel, Lillies, of each one ounce; Salt as much as is ſufficient, make a Clyſter.

'Tis convenient to Purge this Matter out of the Veins beginning with the Gentler and going to Stronger, and continuing them for a long time, for they can endure it for the moſt part eaſily, and though they be ſomwhat weakned, nevertheleſs it doth good, ſeeing upon that account they become more calmed and quiet, neither can it hurt them much, ſeeing they may alſo be continually refreſhed: therefore the humor being firſt prepared, Evacuation ought preſently to follow, being adminiſtred once, twice, or thrice together, and this muſt weekly be repeated once or twice, intermixing letting of blood, as hath been ſaid; and once in a month alſo as Avicen teacheth, we muſt give a very ſtrong Purger, for the chief nature of the Cure conſiſts in thoſe great Evacuations of the blood and Excrements, whence ſucceſſively the matter of the diſeaſe is taken away as hath been ſaid.

The Humor is prepared before Purging, by obſerving whether they be very Cholerick that are affected with this evil, for then we muſt uſe things more Cold and Acrid, after this mauner. Take of Syrup of Violets, Borrage, of each two ounces, of Vinegar ſimple one ounce, the waters of both Bugloſſes, Lettice, Water-lillies, of each as much as is ſufficient, make a Julep for four or five times aromatizing it with the pouder of the three Sanders, or giving a Lozenge of it after every doſe.

Or make one thus of Juyces, Take of the juyces of both Bugloſſes, of ſweet ſmelling apples of each two ounces and an half, the waters of both Bugloſs, Fumitory, of each three ounces; Sugar two ounces, boyl them, and clarifie them, and aromatize it with Cinnamon, for ſome doſes.

By a Decoction or Infuſion let it be prepared thus, Take of the Roots of both Bugloſſes, Liquoriſh of each one ounce; the bark of Tamariisk half an ounce, Fumitory one handful, Miltwaſt half a handful, the Cordial flowers, of each one pugil; Water-lilly flowers half a pugil, Time one pugil, boyl them in common water and a Cup of Wine, add of Sugar and the juyce of Apples each two ounces, aromatize it for ſome doſes.

Or let them be infuſed in thin Wine adding for the ſcents ſake a little Wormwood, and let him drink it.

Then let the Humor be purged as hath been ſaid by giving of divers forms dedicated to the Melanchollick humor, which if the Patients wil not obey, may be prepared thus, that under the form of Wine or of ſome other Medicine that is moſt familiar to them, we may be able to deceive them, many of which have been ſpoken of the in Melanagoge purging Remedies, here we wil propound certain choyce ones.

At the beginning therefore, the Humor being prepared let this preſently be given, Take of Catholicon one ounce, Confection Hamech two drams, Syrup of Roſes ſolutive one ounce, diſſolve them in Whey or Bugloſs water, and give it.

Or, Take of Senna Oak-fern, of each half an ounce; Dodder of Time two drams, infuſe them in Goats Whey add of freſh Mercury one ounce, Aniſe ſeed two drams, Syrup of Fumitory compound, or of ſweet ſmelling Apples half an ounce, make a Potion.

Or, Take of the Pills of the five kinds of the Indian Myrobolans, of Lazulus Stones, each one ſcruple; with white Wine make Pils.

That the body may be purged ſucceſſively and at many times, the following things are convenient.

Firſt a Compound Apozem which may be made thus, Take of the roots of Polipody three ounces, the Leaves of Senna two ounces, wild Saffron ſeed one ounce, Dodder of Time half an ounce, Turbith three drams, Mirobalans, Indian, Citrine, Chebuline, rubbed with Oyl of ſweet Almonds of each one dram; black Hellebore one dram, White half a dram,) if you would purge Gentler we omit Hellebore if ſironger, we increaſe it) the roots of Graſs, Cinquefoyl, Liquoriſh, of each one ounce, Elecampane half an ounce, the barks of Aſh, Tamarisk, Danewort, of each half an ounce; the herbs Mercury, Fumitory, Hops, Harts-tongue, both Bugloſs with their roots, Miltwaſt, Maidenhair, Time, Balm, of each one handful; the cordial flowers, of Tamarisk, Scabious, Broom, of each one pugil, ſeeds of Aniſe, Melons, of each half an ounce; Guord ſeeds ſix drams, Purſlane ſeed two drams, ſeed of Baſil, Chaſt tree, of each one dram; Tamarinds, Raiſons, of each one ounce and an half; Prunes twelve, Jujubes, Sebeſtens, of each ten; make a Decoction according to art, in two pound of that ſtrained, infuſe of choice Rhubarb half an ounce, Cinnamon two drams, Spike one ſcruple, ſtrain it, add the juyce of ſweet Apples one pound, boyl them again a little, let him uſe this Syrup for four or five daies early in the morning.

A Syrup alſo may be made of the ſame Decoction to be kept for uſe, with all things doubled, if a juſt quantity of Sugar be added to the Decoction or inſtead of it the Decoction of Apples, and it be boyled to a thickneſs: of which when you have a mind to purge you may give two or three ſpoonfuls according as it works.

Another Gentler may be prepared thus of the Juyces, Take of the roots of Polipody two ounces, Senna clenſed four ounces, Dodder of Time half an ounce, flowers of Borrage, Violets of each one pugil; Aniſe ſeed half an ounce, Cinnamon two drams, bruiſe them a little, pour to them the juyce of Sweet Apples three pound, the juyce of Borrage clarified three ounces, let them ſtand in a hot Infuſion twenty four hours, then let them boyl a little, ſtrain them, boyl them again to half the thickneſs of Wine boyled away, or of a Syrup, let him take two ounces more or leſs by it ſelf or with Wine.

Being Infuſed alſo in Goats Whey, they will do good, or in Broth of an old Cock, and give the Decoction.

A Wine very profitable for this uſe, may be prepared thus, which muſt be given at three or four times, ſeeing it cannot be kept longer, unleſs it be prepared in a Barrel in a greater quantity, all things being doubled or trebled, according as the quantity of Wine or Muſt ſhall be greater or leſs, and thoſe things which are put in be firſt very wel dried. Take of S • nna two ounces, Turbith three drams, Agarick two drams, Mirobalans Indian citrine, chebulane of each one dram; Dodder of Time, Time, of each three drams; the Cordial flowers of each two pugils; the herbs Wormwood, Fumitory, of each three drams; Fennel ſeed three drams, Ginger half a dram, let them be bruiſed and infuſed in four pound of white Wine boyl them a little in a double veſſel let him drink it three or four times.

And becauſe the Remedies ought to be changed, other forms alſo may be thought upon, as of the following Electuary, for tryal of which he may take at the firſt time three ounces, by it ſelf or diſſolved, and according to the ſucceſs, increaſe or diminiſh the doſe. Take of the pulp of Tamarinds and Caſſia extracted with white Wine (for gratefulneſs) each one ounce, choyce Manna, ſix drams, of Catholicon or Meſues Triphera, of Dodder of Time, or the Perfian, or the great, two ounces, the bark of Myrobalans Indian, chebuline, rubbed with Oyl of Sweet Almonds of each one dram, Rhubarb a little Mollefied in wine one dram and an half, Senna firſt waſht in wine, Dodder of Time, of each two drams; Annis ſeed two drams, Cinnamon three drams: Make a moſt fine Pouder, and with Syrup of Roſes ſolutive, Make an Electuary; If you would have it work more powerfully in a leſs quantity, Take two drams, and add Confection Hamech one dram, and give it.

Such a Pouder may be prepared to deceive the ſick, which ſhal be given at once by it ſelf or with Wine, broth Milk, Hydromel: Take of Lazulus ſtone waſht oftentimes in Hydromel two ſcruples, Dodder of Time one ſcruple, Sugar one dram; Pouder them. Or thus: Take of Lazulus ſtone prepared one ſcruple, Digredium half a ſcruple, Turbith one dram, Sugar one dram and an half; give it: Or a uſual Compound one, may be made thus, of which give at firſt Time one d • am and an half, by way of tryal, afterwards proceeding with that quantity which ſhall be found righteſt: Take of Lazulus ſtone often waſht in wine and water two drams, Diagridium half a dram, Turbith one dram and an half, Senna half an ounce, Dodder of Time two drams, Tartar one dram, Annis, Cinnamon, of each two drams; Saffron half a ſcruple, Sugar-candy, the weight of them all, pouder them.

Lozenges may be made of them, or others may be given ſuch as are, the Tablets of the Electuary of Citron &c.

Vomiting cauſed ſomtimes doth very much good, ſeeing it doth egregiouſly ſolicite nature to excretion, eſpecially if it be provoked by giving of thoſe things which do at once empty upwards, whenas they being more robuſt do eaſily endure theſe alſo, as hath been ſaid in Purgers, but amongſt the reſt Hellebore eſpecially is ſo much commended in Madneſs that it is become a Proverb, Thoſe who are Mad have need of Hellebore, but it is given divers waies, as when we would purge more by the lower parts we rather chooſe the Black as hath been ſaid in Purgers, but if we would chiefly cauſe Vomiting we take the white, the Pouder of which or rather the Infuſion in Wine is moſt conveniently given, when they have eaten much and drunk Broth, that they may be hurt the leſs: or the ſlips or fibres of it thruſt through thin ſlices of Radiſh and left all night, and afterwards diligently taken out again and the ſlices ſteeped in Oxymel, and ſo give one of them to drink.

This following Helleboriſm is very much commended by many, if one ſpoonful of it be given with fat Broth, Take of the ſhavings of Hellebore one ounce, infuſe them three daies in Rain-water four ounces, boyl them with a gentle fire to a third, to that ſtrained add of Honey wel Skimmed two ounces, keep it for your uſe.

But if we be minded to empty downwords alſo, give one ſpoon ful of this following, Take of the pouder of Hiera of Coloquintida four ſcruples, Dodder of Time, Senna each two drams, make a pouder, mix it in Honey of Hellebore.

Now they often give for this uſe, the Pouder of Stibium burnt til it looks cleer or only lightly calcined, as I have tried it, in a few grains, or the Infuſion of it in Wine, from whence they are wont plentifully to Vomit, and ſend downwards Cholerick, Yellowiſh or Green matter, the which alſo Mathiolus commends and I have often tried it in ſtrong bodies without any hurt.

The Medicines which they ought to take for alteration ſake, are prepared of thoſe things which by a temperate Moiſture do correct the force of this filthy and acrid humor, and by a propriety its Malignity; and amend the diſtemper of the brain which is chiefly affected, and the heart whoſe complexion in theſe caſes Avicen thinks is chieſly corrupted, having reſpect alſo unto the Spleen where they think the ſeat of Melancholly, and the Liver which they Suppoſe alſo to be affected by reaſon of that, of which theſe Medicines are made up, which if we conſider the accuſtomary Compoſitions, they are almoſt wholly Cordial, the which ſeeing they do not only refreſh, but alſo do reſiſt the malignant and venenate matter, of which ſort this is, we alſo do allow them, but ſhunning things too hot and dry, and do preſcribe them as followeth.

For an Infuſion in Wine or Decoction the which either we uſe ſimple, adding Sugar Spices, or to make a Syrup theſe things may be taken, to be uſed by courſe, Take of the flowers of both Bugloſſes (which are appropriated to the heart and Spleen) as much as is ſufficient, let them ſteep in ordinary Wine, or let them be boyled in Broths.

For the ſame reaſon alſo other things may be infuſed 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 in Wine as the Leaves of Harts-Tongue, which the common people is wont to do in this caſe.

A more Compound infuſion or Decoction may be made thus: Take of the flowers of Roſes, Violets, both Bugloſſes, Scabious, Tamarisk, of each one pugil; the Leaves of Betony, Balm, Harts-tongue or Milt-waiſt, of each one handful; the Root of Elecampane two drams, the ſeed of Baſil one dram: Bruiſe them for your uſe.

A Syrup may be made of this Decoction as hath been ſaid; or the following be prepared of Juyces: Take of the Juyces of ſweet Apples one pound, of Borrage three ounces, of Mallows (which is thought very profitable) two, clarifie them and adding, Sugar half a pound: Boyl them to a conſiſtence.

We uſe alſo Juleps rather, then thoſe Compound Cordial waters which ſome preſcribe, becauſe they too much inflame the Body: Take of Roſe water three ounces, Bugloſs two ounces, Balm one ounce, Cinnamon half an ounce, Orange flower water (which they cal water of naffe) two drams, whitt wine one ounce, the whiteſt Sugar as much as is ſufficient, Make a Julep.

Electuaries to be taken by courſe every other day, drinking after a little of the ſaid Julep, or its water with a little wine are made thus, of fewer or more things. Take of the conſerves of Roſes, Violets, the flowers of both Bugloſſes, Water Lillies, the Roots of Bugloſs and Citron Pill candied, of each half an ounce, the Root of Elecampane one dram, ſeed of Baſil one dram, Pouder of Diamargaritum Frigidum one dram, with Syrup of ſweet Apples: Mix them.

Another made of many rare and pretious things, is thus prepared: Take of the Conſerves of the four Cordial flowers, of each one ounce, Conſerve of water Lillies, Scabious, Clove-gilli-flowers, Tamarisk, Succory, Lange-debeef, Eringoes, Satyrion, Roſe-mary, Betony flowers, of each half an ounce; the Roots of Bugloſs, Lettice, Coleworts, Guords, and fleſh of Citrons, Citron pill condited of each one ounce, Emblick Myrobalanes two, the ſeeds of Guord and Melons clenſed, of each half an ounce, Citron ſeed clenſed one dram, ſeed of Baſil one dram and an half, ſeed of Lettice one dram, kermes Berries two drams, ſweet Sanders half a dram, Cinnamon one dram, ſhaving of Harts-horn, Ivory, of each one dram; Vnicorns horn (for Rich men) one ſcruple, Red Coral one dram, the Pouder of Diamargaritum frigidum or the Electuary of Gems half a dram, Roſata Novella, Diaſmoſchum, Diarrhodon, Aromaticum Roſatum, Trionſantalon, of each one ſcruple, Trochisks of Camphire two ſcruples, Confection of Alkermes and Hyacinth of each one dram, Rhaſes Laetificans two drams, with Syrup of ſweet Apples boyled thick, that the Confection which ought to be kept a long time be not corrupted, Make an Electuary.

Theophraſtus commends Southern-wood taken with Honey and Vinegar.

We may alſo uſe Pouders, and adding Sugar one ounce and an half, to one dram of them, Make Comfits, or diſſolve the Sugar in the Waters and Julep expreſt, to make Lozenges.

The firſt ſhall be ſuch; Take of the Roots of Swallowwort one dram, Citron pill, ſeeds of Baſil, of each half a dram; Pearl half a ſcruple: Make a Pouder for uſe as hath been ſaid,

Or thus, Take of the Cordial flowers, the Leaves of Balm, Marjoram, of each one ſcruple, Citron pill, Baſil ſeed, of each half a dram; ſweet Saunders one ſcruple, ſhaving of Ivory one ſcruple, Coral half a dram, Pearl half a ſcruple, Cinnamon half a dram: Make a Pouder.

Or out of the uſuall Pouders, as Diamargariton, or the Electuary of Gems and other things in the ſaid Electuaries both Pouders and Lozenges may be made.

Lozenges made after this manner are very Cordial and appropriate to the Head: Take of Confection Alkermes or of Hyacinth one dram, Pouder of Diamdrgaritum Frigidum, Electuary of Gems, of each half a dram, Diamoſchum, Aromaticum Roſatum, of each half a dram; ſeed of Baſil one ſcruple, Sugar diſſolved in the Juyce of ſweet Apples as much as is ſufficient; Make Lozenges.

Remedies are outwardly applied to the Head in which the Brain reſiding is alwaies affected in theſe Diſeaſes, either by it ſelf or by conſent, and where ſomtimes the cauſe of the evil lies hid.

And firſt of all at the beginning uſe only Repellers if it be Hypochondriacal Melancholy from a Vapor lifted up, or a great fury in Madneſs: then in the beginning we uſe an Oxyrrhodine to which notwithſtanding we add Oyl of Violets and Chamomel that it dry not too much.

Or we anoynt the Head with Oyl of Roſes, Myrtles, Quinces, Violets and Chamomel. But afterwards we muſt uſe things very moiſtning which may alſo diſolve a little, and ſtrengthen the Head, and alſo cauſe ſleep, becauſe they are much troubled with watching. Let Irrigations or Embrocations be made which are more accuſtomary to our people, or waſhing and wetting of the Head, and that once a day, or twice, Morning and Evening for many daies, according as we conjecture there is more or leſs need by their watchings and reſtleſneſs; the which alſo if we uſe with a Bath before and after the uſe of it, as ſhall be ſaid we muſt irrigate the Head with the ſame Bath.

But here we do no waies uſe Lyes, becauſe they dry too much, but the following Decoctions; Take of the Roots of Marſh-mallows one ounce, the Herbs of Violets, Lettice and Mallows, of each one handful; Flowers of Violets, water Lillies, Burrage, Chamomel, Melilot, Barley, of each one pugil; Flax ſeed one ounce, (Faenygreek by reaſon of its ſtrong ſmel we omit) Poppy half an ounce: Make a Decoction in the Broth of a Calves Head and Gethers, add a little Wine for an Irrigation.

Another when we would alſo procure ſleep, which for the moſt part is neceſſary; Take of the Leaves of Willow, Lettice, Violets, tender Ruſhes, flowers of Violets, water Lillies, Chamomel, Feaverfew, Time, (eſpecially towards the end) of each one pugil, Guord ſeeds bruiſed one ounce, Coriandar two drams, ſeeds of Lettice, Marſhmallows, Dill, of each one dram, of the bark or Heads of Poppy or Roots of Mandracke one ounce, the Leaves of Henbane one handful: Make a Decoction in the Broth of the Head and Feet of a Weather, or a Calf, or of Chickens, or Swallows, or of a Rams Lungs, adding a little Wine,

Or thus, Take of the Emulſion of the ſeeds of white Poppy and Guord ſeeds made in Violet water three ounces, Milk two ounces, the Mucilage of the Seeds of Fleawort one ounce, ſtir them together and apply them.

A ptofitable waſhing or Embrocation may be thus prepared out of Vnctuous things: Take of Oyl of Violets, Lettice, of each two ounces; Chamomel one ounce, the whites of Egs well benten two, Womens Milk or other Milk four ounces or more; Mix them deligently.

An Unctuous anointing or application to the Head may be made about the Temples, Forehead, and if it be ſhaved, alſo on the Hairy part, for the ſame intention, afterirrigation when it is dry again, or elſe without it, oftentimes by it ſelf, after this manner: Take of Oyl of Violets, Water Lillies, ſweet Almonds, of each one ounce; Chamomel half an ounce, freſh Hogs greaſe one ounce, the Mucilage of Flax ſeed one ounce, white Wax as much as is ſufficient: Make a Liniment.

A more ſimple one but nevertheleſs effectual, may be made thus: Take of the Mucilage of the ſeed of Flax, Fenugreek, Mallows, Butter, of each two ounces: Hogs-greaſe four ounces, the Marrow of an Ox or Hog one ounce; apply it.

But a Compound one and more effectual, will be this: Take of Oyl of Violets, Guord ſeeds, of each two onuces; of Poppy ſeed half an ounce, the Mucilage of the ſeeds of Fleawort one ounce, of the ſeeds of Lettice, Henbane, of each one dram; Coriander, Myrtles, of each half a dram, Saffron one ſcruple: Mix them:

Or if they be very much troubled with Watchings: Take of the ſeeds of Henbane, white Poppy, of each two drams; Mandrake Root one dram, Opium half a ſcruple, Saffron ſix grains: Mix them with Oyl of Violets one ounce Chamomel half an ounce: Apply them to the Region of the Head.

About the declination hotter things muſt be added, in Irringations and Oyntments, made of Time, flowers of Roſemary, French Lavender, Lavender.

And to ſtrengthen the Head, we muſt ſtrow the following Pouders on the Hair at night, and in the morning by gentle combeing clenſe them again: Take of the ſeeds of Coriander half an ounce, Myrtles two drams, of Lettice, white Poppy, of each one dram; Alkermes berries two drams, flowers of Violets. Roſes, each one dram and an half; flowers of Roſemary, Chamomel, of each one dram; Citron pill one dram, Mace, Cloves, of each one ſcruple: Make a Pouder.

It will be very convenient in a high Fury and Madneſs, if we apply to the Crown of the Head, the Lights of a Ram newly taken out, whiles they are yet hot, or if they be cold, heat them again, or apply a Lamb ſo cut open through the back and Emboweld, or we may lay on the Head a young Pegion cut in the middle and ſprinkled with the Pouder of Henbane, and other things which ſhall by and by be ſpoken of in a Phrenſie we may uſe for the like reaſon.

The heart alſo which we have taught is affected and troubled in theſe affects, as it hath been demonſtrated that it ought to be ſtrengthned by things taken, ſo it muſt be furniſhed with External things endued with the ſame vertues, that it may be able to reſiſt this venemous humor.

Epithems received as they ought to be in fine linnen muſt be applied to the Region of the Heart, whiles they are yet faſting, or to the Pulſes. ſuch as theſe are: Take of Roſe water three ounces, of Violets, water Lillies, Bugloſs, of each two ounces; Balm one ounce, the juyce of ſweet Apples, Odoriferous wine, of each one ounce; Vinegar of Roſes of each half an ounce, Seeds of Baſil two drams, of Sorrel one dram, Wood of Aloes and Musk, Sanders, of each half a dram, Trochisks of Camphyre, Pouder Diamargaritum Frigidum, of each half a dram: Make an Epithem, Saffron ſhould be added; if its yellowneſs, with which it ſtains things did not hinder, and Ambergreaſe, alſo if it were not too dear.

Two Cordial bags may be prepared of a ſquare figure, guilted as they ought to be, one of which ought to be ſprinkled with Wine and Roſe water, and if it be too moiſt, to be ſqueeſed and ſo applied dayly, and when tis removed, the other dry one muſt be laid on and worn continually.

Which may be made thus: Take of the four Cordial flowers, water Lillies of each one dram; Roſemary flowers one dran, the Leaves of Balm, Marjoram, Coaſtmary of each one dram and an half; ſeeds of Baſil, Citrons, of each two drams, Sorrel, Lettice, Purſlane, of each one dram; Alkermes berries one dram, Musk Sanders one dram, Wood of Aloes half a dram, Cloves one dram, white and red Ben, of each half a dram; Pouder them for your uſe, alſo the uſual Cordial Pouders, Diamargdritum, de Gemmis, and others may be added.

The Liver and Spleen muſt not be neglected, as being principal parts alſo if they ſuffer a preternatural heat, or any hurt from this filthy humor, but they muſt be refreſht alſo with Epithems and Oyntments.

Alſo remedies applied to certain other parts of the Body may correct its perverſe diſtemper, and refreſh it, as if the chief part of it be plunged in a Bath the Feet be waſht, the Back bone and Breaſt be anointed.

A Bath of River water will do good in young and ſtrong bodies being ſomtimes repeated, by ſwimming in it for a while when it is fitting by reaſon of ſummer or by ſetting in it at home being made warm; or if by the addition, of moiſtning things, it be made Artificial, let the patient ſet in it warm a little while before meat, and afterwards let him reſt in his bed, and without uſing any force, let him ſweat of his own accord.

As this is, Take of the Herbs Mallows, both Bugloſſes, Sallow, the Vine, Lettice, water Lillies, Violets of each one handful: flowers of Chamomel, Melilot, of each one pugil, Marſh-mallow roots two ounces, Flax ſeed one ounce: Let them be boyled in River or Roſe Water, to which may be added ſome fat or glutinous Decoction, made with the parts of living Creatures, or Milk for Rich Folks.

With the ſame Bath the Head may be irrigated, and the Feet waſhed.

The length of the Back bone under which lie the Trunks of the Vena Cava and the great Artery, in which the principal cauſe of the Diſeaſe is, after bathing is anointed,

After this manner: Take Oyl of ſweet Almonds two ounces, Violets one ounce, Hens greaſe one ounce and an half, white Wax a little; Mix them.

The Breaſt being anointed with the ſame, it will benefit thoſe parts.

Gelding was wont to be uſed by the Antients in certain deſperate Diſeaſes as was ſaid in an Epilepſie, becauſe it changes the temperament of a man, quels his virility and vehemency, and renders the Body more lax and moiſt, in mad Men eſpecially that have been long impriſoned and are diſperate, being otherwiſe unſerviceable, it is good to ſee what benefit can be reaped by it, the which all circumſtances being diligently examined tis lawful to make tryal of, if other things help not.

Amulets muſt not be neglected, amongſt which they write thus of one; that Stone found in the Mawe of a Swallow which is red, tied to the right Arm, is good againſt the Phantaſtical Illuſions of Melancholy, cures the Lunatick and Mad, and makes them lovely and pleaſant.

The Courſe of Living or Diet, muſt be ſo ordered, that both laudable hnmors may be generated, and the Malignant diſtemper of others and evil conſtitution of the Body may be amended and contemperated, and the ſtrength refreſhed, which may be done thus.

An aire and place temperate and pure are convenient; and alſo the changing of theſe do very much good, eſpecially if certain places be ſuſpected, or be contrary to them, or do afford ſome occaſion of ſadneſs by which alone Diſeaſes otherwiſe of long continuance and very grievous, are oftentimes cured.

Nouriſhing Meat that is by its Nature of a temperate moiſture is good, which ought to be of a good juyce eaſie of diſgeſtion and ſomwhat moiſt, ſuch as is the fleſh both of Animals and Fiſhes, not that which is old, and hard, and kept a long time, or ſmoak-dryed, or too ſalt, or very much ſeaſoned with Spices or other hot things, but that which is young, freſh, and ſimply boyled or roaſt, amongſt which the fleſh of a young Hauk and Night-Owl being eaten, it is thought to be of force by a propriety, as on the contrary the fleſh of Goats, wild Beaſts, Hares, are thought to be hurtful for the cauſes foremention'd; Milk, good Cheeſ, not too much ſalted, nor rotten, Butter, common Oyl, and Oyl of Almonds may be granted to thoſe that are accuſtomed to them.

Eggs alſo are convenient unleſs they do corrupt, as it moſt eaſily comes to paſs in cholerick Stomachs, Bread made of pure flower, not tainted with the faults of grain, whence by reaſon of Darnel many have been brought to a Stupidity or Madneſs, Levend a little, ſalted and rightly baked, is good: and of Grains and Pulſe, Barley and all kinds of Pears, ſo boyled and prepared that they may eaſily be diſgeſted, and do not puff up, but Lentils and Beans are diſallowed becauſe they are thought to beget a Melancholy juyce. Of Fruits Apples eſpecially are convenient as Appropriate all manner of waies, and other fleeting Fruits, and thoſe which are kept hanged up or dryed, as Prunes, Raiſons, Cherries and the like, and of harder things Freſh Nuts, and Almonds; of Plants thoſe that are temperate are allowed, as Spinage, Lettice, Endive, Beets, both Bugleſſes are extold in the firſt place as appropriate, onely Coleworts is condemned, becauſe it is beleeved to produce Melancholy; the which notwithſtanding I judgeing by its taſt, do think if it be rightly prepared that it doth rather cauſe good Blood then other Plants, ſeeing it is tender and ſweet.

There muſt be ſpecial care had of the Drink, and we muſt allow ſomwhat to cuſtom, in thoſe that drink Water or Wine, ſeeing Weak-wine can no waies hurt, nor Strong if it be diluted and moderately taken, but ſeeing it makes merry it doth rather profit them, but if that we ſee that they become more ſad or more fierce by the uſe of it, we muſt temper it yet more, or wholly withdraw it; the ſame judgment muſt be of drink: and alſo the drinking of Whey is very much commended in theſe diſeaſes, becauſe it is laxative, as alſo Almond milk, which can no waies ſo much aſſail the Head as ſome have thought.

Sleep is very much commended, not ſo much becauſe it moiſtens, as they would have it, but becauſe it refreſheth the body and mind, and therefore if it do not invite them, it muſt be procured by giving Soporiferous things or application of Externals as ſhall be explained.

The Inordinate motions eſpacially of Mad Folks muſt be quelled with the ſame Soporiferous things, and they muſt be reſtrained with Chidings, Blows, Bonds, Guards, Priſons, for this alſo as experience teacheth, makes for the Cure of Mad Folks, whom Empericks beat with Rods and Scourges.

We muſt procure that natural Excretions be done decently, and if Nuns or Virgins do rage with a turgid matter by reaſon of the retention of their Seed, if they marry they are cured.

Affections of the mind in the firſt place muſt be removed from them by Arguments eſpecially when they proceed from no manifeſt cauſe, as hath been ſaid in the preturbation of Mind; and if they pretend falſe cauſes, as one the Greatneſs of his Noſe, or another Plenty of of Setpents in his body, that by ſatisfying of them this Opinion conceaved may be taken away, they muſt ingeniouſly be deceived and made believe that theſe are cut off or purged away, by ſhewing ſome ſuch like thing privately conveighed, or by ſome other art: they muſt be recreated alſo with pleaſant things which muſt be offered to their Senſes, and with thoſe things which we ſee them chiefly delighted with, with which notwithſtanding for the moſt part they are not moved; or if they be altogether made they no waies underſtanding nor apprehending them, do neglect and ſleight them and are the rather more offended by them.

The other Symptoms which betide the Melanchollick and Mad if they be too urgent they muſt be corrected as ſhall be explained in their particular chapters, amongſt which Watchings alſo are corrected with thoſe things which we have ſaid muſt be applied to the Head and by Lotions of the Feet, and if they be very troubleſome by giving things that cauſe reſt expreſt in Watchings, and every where in this Book, a Pain of the Stomach, Belly, Womb, a diſtention of the Hypochondries are corrected by Unctions, Fomentations of the Belly, and other things as ſhal be taught in their places, and if any thing be given by the mouth upon that account, muſt alwaies mix with them, thoſe things which do reſiſt melancholly.

As if in plenty of Winds and bad digeſtion ſuch a pouder be preſcribed to be uſed after meat. Take of the pouder Diacydonides ſine ſpeciebus two drams, Aniſe ſeeds three drams, Coriander prepared two drams, Cinnamon three drams, Squinanth half a dram, Indian Leaf, Marjoram of each one ſcruple; flowers of Roſes, Bugloſs each half a dram; Pearl one dram, make a pouder, add Sugar the weight of them all.

A Hot Diſtemper of the Brain if it cauſe a Raving and it be a true Phrenſie which ariſeth from an Inflammation and its membranes, The Cure of a Phrenſie and baſtard Phrenſie from a hot diſtemper & Inflammation of the brain. and preſently invades with a Feaver it is a moſt dangerous and moſt acute Diſeaſe, which ſomtimes is terminated on the third day; but if they be leſs fierce, and Rave with Laughter, theſe things afford us great hopes of recovery; but if it be a baſtard Phrenſie and the brain be not yet inflamed, but is only heated by a humor or vapor, as it commonly comes to paſs, and it follow a hot Diſeaſe, chiefly a Feaver, we muſt foretel according to the condition of the Diſeaſe; for if this be in the fits of Intermitting Feavers either in the beginning or ſtate, as this is wont to be common with Children the Fever remits again together with the Fit; but if this happen in continual Feavers about the ſtate, it can in no wiſe be free from danger, the brain conſenting then with the heart that is oppreſt, where yet if nature overcome the Diſeaſe, the Feaver declining, the Raving alſo ceaſeth; alſo in Peſtilential Feavers according to the nature of the Diſeaſe which is Curable or Killing, the Raving becomes Deadly or no waies ſuch yet it denotes no good if it ſupervene, and then if the pulſe alſo remit, and ſpots break forth, Death is at hand; in the Worms of Children alſo it is judged according to the nature of the Feaver and oftentimes foretels Convulſions to come upon it, otherwiſe without any hurt 'tis taken away with the Feaver.

The intention of Curing in a true Phrenſie is this, that firſt of all with things evacuating we revell and derive from the Head, the bloody humor heating or inflaming the Brain, and that chiefly by taking away of Blood and alſo by Medicines that looſen the Belly, next that by things altering uſed inwardly and outwardly, and by a courſe of diet we correct the heat chiefly in the Head, alſo in the Liver, Heart, which alſo as the whol body have grown hot by reaſon of the Feaver and towards the end diſcuſs the remaining matter, in the interim alſo having reſpect unto the Symptoms, if there be any beſides theſe; the which alſo are adminiſtred in a baſtard Phrenſie but guided by the nature of the Diſeaſe accompanying, from whence it proceeds, in which alſo let it be your intention to hinder by this means the aſcent of Vapors, and to revell thoſe already carried up.

Drawing of Blood for Revulſion ſake ought to be ſuddenly done in a true Phrenſie, & that largely or often repeared in a Vein of the Arme moſt apparent, eſpecialry the Shoulder Vein. But the Vein muſt not be openled with too large an orifice as the French are wont to cut with their Lancets; leſt whiles they are nnruly the flux of Blood cannot wel be ſtopt. In a baſtard Phrenſie likewiſe if we ſee a great afflux of humors carried to the Head, by the greatneſs of the Raving and the Veins of the Eyes ſwelling, unleſs by reaſon of the Feaver becauſe it is in its ſtate, or becauſe laſting long, or by its malignity it hath overthrown the ſtrength, we be compeld to forbear it, and nothing elſe hinder. A vein alſo muſt be opened, although it hath been alreaddy open'd in reſpect of the Feaver.

Alſo for Derivation in a Phrenſie alwaies, and ſomtimes in a baſtard Phrenſie, if the Raving be vehement whence we ſuſpect the vehement heat doth raiſe an afflux of humors, even at that time when we are forbid to open ſome general vein, ſomtimes being forced, we ought to open a particular one, by which there may not be ſo great an effuſion of Blood, although it be in the ſtate, for fear leſt the falſe Phrenſie ſhould be changed into a true one: of which kind chiefly is the Vein under the Tongue, which being opened doth oftentimes very much help in Ravings: upon which account it is convenient alſo to open a Vein in the Forehead, when great neceſſity urgeth, and we are not compeld to dilate it, by girting the Neck with a Swath, by which the blood is too much forced upwards; and to open the Veins of the Noſtrils with Briſtles or other rough things by pricking and rubbing them; or to ſuck out the Blood applying Leeches behind the Ears, to the Forehead, Noſtrils, Fundament.

Scarification alſo doth good with Cupping-Glaſſes applied for Revulſion in both Species of Raving; and when it is not fit to open a Vein in a Baſtard Phrenſie, then alſo inſtead of that it ſhall be applied for revulſion ſake to the Shoulder-blades, Shoulders, Arms; which I am wont to do with good ſucceſs inſtead of Derivation on the ſides of the Neck about the jugular Veins, others alſo approve of it done on the griſly part of the Ears; for which Scarification if they will not endure it, Cupping-Glaſſes only may be uſed.

We ought alſo by Frictions of the extream parts to revel, and by making Ligatures alſo in thoſe places, to reſtrain the too much motion to the upper parts, the which alſo may be performed by Lotions of the Feet which we ſhall by and by preſcribe, for the cauſing of ſleep.

If they admit not of Clyſters they muſt be caſt in by force, and that they may keep them, their Fundament muſt be ſtopt with a Cloth, for they revel much by ſtimulating, and correct the heat of the Body by altering, and evacuating the Cholerick Excrements, upon which account, both by reaſon of the Raving, and the Feavers accompanying it, they are convenient in both Species of a Phrenſie: the which ought to be caſt in before bleeding, and afterwards muſt oftentimes be repeated, many of which have been preſcribed in Feavers.

For example ſake we propoſe theſe only: Take of Caſſia newly drawn ſix drams, Red or courſe Sugar one ounce, Oyl of Violets three ounces, juyce of Beets or Mercury one ounce, Salt one dram, with the Decoction of the four Emollient herbs, Make a Clyſter.

A more Compound one is made thus: Take of the Herb Mallows, Marſh-mallows with the Roorts, Pellitory of the Wall, Beets, Mercury, Lettice, Violets of each one handful. Whol Barley one pugil, Guord ſeeds half an ounce, Prunes ſix: Make a Decoction. In a fit quantity diſſolve Honey of Violets, Red Sugar, of each one ounce. Catholicon, Caſſia, of each half an ounce; juyce of Beets or Mercury, of each one ounce; Oyl of violets three ounces, a little Salt; Make a Clyſter. Laxatives and ſomwhat Stimulating may be given, eſpecially in thoſe that are bound to looſen the Belly, chiefly when they will not admit of Clyſters or do not keep them. But we muſt have a care of purgers that heat the Body, in which thing Empiricks knowing nothing elſe but to purge, are oftentimes grievouſly faulty.

Therefore a day after a Vein hath been open'd ſuch a ſolutive Medicine may be given: Take of the ſimple Syrup of Roſes ſolutive two ounces, water of Violets, Lettice, Bugloſs as much as is ſufficient, to dilute it, and give it.

Or this, Take of the juce of Roſes one ounce and an half, Sugar ſix drams, diſſolved in Roſe water; Boyl it gently, ſtrain it and give it.

Otherwiſe after this manner: Take of Syrup of Roſes ſolutive, Violets, of each one ounce, with Meſues Decoction of Fruits, give it.

If at any time we muſt paſs to ſtronger Medicines, it may be done thus: Take of Rhubarb four ſcruples, infuſe it in Water of Roſes and Violets, ſtrain it, add Syrup of Roſes ſolutive one ounce or more, give it.

Or, Take of Sena (whoſe juyce is not unlike the juyce of Rhubarb) two drams or three, Polypody half an ounce, ſomwhat ſharp Prunes ſix: Boyl them, to the ſtrained Liquor add, Syrup of Roſes ſolutive, Violets, of each half an ounce: Make a Potion.

Things altering are given both by reaſon of the Feaver accompanying, and becauſe of the hot diſtemper of the head, in a form chiefly acceptable to them, eſpecially of drink, becauſe they are very thirſty, for they do not willingly take things Medicinal, with which alſo we ought to prepare the Cholerick Humor, if there be any, before we purge it, you meet with various compoſitions of theſe in Feavers therefore here only a few examples are propoſed.

In their Broths are boyled, Sorrel, Lettice, Bugloſs, and their Waters are mixed with them, as alſo the juyce of Citron and Roſe Vinegar.

Inſtead of Beer, we muſt mix with the boyled water which he drinks, Syrup of Currans, Pomegranates, Lemmons, Wine of Pomegranates or other Acid juyces.

Or you may give by courſe, Juleps in a fit quantity by themſelves, or mixt with Beer after this manner: Take of Syrup or Wine of Pomegranates, of Barberries, of each two ounces, Violets one ounce, of Poppy (by reaſon of watchings) half an ounce, water of Lettice, Sorrel, Roſes, Bugloſs, of each four times the quantity, let him drink it. In place of Syrups, Juyces may be uſed.

A Conſerve made for the ſame uſe to be often taken, As, Take of the Conſerve of the four Cordial flowers of each one ounce; Coleworts, Lettice, fleſh of Citrons condite of each ſix drams; ſeeds of Sorrel, Endive, Purſlane, of each half a dram; Pouderof Diamargaritum frigidum one ſcruple, Syrup of Pomegranates or Curians: Make an Electuary.

Things cold and ſomwhat aſtringent muſt be applied to the Head at the beginning preſently, whiles the Humor flows, or Vapors aſcend, the which do repel them

Oxyrrhodines are fit for this uſe, prepared thus: Take of water of Roſes, Plantane, of each two ounces; Oyl of Roſes two ounces, Vinegar of Roſes one ounce. Mix them.

Or thus, Take of the Oyl of Roſes Omphacine one ounce and an half, Unguentum Populeum, Vinegar, of each half an ounce, the white of an Egg, beat them together and apply them to the Forehead.

But a repelling Decoction may be made thus, Take of the Leaves of Sallow, Lettice, Plantane, of each one handful; Flowers of Roſes two pugils, Violets one pugil, ſeeds of Plantane, Myrtle, of each two drams; boyl them in iron'd water.

Afterwards Coolers and Moiſtners are applied, with which we mix things cauſing reſt

In this form, Take of the juyces of Lettice, Nightſhade, of each two ounces; Plantane one ounce, let cloaths dipt in them be applied.

In Summet time we prepare them of Waters, Take of the waters of Roſes, Nightſhade, Lettice, Water-lillies of each two ounces; Plantane one ounce, let cloaths dipt in them be applied.

A Decoction for Irrigation may be made thus, Take of the Leaves of Violets, Lettice, Nightſhade, Waterlilles, Houſleek, Purſlane of each one handful; flowers of Violets, Water-lillies, Borrage, of each one pugil; ſeeds of Lettice, Poppy of each two drams; of Henbane one dram; make a Decoction for an Irrigation.

Afterwards let the Head be anointed with the following Unguent, Take Oyl of Violets Water-lillies, of each one ounce; of Roſes ſix drams, of Poppy, Mandrake, each half an ounce; Unguentum Populeum one ounce, (we add no Camphire, becauſe it cauſeth watchings) mix them with a little white Wax, for an Oyntment.

Then we may ſtrew Pouders on the place anointed, after this manner, Take of the flowers of Roſes, Violets, Water-lillies, Lettice ſeed, of each two drams; of white and black Poppy of each one dram; red Saunders, Coriander, of each half a dram: mix them.

When the raving begins to abate, we add certain diſcuſſive things to the forementioned forms, ſuch as have been preſcribed in a Melancholly humor, cauſing Melancholly and Madneſs, but ſomwhat more temperate: and then eſpecially we are content with Anointings adding Oyl in which Mother of Time and Chamomel have been boyled: and afterwards Sinapizing the head as they cal it.

As with the following Pouder which alſo ſtrengthens the Brain. Take of Coriander ſeeds two drams, flowers of Roſes, Chamomel, Lavender, Roſemary of each one dram; Orrice root half a dram, of all the Saunders one dram; make a Pouder.

Beſides theſe things, when the raving is at the higheſt, there is a ſingular and approved Remedy, made of the Fleſh and Blood of Animals, being applied to the Crown of the Head whiles they are yet hot, which being roaſted as it were with exceſſive heat of the Head, when they are laid aſide, do ſeem to ſend forth a certain vapor, and I have often obſerved that they alone almoſt have helped: which whether they do it by diſcuſſing as ſome would have it, or by ſtopping the force of the blood, I wil not here any longer diſpute, this I know, as ſhal be ſaid in the Haemorrhages that theſe do wonderfully ſtop the blood flowing out of a wound, but for this uſe the following things are for the moſt part made choice.

Certain whol Animals cut through the back, and preſently unboweld, as a Lamb, a Puppy-dog, a young Pigeon or Chicken, or the bloudy parts of them, as the Lungs of a Ram Gelt, of a Lamb, or the Livers, or alſo other fleſhy parts, hot from the Creature new killed, as alſo other things muſt be applied, or if they be cooled, they muſt be heated again.

For the hearts ſake, ſtrengthening Epithems are ap plied to the region of it, by reaſon of its double diſeaſe, both of a Fever and becauſe of its Weakneſs, which alſo may be bound to the Pulſes in a cloth, ſuch as have been propoſed in Feavers and formerly in Melancholly.

And a more ſimple one may be made thus. Take of Roſe water four ounces, of Violets, Bugloſs, of each two ounces; Vinegar half an ounce, of all the Saunders each one dram; Saffron half a ſcruple, Camphire five grains; mix them.

For the ſame cauſe alſo regard is had to the Liver, and Epithems are applied to that.

The Breaſt alſo is anointed with cold relaxing Oyls as Oyls of Violets.

And the Cods are cooled with things working actually and potentially.

The Thighes and Arms of the whol body are waſhed for coolneſs ſake, and that they may the eaſier ſleep, with the Decoction of the Plants of the Vine, Violets, Lettice, Poppy and the like.

A Courſe of diet is to be ordered, not ſo much to preſerve Strength, as to help ſomwhat by Alteration.

Let the Air incline to cold, but whether they ought to be kept in Darkneſs or Light, that they may rave the leſs, ſome do very much trouble themſelves, ſeeing falſe apparitions do appear to them, as wel in the light as darkneſs, but it is better that they be kept in a place ſomwhat obſcure.

Their meat ought to be cooling and moiſtning, ſuch as is convenient for the Feveriſh, ſeaſon'd with herbs and other cool things, as Lettice, Endive and the like, alſo with the juyce of unripe Grapes, and Vinegar, and other cold juyces, and ſeeing theſe Delirous know not what they do, and oftentimes do not devour their meat only, but alſo other abominable things, we muſt not humor them, but when the Diet ought to be Slender we muſt withdraw it, and they muſt be fed with Barley, Prunes, and other lighter things.

Let their Drink whiles they rage be Water, taken of it ſelf, or firſt prepared with boyling, to which we may mix Syrups, as was ſaid before, for preparation and alteration ſake.

Thoſe things which concern ſleep, motion, and the affects of the mind, ſhall be explained now in the Symptoms.

For the ſymptoms which happens beſides Raving are others alſo ſupervenient to them, both by reaſon of the diſeaſe of the head and of the Fever accompanying, to which we ought to have reſpect.

Watchings by reaſon of the exceſſive heat of the brain, are common and hurtful to them, which in general are corrected with the ſame Remedies that reſiſt the diſeaſe, as hath been ſaid, ſeeing they cool and moiſten, eſpecially the external ones, to which upon that account are added things ſoporiferous, and privately for their ſake ſoporiferous medicines are given mix with Cordials as ſhal be ſaid in its place.

Inordinate motions do ſo diſturb them by reaſon of their depraved imagination that they endeavor by all force to riſe out of the bed, and to cloath themſelves, and if they be not reſtrained, to make an eſcape, whence oftentimes being void of reaſon, they fall from a high place, and kil themſelves; which unquietneſs is likewiſe amended by things given to cauſe ſleep ſeeing the mind being at reſt the body muſt needs reſt alſo: and that they may be reſtrained, which is very hard, ſeeing madneſs makes them ſtrong, they are oftentimes bound in bonds, the which notwithſtanding ſomtimes when they are angry upon that account, and more fierce, we ought to looſe them, and give them way a little, yet uſing great caution that they hurt not themſelves nor others.

A Suppreſſion of the Urin is a Symptom peculiar to them, whenas being ſo intent upon their imaginations, they feel not the provocation of the Urin, and therefore care not to make it, by the retaining of which the Bladder being too much filled and diſtended afterwards voids the water with a great deal of difficulty; the which we muſt cure, by ſeaſonably admoniſhing them, and ſhewing the Chamber-pot and by applying external Remedies, of which we wil treat of in the retention of Urine.

The drineſs, blackneſs of the Tongue which denote the higheſt burning of a Feaver is corrected, as ſhal be explained in its place.

Thirſt doth very much torment them by reaſon of their heat, it is corrected by altering things cold and moiſt, eſpecially given in their Drink, as hath been already ſaid, and ſhall be ſaid in thirſt in general.

Their weakneſs and overthrow of ſtrength known by the Pulſe, ſeeing their unquietneſs otherwiſe ſtirring them up, doth ſeem to add ſtrength to them, as hath been ſaid, is repaired by a courſe of Diet and cordiall medicines, uſed inwardly and outwardly, as alſo with them already mentioned.

To undertake to Cure Folly bred in a man from his birth by an evil conformation, The Cure of Folly from an evil conformation and diſtemper. ſeeing it is impoſſible to faſhion otherwiſe the parts once formed, were to attempt to waſh and make a Blackmore white; as alſo it is impoſſible to change any thing, if this happen from a perverſe temperament the which notwithſtanding is ſomtimes amended, by the change of age, by Gelding, as hath been ſaid in madneſs, where alſo cuſtom may do much, by which it came to paſs that Cimon for love of Iphigenia, when he knew his fooliſh behaviour did diſpleaſe her, by little and little changing of them, from a Fool became a wiſe man, as this whether true or fabulous is agreeable to reaſon.

If madneſs be ſprung from Putrefaction, The Cure of madneſs from putifaction, a ſpeck, Worms in the brain. or a Speck, or Worms as they would have it, by reaſon of vapors ſent from thence to the brain, we can ſcarcely fit a Cure for theſe, which are almoſt hid from us, yet if that Cure which was deſcribed in madneſs ariſing from a melancholly humor be alſo applied here, it wil be no fault; but if the malady be grievous 'tis incurable.

The Kinds.

VVE call that a Defatigation of the mind when the internal ſenſes are exerciſed more, or longer than 'tis convenient; or when they reſt not at the time preſcribed them, by ſleep, which is the reſt of the mind, or not ſufficiently as it comes to paſs when they ſleep not, in too much Watchings, or when they ſleep but unquietly, by reaſon of grievous dreams: the which both in the ſound and ſick do ſomtimes cauſe weakneſs, create trouble, and increaſe diſeaſes.

Too much and preternatural Watchings are, Watchings. when they ſleep not at all for ſome daies, months, or not ſufficiently fill up the term of ſeven or eight hours or more according to the cuſtom of natures, ſeeing Children ſleep more than they wake. Theſe whether they be ſymptoms of Diſeaſes or happen without them, do at laſt bring hurt, ſeeing they heat the ſpirits by their too much uſe and exagitation, whence it happens that the humors alſo are ſet on fire, eſpecially the hot ones, and the ſame are at length conſumed.

And hence muſt needs follow at laſt, a weakneſs of ſome functions of the body, as the animal ſpirits being waſted, there is ſome defect of the internal ſenſes, and by conſequence of the external alſo, chiefly of the ſight, ſeeing for the exerciſe of that there is need of ſo great a quantity of ſpirits; and then by a certain conſecution there being a diſſipation made of the vital ſpirits alſo, there follows a languiſhing of the whol body, and the natural ſpirits being offended too, the natural actions are hurt, and chiefly concoction, not becauſe ſleep as they think doth digeſt, but becauſe concoction that it may be rightly performed, wanting more plentiful ſpirits and heat, for want of them is for the moſt part offended ſooner then the other actions.

And alſo immoderate watchings do bring troubles and pains to certain parts; and that becauſe not only • he ſpirits are heated, but the humors alſo by infection from them, whence the ſpirits and blood by too much watching growing hot firſt of all in the Head, a pain of the Head, redneſs of the Eyes, and hot tears flowing thither, an itching doth befall the watchful that they are often forced to rub their Eyes; and if they laſt long and the maſs of blood be inflamed, diary Feavers are cauſed; and if this Symptom urge in other Feavers the heat being increaſed, the ſymptoms of the Feavers grow ſtronger Choler. Alſo in the cholerick growing hot for this reaſon through too much watching and poured into the Stomach and boyling there, breeds gnawings of the Stomach, and other accidents of it, and by conſent with that, pains of the Head, and Megrims.

Preternatural Dreams are, Dreams. when in ſleep the external ſenſes only do ſeem to reſt, but the internal do not only lightly exerciſe themſelves, as is in natural Dreams, but immoderatly and with vehemency and labor as if they were waking, although exerciſe themſelves depravedly, and do alſo exagitate and diffipate the ſpirits, that being rouzed up they ſeem to be rather wearied than refreſhed.

Immoderate Dreams that make the body weary and weak, are thoſe which beſides the cuſtom do laſt longer, almoſt all night; but this happens to ſome naturally that Dreams do then begin firſt, when the vapors which cauſed a ſound ſleep, are now diſcuſt, after the firſt ſleep as they call it, but on others as labouring men tired with labor, and ſleping preſently after meat, ſleep ſo ſteals on them by reaſon of the plenty of vapors that they have no dreams at all, or if they have ſome wandring, they no waies remember them; the which alſo though it be natural too, yet that Country fellow not thinking it convenient, that he could rehearſe no Dreams to his Companions amidſt their Cups, for this reaſon takes counſel of the Phyſitian, and receiving from him a ſtrong purging medicine ſleeping upon it dreamt that he ſhit a bed, afterwards awaking he found in very deed, that he had dreamed, and that a true and fatal one.

Grievous dreams are which do not only lightly exerciſe the mind, as natural ones (which therefore ſeeing they are not very much imprinted on the Brain) they do eaſily ſlip out of the memory either wholly or in part, that being wakend they can recite little of them) but do very much exagitate it, and do no leſs affect the ſenſes then if thoſe things did truely fal out, which appear to them in their ſleep, in ſo much that oftentimes being ſtrucken with fear they ſuddainly ſtart up, or if nevertheleſs they continve in their ſleep, they are altogether unquiet, and toſs their Body variouſly in their ſleep, Sweat, and ſomtimes Talk, Prate much, Cry, Laugh, call out, Nay and ſleeping ſtill, nevertheleſs riſe out of their Bed, and as Galen writes it hath befallen himſelf, they walk and ſurvey many places, concerning which the common people perſwade themſelves many ſuperſtitious and old wives tales, how they can climbe without danger, if they be not hindred, nor wakend being called by their own name, thoſe difficult places, otherwiſe impoſſible for the wakening to do: many grievous dreams of which nature, tis well known to all, are dayly objected, both to the ſick and otherwiſe ſound.

But they are ſuch, if horrible things are preſented to their minds whiles they are a ſleep, with which they are either vehemently frighted, as when they dream that they are in danger by ſome violence offered, a fal from on high, of Fire, Water, or by reaſon of ſome great offence, or for the loſs of ſome grateful thing repreſented to them, they are Angry, Sad, and Greive.

Alſo Portentous Prognoſticating Dreams, eſpecially thoſe that portend any evil do very much aſtoniſh, and though they preſage ſome good, nevertheleſs they move a little, the which ſo many ſacred and prophane Hiſtories do teſtefie, are ſent to men, from a good and evil Spirit,

The Cauſes.

The Cauſe both of watchings and dreams, one is ſupernatural depending on God or the Devil, another natural, from cuſtome, which is a ſecond nature, or it lies in the Head and it is a too great Commotion or Perturbation of the Animal Spirits, or a hot diſtemper of the Brain.

The great and good God as he makes known his wil to us watching, and puts it into our minds, ſo alſo he will ſomtimes admoniſh us by Dreams of things to come or things preſent or paſt; ſomtimes by ſending of viſions unknown by themſelves. The preternatural cauſe of Dreams. Yet the interpretation of which he graunted to ſome, as to Joſeph, Daniel: but at other times he hath ſet before our Eyes as it were in Dreams the thing it ſelf as it is, as to Pharaoh the Dearneſs of proviſion to come, to Daniel the Monarchies to come, Julius Caeſars preſent danger to his Wife, the paſt Death of Ceyres the Husband, to his Wife Alcyone.

And the Devil alſo by Gods permiſſion as he doth often didude the ſleeping with falſe Images and Apparitions of things, ſo alſo he troubles men in their Dreams with true ones ſometimes, that ſignifies ſomething certain, if he can hurt them, ſeeing otherwiſe he is a lyar.

Cuſtome oftentimes makes men to be raiſed at a certain hour of the Night and to watch a long while, Cuſtome is the cauſe of watchings and Dreams. as we have oftentimes already taught that Nature being accuſtomed, doth obſerve her times in excretions alſo, and others of her Natural Operations; which is very familiar with old folks in watchings, who though they be Prone to Sleep, and preſently betake themſelves to Bed; yet being rouſed either about midnight or ſooner or later, can Sleep no more. And after this is wont to be accuſtomary to them, care and thought in the interim joyning themſelves, by which whiles they ſearch into, and diſpoſe of divers things, they are awakend more. Alſo ſome dreams come to a habit from a certain Cuſtome that afterwards for a long time they dream dreams of the ſame kind, and do not only conceive them in their minde, but by words and deeds expreſs them in their ſleep.

The too much commotion or perturbation of the Animal Spirits, A commotion of the Animal Spirits is the cauſe of watchings. are the cauſe of preternatural watchings and dreams, which come to paſs the internal ſenſes being too much affected, for then the Spirits being ſtirred, becauſe they can not reſt, they can no waies ſleep but watch, or if they do ſleep, either they are vexed neverthelels with too much Dreams or thoſe more grievous; which impulſion of the internal ſenſes either befals them by accident by reaſon of the external ſenſes, or by it ſelf. For the external ſenſes being very much moved by their proper objects, do move alſo the internal and ſuffer them not to be quiet, or if they be quiet, nevertheleſs they diſturb and force them: as the ſight moved by too much light, the hearing by a great noiſe turnes away ſleep, and makes the ſleepers unquiet, or rouzeth them up, becauſe ſilence and darkneſs are rather required to ſleep: the touch eſpecially affected with pain and trouble doth cauſe watchings. Upon which account in Diſeaſes that torment with pain they are alſo troubled with watchings, and in dreams they repreſent the pain to them aſleep; and thoſe that are troubled with a pain at the Heart the ſtomach being to ful, they ſleep unquietly; the which happens alſo to them who ſuffer any other trouble in Diſeaſes, as to thoſe that are very thirſty, who watch by reaſon of the thirſt, or if theſe kind of people do ſleep, they are tormented alſo in their dreams with a deſire to drink; as it betides them alſo who are vext with a difficulty of breathing, in divers Diſeaſes of the Breaſt, and in a Dropſie, that they cannot ſleep, or if they do ſleep being ſtraitend with danger of ſuffocation, they have alſo ſuch Dreams.

The ſenſes alſo being too much moved by themſelves, by a vehement intention of the minde upon ſome things, the ſpirits being ſtirred, at it comes to paſs in vehement and laſting paſſions of the Minde, viz. in Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadneſs, Love, they are afflicted with too much watchings, or if they do ſleep, nevertheleſs they are exagitated in Dreams with their affections; and alſo ſo many Species and Images of things, ariſing from the ſtudies of divers Sciences, Arts, and human actions, being apprehended and imprinted on the Brain, do not only exerciſe the Memory of the waking ſo that they ſleep leſs, but being obſerſant to them ſleeping and moving the Spirits, they ſpring forth again in their dreams. And thoſe things which we met withal either the ſame day, or the precedent daies or a long while before, do repreſent themſelves either in the ſame form that they were in or from a mixture of them diverſe forms ſpringing up wonderful apparitions ofter themſelves to us, which either have not happend, or are not to be found in Nature. And hence it comes to paſs that oftentimes ſuch Dreams by reaſon of their enormity, are thought portentous, the Cauſe of which notwithſtanding is Natural, viz, this commixture of formes (as if one hath ſeen in the day time a fine Horſe, and a Man, he may Dream that he fees a Centaure) and the common People by Reaſon of the diverſity of dreams, which tis no wonder that they vary ſo according to ſo many conceptions of the Mind, do perſwade themſelves by a great error that every one doth portend ſomthing.

Alſo the manner of lying by which the Animal ſpirits being moved, are leſs quiet in their ſeats, but do eaſier change their place, make much for the cauſing of more Turbulent Dreams, (as we ſee this may be done in Members retained a long while in a non natural Scituation, that ſuffer a numneſs by reaſon of the Spirits hindred, and in a Vertigo from a wheeling of the Body by reaſon of the Spirits running up and down,) as we ſee it happens by lying one the Back eſpecially the Head bending downwards, the Spirits then from the Head penetrating more the Spinal Marrow, and ſo cauſing motion and ſenſe, that though they be not wakend, yet nevertheleſs they are more exagitated in their Dreams.

Alſo a Perturbation of the Spirits of the Brain, A Perturbation of the Animal Spirits, a Cauſe of Dreams. from Impure, Filthy, Melancholick Vapors or Humors, cauſeth Grievous and Turbulent Dreams, and the like apparitions appearing in Sleep; and as pleaſant and merry Dreams do ſhew forth a healthful Conſtitution, ſo theſe ſad and borrid Dreams for the moſt part ſhew a Melancholick Conſtitution and oftentimes Diſeaſes to come; and in Diſeaſes of this Nature, generated of Melancholly, and a Malignat matter, together with other accidents of the Brain and Dotages they do vehemently Exagitate a man, and alſo cauſe watchings, but Dioſcorides alſo writes that terrible Dreams are cauſed from certain things taken, as if Beans, Lentils, Fitches be eaten, and alſo if the ſeeds of Bind weed, and Venemous Tree Trefoile be taken, doubtleſs the Spirits being wont to be troubled by their ſtrength, they are cauſe Dreams.

A hot Diſtemper of the Brain, A hot Diſtemper of the Brain is the cauſe of watchings and Dreams. alſo heating the Spirits becauſe it makes them unquiet, may be the Cauſe both of Watchings and Preternatural Dreams, which ſomtimes happens from hot Vapors proceeding from things taken, as hot Meats and eſpecially Wine which though it cauſe ſleep by its Narcotickneſs, yet it breeds unquiet Dreams; a hot Evaporation from Humors or Excrements, or the Bloody Humor it ſelf inflaming the Brain as they do produce a pain of the Head, ſo alſo Raving, Watchings, and Grievous Turbulent Dreams, and ſuch as reſemble the Nature of the Humor, oftentimes in Feavers, in a Phrenſie, and other hot Diſeaſes.

The Cure.

In the Cure we muſt reſpect the Cauſe and the Symptome, The Cure of Dreams from a preternatural Cauſe. but we have ſaid the Cauſe of watchings and Dreams was from God, the Devil, Cuſtome, an Agitation and Perturbation of the Spirits and heat of the Brain.

The Dreams ſent by God becauſe they are good, and nothing proceeds from God but what is good, or tends to a good end, we cannot, nor onght not to change; the tricks of the Devil are turnd away by Prayers, Faſting, amendment of life and a ſtedfaſt Faith. Cuſtome as a ſecond Nature is not eaſily changed, The Cure of watchings and Dreams from Cuſtome. but by a contrary Cuſtome; wherefore they that are wont to be raiſed at a certain hour of night; let them go to bed later or ſome other way let them change this Cuſtome, and in time of ſleep, as much as they can let them abſtain from deep thoughts, alſo if Dreams do ſo accuſtomarily vex men, that they are unquiet, Skip, Talk, Walk, then they are ſomtimes to be wakened by frighting, for hence it comes to paſs, that that fear repeated, at length offering it ſelf to them in their Dreams, doth rouſe them up of their own accord, and by degrees turnes them from this evil Cuſtome. As one that was wont to walk in the night, being ſomtimes beaten with rods at length left off this Cuſtome; and that Cobler who becauſe he thought in his Dreams that he was ſowing, and with opening his Arms, as they are wont to do drawing their thred, he ſmote his companion by him, being oftentimes ſoundly kickt again by the ſame man feigning himſelf to Dream that he was riding, at laſt he was freed from this Error.

But if they be compeld to watch, or grieved with Dreams from the too great plenty of Spirits, the Cauſes which exagitate them, muſt firſt be turned away as if ſleep be hindered by too much light or noiſe, or they ſleep unquietly, theſe things muſt be declined, by inducing of darkneſs and reſt: if affects of the Minde do cauſe it, as hath been ſaid in that Species of Alienation of Minde, they muſt be corrected, and thoſe things be given, which can bring gladneſs, and alſo procure reſt, as Wine; but eſpecially if too great an intention upon ſome thing and Ratiocination made on it, do hinder ſleep, and the minde cannot be drawn from it to take reſt, ſleep is the eaſier procured after this manner. The minde being called away from the former by the Meditation of another thing, as we do obſerve thoſe that watch a nights, if they be devoutly very intent on their Prayers to God, forgetting other cares, they do ſooner fall a ſleep: but if ſome trouble make men watchful or diſturbe them in their ſleep, as thirſt, then ſalt things which do cauſe that, muſt be omitted eſpecially at Supper, and Sleep muſt be expected, which ſupervenient is wont to quench thirſt, if it perſevere, it muſt be amended as ſhall be ſaid in its place ſo alſo if they ſleep unquietly by reaſon of fulneſs, a ſparing and ſober Supper is wont to correct this fault, and that chiefly if they ſleep not preſently after the taking of meat; if a difficulty of breathing contracted by their lying down do ſo vex them that they cannot ſleep, they muſt be ſo placed upright that they may breath free. And yet the Body may reſt, at ſhall be explained in a Dyſpnaea as alſo if by lying on the Back they are troubled with grievous Dreams if they ſleep on their ſide with their Head more lift up, they ſhall be leſs oppreſſed. If alſo a great pain in ſome Diſeaſe do hinder ſleep, as this is moſt frequent, and that cannot be mitigated by any other means, by ſoporiferous medicines we ſhall with the ſame labor procure ſleep and mitigate pain, becauſe they induce a Stupidity: rather giving them inwardly, if great neceſſity do urge, becauſe ſo they do work more powerfully; as with Wine, or if we muſt uſe ſtronger, Syrup of Poppy and other Opiates, or we muſt uſe Vnguents applied to the Temples and Forehead ſuch as Populeum, and Lotions of the Feet which for the procuring of ſleep alſo can do much, as in Hypnoticks divers of that ſort ſhall be explained. If watchings or Dreams proceed from a perturbation of the Spirits, The Cure of Dreams from a Perturbotion of the Spirits. the Cauſe alſo muſt be taken away, which if it proceed from Meat or Medicine, we muſt have a care of making uſe of any Pulſe, and other things that Evaporate upwards; if this happen from Vapors or Humors by diligently ſearching out, what Excrement 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 ſends forth its vapors upwards, what humor offends, and being intent upon the emptying of theſe, if there be a plenitude, by Bleeding, if a Cacochymie Purging, by giving thoſe things alſo which do repreſs vapors, eſpecially after ſupper, and chiefly by the Diet at Supper being moderate, taking care that the like be not ingendred, nor aſcend, we ſhall compleat the ſcope of Curing.

If a diſtemper of the brain cauſe Watchings and Dreams, and there is a certain hot evaporation from meat or chiefly from Wine as we have ſaid, cold things being taken at the end of meals as was ſaid of Vinegar and other things which do actually refrigerate, will correct it, upon which account, ſome if they drink cold Water when they go to ſleep, their reſt is the ſweeter: but if this happen in diſeaſes, then thoſe things which are convenient for curing the diſeaſe, ſeeing they are cold wil alſo do good here, eſpecially if ſoporiferous and narcotick be mixt with thoſe things which are applied inwardly and outwardly as hath been explained in Ravings and hot Headaches.

The Kinds,

THe Senſe of Feeling is firſt hurt, Stupidity. when it it is aboliſht, and it is called a Stupidity or Narce, not for that reaſon, as when the functions of the mind are aboliſht, we call it a Stupidity or ſtupidneſs of mind; or when from the immoderate paſſion of the mind we ſay they are aſtoniſht, ſo that oftentimes though they be wounded yet they feel it not, till they come to themſelves again, but here it is properly called Stupidity, when a part is ſo deprived of the ſenſe of feeling, with which it was endued, that it can no longer perceive the qualities of the thing objected, and that either altogether not perceiving as if it were dead, or otherwiſe very impairedly as if, as it is commonly ſaid, it were aſleep.

Otherwiſe a ſtupidity is general, at once happenning to many parts of the body, which moſt commonly happens in a Palſey motion being aboliſht together with ſenſe, in which the palſied member, either is wholly ſtupid or only in part; ſomtimes a ſtupidity ſeizeth firſt before motion is aboliſht, and goes before a Palſey and at laſt ends it; that general ſttpidity is ſeldom found alone yet Fernelius teſtiſies that he ſaw the like happen from Drunkenneſs, in which the body was all over ſtupid.

A particular ſtupidity happens only to certain parts, not only to thoſe affected with a particular Palſey but that ſomtimes is wont to happen to parts that are not palſied, ſometimes in the Hands, Feet, Face, as I had after an Epidemical diſeaſe a ſtupidity left me in part of my Hip for many years; and perhaps that may happen intrinſecally in the Bladder and Fundament not only when they are palſied, but alſo only the ſenſe of feeling being aboliſht, they loſe their goad, and are not ſolicited to excretion to perform it rightly, and it may be the cauſe why ſome are ſometimes ſo ſlow to ſtool and piſs, as ſhal be ſaid there: but alſo in thoſe parts endued with ſenſe of feeling, which are no waies moved with voluntary motion, and therefore cannot be palſied, as the Skin, Membranes, inward bowels, Stomach, Guts, this ſolitary Stupidity may happen, as wel as in others which are moved.

The ſenſe of Feeling is depraved, not when it is ſo affected by its object, that there is a ſad ſenſation, which they call pain and refer it to the ſenſe of feeling depraved, but we becauſe it then percieves its object ſuch as it is, and as it offers it ſelf, do think that pain is not to be refer'd to the depraved ſenſe, but rather to the ſimple accidents amongſt the ſymptoms, as we ſhal ſay in its place; but when it perceives falſly, and errs as it were, as the other ſenſes do, when they think they See, Hear, Taſt, thoſe things which are no waies ſuch as are repreſented; the feeling we ſay if it be thus affected, doth perceive depravedly.

Such is that ſenſe which from the touch of any thing feels it not rightly but the patt feels in it ſelf ſomwhat elſe, A Fornication. as when they feel a certain running up and done through a part as it were of Ants whence the Modern have called this affect a Formication.

Alſo that other ſence when a member touched with Air or Water they depravedly feel it to be affected and perfuſed, A falſe ſenſe of heat & cold without and within. as if they were exceſſively cold or bnrning hot.

To which alſo is added a new Species more rare, firſt of all ſomtimes obſerved by me that is a troubleſome ſenſe of the Air or Water, Hot or Cold, about the Gullet and Stomach chiefly manifeſting it ſelf in ſwallowing; a ſymptom ſomtimes befalling the Paralitical or Convulſed with difficulty of Swallowing, Speaking, Laughing, Coughing, as ſhall be ſhewed in them; or alſo without the reſolution of thoſe parts very much tormenting men, only with this troubleſom ſenſe.

Hither alſo is refer'd the Senſe of vehement and intollerable heat, with which we have ſeen a Man troubled in his Jawes and Cheeks, and a Woman alſo on the ſides of her Tongue, without any appearance, even to the laſt, very long for many years.

Which Senſation we may refer to the depraved ſenſe of Feeling, or if this happen the member being half ſtupid, and nevertheleſs perceiving this trouble (whence Archigenes called it a ſtupid pain not ſo unhanſomly, as he is reprehended for it by Galen) we may at leaſt refer it to the ſenſe of Feeling impaired, or hold it an Affect compounded of theſe.

Whither alſo we refer that troubleſome ſenſe which ſomtimes is wont to beſall the Teeth in chewing, which they call Haemodia, Haemodia. and count it a ſtupidity of the Teeth.

To which alſo ſeems due to be aſcribed that ſenſe of the higheſt pain, which the Fingers being cooled even to a ſtupidity, and ſuddenly again Heated, reaching even to the roots of the Nails, by reaſon of the praeceding ſtupidity, yet becauſe here happens a high and laſting Pain by reaſon of the ſudden change and alteration we ſhal refer it to pains and there explain it.

The Cauſes.

The Cauſe almoſt of every true Stupidity lies in a Nerve, which may be in every Nerve, ſeeing every Nerve is endued with the ſenſe of feeling, and doth communicate the ſame to the part into which it is inſerted, with an influx of the animal ſpirit and communication of its own ſubſtance, as we have taught in our Anatomical work; the which being thus affected, that communication is intercepted, or wholly, or in part, impeded, if this come to paſs in a Nerve, which being inſerted into a Muſcle, together with the ſenſe of feeling doth give it motion too, it muſt needs be that both a Reſolution and Stupidity do happen together, as ſhall be ſaid in a Palſey; which when it comes to paſs in a general Nerve affected and communicated to many parts, there muſt needs follow alſo a more general hurt common to many Muſcles, An affect of the motary Nerve is the Cauſe of a ſtupidty hapning with a Palſie Reſolution or without it. and yet not only to them, but alſo to the Skin and Membranes, ſeeing from the Nerves of the Muſcles, branches carried to theſe parts alſo do beſtow on them the ſenſe of feeling; but if it happen in ſome private Nerve carried to one part only, then it muſt needs be that that only is hurt; as this ſhal be more fully explained, in the Reſolution of Voluntary motion or a Palſey, ſeeing this Function which is aboliſht, is the more excellent.

But from the forementioned affect of the ſame Nerve, whether it be a general or particular one it may come to paſs, that Motion may languiſh or ceaſe, the ſenſe of feeling remaining nevertheleſs, either entire, or at leaſtwiſe obtuſely, ſeeing for the exerciſe of motion, there is, required a greater firength of ſpirits, than to feeling, as alſo ſhal be explained in a Palſey.

Yet it may alſo come to paſs, that a Nerve being affected, An affect of the ſenſitive Nerve is the Cauſe of ſtupidity without a reſeſolution. there may only be a Stupidity, motion ſtill remaining in the part, viz. if only a ſenſitive Nerve be affected, which ends not in the Muſcles, but in the Skin or a Membrane, or only in their other immovable bowels; which eminent cutaneous Nerves, we have ſhewed in the diviſions of the great Nerves, are only implicated in the Skin and Membranes, and carried to the natural parts, Nerves of the fixth and ſeventh conjugation do only communicate the ſenſe of feeling to many of thoſe parts which are not moved; and other ſenſitive Nerves are carried from the motary Nerves inſerted in the Muſcles, to thoſe parts alſo which are not moved, which ſenſitive Nerves or motary Nerves alſo being hurt, but carried out of the Muſcle, then it happens that that part only becomes ſtupid into which they are inſerted, either altogether, or in part, according to the greatneſs of the hurt; yet the cauſe of all which may be the ſame as that of a Reſolution, only differing in the diverſe ſeat.

Alſo that Depraved ſenſe of Formication ſo called, The affects both of the motary and ſenſitive Nerves cauſe Formication with trouble in the parts may happen by reaſon of any Nerve whatſoever, both Senſitive and Motary, to wit then, when the Animal ſpirit being retained a while in the ſtupid or palſied Member doth run back again into it, with a certain force and violence, the impediment being taken away, for then about the extremity of the Member eſpecially, as about the Fingers whether the ſpirit is carried at the firſt violence, or elſewhere alſo where it reacheth, an itching and ſenſe of pricking doth trouble them up and down, the ſpirit every where pricking as it were and tickling the member, ſo long, til they being ſufficiently flowed to it, the part return to its ancient abſolute ſenſe of feeling; the which alſo ſomtimes happens upon the ſtrong percuſſion or ſmting of ſome ſenſible Nerve, as on that which wound about the gibbous part of the elbow runs forth to the little and ring-finger, which being violently forced by a fall, theſe two fingers, ſuffer that ſenſe of Formication for a while til the Nerve which was compreſt by the blow be dilated again, and the ſpirit being ſufficiently tranſmitted, the which alſo may happen in other places in cutaneous Nerves.

As alſo a Nerve being filled with the Afflux of a cold humor, The affect of a Nerve both motary and ſenſitive induceth a depraved ſenſe of heat or cold. the members which are affected do perceive a Senſe of that Air, or of Cold Water (as we find with our Tongue, the like cold air comes forth out of a hollow Tooth that is troubled with a cold defluxion) The which hot Air or Water from the plenty and violence of a hot ſpirit, which cannot paſs a Nerve obſtructed, being there plentifully gathered together, by its heat giving ſuch a ſenſe, in like manner as was ſaid of the Cold, moleſts the member which it affects; which as it may happen in all the Nerves that bring reſolution alſo or ſtupidity ſo alſo it happens in them which, from the ſixth and ſeventh conjugation give motion and ſenſe to the vital and natural parts, it produceth about the Stomach and Gullet that heat we meet with as hath been ſaid: the Cauſes of which we ſhal more rightly explain in a Palſey, ſeeing that doth either go before, or accompany, or follow theſe affects.

That the Cauſe of Stupidity may be in the Inſtrument of the ſenſe of feeling, An affect of the membranes & skin producing ſtupidity without palſying. to wit in the skin and Membranes, ſeems very likely, ſeeing their ſubſtance is made up of a Nerve dilated, not when the native heat being wholly extinguiſhed, theſe parts die by a Gangrene, but when they are ſtupid only, ſo that theſe inſtruments of ſenſe either feel nothing or obtuſely; the which Fernelius hath writ hath ſomtimes hapned in the skin of the whol body, as hath bin already ſaid, from Drunkenneſs; in which caſe if Wine did not do this by its Narcotick vertue, becauſe it cauſed a general ſtupidity as hath been ſaid in a Conſternation of mind, certainly its Narctick faculty did manifeſt it ſelf only in aboliſhing the ſenſe of the Skin; the which notwithſtanding could ſcarce be done by Wine or other Narcoticks, but alſo the vertue of the brain and Nerves muſt be dulied too; and therefore after the Drunkenneſs was over, perhaps by reaſon of the external coldneſs of the Air, in which Drunkards oftentimes lie aſtoniſht, it might befall this Drunkard alſo his skin being thus ſtupified: ſeeing the cold from without being a long while received perhaps may ſometimes cauſe ſuch a ſtupidity in ſome part of the skin which endured this cold: for otherwiſe this can ſcarce happen from an internal cauſe; bur how it hath hitherto been beleeved that the inſenſible and ſtupid skin of the Elephantiacal is rendred ſo from ſome internal cauſe and Diſeaſe of the skin, that being prickt it feels not, and upon what account that is true, we ſhal declare in the Elephantiaſis.

Neither could I ever find, that by an external Narcotick applied to the skin, that could be rendred ſtupid or free from pain, that I might know ſomwhat certain, I have applied a Maſs of Opium mollified to a Gouty part full of pain, but without any profit; but what they write for truth that this may be done from the touch of a Torpedo not only taken in the hand, but alſo if it be toucht with a Fiſhers Rod, it wil ſtupifie his hand; I ſeeing I obſerved no ſuch thing at Mo • tpelior where they handle and eat Torpedoes dare not affirm it for truth; wherefore we ſay this diſeaſe is rare, and which can ſcarce happen, that the skin only became inſenſible, the member which it covers not being ſtupid too by reaſon of the Nerve affected; unleſs perhaps occaſion be given, when by reaſon of an impediment, that the Skin being more thick and hard, then that it can perceive the true feeling of any thing exactly, we would call it the cauſe of that Stupidity the which notwithſtanding is no waies a true Stupidity.

The Membranes alſo being Intrinſecally affected, and Nerves not hurt too, a Stupidity can ſcarce happen for their ſake only.

And neither is that Stupidity which befals the Teeth or rather that trouble when the teeth are an edge from the Teeth alone, An affect of the Nerves about the Teeth, cauſeth a Haemodia. becauſe they are diſtitute of the ſenſe of feeling as other Bones, but that the Teeth are too much exaſperated and refrigerated by the eating of acid and cold things, which both by their thinneſs and coldneſs are enemies to the Teeth and Nerves, that happens from the continuation of the Nerves and the ſenſible Membrane with their roots, by which it comes to paſs that the Tooth it ſelf ſeems to feel. The like Diſtemper may be impreſt by contact on that part where the Teeth touch, and ſo their feeling being changed, as when the Teeth being preſt in chewing, they preſs them as ſwelling up, thence ariſeth that trouble ſome ſenſe which they call the Teeth an edge.

The Cure.

The Cure of a Stupidity becauſe it hath joyned with it other, The Cure of a Stupidity from what cauſe ſoever. and for the moſt part grievous Symptomes, which proceed from the ſame cauſe, it ſhall rather be explained in them, that we need not repeat the ſame cure twice: as if it be by fault of the Nerves as we have ſaid that all Stupidity happens by reaſon of them, and there be a reſolution alſo, the ſame cure is due to them both, as ſhall be explained in a Palſie, or though that be not yet preſent, but only a Stupidity poſſeſſeth the part, yet becauſe it proceeds from the ſame cauſe as a Palſie doth, whence they call Stupidity, a Diminute or imperfect Palſey with the ſame labor, the Cure of it alſo will be deſcribed there.

The ſum of which Cure is this, That if it be from a Humor it be emptied, if from blood by the taking away of Blood by Revulſion and Derivation, if from flegm or other Excrementitious Hnmors, by purging it out with general and particular Purgers, if from any other external cauſe by removing of that in the firſt place, alſo by refreſhing and ſtrengthning the Nerves with things that alter. Then that we Allure and Attract the Animal Spirit to the ſtupid part which is deſtitute of it, by things that do it actually and potentially, the which ſhall be explained in a Palſie and Atrophy, becauſe they attract the blood alſo, amongſt which theſe are chieſly uſed in the Cure of a Stupid Member.

By Friction of the Stupid part with the Hand, applying alſo warm clothes, by Application of Cupping-glaſſes with much Flame, by Pication alſo often repeated, and by other things that cauſe pain, we allure the Spirits.

Alſo rubefying Sinapiſmes are uſed, applyed to the • ffected part, anointings with divers hot Oyls, amongſt which that is chiefly commended, in which Nettle-ſeed hath been boyled; alſo Time, Rue, and other things appropriate to the Nerves are commended, and other Oyntments which we are wont to uſe in an Atrophy, we uſe here alſo.

Fomentations and Baths of warm water, firſt a little warm, by and by hotter are convenient, increaſing the heat by degrees, to which we add ſomtimes Wine and Lie, and oftentimes we boyle in it, Time, Rue, Sage, Chamomel, and hot Seeds.

A Cataplaſm of Pigeons dung, Gooſe dung, adding Bayberries, is approved of, alſo with Oyls and Fats and hot Herbs,

The treading of Grapes, if the Feet be ſtupid, or if the ſtupid Member be thruſt into a heap of freſh Grapes whiles they are hot, or be dipt in new Wine are accounted for ſingular remedies in turning away the Stupidity.

Alſo the which forementioned Topick Remedies applied to the whol Body may do good, if the Stupidity come from a too great refrigeration of the Skin and the Nerves lying under it.

And if a depraved or impaired ſenſe of feeling ariſe in the ſaid Formication or with a ſenſe of that Air or Water, The Cure of Formication and the falſe ſenſe of heat and cold. becauſe here alſo is ſome Stupidity, it ſhall be cured after the ſame manner.

But if in the ſame ſenſe depraved the pain doth exceed the Stupidity as in the Stupidity of the Teeth, The Cure of a Haemodia Tobe explained in the pain of the Teeth, as alſo of the pain about the Nailes. which they call Haemodia, or in the pain of the fingers reaching unto the Nailes as hath been ſaid, the Cure ſhall be more rightly explained in the pains of thoſe parts which are afflicted.

The Kinds.

THe Taſting faileth, becauſe the Guſtatory inſtrument doth not perceive at all or impairedly, The defect of Taſting. the ſavours of things; the which becauſe it is endued alſo with the ſenſe of Feeling, either it looſes the ſame alſo with the Taſte, or the Taſte only is weakend, he ſenſe of Feeling remaning.

A Depravation of the ſenſe of Taſting, is when it perceives the ſavors of things not ſuch as they are, A Depraved or falſe Taſting. but conceives them as if they were of another relliſh, then indeed they are, as when thoſe things which it taſteth, whether they be Infipid, Alimental or Medicamental, it thinks them to be dry, Sweet, Salt, Bitter, Sharp, Sour, when yet their relliſh indeed is nothing ſuch.

The Cauſes.

The Cauſe of the hurt of Taſting ſeldom lies in a Nerve, unleſs the Brain being hurt too as was ſaid in an Apoplexy doth produce an Abolition of all the ſenſes, of which we have already treated; but more commonly in the Inſtrument of the ſenſe of Taſting, viz. in the common coat encompaſſing the mouth. chiefly there where it inveſts the Tongue and Gits the Palate, if it be either too much dryed, or covered with filth, or beſmeared with a ſtrange Humor or Vapo • r.

If it be too much dried and hardned in that called a Roughneſs and Ruggedneſs, The drineſs of the coat compaſſing the Mouth, is the cauſe of the defect of Taſting. then the taſt is hindered, or loſt, or impaired ſo that all things ſeem unto them to be taſtleſs and woodden, as they are wont to complain, becauſe for the ſenſe to perceive aright, a decent ſoftneſs and moiſture are required.

But this proceeds from the Inſpiration or drawing in of the Air not by the Noſtrils (becauſe ſo the Air naturally paſſing through the largneſs of the Noſtrils preſently into the rough Artery, and not touching the inward parts of the Mouth, it can no waies dry them) but when tis drawn with an open Mouth, then ſucking up the moiſture of the Tongue and Jawes, and by ſo much the more, if it be both hot and dry, it dries up thoſe parts, and makes them hard and rough, and unfed and uſeleſs to taſt aright, the which as it is wont to happen to the waking, ſo eſpecially to thoſe that ſleep with their Mouth open, both ſound and ſick, either from an evil cuſtome or becauſe the Noſtrils being obſtructed when the Natural way of reſpiration is ſtopt up, either wholly or in part, they are compeld to draw in the Aire through the Mouth either all of it or the greateſt part, if it come not ſufficiently through the Noſe.

The which alſo comes to paſs, if the Body being too much heated they have need of a greater inſpiration of the Air, The drineſs of the Coate compaſſing the Mouth with blackneſs is the cauſe of the want of Taſting. then the Noſtrils alone can admit, that then they draw it both with ful Noſtrils, which upon that account are at that time wont to ſpred themſelves for drawing in of Breath. and with an open and dilated mouth, as it befals them in their ſleep who have filled themſelves with hot Meats; and in hot Diſeaſes, internal Inflammations and Feavers the drineſs of the Tongue is a frequent Symptome, in which the neceſſity of Inſpiration doth not ſo vehemently dry thoſe parts, as the hot Expiration kindled from thoſe hot Diſeaſes not only paſſing through the Noſtrils but the Jawes alſo and dies them with a Black, or Green, or Yellow collour.

Which drineſs of the Tongue, Jawes and Noſtrils is felt by the Patients themſelves, becauſe they very much complain of them, and the Chyrurgeon may eaſily know it, by the touch, and ſight; the which alſo oftentimes grows ſo ſtrong, that the Tongue appears cleft, not only long waies, but cut croſſe waies alſo, and when for theſe cauſes they utter their words ill, the Patients oftentimes ſtutter, whence the Phyſitian ſomtimes gueſſeth at theſe affects of the Tongue, before he looks upon it.

If the Tongue or Jawes be covered with that called Slime that they cannot by contact exactly perceive the ſavors of things, The ſlime of the Coat compaſſing the Mouth, the cauſe of the defect of Taſting. they are ſo hindered byinterpoſition of this infenſible matter, that thoſe things which they taſt ſeem to have no relliſh. But this Slime is generated of the Spittle; otherwiſe naturally moiſting the Jawes, but then eſpecially in thoſe places where it adheres to the Jawes, either by reaſon of its drineſs obtaining a Tenacity, or by the mixture of ſome other humor, having gotten a thickneſs. For it is dried for the ſame cauſe, from which we have ſaid the Succingent Coate was arefied, whence a dryneſs of the Jawes and plenty of this ſlime, eſpecially on the Tongue do often concure in the ſame cauſes and Diſeaſes, and then alſo they do more prejudice the Taſt the Cauſe being doubled; but the ſpittle grows thick there by mixture, by reaſon of a Vapor continually evaporating upwards from the firſt concoction, cleaving to the Tongue, Jawes and Teeth (to which thisſlimy matter grows, and at length is turned into that which is Tophous) and mixt with the ſpittle ſomtimes with various colors and ſtinkingneſs fouling thoſe parts: the which alſo is wont to happen in ſound Bodies, eſpecially if they ſleep at night with their mouth wholly ſhut, ſo that the Vapor aſcending cannot evaporate, and they do not waſh their mouth in the morning; whence the forementioned parts for the moſt part are ſucceſſively infected with this white ſlime, and in ſick people reſembling the condition of the putrid and malignant humors, being ſomtimes white like pulſe, ſomtimes yellowiſh, ſomtimes black it affects and beſpots the Tongue, Jawes and Teeth, but the ſpittle being made more Tenatious by the mixture of Flegm, ſticks to theſe parts, as if it were glewed; the which alſo oftentimes befals the ſound from defluxions, or the ſick, and ſomtimes for that reaſon acquires ſo great a Viſcoſity, that it can ſcarce be waſhed or ſcraped off: and alſo it takes from Tenacious Viſcous Nouriſhments, a certain viſcoſity, by which it grows to the ſaid parts.

And this ſlime is eaſily known by its color and ſubſtance, and by this the affect, whence it proceeds.

The Coate alſo encompaſſing the mouth deſtined for taſting is ſeaſoned with a Humor and Vapor endued with a ſtrange ſavor, A ſeaſoning of the Tongue the cauſe of a depraved taſte. the which as long as it perceives, it cannot rightly apprehend other things offered to the taſt, and judg what they are, but thinks them alſo to be of the ſame ſavor, with that which it is already affected with.

This ſomtimes comes to paſs from ſome things taken whoſe ſavor is ſo imprinted on the taſt, that it cannot ſo quickly yeild and give place to other ſavors, or being mixt with them, it doth alſo preſent a falſe ſavor of the thing unto the taſt; the which ingrateful things do, if they be taken often, or thoſe things which do very much affect the taſt with a ſtrong ſavor. As when meats endued with an Alimental ſavor are offered to the ſick, which for the moſt part, they are wont to loath, and are thruſt in as it were by force, then whatſoever they take afterwards though of another ſavor they perſwade themſelves, hath the ſame Alimental relliſh, or ſmels of it: and when ſweet things are given to thoſe that are feaveriſh, being for the moſt part ingrateful to them, they judg all things afterwards to be ſweet; and alſo in the ſound, things being taſted that are very Bitter, Salt, Auſtere, and adhearing long, they do chang the relliſh of thoſe things that follow; and hence it comes to paſs that after taking of rotten cheeſe after Vinegar in ſauces, if they drink Wine, it appears not ſuch as it is, but either bitter, or to others more ſweet, according to the diverſity of Natures.

A ſtrange ſavor proceeding from an internal Cauſe doth alſo deprave the Taſte if ſuch a Vapor or Humor do infinuate it ſelf into the Coat which perceives the the Taſte. And hence it comes to paſs, that ſometimes they think all things which they taſt to be ſweet, if ſweet Flegm, or a ſweet and alimental Vapor aſcending from the Nouriſhment out of the Stomach, doth ſeaſon the ſaid Coat.

Or if an acid Vapor belcht up from the Chyle which we have elſewhere ſhewn is alwaies acid, or from meat half digeſted, or four Wine taken, or by vomiting raiſed up even to the mouth, they do infect the mouth with an acid ſavor. Or a ſalt ſavor alſo may be imprinted on the ſaid parts from the Serum or ſalt Flegm falling thither; or when the Mouth is ſo bitter that it judgeth all things which it taſteth to be bitter too, which oftentimes happens by reaſon of Choler if it be collected in the Stomach, by a certain communion with the Coat incompaſſing the mouth, which doth alſo inveſt the Stomach; and alſo in cholerick ſound bodies if by long faſting it be carried thither, or being moved with Anger it be poured thither; or in other cholerick Diſeaſes and Feavers, either abounding in quantity, or boyling with heat it empty it ſelf into the Stomach, or be generated there from things taken that produce Choller, or that do end in Choler by Corruption.

The Cure.

This diſeaſe if it proceed by conſent from the Nerves or the Brain, its Cure wil be common with that of an Apoplexy and other reſolutions of the Nerves which then are alſo preſent: but if the guſtatory inſtrument the Coat of the Tongue and Jaws be affected by Idiopathie, and that either grow dry or be coverd with ſlime, or be ſeaſoned with a ſtrange ſavor, to theſe the Indication of Cure ſhal be applied.

In a Drineſs the Cauſe muſt firſt be turned away, which if it ariſe from an evil cuſtom that they ſleep with their Mouth open, it muſt be changed by forbearing to uſe it; The Cure of the want of Taſting from the drineſs of the coat of the mouth. eſpecially if they are compel'd to breath ſo, their Noſtrils being obſtructed, then if they ſleep with their head placed higher, and the pillow under it be raiſed up, experience teacheth that they may thus attract the Air more freely, becauſe the largeneſs of the Noſtrils is then the more dilated; and if ſnivel or flegm obſtruct the Noſtrils, they muſt be purged by Errhines and if a hotter courſe of living doth bring this drineſs, let them abſtain from hot and ſalt meats, let them dilute their Wine wel, let them uſe Sallets at Supper eſpecially, of Lettice, Succory, and the like, and let them not heat their body too much no other waies; then that the Air may not often enter the mouth and dry it, they ought to ſpeak little, and ſpit ſeldom, ſeeing the ſpittle retained a long time, becauſe it is glutinous, doth chiefly moiſten the Tongue, and if it be dried, doth lenifie it again.

If this happen in ſome Internal hot diſeaſe eſpecially as in burning and Continual Feavers the Cure muſt chiefly be directed, to extinguiſh the heat of the Feaver, & chiefly then, cold Epithems muſt often be applied, to the Heart, Liver, and parts from whence the heat chiefly ariſeth. Afterwards Remedies ſhall be fitted to the coat of the mouth by lenifying and moiſtning this roughneſs with things ſoft, glutinous, and fat, which either they may keep in their mouth, chew, lick, or waſh the mouth with them, or if they cannot, let their Tongue be anointed with the Finger or a Stick applied to them.

Prunes, Tamarinds, Sebeſtens, ſuch as are kept dried, if being mollified again, with a gentle heat, they be kept in the mouth, lenifying with their grateful reliſh, they correct this fault.

Freſh Apples ſliced, chewed and held a little in the mouth, de perform the ſame, as alſo the fleſh and juyce of Melons, Guords and eſpecially of Citruls, freſh Purſlane as being eaten it doth preſently correct the roughneſs of the Teeth, ſo alſo it doth very much lenifie the jaws, the which alſo Lettice held in the Mouth and chewed, doth.

If thoſe things be conteined in the Mouth, which do actually Refrigerate, by extinguiſhing the heat they correct the drineſs, as Cold water, and Stones amongſt which the Chryſtal is beleeved to bring ſomewhat peculiar.

The following Remedies alſo muſt be licked, or put into their Mouth which do correct the drineſs of the Tongue and Jaws, by their mucilaginiouſneſs.

As, Take the white of one Egg, beat it wel with Sugar til it grow white, uſe it.

Or thus, Take of the Mucilage of the ſeeds of Quinces and Fleawort extracted with Roſe-water, of each half an ounce; Syrup of Violets one ounce, mix them wel.

Or, Take of the aforeſaid Compoſition one ounce, to which alſo you may add of the Mucilage of Apple kernels and ſeeds of Mallows half an ounce, the Infuſion of Gum Tragacanth in Roſe-water half an ounce, Sugar candy (eſpocially if the Tongue be foul too) Honey of Roſes of each two drams, mix them.

Theſe Compoſitions made a little thicker being received in broad baggs, and often moiſtned with Roſewater, he may lay on his Tongue, and ſo keep them a while; or let Cloaths be moiſtened in theſe Liquors and be applied in like manner.

Which alſo may be done in this Decoction. Take of Sweet Prunes ſix, Violet flowers one pugil (becauſe they have a glutinouſneſs) Barley clenſed one ounce, Quince ſeeds two drams, Fleawort one dram, Gum Tragacanth half a dram, boyl them in Water for the ſaid uſe, adding a little Honey or Sugar.

Things ſomwhat Unctuous, but made of thoſe which are moſt pleaſing, being adminiſtred after the ſame manner, do egregiouſly contemperate this drineſs.

Of which ſort this is, Take of Freſh Butter, or inſtead of that, Oyl of ſweet Almonds newly drawn, as much as is ſufficient, White Sugar, or Candy, or Sugar of Roſes, beat them together, and let him lick it.

Or thus, Take the white of one Egg, Starch Corn one dram, Milk as much as wil ſuffice, beat them wel, boyl them a little till it becomes a Frumenty, add of freſh Butter the like quantity, the whiteſt Sugar as much as is ſufficient, make a Haſty pudding, which let him uſe.

The Fat of a Hen or Capon boyled a little that it may be the more grateful, may perform the ſame.

Syrups of Violets, Jujubes, or others, may be licked ſo, or held in the Mouth.

Lotions for the Mouth may be made of the ſame things, diſſolved for this uſe.

Or after this manner, Take of Syrup of Violets, Jujubes, of each one ounce and an half; the Decoction of Barley clenſed four ounces, let him uſe it.

Or thus, Take of the freſh Leaves of Purſlane and Lettice of each one handful; the flowers of Autumn Mallows, Dogſhhead, Barley clenſed, of each one pugil; the Roots of Liquoriſh one ounce, the ſeeds of Fleawort two drams, the ſeeds of Poppy one dram, boyl them in Water, and in one pound diſſolve the white of one Egg beaten, Honey of Roſes clenſed, Syrup of Violets, of each one ounce; let him uſe it.

It is very convenient to waſh the Mouth often with cold Milk, eſpecially with Butter-milk.

But if that Blackneſs, Greenneſs, The Cure of the want of Taſting from a drineſs of the Tongue with blackneſs joyned to it. Yellowneſs, joyned with the Drineſs, doth ſignifie that the Tongue alſo is infected by Malignant vapors it is an ill ſign, and ſo much the worſe, if heat be added to it. • then thoſe things being firſt adminiſtred which are due to a burning, malignant or peſtilent Feaver, we muſt uſe things more cold and repreſſing malignity, eſpecially acid things, adding alwaies ſome things Lenitive, that they do not too much exaſperate, of which alſo we wil treat in the Inflammations of the Jaws, to which alſo we add theſe following.

Let them keep in their mouth ſharp Fruits and chew them, as of Phyſick fruits, Orenges, Lemmons, Citrons or Pomegranats, or other Apples, Prunes, Cherries, Currans, and bunches of Barberries, and of herbs, Sorrel, Lettice, Purſlane, but firſt ſteeped in Vinegar or acid juyces; or in Sallets, as flowers of Succory, Violets, with Vinegar, and the like.

Then let them waſh their Mouth often with Roſevinegar diluted with Water; or with Sorrel-water.

Or with the Acid Broth of that ſeaſoning of Coleworts and Rapes, and uſe that Acid Liquor either crude, or diſtilled firſt, which is Chirurgeons moſt excellent Remedy for theſe things approved on by experience.

If a little Camphire be added to pure Water 'tis alſo a fit Remedy.

Or let it be made after this manner, Take of Roſewater three ounces, Nightſhade water two ounces, the white of one Eg beaten, Camphire diſſolved in Vinegar half a ſcruple, mix them.

Or ſuch a Julep, Take of ſimple Syrup of Vinegar two ounces, of ſimple Oxymel one ounce, the waters of Roſes, Violets, Water-lillies, of each three ounces; mix them.

Some commend this very much, Take of the Water of the greater Houſleek, to which add a little Salt Ammoniack.

Yet after the uſe uſe of theſe, we muſt alwaies come to thoſe things which Lenifie alſo, the which have been already ſpoken of.

Amongſt which this alſo is commended above the reſt. Take of the pulp of Gueard ſeeds, choice Manna, Sugar candy, of each one dram; with ſimple Oxymel make Forms, which he may keep in his mouth.

The other Remedies, eſpecially if there be a great heat joyned and as it were an Inflammation, are explained in the Inflammations of the Jawes.

If ſlime growing to the Tongue and Jaws, do prejudice the Taſt, and do alſo bring trouble, by its tenacity and ſtinking, the cauſe muſt firſt be removed.

Which if it proceed only from the taking glutinous things 'tis eaſily prevented by waſhing the mouth alwaies after meat taken, The Cure of the want of Taſting from ſlime of the coat compaſſing the mouth. till the reliques of theſe meats, or thick juyce, which do adhere, be waſht of.

The ſame muſt be done alſo in the morning alwaies after they are up, if ſuch filth be collected, either by reaſon of this Cauſe or from Vapors raiſed from the Meats at night, and the Teeth muſt be diligently clenſed and rubbed, as alſo ſhal be explained in their faults.

And that Fewer and leſs thick Vapors may ariſe, we muſt take Care the Supper be ſober.

And leſt that theſe exhalations being retained in the mouth, in progreſs of time may grow to the ſaid parts, they muſt accuſtome to ſleep with the mouth a little open, which when ſome are not uſed to do, by interpoſing a cloath, or holding a little cane in their mouth, they ought to make a way for the vapor.

If flegm breed this Tenacity in the Spittle, the afflux of that muſt be diverted, and that muſt be forced and ſpit forth by hawking, premiſing if it come hard, the Lotions that ſhall preſently be named, to cut and clenſe it.

But if the Cauſe or a hot Diſeaſe, an acute, malignant Feaver, by drying or ſending up filthy vapors and ſo incraſſating the Spittle, do produce this thick filthy ſlime; firſt having reſpect to the Diſeaſe and the Cauſe as hath already been ſaid formerly, Topick means as well in this as in another perſevering cauſe, muſt be apdlied to the part affected as followeth.

We take then out of the Mouth chiefly from the Tongue, Teeth, Gums and Jaws, this ſlime if it abound very much, with thoſe things which have • n abſterfive power, and if it be very tenacious, inciſive alſo, with which are mixed things lenitive, that they may not exaſperate the Tongue, eſpecially if that be dry too, applying alſo things that work • actually, in the interim ever and anon waſhing it, and if it yeild not eaſily, ſeraping it.

The mouth is waſht with things abſterſive, as with the Decoction of whol Barley. Alſo with Whey, with Milk and Sugar.

Or with this following, Take of whol Barley, Red Peaſe or Vetches of each one pugil; roots of Liquoriſh one ounce, Figs twenty, flowers of Autumn Mallows one pugil, make a Decoction and in one pound diſſolve of Honey or Sugar two ounces.

After waſhing let him hold Sugar candy in his mouth, or Lozenges of Sugar, Roſes, or Manus Chriſti, or let him lick a little Honey of Roſes.

If there be need of a greater Abſterſion and Cutting, cerrain hotter things and acid things are added too, if the flegm be very tenacious.

As, Take of Barley, Vetches, of each one pugil; Liquoriſh one ounce and an half, Leaves of Sage, Marjoram, Hyſop, of each two drams; Quince ſeed one dram, make a Decoction in Water and white Wine, add Honey of Roſes two ounces, Sugar Candy one ounce, wine of Pomegranates or Vinegar a litttle, mix them, make a Lotion for the Mouth; if you add as much Allum or a good quantity of it, when it is very tough, it is moſt powerfully abſterſive.

Or, Take of the waters of Roſes, Plantans, Nightſhade, of each two ounces; the waters of Sage, Marjoram, of e • ch one ounce; ſimple Oxymel two ounces, white Wine Vinegar a little.

Let him take often one ſpoonful of Oxyſaccharum, or Hydromel, or of ſimple Oxymel, or of Squils, if it be very tenacious, and after ſome time let him waſh his mouth, and again repeat the Syrups, to which if it give not way, ſome portion of Allum muſt be mixed with them.

Or Vinegar of Squils diluted muſt be held in the mouth, with which I have ſomtimes obſerved, that the moſt tenacious matter, which formely could be taken away by no means, hath at length departed from the mouth.

This matter alſo muſt be ſcraped off, if it ſtick pertinaciouſly, yet ſo that we do not too much exaſperate the Tongue, and ſo give occaſion to a greater Inflammation, eſpecially if it be very dry and cleft, in which thing Chirurgeons offend often.

But this is done by rubbing the Tongue, as alſo the Teeth, Palate, with the finger or an Inſtrument fitted for it, coverred with a Linnen cloth, and dipt in the Lotions above-mentioned; which alſo is commodiouſly done with the Leaves of Sage, Mint, moiſtened after the like manner: alſo that filthineſs is ſcruped off with a round uſual Inſtrument made of Sallow or ſilver, ſuch as Chirurgeons have, drawing it leaſurely over the Tongue, in the interim oftentimes waſhing the mouth and by & by again lenifying the Toung with an Oyntment; but oftentimes the flegm is ſo tenacious and the ſlime thick like Frumenty it may be laid hold on by the hands and ſo taken forth, or drawn, and by that means forced to yeild.

If a Vapor or Humor ſeaſon and fill up the Tongue with a ſtrange ſavour, The Cure of a depraved taſt from the ſeaſoning of the Tongue. that it perceives not other things at all, or amiſs, the cauſe alſo muſt firſt of all be declined.

Which if it proceed from things taken, ſeeing it doth no waies induce a long laſting affect, and ceaſeth of its own accord, 'tis neglected; or will eaſily be amended with the contraries, as ſhall be ſaid by and by.

But if this ariſe from an internal diſeaſe, a filthy vapor or a cholerick alimentary humor heaped up there, the intention of curing is directed, to the evacuation of theſe humors, and healing the Diſeaſes.

But if that adverſe ſavor doth no waies ceaſe the cauſe being taken away, but perſevering a long time, be troubleſom to thoſe otherwiſe ſound and to the ſick, the contrary ſavor being procured by things given, we either take away or amend the former which did trouble.

So the Sweet ſavor as wel the Alimental as that which is ſweet indeed being very adverſe for the moſt part to the Feaveriſh & other ſick folks, the which notwithſtanding was otherwiſe moſt grateful to them in health, is corrected chiefly with acid or tart things, which do not only mend that, but alſo bring an appetite too, which ſweet things take away, and aſſwage the thirſt, which ſweet things increaſe; which acid things let them keep in their mouth, and lick, amongſt which acid Cherries ſuch as are wont to be kept dried and ſoftened again, and many others of that nature, which ſhal be explained in thirſt do very much and this nauſeous unſweetneſs of the mouth.

The which bitter things alſo do likewiſe correct, being more acceptable to ſome natures, eſpecially if they confiſt of a ſweet ſmel as principally Wormwood in Wine which adds a greater gratfulneſs to it.

As the bitter ſavour again too long ſticking on the Taſt is corrected with Sweet or Acid things, and with thoſe that are inſipid, which alſo do dull the vertues of them which otherwiſe would inflame the Jaws.

With which alſo the ſalt ſavor is contemperated, as again the ſalt ſavor is dulled with things inſipid.

The Kinds.

THe Sight is wholly aboliſht in ſome, Blindneſs. that at all times and alwaies they ſee nothing, and it is called Blindneſs; in which Species if no fault appear in the Eyes which may hinder ſeeing, & they are blind with open and cleer Eyes, it is called Amauroſis; Amauroſis a kind of blindneſs. for if either a Speck or a Coat, or a Humor appearing about the black of the Eye, makes them Blind it obtains a private name from the Cauſe as ſhall be ſaid in the Cauſe.

But otherwiſe they loſe their ſight only, at a certain time, the which nevertheleſs by and by returns again, no impediment then alſo being conſpicuous in the Eyes; as when from an external cauſe by reaſon of brightneſs or darkneſs, objected too much or too ſuddenly to the Eyes. Scotoma an Obtenebration a kind of blindneſs. Tthey are ſo darkened, that the ſeeing being hindred firſt as it were with a Cloud or Fume impeding, through which there ſeem to run, certain ſmal bodies ſomtimes dyed with a red' yellow, or black color, by and by is for a while wholly taken away, in the affect which is called Scotoma.

Somtimes the Sight is only impaired in ſome, Amblyopia a weakneſs of the Sight. when thoſe ſpecies of things which the ſight otherwiſe ought naturally to attain to, whereſoever and whenſoever, they behold not wel, or obſcurely; and that for the moſt part, no cauſe alſo ſhewing it ſelf in the Eyes and they call it Amblyopia that is an obſcurity, dulneſs or darkneſs of the ſight. Darkneſs a kind of weakneſs of Sight. Although ſome think if the Eyes by ſome manifeſt fault do ſee impairedly as with a miſt before them, it might more properly be called a dulneſs, and in old folks they call this fault a darkneſs.

Hither alſo is refer'd that weakneſs of ſight, The ſight perceiving things diſtant more rightly than neer. when the ſight perceives things neer no better than thoſe remote as naturally it ought to do, but thoſe neer the Eyes it apprehends leſs than things diſtant, and therefore when they would ſee ſmall things, or read them, they are forced to remove them far from their Eyes; a fault familiar to thoſe that grow old, which when it may be amended by a fit pair of Spectacles, let them continually uſe them in apprehending of ſmaller things, for which cauſe I am wont to call it The old folks ſight.

But it happens alſo on the contrary manner that ſome can no waies judg rightly of things remote, Sight not rightly diſcerning things a little diſtant. yet not ſo remote that ſound men alſo cannot ſufficiently ſee them by reaſon of the too great diſtance, but only removed for a little ſpace, although they be very great; whence oftentimes not knowing their Neighbours, they paſs them by unſaluted; Pictures, Writings, unleſs they draw neer with their Eyes, they can neither ſee nor read handſomly, unleſs they uſe ſpectacles appropriate to correct this fault, imbred for the moſt part with yong folks from their birth and remaining even unto extream old age, which approaching, ſometimes it comes to paſs, that then they ſee better thoſe things diſtant which they ſaw leſs in youth, and how much the elder they grow, ſo much the farther ſighted, which ſpecies therefore I am wont to call, The young mans ſight.

But of thoſe alſo who do leſs behold things ſomewhat remote, Sight not rightly judging of things unleſs cloſe to the Eyes is Myopia. there are ſome who unleſs they apply cloſe to their Eyes things ſomewhat ſmal or writings as it is commonly ſaid, touch them with their Noſe, they cannot rightly diſcern or read them, beholding them with askew and cloſed eyes who from their cradle even unto old age for the moſt part, ſeeing after this manner are called Myopes, ſome of which are helped by the benefit of Spectacles, others not.

We meet alſo with another weakneſs of Seeing, Nyctalopes. when at night by the light of a Candle, they ſee little or nothing almoſt, but in day time by day-light they perceive no impediment in their ſight which they call Nyctalopes, the Latines call Luſcioſi.

But it happens alſo in ſome, that they ſee in the Night in the dark without light more acutely than in the day time, The Evening Eye-ſight. as Owls, a rare diſpoſition which they call the Evening Eye-ſight, for we would rather retain thoſe names which are uſual and rightly deſign the things, then confound them amongſt themſelves as commonly they do, ſignifying many things by one name.

The Seeing is depraved firſt of all when things are repreſented unto it otherwiſe than they are indeed, Hallucination. as if they ſee thoſe things which are ſingle for double, as ſomtimes it fares with Drunkards, who behold ſtreight things for crooked, or ſome other way things under a falſe ſhape, which fault is called Hallucination.

Secondly if they think and Imagine with themſelves that they ſee things that are not whence they call this affect Imagination; Imagination as it happens when in an Alienation of mind and Ravings, as hath been ſaid there, they think that they ſee divers apparitions whiles they are waking, ſuch as otherwiſe they are wont to meet with in Dreams, or that Flies, or Gnats, fly up and down, Nubecula a ſpecies of Raving. Straws, Locks of Wool adhere to things, the which alſo ſometimes is wont to happen to thoſe no waies beſides themſelves nor otherwiſe ſick; that the ſame inſects or locks of Wool, and filaments, Spiders webs and the like ſmall things and Atomes, ſeem to appear to one Eye or to both together, in which becauſe for the moſt part they think that they ſee alſo a little Cloud, this fault is called Nubecula.

Thirdly hither belongs that falſe viſion when alſo without any hurt of the mind other colors then are, Colors a Species of Imagination are offerd to the ſight, now red, then yellow, Brightneſs a kind of Imagination. or green or ſome other way repreſenting themſelves with a ful light; the ſame appear coloured like a Rainbow in the compaſs and as it were the circle of the flame of a Candle, or of ſome other thing lighted: or Brightneſs like lightning, or other ſhining bodies obſcure the ſight.

Fourthly to the depravation of ſight theſe alſo muſt be referd, when the things which they behold, although they be firm and ſtable yet they think that they are carried about, driven round, and wheeled about, ſo that though they know this is a falſe imagination, yet when from that turning round of things, the ſight doth no more perceive a firm ſeat where the body may ſubſiſt, that alſo ſtumbles & ſtaggers; ſomtimes alſo if the pavement on which he ſtands ſeems to him to be inverted, as if he alſo were inverted with it, unleſs he be ſuſtained or kept up, he falls and ſuddenly ruſheth down, and beats the Earth with his Feet, whiles he endeavors to ſtay himſelf, all the other ſenſes being nevertheleſs entire, by which ſign this fault called Dinos, or Vertigo, is eaſily diſtinguiſhed, from an Epilepſie. Apoplexy, Syncope, with which thoſe that are ſtrucken, do preſently alſo fall on the ground.

But beſides this unquiet Viſion thoſe troubled with a Vertigo there comes alſo ſometimes another depravation of it, A Vertigo with Iminginations. which we have called Imagination and a little Cloud (and upon this account, they have named theſe imaginations, A beginning or ſmal Vertigo) a Cloud or other bodies, or Colours alſo with them offering themſelves to the ſight; the which notwithſtanding if it doth happen, for the moſt part it is wont to go before a Vertigo.

Somtimes alſo a darkneſs of the ſight which we have formerly called Scotoma doth accompany a Vertigo, A Vertigo with darkneſs in Scotodinos. when alſo the Eyes being ſhut nevertheleſs al things are objected to the Internal ſenſe as if they were turned round, and then the Diſeaſe compounded of them both is called Scotodinos.

All which Depravations of the ſight for the moſt part happen, no fault being conſpicuous in the Eyes (unleſs it be offerred in that, when a ſtrange color doth ſomtimes appear with which the Eye is indeed extrinſecally coloured) whether this be in the Sound or Sick.

The Cauſes.

The Cauſe of all the declared Accidents of the Sight is either in the part communicating the viſive power, viz. the Brain, The part affected. or conſiſts in the Inſtrument receiving that power and alſo the ſpecies of external things, to wit the Eye; which when as it conſiſts of many more parts, then the other Organs of the ſenſes, and humors alſo, in every one of them ſome cauſes prejudicing the fight may ariſe.

Firſt of all in the viſory or net-like Nerve implanted into the Eye, and the principal Inſtrument of Seeing; then in the three humors that fil up the Eye and ſerve the viſory Nerve, laſt of all in the Membranes themſelves that conſtitute the Globe of the Eye and intrinſecally diſtinguiſh the humors. If the Cauſe lie in thoſe places where they are pervious to the ſight as about the Black of the Eye, and where only if the impediment of ſeeing do conſiſt, it may be ſeen and known, for if it be elſewhere it is ſo hidden that it doth no waies appear to thoſe that behold the Eye.

As all Senſes may be hurt by reaſon of the Brain ſo alſo Seeing is weakned; The Cauſe of the Hurt of ſeeing in the Brain. both if it ſuffer a Diſeaſe General or Special and eſpecially in that part where the optick Nerves come forth, or thoſe Nerves themſelves produced from the Brain and carried unto the Eyes, are affected; which affects may be various.

A Cold Diſtemper ſometimes breeds Blindneſs the other ſenſes being ſomtimes unhurt; A cold Diſtemper of the Brain, is the Cauſe of Blindneſs, or weakneſs of ſight. if the Forehead and Eyes being much and a long time refrigerated by cold wind, which being leſs cover'd, are the more expoſed to the injuries, and the cold penetrating even to that part, where the optick Nerves have their original, the ſaid parts are ſo hurt, that they become Blind; or there remains afterwards a certain weakneſs of ſight, which I have ſeen befall a noble Matron in the Head-ach from the too much application of Oxyrrhodines actually moſt cold, who all her life time could no waies recover her ſight any more; that this alſo doth happen, if the whol brain be hurt by the ſame diſtemper hath been ſhewed in a ſtupidity, but then the reſt of the ſenſes are aboliſht too, and its eaſily known by that, whence the cauſe proceeds, as if it be from externals 'tis plain of it ſelf.

That a Hot Diſtemper of the Brain doth bring together with a Depravation of the Mind alſo A hot diſtemper of the brain is the cauſe of error of the ſight and of Imagination. a Hallucination of the ſight, and the ſaid Imagination in which various falſe Images of things are offerred to the ſight, hath been ſaid in a Phrenſie.

As alſo it hath been explained there, A malignant diſtemper in the brain is the cauſe of error in the ſight. that that diſtemper which ariſeth from the Perturbation of the ſpirits in the Brain from Malignant humors, together with Madneſs and Melancholly, doth likewiſe repreſent falſe Apparitions to the ſight.

Too much Drineſs of the Optick Nerve induced by burning Feavers the eaſier into that Nerve, A dry diſtemper of the Brain is the cauſe of blindneſs. ſeeing it is thick, doth produce a Blindneſs remaining after theſe Feavers.

The beginning of the Nerves being compreſt or bedewed as we have ſhewed that an Apoplexy is cauſed, in which all the Senſes are taken away at once, ſo alſo if this be only about the riſe or meeting of the Optick Nerves, or in the other carriage of them out of the Eye, which then muſt needs be from an afflux either of a bloody or flegmatick humor, it is ſomtimes wont to happen, that a Blindneſs doth ſuddenly follow, if the humor preſently fall down thither.

But more commonly the Optick Nerves being irrigated or too much moiſtened by the watry flegmatick excrements of the Brain, which in this middle ſeat of the Baſis of the Brain, where the optick Nerves break forth, alwaies flow down to the Infundibulum which is next to theſe Nerves; and together with the Nerves, and neer them break forth into the Chamber of the Eye and amplitude of the Noſtrils, a darkneſs of ſight is wont to happen in old folks and flegmatick; or if they be refrigerated by the ſame humor or be compreſt in thoſe ſtreights rather then obſtructed as they would have it, a blindneſs alſo is wont to follow; which abolition or weakneſs of the ſight, together with the hurt of the reſt of the ſenſes happens, if this fault be extended to their riſe or progreſs in the Baſis of the Brain, or the ſight only is aboliſht, if that ſeat chiefly be affected, and that commonly in both Eyes by reaſon of the meeting of the Optick Nerves and their ſhort paſſage to the Eye, that is rare that one Nerve only can be ſo affected; the which doth proceed from flegm or a wateriſh humor as is ſufficiently manifeſt, by the ſigns of that humor abounding in the brain; and it is eaſily known alſo that a Nerve is affected, when nothing appears in the Eye, which can bring ſuch loſs or Obſcurity of the ſight, neither have we found this ſign to be true, which they have thought moſt certain, to wit, if the unſound Eye being compreſt the Apple is not dilated, this comes to paſs by default of the Nerve, becauſe the influx of the Spirit into the ſame is impeded, ſeeing the animal ſpirit doth not diſtend the Eye like wind, neither fils it up but perſiſts in the netlike Nerve.

Hither alſo ſhal be referred that not unuſual Cauſe, The Contuſion of the viſory Nerve in the brain is the cauſe of blindneſs. but by no man as I know rightly deſcribed, of that blindneſs which is ſomtimes left, after grievous and frequent Convulſions; the which is not from an afflux of humor as they would have it, but becauſe in thoſe great Convulſions by the Convulſion fits of all the parts and the Eyes alſo, in which they alſo oftentimes appear convulſive and very much ſtretcht out and bowed down, the Optick Nerve growing to them being thus attracted and too much diſtended, and that being wreathed too, and hurt, and the paſſage or viſory ſpirit being hindred it happens that the Eyes are deprived of Seeing, and that it proceeds herefrom we have found out by diligent examination, and conſideration.

The Subſtance of the Brain being hurt as by an Apoplexy there is a privation of all the ſenſes, The ſolution of continuity in the viſory Nerve of the Brain is the cauſe of Blindneſs. ſo a Nerve being contuſed or wounded there which ſome do teſtifie hath ſomtimes happened from a puncture made by the Forehead a manifeſt Blindneſs by reaſon of the Solution of Continuity or a Callus left hath ſuddenly happened, and ſo from a blow.

A Weak Conſtitution of the Brain, the ſpirits being diſſipated and waſted by reaſon of old Age, or by ſome grievous and long continued diſeaſe, too much evacuations, eſpecially of Blood and Seed whence is a great effuſion of ſpirits and immoderate Venery for that reaſon doth very much prejudice the ſight; A Weakneſs of the Brain the Cauſe of weak Sight. alſo by reaſon of too much Watchings as hath been ſaid there, it induceth an Amblyopy or weakeneſs of ſight and alſo of the other ſenſenſes eſpecialy of thoſe that have a more ſubtile object as of Hearing, often familiar to old folk, as appears in theſe external cauſes of them, remaining in thoſe that are recovering, and accuſtomary to thoſe that live intemperately.

Beſides this cauſe which proceeds from a defect of ſpirits which there can be no doubt, we can by no means be induced, to feign another here in the thickneſs or thinneſs or ſubtilty of the Spirits as many indeed do propoſe theſe things with more ſubtilty than truth, out we are moved by many things to diſſent from them; ſeeing the animal ſpirit being wel nigh aethereal, doth no waies ſuffer ſuch changes, but is moſt eaſily diſſipated, as no man neither hath ever dared ſo much as to fanſie the Vital Spirits to grow thick or be attenuated; as alſo weſee, unleſs now the defect of ſeeing happen from the Spirits its other diſcommodities, whence things far diſtant or neer, are leſs truly diſcerned, do happen rather from the fault of the Inſtrument as by and by ſhall be explained, not by reaſon of a certain thickneſs or ſubtilty of the ſpirits, as they have thought, ſeeing they are ſo ſubtile, that they cannot be more ſubtile.

Divers ſorts of hurt of the ſight are wont to proceed, by reaſon of the perturbation or agitation of the ſpirits of the Brain and the brain, alſo being affected by conſent with them; as if being mixt with a hot, ſubtile vapor, A preturbation of the ſpirits of the brain by vapors is the cauſe of error and Imagination with an alienation of mind. either turbid, or malignant, they do not only pervert the mind, but corrupt alſo the ſight ſo that they think they ſee many things which are not; as if from the like vapors the ſpirits and brain grow hot, then together with the Raving, falſe Apparitions alſo are objected to the Eyes, as hath been ſaid in a baſtard Phrenſie, and as if a certain Narcotick vertue be joyned with the heat, as hath been ſhewed to be from the evaporation of Wine then together with the Drunkenneſs of the mind, that there is alſo an error in the ſight in which they think they ſee divers things which are not, or thoſe things which are they judg of falſly, hath been declared in Drunkenneſs (as the ſtory of him who being drunk alwaies thought things to be double, being decived by his Wife, burned his hands, gives credit to this buſineſs) furthermore when other filthy and malignant vapors from the Region of the Hypochondries do aſſail the Brain & diſturb it and its ſpirits they do not only pervert the Mind but alſo ſometimes propoſe the ſight being cauſed by conſent ſeeing they trouble the Mind too they belong to the Alienation of the mind where it hath been largely treated of them.

But alſo it oftentimes comes to paſs that the ſeeing is hurt by the too much agitation of the ſpirits, The too much agitation of the ſpirits of the Brain the cauſe of a Vertigo. not by that which in the affects of the mind, the ſpirits being not only agitated, but rather confounded together with the humors conteined in the Head, Heart, and whol body, doth only diſturb the mind, and ſcarce hurts the ſight: but by that in which the ſpirits in the Brain being moved either themſelves or with the mixture of a vapor, without any perturbation of the mind, thoſe called a Vertigo, Imagination and Scotomie are wont to be raiſed.

For the ſpirit contained in the Brain and its Arteries and Ventricles, being moved and ſtirred more vehemently, even without the mixture of a vapor, repreſenting to the Imagination the like commotion in things without it breeds the ſaid Vertigo of which commotion there may be divers cauſes; for a vehement moving of the head after the ſame manner continued long doth cauſe that the ſpirits for the ſame reaſon being ſtirred and following the Head afterwards reſting, yet nevertheleſs they ſtil for a while run up and down after the ſame manner as the motion of the head was made, till they reſt again; as it comes to paſes if the Head together with the body be turned long Round, for then a Vertigo follows, ſo that if this be done longer a ſtrong one comes, that they cannot ſtand on their Feet, but ſomtimes neceſſarily ſtagger and fall, as it oft happens we ſee theſe things both in men and beaſts; ſo the head being bowed a long while downwards, the ſpirits then tending from that upwards to the beginning of the Nerves, when that it is erected again, the ſame ſpirits with violence going back again to their proper ſeat, from that motion ſomtimes a Vertigo is perceived.

But if it happens not from this motion of the body only, but alſo from a perſevering or vehement commotion of the mind the ſpirits being often and ſtrongly exagitated, in profound and dayly cogitations, and other paſſions of the mind, as alſo in Watchings, that thoſe thus accuſtomed, moved from ſome light internal cauſe, fall into a Vertigo; as we do obſerve Vertigoes do ſomtimes trouble them that do very much labor at their Studies when they are faſting, for the cauſes by and by to be mentioned.

But from the long beholding of a thing whirled round or otherwiſe moved ſwiftly whether this be ſo, or ſeem to be ſo, as the Earth ſeems to be moved and run, to them that ſail, which happens to ſome from their Imagination when their Eyes are ſhut, ſome are ſeazed with a Vertigo, the ſpirits alſo by that agitation of the ſight which follows at the ſudden commotion of the object, being ſtirred after the ſame manner, and as it were following the ſwiftneſs of the ſight; which as it happens to thoſe whoſe ſpirits are eaſily ſtirred, ſo in thoſe diſpoſed to the Vertigo it gives occaſion for the fit to ſeaze, although the cauſe be but light. Alſo looking downwards from a high, ſteep, and dangerous place breeds a Vertigo in thoſe that are not uſed to it, the ſpirits being too much diffuſed, and drawn back again with fear, and ſo moved unequally; and therefore this no waies happens to thoſe that are not afraid, unleſs they be otherwiſe diſpoſed or ſome other cauſe joyned, as if from ſuch a high place they behold things which are wheeled about, or Whitle-pools of Waters.

But as this Vertigo doth happen from external cauſes by reaſon of the too great impulſe of the ſpirits, ſo alſo the ſpirits of themſelves collected in the Arteries of the Brain, eſpecially being more hot and plentifull becauſe they are unquiet do cauſe a Vertigo and are eaſily agitated of themſelves, or from a light occaſion joyning; the which doth long and much torment men from a light cauſe either alone or alſo with a pain accompanying it, whoſe Arteries do beat vehemently in their Head and Ears, with a tingling of them ſometimes and often in the reſt of the body, and they are ſcarcely cured unleſs by opening of them, as ſhall be ſaid; but this may come to paſs by it ſelf, the blood being ſo heated and attenuated in the Arteries, or by the mixture of a thin Vapor, as ſhal be ſaid by and by.

But we have found our another cauſe of a Vertigo proceeding from the ſpirits in the Arteries and Veſſels of the Head, by diſſecting a certain Merchant our Country-man, who many yeers being ſick of a Vertigo was neither able to walk nor to riſe out of the bed, but he fel down, to wit, the veins of the Brain and all its Arteries from their riſe and ingreſs within the Skul, in their whol paſſage through the Brain, grown together, and hard, and diſtinguiſht with little Glandules in their whol progreſs; from which obſtruction of them, the ſpirits being impeded and retained in the Brain, being wheeled about by a light motion, bred an incurable Vertigo.

But by reaſon of vapors mixt with the now declared ſpirits of the Brain, there are wont to be produced not only a Vertigo, but alſo the ſaid Imagination and Scotomie, either ſeazing at once, or apart; and they according to the diverſity of the nature of the Vapors and place from which they ariſe, and to which they are carried in the Brain; for if they being plentifully confounded with the ſpirits of the brain in its Veſſels, filling up thoſe places and ſeeking paſſage out, together with them they be brought to the ſides, by offering to the ſight, ſuch a ſenſe and motion in things externall they breed a Vertigo as hath been ſaid formerly; lighter or more grievous according as their agitation is greater or leſs

The which alſo doth affect a man alone, if the Vapor be ſubtile and no otherwiſe polluted, or if it be too hot there is joyned alſo a pain of the Head; if it be turbid or ſome other way polluted, coloured, ſhining, as it may diverſly exhale from divers humors and Choler as ſhal be ſaid by and by, then there are cauſed Imaginations alſo with a Vertigo by which there falſly repreſented to the ſight divers ſmall bodies, Inſects, Atoms, Colours, Shinings; or if by their obſcurity rather than thickneſs, as they would have it, they darken the ſight, they caſt Clouds, Fumes, or Darkneſs before the Eyes together with the Vertigo in the ſaid Scotodinos affect for though they ſee nothing, (as formerly hath been ſaid of their Eyes cloſed) yet they may feel a Vertigo.

The which Imaginations notwithſtanding and Obtenebrations or Darkneſſes do oftentimes alſo happen apart without a Vertigo, if that Circumaction of the ſpirits in the Head be not made, but only a mixture of the Vapors with them; the which for what reaſon it can befall the ſight, in ſo great a variety of Opinions concerning this thing, we muſt a little more diligently ſearch out.

Many have beleeved theſe Vapors aſcending and breaking forth of the Chamber of the Eyes which are before the Eyes like a Fume, do either deceive, or hinder the ſight being moved with this reaſon, becauſe they ſaw tears provoked, and the Eyes look red from Vapors which in like manner did penetrate to the Eyes and prick them; yet this ſeeing it rather comes to paſs, from the pricking of the ſenſible coat of the Noſtrils, by reaſon of its communication with the adnate coat of the Eyes, this compariſon will no waies take place; and ſeeing the vapor, if it did ſo come under the orbite of the Eyes, and creep about them, it would preſently fly forth before it could touch them, we reject this Opinion as weak.

But others have thought that theſe Vapors do wholly go under the Eyes and penetrate even to their innermoſt parts ſo that intrinſecally they are ſeen by the Eyes, but whenas after this manner there is no paſſage to the Globe of the Eye, and that is ſo thick by reaſon of the horny coat on every ſide whol, that the Vapors can no waies paſs through it, into which a Needle can hardly be thruſt, when a Suffuſion is to be taken off, this Opinion of ſome is vain, and by ſo much the more fooliſh, becauſe they would palliate and cover their errors with the perſpirability of our body.

But others that they might explain after what manner theſe vapors might enter into the Eye, ſeeing they knew that there was no other entrance into the chamber of the Eye, then of the Optick Nerve, Vein and Artery; they have writ that theſe Vapors indeed did firſt aſſault the Brain, but from thence deſcended by the Veins and Arteries to the Eye; not underſtanding what we have deliverd in our Anatomy, that theſe veſſels only run through the adnate coat of the Eye and do no where come neither into the horny coat of the Eye, nor the inner part of the Eye, ſeeing if blood ſhould enter the Eye, by its colour it would repreſent all things red unto the ſight (as it comes to paſs when being poured out of the Veſſels it falls upon the Horny coat) for this reaſon it hath been proved by this demonſtration that the Vapors are not carried neither afthis manner to the Eyes.

Others more conſiderately teach that it comes to paſs, by reaſon of the optick Nerve, which they hold to be the chief inſtrument of ſight, the which we alſo do admit of, yet we grant not that this is done for that reaſon, as they who have thought that the vapors can enter the optick Nerve and through that as through a pipe are carried from within the Scul even to the Eye; ſeeing turbid vapors can no waies be carried through the Nerves ful of animal ſpirit, and ſeeing this is againſt the nature of vapors to be carried downwards unleſs they be driven by ſome violence (which here is not at all.)

But we rather probably think that it happens thus, to wit, that theſe vapors aſſaulting the fore parts of the Brain eſpecially, and being confounded with the animal ſpirits, there with the brightneſs of the Images which are offered to the Brain by the optick Nerve, where all ſenſation and diſtinction is made, by the mixture of ſome ſparks, by which their light is rendred unequall, or darkned in certain places, they repreſent to the Brain theſe like falſe apparitions confounded with the true Images, in this hurt of Seeing which is called a little Cloud; for that this is done in the Brain and not in the Eyes, the Vertigo which for the moſt part doth accompany theſe imaginations as hath been formerly demonſtrated, doth ſufficiently ſhew, the ſpirits then in the Brain being affected and agitated too, whence they that then labor of a Vertigo have not theſe imaginations, but ſeem to themſelves wholly to be turned about, and a Scotomie or Obtenebration of the ſight, that they become almoſt blind ſometimes following theſe little Clouds, the ſpirits being then wholly obſcured by a multitude of vapors, doth evidently declare it; all which hath been ſufficiently demonſtrated to happen in that part of the Brain which gives the Original to the optick Nerves, and is higher than the reſt, and therfore ſeems chiefly to prejudice Seeing, but not in the Eyes if it proceed from vapors.

As in an internal fault of the Eyes ariſing from a Coat growing there, we ſhal by and by ſhew, that that theſe Clouds alſo, and the other aforeſaid may be offered to the ſight, and the ſight alſo be wholly obſcured, in that called A Suffuſion of the Black of the Eye; wherefore theſe little Clouds generated from vapors they have falſly called by the name of a Suffuſion becauſe they thought that then alſo vapors were ſpred over the Eyes, and did there generate a little skin, which we have more rightly indigitated to be little Clouds, & Imaginations; which alſo are diſtinguiſht from a true Suffuſion by theſe ſigns, becauſe in a Cloud & imagination there is no Speck in the Eyes of the affected, theſe accidents of the ſight being objected to both Eyes at once, which do ſomtimes abate and ceaſe and return again at a certain time, ſeeing in a true ſuffuſion the fault appearing in one Eye, but ſcarce perfectly in both at once, it hinders the ſight without intermiſſion, as ſhal be ſaid there.

But the Cauſe of theſe Evaporations whence a Vertigo imagination and Scotomie proceed, may conſiſt in divers parts of the body, ſeeing ſomtimes vapors raiſed from the lower parts are ſent into the Head, moſt commonly they proceed from the Stomach, in which a cholerick humor eſpecially, bringing a hot ſubtile evaporation, and ſending it not only into the Noſe (as the vapor riſing from Onions Radiſhes, Muſtard, is wont only to vellicate the Noſtrils and preſently again is diſſipated) but alſo into the head it ſelf, ſometimes cauſeth a Vertigo, ſomtimes Imaginations: which for the moſt part imitating the nature of Choler, ſomtimes are yellowiſh, ſomtimes green, or blackiſh: and ſeeing Choler in the Stomach is moſt fierce and boyling hot whiles it is empty, and the vapors then being hindred, are the more freely carried upwards, it happens that the ſaid accidents are troubleſome to the cholerick whiles they are yer faſting, and that upon the taking of meat, becauſe the vehemency of Choler is abated and the vapors repreſt, they grow milder, and at laſt ceaſe; the which happens alſo the vapors in the head being diſcuſt of their own accord, and ſo much the ſooner by how much they are more ſubtile, till new evaporations being made, theſe evils do return; but it is known that this proceeds from Choler, by the bitterneſs of the mouth and gnawing at the mouth of the ſtomach, which they call the heart, and by other ſigns of this humor; which alſo ſomtimes brings with the ſame labor a pain of the Head too, with a Vertigo.

The ſame vapors proceeding from the Meſaraick Veins in which the cholerick juyces are wont oftentimes to abound, as hath been ſhewed elſewhere (as by thoſe vapors raiſed from the ſame place, and carried upwards by the Veins and Arteries, intermitting Feavers, hypochondriacal Melanchollies do invade a man by intervals) ſo alſo they oftentimes raiſe the ſaid ſymptoms, which is done the vapors being carried upwards from thence through the Veins, and ſomtimes through the Arteries which are annext to the Meſaraick Veins; then eſpecially when thoſe vapors are ſubtile, that they induce rather theſe accidents than Perturbations of the mind which hath been ſhewed do rather proceed from their malignity the which therefore do ſomtimes produce Vertigoes only or as they are qualified, Images and Scotomies together with them, or without them; which we had rather alleadg as the truer cauſe than Pretend Crudities, from which Wind rather than theſe like Vapors are generated.

But alſo from ſome other ſeat of the body theſe like vapors raiſed from a thinner blood through the Veins and Arteries may cauſe the ſame: as from that part which is about the Womb, as the Courſes being ſtopt this ſymptom alſo doth happen; as other alſo oftentimes upon this account: and from ſome part of the Foot or of another member a vapor proceeding like to ſome Air being carried upwards, as we have obſerved it hath been the Cauſe of an Epilepſie, ſo alſo of a Vertigo, whence ſomtimes Vertigoes go before an Epilepſie and preſage that wil preſently follow, when from the like vapors vellicating the Brain, Epilepſies alſo may be cauſed, as ſhal be ſaid in its place.

But the cauſe of theſe diſeaſes ſometimes conſiſts in the Head it ſelf, in which not only ſpirituous, hot and plentiful blood collected, may cauſe the ſame (as hath been ſaid formerly) but alſo from humors contained there, the like Vapors raiſed and mixt with the ſpirits may produce theſe accidents; which we do beleeve doth ariſe rather from the Blood of the Veſſels and Ventricles of the Brain, and the humors mixt with it than from flegm, the which alſo we do not deny to be a cauſe of the Vertigo, but not becauſe it ſends forth vapors, but after this manner now to be explained.

'Tis certain that a Repletion of the Brain cauſed by a watry humor, The Fluctuation of a watry flegmatick humor in the Brain is the cauſe of a Vertigo. as well that Serous as Flegmatick doth cauſe that Vertigo which is wont to precede and threaten an Apoplexy or Carus; which being frequent and of long continuance unleſs it be prevented, is wont to terminate in theſe Diſeaſes with great danger of life; but it doth not this by cooling and moiſtning the brain, ſeeing this agitation of the ſpirits which is in a Vertigo would ſo rather be hindred than promoted; but this comes to paſs, when filling up the windings and ſpaces of the Brain by its great plenty filling the Skul, and alſo generating plenty of Wind (which are oftener ingendred from wateriſh humors than Vapors) it waves in it; for then as in the cover of the heart, water abounding doth cauſe a Palpitation of the heart, when it is ſtirred; ſo here alſo, it every where filling the Brain when the Head is moved, the humor being ſtirred and following the motion of the Head, as we have ſaid of the ſpirits, it gives ſuch a ſenſe to the head; which doth ſufficiently appear by their relation, who complain of ſuch a fluctuation, and the Skul being opened, we have often found an immenſe plenty of this humor, as hath been ſaid in an Apoplexy, and in him in whom even now we ſaid that the Arteries too were grown hard, we have found ſo great plenty of it, that the Skul being opened it hath come forth by floods, the which together with that obſtruction of the Arteries, producing a double cauſe of the Vertigo, made it ſo laſting and incurable, in which that humor for continuance watring the Brain, had bred that Carus of which he died. But it is known that this is the cauſe of a Vertigo not only from that ſenſe of fluctuation, but alſo from other ſigns of flegm abounding, explained in a Carus and Apoplexy, to which thoſe that are prone become at once ſleepy and more ſtupid, and at laſt fall into theſe Diſeaſes unleſs prevented.

By occaſion of the Viſory Nerve implanted into the Eye and dilated like the form of a Net, The Viſory or Net-like Nerve in the Eye is the cauſe of the hurt of ſeeing. moſt diſcommodities of the fight do happen, ſeeing that is the principal Organ of ſeeing; and that for the moſt part by conſent of other parts, when by reaſon of them it is diſappointed of thoſe things which are required to Seeing, viz. the ſpirit and the proper object, or elſe it cannot rightly enjoy them, for otherwiſe being immerſed in the Eye 'tis ſo grounded, that 'tis ſcarcely troubled with any diſeaſe, unleſs by conſent of the Brain.

It is diſappointed of the Animal ſpirit either altogether in blindneſs, A Privation of the animal ſpirit in the Net-like. Nerve is cauſe of Blindneſs or darkneſs of ſight. or in part in a weakneſs of the ſight, by reaſon of the Optick Nerve, ſuch as are Diſtemper, Compreſſion, Hurts, and Weakneſs proceeding rather from the defect of ſpirits, than that fanſied thickneſs and ſubtlty of them.

The ſame happens alſo, the ſpirits flying from the viſory Nerve towards their beginning: in the Eye preſt a long time, and by conſequence the Net-like Nerve by reaſon of humors filling up the Eye, it ſometimes happens that they are afterwards ſo long blind til the ſpirits return again.

And alſo the ſpirits being too much idle in the viſory Nerve and as it were laid aſleep, or being retreated when there is no uſe of them, the Nerve it ſelf being made dull, in thoſe who being kept in darkneſs for a long time, as in Priſon or other dark places, have ſeen nothing for a long time, when they return into the light, they ſcarce recover their fight, or ſlowly, or never any more.

And ſeeing the Animal ſpirit hath a conſtant need of the vital, this by ſwooning being for a while diſſipated, and the Animal ſpirit being hindred by conſent, amongſt the ceſſations of functions, the Seeing firſt of all is darkned in thoſe that ſwound, and by and by it is taken away with all the reſt ſo long till they come to themſelves.

By reaſon of the proper Object, A Privation of the Object in the Netlike Nerve is the cauſe blindneſs or dark ſight. viz. the Images of things entring the Eye by light and brightneſs; the Net-like Nerve ſuffers a hurt of ſeeing if it be offered to it too violently and it be ſo affected with it, that afterwards it perceives no more, or nor rightly.

As when one very much ſtrucken with the brightneſs of the Sun, Lightening, Fire, afterwards thinks that he ſees ſparks for a while, and either their Eyes are altogether blinded for ſome time, or as it often happens, they afterwards continue blind.

Or if the Eye be deſtitute of light by which the things ought extrinſecally to be illuminated, and the Eye intrinſecally that it may ſee; by reaſon of the external darkneſs, it cannot know the ſpecies of things.

Which alſo how they happen by reaſon of the ſtoppage of the black of the Eye, we ſhall explain in the faults of the Membranes of the Eye, as alſo when it happens by reaſon of humors, it ſhall be ſaid there.

Likewiſe an Impediment in the ſight may happen, The humors of the Eye the cauſe of hurt of ſight. by reaſon of humors contained in the Eye, eſpecially of the Chryſtalline, through which as through a Spectacle, the Net-like Nerve doth firſt collect the Images of external things, and again receives in its cavity, thoſe diſperſed, dilated, & made bigger, to which Chryſtalline humor the other humors are ſervants only, and this comes to paſs, when either they fail becauſe either they have flown forth, or are waſted; or when they change their natural ſcituation, or their ſubſtance is changed, or they are infected with a ſtrange color, which how it may be done we ſhal explain in the particulars.

And ſomtimes the humors flow forth of the Eyes more commonly the watry one ſeeing it is placed in the fore part, A flowing forth of the humors of the Eye, is the cauſe of blindneſs. and is more fluid, the others ſeldom unleſs the cauſe be great, and then Blindeſs is cauſed; for the watry humor being flowed forth, the Globe of the Eye is ſomwhat fallen together and wrinkled; whence the hole of the black which ought to let in the light, is ſhut up; and the reſt of the humors falling forwards out of the cavity of the Netlike Nerve, do cauſe that that doth ſomwhat fall together, whence it muſt needs be that ſeeing doth ceaſe; and by much the more if the Chryſtalline humor doth fall forth with the glaſſie, in which it inheres, ſeeing that (as hath been ſaid) is altogether requiſite to ſeeing and then the Net-like Nerve being wholly fallen together, can no longer comprehend the ſpecies of things in its cavities.

Of all which the apparent Cauſe is wont to be a Wound or Ulcer of the Eye; if a large wound being made 'tis open'd through the horny coat ſo thick and hard; for by a light puncture with which they are wont to perforate the Globe of the Eye in takeing off a Cataract, the watry humor which hath its tenacity alſo, cannot flow forth,: and I have ſomtimes ſeen that an abſceſs of the Eye hath been generated from an Inflammation alſo, in which part of the horny coat is converted into matter, which being broke, it ſomtimes pours forth the humors of the Eyes with the matter; and I have obſerved in a peſtilent Feaver that it hath hapend in both Eyes, the Cryſtalline humor ſlowing down to the Beard, and ſticking there.

The Humors of the Eye alſo are waſted eſpecially the glaſſie ſeeing it is thinner; A Conſumption of the watry humor is the cauſe of Blindneſs or Darkneſs. and then the Eye not being ſufficiently diſtended (which is required that the black may remain exactly open) but ſomewhat fallen together, the hole of the apple of the Eye although not wholly ſhut up, yet looſing its largeneſs or roundneſs, and the ſituation of the reſt of the humors being troubled by the way there follows a weakneſs of the ſight, or if the confuſion be greater, Blindneſs: as in long acute Diſeaſes waſting the body with a high and long continued pining it happens to ſome more rarely, but more frequently in extream old age, in which both the glaſſie and cryſtalline humor may be dried up, as ſhall be ſaid by and by; whoſe Eyes appear ſomwhat wrinkled, which the vulgar therfore are wont to call Crackt, eſpecially when in the Agony of Death being now deſtitute of heat and ſpirits they flag.

A Perverting of the natural ſituation of humors, the Chryſtalline and glaſſie (which ſeeing they are more ſolid, being reſtrained by their proper membranes they ought to ſtick fixt in their proper place) doth alſo bring hurt to the ſight whoſe places being changed, the watry humor filling up the ſpace left by them eaſily gives place.

The which ſomtimes happens in the glaſſie humor (to which the cryſtalline humor is ſet over, The perverſion of the ſituation of the glaſſie humor is the cauſe of error. and a little way immerſt in its former part) if the ſame part of it carried forward be ſet before the cryſtalline humor; where alſo being oftentimes contained, it may be ſeen lie a white Speck under the apple of the Eye, for then it is not neceſſary that blindneſs do yet happen, ſeeing the humor is bright as Glaſs, but ſome Error; ſeeing it is thicker than the watry humor, as it is wont to come to paſs in a Suffuſion beginning, as ſhall be ſaid: unleſs perhaps ſo great a quantity of it be fallen thither, that it wholly obliterates the cryſtalline humor, and preſſes it backwards, or very much inverts it, for then both humors being troubled, more grievous accidents of the ſight are wont to follow, as ſhal be ſaid in the cryſtalline humor; but the cauſe of this may be a blow, or Contuſion, or more frequently a puncture in couching a Catarract, being forced too deep to theſe humors, and breaking their thin membranes to which they cohere: for otherwiſe ſcarce as they would have it, can a great ſtraining by holding of the breath in going to ſtool, in Labor, or Convulſions in which the Eyes appear as if they were thruſt forth, cauſe that intrinſecally in the Eye.

The Cryſtalline humor being eſpecially hanged like a Sun in the middle of the Cavity of the glaſſie humor, ſomwhat diſtant from the hole of the apple of the Eye looking directly on that with its bulk, and receiving the light through that equally diſperſt into it, and diffuſing it to the cavity of the viſory Nerve, or the Netlike ſemiglobular, placed in the hinder part of it, ſo that it fils it every where with its brightneſs, if it doth very much change this natural ſituation, it cannot be done without hurt of the ſight; which faults of it, ſeeing the humor it ſelf cannot be ſeen in the Eye, are no waies conſpicuous in it, unleſs it wholly fall into the apple of the Eye, as hath been ſaid of the glaſſie humor.

But this comes to paſs, The ſituation of the cryſtalline humor inverted or departing from the middle to the ſides is the cauſe of error and ſtrabiſm. if being in ſome manner inverted by its broader part which is flat like a great Lentil, it is not rightly oppoſed to the hole of the apple but declining a little to the ſide it looks on it obliquely or tranſverſly; or when being carried upwards or downwards or to the ſides from the middle ſeat of the Eye, it doth ſomwhat decline from the aſpect of the hole of the Apple; the which happening either from the birth in ſome, in others from ſome violent cauſe, as was ſaid even now in the glaſſie humor, it happens that either blindneſs is cauſed, if the receſs be great from the natural ſituation, or if it be leſs an obſcurity of the ſight or rather ſome Error in which things ſeem to be either double, or crooked, or bent: moreover ſome light declination only of the cryſtalline humor from the center of the apple although yet it doth little hurt the Sight may be the cauſe of Squinting; for as in Seeing if the cryſtalline humor be rightly oppoſite to the hole of the Apple, the Apple alſo doth directly look upon the external things which it beholdeth, ſo if the cryſtalline humor be a little turned from the center of it, that they ſee with the apple not rightly but obliquely oppoſite to the things, thoſe troubled with a Squinting do ſo invert the Eye, that they are judged to look upon ſomwhat elſe, than the thing objected; the which notwithſtanding may happen alſo by reaſon of the contorted ſituation of the apple as ſhal be ſaid by and by, which things do thus befall men for the moſt part from their birth.

But eſpecially if the cryſtalline humor have its ſeat a little in the hinder part of the Eye towards the Netlike nerve it is the cauſe of this The ſituation of the cryſtalline humor drawn backwards or forwards is the cauſe of that ſight, in which they ſee not things unleſs very neer or things diſtant better than neer. ſight in which they cannot rightly diſcern things more diſtant, the which happens to many from their Birth, that the Cryſtalline Humor doth not reſide more towards the fore parts at the Apple, as it is naturally wont to do, but hath its Scituation exactly in the middle of the Eye, and it is ſo common, that Anatomiſts for the moſt part have deſcribed its Natural Scituation in the midſt of the Center of the Eye; whence it is no wonder that this ſight which we have called the youthful, doth befal many from their Birth, that they can diſcern things neere rightly and acutely, but not things diſtant, and that when the Spectacle is too much inclined backwards from the things which we behold, which therefore will be ſufficiently illuſtrated only with thoſe neerer, but from thoſe Images objected at a diſtance, unleſs being collected by the Mediation of a thick Spectacle made of Cryſtal they be ſo offered to the Eye more effectually, they cannot ſufficiently illuſtrate that: And hence it happens that ſeeing the Scituation of it doth ſo continue, this ſeeing is no waies altered the whol courſe of life, unleſs this be from ſome other Cauſes.

And alſo if it be yet more removed from the middle of the Eye towards the hinder parts, they are forced yet to apply far neerer to their Eyes, the things which they would ſee, and uſe a thicker Spectacle: the which yet is not very common, and happens only in them, which we have ſaid are called Myopes or Purblind.

Which truer Cauſes, which happen by reaſon of the Inſtrument vitiated, and therefore may be corrected by another Inſtrument to wit a Spectacle, he had rather alledg then to refer them to the Spirits, which in thoſe young Folkes, with whom this fault is familiar, and who ſee moſt acutely things neer, are neither defective nor changed, becauſe they may be mended by a Spectacle.

And alſo for the contrary Cauſe, after a different manner, there ariſeth an Impediment of the ſight, to wit when the cryſtalline Humor from the ſaid Natural Seat doth more incline forwards, towards the Apple, for then with a greater diſcommodity they leſs ſee things neer but the ſame removed far from the Eye, they behold more rightly, unleſs they correct this defect, by applying a thin Glaſs Spectacle, which as it performing the place of the Cryſtalline Humor and receaving and differing the Images of things, and through the Cryſtalline repreſenting them greater to the Eye, and therefore they have alwaies need of a Spectacle to read and ſee acutely; the which happens to moſt people growing old, to ſome ſooner, to others later, not by reaſon of the defect of Spirits as they have thought, ſeeing ſo there would follow rather a weakneſs of the ſight, as alſo of the other Senſes, which a Spectacle could no waies mend, nor ſuggeſt new Spirits; but becauſe by that bowing down of the Head which the whol time of our age we muſt needs caſt down our Eyes, in reading, and in what Buſineſs ſoever propoſed to our Eyes, and acted by our Hands, the Cryſtal Humor by proceſs of age together with the glaſſy is carried by degrees to the fore parts, and at length ſubſiſting there, brings this defect to the ſight, eſpecially if in them alſo, the watry Humor being ſomwhat waſted nothing do reſiſt it, and the glaſſy Humor lying upon it, do more ſtrongly depreſs it; which defect and a far more grievous, Blindneſs or Weakneſs of the ſight do follow, if the cryſtalline Humor wholly falling down to the Apple, be manifeſtly ſeen to ſtick there, and to ſtop up the Eye: which is wont to be more frequently the Cauſe of the hurt of ſeeing, in Horſes and other Creatures, which go with their faces downwards: the which as it happens by degrees by reaſon of age, ſo ſomtimes ſuddenly after a Blow.

The ſubſtance of the Humors of the Eye changed doth alſo bring a fault in the ſight, The hardning of the chyſtalline Humor is the cauſe of defect of ſight. as it comes to paſs, if the Cryſtalline Humor be too much hardened, as it may happen either by reaſon of age or other Cauſes, but with which, not unleſs the Body be vehemently & a long time dryed; and then becauſe it looſeth its Tranſparentneſs either in part or wholly (as it appears being boyled) it is the Cauſe of Blindneſs or Dulneſs of ſight, which as in that ſo alſo it may happen after the ſame manner in the glaſſy Humor.

But if yet by its Natural Conflitution or progreſs of age, The Obſcurity of the cryſtalline humor is the cauſe of a Nyctalopy. it become more ſolid or obſcure, becauſe then it hath need of a greater light that it may be illuminated, it comes to paſs that they cannot ſee perfectly but by a ful light, and when that fails, though it doth a little clear, with the ſplendor of light, yet they ſee not rightly, and thence follows the ſaid Nyctalopy.

But that is the watriſh Humor whoſe ſubſtance is more eaſily changed, A Tenacity of the watry humor is the cauſe of want of ſight in a ſuffuſion ſeeing it is wont oftentimes to acquire a Tenacity by which by degrees growing to the hole of the Apple, and at length drawn out and turned into a skin by breeding Clouds firſt, and aferwards a Suffuſion, it makes blind: which fault being very common, and to be ſeen outwards alſo, ſhall be explained in the grapy Coat.

The Humors are ſcarce infected with a ſtrange Colour, A diſcolouring of the cryſtalline Humor breeding error. ſeeing no veins or other veſſels carrying the humors do enter into the inward parts of the Eye, or touch its Humors: the which notwithſtanding they have delivered doth ſometimes come to paſs from the moiſtures of the Eye, in the Cryſtalline Humor, and that as alſo the glaſſie humor is dyed with a grayiſh colour, and therefore they have called it Glaucoma, and they have writ that the ſight is then vitiated as if they ſaw thorough a Cloud; when notwithſtanding the Ancients made a Glaucoma the ſame diſeaſe with a Suffuſion, then eſpecially calling that ſo, when the Skin being not yet well confirmed, it appeared to the Beholders like a thick Glaſs, of a greeniſh, or azure Colour, and was not yet white.

The ſight is hurt by reaſon of the Membranes conſtituting the Globe of the Eye, The Membranes or Globe of the eye are the cauſe of the hurt of ſight. if that do conſiſt in that part which appears darkiſh or black by reaſon of the Apple or Hole opening the inward Chamber of the Eye which is black and opacous, which Hole ſeeing it doth tranſmit the outward light into the inward part of the Eye thorough a tranſparent Horn ſpread over it, if it be ſo obliterated in any part that the Paſſage of the light into the Eye is hindered, it muſt needs hinder the ſight; the which happens either by reaſon of the outward thick Membrane, beſtowing a Horn on the Eye, or of the grapy Coat under it, that makes the Hole, thoſe giving occaſion for this thing either ſeverally or joyntly.

This happens by reaſon of both Membranes, The ſhutting the eye is the cauſe of the ſight taken away. if an Impediment be objected out of the Eye, which may interrupt the light, that it cannot come to the ſeat of the Eye to which it ought, as it is wont to come to paſs the Eye-brows being ſhut, with the Hands and other things.

But from this following fault alſo that may happen, A Perverſion of the Apple or black appearing in the Eye is the Cauſe of ſquinting. if the ſeat of the Eye which is pervious and tranſparent is hindered by the Neighbouring parts that ſeeing cannot rightly be performed; as it comes to paſs if the Apple be not placed in every fore part of the Globe of the Eye, bare and in that middle, but declining from it, is more to the ſides of the Eye, which befalls ſome from their Birth in a ſquinting in one ſide of thoſe Eyes, for that reaſon there appears more white; ſo that every one by that may know that they look a ſquint; and becauſe when they would look upon things, wreathing the Eye that they may oppoſe the apple right to the things, they make ſuch a ſtern aſpect.

Although this may happen alſo, the apple conſiſting in its natural place, by Convulſion of the Muſcles of the Eye, the Eye drawn ſomwhat to one ſide and ſo inverted that the apple do rather look that way; whence it comes to paſs, that when they would look upon any thing would direct the apple to it, either they bend their head aſide, or draw back their Eyes by the oppoſite ſound Muſcles, that the apple may be reduced again ſome way to the fore parts: as they alſo whoſe eyes have a natural ſituation after this manner drawing them aſide purpoſely, can expreſs the eyes and looks of Squinting, which Convulſion unleſs it befalls the eyes in a true Convulſion of the whole body, to wit, an Epilepſie, in which they ſhew the like aſpect, for the moſt part it befalls the Squinters from their birth; the Muſcles being ſomewhat contracted rather, then convelled, and continuing in that ſituation. And that hath been explained by others to be the only cauſe of Squinting, when notwithſtanding that very thing as hath been ſaid may come to paſs, the apple being impreſt on one ſide and the cryſtalline humor being removed out of its natural place that they behold things by diſtorting their eyes after the like manner: all which notwithſtanding do hurt the ſight only on this account, that the Eye being left in its ſeat, they ſee thoſe things rather which they meet with ſidewaies, then thoſe which are placed before their face, til the Eye being reduced ſo far, that 'tis oppoſed to the things placed right before the eyes, they behold them • alſo.

But this rare and memorable thing befell one from a wound made neer the inner Angle of the Eye by which the Globe of the eye was ſo inverted, A perverſion of the apple, the cauſe of a wonderful affect in the ſight. that the apple being brought even to the great corner, and covered with the Skin of the wound healed, he was forced to ſee through the cavity of his Noſe, and he could ſee, nothing any more, unleſs through the hollow of his Noſe as through a pipe, whence he muſt needs direct his Noſe to that, which he would ſee, which by the relation of men worthy to be beleeved, is apparent was done in our time.

The private faults of the horny coat, do then prejudice the ſight, when they poſſeſs that part of it which is ſet over the apple like glaſs or a tranſparent horn and either only ſtick there or are diſperſed further through the white of the eye; which then may be manifeſtly ſeen and known when it is ſpotted or covered.

This diaphanous ſeat of the horny coat being ſteined with a ſtrange color, ſo that it is not any more bright and cleer, but obſcure and colored, it either ſtops the brightneſs which in ſeeing ought to enter into the Eye, like a foul glaſs which lets in the light, or offers ſomething falſe to the ſight.

And this chiefly comes to paſs, An obſcurity of that tranſparent ſeat of thehorny coat, ariſing from an obſcure color or white Speck of it in darkneſs, Albugo, a Skar, is the cauſe of want of ſight. if it be infected with an obſcure or white color with which ſomtimes the whol ſeat of the horny coat appears changed, and brings the ſaid darkneſs eſpecially in old men, to whom this chiefly happens; but if that only in ſome part of it ſuch a white ſpeck do grow it is called Albugo; in which fault if the ſpeck be perfectly white and ſpred over the whole region of the apple, there ariſeth blindneſs; but if it firſt begin to grow white, it darkens the ſight as if it were hindred with a Cloud drawn over it, or if it comprehend a little ſpace of the apple, or from that incline more to the Circle, it breeds a certain error in the ſight.

But ſuch an Obfuſcation or whiteneſs of the horny coat ariſeth either from the drineſs and hardneſs of the whol horny coat: or if there be only a ſpeck from the drineſs and and in duration of that part only which is ſeen white. For as we ſee other things which are tranſparent as the white of an Egg and the cryſtalline humor in the Eyes of creatures being dried by boyling do become white and loſe their tranſparency, ſo it happens here to the horney coat that by old age in which the membranes are wont to be dried, or by a diſeaſe of the eyes after Ophthalmies, Epiphories either it being wholly dried up, or drineſs being left only in certain places of it, it doth allor in part become white; the which alſo we may ſee ſomtimes come to paſs from the thicker part of the nouriſhment with which it is nouriſhed, being carried thither, and remaining there, and leaving a white Speck, as in the Nails, which in the like manner are marked with white ſpecks ſomtimes are ſuperficial, and other times being more deeply imperinted they penetare the whol horny coat.

And alſo from a Wound or Ulcers of the eyes eſpecially after the ſmal pox in Infants, a Skar or Callus being left, higher ſomtimes deeper and thick for the moſt part cauſeth ſuch a white Speck in the white of the Eye, ſometimes large ſomtimes oblong which is called a Skar, which doth obliterate the fight either wholly or in part, or if it be long and narrow, it cuts it in two as it were and divides it.

Beſides theſe diſcoloring of the horny coat we meet with red ſpecks or ſomtimes yellow, A red or yellow diſcoloring of the bright part of the horny coat is the cauſe of error. from blood ruſhing from a blow of the Eye, or from an infuſion of choler in thoſe troubled with the Jaundiſe, but for the moſt part appearing only in the white part of this coat, which the adnate coat carrying the veſſels doth only inveſt, and then they do not prejudice the fight. But if they reach ſo far as to the bright part of the horny coat (where oftentimes a red ſpeck is conſpicuous a long while, the blood perſiſting in the ſubſtance of the horny coat without corrupting, as it were an inſect in Amber) they repreſent to the ſight the ſame color, either red, or yellow in all the Images the Eye ſeeth.

The ſame tranſparent part of the horny coat is extrinſecally inveſted with a new coat growing to it; The horny coat being coverd by a little Skin or Ungula is the cauſe of blindneſs. which ſomtimes wholly growing to it grows in one, or adheres to it without any connexion, unleſs where it ariſeth, and in the compaſs, on the other part 'tis only ſpred over; ſomtimes proceeding from the greater corner of the Eye, and ſomtimes from the leſs, and being firſt ſpread over the white of the Eye by and by it covers the black of it, either in part or all: and it is at firſt thinner then growing thicker it becomes fleſhy interweaved with many bloody veins and 'tis called a Pannicle. And oftentimes it is ſo augmented that it may be laid hold on by the fingers, and a little way be elevated from the Eye; and ſomtimes a part of it hath been cut off, that hath weighed two ounces. But at other times being hardened it grows white and then it is called Ungula, Unguis, Pterygium, Zebel, putting out the ſight wholy or in part, as it occupies the Black of it more or leſs.

The which growing out either from a Spontaneous afflux of Blood, or after Exulcerations tis called a Hyperſarcoſis or Chymoſis: otherwiſe from a private fault offenſive eſpecially to the Membranes, it very often befals the Elephantiacal as ſhall be explained there, otherwiſe ſeldom betiding man: as I have often ſeen it befal Fiſhes if they be kept a long time in Fiſh ponds in foul water, the mud growing to them and blinding them. Somtimes the ſaid Unguis grows from the Superficies of the horny coat corroded, when part of that nouriſhment then breathing forth, doth concrete into a matter like unto that which reſembles a Horne or Nail, only tis not tranſparent; as the Perioſtia of the Bones being corroded we have ſaid elſewhere that Knobs are generated, and from the Skin wounded, Skars, from the Juyce that was wont to nouriſh them.

The faults of the grapy Membrane hurt the ſight, when its hole, which they call the Apple, being pervious in that part of the Grapy coat which lies under the horny coate, yet no waies grows to it, and letting in that light into the Eye, is either ſtopt up with ſome humor, or filth, or is Contracted, or Dilated; all which may be ſeen and known, Extrinſecally alſo in the Back of the Eye and its compaſs, whenas the horny coat which is ſeated over it, is tranſparent, although the hurt lie under it.

Somtimes this hole is ſtopt by a Humor and the Paſſage for the ſight is intercepted; An obſtruction of the hole of the Grapy coat or the Apple from the proper Humors of the Eye is the cauſe of Error in ſight. and this come to paſs ſomtimes from the proper humors of the Eye the Cryſtalline and glaſſy falling into it; as from the change of the Scituation of the Humors as hath been ſaid, and from the too great largneſs of the Apple as ſhall be ſaid, it may come to paſs, and the ſight may be ſo hindred; which is ſeen then alſo when it appears lik an Albugo, in that ſeat of the Eye.

The ſame may come to paſs from blood infuſed by a blow not only into the horny coat as hath been ſaid before, An obſtruction of the Apple from Blood and matter in a Hypoſphagma and Hypopion is the Cauſe of Error or defect in the ſight. but alſo penetrating even unto this empty ſpace, between the Horny and Grapy coat, and filling up that either wholy or in part, and ſtopping up the Apple, which being red at the firſt, but then growing livid, by and by blackiſh, it appears that it lies there (becauſe blood infuſed into the ſpaces of the Body is preſently corrupted, otherwiſe then when the horny coat drinks it up, where without any change it perſiſts red oftentimes for a long while, as hath been ſaid) and then it either depraves or darkens the ſight: more or leſs, as it Poſſeſſes a little or the whol ſpace and tis properly called Hypoſphagma, a ſugillation of the Eye.

The ſight alſo may be hindered by matter collected in that ſeat, and then that Diſeaſe is called Pyoſis, in which if the matter collected plentifully do ſeem to poſſeſs all the black of the Eye, or to fill up the whole ſpace of the Circle, and to ſhine thorough the Horny Coat, it is called Hypopios; but if a ſmall portion of that ſaid ſeat do ſeem onely to ſhine through like the pairing of a Nail, it is called Onyx or Unguis, the Nail.

The Cauſe of the collection of which Matter for the moſt part is wont to be, Blood fallen into the Eye, as hath been ſaid, and at length converted into Matter; or an Inflammation of the Eye going before, and leaving an abſceſs behind it, not that, in which the horny Coat is corrupted too, and being broke it pours forth the humors of the Eyes, as hath been ſaid formerly, but in which the Blood being diſcuſt after an Inflamation, or External cauſe: this collection of matter alſo is ſomtimes cauſed after pains of the Head; which when it comes to paſs, tis probable this was done, by the watry humor ſo ſuppurated and ripend, as we have elſe where ſhown, that matter may be generated by the like humors; becauſe the Blood otherwiſe can ſcarce be brought hither, unleſs the horny coat be contuſed by violence, the Veins as hath been ſaid, no waies reaching thither.

A Tenacious ſnivel ſticking in the compaſs of this hole, An obſtruction of the Apple by ſnivel at length concreting into a Skin, called a ſuffuſion is the cauſe of want of Sight. or on the brink of the Apple, and ſpred over it, and by degrees thickening, for the moſt part only in one Eye although the other ſomtimes alſo doth preſently begin to be affected in like manner, the ſeeing doth moſt commonly ſuffer a Blemiſh; and, becauſe it is ſuffuſed or poured out on the Apple, it is called Suffuſion, Hypochyma: which at the beginning ſeeing it is yet a tranſparent ſnivel and doth tranſmit the Light, yet by reaſon of its thickneſs it breeds an Impediment and Error in the Sight, as if it were darkned with a Cloud ſpread over it, and things were ſeen with many Atomes ſlying as hath been ſaid, whence then it is called Imagination and a little Cloud, as hath been ſhewn: and this is not yet wel conſpicuous in the Eye, but that the black of it, which they cal the Star, doth not appear exactly black as it ought to be wholly black, but ſomwhat troubled; by which alſo, if this be ſeen only in the Eye, the other being yet pure, it is diſtinguiſhed from that Imagination and Clouds which by reaſon of Vapors offer themſelves to the Eye almoſt in the like manner, except that they do affect both Eyes equally.

But at laſt that Snivel by degrees being more and more thickned and looſing its perſpicuity, is eaſier known by the ſight, and doth commonly manifeſt it ſelf, by a grey or aſh Colour, as the Oculiſts call it, and ſomwhat blotting out the black of the Eye, then alſo it doth more offend the ſight: becauſe when it is yet more ſoft and watriſh, it cannot yet be depreſt with a Needle, as ſhall be ſaid; which the ancients have named Glaucoma, from the grey colour which is a fault of the Cryſtalline Humor, and becauſe the Cryſtalline Humor being dyed with this Color doth carry before it a ſhew of an immature Suffuſion, ſome not knowing that, have made a Glaucoma properly called, the ſame with a Suſſuſion.

But laſt of all, the forementioned Snivel, being wholly incraſſated and made white as we have formerly ſaid that bright things by drying do becom white, and looſe all their perſpecuity, ſo it happens here alſo, and then the ſight being wholly taken away, a perfect Blindneſs follows: unleſs by chance as I have often ſeen, a very little of the black do ſtill appear pointing or circularly in ſome part of it, or in its Compaſs, thorough which the Sparks of a little Light, do ſtill illuſtrate the Eye with an obſcure Light, by which notwithſtanding they can judg rightly of nothing; and this is called a confirmed Suffuſion, which they are wont to call ripe, if ſo be it can be exactly ſeen, becauſe then firſt of all the Chyrurgion may take it in hand; and they commonly call it a ſmall Skin and Web, becauſe being ſpread before the Apple like a Coat it intercepts the Light: not unlike in Colour and Tenacity to the skin growing to the white of an Egg that is boyled; and though of it ſelf it ſeems to be of no moment, yet it is wont to bring ſo great calamity to many men in the loſs of their fight.

They refer the cauſe of this ſnivel growing to the apple to the riſing of a Vapor, or influxion of a humor, but it hath been ſhewed formerly that from a Vapor this Suffuſion is not cauſed, but thoſe ſimply called Imaginations, and how that comes to paſs, and truly it were the work of a man too much at leiſure, to confute with many words ſo vain an opinion.

But all the reſt do think that it is cauſed by an influx of humor, and do vainly apply all their care to turn away this, as ſhal be explained, and therefore they fooliſhly call this affect a Catarhact, others a diſcent of waters into the Eyes; the which notwithſtanding can be proved by no reaſon, nor ſhown by demonſtration. For firſt of all if it were cauſed from an afflux of water or humor into the globe of the Eye, not only this ſmall matter would grow, and ſcarce as big as a Lentil, but the whol Globe of the Eye would be diſtended, and ſwell as it were Hydropical; beſides that there is found no empty ſpace in the Eye which can admit this water, ſeeing it is all every where ſo filled and diſtended with its proper humors bred there from the birth, that there is not room for one ſtrange drop, or can the horny coat by any means be diſtended or dilated more: and then by what way I pray, ſhal this water flow into the Eye, when that cannot be through Veins and Arteries which as hath been declared formerly, do no waies enter the inward parts of the Eye: but they ſay this comes to paſs through the Optick Nerve, an excellent ſhift indeed, to hold ſo noble a part fit to conveigh theſe excrements, through which nothing can paſs beſides the aethereal animal ſpirit. But grant that humor doth deſcend through this Nerve, How I pray can it be the hole of the Apple? when neither the Net-like Nerve can come to admit it into its cavity, which is wholly filled with the glaſſie humor, neither can it paſs through the Grapy Coat which every where about grows tranſverſly to the horny Coat with browy proceſſes: the which certainly, they who do patronize ſuch like opinions, conteſting with ſenſe and reaſon, if that the fabrick of the Eye were throughly known and perceived by them, with that dilgence as is meet, they ought firſt to conſider and rather to ſearch out the true waies through which the humors may be carried, than being ignorant of the proper cauſes of Diſeaſes alwaies to fly to that common refuge of Ignorance, Defluxions, and I know not what tranſpirability of the body.

But we having throughly ſearcht into theſe things a long time and much, and by long obſervation having more neerly contemplated innumerable ſuffuſions and their beginning, encreaſe, and pricking, we have found that the cauſe of this ſnivel doth proceed, from the watry humor acquiring ſome tenacity: for that as hath been ſaid formerly in the explication of that and other humors) ſeeing from the birth it is more tenacious (for we have ſeen alſo oftentimes that thoſe new born have brought this fault with them into the world, or it hath preſently followed upon them) either being dried by proceſs of age, in old age, in which it often happens; or ariſing from very hot Diſeaſes after Burning Feavers or Inflammations of the Eyes or from a vehement external heat in thoſe who perform moſt buſineſs ſitting by the fire and looking upon it; or the watry humor being thickened by the uſe of Collyries too hot & drying, and being made more viſcous as hath been ſaid, by degrees it grows to the brink of the membrane of this hole which it continually waſhes, and by little and little thickening in that part where it ſtops up the hole, as we ſee the ſaid Skin grows on Frumenty, for that reaſon as it hath been ſhewed being hardened it looſeth its brightneſs, and ſucceſſively but in a long time being converted into a Skin it takes away the ſight: which if it be depreſt, as ſhal be afterwards explained, the remaining portion of the warry humor, on whoſe ſuperficies it grew, being yet tranſparent, the Sight preſently returns, but if that alſo by much drying hath already loſt its brightneſs, as moſt commonly it happens, although the ſuperficies of it be taken off, nevertheleſs they remain blind, and by reaſon of that the Oculiſts labor wil be in vain.

The too much narrowing or Imminution, as they call it, The narrowneſs of the Apple is the cauſe of a Nyctalopy. of that hole in the Grapy Coat wich is called the Apple, doth ſcarce take away the Sight, when even thorough the narroweſt hole the light may enter the Eye, and illuminate it, as much as is ſufficient for ſeeing; whence we have obſerved that thoſe, who from their birth have happened to have a very ſmall Apple, nevertheleſs do ſee as acutely, as thoſe that have it large, may ſometimes more acutely, and things more diſtant: and as we can behold the Sun through a little hole with leſs offence to the Eye, ſo they are leſs offended than others, by an external brightneſs and great light; of which ſeeing they have a more abundant need to ſee wel, beyond others; it comes to paſs that a little before night, or darkneſs ſomwhat growing on, they ſee leſs, than by a ful light, & this is the chief cauſe of that Nyctalopie in which they ſee not ſufficiently, by a ſleight brightneſs of the Moon, Stars, or light ſet up: although this alſo as hath been formerly explained, may happen by reaſon of an obſcuration of the horny coat or humors, becauſe then alſo they have need of a greater light, that they may be illuminated, neither is a ſmal Apple obſerved in all thoſe that are Nyctalopous or cannot ſee in the Night.

Which as it is born with ſome, ſo it can ſcarce come to paſs, as ſome teach, that by reaſon of the ſpirits diſtending the Eye, or ſo great drineſs of the Globe of the Eye, that by that means the Apple may wholly fall together; as ſomtimes it happens from a wound of the Eye, the humors flowing forth, and the coats falling together, they become wholly blind, as hath been declared formerly.

A Dilatation of the Apple called Mydriaſis by ſhedding plenty of light into the Eye, A Dilatation of the Apple or a Mydriaſis is the cauſe of an evening ſight. hinders the cleerneſs of the ſight, darkening it with too much brightneſs; and if the enlarging of it be great, in a light ſomwhat more obſcure and darkiſh they ſee more rightly than in that too much ſhining, and that by reaſon of the internal brightneſs of the Eye, ſufficiently illuminating the Air for ſeeing: as we have had an example of this rare diſeaſe, in a certain Foundling living in our Hoſpital the year 1625. who by day time, and in preſence of light was blind, but by night and in the dark, did ſee the ſmalleſt things; hence we have obſerved that amongſt Birds, the Owls; and amongſt Animals the Cat which alſo do ſee by night, can by twinckling contract the hole of the Apple, and of their own accord dilate it again, and ſo ſtreighten it at the brightneſs of the Light, or a Candle, that only an oblong black cleft doth appear, but by night and in the dark, dilate it ſo, that the whol former region of the Circle ſeems black, and for that cauſe Owls alſo receive obſcure Images, with a very open Eye, and in the day time, that they may not be hurt by them too much appearing, they joyn them again, and covet darkneſs. For otherwiſe this largeneſs or narrowneſs of the Apple, makes little for the ſeeing things diſtant, better, or leſs, as ſome have thought; ſeeing theſe defects of ſeeing which we have called the yong & old mens Sights, may happen as we have often obſerved, both to thoſe endued with a long and a narrow Apple, and what I have obſerved in many, and in my ſelf, that though the Apple of one Eye be far larger in the ſame man, than that of the other Eye, yet the ſeeing is alike in both Eyes; neither could we obſerve yet, that though ſuch a dilatation of the Apple do happen, the things which are ſeen ſhould be repreſented leſs than they are, as ſome have been opinionated.

But for the moſt part this dilatation of the Apple befalls certain living Creatures from the birth, as thoſe for which it was convenient to ſee by night; and unleſs it altogether exceed a mean, otherwiſe than hath been ſaid, it doth no waies prejudice the ſeeing, but rather ſeems to bring ſome benefit, as one hath declared unto me; who ſeeing he had a moſt large Eye-ball, he could comprehend and know by his ſight without moving his head, not only thoſe things which were before his face, but thoſe things vhich were far apart on one ſide, which could not be ſeen by others, unleſs by bending the head that waies; the which I did ſo much the eaſier beleeve him telling me, ſeeing this hath happened to me my ſelf in my youth, and at one look at the Table I was able to ſee at once many ſitting round about, and to take notice of their geſtures; but if that by a wound or ſome other hurt, the apple of the eye be rather dilacerated than dilated, than upon that account, becauſe the humors are too much carried to the foreparts, as hath been formerly expounded, it ſooner offends the ſight than it can bring a change after that manner as hath been ſaid; from influx of humors as they have thought, it hath already been declared that it cannot come to paſs; but from a vehement impulſe of of the ſpirits by ſtraining, if the eye being dilated, the apple alſo were inlarged, yet the ſame ceaſing it would by and by return to its natural largeneſs.

The Cure.

The Cure of all theſe hurts of ſight, viz. of Blindneſs, an Amblyopy, of that which we have called the old and young mans ſight of a Myopie, Nyctalopie, evening ſight, of Error, Images, a Scotoma, Vertigo and the reſt, is ordered in relation to the cauſe, which is, as hath been ſaid either in the Brain, the affects of that bringing hurt not only to the ſight, but alſo to other Senſes; or privately and chiefly prejudicing the ſight, to wit, a Hurt, Contuſion, Drineſs, Refrigeration, Agitation and trouble of the ſpirits, or a repletion from a watery humor; or it is an affect of the Net-like Nerve cauſed by conſent; or Diſeaſes eſpecially organical in the humors & membranes of the eye, to wit, a defect of the humors of the Eye, the ſituation of the hole of the Grapy Coat or Apple, or a perverſion of the humors of the Eye, and a change of their ſubſtance, the ſmalneſs or too great largeneſs of the Apple: a white ſpeck appearing from a Suffuſion, Albugo or Skar, and a pannicle ſpred over the Eye, or a humor as Choler, Blood, matter collected in the Eye, concerning which we ſhal explain in order what is to be done and foretold in every one of them.

If the hurt of Seeing be by fault of the Brain, The Cure of the burts of the ſight with the ober ſenſes if they be by fault of the Brain. and that be general not only viriaring the ſight, but alſo taking away, impairing, or depraving the other ſenſes alſo, both internal and external and by conſequence prejudicing alſo the ſight, the Cure, as alſo the whole handling of them hath been explained in theſe general hurts. As in an Apoplexy, Blindneſs hapening together with the other abolitions of the ſenſes; in a madneſs and Raving, Aparitions, Images, and Vertigoes which are ſupervenient to them alſo with other accidents; and in a weakneſs of the mind, the weakneſs of ſight which accompanies the defect of the internal ſenſes.

But if theſe diſeaſes conſiſting yet out of the Eye in the Brain or Optick Nerve do chiefly hurt the ſight, The Cure of the proper defects of the ſight if they be by reaſon of the optick Nerve yet lying in the Brain. they ſhal be handled here, and according to the nature of the Cauſe the Cure or prediction muſt be ordered.

If therefore the ſight be taken away, by ſome eminent hurt, or by a Wound about the Eye, forced even to the Optick Nerve as we have ſaid hath ſometimes hapned no other hurt following it, that Blindneſs wil be incurable.

And if alſo blindneſs be induced, the Optick Nerve being contorted by Convulſions as hath been ſaid, unleſs the ſight return of its own accord within ſome few daies as I have ſeen it come to paſs, the Recovery is deſperate; as afterwards I have obſerved them to remain Blind the whole time of their life.

Neither wil there be any hopes of Cure if Blindneſs be left by too much drineſs of the Optick Nerve after moſt Burning Feavers, ſeeing thoſe things which we have ſaid ought to be applied outwardly to the Forehead and Head for to moiſten, in the weakneſs of the memory contracted by drineſs, although they be convenient here alſo, yet for the moſt part they profit little, and can hardly put forth their ſtrength unto the Nerve.

And alſo if Blindneſs be cauſed by external cold from Wind, or by the application of cold Oxyrrhodines, ſeeing cold is wholly an enemy to the Nerves, that hurt is almoſt incurable, yet the Forehead and Head muſt be fomented and anointed with things actually and potentially hot; and chiefly ſweer things muſt be ayplied to the Noſtrils which are hot, and do reach neerer even to the Nerve, the forms of which Remedies we have already explained, in a Stupidity cauſed by cold.

Neither is there any health to be hoped for if that long continued Vertigo be cauſed by fault of the Arteries hardned, The Cure of a rare Vertigo happenning from the Arteries of the Brain being hardned. as we have ſaid hath ſomtimes been found; the which notwithſtanding ſeeing it can ſcarcely be gueſt at while the man liveth, to foretel any thing certainly of it, were raſhneſs, till after death diſſection being made, the cauſe of the evil being diſcovered, may excuſe the Phyſitian.

But if a Vertigo be cauſed by an Agitation of the ſpirits in the brain only, The Cure of a Vertigo cauſed by an agitation of the ſpirits of the Brain. from an external cauſe by reaſon of a motion of the Body or only of the Mind, no other cauſe intrinſecally concurring, the cauſe ceaſing, that alſo ceaſeth of its own accord, and the ſooner if by a contrary motion made, the ſpirits be reduced and ſtopt; as if a Vertigo be cauſed by turning round of the body to the right or left ſide, by an oppoſite motion to the left or right ſide, it ceaſeth the ſooner. In whom alſo lying on the Back doth good, the which notwithſtanding, if the Vertigo proceed from an internal cauſe or from drunkenneſs, it doth rather provoke it; if it ceaſe not ſo, Frictions of the extream parts do help, and Sleep comming upon it, takes it away.

But if this Agitation and Perturbation of the Spirits ariſe from Vapors carried upwards, The cure of a Vertigo, Scotoma and Imagination cauſed by Vapors. whence are cauſed Vertigoes, and Scotomies and Imaginations, either ſeverally or together; then the Humors which are contained either in the Stomach, or the Meſaraick Veins about the Womb, or elſe where in the Habit of the Body, and ſomtimes in the Head it ſelf, from which theſe Vapors riſe, which we have ſaid were cholerick, ſanguine, impure rather then flegmatick (ſeeing we have ſhewed that Flegm doth cauſe a Vertigo and Amblyopy for another reaſon) muſt be purged forth, and diverted together with the Vapors, by letting of Blood, Scarifications, Frictions, Cauteries, Vomits, and Purges; and that with things given inwardly and applied outwardly; and by Courſe of life theſe Vapors muſt be inhibited, as followeth.

Letting of Blood by opening the Shoulder-vein of the Arm is good in the Plethorick not only if the fewel of the evil lie elſe where in the Blood, but alſo if either plenty or ſpirituous Blood abound in the head and be a Cauſe of the Vertigo; for ſeeing in the Cavities of the Brain, both the blood of the Arteries and Veins is confounded, by opening a Vein the ſpirituous blood alſo may be drawn forth, in which if the whol evil almoſt do lie, the principal ſcope of the Cure is in bleeding; and for that cauſe they commend alſo to open the jugulars in the Neck: The which notwithſtanding cannot be done without danger, and fear of a great flux of Blood and Barrenneſs, if we beleeve Hippocrates; Nay, ſpirituous blood cauſing a Vertigo; moſt men do teach, that it cannot be cured, unleſs the Arteries behind the Eares be opened, and tis proved by experience, that after divers remedies a long time tryed in Vain, this kind of remedy hath helped at laſt, the which nevertheleſs ought not to be done, unleſs all things elſe have been firſt tried, and when we are certain of the cauſe, and we know that it doth proceed from that ſpirituous blood by the continual beating of the Arteries, as hath been ſaid, yet uſing the greateſt diligence, becauſe the Wound doth hardly grow together, the Arteries being firſt laid bare, that afterwards it may be tryed. Alſo a Vein may be opend in the Fore-head in a Vertigo ariſing from this cauſe, and in the Foot, if Vapors aſcend from thence; and if the Courſes were ſuppreſt, the Ankle Vein, eſpecially if the cauſe ſending up the Vapors lurke about the Veins of the Womb; upon which account the Haemrhoids alſo are moſt profitablly provoked if the Fewel of the Evil be contained in the Meſaraicks. Scarifications for the ſame reaſon do good, being made inſtead of bleeding and after it, for Derivation, on the ſides of the Neck, Shoulders, Cupping-glaſſes being applied to, although the cauſe be in the Head, or from elſewhere be carried upwards by Vapors and Scarification in the Region of the Wriſt, or that outward part of the Hand which is betwixt the Thumb and the fore Finger is thought a peculiar remedy in the Vertigo the which alſo made in the extream parts is good, if an Air be felt to aſcend from thence, in that place from whence it is known firſt of all to ariſe.

Frictions ought to be made from the Neck by the Back-bone to the lower parts by degrees comming to the extream parts and rubbing them. For ſo the Vapors and Spirits are recalled; after which, that that collected in the Head may be diſcuſt, let the Head be rubbed with a new cloth (not heating it, as otherwiſe they are wont to do, that there be no attraction of Vapors to the Head.)

And alſo if a Vapor proceed from ſome part, binding it with Ligatures, the Vapor may be hindered that it aſcend not.

A Cautery in a perſevering evil, or a Veſicatory which empties more humor, muſt be applied for geater diverſion ſake, upon the ſame account in the middle of the conuext part of the Head or behind the Eares, whether it be Actual or Potential; and ſomtimes alſo in the Feet or other places, if a Vapor be felt to riſe from thence.

A Vomit will help very much, if the matter in the Stomach or Meſaraick Veins eſpecially the Cholerick as hath been ſaid, doth produce Vapors; in imaginations, Scotomies and Vertigoes proceeding thence; which muſt be cauſed firſt with the gentler, by and by with ſtronger, if the matter lurke in the Meſaraick Veins, many times repeated, if they are able to bear it.

Purges muſt be uſed in all thoſe Species, if the matter ſending forth Vapors conſiſt in the ſame firſt paſſages, or elſe where in ſome other ſeat of the body, and if ſuch an Evaporation ariſe in the Head from impure blood, that filth muſt be purged forth, fitting them rather for the drawing forth, of Cholerick, And impure humors from which theſe Vapors rather, which are ſubtile, are elevated, then for the purging of Flegm: of the Evacuation of which, if it be the cauſe of a Vertigo or weakneſs of ſight, we ſhall treat hereafter, having reſpect alſo in the interim to the conſtitution of the the Body, in the choice of them. But this will be performed by giving firſt of all ſome gentle Stomach Pills made of Aloes and the Hierae, or a Bole.

Then we muſt firſt prepare the matter if it want preparation, and chiefly open Obſtructions, after this manner.

If the matter lie in the Stomach, and Choler, or crudity be the cauſe there, Take of ſimple Oxymel, Honey of Roſes, of each one ounce; Syrup of wormwood Wine, Pomegranates, of each half an ounce; the waters of Wormwood, Marjoram, as much as is ſufficient. Make a Julep.

Or if it lurke chiefly in the Meſaraick Veins, Take of the Syrup of Snccory, of the juyce of Endive, of each one ounce; of the two opening Roots half an ounce; the waters of Wormwood, Succory, as much as is ſufficient. Make a Julep.

Or, give Wormwood Wine which eſpecially in thoſe, Species of a Vertigo is very much commended; and that either ſimple or in which the opening Roots and Marjoram and other opening things have been firſt infuſed.

Then he ſhall be purged with a ſtronger Medicine. As, Take of Pills of Hiera or Maſtick half a dram, Cochiae half a ſcruple, Oyl of Fennel, or Aniſe, or Carawaies (by reaſon of the Vapors) one grain, Piony ſeeds four grains with white Wine. Make Pills.

Or uſual ones may be made thus, of which let him take ſomtimes two ſcruples: Take of Pills of Hierae Compound, Aggregative, of each two drams, Agarick Trochiſcate, Rhubarb, of each one dram; ſeeds of Cummin, Piony, of each one ſcruple, with Syrup of Roſes ſolutive. Make a Maſs for your uſe.

Or let him take this Bole; Take of Caſſia three drams, the Hiera of Hermes two drams. Mix them.

Or make a good quantity, of which let him take by intervals a Bole of half an ounce: Take of Caſſia one ounce and an half, the Hiera of Hermes one ounce, of the five kinds of Myrobolans of each two drams; Dodder of Time one dram, pouder of Peony root half a dram, Cummin ſeed one ſcruple, Syrup of Roſes ſolutive as much as ſufficient: make an Electuary.

Or give this Potion or Infuſion. Take of Rhubarb one dram, Agarick two ſcruples, Citrine Myrobolans two drams, Wormwood one dram, Cinnamon half a dram, Ginger one ſcruple, infuſe them in thin white Wine, ſtrain them and diſſolve Syrup of Roſes ſolutive one ounce, Give it.

Or thus, Take of Agarick trochiſcate infuſed in Oxymel and ſtrained one dram, of Rhubarb infuſed in wine diluted with Wormwood and Bettony water, two drams; Cinnamon infuſed with Rhubarb half a dram, Syrup of Roſes ſolutive two ounces: make a Potion.

In the Interim the Vapors muſt alwaies be repreſt, which in the Vertigo, Scotoma, and Imaginations do aſſail the Head, the place in the mean while being conſidered from whence they ariſe.

For if this be from the Stomach and Meſaraick Veins the following Electuary is convenient, which ſhal be given after Dinner and Supper, and ſometimes in the morning the quantity of a Cheſnut, as, Take Conſerve of Roſes two ounces, Marjoram one ounce, Flowers of Peony half an ounce, Quinces candid one ounce, Citron pil half an ounce, one Emblick Myrobolan, the Rob of Currans (in Cholerick bodies) half an ounce, the pouder of Diacitonites without the ſpecies one dram, Coriander ſeed prepared one dram, Fennel, Peony root of each half a dram; Coral one dram, Maſtick half a ſcruple, with the Syrup of the Conſerve of Citron pill make an Electuary.

Or let him uſe one ſpoonful of this pouder called Poſt paſtum, Take of Coriander ſeed half covered with Sugar one ounce, Aniſe ſeed condite in like manner half an ounce, the pouder of Diacytonites without the ſpecies one dram, Diarrhodon Abbatis, Red Saunders, dry Citron pil, of each half a dram; Leaves of the greater Eyebright one ſcruple, Maſtich half a ſcruple, Lozenges of Sugar of Roſes two ounces, make Pouder.

Lozenges may be made of the pouder of Diacytonites without the ſpecies one dram, Red Coral half a dram, Shavings of Ivory one ſcruple, with Sugar diſſolved in Roſe water to two ounces: make Lozenges.

A moſt excellent Remedy alſo to hinder Vapors is, if the Paroxyſm befall them faſting as it is wont to be, to give them meat, the which being taken it preſently grows mild, or the Vertigo, Imagination, Scotoma ceaſeth, and by this only ſome have been reſtored, ſhunning Faſting.

Sleep becauſe it diſcuſſeth Vapors doth help very much in theſe caſes,

Plaiſters, Cerecloaths are applied outwardly to the Region of the Stomach if the Vapors proceed from thence and the Meſaraick Veins, that they may hinder them; which they wear in the night.

As a Plaſter of Maſtick or ſome other made for the Stomach, malaxed with ſome aſtringent Oyl, or Galens Cerecloath for the Stomach.

Or ſuch a one, Take of red Roſes, Leaves of Wormwood of each two drams; dried Citron pil, Labdanum of each half an ounce; Maſtich two drams, Pouder them and with Oyl of Quinces or Maſtich, adding Wax, make a Cerecloath.

If theſe Vapors riſe from about the region of the Womb, let the ſame Plaſters of Maſtich or pro matrice be applied to that part, and let the Woman wear it for ſome time, unleſs the ſtoppage of the Courſes forbid it, for when they flow, they muſt be omitted.

If a Vapor aſcend like an Air from ſome other part of the Body as the Feet, or others, doth create a Vertigo, as hath been ſaid; then the waſhing of thoſe parts doth very much divert it, as alſo if it be done in other cauſes.

The which may be done thus, Take of the Leaves of Sage, Roſemary, Celtick Spike, Groundpine, St. Johns wort, flowers of Chamomel, Roſes, Lavender, as much as wil ſuffice, boyl them in Wine and Lye.

Afterwards let him anoint his Feet with the following Oyntment, Take Oyl of Bays, Worms, Wall-flower, of each one ounce; Aqua Vitae half an ounce, a little Salt: boyl them for your uſe.

If neceſſity urge very much, Oxyrrhodines muſt be applied to the Head which may repel vapors, and if it continue, we muſt add things more ſtrongly aſtringent, as Juyce of Plantane,

And ſucceſſively ſuch a Cap may be worn, as, Take of the roots of Galangal, the true Acorus, Citron pill, of each one dram; Coriander ſeed, two drams, Myrtles one dram, flowers of Roſes, Roſemary, of each half a dram; Cloves half a dram, make a Pouder for a Cap.

Some have put Remedies upon the Eyes in Imaginations and Scotomaes, which we think ſuperfluous, ſeeing the Vapor doth no waies reach unto the Eyes.

In courſe of Diet let all things be moderate, the meat ſimple, not too much; alſo let them drink Wine ſparingly or diluted; let too much motion of the body be avoided and chiefly too much agitation or bowing down of the Head, and let them beware of looking on things wheeling about, or very bright; and let them abſtain from too much agitation of the mind by ſtudy and watching.

They think that Cryſtal worn is of very great force in a Vertigo, and for the ſame benefits ſake they drink out of a Cup made of it, or they put cryſtal into their Cups.

It hath been ſaid that a Repletion of the Brain from a watry, The Cure of a weakneſs of the ſight and Verigo proceeding from a watry and flegmatick humor of the Brain. ſerous, and flegmatick humor doth cauſe a Vertigo by its fluctuation and wind, and by an afflux of the ſame humor to the optick Nerve, Blindneſs doth ſometimes ariſe, or by an irrigation of it an Amblyopie, and beſides theſe hurts of the ſight which are by reaſon of the Brain, it hath been demonſtrated, that no other faults of the Eye prejudicing the ſight can be cauſed from flegm or any afflux of ſuch a humor which can neither enter the Net-like Nerve nor the Eye; and therefore we apply this Method of Cure only to theſe Diſeaſes which is due only to this cauſe, neither do we refer it as others have done, to Suffuſions or other affects of the Eye which alſo they beleeved did proceed from an influx of flegm.

But here although ſuch a Cure be convenient, as is due to a Carus, Apoplexy, and other flegmatick Diſeaſes of the Brain, and therefore perhaps ought not any more to be repeated in this place, yet that we may underſtand after what manner they are to be applied to the ſight in theſe Diſeaſes, we wil here explain.

But a Vertigo ſpringing from thence is dangerous, if there be a great Repletion of the Head, ſuch as hath been demonſtrated, we have often found, which ſeeing it can hardly be taken away, ſomtimes it ends in a Carus and Apoplexy, the which it preſageth: as alſo an Amblyopie, if it happen from thence in ſpace of time is converted into blindneſs which ſometimes is wont to be at the firſt preſently from the beginning, the humor flowing abundantly: the prevention of which therefore in a Vertigo and Amblyopie ſpringing from thence we ſhal ſtudy to Remedy this following manner.

Firſt we wil endeavor to take away thoſe excrementitious, ſerous and flegmatick humors of the Head, by Emptying, Revelling, and driving them from the brain; then by heating the brain which doth generate them, and again is moiſtned and cooled by them, and by ſtrengthening it, by thoſe things which are appropriate to it, the Nerves, and the Eyes; and alſo the hindring that the cauſe be not generated anew, or fomented: which ſhal be performed by Remedies applied inwardly and outwardly, by Purging by the ſtool by the Mouth, and Noſe, or by drawing away of Blood: Or by things applied to the Head, or other parts conſenting with it; or by giving things that alter, and by courſe of diet, not neglecting Amulets.

Purgations by the ſtool for drawing away of flegm from the Head, and for hindering that the cauſe be not generated anew, are thus methodically ordered.

A Goading and ſharp Clyſter is premiſed, the which alſo is profitably injected by intervals or weekly.

And in theſe hurts of the ſight it wil be thus more applicable. Take of the freſh roots of Orrice, Peony, each two ounces; the herbs Centory the leſs, Betony, Rue, Eyebright, Fennel, of each one handful; flowers of Camomel, Lavonder or french Lavender of each one pugil; Fennel ſeed two drams, Carawaies one dram, Senna (which by a propriety is good for the Eyes) half an ounce, Agarick tied in a rag three drams, Bran one pugil, make a Decoction, diſſolve of common Honey or Honey of Roſemary flowers one ounce, Hiera of Logadius or Hermes half an ounce, Oyl of Rue, Lillies, of each one ounce, Niter a little; make a Clyſter.

The humor is prepared before Purging for ſome daies, by a Julep, or Decoction, or Wine.

A Julep ſhal be made thus, Take of Honey of Roſemary flowers (inſtead of Honey of Roſes or Oxymel, which by reaſon of the Vinegar, wil not be ſo profitable for the Nerves) Syrup of French Lavender, of Betony, each one ounce and an half; the waters of Eyebright, Peony flowers, Fennel, Marjoram, each three ounces; mix them, aromatize it with Nutmeg and Cinnamon.

Thus may be the Decoction for ſome Doſes, Take of the roots of Orrice, Peony, each one ounce; the herbs Speedwel, Eyebright, Fennel, Roſemary, Mint, each one handful; flowers of Roſemary, French Lavender, Peony, each one pugil; ſeed of Fennel, Aniſe, each two drams; Carawaies one dram, Damask Prunes ten, Raiſons twenty, boyl them and in one pound and an half infuſe of the pouder of Galangal, Ginger, each one dram; Cinnamon two drams, afterwards ſtrain them, adding of the beſt Honey or Sugar as much as is ſufficient, or of the forementioned Syrups, till it grow ſweet.

Or make a Wine when bitter things are added as Centory which here is very profitable, Take of the Leaves of Eyebright, Speedwel, Centory, all dried, Fennel ſeed each half an ounce; Carawaies two drams, Nutmeg one dram, bruiſe them, for one meaſure of white Wine for your uſe.

Afterwards Catharticks that purge flegm muſt be given, but ſuch as are appropriate to the ſight, as thoſe which have in them Senna and Fumitory, and of compounded ones thoſe which admit the juyce of Fennel.

Such as are the greater and leſſer Pilulae lucis, ſo called beauſe they bring light to the Eyes, and thoſe alſo called Arabicae and ſine quibus; and of Electuaries the greater and leſſer Indum, we may uſe theſe that follow.

Firſt of all Pils which he ought to take at midnight, if he be not unfit for ſwallowing of them, Take of pils ſine quibus half a dram, Lucis the greater, the Arabick pils, pouder of Hiera of Coloquintida, each half a ſcruple; with Water of Eyebright, or juyce of Fennel, make Pills.

Or let him take this Bole, Take of Electuary Indum, the Hiera of Hermes, each two drams and an half, with Sugar make a Bole.

Or Decoction, Take of Fumitory, Eyebright each one handful; Senna half an ounce, make a Decoction in Water and Wine and Honey (inſtead of Hydromel or Oxymel) infuſe Agarick, Turbith, each one dram; Ginger one ſcruple, Sal-Gem half a ſcruple, ſtrain it and diſſolve Syrup of Fumitory compound one ounce, make a Potion.

Or we may take one doſe of the following compoſitions and give it inſtead of theſe, for ſeeing in theſe diſeaſes of long continuance, we ought to uſe once in a month or week by courſe, Phlegmagoges, and in the interim Purgers appropriate to the ſight, ſometimes the Preparatives being repeated again, the following forms may be prepared for this uſe.

The Form of Pils is wont commonly to be more fit and uſual than the reſt, by which they may more commodiouſly ſwallow things that are ingrateful, which here are very neceſſary; by making a maſs for your uſe, the quantity of whoſe doſe ſhal be from two ſcruples to a dram, Take of Aloes two drams, Turbith, Agarick, Rhubarb, Senna, each one dram; Myrrh, Maſtich, each half a ſcruple; Tartar, Salt Gem, each half a ſcruple; Ginger one ſcruple, ſeeds of Fennel, Rue, each one ſcruple; Caſtor ſix grains, with the juyce of Fennel and Rue, make a maſs and if you add Hiera of Coloquintida and a little Scammony they wil work more ſtrongly.

Or make them thus of the uſual ones, Take of the Pills ſine quibus, Aureae, each one dram; Lucis the greater, Arabicarum, each half a dram; Pouder of Hiera of Coloquintida one ſcruple, Oyl of Fennel two drops, juyce of Fennel as much as is ſufficient, make a maſs.

If he had rather have an Electuary make ſuch a one, of which let him take from three drams to half an ounce, at once by it ſelf or diſſolving it with Eyebright and Fennel water. Take of Electuary Indum the greater, Diaphoenicon each half an ounce; Hiera of Hermes five drams, Fennel ſeed one dram, Cinnamon, Cloves, each half a dram; with french Lavendar, make an Electuary.

If he delight more in a Pouder, let the third part of this following be given with a Julep made of Syrup of French Lavender, and Eyebright water, Take of Turbith, two drams, Senna half an ounce, Tartar two drams, Ginger half a dram, Fennel ſeed one dram, Scammony one ſcruple, Sugar one ounce, mix them, make a Pouder.

A uſual Syrup wil do it, prepared after the following manner, from which firſt of all a Decoction being made may be given for three daies together, and afterwards out of all the ſame in double quantity a Syrup may be boyled to be kept for uſe, Take of the roots of Fennel one ounce, Orrice half an ounce, Acorus, Galangal, Elecampane each two drams; Liquoriſh ſix drams, the herbs Fennel, Vervain, Eyebright, Betony Fumitory, each one handful; Time, Hyſop, each one handful and an half; flowers of French Lavender, Roſemary, Borrage, each one pugil; ſeeds of Fennel two drams, Carawaies, Aniſe, Hartwort, Mountain Seſeli of Marſelles, Rue, each one dram; Raiſons twenty, Senna two ounces, Oak-fern, wild Saffron, each one ounce and an half; Agarick trochiſcate half an ounce, Turbirth two drams (for the rich you may add Rhubarb) Ginger one dram, Cinnamon two drams, make a Decoction, add Sugar two ounces, for three doſes, or all things being doubled as hath been ſaid, let it be reduced into the form of a Syrup.

A purging Wine is more pleaſing to ſome, and more effectual, ſeeing it is made only by maceration, or with a light boyling, and bitter things given after this manner, are not ſo ungrateful, which after the ſame manner as the Syrup may be drunk three daies together, and afterwards the Pouder being divided into three parts, and one alwaies being infuſed in the Wine for one doſe may ſo be given by courſe without corruption.

Which Pouder for to ſteep may be made thus: Take of Wormwood two drams, Centory one dram, Eybright, Verveine, Rue, of each three drams; Seeds of Fennel two drams, of Rue one dram, Senna one ounce, Turbith two drams, Agarick half an ounce, Barke of black Hellebore two drams, Tartar two drams, Ginger one dram: Make a Pouder for the Wine.

After the Body hath been purged, we muſt derive it from the Brain, by the Mouth and Noſtrils as through a way deſtained for the purging forth of Flegm; which purging is ſo much the more convenient becauſe it preſently purgeth from the very ſeat affected it ſelf, thoſe Excrements of the Brain collected there, to which ſeat this way leads ſtrait; and this is done by Head purgers or thoſe called Apophlegmatiſmes uſed in the morning faſting, in the form of an Errhine, Maſticatory or Gargil; of which the following may be here uſed.

Errhines which are attracted with the Noſtrils, ſhall be made thus: Take of the iuyces of red Pimpernel, of the roots of Beets or Mercury, Marioram, of each one ounce; Fennel, Rue, of cach one ounce; white Wine half an ounce, Mix them: if the juyce of Sowbread can be had, and be added it would be more effectual, as alſo Gauls, but if they be attracted into the Jaws they offend them with too great bitterneſs.

When they do not willingly uſe Errhines, anointing of the Noſtrils is good, by daubbing them even to the very bottom, with ſome of the ſtronger forementiond juyces eſpecially of Sowbread.

Or with this Liniment: Take of the juyces of Marjoram, Sowbread, the roots of Beets or Mercury, of each two drams; Elaterium ſix grains, Oyl of Orrice three drams, Honey and Tupentine a little, that you may make it like Nutritum.

Let him chew the following Maſticatory ſpitting often; Take of the Roots of Pellitory of Spain, the ſeeds of Staves-acre, of each one dram, Cubebs, Pepper, Fennel ſeed, of each half a dram; Marjoram one ſcruple, Maſtick two drams, receive them in the Pulp of Rayſons adding a little Wax • f they ſtick not, to make ſmal Bals.

Such a Gargle will be convenient, with which he may waſh his mouth and Gargle his Throat, Take of the Roots of Pellitory of Spain, Orrice, Angelico or Maſterwort, of each half an ounce; the Herbs Marjoram, Sage, Hyſſop, Rue, Ey-bright, of each one handful; flowers of Lavender, Roſemary, of each one pugil; ſeeds of Fennel, Rue, of each two drams; Nutmegs two dram; Let them boyl in Wind and Water, adding Honey as much as is ſufficient: And make a Gargel.

By drawing of blood by a Vein opend we cannot turne forth the Flegm from the Head, unleſs it be Flegmatick in the Brain, and ſo by drawing it out we do by this means in ſome manner ſubſtract the matter that did generate theſe Flegmatick Excrements, which notwithſtanding is not to be done except in the Plethorick and to whom it is accuſtomary and whoſe blood appears very impure, unleſs ſome other Diſeaſe joyned with it as a pain of the Head, do perſwade it.

And alſo that revulſion of the blood to another part, which is done by Scarification will do good upon no other account, but as by the attraction of Cupping-glaſſes applied, the ſerous humors alſo are emptied too, as ſhall by and by be explained.

Remedies are applied to the Head that theſe Excrementitious humors, which are the conjunct or Antecedent cauſe of the Diſeaſe, may be altered, diſcuſt and called forth, and the part it ſelf may be ſtrengthend too, and that after divers manners.

Lotions of the Head being ſomtimes made, are thus convenient, which being very appropriate do conſume the Humor. Take of the root of Orrice, Bay or Galangal, of each one ounce; the leaves of Marjoram, Rue, Sage, the tops of Fennel, and Roſemary, Verveine, Celandine, Eybright, Betony, Ground-pine, of each one handful; Flowers of Chamomel, Lavender, French Lavender, of each one pugil; Berries of Bayes, Juniper, of each one pugil; Fennel ſeed half an ounce, Rue one dram, Senna one ounce, Agarick three drams: Make a Decoction in a Lye, made of the Aſhes of Juniper, Roſes, Bayes, adding a fourth patt of white Wine for a Lye.

A Cap performeth the ſame but ſucceſſively, being worn, eſpecially by night, ſtuffed with theſe things following, which alſo breaths forth a pleaſant ſmel: Take of the Roots of Orrice, Angelica, of each two drams, the true Acorus, Galangal, of each one dram; the Leaves of Marjoram, Roſemary, flowers of Roſes, Lavender, of each half a dram; Nutmeg, Cloves, of each one dram; Coriander ſeed prepared one dram and an half, Gith half a dram. Make a Pouder for a Cap, the which alſo if it be ſtrained on the Hairs ſomtimes doth work more powerfully.

Suffumigations do the ſame, whoſe vertue enters the Head and dries the better, whoſe clauſets, and Caps tis better to ſuffumigate, then their Noſtrils, for thus they would move a Vertigo and hurt the ſight.

Which prepared after divers manners, and being made of Juniper berries, they are alſo appropriate to the ſight. Dioſcorides writes that ſmelling to Galbanum doth take away the fits of the Vertiginous.

Lotions of the Feet being ſomtimes uſed, by a certain communion with the Head, do very much divert the Excrements from it, and ſtrengthen the Head; which may be prepared of the ſame things, with which we have ſaid the Head ought to be waſht, or alſo with other lyes hot, ſweet, eſpecially Cephalick things being firſt firſt boyled in them.

Veſicatories and Cauteries do more ſtrongly call forth ſerous Humors, and the Excrements of the Brain, applied to the upper part of the Head, or behind the Ears or in the Neck.

A Puncture made in the Skin of the Neck and a ſtring run through it, which they call a ſeton or Setaceum doth the ſame.

And Hollerius writes that Scarification made in the hinder part of the Head with Cupping-glaſſes applied, hath ſomtimes ſuddainly reſtored the ſight loſt by reaſon of the Optick Nerve, even whiles the Cuppingglaſs hath yet ſtuck on.

The ſame things given inwardly in a Vertigo and weakneſs of ſight proceeding from flegm, do agree with both, the which ought to be appropriate to the Head and Eyes, and to heat and ſtrengthen them and to hinder the production of flegm by helping the firſt and third Concoction, and eſpecially to repreſs Vapors which by oppreſſing the head do hinder the fit and hurt the ſight and to diſcuſs thoſe as alſo wind; which are uſed in divers forms and manners.

Some things given in Bread do good, as if ſeeds of Carawaies, Fennel and Mace be mixt with it in working, or if Ginger, Cloves bruiſed, with Aqua vitae poured to it, be added to it in like manner, which Paracelſus did very much approve off.

And alſo the other meats may be ſeaſon'd with theſe, or ſuch a Pouder be prepared for the Meat: Take of Annis, Fennel ſeed, of each two drams, Carawaies, Mace, of each one dram; Cinnamon three drams, Sugar two ounces, make a Pouder, to be ſtrewed on Rice or other Meats.

But ſuch a one may be made, which is uſed with Meats, or with a potched Egg. Take of Salt one ounce, Nutmeg, Mace, Caraway ſeed, Leaves of Eyebright, Marjoram, each half a dram; mix them.

Other moſt effectual Pouders are divers waies made thus, to be given themſelves in the morning, or with ſome particular water as of Eyebright mixt with Wine (ſeeing Waters given alone, are not ſo grateful or fit for the Stomach) of which this ſingular one hath oftentimes been happily uſed, as Take of Mace two drams, Cinnamon one dram, Leaves of Eyebright one ounce, Sugar the weight of them all, give two drams.

Another very profitable if the Vertigo doth threaten an Epilepſie, Take of the aſhes of Swallows, a Mans Skul each two drams; Viper half a dram, Fennel ſeed two drams, Carawaies one dram, Peony, Mace, each half a dram, Cubebs one ſcruple, Leaves of Eyebright, Marjoram, each two ſcruples; Lozenges or Sugar of Roſes the weight of them all, make a Pouder.

Of thoſe mentioned Lozenges, may be made, as alſo of the uſual ſpecies, eſpecially of Diatrion Piperion, Diacuminum, Dianiſum, Arromaticum Roſatum, Diagalanga, Roſata Novella, Diambra, Diamoſchum, adding of thoſe that are more temperate, Diarrhodon, Trionſantalon, the Cordial ſpecies and of Gems.

After meals Pouders are uſed eſpecially to drive away Vapors and to order a good concoction, after this manner, Take of the following ſeeds half coverd with Sugar, Coriander one ounce, Aniſe half an ounce, Fennel two drams, Carawaies, Cubebs condited alſo each one dram and an half; Leaves of Eybright, Marjoram, red Roſes each one dram and an half; Cinnamon three drams; Mace half a dram, the ſpecies Diacitonites cum ſpecibus one dram, Sugar the weight of them all, make a Pouder, let him take one ſpoonful.

Some add to the pouders after Meals, Senna two ſcruples, and ſo they think the Vapors are more ſtrongly repreſt.

Others prepare them thus of Rhubarb in manner following, to repreſs Vapors yet more powerfully, Take of Rhubarb two drams, Cammels hey, Origany each one dram; Tables of Sugar of Roſes two ounces with ſyrup of Mint make a mixture, let him take one ſpoonful one hour before Dinner.

If he going to bed doth ſwallow two or three grains of Maſtich, the Vapors are very much repreſſed.

In like manner dry Sugard Confections are taken after meat, made of ſeeds of Coriander, Senna, Aniſe, Carawaies, Cummin and Cubebs covered with Sugar, Citron pil and others.

But alſo the bare ſeed of Fennel or Carawaies, or Juniper berries eaten in the morning do good in a Vertigo and weakneſs of the ſight, eſpecially if afterwards they ſo receive their breath with their hands before their mouth, that thence it aſcend upwards to the Eyes.

The uſual Electuaries are approved of to be taken in the morning, as Treacle, Mithridate, Aſyncritum, if they be very old. Alſo the Tryphera of King Sabor, and Hollerius his Electuarium Regium, by themſelves or mixt and taken with other things.

Of the other Conſerves and Conditures that are kept and are convenient here, we may make ſuch an Electuary, Take of the Conſerves of Sage, of Roſemary flowers, Marjoram, French Lavender, Lavender, Betony, flowers of Clove Gilly-flowers, Groundpine, each half an ounce; of Roſes, Borrage, Diacorus, each one ounce; Emblick Myribolans condited one, Citron pill one ounce, Leaves of Eybright, Organe, each one dram; Fennel ſeed one dram and an half, with the Syrup of Green Ginger make an Electuary, let him take in the morning the quantity of a Cheſnut.

Or the following Confection which is moſt effectual may be made thus. Take of the roots of Peony Miſsleto of the Oak, each one dram; the leaves of Eyebright, three drams, Marjoram, Roſemary flowers, each two drams; Organy one dram, Fennel ſeed two drams, Aniſe, Carawaies, each one dram; Cummin, Hartwort, Baſil, Peony, each half a dram, Cubebs, Mace, Cloves, Cinnamon each half a dram; Corral two ſcruples, Pearl half a ſcruple, the Skul of a Man one dram, Ivory half a dram, make a Pouder, mix it with Honey of Roſemary flowers or with the juyce boyled, let him take in the morning, the quantity of a Nutmeg.

Stilled Waters are commended which maybe taken by themſelves or after other things, as Cinnamon Water ſomtimes taken.

And ſuch a one may be provided, Take of Vervain, Eyebright, Rue, Marjoram, Groundpine, each half an ounce; ſeeds of Fennel two drams, Cinnamon half an ounce, ſteep them in Mallago Wine and diſtil them, let him take ſomtimes one ſpoonful, to which you may add Sugar, that it may be the more grateful; the reſt you ſhal find in the cold Diſeaſes of the Head.

The Chymiſts magnifie the Salts, Eſſences, and Oyls of the forementioned things.

As concerning the Courſe of life that is neceſſary to the conſervation of life, it ſhal be ſo ordered, that the cauſe of theſe affects be not augmented by it, but rather diminiſhed, and the ſymptoms themſelves be mitigated, which wil be done by temperance and mediocrity in all things, of which we have ſpoken already, as alſo of the Amulets which are agreeable to the Sight alſo, in the former Cure, of the Cauſe of a Vertigo the other Remedies of it we ſhal deſcribe by and by in explaining the Oxydorcical or ſight-cleering Medicaments.

The Net-like Nerve being affected by conſent, The Cure of the want of ſight by reaſon of the Net-like Nerve in the Eye affected by conſent. which is made for the ſpirits ſake with which it ought to abound; if this come to paſs by reaſon of the influx of the ſpirit hindred, by occaſion of the Brain and the Optick Nerve growing to it, what muſt be foretold and acted, hath been already explained in their diſeaſes.

And if Blindneſs be cauſed by preſſing of the Eye the ſpirits flying back and ſtaying for a while, by and by that ceaſeth of its own accord, the ſpirits returning back again, unleſs there have been ſome eminent hurt cauſed.

But if they being laid aſleep in the Nerve by reaſon of long continued darkneſs cannot for a while enjoy the light which is at length offerd to them, and they are Blind or dark-ſighted, then the ſpirits muſt be raiſed again and brought into act with Light, by degrees not by too bright an one at firſt, by and by offering a greater light, that ſo by little and little they may accuſtome to endure, until they come again unto the perfect cuſtome of ſeeing.

But the contrary muſt be done in thoſe whoſe ſight is darkned by too much brightneſs, that they may the ſooner and truer receive the uſe of it, to wit, by offering them Darkneſs by degrees, firſt placing them in the ſhade then in a more obſcure place, at laſt for a while in the dark it ſelf.

Which cuſtom of Light and darkneſs in them both being reduced by degrees, unleſs it do good, there is danger of a perſevering blindneſs or dulneſs of ſight the which we ought to foretel, not neglecting in the mean time ſight-clearing Remedies.

But if the Net-like Nerve be affected by conſent, becauſe it is deſtitute of the external light, and that ceaſeth by reaſon of darkneſs induced in the air, by and by, by the brightneſs of the Sun or fire (beſides which nothing hitherto hath been found out, which can ſufficiently do it) that being illuminated again, the light returns, and the Eye ſees again.

But if the light be withdrawn from it, by the impediment of the humors or Membranes of the Eye, the Cure ſhal be declared in their faults.

If a defect of humors of the Eye cauſe Blindneſs, The Cure of Blindneſs from a defect of the humors of the Eye. all the humors falling forth together, through a Wound or Ulcer, nothing muſt be attempted here beſides the Cure of the Wound and Ulcer, which ſhal be explained in the pains of the Eyes, and the evil muſt be foretold to be incurable.

The which alſo is to be done and ſaid, if only the watry humor be poured forth, ſeeing it cannot be repaired; unleſs by chance, if a narrow puncture being made in the eye, either by chance or purpoſely, by reaſon of taking away a Suffuſion, the watry humor threaten a flowing forth (the which notwithſtanding ſcarce comes to paſs, if the Needle be thin and drawn forth gently) then ſhutting cloſe the Eye-lids and afterwards preſsing the Eye and laying aſtringent things upon it, and a Roul applying (as we ſhal declare by and by in pricking a Suffuſion) we repreſs the flowing forth of the humor, til the hole grow together again.

But ſome part only of the watry humor being poured forth out of a Wound, or being waſted by Diſeaſes or Age, ſo that it hurt the ſight if it be little, and there is yet no other fault in the Eye adjoyned. In young folks in whom that humor may be repaired by the nouriſhment of the Eye, we may yet Hope wel, and commit it to nature, but in other there is no Good to be judged.

If the Perverſion of the natural ſituation of the ſtructure of the Eye do hurt the ſight, The Cure of ſome impediments of the ſight and of ſquinting by reaſon of the ſituation of the Apple contorted. and the whol Eye be ſo contorted, that the apple ſtand not forth in the middle ſeat of the forepart of the Eye, but be hidden in either ſide, as we have ſaid hath ſometimes come to paſs by a Wound, that being thruſt to the inner part of the Noſe, it could not ſee but through it; or otherwiſe from the Birth, the Eye being inverted it is ſo coverd with the Eye-brows that the Sight is hindered, theſe faults can by no means be amended; as neither that, if from the firſt Nativity the Apple being not altogether hid, but yet enclining too much to one ſide, the Eye being as it were neer Convulſed, or otherwiſe drawn thither doth give occaſion for a ſquinting as hath been ſaid; the which alſo are let alone ſeeing they little or nothing prejudice the ſight.

But if that the Cryſtalline humor by ſome means bowed or a little way drawn from the Circumference of it, The Cure of ſome hurts of the ſight & of ſquinting from the bowing of the cryſtalline humor or motion of it to the ſide. doth breed a weakneſs or Error of the ſight, or be one of the cauſes of a Squinting; then if this were ſuddenly done by ſome violent cauſe, unleſs by and by of its own accord it recover its natural ſituation, it is now impoſſible to effect by art; and by ſo much the leſs, if this fault be contracted from the Birth.

But if that the ſame cryſtalline humor otherwiſe placed right, except that a little going backwards from the forepart which it ought naturally to occupy, The Cure of thoſe ſights by which they ſee not things unleſs very neer; or by which they ſee things diſtant better than thoſe neer, by the carrying of the cryſtalline humor forwards or backwards. poſſeſſing the exact middle or more hinder region of the Eye, doth induce that ſight in which they do not rightly ſee things a little more diſtant, and for that cauſe they are compelled to apply things neerer or cloſe to their Eyes; ſeeing this for the moſt part happens from the birth, and we cannot reduce the humor into its natural ſtate, it is impoſſible to alter this ſeeing, unleſs it be changed by courſe of Age, by that long continued bowing down of the head towards the fore parts the whol life time, the cryſtalline humor alwaies bearing forwards and by degrees being brought thither: as I have often found by experience, both in others and my ſelf, that this ſeeing, is changed when they grow old, ſo that then they can ſee things better at a diſtance, than when they are yonger; and then this benefit accrews in the correction of this fault (if ſo be it be a fault, ſeeing what is loſt in the ſight for knowing of things more diſtant, is gained by it in more rightly diſcerning of things neer) that when neceſſity requires to know things far diſtant, we can by applying a moſt bright proſpective made of a thicker Cryſtal Glaſs which repreſents things to the Eye leſſer than they are, correct this defect of the inner proſpective, to wit, the cryſtalline humor, becauſe it is too neer to the net-like Nerve and ſo obtain in Seeing that which we deſire: the which Proſpective notwithſtanding, it is not requiſite ſhould be alwaies of one kind, but as the cryſtalline humor is more or leſs gone backwards, it ought to be applied more or leſs neer to the Eye, and to be leſs, or much more thick; as we ſee in thoſe that are called Myopes ſome are convenient for ſome, not others, and yet not much different, as experience ſhews us this, that what Glaſs ought to be choſen, is rather to be done by trying it by the Eye than by any explicable deſcription, unleſs they that make them, know how to do it.

But as this ſight ſpringing from the Birth can no waies be changed, but only be corrected by another Inſtrument applied, that more grievous impediment of the ſight by proceſs of again which they cannot rightly ſee things neer hand, but better if they be far removed from the Eye, which we have ſaid doth come to paſs by the cryſtalline humor carried too much forward, cannot be amended any other way than by a thin Glaſs ſpectacle repreſenting things to the Eye greater than they are; the which they having continual uſe of, that they may ſee handle and read the leſſer things, they alwaies carry about them; and two Glaſſes are ſo formed in a frame, that faſtniug ſuch an Inſtrument to the ridg of the Noſe, by the great mercy of God they can uſe it to the right diſcerning of things.

The Cryſtalline humor being made more ſolid or obſcure if it induce that weakneſs of ſight in which, The Cure of Nyctalopy proceeding from an obſcure cryſtalline humor. darkneſs growing a little on they ſee obſcurely or nothing, or ſomtimes that being wholly hardned they become blind it cannot be corrected by Remedies nor Spectacles ſeeing they cannot bring brightneſs unto it.

A too ſmall and narrow hole of the Grapy Coat called the Pupilla if a too large hole effect that the ſight be eaſily darkened with too much light, The Cure of a Nyctalopy from the narrowneſi of the Apple. and it diſcern more rightly in a darker place; becauſe this fault is Original alſo it cannot be mended neither by Medicines nor Spectacles; becauſe the cauſe is in the Membrane and not the humor unleſs in as much as they whoſe ſight is offended with brighneſs, The Cure of the evening ſight from the largneſs of the Apple, may be prevented from too much light by partly ſhutting up their dwellings places, or from the brightneſs of a candle by interpoſing ſome glaſſy Obſtacle, at night while they read, or earneſtly behold ſome other thing, that they may not moleſt the ſight.

Although many do attempt to Cure theſe and other faults formerly mention'd, no waies appearing in the Eye (being ignorant of the true cauſe of them, and referring all things to the thickneſs of the Spirits and Defluxions) and for gains ſake, do raſhly promiſe that they will do it; in Vain tormenting the ſick with purges and other things and applying Eye clearers: Oxydorcical remedies which are convenient to reſtore the ſight in its various hurts are here explained in general The which notwithſtanding we may uſe, if we are minded to try, let the event be what it will: thoſe things which can no waies hurt, but may be uſed without trouble: of which ſort you will find many in the remedies which are propoſed almoſt the ſame, both in a weakneſs of the ſight and Nyctalopy and evening ſight and Myopſie; of which we will add theſe few examples of our own.

If at any time it be needful to adminiſter purges either becauſe the Body otherwiſe hath need of Evacuation or by reaſon of the Stomach from whence Vapors carried upwards do alſo prejudice the Sight or for ſome other cauſes rather then by reaſon of the Diſeaſe in the Eye which of it ſelf doth no waies require Pugers; they muſt be made according to the Cacochymy abounding in the Body.

Yet they are chiefly to be made choice off, which amongſt Purgers are appropriate to the Eye, as Senna, which we have formerly ſaid both taken and applied, doth by its whol property refreſh the ſight; Fumitory alſo, which as is reported doth clarifie the ſight.

Of which we may prepare ſuch a Compoſition, as this following; adding alſo other things appropriate to the ſight: Take of the leaves of Senna one ounce, dried Fumitory half an ounce, Dodder of Time two drams, Eybright, Germander, of each one dram and an half; Fennel ſeed two drams, Mountain Heartwort one dram, flowers of Roſemary, French Lavender, of each one dram and an half: Make a Decoction in Goats Whey, infuſe Rhubarb two drams, Cinnamon, Spike, long Pepper, of each half a dram; Or for the Flegmatiek, Agarick, Turbith, of each one dram and an half; Ginger half a dram, Salt Ammoniack half a ſcruple, ſtrain it; add Syrup of Fumitory and Roſes ſolutive, of each one ounce and an half: Make a Potion for two Doſes.

Let the younger ſort drink for ſome daies only Senna and freſh Fumitory with Fennel ſeed diluted in Goats Whey.

They uſe alſo ſtonger Compoſitions, and thoſe flegm purgers for the moſt part, becauſe they thought all thoſe affects did proceed from a defluxion of flegm, the which may be uſed if otherwiſe it abound in the Head, and alſo prejudice the Nerves, as we have ſaid formerly in a Weakneſs of the Sight and Vertigo, from Flegm of the Brain.

We muſt make choice off, Pilulae Lucis, Arabicae, Electuary Indum, and others eſpecially fitted for the Sight.

Of things taken inwardly which are appropriate to the ſight and do help the Head and Stomach, we may make forms thus.

The which if we would uſe amongſt nouriſhments let the Meats be often ſeaſon'd with the following Pouders and Salts.

A profitable Aromatick Pouder with which the meats are ſeaſon'd inſtead of other Spices: fitted for the ſight: Take of Cinnamon three drams, Cloves one dram, Nutmeg or Mace half a dram, long and black Pepper, Ginger, of each one ſcruple; Salt one ounce and an half: Mix them.

Neither are Radiſh or Muſtard ſo to be feared amongſt Junkets; becauſe as hath been ſhewed in the Remedies they help the Sight by a propriety, and being taken upon that account, they do good rather then harm.

The uſe of rapes boyled, eſpecially with Caraway ſeed, as our Country men are wont to prepare them, is very convenient, becauſe they are appropriate.

Eybright Wine, is wonderfully commended by all; which either is made ſimple by infuſing the dried leaves of it in Wine or new Wine whiles it is hot; or that it may be more effectual and pleaſing by mixing Wormwood and Fennel roots, becauſe our Country men are rather delighted with Wormwood Wine, and Dioſcorides reckons up Wormwood amongſt the Sightquickners.

Diſtilled waters muſt ſomtimes be taken, which may be prepared thus, profitable for that purpoſe: Take of the waters of Roſemary flowers, the Herbs Fennel, Eybright, of each two drams; Cinnamon water half an ounce, Aqua vitae two ounces, Lozenges of Sugar, of Roſes as much as you pleaſe, if you will; Mix them: let him take from half an ounce to one ounce.

More Compound waters: Take of the freſh roots of Radiſh one ounce and an half, of Fennel one ounce, of Celandine, Avens of each half an ounce, the Herbs Eybright, Vervain, Rue, Celandine, Germander, Fennel, of each three drams; Time, Sage, Marjoram, Savory, of each two drams; Roſemary flowers three drams, of French Lavender, St. Johnswort, of each one dram; Fennel ſeed three drams, Mountain Hart-wort two drams, Carawaies one dram, the Liver of a Goat ſliced with the filth and Gall ſticking to it half a pound, Cinnamon half an ounce, Cloves two drams, Nutmeg one dram, long Pepper one dram: Bruiſe thoſe things that are to be bruiſed and ſprinkle them with white Wine, diſtil them, and let him take part of it by it ſelf or diluted with other Water, if it inſlame too much.

The Pouders which are taken in the morning by themſelves or with a cruſt of bread dipe in Wine, or going to bed alſo, are made thus: Take of Leaves of Eybright two drams, of Marjoram one dram, Rue half a dram, Roſemary flowers one dram, the ſeed of Fennel two drams, of Rapes one dram and an half, mountain Hartwart one dram, Carawaies, Bay-berries, of each half a dram, Cinnamon one dram and an half, Nutmeg, Cloves, of each half a dram, long and black Pepper, Ginger, of each one ſcruple, Curral one dram, the Aſhes of the Heads of Swallowes or Serpents half a dram, Sugar the double weight of them all: Make a Pouder.

Lozenges may be made of this Pouder if you form one dram of that, with one ounce of Sugar, Diſſolved in Fennel Water, adding ſome drops of Oyl of Fennel.

Which alſo being made only with Oyl of Fennel mixt with Sugar, are convenient here.

An Electuary ſhall be made of the ſame Pouder if you receive it in Skim'd Honey; Boyled with Wine or convenient waters, or Sugar into the form of a Syrup, with the ſame Waters in the ſame meaſure or more plentiful (if any one deſire to have it ſo more grateful to the Palate.)

Or after this manner prepared of the Juyces, which are more effectual then the Leaves of the Plants: Take of the clarified juyces of Fennel, Eybright, Vervain, of each one ounce and an half; Marjoram, Rue, of each one ounce; Honey boyled off with Wine ſix ounces, or ſo much Sugar: Boyl them with the Juyces to a conſiſtence; adding, of the Conſerve of flowers of Roſemary, Eybright, of each half an ounce; the flowers of Sage, and French Lavender, of each two drams; Nutmegs condite two, Cinamon three drams, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mace, of each one dram; long Pepper, Cubebs, of each half a dram; ſeeds of Fennel one dram and an half; Mountain Hart-wort one dram, the dried root of Celandine or its Leaves one dram, Species Diambrae, Roſatae Novellae, of each half a dram: Mix them, make an Electuary.

Pouders or Confections to be taken after feeding or meat are allowed off, eſpecially if Vapors alſo be troubleſome; As, Take the ſugar'd confections of Fennel ſeed one ounce, Coriander, Annu, Carawaies, the ſeeds of Rapes or Turneps cover'd with Sugar, of each half an ounce; Rocket ſeed two drams: Mix them, let him take one ſpoonful after meals.

Or, Let there be added of Liquoriſh roots ſcraped half an ounce, Galangal ſliced and Citron pill alſomoſt thinly ſlioed, of each one dram; Cinnamon one dram and an half, leaves of Eybright one dram, red Roſes, Marjoram, of each half a dram; Curral one dram, ſhavings of Ivory half a dram, Species Diacytontes ſine ſpeciebus one dram, Sugar the equal weight with thoſe things are not cover'd with Sugar: Make a dry Confection.

The Remedies to be applied to the Eyes, if they do not too much affect them, are put into them, but if they be very ſtrong eſpecially when they are uſed upon a hazard, without any reſpect to the cauſe, they are more rightly applied outwardly to the Eylids leaſt ſome new affect may be cauſed by them; and if they ſtrain them, waſh them again in the morning with Fennel and Eybright waters, which are made as followeth.

Of the Waters alone after this manner: Take of the Waters of Eybright, Vervain, Celandine, Fennel, Rue, Mix together, or Dilſtlled together, equal parts, let him put it often into the Eyes, or let him waſh them in the morning with theſe waters, adding ſomtimes a little Roſe-Water,

If a darkneſs be from the thickneſs of the Coats the water of Honey is very convenient.

Or thus: Take of the freſh Herbs of Fennel, Ruc, Eybright, Vervain, Celandine, wild Lettice, of each one handful; flowers of Roſemary, Sage, Roſes, of each one pugil; Fennel ſeed two drams, Mountain Hart-wort one dram, Juniper berries two drams, Cloves, long Pepper, of each half a dram; Sarcocol, Aloes Socotorine, of each two drams; Camphyre, white Vitriol, of each half a dram; Bruiſe them and ſprinkle them with a Boys Urine and white Wine; Till they are reduced into the form of a paſt; adding, (eſpecially for a Nyctilopy) the Liver of a He or She Goat ſliced half a pound, leaving out the Gall, Hens Galls one dram, Honey of Roſemary flowers one dram: Mix them and diſtil them for your uſe.

Waters or Liquors are made thus by long infuſion without diſtillation: Take of the juyces of Fennel, Rue, Vervain, Celandine, ſour Pomgranates, wild Lettice, of each one ounce; of the filth which flowes from the Liver of a ſhe Goat, while it is roaſted with the Gall half an ounce, the Gall of Hens or Partridg one dram, Sarcocol ſteeped in the juyce of Fennel, Socotorine Aloes, of each one dram; Honey, Sugarcandy, of each half an ounce; Camphyre half a ſcruple, white Vitriol one ſcruple, Tutty one dram and an half, Pearl half a dram, Golden ducats two, long Pepper, Cloves, Lignum Aloes, of each one dram; add, of a Boys Urine and white Wine, of each three drams: Let them ſteep a long time in a glazed Veſſel ſtopped, either in the Sun, or in a furnace, afterwads ſet them a part for your uſe.

Somtimes we anoynt the Eylids with juyces, or we drop them into the Eyes, after this manner: Take of the juyces of Fennel, wilde Lettice, ſour Pomgranates a little thickend, and afterwards wrought with Honey, adding ſomtimes a little of the Gall of Fiſhes or Birds.

Or which is good in a Nyctalopy: Take of the filth which flowes from the Liver of a ſhe Goat two drams, the blood of a Partridg one dram, a little Honey: Mix them.

We uſe other liquors as followeth, let him chew Fennel ſeed and Juniper berries and afterward anoynt his Eylids with his ſpittle, and carry his breath upwards to his Eyes by holding his Hands before it.

Divers mixtures which they call Collyries are prepared thus: Take of Tutty prepared two drams; Antimony often waſht with Fennel water one dram, Curral one dram, Pearl half a dram, the Cacochymy of Gold half a dram, Sarcocol ſteept in Fennel water one dram, Mirrh, Socotorine Aloes, of each half a dram, the apples of the Eyes of Fiſhes hardend by boyling one ſcruple, Swallows heads burnt half a dram, Lizards dung one ſcruple, Salt Ammoniack, white Vitriol, of each one ſcruple, Camphyre half a ſcruple, long Pepper half a dram, Saffron half a ſcruple, Sugar Candy two drams: Make a Pouder like an Alcohol, receive it in the mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed, made with Roſe Water: Make a Trochiske for your uſe; Diſſolve one when we would uſe it, in the Waters of Fennel, Rue, adding the juyces, and ſomtimes the Gaules.

An Oyntment for the Eylids may be made after this manner: Take of a Serpents fat, which is collected while it boyles, or of the Fiſh Thymallus, or of them both, the juyce of Germander, Honey, of each equal parts; for an Oyntment; and there may be ſome of the aforemention'd Trochisks be mixed with it.

The Pouders which are ſtrewed on the Eyes are uſed rather in ſpecks of the Eyes, then here; yet they may be made of the Trochiskes deſcribed.

Or after this manner: Take of the leaves of Germander, Eybright, of each one dram; Pearl, Tutty, of each half a dram; leaves of Gold three, Sugar-candy half a dram: Make a moſt fine Pouder.

Somtimes the Eyes are ſomented that the Oxydorcical, or Sight-quickning Medicines applied, may work the better: after the ſame manner as ſhall be ſaid in the Specks.

Or after this manner: Take of Fenugreek ſeeds half an ounce, Fennel two drams, mountain Hart-wort one dram, leaves of Eybright, Celandine, of each three drams; Radiſh roots half an ounce, Oate chaff one ounce: Boyl them in Wine and Water, for a Fomentation in a Spunge, or in Bags.

Alſo the Vapor of this Decoction receive'd into the Eyes do prepare the Eye, or others alſo do good to the Eyes, as the ſteem of a Goats Liver boyled received by the Eyes in a Nyctalopy.

Barly Bread baked with Fennel and Caraway ſeed and cut in two while it is hot, and the Exhalation from it received by the Eyes.

Looking upon green things doth refreſh the Eyes, and things poliſht, as a bright Glaſs of Steel, upon which account the beholding of Jewels and Gold, rather then the Application of them, doth recreate the ſight, and ſtrengthen the vital ſpirit.

They cry up many Amulets that do good being hung about the Neck and worn in Rings which we purpoſely omit.

Mathiolus doth very much commend a ſtone of the Gaul put into the Noſtrils.

Rhazes writes that burnt Ivory the quantity of a Lentil put into the Noſtrils with Oyl of Violets, doth quickly cure Nyctalopies.

A white ſpeck appearing more or leſs in the Eye, if ſpringing from the fall of the Glaſſy Humor or Cryſtalline in to the hole of the apple, The Cure of the defect of Seeing cauſed by the obſcurity of the horny coate by white ſpecks and by the obſtruction of the Grapy coate by white ſpecks. it doth put out the ſight; which we have ſaid was ſomtimes wont to happen from a contuſion of that Eye, the hole of the apple being cleft, or the Coats containing theſe Humors in their place, being broken, or by too deep forcing the needle in curing a ſuffuſion, then all hopes of recovering the ſight being taken away, we will only fit the Cure to the external hurt if there be any. But if this white ſpeck preſenting it ſelf about the Region of the apple, be a ſuffuſion from the watry Humor by degrees and in a long time, converted into a ſnivel and at length into the ſaid Skin bringing firſt of all an error of the ſight but afterwards when it is hardned, a perfect blindneſs: or if from too much drineſs of the Horny coat, and induration of it, an Albugo doth proceed, or from a Wound or Puncture cloſed up there be a Skar left, which two laſt, as they are broad or narrow, they do more or leſs hurt the ſight, then what muſt be foretold and done in them all three, becauſe they do not much differ amongſt themſelves, we will explain altogether.

But ſeeing a Suffuſion, Albugo, and Skar, are difficultly cured, we muſt not raſhly promiſe any thing, ſeeing if the Skar be ſuperficial only; poſſeſſing the thin lap of the horny coat, it may perhaps be taken off in the younger ſort, and yet ſcarcely then, but if it be a little deeper it cannot be taken away, unleſs that being ſhaven, we would make a new ſolution of continuity, which were to make a Wound afreſh.

The ſame alſo we may affirm of an Albugo if it hath taken deep root; eſpecially if the horny coat being wholly hardened hath bred the ſaid darkneſs in old folks, or being dryed in ſome bright part of it only it doth cauſe an Albugo; the which how difficult it is to correct, we may ſee in the thin lap of ſome horn, Pecten, or Nail, affected in like manner, how it can hardly be wiped off: Yet if ſome portion of the groſer nouriſhment being left under the Horny coat do cauſe this, becauſe that doth ſomtimes change its place, and is carried from the region of the apple into the white of the Eye, then it no longer hurts the ſight, which for the moſt part happens rather of its own accord, then by the uſe of Medicines.

A Suffuſion alſo is a Pertinatious diſeaſe, which when it is confirmed and harden'd, makes blind, and can be taken away by no further Remedies, unleſs by a needle the which notwithſtanding when it is done, doth not help or ſucceed in all, but only in certain ſuffuſions as ſhall be ſaid by and by, and is often attempted with ill ſucceſs: that beginning which doth only caſt clouds before the ſight, can ſcarely be prevented, but that it wil increaſe in time.

Nevertheleſs in theſe caſes Remedies muſt not be neglected, and in a Skar, Albugo, and Suffuſion, the Cure muſt be order'd thus, to wit that we diſpoſe the Body in general that we may rightly make the better Cure, and that we apply Topick means to the Eye, which may waiſt the Suffuſion by diſcuſſing it, the which alſo are convenient in an Albugo, the which notwithſtanding that we may be able to wipe away alſo from the thin lap of the horny coate, we muſt try to take away with ſtronger Deterſiues, and the more ſtill, if there be a Skar in which the Deterſives wont to be applied in a confirmed Suffuſion muſt be uſed mixt with diſcuffives; ſo that the ſame Remedies almoſt are convenient for them all, yet ſo diſtributed, that we uſe the thinner Remedies in a Suffuſion beginning, the thicker and ſtronger in an Albugo, Skar, and confirmed ſuffuſion, as you ſhall hear by and by, the external Pannicle doth require ſtronger yet, the which notwithſtanding muſt be ſo temper'd, that the Eye be not wholly dried up, or inflamed by the uſe of them, if all theſe things help not, we muſt come to cutting.

That the Body be clean and free from Excrements, we muſt procure by ordering a good courſe of Diet, and Emptiers, according to the Nature of a Plenitude or Cacochymy if there be any, for ſo the whol cure proceeds the righter: and though here many Practitioners do wonderfully macerate the Body with many Evacuations, in a Suffuſion eſpecially, which they thought was a deſcent of water into the Eyes, and therefore was to be called by the name of a Catharrhact, by making Purgations was well by the Stool as by ſweats and by the Mouth and Noſtrils, alſo making Revulſions and Derivations, by Scarifications, Application of Cupping-glaſſes, and by Frictions, and then by Cauteries, Setons, as we have taught in a Flegmatick Vertigo, how theſe things onght to be done, yet we who have demonſtrated that the cauſe of theſe doth conſiſt in the Eye, and that a Defluxion of water can no waies be carried into the Capacity of the Eye, have many times ſeen and found by experience that theſe are adminiſtred to Bodies without any benefit, unleſs in as much as they may keep the Body pure, as we have ſaid; let therefore this preparation of the Body by a fit Diet and decent Evacuations ſuffice, being made of the ſame Remedies which have been explained in a Flegmatick Vertigo, chooſing the gentler or ſtronger as there is need, and fitting them to the conſtitution of the Body.

But neither can the Oxydorcial Remedies which are ſo much commended in this caſe being taken by the Mouth, or hung about the Neck, or otherwiſe applied do any thing ſingular here, unleſs they have that vertue of clenſing away and diſcuſſing the ſpeck, as many of them are endued with it, becauſe the ſight is here no other waies hurt, then that the Eye by reaſon of an Impediment ſpred over it, is deprived of the external light; that if we would mend the ſight with ſharpning Remedies; they ought to bring to the Eyes the brightneſs ruſhing from without, which certainly no man is able to do, or to take away the vail drawn over the Eyes.

We will propound therefore the more choice Topick Remedies that are convenient in theſe caſes, in this order, that the gentleſt be firſt deſcribed, then ſtronger, at laſt the ſtrongeſt of all which alſo are convenient in a Pannicle; the which are either put into the Eyes, if they can endure them, or are applied to the Eylids, where they retain them longer with leſs hindrance and hurt, eſpecially in the night whiles they keep them ſhut, and though their vertue doth not ſo quickly exert it ſelf, as when they are put into the Eye, yet by continual uſe, becauſe their faculty doth eaſily penetrate through the thin Eylid, they do work at length being thus applied, becauſe thoſe things which are put into the Eye, do by and by flow forth again with the Tears, or do irritate the Eyes, and create ſome trouble.

The Diſtilled water of Honey, is very profitable and accuſtomary, which is oftentimes dropt into the Eye.

Alſo that called the Water of Wine, or Aqua vitae, doth diſcuſs Egregiouſly, but it muſt be tempered with Water of Honey and Fennel, added to it in equal portions.

A more effectual one will be made thus: Take of a Boyes Urin four ounces, white Wine one ounce, Honey one ounce, Gaul half an ounce: Extract a Water.

Or yet a ſtronger: Take of a Boyes Urin four ounces, the juyces of Fennel, Celandine, of each two ounces, white Wine one ounce, the Gaul of Fiſhes (as Salmon or Carpe) or of Birds or of other creatures two drams, Honey two ounces, Turpentine half an ounce, live Sulphur two drams: Diſtill them, if the Urin before it be added to this compoſition, ſtand for ſome daies in a braſs Veſſel, afterwards waſhing the Veſſel ſoundly with it, the preparation wil be yet more effectual, which if it bite, being temper'd and thicken'd with the white of an Egg, anoint the Eylids with it. Somtimes ſuch a Pouder is blowed in, but it ought to be very fine as an Alcohol, that it do not exaſperate the Eye: Take of the Bone of the Fiſh Sepia of the Fungous matter of a Pummyſtone, of each two drams; white Pompholix, (which is the ſoot from Braſs) half a dram, Sugar candy two drams, Bean flower half a dram: Make a Pouder.

The juyce ſweating forth from Willows, being dropt in the Eye, is very much commended.

Of Acid juyces theſe are very convenient: Take of the thick juyces of unripe Grapes, alſo of the juyce of ſour Pomgranates thicken'd, receive them in the Mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed, apply them to the Eylids.

Or thus, one more diſgeſting: Take of the juyces of the leſſer centory, Fennel, Celandine, of each two drams; the Gaul of Fiſhes one dram, Aloes, Sarcocol, Mirrh, of each half a dram; Sugar candy one dram, Honey as much as is ſufficient: Make an Oyntment.

Or thus, one Egregiouſly abſterſive: Take of Lizards dung one dram, the bone of the Fiſh Sepia burnt, Hart-horn, Maſſacumia, of each half a dram; Honey as much as is ſufficient: Make an Oyntment.

Or without Pouders but very effectual: Take of the juyces of Fennel, Celandine, ſoure Pomegranates, of each half an ounce, of Onions, Radiſh of each two drams, Gaul one dram and an half; Lizards dunge half a dram, Honey as much as is ſuſſicient: Mix them.

Or make ſuch an Unctuous Oyntment: Take of the fat of the Fiſh Thymallus two drams, of Gaul one dram, Lizards dung one ſcruple, Gum Ammoniack diſſolved in Aqua vitae one dram, Sarcocol half a dram: Make an Unction.

Acrid Liquors that work vehemently are made thus, which if the Eye cannot endure, they are temper'd with Milk or Waters til they can bear them, or being mixed with the Mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed or the white of an Egg they are applied to the Eylids: Take of Antimony one dram, Marchaſite half a dram: Pouder and infuſe them in Roſe and Fennel Water, of each four ounces; often paſſing it through a Filter; for your uſe.

Out of Urin thus: Take a Boyes Urin, let it ſtand in a Braſs Veſſel, for ſome daies; ſcraping or rubbing the Veſſel often, for your uſe.

Or a linnen cloath is ſet one fire in a diſh or on a Tin or Iron plate, and the juyce which ſticks to the diſh is taken for uſe; this juyce will be more effectual, or rather that Oyly ſubſtance ſweating forth, if the cloth be firſt wet with the ſpirit of Wine and be dried again, but afterwards be lighted and burnt on a Plate of Steel.

Of thoſe ſtronger yet tis made thus: Take of white vitriol one dram, ruſt of Braſs ſix grains, being pouder'd; Mix them with the white of one Egg, beat them well, and pouring them upon a Paper, the greeniſh water collected by inclination is taken for your uſe ſo far as it can be endured, it is temper'd with Roſe water or Milk.

A moſt effectual Oyntment is made thus: Take of white Vitriol one ſcruple, ruſt of Braſs half a ſcruple, Antimony half a dram, Marchaſite half a ſcruple, Lizards dung half a ſcruple, the Bone of the Fiſh Sepia half a dram, Camphire two grains, Fiſh Gauls half a dram, Honey two drams, Sugar one dram, with the mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed: Make an injection.

Somtimes a Fomentation of the Eye being made, before the uſe of theſe, it cauſeth that they work more rightly, and doth the better diſpoſe the Eye to receive them, and it diſcuſſeth alſo by it ſelf.

Which may ſimply be made thus: Take of the ſeeds of Fenugreek one ounce, of Fennel two drams, Chamomel flowers, Oate chaff, of each one handful; Marſh-mallow roots one ounce: Boyl them in Water and Wine for a Fomentation.

A Suffumigation from this Decoction if it be received in the Eyes, will be inſtead of a Fomentation.

To breath into the Eyes after the chawing of Fennel ſeed doth the ſame; and in Infants if the Nurſe do that it wipes away their Suffuſions if they firſt chew Gum Ammoniack and the like.

Amongſt Amulets the roots of Garlick, and Snakeweed, hung about the Neck, is in high eſteem with Chyrurgions.

By Manual operation or Chyrurgery, in a Suffuſion when it is grown to a Skin or Web as they call it, to free and divide it from the compaſs of the apple, to which it is grown, by putting in a Needle through the horny Coate, and by degrees forcing it to this part, is the laſt remedy: which if it ſucceed, and the ſight as yet be in the Eye, as the Chyrurgeons ſpeak, that is, if by reaſon of that long continued blindneſs which hath laſted ſo many years, the Viſory ſpirits as hath been ſaid formerly being idle, be not extinguiſht, or the Optick Nerves become ſluggiſh: then this way being open'd, and its obſtacle taken away, the light again entring and Illuminating the Eye, it cauſeth that in that very moment, in which the Web is taken off, they recover their ſight again.

But before the operation be began, theſe things muſt firſt be conſider'd, firſt of all that if both Eyes being cover'd with a Web they are render'd wholly blinde, by ſo much the rather let it be attempted, becauſe worſe cannot befal them, although the operation do not ſucceed they then remaining blind as they were before; but if that one Eye only be affected, the other being ſound, becauſe that is ſufficient for ſeeing, and no greater neceſſety urgeth, the buſineſs is not to be attempted with ſuch raſhneſs.

Next of all that we do not attempt it before the Skin be wholly concrete and perfect, and as they call, it be ripe. Which ſomtimes is ſcarce compleated in the ſpace of three years, ſomtimes five, or more, and it is known by the color of it, which then is exactly white like to the thin Skin compaſſing the white of a boyled Egg, although ſomtimes it repreſent ſomwhat an aſh color, and then becauſe it doth ſomwhat deceive the judgment, it makes us more uncertain as concerning its Maturity, the which notwithſtanding is known by this to be now perfect, becauſe it is not changed, but perſiſts ſo for a long time. And although many do not require its abſolute, but moderate concretion, yet we have found by experience, that there is leſs error, and tis more eaſily handled when it is perfectly concreted: for that which is unripe, becauſe it is yet ſoft and ſnivelly, it doth not reſiſt the point of the Needle, and therefore cannot wholly be removed, but being cut and divided grows together again, and then being made thicker and more Callous and Sprinkled over the watry humor, it cauſeth that then they do not only ſee nothing, but all hope of Cure by a new operation is taken away, becauſe if it be done twice, for the moſt part it is done in vaine,

The which happens alſo, if the Needle being forced too deep, the Cryſtalline or Glaſſie Humor be hurt, or their Coats, or alſo the Grapy Coate it ſelf be toren in the compaſs of the hole, for then the humors being confounded, they remain blind and a whiteneſs with a Tumor appears in the black of the Eye.

Therefore it is a very doubtful kind of Remedy in doing of which they eaſily err, or if it ſucceed rightly, yet by reaſon of a long continued blindneſs, as hath been already ſaid, ſomtimes the ſight doth not return, wherefore we muſt promiſe nothing raſhly as Mountebank Oculiſts do, who are nothing moved with ſhame, although they perform not their promiſes, if there be any hopes of gain.

Yet neceſſity urging, if they be altogether blind, imploring Gods aide, and applying all diligence rather then promiſing ſafety, the operation ſhall be thus perfected as I have oftentimes ſeen it, and in part have my ſelf put a hand unto it, ſeeing the thing otherwiſe hard, if you conſider the Induſtry and Art, is not ſo very difficult as they make it.

Let therefore the Patient ſit in a feat, and over againſt his Face, the Chyrurgion ſo neer that he may receive the Patient with his ſeat between his Thighs ſpred abroad, and let him bear up his hands leaning on both his Thighs, but let a Servant ſtand at the back of the Patient and hold his head raiſed up, faſt with both his hands and if one Eye be ſound and ſee, let him binde it with aſwath, that he ſee not.

Which being done, firſt of all let the unſound Eye be rubbed, the Eylids being ſtretcht above the Eye, the Chyrurgion for a while drawing it up and down with his Thumb.

And let him often breath into the Eye being open'd, having firſt chewed Fennel ſeed.

Then take the Needle which they will have of Silver for brightneſs ſake more then for profit, and ſo much the more if the point of it be guilt, the which ought to be long and with a wreathed handle that it may be held the faſter, and towards the point, ſharp and thinner by degrees: But alſo a common Iron Needle of a mean ſize faſten'd in a handle that it may be held faſt, is as commodious for doing this, neither is there any ruſt to be feared in this ſhort ſtay as they imagine.

This therefore being taken in the right hand if the left Eye be affected, or in the left hand if the right Eye and leaning the hand by the ſeat of the Eye, in the outward ſide of the Eye, looking towards the middle ſeat of the Apple, in the white of the Eye ſomwhat diſtant from the circle, it ought to be impreſt into the Horny Coat, and not violently thruſt in, but wreathing it by degrees, til it penetrate that coat. The which becauſe it is done without any pain, they eaſily ſuffer and remain quiet, and becauſe the Eye is faſtend to the Needle it is kept firme by it, and it is prevented from rowling.

The Needle being thruſt in, by and by is directed towards the Apple, and is forced ſo far, that comming forth in the brink where the Skin grew to it, tis ſet before the fore part in the mid'ſt of the Skin, the which is done by ſo much the more commodiouſly, becauſe the Needle may be ſeen there, through the horny Coate, and thefore may be directed right. Being carried thither; 'tis ſo ofttimes preſt gently backwards, that it may break off the Skin from the compaſs of the hole of the Grapy Coate, if it ſucceed not at the firſt time, and if it be any where freed, 'tis wholly ſeperated by the Needle from the hole where it yet ſticks, and is depreſt downwards from the Region of the Apple, into the loweſt obſcure part of the Eye. But others endeavoring to free it with the Needle, firſt of all from its upper part, and by degrees proceeding downwards, do after this manner force it to the lower parts. Which both waies may be rightly done, and as the Skin follows they muſt be order'd, or as they are eaſier done after this or that manner. Taking care chiefly that the Web peirced through be not cut in many parts, for ſo thoſe portions of it, though preſt down being eaſily again carried upwards before the Apple, by floating there would darken the ſight; the which if the whol Skin thruſt down doth do it, it muſt be depreſt again, leaſt if that ſhould come to paſs when the Needle is drawn forth, the Puncture muſt be repeated again, which would be inconveniently done, and for the moſt part with out ſucceſs.

Which being rightly performed if it ſucceed well, the Apple appears black again, and they ſee preſently, but otherwiſe there will be little hope, but howſoever it be, the Needle muſt by degrees be drawn forth again, the Eylid being firſt depreſt and the Eye ſhut. Neither is there any fear of the watry Humor flowing forth, becauſe the hole in this thick Coate doth by and by cloſe again, after the drawing forth of the Needle.

Then thoſe things which do repreſs an Inflammation of the Eye muſt be applied with a four doubled cloth dipt in the white of an Egg, being firſt beaten with Roſe water, and other things to be mention'd in an Inflammation; and they muſt alwaies be renewed three times a day for the ſpace of five or ſix daies, and the firſt Application if it ſtick faſt, when it hath been firſt mollefied in the ſame humor, it muſt be taken off, and a new one applied, to which if you add milk it will ſtick the leſs.

At which time, that the Eye not yet accuſtomed be not overwhelmed with ſuddain and much light, they ought to ſtay in darkneſs, and by degrees to accuſtome the light. And leaſt that the ſpirits may be forced to the Eyes by violence, they ought to have a care off all vehement motion of the Body, as Coughing, Sneezing, Crying out, and off vehement ſtraining in caſting forth their Excrements and the like other things.

A Pannicle beginning, The Cure of the defect of ſight from the horny Coate cover'd with a Pannicle and Ungula. ſomtimes may be hinder'd that it increaſe not being increaſed it ſcarce yeilds to Medicines though moſt ſtrong; it may be cut off if it grow not to the horny Coate; if it be harden'd like to a Nail, it yeilds to no Remedies. In the Elephantiacal, as neither the Diſeaſe, ſo neither can this part of that Diſeaſe reſiding in the Membranes of their Eyes be taken away. Yet ſomtimes it may be hinder'd that they be not wholly made blinde, which of all things which otherwiſe they ſuffer is to them moſt miſerable.

The Cauſe which is an afflux of blood we will endeavor preſently at the beginning to draw forth, Revel, Derive, by Bleeding, Scarification, Setons, Cauſticks, that the evil do not encreaſe, alſo by a ſlender courſe of Diet, and many Sweats and Purges, fit for a foul body.

The Topick Remedies ought to be vehemently drying, and unleſs they help, they muſt at laſt be corrodeing.

We muſt make choice of the ſtrongeſt of them which we ſaid did clenſe away white ſpecks, and thoſe which we commanded to be applied to the Eyelids here muſt be laid on the pannicle it ſelf, and Pouders ſeeing they dry more ſtrongly, muſt be laid on the Pannicle it ſelf, not neglecting the more liquid mixtures which we drop into the Eyes; in the interim applying certain things to the Eyelids that they may do good by turns, and ſomtimes alſo applying a Fomentation to prepare the Eye, as hath been ſaid there.

We may uſe at the beginning the pouder above mentioned in the white Specks, then we muſt proceed to a ſtronger; the which yet muſt dry without biting, and therefore it ought often to be repeated; which ſhal be made thus, Take of Curall, Tutty, each one dram; Pummy ſtone, Egg-ſhels, each half a dram; the ſtone of Dates and Myrobolans, each two ſcruples; make a moſt fine Pouder if it be ſprinkled with Vinegar, or Urine, and dried, it will be more effectual.

Or thus a ſtronger, Take of the pouder of Diarrhodon Abbatis one dram, the bone of the Fiſh Sepia burnt, Lizards dung, each half a dram; the Bloodſtone two ſcruples, Sugar Candy make a Pouder.

A ſtronger yet, Take of burnt Lead, Antimony, the ſtone Calaminaris, each two drams; Tutty, white Lead, each one dram and an half; the aſhes of Horſtail, the bone of the Fiſh Sepia burnt, each one dram; make a pouder waſh it with Smiths aſtringent water, and dry it for your uſe.

Mixtures are made thus, Take of the compound water deſcribed in the white Specks diſtilled with Urin ſteeped in a Braſs veſſel, and to ſix ounces add the pouder of Nabath Lizards dung, the bone of the fiſh Sepia, each half a dram; being poudered mix them firſt in Mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed made in the foreſaid water and uſe it.

Or a thicker after this manner, Take of the juyce of nuripe Grapes, and Lees of Oyl, and of ſowr Pomegranates dried each two drams; add of the pouder of the bone of the fiſh Sepia, and Lizards dung, each half a dram; mix them.

Or thus, Take of the pouder of Nabath two drams, Tutty prepared, White Lead waſhed, each one dram; the bone of the fiſh Sepia burnt and waſht half a dram, Sarcocol, Myrrh, Aloes, Lycium, each one ſcruple; the Gaul of Birds or fiſhes two ſcruples, mix it with Honey and the white of an Egg, for an Oyntment.

Of corroding Compoſitions, that is convenient which in the white Specks is prepared of Vitriol, the ruſt of Braſs, Antimony, the Marchaſite.

Or a Colliry of Coppras, but applied warily, becauſe it is ſtrongeſt of all, and 'tis made thus. Take of burnt Braſs, Coppras, each half a dram; Ruſt of Braſs two drams, Salt Ammoniack, Niter, Arſnick, Sublimate, each one dram; make a moſt fine pouder poudring it much and long; mix it in the mucilage of Gum Tragacanth make Trochisks, one of which diſſovle with the Mucilage, and apply it warily.

Rondoletius commends the pouder of Precipitate, I have often uſed my Cauſtick which at firſt time burns, but preſently abates.

Manual operation is made two waies, by Ligature, and by Cutting.

If the Veins which nouriſh the Panuicle be bound about the root, then the growth of that fleſh muſt needs be hindred, or if it be already grown, it muſt needs wither, which may be done with a crooked Needle thruſt under the Vein drawing the thred under it and tying it; this if it be made of Silk, or of a Briſtle, or of a Womans hair wil be more commodious, becauſe then it ſcarce putrifies.

Alſo if thoſe veins be opened that the blood flow forth, and it be often repeated, the ſame will be effected.

The Pannicle is cut off after this manner, as I have ſeen it done, the Patient is placed in a chaire, and the Eye is firſt prepared, as hath been ſaid in the cutting a ſuffuſion, then a Needle containing a ſtrong thrid is thruſt through under the Panicle, yet ſo that it hurt not the Horny Coate, and laying hold on both the ends of the thrid drawn under it, drawing it a little way upwards, tis raiſed from the horny Coate and afterwards is cut from it with a ſharp Razor, or Knife, by degrees and warily, that the horny Coate be not hurt; the which being done if the black of the Eye appear clear, the ſight returnes: But if otherwiſe, or that the Pannicle hath ſo grown to the horny Coat, that it cannot wholly be taken from it, the operation wil be in vain.

Section being made, the pain will be allaid in the ſame manner, as hath been ſaid, in the cutting of a Suffuſion, and that it be not generated again anew, it will be prevented by cutting of the Veins of the adnate coat if they ſwel again, and laying on drying things, and leſt the Eye, if by chance it were ulcerated ſhould grow to the Eye-lid we ought to hinder it by often moving the eye.

If the bright part of the horny coat be poſſeſt with a ſtrange humor ſo that either a depravation or darkneſs of the ſight doth follow, than if choller which in thoſe troubled with the Jaundies is wont to dye the white of the Eye, and what is more rare doth make a yellow aſpect of all things be carried thither; that vaniſhing of its own accord this fault ceaſeth, or it is taken away by ſome abſterſive Lotion, as ſhal be ſaid in the Jaundies.

But Blood being poured forth into the Diaphanous part of the horny coat if that Depravation of the ſight doth happen, The Cure of the darkneſs or depravation of the ſight from Choler, Blood, or matter, in a hypoſphagma and hypopyon. in which all things appear Red, or Livid in the ſaid Hypophagma, or if it penetrate the horny coat alſo, and under that concrete by the hole of the Apple, or being converted into matter in the ſaid Hypopyon it darkens the ſight, then the cure muſt be ordered thus.

If there be Pain and an Inflammation be feared by reaſon of a blow from which commonly theſe proceed, then preſently at the beginning we muſt uſe, bleeding, and Repellers, and things that allay pain; and if that it being long retained do ſuppurate, and whiles the matter is generated there ariſe pain, the horny coat being affected, and then alſo the adnate coat by conſent, the ſame muſt be done for fear of an Inflammation, otherwiſe if there be no pain we muſt abſtein from Repellers ſeeing they condenſe the blood more; and by and by we ought to apply our care to digeſt and diſſolve that blood, which although it be converted into matter muſt be done nevertheleſs, if part of it can be conſumed, ſeeing the greater part of the matter being reſolved, that which remains ſinking downwards from the hole of the Apple can then no longer prejudice the ſight, and at length 'tis waſted either of its own accord, or by uſe of Medicines.

But 'tis diſcuſt after this manner, you muſt take the blood of Pidgeons, Turtles or other Birds, and that while it is yet hot muſt be caſt into the Eye, or if a young Pidgeon be at hand, we muſt pul a feather out of his wing whoſe ſwelling root becauſe it is newly grown is filled with blood which is contained there in its proper Vein as in an Inteſtine, and the blood muſt be preſt out of that, and dropt into the Eye, for how much power blood hath in diſcuſſing of Blood we have taught elſewhere, in Haemorrhages that are to be ſtopt by blood of this nature.

Stronger diſcuſſives may be put into the Eye if it yeild not to theſe, ſuch as are explained in diſcuſſing a Suſſuſion, made of Waters, Juyces, Gums, Gauls.

To whice alſo we add theſe approved by their effects. Take Aqua vitae (which alſo doth wonderfully diſcuſs Black and Blewneſs elſwhere) Rhadiſh water, each half an ounce; diſſolve of Camphire (which doth the ſame in diſcuſſing as Aqua vitae) five grains, drop it in.

Or thus, Take of Radiſh water one ounce, ſteep in it Saffron half a ſcruple, til it looks yellow, ſtrain it and diſſolve in it Frankincenſe one ſcruple, Fiſh gaule half a dram, uſe it by it ſelf or apply it with a Mucilage.

Or a thicker to anoint the Eyelids may be made thus, the which alſo may be put into the Eyes, Take of the juyce of Radiſh two drams, Fiſh gaule half a dram, Myrrh, Frankincenſe, each one dram; Saffron half a ſcruple, mix them with a ſufficient quantity of Honey.

Or thus, chiefly in the declination, Take of ſour Grapes, Lees of Oyl, each two drams; Myrrh half a dram, Saffron half a ſcruple, mix them with Honey.

Or wholly to diſcuſs it, the Compound waters explained in Suffuſions are convenient, by themſelves, or applied with a Mucilage.

Fomentations alſo ſhal be applied which do very much diſcuſs, ſuch as we have preſcribed in Suffufions.

Or this which is very powerful, Take of Radiſh roots half an ounce, Fenugreek ſeed one ounce, Fennel, Hartwort, each two drams; the herbs Fennel, Celondine, Eyebright, each one handful; Flowers of Chamomel, Melilot, Elder, Lillies, Oat chaff cut, each one pugil; make a Decoction in Wine and Water for a Fomentation.

Plaſters laid upon the Eye to diſcuſs are of force, amongſt which this is the beſt; If the Lungs or Liver of a Pidgeon being yet bloody and warm be placed and bound on the Eye, which if Pain and Inflammation alſo were preſent, upon that account alſo they would do very much good, as ſhal be ſaid in an Opthalmy.

A Plaſter alſo is made of a Rotten Apple profitable for diſcuſſion.

Or Compounded after this manner, Take of Radiſh ſliced one ounce, the pulp of a rotten Apple half an ounce, Pulp of Raiſons one ounce, Pidgeons Dung half a dram, bruiſe them with the Mucilage of Fenugreek ſeed, mix them with Milk, and apply them.

A Suffumigation from the Decoction of the Fomentation preſcribed, wil alſo diſcuſs very much.

Manual Operation alſo takes place here, if the matter that is generated do not yeild to Diſcuſſives, and there be great plenty of it, which blots out the Apple, which may be attempted by Puncture as hath been ſaid in a Suffuſion, but with a greater Needle ſeeing otherwiſe nothing would flow forth; and if it ſucceed not, by thruſting in a bigger yet, but in the ſame hole of the Puncture, or by putting in a hollow pipe ſo ſharp that it may enter the ſame hole and ſo by ſucking out the matter, ſo long til the Apple be in ſome ſort freed from it, for if we would draw forth all the matter 'tis to be feared that the watry humor may follow. For that ſucking, the Inſtrument or Pipe muſt conſiſt of a large Belly that the matter ſuckt up may be carried into that and not into the mouth of him that ſucks, ſuch as Chvmiſts are wont to uſe, for the ſucking of Waters or Oyls in ſeperating them one from another.

The Kinds,

Deafneſs. SOmtimes the Hearing is wholly aboliſht, ſo that either they hear not outward ſound at all, or if they receive any ſound at their Ears, yet they cannot diſcern the differences of it, and therefore cannot judg what it ſignifies and this is called Deafneſs, Cophoſis; and theſe are oftentimes Dumb, if they be born Deaf, and then it is an Original Deafneſs. Yet of Deaf folks, ſome of them can after a ſort, hear themſelves ſpeaking, but others not all: and there have been alſo found, thoſe who otherwiſe being Deaf preſſing a Muſical Inſtrument while it ſoundeth with their Teeth, and biting ſome part of it, or only ſome other part contiguous to it, could apprehend that ſound. Which may happen not only to thoſe that hold a Pipe in their Mouth, and Piping, but to thoſe alſo who hold faſt with their Teeth, part of another Inſtrument which conſiſts of ſtrings, whiles it is plaid upon. And in like manner it happens alſo to thoſe that are ſound, if ſtopping their Ears diligently, that they can hear nothing that way, they do the ſame thing, as every one may make tryal of it.

But it is impaired only when they can hardly perceive or diſcern a ſound, Thick hearing Barycoia. in thick hearing called Barycoia, becauſe they do not hear or underſtand a ſound unleſs it be very high and lofty, whence they that talke with them, are forced to lift up their voice, and ſomtimes call aloud, but others cannot thus perceive their voice, unleſs thoſe that talke with them, ſpeak and cry aloud into their Eares.

A Depraved hearing, or Obaudition, Obaudition, that is, a ſound in the Ears. is when it perceives the external ſound falſely, and that by reaſon of an internal ſound preternaturally raiſed in the Ears, outnoiſing this external ſound, or mixing it ſelf with it, and confounding it, and that either continually, or only by fits, beſides which Impediment it breeds no ſmal trouble to a man, and makes him unquiet.

But this ſound raiſed in the hollow of the Ears varies very much, and as the outward ſound is various, ſo is this alſo, the diverfities of which, as of that cannot otherwiſe be rightly explained, unleſs by compariſon, and names are given to them almoſt by an Onomatopaeia.

And one Species of it, is more frequent, A tinkling of the Ears is a ſpecies of Obaudition. which is called a tinkling of the Ears, when that ſound doth expreſs in the Ears the noiſe of a little Bell, for the moſt part gives a ſhril ſound when it is ſtruck upon, and as the Names ſounds, it tinkleth.

Another is a Hiſſing of the Ears, a ſound which is heard, Hiſſing a ſort of Obaudition. and yet not rightly reſounding, as (ſi) the firſt ſyllable of the word ſounds, and as wind when it paſſeth forcedly through a narrow hole.

A third Species is a Pulſe, A Pulſation in the Ears is a ſort of Obaudition. or Pulſation in the Ears, a ſound ſuch as offers it ſelf, whiles a thing is lightly beaten upon by a blow or ſall of a drop of water by courſe, and the firſt ſyllable of the Name (Pul) doth ſeem alſo ſomwhat to ſignifie it.

A fourth is a Wave, or Fluctuation in the Ears, A Fluctuation in the Ears is a ſort of Obaudition. a ſound not unlike to that which is from Waves ſtriking one againſt another, or againſt other things, cauſed by intermitting courſes, which alſo the beginning of that word (Fluc.) doth Elegantly expreſs.

Beſids theſe ſounds, thoſe which offer themſelves after another manner, or are made by a mixture of theſe, they are called by a general name, a noiſe in the Eare.

The Cauſes.

Every cauſe of the defect and depravation of hearing is either in the part ſending as the Brain, The part affected. or in the Inſtrument receiving as the hollow of the Eare.

A general fault of the Brain as it brings hurt to the reſt of the ſenſes, The hurt of hearing, from a fault of the Brain. ſo alſo to the hearing, and if it ariſe in particular, about the beginning of the Auditory Nerve or its progreſs into the Chamber of hearing it doth prejudice the hearing rather then the reſt: and this befals it either by proper fault, ſome Diſeaſe, or weakneſs of it, or by conſent, by reaſon of Vapors, or its proper object.

A grievous and vehement Diſeaſe of the Brain, proceeding from a cold Diſtemper, Repletion, Eminent hurt, as it doth either aboliſh or debilitate the reſt of the ſenſes, ſo alſo the hearing. The which alſo oftentimes happens from a weakneſs of the Brain, the ſpirits being waſted and diſſipated by reaſon of old age, or of a great Evacuation, or ſome grievous and long continued Diſeaſe, that even as the ſight is hurt upon this occaſion, ſo alſo the Hearing is weaken'd. All which how they come to paſs, hath been ſaid in a Weakneſs and Conſternation of Minde; alſo a hot diſtemper of it as it is wont to deprave the Minde and the Sight, ſo alſo in raving it doth not only offer various apparitions to the Eyes; but alſo it repreſents ſounds to the hearing which they think they do hear; eſpecially as ſhall be ſaid by and by, the Arteries then beating vehemently in the Ears.

From a Vapor, not yet breaking into the Chamber of the hearing (as ſhall be ſignificd by and by) But affecting the Brain, as the Minde is depraved. and falſe imaginations are offer'd to the ſight, ſo alſo if it trouble that part where the Auditory Nerve comes forth, it may repreſent falſe ſounds to the hearing for the ſame reaſon as hath been ſaid in the error of Sight.

As we have ſaid the ſight is affected with its proper object, ſo alſo the Nerve being offended and the ſpirits diſſipated by a violent and too great ſound, penetrating ſuddainly and abundantly through the Eare, even to the Brain, ſomtimes Deafneſs hath enſued, or the Spirits returning, but not ſufficiently, a tinkling in the Ears hath been left: which ſound alſo if it be cauſed with a greater violence, may bring dammage alſo by hurting the Organ of hearing as ſhall be ſaid by and by.

By default of the Auditory Inſtrument, The hurt of Hearing, from default of the Eare. that receiveth that outward ſound, the Hearing is hurt divers waies, becauſe this Organ alſo which we cal by the Name of the Eare, is compoſed of many parts, as Membranes, little bones and the Auditory Nerve, all whoſe ſeveral faults may prejudice the Hearing. Which we will explain, not as we have done in the Eye, beginning with Particular parts and a ſcribing their faults to them, but diſtinguiſhing the whol paſſage of the Eare into two Cavities, viz. the outward and the inward, we will ſet forth what Diſeaſes occurring in them both, do hurt the Hearing.

The outward Cavity of the Eare, which they call the Auditory paſſage, being Extrinſecally open wide and Conſpicuous, ending even at the Membrane of the drum, with which it is ſtopt, containing nothing otherwiſe in it ſelf beſides Aire, and admitting the outward ſound, if it be ſtopt up or obſtructed by divers external Cauſes occurring, or by internal Humors, or Tumors, whether wholly or only in part, or it be otherwiſe hurt, then it happens that the Hearing is hurt; which cauſes alſo occurring here, can only be perceived by our ſenſes, or if they lurke more inwardly, they may be ſearcht out by putting in a Probe, and if any thing come forth from thence, they may be known by that voided forth.

If the outward Cavity of the Eare be wholly ſhut up by external Cauſes (which otherwiſe naturally can no waies be ſhut as the Eye) as it comes to paſs the hindermoſt Cartilage of the Eare being preſt, A ſtopping of the Eare, is the Cauſe of the hurt of Hearing. either by Application of the Hands, or of other Bodies, or by the water whiles in ſwimming the Head is cover'd in it; or the Eares being obſtructed by ſome groſs matter thruſt in, or fallen in, as by a Kernel, or by ſome living creature which do wholly ſtop up their Cavities; or by water which fallen in, doth wholly fil them up; the Hearing is ſo hinder'd, that they do not perceive the outward ſounds either at all, or not rightly, as one Eare or both, are more or leſs ſtopt. Unleſs perhaps that ſound be ſomwhat perceived another way, and by another Artifice, as by the Mouth, we have ſaid may be done, holding an Inſtrument in their Teeth, that gives a ſound. Which we think happens upon a double account, both by reaſon of the Similitude and Conſent of the ſubſtance of the Teeth, in hardneſs, which is almoſt ſtony, and in ſmoothneſs, with the Bones of the Chamber of Hearing (which bones are very like to the ſubſtance of the Teeth, and that the ſound might be the better cauſed in them they are moſt hard and ſtony) and ſo with the little bones of the Hearing it ſelf, endued with the ſame ſubſtance; and by Reaſon of the Nerves lying under the Teeth, which are carried thither from the Nerves of the Tongue, and the Nerves of the Tongue are mutually conjoyned with the Auditory Nerve in their branches (as we ſhall explain hereafter for what reaſon the Deaf are alſo born Dum) by which conſent it comes to paſs, that becauſe the ſound through the Aire doth beat upon the Teeth by contract, this continuation being made through the inner parts, it is perceived by the Ears: as alſo the Mouth being exactly ſhut, and the Teeth ſet one againſt another, or the Tongue forced to ſome part of the Mouth, although the Eare hear not extrinſecally, yet we perceive the ſound through the inner parts; and alſo by reaſon of that conſent of the Teeth with the ſubſtance of the Organ of Hearing, we ſee that by a harſh noiſe, made by the rubbing together of rough things the Teeth are offended even without contact. Hither perhaps it makes ſomwhat, that as the ſtrings of one Inſtrument being play'd upon, we ſee the ſtrings ſcrewed up to the ſame tune in another Inſtrument, are moved though it be far diſtant, ſo that if any thing be laid upon them, either it trembles, or if it be light, as Chaff, it fals off, ſo alſo the Drum being retcht to receive all impulſes of ſounds, being ſtruck by a continuation made through the intermediate teeth and Nerves doth repreſent the ſound to the hearing; of which many things might be diſputed, but to our buſineſs.

But though the Ear being wholly ſtopt, the outward ſound be no waies perceived, yet ſome ſound nevertheleſs is ſomtimes felt in the Ear; which firſt of all is wont to happen by reaſon of the Air which hath remained in this Cavity of the Ear and doth more or leſs force and beat upon the Drum; and it is by ſo much the greater, by how much the Ear, though it be ſtopt, yet being leſs filled with ſtrange matter, doth contain in it ſelf more plenty of Air, whence is perceived a waving ſound, the air rouling it ſelf and as it were fluctuating in the Ear, hence we ſee, that if that which is hollow be applied to the ear and therefore contains Air in it, this ſound in the ear is felt more vehement, which we experience by applying the hollow part of the hand to the ear, whence Children are wont to relate that preſſing a Sea ſhel to their ears they hear in it the waves of the Sea, the air then making a greater noiſe by reaſon of the winding in the Skul: the which alſo happens the head being plunged in the water, ſo that the ears be wholly ſtopt up by it, the air then temaining, which offers a ſenſe of fluctuation; and I have oftentimes obſerved, when being a Boy I was delighted with ſwimming, that if a noiſe were made under the water by moving of the Stones, that that alſo was perceived like the tinkling of a Bel, although the greateſt ſound made out of the water even from a Gun ſhot off, could by no means be heard; and alſo by reaſon of the Pulſation of the Arteries in the ears, a beating ſound is ſomwhat felt in them when the ear is ſtopt, which is not taken notice of when the ear is open, by reaſon of the outward ſound, ſeeing it is greater, and doth obſcure and drown this leſſer, the which alſo many relate that they hear in the night, if they bind their ears too ſtreight with a Cap and wrap them up in a pillow, eſpecially if their head being ſomwhat hot, doth cauſe a vehement pulſe, and that in Diſeaſes it doth preternaturally cauſe trouble, we ſhal by and by explain.

But if the Cavity of the Ear be not wholly ſhut up, Ill hearing from things fallen into the Ears. by the forementioned external Canſes ſo that the outward ſound entring them nevertheleſs be heard, and yet there is a hurt of the hearing not only becauſe it is impaired but depraved, ſeeing the Ear doth hear that ſound made in the Ear keeping a Noiſe, from every Inward Contact, not only of the Drum, but alſo of the reſt of its Cavity, which according as the Contact is becomes various; for that which is the paſſage of the drum, reſembles a certain waving or Noiſe: but if ſome Inſect creeping in, as a Flea or others, be carried to the Drum and touch that, whiles it moveth, there is heard a ſound in the Ear making a Noiſe like the flying of a Butterfly, very troubleſome: alſo if one drop of Water or more flow ſo far, 'tis perceived as if the head were hollow, and ſuch a ſound ariſeth in it, as alſo theſe or other ſounds are perceived if a Worm with many legs or ſome other thing, that doth not wholly ſtop up the Ear, but nevertheleſs is troubleſom to be contained in it.

If the Ear be filled up with internal humors the ſame comes to paſs, A Repletion of the outward Cavity of the Ear with internal humors is the cauſe of hurting the hearing. that the Hearing is either taken away or impeded, or depraved; as if the Ear be obſtructed with the cholerick filth of the Ears, which they call Cerumen, being long retained, grown thick and hard, eſpecially if they be forced even to the Drum with an Ear-picker which ſomtimes happens by neglect, whiles they endeavor to take them forth, which afterwards ſticking there, ſeeing they do not afterwards eaſily give way, they bring a great impediment to the Hearing; the which alſo may happen from blood congealed after a hurt of the Ear, and from matter after an Impoſthumation being ſome time retained, the which notwithſtanding ſeeing they do not ſtick long, but flow forth of their own accord, they do not ſo much hurt the Hearing, as they prejudice the Ears upon another account as we ſhal ſhew in pains of the Ears.

The Hearing may be hurt by a Preternatural Tumor obſtructing the Ears rather than by a diſtemper hurting them, A Tumor in the inner cavity of the Ear is the cauſe of the Hearing burt. and that laſtingly if a piece of Fleſh or Callus be left after ſome exulceration of the Ear, which is very rare.

A hurt of this outward paſſage unleſs it hurt the Drum (as ſhal be ſaid) can ſcarce prejudice the hearing, unleſs it leave an excreſcency behind it, as hath been ſaid, and Fernelius writes that ſomtimes a Pulſe doth remain in the Ears from an Ulcer not wel conſolidated, the which becauſe the Artery is no more well covered with the Skin, but bare, and for that reaſon doth more ſtrongly beat upon the neighboring parts, muſt needs happen in the cutaneous Artery of this outer chamber, which is carried thither, as ſhal be explained in the Ulcers of the Ears.

The inward Cavity of the Ear diſtinguiſht from that called the Outward, by intervention of the Drum, A ſpirit, vapor, wind, in the inner chamber of the Ear are the cauſe of the ſounding in the Ears. being ful of winding, containing ſmall Bones, and a Nerve and Artery, being affected by a ſpirit, Vapor, Wind, or humor contained there, or if that and its parts be ill conformed or labour of a Diſtemper, they may alſo dammfie the Hearing; which faults becauſe they are hidden we cannot attain to them by our ſenſes, but know them only by their ſigns.

If the Artery which goes under this part be filled with a plentifull or hot ſpirit, or it be too much agitated in it, then a ſtrong pulſe being made in the Ears, there is a beating ſound in the Ears, the which notwithſtanding is more manifeſtly felt when the Ear is ſhut, as hath been ſaid formerly, and if it be more vehement when it is open, it alſo depraves that ſound which comes from without; the which as it comes to paſs that the pulſe is more intenſe by the vehement heat of the body in the reſt of the Arteries, ſo here alſo in the Artery of the Ear; as it is felt after ſtrong exerciſe ſometimes in Baths; and alſo in acute Diſeaſes, pains of the Head, this pulſation creates trouble in the Ears: the ſame alſo happens by motion and violent agitation of the ſpirits, as we ſee in a ſwooning beginning, the ſpirits flying away, and the ſame ending, thoſe returning again, there is felt a pulſe and tingling in the Ears, by which from the relation of the Patient, we know that ſwooning is at hand, the which alſo happens in many affections of the mind, by reaſon of the ſame commotion of the ſpirits.

A thin and ſubtil vapor, as it can enter the ſmalleſt paſſages, ſo doubtleſs it doth ſometimes penetrate hither through the narrow holes (of which ſort we have ſhewed in our Anatomical work that there are ſix that do end in this inner chamber of hearing and tranſmit their veſſels) and ſo they may not only deprave the Brain by affecting it, as hath been ſaid formerly (as alſo we have ſhewed formerly that the ſight is depraved by Vapors only aſſaulting the Brain, and not entring the Eye, ſeeing there is no way for them) but alſo by reaſon of the ſaid holes, ſome of which end hither from the inward parts of the Skul, others meeting without the Skul do not reach hither alſo, ſeeing there are many waies, 'tis certain they may come even to the Organ of Hearing, which when it comes to paſs, it muſt needs be that a Hiſſing, Tingling, and noiſe is offered to the Hearing: and this is more commonly the cauſe of preternatural Sound than an influx of humor, as ſhal be ſaid by and by, ſeeing it is often wont to come to paſs in Drunkards or others, and in many Diſeaſes from Vapors ſomtimes thinner and cholerick as they call them, and ſomtimes thicker, that their Ears for that cauſe do tingle and make ſome other noiſe, which doth laſt long, the vapors perſiſting for a time, or they being preſently diſſipated, it doth vaniſh: And this is the chief cauſe why after a Criſis in acute Diſeaſes which accompanied with a pain in the head amongſt other ſymptomes, the Hearing in thoſe that recover health doth ſuffer ſome hurt oftentimes of long continuance; the matter, which was then the conjunct cauſe of the Diſeaſe of being reſolved out of the Veins into Vapors, and emptied by ſweats and inſenſible tranſpirations, and part of it breaking out of the head through the aforeſaid waies into the capacity of the Hearing and ſtaying there awhile.

Wind or Air may cauſe the ſame, which if it break into this inner chamber of the Hearing and be carried through a narrow way, as it were by force, it makes a hiſſing: if through another hole ſo framed as it is wont to be faſhioned in a pipe it cauſeth a tingling; but if it run through larger paſſages and through the windings of that place, it makes ſome other noiſe, this often happens, if it be driven thither by force, as when the Noſtrils being preſt, and the Spirit or the Air being vehemently impulſed, we would blow our Noſe. Somtimes it comes to paſs that part of it doth break through the hole from the largeneſs of the Noſtrils, to the double channel of the Organ of Hearing (as we have ſhewed in our Anatomical work) and doth raiſe a Hiſſing or Tinglingt that oftentimes laſts long. Somtimes the Air breaking forth again the ſame way preſently, it ceaſeth, which comes to paſs the ſooner by ſwallowing often, as I my ſelf have often experienced; this Wind alſo in the chamber of Hearing may be raiſed from an internal cauſe, if from excrementitious moiſtures collected about the Perioſtia of the Skul, and converted into Wind, they be heaped there, whence in ancient Headakes and Pains of the Head and about the Bones in the French Pox, a Tingling of the Ears is very troubleſome.

A humor falling down or purged from the Head into this inner Cavity of the Ear through the hole which admits the Auditory Nerve; A humor in the inner chamber of hearing is the cauſe of the defect of hearing. as if it be plentiful it cauſeth Deafneſs or thick hearing, ſo if it be ſubtile and little it depraves the Hearing; and if this happen from a deſluxion of it, it comes ſuddenly if it be heaped up there by degrees, this hurt alſo grows by degrees, all which for the moſt part do beget a Diſeaſe of long continuance and perſevering, ſeeing the humor is hardly diſcuſt here; but this proceeds from a Catarrh which falls down alſo to other parts, and ſomtimes from the head to this part; and it is known by the ſigns of that, not only in that hurt, but alſo by other appearances; the which is familiar to the aged, by reaſon of their plenty of excrements and accuſtomary to ſome natures from their Infancy that it moleſt the Organ of Hearing, as it may come to paſs by reaſon of the Country, as in the Alpine Regions we ſee that many for this reaſon have difficult hearing from their Birth, or preſently in proceſs of their age, together with the Kings-evil familiar with them for the like cauſe: and alſo in acute Diſeaſes by a Criſis chiefly, as hath been ſaid formerly, not only the cauſe of the Diſeaſe converted into a Vapor doth enter this chamber, but alſo oftentimes part of the excrementitious or cholerick humor doth fall into it, ſomtimes pure, ſomtimes mixt with Blood ſtil as ſome would have it, and breeds a more pertinacious hurt, than if it were cauſed by a Vapor.

Default of the Confomation and ſtructure of the Organ of Hearing is alſo hurt which ſeeing in this inner chamber 'tis made up of the auditory nerve, The fault of conformation in the inner chamber of Hearing and its parts is the cauſe of the defect of Hearing. the Drum and three Bones, and Labyrinths of this chamber, in which ſoever that happens, it may hurt the hearing.

By reaſon of the Auditory Nerve not rightly formed, or carried from the Birth, it ſomtimes falls out that they are born deaf; and we know that it happens by reaſon of the Nerve, becauſe moſt of them are alſo dumb, ſeeing the Tongue which wanted many Nerves for the ſenſe of Taſting, Touching, and the exerciſe of vehement motion, hath obtained not only its proper Nerves, but alſo hath received another from the auditory Nerve, for that cauſe breaking forth of the chamber of hearing, by whoſe means the Tongue is continuous with that, the which being hurt, it comes to paſs that the Tongue, although the ſenſes remain, yet is not ſufficiently moved to utter ſpeech, ſeeing a greater force is required for motion, than to perfect the ſenſe; neither doth it hinder, that that is only a ſenſory Nerve of which the Tongue is here deprived, ſeeing we have often proved already, that every Nerve hath in it a power of moving and Feeling, the which it doth alſo exerciſe, being carried to a convenient Inſtrument.

By reaſon of the Drum the Hearing is more commonly weakned, if as we ſee in a Souldiers Drum covered with skin, if it be not whole, or not ſufficiently retcht, or too much.

The Drum wounded, ſeeing it can no more reſound, breeds Deafneſs, the which ſeeing it lies hid, it ſeldom comes to paſs, unleſs an Ear-picker be thruſt in perforce; the vulgar think it may happen from the Inſect Scolopendra (which they cal in the German language Orenmettel, as it were the Worm of the Ear, which may eaſily creep in in Gardens) but ſeeing if either that, or any thing elſe which may hurt ſhould creep in, it is eaſily remedied, this can ſcarce yet be done; as neither from matter retained, ſeeing that is wont preſently to flow forth, and I have often ſeen very much flow forth without any hurt, unleſs by chance the Ulcer of the Ears be ſo deep that an abſceſs being made, the Drum alſo is hurt.

If the Drum be ſlackly and conveniently retcht, it can no more give a Sound, which as it ſomtimes happens by force from a violent ſound, a Clamor made in the Ears, or from the blow of a Gun ſhot off by the Ear, ſo alſo by continuance of time, long uſe and much hearing, eſpecially of great ſounds, being ſo often beaten upon, and rendred ſlacker it makes difficult hearing in old folks (which ſeems to be the frequent cauſe of their thick hearing) The which alſo may happen from much moiſture or Unctuoſity of Oyl or other Liquors be often poured into the Ears, the which is wont to be done, ſomtimes for a long while, to reſtore the Hearing loſt for fome other Cauſe.

Alſo being too much retcht, and ſo tied up that being beaten upon by the external Aire it cannot yeild at all, it becomes unprofitable. And this happens, when either by reaſon of Age, or after acute Diſeaſes it is too much dryed and harden'd. The which as it may befal all other Membranes, ſo this alſo, and by ſo much the eaſier and more frequently; becauſs it hath no moiſt Bodies neer it, nor is not anointed with fat, as many other Membranes are, but is free, unleſs in its compaſs where it grows to them. And perhaps this is not the leaſt cauſe, of difficult Hearing, which oftentimes is wont to grow upon the aged, and is left in people recovering after Diſeaſes. Which Exiccation of the Drum, Rhazes writes may happen after watchings and faſtings.

The mutual Conſtruction and Coarticulation or Conformation of the three ſmal Bones being Vitiated, brings hurt to the Hearing: which may happen from the Birth, from implanted Cauſes; or from violent Adventitious Cauſes, as a blow, fall, and vehement ſound, the Drum to which they adhere, being moſt commonly affected too.

In the divers Paſſages, Cavities, and Meanders meeting there, if any thing be not right from the Birth, doubtleſs it alſo offendeth the Hearing.

A cold Deſtemper, as it is an enemy to the Nerves, A cold Diſtemper is the Cauſe of the defect of Hearing. Membranes, and Bones, ſo it is very hurtful to the ſtructure of the Organ of Hearing, which is compoſed of them, and ſo much the more, becauſe the Eares alwaies lye naked and open to the external cold Aire, and ſo are the eaſier hurt by external things, as the cold winde; eſpecially penetrating through the Auditory paſſage, even to the Drum, and there cooling the hidden parts, and the Nerve it ſelf. Whence ſomtimes Deafneſs, and frequently an impediment in the Hearing, have followed; the which alſo is one of the principal cauſes, why in cold places, as the Alps, and windy places, they commonly are ſooner ſenſible of a defect of Hearing, the which alſo may happen from moſt cold water falling into the Eares by chance, or in ſwimming.

And the too much uſe of Narcoticks, The uſe of Narcoticks, the cauſe of the defect of Hearing. ſomtimes to the Eares doth ſo affect the Nerve not by cooling, but by too much ſtupefying it, that it can no more return to it ſelf; which laſt cauſe is to be refer'd to weakneſs.

The Cure.

The Cure of all the hurts of Hearing, which are, as Deafneſs, thick Hearing, Tingling, Hiſſing, Pulſation, Fluctuation, Noiſe; is firſt to be fitted to the Cauſe. Which we have ſaid, was either in the Brain affected, either by it ſelf or by conſent from a Vapor, or the object, or in the outward Cavity of the Eare, a Stoppage, obſtructions from external Cauſes, or things fallen in, or internal Humors, Tumors; or in the inner Chamber of the Hearing repletion or trouble from a Spirit, Vapor, Winde, Humor; or a fault of Conformation, or Conſtruction, or a Diſtemper; of all which we ſhall ſpeak, what is to be hoped and what to be done.

By reaſon of an affect of the Brain, if the Hearing be hurt together with other ſenſes, and the cauſe lye there and not yet in the Inſtrument, we muſt proceed after the ſame manner, as hath been ſaid in the hurts of the ſight from the like cauſe: as if this come to paſs from a Vapor affecting the Brain by conſent, no other Remedies muſt be applied then thoſe in a Vertigo which we ſaid were convenient in a Depravation of the ſight.

If the Hearing ſuffer a defect from ſome Impetuous external ſound, The Cure of the hurt of Hearing from a violent ſound. ſomtimes they return to themſelves of their own accord, otherwiſe hardly or never, viz. when the Spirits are ſo diſſipated, that they can no more return back, or not ſufficiently. Whence there is left a Perpectual tingling. Or if the drum impulſed by the force of the Aire, be too much hurt and laxt, a Deafneſs or thick Hearing, is ever after troubleſome to the man.

Yet nevertheleſs by applying Cupping-glaſſes about the Ears, and by Frictions and other hot things outwardly and inwardly appropriate to the Ears; we muſt endeavor to draw back the ſpirit, having reſpect to the conſtitution of the Body, of which we will treat by and by.

If the Hearing be intercepted by the ſtopping of the Ears extrinſccally, The Cure of the defect of Hearing, from the ſtoppage of the Eares. it is eaſily corrected by removing thoſe things which hinder it, whether they be only applied extrinſecally, or they be thruſt in a little way.

But Bodies fallen in, or thruſt in, The Cure for things fallen into the Ears. that do wholly enter into the Cavity; or if living creatures have crept in, they do not ſo eaſily yeild, therefore there is need of greater art to take them away, either by waſhing them out, or ſhaking them out, or drawing them out, or enticeing them out, or killing them.

Somtimes they give way by waſhing, if they ſtick not very faſt. Which is done by pouring in thoſe things which make this way flippery, and moiſten and dilate it, as the common Oyl of ſweet Almonds, Butter, Milk; or ſome relaxing and ſmoothing Decoction.

We ſhake them out by a certain violence, cauſing Sneezing. For ſo thoſe parts being ſhaken with the impulſe of Spirit, that which is fallen in, ofttimes leaps forth, or at leaſt is forced forward, which will the ſooner be done, if the way be firſt dilated, as hath been ſaid, by Dancing and beating the Foot of that ſide, as the Eare affected is, againſt the ground, in the interim holding the Head with the Hands, and bending it towards that part. Things are alſo ſhaked out of the Ears; which way Water and other Liquid things that are flown into the Ears are commodiouſly caſt forth, as Boyes are wont to ſhake it out after bathing in the River, if any thing hath flowed into their Ears,

If theſe ſucceed not we draw it out with an Inſtrument fit for for this purpoſe. Yet we muſt Studiouſly take Care, that whiles we put it in, that which ſticks be not forced in farther, whence afterwards it is taken forth with greater difficulty. This is done with an Earpicker, with which the filth is wont to be taken out, whoſe hollow part muſt be very thin, that being there put behinde the things contained, they may the more commodiouſly be drawn forth. Or they muſt be laid hold on and puld out with a pair of Tongs fitted for that purpoſe, ſharp on both ſides and rough, or if this ſucced not neither, laying hold of them with another Inſtrument, if they be hard Bodies, as a Kernel or Stone, we break them, and then as hath been ſaid, with liquor poured in, we waſh them forth.

Somtimes we Allure living Creatures, with certain things which are pleaſing to them, that they may creep outward, and ſo then they may be laid hold on; as if we apply Milk with Sugar in a Spunge to the Eare, or thruſt it in gently, or the inſide of a Fig, or a cruſt of Bread, or an Apple, or the like, or Bacon Greaſe, with which Worms are ſooner enticed, and that eſpecially, if whiles they hold theſe things in their Ears, they turn them up to the Sun. By pouring Blood into the Ears, Leeches that are got in by chance are drawn forth.

We kill living Creatures, if they ſtick in the Ears, and give no way, and then being dead they do no more outnoiſe the Hearing, and they are the eaſier waſht out, or ſhaked out; and that is done by choaking of them, if Liquors be poured in, ſo they are wont, taking on their Finger ſpittle, which is ready at hand in the night, to drop it into the Ears, if Fleas have crept into them, which by its Tenaciouſneſs doth preſently ſtop up their Pores, the ſame is done by pouring in their own water. If thoſe things poured in be bitter, they ſooner kill inſects, as the Juyce, or the Decoction, or the Wine of Centory, Wormwood, the juyce of Rue, alſo killeth inſects; Alſo Gauls and Aloes, Acrid things do the ſame; Vinegar, the juyce of an Apple, and of Onions; And the reſt which ſhall be explained in the Woms of the Ears.

If the Ears be ſtopt by filth or choler, clotted blood, The Cure of the Hearing, from a Repletion of the Eares. Matter, they muſt be extracted with an Ear-picker, or by ſome other Art, as hath been ſaid. And if they be ſo thick, or Tenacious that they do not eaſily give way, then they muſt be clenſed, diſſolved, and waſht out, by caſting in liquors often, and flowing forth again, ſuch as in clenſing of matter ſhall be expreſt in the Ulcers of the Ears. And Honey and Water, or Hydromel is chiefly good; or if we muſt clenſe more powerfully, that muſt be done with the Decoction, or bitter juyce a fore mention'd, of Wormwood, Centaury, Lupines, adding Honey or Gall which above all other things, as hath been often ſaid, doth make fluid thoſe things which are viſcous, and hath great ſtrength in diſſolving Eare Wax, into which it doth egregiouſly inſinuate it ſelf, by reaſon of a ſimilitude of Nature with it.

If a fleſhy Tumor ſtop up the Ears, it is ſcarce taken away, ſeeing it cannot be cut, and Cauſticks or Septicks are put in with danger to the Drum, the Callus left is hardly mollefied, Yet Emollient remedies may be tryed.

If a Pulſation be left in the Ears after an Ulcer. Fernelius writes that it is perpetual, which Impediment nevertheleſs, is diminiſht or ceaſeth, perhaps the Skin being drawn over the Wound, and in ſpace of time growing thicker.

If a ſound be felt in the Ears by reaſon of the more vehement Pulſation of the Arteries in the Ears, The Cure of a Pulſation in the Eares, by reaſon of the Arteries. that remitting, as it is not wont to be of long continuance that ſound alſo ceaſes; if that come to paſs from too exquiſite a ſence, then it feels it either alwaies, or from a light intenſion of the Pulſe, and in proceeſs of age, the ſenſes remitting, it is mitigated, or it is corrected by putting in Narcoticks if it be very troubleſome, as if the juyce of Henbane be dropt in with Oyl or Vinegar.

If the Hearing be hurt by a Humor, The Cure of the hurt of Hearing, from the repletion of the inner Cavity of hearing. or Winde, or alſo a Vapor contained in the Cavity of hearing; then if the matter be very thin and Vaporous, tis at length diſſipated of its own accord. Or if it be thicker and ſtick there, it often produceth an evil of long continuance.

In the Cure of which, whether Deafneſs, or thick Hearing, or mishearing be cauſed from thence; Emptiers are chiefly uſed after the ſame manner, as they are deſcribed in a Vertigo, and weakneſs of the ſight, cauſed by watriſh Serous, and flegmatick Humor, and the altering means, which are deſcribed in the Oxydorcical, or Eye-clearers are convenient for them alſo. And Topick remedies muſt be applied too, and into the Eares, which may waſte, Diſſipate, and Diſcuſs the matter contained there, and which by a propriety do reſtore the Hearing, all which ſhall be Methodically appointed in the following order.

The filth of the Guts muſt firſt of all be waſht out, by Suppoſitories, or Gryſters, or giving a Minorative purge; as hath been ſaid in the places foremention'd, and ſhall be ſaid in the Excrementitious Diſeaſes of the Brain.

Bleeding if there be a Plenitude, or if Cholerick matter together with blood flowing to the Ears, hath cauſed Deafneſs in the crifes of Diſeaſes, will be convenient as hath been ſaid.

The Humors are prepared, if Flegm abound in the Brain, after the ſame manner: or thus, giving the things following for ſome mornings, and at night when he is going to bed, if there be need of great preparation; as, Take of the ſyrups of Betony, French Lavender, of each half an ounce; Oxymel of Squils two drams, the waters of Sage, Roſemary, Marjoram, of each one ounce: Make a Julep for once, Aromatize it; or let him take Lozenges after, it muſt be repeated as hath been ſaid.

Or let this Decoction be prepared, which is more effectual: Take of the roots of the true Acorus, Orrice, of each half an ounce; Elecampane two drams, Liquoriſh one ounce, the Herbs Sage, Roſemary, Marjoram, of each one handful; Time, Rue, Balm, of each half a handful; flowers of Betony, Lavender, French Lavender, of each one pugil; Fennel ſeeds two drams, ſeeds of Caraway, Rue, of each one dram; Bay-berries, two drams: Make a Decoction, and and in one pound and an half of that ſtrained, Diſſolve of the beſt Honey eight ounces: Boyl them to half the conſiſtence of a Syrup, and hang in it a rag tied up with Cinnamon two drams, Cubebs, Spicknard, of each two ſcruples; long Pepper, Ginger, of each one ſcruple: Let him take four ounces at a time.

An infuſion made in Wine of the ſame things, and Plants and Spices may be uſed; adding, if he be delighted with bitter things, Wormwood, Ground-pine, and Hore-hound, that it may be drank like wormwood Wine.

If a Cholerick humor abound in the Body, that is rather to be prepared, as it ought.

Then let him be purged after the ſame manner as hath been ſaid in the hurt of the ſight from Flegm of the Brain, chiefly with Cochiae pills, ſine Quibus, Lucis, or with Electuaries, as Indum or others, or if the matter be Cholerick, with things appropriate to Purge that Humor.

And taking by courſe gentler Pills, and ſomtimes ſtronger, or in other forms, as theſe things have been explained in the Remedies.

Sweats are very convenient here, becauſe they call forth the thinner Excrements from all parts, even thoſe that are hid, and do diſcuſs Wind and Vapors; wherefore they are to be procured, the Body being firſt purged, by the heat of a dry Bath, or moiſt. Artificial, or Natural, amongſt which it is vulgarly beleeved, that Baths do good to the Hearing, and ſome chiefly commend the Suphur Baths, and think them ſo effectual in curing of Deafneſs, that if the Patient while he ſets in the Bath, receive the hot water flowing through the Conduit cock, in a large ſpunge which doth compaſs the who Head, and that twice a day, it is the moſt excellent Remedy for it, and alſo they may be ſomtimes moved, by giving of Sweaters and applying if need be, the ſaid Diet in ful bodies, which in Deafneſs is oftentimes the laſt Remedy, viz. by making a Diet as they are wont to cal it.

The Excrements of the brain muſt be called forth by the Noſtrils and mouth, and enticed thither, whence oftentimes there is great Revulfion from the Ears, and ſomtimes ſome purgation: for by Maſticatories, whiles the excrements of the Brain are drawn forth, they are not only revel'd, that they flow not ſo to the Ears, but alſo by frequent ſpitting, an expurgation by this impulſe, both of humors and wind being ſomtimes made through the ſaid holes that in the baſis of the Skul do enter the Organ of Hearing, it frees this part from Obſtruction; as experience ſhews, that by ſtrong ſwallowing often repeated ſometimes the Vapors and Air which hath broke into the Cavity of Hearing when the Noſe was blowed with violence, there cauſing a Sound, is as it were drawn forth again, the ſame way it entred, and as it was ſuddenly cauſed, ſo that ſound of the Ears doth ſuddenly ceaſe; wherefore ſwallowing alſo, in the interim preſſing the Eears outwardly, is a Remedy for bringing forh of the Wind, not to be deſpiſed.

Errhines alſo may do the ſame, and a ſtrong excuſſion of the Air by blowing of the Noſe, where nevertheleſs, if the Noſe whiles it is blowed, be ſo preſt, that the Air cannot conveniently go forth, but oftentimes recurring breaks into the chamber of the Ears through the ſaid holes as hath been ſhewed, and ſo depraves the hearing; for which cauſe it muſt be ſo blowed, whether with the hands or with a handkerchief, that there may be free paſſage for the Air through the Noſtrils.

Sneezing doth this far more vehemently which often ſhakes forth of the Ears Wind or Humor ſpeedily by the ſame way; but being ſo cauſed, that the force of the Air be not ſtopt, with the ſame caution as we declared even now in blowing of the Noſe.

Scarification made in the Wriſt is beleeved to derive much from the Ears: but it wil do more good, if it be done in the Neck about the Jugular Veins, whence they have preſent caſe. Cupping-glaſſes alſo applied to theſe places, or to the ſhoulders are profitable. And laſt of all a Cauſtick.

The Remedies formerly mentioned are applied to the Head, whether outwardly adminiſtred or received by the Noſtrils in a ſuffumigation, amongſt which Remedies that are various, this is a ſingular help, which is done by Embrocation of Sulphureous water, as hath been ſaid formerly.

The ſame Remedies taken inwardly which have been explained in the ſaid places, and ſtrengthen the Head, Alter, waſt, and diſcuſs humors, Wind, Vapors, are convenient here alſo both in a decent courſe of diet, in which old ſtrong Wine is commended by Rhazes, and in other Medicines and Confections, to be taken faſting and after meat.

The Remedies which are put into the Ears in the ſaid cauſes, Topick Remedies for the hearing. called Acoiſtica, are various; the more ſelect and corrected forms of which, we wil here explain.

Simple Aqua vitae ſo called is good.

A more appropriate one made thus. Take of the water of Organy ſtilled from the dry herb ſteeped in white Wine, let him uſe it.

A more Compound Water. Take of the roots of Radiſh, Leeks, Onions, each one ounce; Sowbread half an ounce, white Hellebore one dram, the dried herbs of Organy, three drams, Rue, Marjoram, each two drams; Lavender flowers one dram, Fennel, Cummin ſeeds, each one dram; Bayberries fifteen, bruiſe them all, and add of a Cows gaul one dram, White Wine as much as is ſufflcient, that they may be reduced as it were into a Pultiſe, and diſtil them.

Another eaſie to be prepared, uſed a long time with no ſmal ſucceſs. Take of an Oxgaul two pound, freſh Onions ſliced, freſh Radiſh ſliced, each four ounces; freſh Caſtor ſliced one dram, let them ſtand all night, then diſtil them, let that Water be kept for uſe.

A Decoction may be made thus. Take of the roots of white Hellebore, Sowsbread, each one dram; the herb Organy two drams, Cummin ſeeds one dram, boyl them in white Wine, ſtrein them for your uſe: if you take Vinegar of Squils, it wil be more effectual.

Another Decoction yet more excellent and very much commended. Take of the roots of White Hellebore half a dram, Saffron, Caſtor, Niter, each one ſcruple; bruiſe them together, let them boyl in Vinegar half an ounce, Aqua vitae two ounces, ſtrein them for your uſe.

Many Juyces are uſed, as of Onions, Leeks, Radiſh, Rue, alſo the Tears of Aſh and Vines when they are pruned, eſpecially in a hot cauſe.

Oyls are often uſed for the Ears otherwiſe then for the Eyes, the more common are Oyl of Bitter Almonds and Spike.

Oyls drawn by diſtillation are moſt effectual above all other Remedies, extracted from hot odorous Plants and Seeds chiefly, as of Roſemary, Marjoram, Sage, Rue, of the Seed of Cummin, Carawaies, Fennel, and Bay berries, and what is every where to be had, Oyl of Spike, or Oyls of Spices, chiefly of Cloves, all which are ſcarce given alone, by reaſon of their too great vehemency, but diſſolved in ſome Liquor, or mixt with other things, they are moſt happily dropt in, as ſhal be ſaid.

Compound Oyls are thus made, amongſt which this is excellent. Take Oyl of Bitter Almends half an ounce, the juyce of Organy purified one ounce, White Wine Vinegar two drams, let them boyl til they are waſted fit for uſe.

Or thus, Take Oyl of Bitter Almonds, Spike each half an ounce, the juyces of Leeks, Radiſh, Vinegar, each two drams; boyl them to the conſumption of the juyces, and let him uſe it, if you add Caſtor one ſcruple, Euphorbium half a ſcruple, it wil be more effectual.

Or many things added it wil be moſt effectual after this manner. Take Oyl of Spike, Bitter Almonds, each one ounce & an half; the juyces of Radiſh, Leeks, Onions, and Rue, Vinegar, each half an ounce; Aqua vitae two drams, add of the pouders of the roots of white Hellebore, Sowsbread, each one dram; the pulp of Coloquintida one ſcruple, the Leaves of Organy Cummin ſeeds, each one dram; Long Pepper half a dram, Caſtor one dram, Euphorbium one ſcruple, Niter two ſcruples, boyl them to a fit conſumption for your uſe.

Or make a hole in a great Onion or a Squil, or great Radiſh, and fil it it with one or more of the aforeſaid Oyls, adding allſo other things and boyl it under the Aſhes and uſe it; the which done in an Apple of Coloquintida, wil be more powerful.

Mixtures are made of the aforementioned, ſuch as this is very proper. Take of Aqua vitae two drams, in which diſſolve Camphire two grains, Oyl of Spike one or two grains, or ſo many drops of other Chymical Oyls, and if it be too ſtrong, dilute it a little with Water of Organy.

Another mixture of Oyls and Juyces, Take of the mixture of the Oyls of Spike and Organy made after the ſame manner each half a dram; Oyl of Lavender two grains, a little of the white of an Egg, beat them very wel, that they may be all mixt, and it become like Milk, and when you would uſe them beat them again.

Or thus, that it may be made like an Oyntment. Take of Oyl of Caſtor, Gooſe-fat, each one dram; Cows gaul half a dram, Caſtor half a ſcruple, Rozin of the Larix tree a little, mix them, anoynt a Tent and put it in, ſome drops of Chymical Oyls may alſo be mixed with it, as of Cloves or Cumminſeed, and it will be more effectual.

Trochisks to be kept for uſe may be made thus. Take of the roots of Hellebore one dram, Sowsbread half a dram, the pulp of Coloquintida one ſcruple, Saffron a dram and an half, Niter two ſcruples, Labdannm one ſcruple, Euphorbium half a ſcruple, Musk ſix grains, pouder them and make them up of the juyce of a Leek, dry them; let one of them be diſſolved for your uſe in Vinegar or ſome juyce, of a Leek or a Radiſh.

Suffumigations admitted into the Ears before the uſe of theſe, and afterwards alſo, do very much good, and penetrate to the innermoſt parts.

Such as this may be. Take of the roots of Hellebore one dram, the Plants Laurel, Marjoram, wild Time, Penny-royal, Calamint, Rue, Balm, Hyſop, Southernwood, each half a handful; Organy one handful, flowers of Lavender, Roſemary, each one pugil; Juniper and Bay berries, each half an ounce; ſeeds of Cummin, Carawaies, Fennel, each two drams; bruiſe them and add pulp of Coloquintida half a dram, Niter one dram, make a Decoction in Wine and Vinegar, let him receive the Vapor or Fume, cauſed by quenching Stones in the Decoction, into his Ears by a Syringe.

Or which is more effectual. Take Oyl of Nuts two ounces, Vinegar one ounce, Aqua vitae half an ounce, Sulphur one dram, boyl them and while it boyls, let him receive the Smoak.

The Ear alſo may be fomented with the forementioned Decoction deſcribed for a Suffumigation, or a Spunge dipt in it, may be applyed to the Ears whiles it is hot.

Bread made of Bran or Flour, and wrought with Caraway ſeed before it is baked, then after a little baking, being broken in two and applied to the Ear affected, whiles it is hot, doth help wonderfully in ſounds of the Ears.

A Bag of the ſame things applied to the Ears for the ſame uſes, and a pillow in the night is laid under the Ear affected, and ſuch things may be ſowed into a Cap in that part where it touches the Ear.

Which may be done thus. Take of the roots of Sowsbread, Orrice, Aſarabacca, each two drams; the herbs Calamint, Baſil, Pennyroyal, each one dram; Organy two drams, French Lavender, Roſemary each one dram; Caraway ſeeds two drams, Grummel ſeed a little bruiſed three drams, Spikenard half a dram, Lignum Aloes one ſcruple, Storax two drams, Salt three drams, mix them, fil a Bag or Pillow.

A Board of Cypreſs or Juniper, heated and applied doth good, eſpecially if firſt of all it be ſtrewed with pouder of Organy, and it is a ſecret Remedy for many things.

If the hurt of hearing hath proceeded from the fault of conformation from the Birth, The Cure of the hurt of hearing from the fault of conformation. whether it be in the Nerve whence for the moſt part they are born Deaf and Dumb, or in the Drum or ſmall bone placed there, or in the Cavities and Maeanders there variouſly carried, being ill formed or built, then all Cure being in vain, though divers acouiſtical Remedies be tried.

An eminent hurt of the Drum from an external cauſe, as a Wound, is incurable, and if by reaſon of the ſame cauſe it be too ſlack or retcht, 'tis hardly reduced to its natural ſtate; yet when it is too much laxed, thoſe Remedies which reſtore the hearing are convenient alſo, but when it is retcht by reaſon of old age or after a Diſeaſe' then things laxative; upon which account, as we do otherwiſe command a Reſtorative and Moiſtening courſe of Diet in old folks and thoſe recovering, ſo even upon this account it is profitable, and we infuſe warm into the Ears things lenitive and moiſtening ſuch as are warm Milk, eſpecially a Womans, and temperate Oyls, of ſweet Almonds, Butter and the like.

If there be a weakneſs of the Hearing from a cold diſtemper extrinſecially, The Cure of defect of Hearing from a cold Diſtemper. the Air or Water bringing hurt to the Ears, the Remedies which we ſaid were convenient in a cold internal cauſe, here alſo either laid on the Ears, or let in by Suffumigation, wil do good.

The which alſo wil take places, The Cure from the cauſe of Narcoticks. if this happen from the uſe of Narcoticks put into the Ears, making choice chiefly of thoſe which have Vinegar in them, which we have often ſaid doth above other things infringe the force of Narcoticks.